60+ Hawaiian Slang & Pidgin Terms That Every Visitor Should Know

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Learn the meaning and pronunciation behind each slang term
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Hawaiian slang is an intriguing blend of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Pidgin, and English—and if you’re planning a visit to Hawai’i, it’s very much worth knowing! After all, with a bit of Hawaiian slang in your back pocket, you can chat with the locals, impress them with your insider knowledge, and get around the islands easier overall. That’s why we’ve compiled an extensive collection of Hawaiian slang, from popular terms to slang phrases all travelers and visitors should know. Read on to learn them all, plus how to use them!

7 Popular Hawaiian Slang Examples

  • Aloha - An expression used as both a greeting and goodbye.
  • Chee-hoo - An exclamation of excitement and happiness.
  • Haole - A foreigner not native to Hawai’i, usually white or caucasian.
  • Howzit - A shortened way to say, “How’s it going?”
  • L’dat - A slang phrase meaning “like that.”
  • Lolo - Slang for crazy, dumb, or goofy.
  • ‘Ono - Something especially delicious or tasty.
Section 1 of 4:

Popular Slang Words in Hawai’i

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  1. 1
    Aloha Aloha is a common greeting and goodbye in Hawaiian, although it has several other meanings, too—especially when combined with other words. For example, “aloha kakahiaka” means “good morning,” “aloha ‘auinalā” means “good afternoon,” and “aloha pō” means “good night.” [1]
    • Example: Aloha! Howzit going?
    • Pronounced: Ah-low-hah
  2. 2
    Da kine This slang phrase is derived from “the kind.” It’s basically a placeholder expression for any person, object, or concept—anything you can’t remember the name of. That means it can refer to a lot of different things simultaneously!
    • Example: They went to da kine for something, idk what.
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  3. 3
    Grinds (grindz) “Grinds” simply refers to food—particularly a meal out (rather than something home-cooked, though it can apply to any kind of food).
    • Example: Let’s hit up the cafe for some grindz!
  4. 4
    Hapa Hapa translates to “half.” It’s a slang term for someone with split ancestry—typically part Asian or Pacific Islander.
    • Pronounced: Hah-pah
  5. 5
    Haole Just as a “kama’aina” is a resident, a “haole” is a non-native of Hawai’i. Haole is particularly used to refer to white or caucasian foreigners who visit Hawai’i.
    • Example: A lot of haole are visiting the islands this summer.
    • Pronounced: How-lee
  6. 6
    Irrahz You’ve probably heard someone say they’re irritated (annoyed), and irrahz is the slang version of that. It’s another word for being annoyed or bothered by something.
    • Example: Feeling super irrahz today.
  7. 7
    Junk This slang term should be pretty familiar—and in Hawai’i, it’s used to describe things that are bad or sub-par in some way.
    • Example: This food is kind of junk, honestly.
  8. 8
    Kanaks Kanaks (or, alternatively, “kanak attack”) is slang for a food coma! Which, of course, means eating so much that you feel drowsy or lethargic after a big meal.
    • Example: Having a kanak attack after that kau kau. Sooo tired!”
    • Pronounced: Kuh-naks
  9. 9
    Kapu Kapu has a couple of different meanings; it usually translates to “forbidden” or “taboo.” However, it can also be used to say “keep out” or “no trespassing” and even mean something is sacred or consecrated.
    • Example: Kapu, no entrance allowed.
    • Pronounced: Kah-poo
  10. 10
    L’dat L’dat is actually a compound of the English words “like” and “that.” So, it’s just a quicker way to say “like that” in Hawaiian slang!
    • Example: I like my coffee just l’dat.
  11. 11
    Lolo Have you ever heard someone use the slang word “delulu,” which is short for “delusional”? Well, “lolo” is the Hawaiian “delulu.” It means crazy, dumb, or goofy—so, someone acting irrationally is “lolo.”
    • Example: He’s acting totally lolo today.
    • Pronounced: Low-low
  12. 12
    Lūʻau A lūʻau is a Hawaiian feast; traditionally, they include music, food, dancing, and cultural performances. Lūʻau is also a term for the leafy top of a young taro plant—especially when it’s baked and served as a dish.
    • Example: Going to eat so much good food at the lūʻau later!
    • Pronounced: Loo-ow
  13. 13
    Lua The literal translation of “lua” is a hole or pit. In practice, it’s typically used when talking about an outhouse, toilet, or bathroom.
    • Example: Where’s the lua? I need to go!
    • Pronounced: Loo-ah
  14. 14
    Mahalo “Mahalo” means “thank you.” If you’re visiting Hawai’i and want to really wow the locals, you could also say “Mahalo nui loa,” which means, “Thank you very much.” It’s extra polite—and takes a little extra knowledge of the Hawaiian language!
    • Example: Mahalo nui loa for the amazing food!
    • Pronounced: Mah-ha-low
  15. 15
    Pau hana “Pau hana” means finished work. It’s commonly used to reference happy hour or hanging out and grabbing drinks after work. [2]
    • Example: There’s a pau hana special at the bar—wanna go on Friday?
    • Pronounced: Pow ha-nah
  16. 16
    Shaka Shaka is a hand gesture used as both a greeting and goodbye (and also to express approval or agreement). To make the “shaka” gesture, close your hand into a fist and extend your pinky and thumb. Hold the hand with your palm facing your body and wave it back and forth, making half-rotation movements with your wrist.
    • Pronounced: Sha-kah
  17. 17
    Shoots “Shoots” is a simple acknowledgment or an alternative word for “okay” (like an agreement).
    • Example: We going bowling? Shoots!
  18. 18
    Small kine “Small kine” means “a little bit” or “a small amount” of something. It can also mean something (like a problem) isn’t very serious or significant. “Big kine” is also a slang term—and, naturally, it means “a lot.”
    • Example: I’m small kine into the idea of seeing a movie tonight, but I’m open to other ideas too!
  19. 19
    Talk story Talk story just means talking…about anything! You could use “talk story” to describe everything from small talk with someone you just met to long, deep discussions with childhood friends.
    • Example: I ran into Lynn today! We talked story for at least an hour at lunch.
  20. 20
    Tanks “Tanks” is simply a local way to pronounce “thanks” (meaning it’s also a shortened alternative to “thank you”).
    • Example: Hey, tanks for the help!
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Section 2 of 4:

Hawaiian Slang for Visitors to Know

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  1. 1
    ʻĀina This slang term means “land.” Locals in Hawai’i sometimes say “ʻāina” when referencing the island they live on or Hawai’i itself. [3]
    • Example: Caring for the ʻāina we live on is so important.
    • Pronounced: Eye-nah
  2. 2
    Aurite Aurite is just the local pronunciation for “alright.” You might hear someone say “aurite” to express excitement or agreement—or to happily confirm something. [4]
    • Example: Aurite, let’s head out! I’m ready to party!
  3. 3
    Aunty/Unko “Aunty” is Hawaiian slang for “aunt”—and similarly, “Unko” is slang for “uncle.” However, you don’t have to be a blood relation to call someone Aunty or Unko; both terms can be used to address men or women older than you.
    • Example: Hey, Aunty, how are you doing today?
  4. 4
    Braddah This slang term is used to call out to a guy and get his attention. It can also be shortened to “Brah” (similar to “Bro”). [5]
    • Example: Hey, brah! I think I found your sweater.
  5. 5
    Broke da mouth Broke da mouth (or, alternatively, “broke da mout”) is slang for extremely delicious food.
    • Example: I love my mom’s poke—it’s broke da mouth.
  6. 6
    Bumbai This ominous slang term means “or else” (used when giving a threat or telling someone about a consequence of their actions). [6]
    • Example: You need to get that done bumbai you’ll get in trouble!
    • Pronounced: Bum-bye
  7. 7
    Chee-hoo “Chee-hoo” is a local exclamation of excitement and happiness in Hawai’i. It’s pronounced just like it’s spelled—but for optimal pronunciation, try drawing out the “ee” and “oo” in each word! [7]
    • Example: Chee-hoo! I can’t believe I won!”
  8. 8
    Choke In Hawaiian slang, “choke” doesn’t refer to a lack of air because of a constricted or obstructed throat. Instead, it just means plenty, or a lot.
    • Example: There are always choke people at the beach on Saturday.
  9. 9
    Coconut Wireless This is a silly slang term referring to word-of-mouth communication in Hawai’i—especially the spread of news, gossip, rumors, and other information. It’s more or less Hawai’is version of saying, “I heard it through the grapevine.”
    • Example: I heard that Rina and Ben broke up on Coconut Wireless!
  10. 10
    E komo mai This genial slang phrase means “welcome.” It’s commonplace to see signs reading “E komo mai” in shops around Hawai’i! [8]
    • Example: Are you here on vacation? E komo mai!”
    • Pronounced: Eh koh-moh my
  11. 11
    ‘Ewa In Hawaiian slang, ‘ewa means crooked, unstable, or unequal—and in Honolulu, it also means west. Finally, it can refer to the southwestern district of Oahu (another Hawaiian island).
    • Pronounced: Eh-vah
  12. 12
    Green bottles This phrase is Hawaiian slang for Heineken beer bottles. Heineken is the preferred beer for many Hawaiian locals (hence why there’s slang for it).
    • Example: I’m parched—toss me a green bottle!
  13. 13
    Hale Hale is slang for home—or someone’s house. If you’re visiting Hawai’i, you might see the word “hale” when looking at vacation rentals. [9]
    • Example: Wanna come over to my hale? It’s movie night!
    • Pronounced: Hah-lay
  14. 14
    Hamajang “Hamajang” is a slang term referring to someone or something disorganized and messy.
    • Example: Don’t go in my room, it’s so hamajang in there.
    • Pronounced: Hah-mah-jang
  15. 15
    Hana hou Hana hou means “one more!” Crowds usually call or chant “hana hou” to ask a music artist for an encore.
    • Example: Hana hou! Hana hou, play another song!
    • Pronounced: Hah-nah how
  16. 16
    Hanabata days “Hanabata days” refers to childhood—the time when you were still a child. It’s a sort of nostalgic slang term, often used when referencing events in someone’s childhood.
    • Example: Been thinking about my hanabata days a lot lately.
    • Pronounced: Hah-nah-bah-tah
  17. 17
    Hapai Hapai is slang for carrying, lifting, elevating, or raising something (as a verb). As an adjective, it can also mean pregnant.
    • Example: I heard from Jess—she’s hapai!
    • Pronounced: Hah-pye
  18. 18
    Hawaiian time Hawaiian time is just a more specific version of “island time.” If you think you’re running late, you’re actually just on Hawaiian time (meaning you aren’t in a rush to do something or get from place to place).
    • Example: I’ll be a little late. I’ve been on Hawaiian time all week!
  19. 19
    Hele Hele means to go, come, or walk. It can also mean to move (like in a game) or continue.
    • Example: Let’s hele on!
    • Pronounced: Heh-leh
  20. 20
    Ho “Ho” is used to get someone’s attention quickly—like calling out “Hey!” or “Yo!”
    • Example: Ho! You busy, or can you hang out?
    • Pronounced: Hoh
  21. 21
    Holo holo A holo holo is a pleasant walk—or the act of strolling around without a specific destination or purpose in mind.
    • Example: Just going for a long holo holo. It’s so relaxing!
    • Pronounced: Hoh-loh hoh-loh
  22. 22
    Howzit “How’s it going” is a super popular greeting—and “howzit” is simply the shortened Hawaiian slang version of that greeting.
    • Example: Howzit? I haven’t talked to you in a bit!
  23. 23
    Kama’aina In Hawai’i, kama-aina are locals or residents. This includes anyone who lives in Hawai’i, regardless of their ethnicity (meaning native Hawaiians and non-native residents of Hawai’i).
    • Example: My family is kama’aina. We’ve been here for five generations!
    • Pronounced: Kah-mah-ie-nah
  24. 24
    Kāne Kāne is a slang term for a man, husband, boyfriend, or “male” in general. The related term “kāne male” means a married man.
    • Example: That kāne is so cute! Should I say hi?
    • Pronounced: Kah-nay
  25. 25
    Kau kau Kau kau is a meal—or food. It can also mean “to eat or drink,” and sometimes it’s shortened to “kau.”
    • Example: Ready for a good, long kau kau tonight.
    • Pronounced: Kow kow
  26. 26
    Keiki This simple slang term means kid, or kids. [10]
    • Example: Look at all the keiki running around! They’re so adorable.
    • Pronounced: Kay-kee
  27. 27
    Kuleana “Kuleana” means responsibility, or to take responsibility for something. It represents a sense of duty, and it’s used among Hawaiians to describe things important to the community—things that everyone, from locals to visitors, should appreciate and take pride in.
    • Example: The whole island is our kuleana. We have to keep it clean and beautiful !
    • Pronounced: Koo-leh-ah-nah
  28. 28
    Lānai Lānai refers to a porch or veranda in Hawai’i. That word is different from “Lāna‘i,” the sixth-largest of the Hawaiian islands, located in Maui County, Hawai’i. [11]
    • Example: Gonna sit on my lānai and do some star-gazing tonight.
    • Pronounced: Lah-nye
  29. 29
    Lei In Hawai’i, a lei is a garland or necklace of flowers . They traditionally symbolize peace, love, honor, or friendship.
    • Pronounced: Lay
  30. 30
    Makai “Makai” means “toward the ocean” in Hawaiian (“ma” translates to “in, on, at,” and “kai” translates to “ocean”). It’s usually used to give directions.
    • Example: Just head makai once you get to 2nd Street, and we’ll run into each other!
    • Pronounced: Mah-kye
  31. 31
    Mauka “Mauka” refers to inland areas of Hawaii—or, directionally, toward the mountains. It’s typically used when giving or asking for directions.
    • Example: Where are you heading—makai or mauka? I’ll try to meet you!
    • Pronounced: Mah-oo-ka
  32. 32
    ‘Ohana Maybe you already know this one if you’ve seen Disney’s Lilo & Stitch —but ‘ohana is Hawaiian for “family.” In traditional Hawaiian culture, ‘ohana (family) is considered extremely important.
    • Example: I’m having dinner with my ‘ohana tonight. It’s a weekly tradition.
    • Pronounced: Oh-hah-nah
  33. 33
    ʻŌkole Funny enough, this phrase is Hawaiian Pidgin slang for butt, booty, or backside. [12]
    • Example: Move your ‘ōkole! You’re gonna be late!
    • Pronounced: Oh-koh-lay
  34. 34
    ‘Ono Slang for something delicious or super tasty. [13]
    • Example: Had the most ‘ono tacos last night, I’m seriously still craving them!
    • Pronounced: Oh-no
  35. 35
    ʻŌpala This is slang for garbage or trash. [14]
    • Example: I like to pick up ‘ōpala when I’m walking the beach. It’s my good deed for the day!
    • Pronounced: Oh-pah-lah
  36. 36
    Poke Poke is a type of fish. It’s usually served cubed and raw, either on its own or in a bowl of rice (which is called a poke bowl).
    • Example: Have you tried poke yet? It’s to die for!
    • Pronounced: Poh-kay
  37. 37
    Puka This term has a couple of meanings; it’s mainly slang for a hole or opening. However, it can also refer to small, white shells found on Hawaiian beaches (that are often added to necklaces). [15]
    • Example: Have you seen my puka necklace? I just had it on…
    • Pronounced: Poo-kah
  38. 38
    Pūpū “Pūpū” is Hawaiian slang for an appetizer (or multiple appetizers). You might use it to ask for an appetizer or split one with someone.
    • Example: Hmm. Want to share a pūpū? They all look so good, but I know I can’t finish one alone.
    • Pronounced: Poo-poo
  39. 39
    Rajah dat This is a local pronunciation of “Rodger that.” In turn, “Rodger that” is a phrase based on radio communication that indicates understanding or receipt of a message.
    • Example: The party is at 7 pm tomorrow? Rajah dat, I’ll be there!
  40. 40
    Slippahs “Slippahs” is another word for slippers, flip-flops, and sandals of all kinds.
    • Example: You seen my black slippahs? I left ‘em right here!
    • Pronounced: Slip-pahz
  41. 41
    Wahine This is a Hawaiian slang term for a woman, wife, or female in general. It’s also a general indicator of femininity (like the women’s bathroom or a product for women).
    • Example: Nah, that’s not the kāne bathroom—it’s for wahine.
    • Pronounced: Wa-hee-nay
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Section 3 of 4:

A Brief Guide to Hawaiian Slang

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  1. The Hawaiian language is a mix of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Pidgin, and English. ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi is the native Hawaiian language—a distinct language from Hawaiian Pidgin English (also called Hawaiian Creole English). Pidgin is a language spoken in Hawai’i in addition to ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻ and English, and as a Creole language, it’s a unique language formed from two or more other languages. [16]
    • Historically, Hawaiian Pidgin stems from sugar cane plantations, where native Hawaiians, English speakers, and immigrants from other places all needed to communicate.
    • Thus, Hawaiian Pidgin is influenced by several other languages: Chinese , English , Filipino , Japanese , Korean , Portuguese , Spanish , and Hawaiian.
    • Eventually, people started using Hawaiian Pidgin outside plantations in the 19th century.
    • Thus, today, many Hawaiian slang words are derived from ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Pidgin, English, or a combination of the three.
Section 4 of 4:

Hawaiian Slang Pronunciation

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  1. 1
    The Hawaiian alphabet is derived from English, with 12 letters. Those letters are A, E, I, O, U, H, K, L, M, N, P, and W. Most Hawaiian consonants have the same pronunciation as English ones; the main exception is W, which sometimes has a “V” sound. For example, “Hawai’i” is pronounced “Huh-vah-ee.” Meanwhile, Hawaiian vowels have a similar pronunciation to Spanish ones: [17]
    • A - “ah”
    • E - “eh”
    • I - “ee”
    • O - “oh”
    • U - “oo”
  2. 2
    All vowels are pronounced in Hawaiian words and slang. In most cases, Hawaiian vowels aren’t silent. Every vowel in a word is pronounced, which can actually make it a little easier when you’re figuring out how to say different words. The few exceptions to this include “haole” (how-lee) and “pau” (pow), which use vowel combinations called diphthongs. Hawaiian diphthongs include: [18]
    • Ai - pronounced “eye” (as in “tide”)
    • Ae - pronounced “ee” (as in “bye”)
    • Ao - pronounced “ow” (as in “how”)
    • Au - pronounced “ow (as in “pow”)
    • Ei - pronounced “ay” (as in “day”)
    • Eu - pronounced “eh-you” (as in “new”)
    • Ui - pronounced “oo-ee” (as in “suite”)
    • Iu - pronounced “ee-you” (as in “view”)
    • Ou - pronounced “oh” (as in “bowl”)
    • Oe - pronounced “oh-eh”
  3. 3
    Special characters change the pronunciation of Hawaiian slang words. These characters are called diacritics. The first common Hawaiian diacritic is the ‘okina—a single quote (‘) symbol before a word or between two vowels, indicating a pause between sounds. The second diacritic is the kahakō (or macron), which is a straight line on top of a vowel to signal a longer pronunciation. [19]
    • For example, “Hawai’i” has an ‘okina between the two i’s, indicating a pause there so people know to say “Hah-wai-ee” instead of just “Hah-wai.”
    • The Hawaiian slang “pūpū” has kahakō symbols over both u’s, indicating longer “oo” sounds with each vowel.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://lehuaparker.com/hawaiian-pidgin-island-style-dictionary/
      2. ↑ https://www.hawaii.edu/satocenter/langnet/definitions/hce.html#vocab-hce
      3. ↑ https://lehuaparker.com/hawaiian-pidgin-island-style-dictionary/
      4. ↑ https://www.dapidgin.com/
      5. ↑ https://www.dapidgin.com/
      6. ↑ https://lehuaparker.com/hawaiian-pidgin-island-style-dictionary/
      7. ↑ https://lehuaparker.com/hawaiian-pidgin-island-style-dictionary/
      8. ↑ https://www.dapidgin.com/
      9. ↑ https://www.dapidgin.com/
      1. ↑ https://www.dapidgin.com/
      2. ↑ https://www.hawaii.edu/satocenter/langnet/definitions/hce.html#vocab-hce
      3. ↑ https://www.hawaii.edu/satocenter/langnet/definitions/hce.html#vocab-hce
      4. ↑ https://lehuaparker.com/hawaiian-pidgin-island-style-dictionary/
      5. ↑ https://lehuaparker.com/hawaiian-pidgin-island-style-dictionary/
      6. ↑ https://www.hawaii.edu/satocenter/langnet/definitions/hce.html#vocab-hce
      7. ↑ https://www.hawaii.edu/satocenter/langnet/definitions/hce.html
      8. ↑ https://historichawaii.org/2022/08/25/the-first-printing-a-written-hawaiian-language/
      9. ↑ https://library.fiveable.me/key-terms/hs-hawaiian-studies/diphthongs
      10. ↑ https://www.iolanipalace.org/information/hawaiian-language

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