🌺 Hawaiian phrases

How to Say "Good luck" in Hawaiian

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Pili ka maikaʻi
"Good luck" in Hawaiian · say it like pee-lee kah mah-ee-kai

The most natural way to say "Good luck" in Hawaiian is Pili ka maikaʻi. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Pili ka maikaʻi i nā lā
Used when wishing good luck for a specific day or event
E mālama i ka maikaʻi
A more casual way to wish someone well

When to use it

You can use this phrase when someone is about to start a challenging task or event. It is a way to express your support and encouragement. It is appropriate in both casual and formal situations.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Good luck" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Hawaiian

HawaiianEnglish
Pili ka maikaʻi i kāu hoʻoikaika ʻana.Good luck with your efforts.
Pili ka maikaʻi i ka hoʻokūkū.Good luck in the competition.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this phrase with 'Aloha,' which means hello or goodbye, not specifically good luck.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Pili ka maikaʻi, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Hawaiian with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

When should I use 'Pili ka maikaʻi'?

You can use it anytime you want to wish someone good luck, especially before an important event.

Learn Hawaiian by speaking it

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