Discover 50+ Hawaiian Pidgin Phrases Visitors Must Know

INTRODUCTION

If you’re visiting Hawaiʻi for the first time, you might be scratching your head at some Hawaiian pidgin phrases locals love to use. No worries – this guide will walk you through the lingo and have you talking story like a kamaʻāina in no time!

What is Hawaiian Pidgin?

Hawaiian Pidgin, or simply Pidgin, is a Creole language that emerged in Hawaiʻi during the plantation era. It blends English, Hawaiian, and elements of Asian and European languages, evolving as a common way for diverse workers to communicate.

Understanding the Origins of Pidgin

Pidgin traces its roots to Hawaii’s late 19th and early 20th-century labor migration. Sugarcane and pineapple plantations brought together workers from China, Japan, Portugal, Puerto Rico, and Korea alongside native Hawaiians. This mix created a shared language that adapted over time, reflecting the islands’ multicultural identity.

The Role of Pidgin in Hawaiian Culture

Pidgin is more than a language; it’s a cultural symbol of belonging and unity. It embodies values like friendship and family while appearing in local music, art, and literature. For kamaʻāina (long-time residents), speaking Pidgin reflects a deep connection to Hawaii’s land and people, resonating with locals and visitors alike.

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Hawaiian Pidgin Phrases in Greetings

52. Aloha

Aloha is funny since it has many definitions – it can mean hello and goodbye. It is also the spirit of generosity and giving found here in Hawaiʻi, hence the term “aloha spirit”.

For example: “Aloha! How are you doing today? It’s great to see you!”

51. Howzit

“Howzit” is a common Hawaiian Pidgin greeting that combines “how”, “is”, and “it”. It’s used to ask how someone is doing or casually say hello. Like “How’s it going?” or “What’s up?” in English, it’s a friendly, informal way to start a conversation.

For example: “Ho howzit, brah?”

50. Shoots

“Shoots” is a casual Hawaiian Pidgin expression used to agree with something, say yes, or confirm plans. It’s like saying “Sure”, “Okay”, or “Got it” in English. It’s friendly and laid-back, reflecting the easygoing island vibe.

For example: “Jadelynn needs to use my car? Shoots.”

49. E Komo Mai

“E Komo Mai” means “Welcome” in Hawaiian. It’s a warm invitation often used to greet someone in a home, community, or space, reflecting the spirit of aloha and hospitality.

For example: “I heard you just moved here. E komo mai!”

48. Ho

“Ho” is a quick and casual way to grab someone’s attention in Hawaiian Pidgin. It’s similar to saying “Hey!” in English. Often used informally, it’s perfect for getting someone’s focus without being too serious.

For example: “Ho! You got the time?”

47. Mahalo

“Mahalo” is a Hawaiian word that means “thank you” or “thanks.” It’s commonly used to express gratitude in both casual and formal settings. The word reflects the spirit of appreciation and respect in Hawaiian culture.

For example: “Mahalo for your help!”

46. Small Kine

“Small kine” is a Hawaiian Pidgin term meaning “a little” or “a small amount.” It’s often used to downplay something or indicate that it’s not a big deal. It can refer to emotions, quantities, or situations.

For example: “I’m feeling small kine hungry – let’s grab a bite to eat!”

45. Tanks

“Tanks” is a Hawaiian Pidgin way of saying “thanks”. It’s a casual and laid-back expression used in everyday conversations to show gratitude.

For example: “Ho, tanks!”

Hawaiian Pidgin Phrases in Direction and Place

44. Makai

“Makai” is a Hawaiian word meaning “toward the ocean” or “seaward.” It’s commonly used in Hawaii to give directions, contrasting with “mauka”, which means toward the mountains.

For example: “Yeah I’m going Makai on Ward Street, I’ll be there in ten minutes.”

43. Mauka

Meaning “inland” or “towards the mountains.” It is commonly used to provide directions or indicate a location relative to the mountains.

For example: “Are you standing on the Mauka side of the shopping center near the parking lot?”

42. Hale

A popular term for “home” or “house” is commonly used in Hawaiian pidgin phrases. It refers to someone’s residence.

For example: “Why don’t you stop by my hale for some food?”

41. Da Kine

A versatile Hawaiian pidgin phrase used as a placeholder for anything you can’t remember the name of. Depending on context, it can refer to people, objects, or situations.

For example: “Hey, do you know where I put da kine? It was right next to da kine before I left for da kine.”

40. Holo Holo

A Hawaiian pidgin phrase means taking a stroll or wandering for enjoyment.

For example: “I went holo holo around Kaimukī and discovered a really cool little coffee shop.”

39. Lānai

A Hawaiian term for a porch or veranda, not to be confused with Lānaʻi, the island. Often used to describe an outdoor seating area.

For example: “Let’s hang out on my lānai and watch the sunset.”

Hawaiian Pidgin Phrases in Food and Dining

38. ʻOno

A Hawaiian pidgin phrase used to describe something delicious, especially food.

For example: “The poke at that new restaurant is so ʻono, I can’t wait to go back!”

37. Grinds (Grindz)

A term referring to food or the act of eating. The spelling with a “z” is often used casually.

For example: “After a long surf session, I was starving and chowed down on some ʻono grindz.”

36. Poke

Cubed raw fish, often seasoned, can be enjoyed independently or served over rice in a poke bowl. 

For example: “I grabbed some fresh poke from the market, and it was amazing.”

35. Pūpū

A term for appetizers or small bites, often used in Hawaiian pidgin phrases to describe shared starters.

For example: “Let’s grab a pūpū to share before the main meal comes out.”

34. Green Bottles

A term specifically refers to Heinekens, a popular beer among locals in Hawaiʻi. 

For example: “Let’s chill at Kaimana Beach later—I’ll bring a pack of green bottles.”

Hawaiian Pidgin Phrases in Emotional Expressions

33. Broke da Mouth

A phrase used to describe incredibly delicious food, leaving you amazed.

For example: “That laulau from the food truck was so good, it broke da mouth!”

32. Hamajang

When someone or something is disorganized, not put together, or messy, it is often used in Hawaiian pidgin phrases.

For example: “After the storm, our backyard was completely hamajang!”

31. Stink Eye

A term used to describe a dirty or mean look to show disapproval or annoyance.

For example: “She gave me the stink eye when I accidentally stepped on her towel at the beach.”

30. Chee-hoo

One of the most common Hawaiian pidgin phrases used to express excitement, happiness, or celebration is often shouted with enthusiasm. The longer you extend the “chee” and “hoo”, the more spirited it sounds.

For example: “We just caught the biggest wave of the day—chee-hoo!”

29. Hana Hou!

A phrase meaning “one more!” is often shouted by a crowd at a live performance to encourage an encore.

For example: “The band’s set was amazing, and the audience kept shouting ‘Hana hou!’ until they came back out.”

28. Rajah Dat

A casual, local expression meaning “understood” or “okay”, similar to “roger that.”

For example: “We’re meeting at the beach at sunrise, right? Rajah dat!”

27. Aurite

One of the most common Hawaiian pidgin phrases used as an enthusiastic way of saying “alright” or expressing agreement and excitement.

For example: “You got tickets to the concert? Aurite, let’s go!”

26. Choke

Used to describe an abundance or a large quantity of something.

For example: “The beach was so crowded today, there were choke people in the water!”

25. Irrahz

A Hawaiian term used to describe feeling irritated or annoyed.

For example: “The traffic on the way home was insane – I was so irrahz by the time I got back.”

24. Junk

One of the many Hawaiian pidgin phrases used to describe something bad, disappointing, or not up to par.

For example: “I tried the new plate lunch spot, but the food was junk – definitely not going back.”

23. Kāne

A Hawaiian term referring to a man or men is commonly used to indicate gender-specific spaces or to describe males in general.

For example: “Richard, you’re heading to the wrong restroom—you need to use the one labeled kāne.”

22. L’dat

A Pidgin contraction of “like that”, is often used to express preference, agreement, or description.

For example: “Can you cook the fish crispy? I like it l’dat.”

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Hawaiian Pidgin Phrases of Relationships

21. Aunty/Unko

In Hawaiian culture, these terms are used as a respectful and endearing way to address older men and women, even if they are not blood-related. It’s a way to show familiarity and honor within the community.

For example: “I saw Aunty at the farmers’ market, and she gave me some mangoes from her tree.”

20. ʻOhana

One of the most cherished Hawaiian pidgin phrases, referring to family. It represents blood relatives, close friends, and loved ones treated as family.

For example: “In Hawaiʻi, ʻohana means everyone comes together to support one another, no matter what.”

19. Braddah (Brah)

A friendly and informal way to address a young or middle-aged man, similar to saying “bro” or “dude.”

For example: “Brah, are you coming to the barbecue this weekend or what?”

18. Keiki

A Hawaiian term for child or children, often used to refer to kids in the community lovingly.

For example: “The keiki had so much fun playing at the Makiki District Park yesterday during their soccer games.”

17. Local

A term used to describe someone who has lived in Hawaiʻi since birth or for an extended period. While all residents can be called locals, only those of Hawaiian ancestry are referred to as Hawaiians.

For example: “I didn’t realize Chris was a local until he started speaking fluent Pidgin.”

Hawaiian Pidgin Phrases in Cultural Terms

16. ʻĀina

A term for “land”, deeply rooted in cultural respect and connection to nature. It is often used in Hawaiian pidgin phrases to refer to the island or environment you are on.

For example: “Take care of the ʻāina by picking up your trash and leaving no trace.”

15. Kuleana

A term that signifies responsibility, duty, or ownership is often tied to a sense of care and stewardship.

For example: “It’s our kuleana to protect the ocean, so let’s clean up any trash we see on the beach.”

14. Kapu

Used as a warning to indicate that something is forbidden, restricted, or sacred. It conveys a strong sense of prohibition or caution.

For example: “The sign on the ancient heiau said ‘Kapu – No Entry’ to protect the sacred site.”

13. Hanabata Days

One of the nostalgic Hawaiian pidgin phrases refers to childhood or the days when you were a kid.

For example: “I remember eating shaved ice with my friends during my hanabata days—it was the best!”

12. Hapa

Meaning “half” is often used to describe someone of mixed ethnic backgrounds, particularly of Hawaiian and another ethnicity.

For example: “Hannah is hapa – her mom is Japanese, and her dad is Caucasian.”

11. Kamaʻāina

A term meaning a longtime resident or local, often used to refer to someone deeply rooted in Hawaiʻi’s culture and community.

For example: “My family has lived here for generations since the plantation days, so we’re definitely kamaʻāina.“

Funny Hawaiian Pidgin Phrases

10. Fut

One of the humorous Hawaiian pidgin phrases used to describe farting.

For example: “Who fut in the car? Roll down the windows, quick!”

09. Kanaks (Kanak Attack)

A Hawaiian pidgin term used to describe the sleepy, sluggish feeling that hits after eating a big meal, often referred to as a “food coma.”

For example: “After devouring that massive plate lunch, I felt a kanak attack coming on and needed a nap.”

08. ʻŌkole

A Hawaiian word meaning “butt”, commonly used in casual or lighthearted remarks.

For example: “If you don’t clean your room, you’re gonna get your ʻōkole in trouble!”

07. Hawaiian time

A laid-back approach to time, where being late or unhurried is a common and accepted norm.

For example: “Hey Kainoa, I might be a little late to dinner – running on Hawaiian time today.”

Hawaiian Slang You’ll Hear at the Beach

06. Slipphas

One of the iconic Hawaiian pidgin phrases referring to flip-flops or sandals, a staple of local footwear.

For example: “Brah, who took my slippahs? I left them by the front door!”

05. Coconut Wireless

A playful term for the informal, fast-spreading word-of-mouth communication in Hawaiʻi, especially within tight-knit communities.

For example: “Brah, I heard through the coconut wireless that Lani broke up with Kimo before she even told him!”

04. Talk Story

One of the classic Hawaiian pidgin phrases, meaning to chat casually about anything, from small talk with strangers to reminiscing with old friends.

For example: “I ran into my cousin at the market, and we talked story for an hour about the good old days.”

03. Bumbai

A pidgin phrase meaning “or else” or “later”, is often used to warn about potential consequences or delays.

For example: “Finish your homework now, bumbai you’ll be up all night trying to get it done.”

02. ʻŌpala

One of the commonly used Hawaiian pidgin phrases for garbage or trash, often emphasizing the importance of keeping the islands clean.

For example: “Don’t forget to throw your ʻōpala in the bin – let’s keep the beach looking nice.”

01. Pau Hana

A phrase meaning “finished work” is often associated with relaxation or unwinding, such as enjoying happy hour after the workday.

For example: “Let’s cruise to the beach for pau hana and watch the sunset—it’s been a long day.”

Practical Tips for Using Hawaiian Pidgin Phrases

When to Use Hawaii Pidgin Phrases?

Using Hawaiian Pidgin phrases in the right setting enhances your connection with locals. Informal settings, like casual chats or social gatherings, are perfect for practicing. However, in formal situations like business meetings, stick to standard English. Balancing Pidgin with English shows respect for both the culture and the context.

Learn Pidgin Through Interaction

The best way to learn Hawaiian Pidgin phrases is by engaging with locals. Listen closely, observe how phrases are used, and practice regularly. Attend cultural events, performances, or community activities to immerse yourself in Pidgin and uncover the stories behind its unique expressions.

CONCLUSION

So, next time you’re in Aloha Island, don’t be shy about using a few Hawaiian Pidgin phrases. It’s a fun way to connect with the locals, understand their culture, and make your trip unforgettable. As they say, “Aloha nō, mahalo nui loa” (Hello, and thank you very much)!

FAQs about Hawaiian Pidgin phrases