August 21st: Nani

By Leilani Poliʻahu

Published August 21, 2026 at 12:00 AM HST

Another very commonly used Hawaiian word is nani. Nani means beautiful. It is often used in names as in Puanani for “beautiful flower.” Nani no ʻoe – you are beautiful – is a nice expression we hope you hear everyday.

Hawaiian Word of the Day

Leilani Poliʻahu

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Hawaiian Word of The Day

August 20th: Makai

Leilani Poliʻahu

Yesterday we told you about mauka, a direction meaning “at the upland.” Today's Hawaiian Word of the Day is makai, meaning “at the sea” the opposite direction of mauka. It is actually two words: ma meaning “at” and kai meaning “sea.”
Hawaiian Word of The Day

August 19th: Mauka

Leilani Poliʻahu

One of the first words new residents in Hawaiʻi learn is mauka, meaning inland or upland. It is one of the most commonly used Hawaiian terms, since we don't give directions as many other folks do. It is actually two words: ma meaning “at,” and uka for “upland.”