The Hawaiian Islands are unique in more ways than anyone can count – and that includes our language, vocabulary, and local diction. While most people from Hawaii don’t have an accent, per se, there are a variety of words and phrases from the Hawaiian language that are still frequently used today, and that might leave visitors a little confused, to say the least. You might just be a local if you understand these 15 common Hawaii words.

1. Aloha. While ‘Aloha’ means hello and goodbye, it also is the embodiment of the Hawaiian lifestyle and spirit, conveying feelings of love, kindness, and anything good.

2. Mahalo = Thank you.

3 & 4. Mauka and Makai. Forget directions like east and west, Hawaiians use the words mauka, meaning towards the mountain, and makai, meaning towards the ocean.

5. Vog is the volcanic smog that periodically wafts from the active Kilauea volcano on the Big Islan. It can be a huge allergy problem for many.

6. A Honu is a Hawaiian green sea turtle, and if you haven't had the pleasure of swimming with these creatures in the Pacific, you're missing out.

7. “Ohana means family. And family means no body gets left behind,” Lilo & Stitch, but also an accurate description of ohana in Hawaii.

8. Keiki is the Hawaiian word for children.

9. We don’t call them flip-flops in Hawaii. They are slippers or even better, slippahs.

10. Haole. Though this word used to be used to describe any foreigner, it is now typically used to describe white people. It can be seen as derogatory, but not always.

11. Kama’aina translates to “child of the land,” but generally refers to Hawaii locals.

12. Ono Grinds: quite literally, “delicious food.”

13. Speaking of delicious, a malasada is a Portuguese donut, and everybody should love them.

14. It is not a balcony or patio, it is a lanai.

15. A shaka is a hand gesture that embodies the aloha spirit. You will see this most commonly while driving, though it is also frequently seen in posed photos taken anywhere in Hawaii.

I couldn't possibly include all the common Hawaii words in this post, so tell us, what other Hawaiian words are only understood by locals? What would you add to this list? Sound off in the comments, then click here to discover 8 Things You Might Not Have Known About The Hawaiian Language.