30 Funny Hawaiian Sayings With Meanings & Examples
INTRODUCTION
Hawaiian culture is full of vibrant expressions that capture the laid-back, humorous, and welcoming spirit of the islands. Ever been told, “Bumbai you gon’ freeze!” or heard someone yell “Chee hoo!” at the top of their lungs? If not, you’re in for a treat! These funny Hawaiian phrases not only make you laugh but also give you a glimpse into the island way of life – where directions are “makai” or “mauka”, people fight by saying “scrap”, and when food is ridiculously good, it’s “broke da mout!”.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy this list of 30 funny Hawaiian sayings that will have you laughing, learning, and maybe even sounding like a local!
The Native Hawaiian Language: Ōlelo Hawai‘i
‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i is the indigenous language of the Hawaiian people. Historically, it was the primary language spoken across the islands before English became dominant. Today, ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i is experiencing a resurgence, with many schools, street signs, and businesses incorporating it into everyday use. Words like aloha (hello, love, and goodbye) and mahalo (thank you) are commonly heard and seen across Hawaii.
What Is Hawaiian Pidgin?
Hawaiian Pidgin English, often referred to simply as “Pidgin”, is a unique Creole language spoken by many locals in Hawaii. It evolved from the late 19th-century sugarcane plantations, where workers from different backgrounds – Hawaiians, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, and Filipinos – needed a way to communicate. Over time, Pidgin became a fully developed language incorporating elements from English and various immigrant tongues.
While English and Hawaiian are the state’s official languages, Pidgin remains a significant part of everyday speech, embodying the cultural identity of the islands.
Read more: Discover 50+ Hawaiian Pidgin Phrases Visitors Must Know
30 Funny Hawaiian Sayings You Must Know
30. Chee Hoo!
In Hawaii, instead of a regular cheer, locals shout “Chee Hoo!” to express excitement or hype. This energetic exclamation is one of many funny Hawaiian sayings heard at celebrations, sports events, and parties.
Example: “We’re going to the beach all weekend! Chee hoo!”
29. Howzit, braddah?
One of the most common Hawaiian Pidgin phrases, “howzit” is a casual way to say “How’s it going?” “Braddah” means “brother” and is often used to greet friends.
Example: “Howzit, braddah? Long time no see!”
28. Hana Hou
In Hawaiian, “hana hou” means “one more” or “do it again”. It’s often shouted by crowds at concerts to encourage an encore. This is one of many funny Hawaiian sayings that locals use with enthusiasm.
Example: “That song was awesome! Hana hou! Hana hou!”
27. Pau Hana & Pupus
In Hawaiian Pidgin, “pau hana” means “after work” and refers to relaxing or socializing when the workday is done. “Pupus” are appetizers, often enjoyed with drinks.
Example: “Let’s go grab some pupus pau hana and unwind!”
26. Menehune
In Hawaiian legend, the Menehune are small, dwarf-like creatures known for their incredible building skills. They are said to live deep in Hawaii’s forests and valleys, working at night to construct fishponds, temples, and roads.
Example: “Some say the old fishpond was built by the Menehune long ago”.
25. Holoholo wale
In Hawaiian, “holoholo” means going out for a walk, ride, or sail just for fun. Adding “wale” emphasizes wandering with no specific destination.
Example: “No plans today, just going holoholo wale around town”.
24. No Can
In Hawaiian Pidgin, “no can” simply means “I can’t”, “it’s not possible”, or “cannot”. It’s a straightforward way to express inability or refusal and is one of many funny Hawaiian sayings used daily.
Example: “Brah, help me move dis weekend?” – “Nah, no can. I get work.”
23. Slippahs
In Hawaii, flip-flops are called “slippahs”, not sandals or slippers. Everyone has a casual pair for everyday wear and a “fancy” pair for special occasions.
Example: “No forget your slippahs before we go beach!”
22. Pono
In Hawaiian, “pono” means righteousness, fairness, morality, or doing what is right. It’s a catchall word used to describe something good, just, or proper.
Example: “Braddah, that’s pono. You did the right thing.”
21. Okole
In Hawaiian slang, “okole” is a casual way to refer to the butt.
Example: “He fell right on his okole while skateboarding.”
20. Da Kine
In Hawaiian Pidgin, “da kine” is a flexible slang term used as a placeholder when you can’t remember a word, similar to “whatchamacallit” in English. It can refer to almost anything, depending on the context.
Example: “Eh, pass me da kine… you know, da thing for open da bottles!”
19. Broke Da Mout
In Hawaiian Pidgin, “broke da mout” means that food is incredibly delicious – so good it feels like it “broke your mouth.” This is one of the most funny Hawaiian sayings used to describe amazing local food.
Example: “These ono grinds are broke da mout! Best plate lunch ever.”
18. Choke
In Hawaiian Pidgin, “choke” means an abundance of something or a large quantity. It has nothing to do with the English verb “choke”.
Example: “Laniakea Beach has choke honu!” (Laniakea Beach has a lot of sea turtles.)
17. Bumbai
In Hawaiian Pidgin, “bumbai” (pronounced bum-bye) can mean “later”, “or else”, or “otherwise”, depending on the context.
Example: “No forget your jacket, bumbai you gon’ freeze.” (Don’t forget your jacket, or else you’ll be cold.)
16. Hamajang
In Hawaiian Pidgin, “hamajang” means something is completely messed up, disorganized, or not working properly.
Example: “I stayed up too late, and now my sleep schedule is all hamajang.”
15. Buss (bust) up
In Hawaiian Pidgin, “buss up” (from “bust up”) means something is damaged, broken, or injured. It can refer to both objects and people.
Example: “I fell off my bike, and now my knee all buss up.”
14. Makai – Mauka
In Hawaii, directions are often given using “makai” (toward the ocean) and “mauka” (toward the mountains) instead of traditional cardinal directions. Locals will say “Go makai” instead of “go toward the sea” and “Go mauka” instead of “Head toward the mountains.”
Example: “The hiking trail is mauka of the highway, but the beach is makai.”
13. Junk
In Hawaiian Pidgin, “junk” is used to describe something bad, low quality, or disappointing. It’s one of many funny Hawaiian sayings used to express dissatisfaction.
Example: “This burger is so dry, brah. It’s junk!”
12. Scrap
“Scrap” means to fight or challenge someone to a fight. It is often used in a casual or confrontational context.
Example: “Those guys were talking trash at the beach, and now they like scrap.”
11. Bibbidee
In Hawaiian slang, “bibbidee” refers to tighty-whiteys or any type of brief-style underwear, commonly used in everyday conversation.
Example: “Don’t forget to pack extra bibidees for the trip!”
10. Shishi
In Hawaiian Pidgin, “shishi” is a common term for urine or the act of urination, often used when speaking to children (keiki).
Example: “I told you, Kainoa, you should have gone shishi before we left the house.”
09. Shoyu
In many local communities, especially in Hawaii and Japanese-speaking areas, soy sauce is known as “shoyu.” Using the term “soy sauce” might make you seem like an outsider.
Example: “If you ask for ‘soy sauce’ instead of ‘shoyu’ at a local restaurant, people might guess you’re not from around here.”
08. Humbug
In Hawaiian English, “humbug” is used to describe something annoying, troublesome, or time-consuming.
Example: “Waiting in long lines at the grocery store is such a humbug!”
07. Hanabata
In Hawaiian Pidgin, “hanabata” comes from the Japanese words for “nose” (hana) and “butter” (bata) and refers to mucus or a runny nose, especially in kids.
Example: “Wipe your face, brah! You get hanabata all over your nose.”
06. Daikon Legs
In Hawaiian slang, “daikon legs” refers to very pale legs, like a daikon (a white Japanese radish), often used teasingly.
Example: “You need some sun, brah! Your daikon legs sticking out.”
05. Pakalolo
In Hawaiian slang, “pakalolo” refers to marijuana. The word comes from “paka” (tobacco) and “lolo” (crazy), meaning “crazy weed”. This is one of many funny Hawaiian sayings that locals use in everyday conversation.
Example: “I heard they grow some strong pakalolo on the North Shore.”
04. Stay Pau
In Hawaiian Pidgin, “stay pau” means that something is finished or completed. Instead of asking, “Are you done?” locals say, “You stay pau?”
Example: “You stay pau with work, or do you still get more to do?”
03. Rajah Dat
“Rajah dat” is Hawaiian Pidgin for “Roger that” or “Got it.” It’s often used to acknowledge understanding or agreement.
Example: “Meet at the beach at 3? Rajah dat!”
02. Wea You Stay?
Instead of asking, “Where are you?” locals say “Wea you stay?” It’s a common and casual way to check in on someone’s location.
Example: “Wea you stay? We already at da party!”
01. If Can, Can. If No Can, No Can
This classic Hawaiian saying means “If it’s possible, do it. If not, no worries.” It reflects the laid-back island attitude and is one of many funny Hawaiian sayings that locals use in everyday life.
Example: “Can you help me move this weekend?” – “If can, can. If no can, no can!”
CONCLUSION
And there you have it – 30 funny common Hawaiian sayings that prove the islands have their own unique (and awesome) way of talking! Whether you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, reminiscing about past island adventures, or just love learning new slang, these phrases are guaranteed to add some aloha spirit to your vocabulary.
So next time someone asks, “Wea you stay?” don’t panic – it’s just their way of asking where you are! And if you ever hear “If can, can. If no can, no can”, just remember: life is too short to stress – island style is all about going with the flow.
Now go forth and talk story like a true local, and keep these funny Hawaiian words handy for your next island adventure!
FAQs
Why do people in Hawaii use so many unique slang words?
Hawaiian Pidgin developed as a way for plantation workers from different cultures to communicate. Over time, it became a part of everyday life, mixing English with Hawaiian and other languages to create expressive and often humorous phrases.
What’s the difference between Hawaiian and Hawaiian Pidgin?
Hawaiian (‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i) is the native Polynesian language of Hawaii, while Hawaiian Pidgin is an English-based Creole language that developed on plantations. Many funny Hawaiian sayings come from Pidgin rather than traditional Hawaiian.
What’s the Hawaiian slang for “delicious”?
If food is really good, locals say “broke da mout” – meaning it’s so tasty, it feels like it broke your mouth! Example: “These ono grinds are broke da mout! Best poke ever!”
How do you say “Let’s go!” in Hawaiian slang?
The classic hype phrase is “Chee Hoo!” It’s an excited shout, kind of like saying “Let’s go!” or “Woohoo!”
How can I say “What’s up?” in Hawaiian slang?
Instead of saying “What’s up?” locals say “Howzit?” It’s a casual way to greet someone, similar to “Hey” or “How’s it going?
