Haole is a Hawaiian word for non-native Hawaiian or Polynesian people, often referring to white people. Usage can be in an insulting or pejorative manner, but it usually refers to a foreigner or tourist.
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So everyone who comes to Hawaii for the first time or who travels here as a tourist would be considered a malihini. I've also heard malahini could also be someone who has lived on the islands for a short time or that.
Don't worry about it too much, the locals don't care what you say back as long as your being respectful of their culture and Hawaiian language customs. Sidenote: According to Wikipedia, Mahalo is a Hawaiian word meaning thanks, gratitiude, admirtaion, praise, esteem, regards and respects.
What is a Good Response to Mahalo? Expressing gratitude is an important value in Polynesian cultures, but so is humility. A common response to mahalo is a'ole pilikia, which means “no problem”.