Heard in Hawai'i Trivia Quiz

Answer: Victory

"Aloha" is a tremendously versatile word, covering a wide range of concepts tied together by affection and harmony. Its use as a greeting (or a farewell) parallels other languages from across the world; one of aloha's many meanings is peace, recalling the Arabic greeting "salaam" or the Hebrew "shalom." Hawai'i's official nickname is "Aloha State," and the "Aloha spirit" is even codified into state law (although it's a guideline for the way officials should conduct state business, not a criminal statute).

The relevant law, 5-7.5, even includes a mnemonic, in which kindness, unity, agreeableness, humility, and patience - expressed in the Hawaiian language - spell out the word ALOHA.

Answer: Quick

There's a convention in the Hawaiian language to repeat a word for emphasis: a Wiki bus may be quick, but a Wiki Wiki bus is *very* quick. Similarly, a wiki site can be updated quickly, since content is added and edited collaboratively by the site's users.

As it happens, this airport terminal bus is more closely related to Internet terminology than you might think! Ward Cunningham, who pioneered user-editable websites with the WikiWikiWeb in 1995, was inspired by his experience on the Wiki Wiki bus in Honolulu. He wanted to use an unusual and euphonic word for his new website idea, and the result caught on better than he could have dreamed.

Answer: You're welcome.

"Mahalo" -- pronounced ma-HALL-oh -- is simply "thank you," and you'll hear it everywhere in the islands. The airport's English-language public-address system will tell you "mahalo for visiting"; at the beach, an otherwise English sign might say "mahalo" for properly disposing of your trash. It's nice that this pleasantry is conveyed by such a gracious word.

Answer: Shaman

Kahuna is the word for a priest or magician in the Hawaiian religion; it can also refer to a person with mastery over a given area, such as navigation or herbal medicine. Both meanings may have contributed to the English phrase "big kahuna."

In surfer culture, the "big kahuna" is the most skilled surfer on the beach, one who has demonstrated true mastery of the sport.

Answer: A loose dress

A muʻumuʻu - that's four syllables, not two - is supported from the shoulder and hangs loosely on the body below. Worn for formal occasions as well as by expecting mothers and workers in the Hawaiian hospitality industry, the muʻumuʻu is famously comfortable, so this store is likely to do a good business. Tourist muʻumuʻu (and mu'umu'u available in stores outside the islands) are usually both more colorful and more floral than the ones worn by locals. Keep an eye out for the differences and decide which variety you like!

Answer: The food is delicious.

"Ono" may sound alarming, but oh no -- it's a great thing to hear about your food! You'll see the word pop up in restaurant names, menu headings, and casual conversation. I can tell you now, though: when it comes to being ono, nothing tops a real shaved ice.

Answer: Wear it around your neck

A lei is a garland worn around the neck, and has been a part of Hawaiian culture from the islands' first settlement by humans. The archetypal lei is made of botanical material - fresh flowers, leaves, and perhaps nuts - but shells and feathers are also traditional favorites. (Modern tourist lei often rely on the famous plastic flower.) At some special occasions - like weddings or graduations - honorees' shoulders are piled high with the garlands, but luckily these don't weigh enough to be a burden.

Keep in mind that, as a symbol of fondness and honor, a lei should be treated with respect, even at the end of its life.

Answer: Extend your thumb and little finger, curl the middle fingers in, and shake.

The origins of the shaka sign are not clear, but the meaning is crystal: it's an emblem of the aloha spirit and a friendly, unhurried island style. If you need to thank another driver for making way, try a shaka instead of a friendly wave -- it'll be appreciated! Elsewhere in the United States, you'll see this hand sign in surfer culture -- a mark of how much surfing owes to the Hawaiian islands -- and among hang-glider enthusiasts.

Answer: On the porch

A lanai, in English or in Hawaiian, is a roofed porch with open sides (except for the one backing onto the building, of course). It may be close to the ground, like a patio, or it may be raised like a balcony. Either way, it's a marvelous architectural feature for an island chain with such fantastic weather.

It's a true pleasure to sit on the lanai and catch the breeze, be it at home, at a hotel room, or at a restaurant.

Answer: Luau

Traditionally, a luau was a special feast, at which guests enjoyed special foods and entertainment while sitting on the ground. Over time, there have been some changes - forks and knives are now standard, and tables and chairs often make an appearance - but the basic ingredients of food and fun remain the same, whether it's a formal luau with professional entertainment or a party in celebration of a birthday or a graduation. Traditional luau foods include pork, fruit, taro (often in the form of poi), and fish.