Hawaii is a unique place with its own culture and language. Hawaii slang words and phrases are used to informally express certain ideas or emotions.
Hawaii has different slang words and phrases that locals use when speaking Hawaiian. Learning these slang words can help you fit in with the natives.
Hawaii Slang Words And Phrases
Hawaii has a unique language that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Hawaii isn’t just about tropical weather, surfing, and sandy beaches – it’s also home to some of the most diverse and colorful slang words and phrases.
Hawaii slang may seem strange, but it’s part of island life. Hawaii has a few popular favorites that everyone knows, but there are plenty of unique sayings you won’t hear anywhere else.
Some Hawaii slang words have made their way into the mainland lexicon, like “shaka,” which signals everything from approval and excitement to understanding and support.
Hawaii also has its version of “aloha,” which means hello, goodbye, love, respect, and peace.
Hawaii slang words often draw on Hawaiian language roots or reflect the laid-back Hawaii lifestyle.
Examples of Hawaii slang include “da kine,” which refers to something you can’t quite put your finger on, and “ono grinds,” for delicious food.
Hawaii also has unique ways of saying goodbye, such as “take it easy” or “hang loose.”
Hawaii slang words and phrases are fun and can make a conversation more enjoyable!
So next time you visit Hawaii, don’t forget to pick up some of the local dialects and make your conversations more memorable.
26 Popular Hawaii Slang Words And Phrases
Hawaii’s slang words and phrases have a rich and unique history.
Hawaii was formerly known as the Kingdom of Hawaii, and various settlers have influenced the culture over time.
From Hawaiian pidgin to English, Hawaii is home to various languages and dialects that are all intertwined to create Hawaii’s distinctive culture.
Hawaii slang words and phrases are heavily influenced by Hawaii’s pidgin language and have also been adopted from other languages.
Hawaii slang words and phrases have become widely used in the islands, making them a part of Hawaii’s very identity.
Hawaii slang words and phrases can mean different things depending on context and usage.
Hawaii slang words and phrases typically convey a laid-back, carefree attitude reminiscent of Hawaii’s lifestyle.
Hawaii locals are known to use these words in everyday conversations, making them an indispensable part of Hawaii culture.
Let us look at some of the most popular Hawaii slang words and phrases:
1. Aloha:
Hawaii’s most famous word means “hello” and “goodbye,” but it also means much more.
Depending on the context, aloha can be a wish for joy, peace, compassion, or love. Aloha is Hawaii’s way of sharing positive energy with others.
The term is often used interchangeably with “mahalo,” which means “thank you.”
2. Hang Loose:
This Hawaii slang phrase is an invitation to loosen up, relax, and take it easy. Hawaii locals use this phrase to spread good vibes and encourage others to do the same.
For example, if someone was feeling overwhelmed, a Hawaii local might say, “hang loose” as a reminder to relax and let go of stress.
The term also refers to Hawaii’s iconic “shaka” sign, which is made by extending the thumb and pinkie finger of one hand while curling the other three fingers into a fist.
3. No Ka Oi:
This Hawaii slang phrase literally translates to “the best,” but it can also mean something akin to “the most awesome.”
Hawaii locals use this phrase to express their admiration for something fantastic.
For example, if someone has completed a challenging task, Hawaii locals may say “no ka oi” to celebrate the achievement and let them know they did a great job.
4. Ono:
This Hawaii slang term is used as an adjective to describe something that is delicious or tasty.
Hawaii locals also use “ono” to refer to an attractive person. For example, if someone was looking especially good, Hawaii locals may say, “that person is ono!”
The term can also be used to describe a fun or enjoyable situation.
5. Brah:
The Hawaii slang word “brah” is mainly used as a term of endearment among Hawaii locals and means “brother.”
It is often used between close friends, and Hawaii locals may use this word to refer to someone unrelated to them.
In addition, they may use it as a term of encouragement and camaraderie. For example, Hawaii locals might say, “alright, brah, let’s do this!”
6. Shaka:
This Hawaii slang term is used as a gesture or sign, which is made by holding up your hand with the thumb and pinky extended while folding the other three fingers inwards.
Hawaii locals use this sign to express friendly feelings such as joy, solidarity, or appreciation.
In addition, it is often used at the end of a conversation as an informal way to say goodbye or “see you later”.
7. Hana Hou:
This Hawaii slang term is used to express enthusiasm or approval.
Hawaii locals may say this phrase in response to something exciting that has happened, and it’s also a way of saying “good job!” or “congratulations”.
The term literally translates to “do it again!”
8. Da Kine:
This phrase is used all the time in Hawaii, and it means anything or anyone. It’s like the Hawaii version of “what’s up?”
Hawaii locals use this phrase to refer to people, places, and even things. For example, if you don’t know the name of something, Hawaii locals may say “da kine”.
The term is also used to ask questions like “where’s da kine?”
9. Lolo:
This Hawaii slang word means “crazy” or “confused,” usually as a descriptor for someone who is acting silly or irrational.
However, it can also refer to something that is messed up or incorrect. For example, “That TV is lolo.” The term can also be used as an exclamation, such as “Lolo!”
10. Pau:
This Hawaii slang word means “done” or “finished.” It often indicates that something has been completed, such as a task or activity.
For example, “I’m pau with my homework.” The term can also be used to describe someone who has had enough of something, such as “I’m pau with this argument.”
11. Shoots:
This Hawaii slang word is an expression of gratitude or appreciation. It is often used in place of “thank you” or “thanks.”
For example, “Shoots for the help!” The term can also be used as an exclamation of surprise, such as “Shoots! I didn’t expect that.”
12. Kapakahi:
This Hawaii slang word means “unorganized” or “messy.” It is often used to describe a chaotic situation or someone who is disorganized.
For example, “That party was kapakahi.” The term can also be used to describe someone who is unkempt or disheveled. It originated from the Hawaiian word for “crooked.”
13. Chee Hoo:
This Hawaii slang phrase is often used to express excitement or enthusiasm.
For example, “Chee hoo! I can’t believe it worked!” It can also be used as a greeting, such as “Chee hoo, how’s it going?”
The term originates from the Hawaiian phrase “Chee Hoo Hele,” which means “Let’s go!”
14. Wicked:
This Hawaii slang word is used as an exclamation of excitement and agreement.
It can also describe something or someone that is “cool” or “awesome.” For example, “That surf was wicked!”
The term can also describe something that is “very” or “extremely.” For example, “That was a wicked good time.”
15. Grindz:
This Hawaii slang word is used to refer to food. It’s an abbreviation of “grinds,” which means “food.”
For example, “Let’s go get some grindz!” The term can also be used to refer to the act of eating.
For example, “Let’s go, grindz!” It originated from Hawaii’s pidgin language, a mixture of Hawaiian and English.
16. Moke:
This Hawaii slang term is used to describe someone who is tough, strong, or brave.
For example, “He’s a real moke!” It can also be used to refer to something that is very difficult or challenging. The term originates from Hawaii’s pidgin language.
17. Mana’o:
This Hawaii slang word is used to describe an opinion or a point of view. It literally translates to “a thought” or “an opinion.”
For example, “What’s your mana’o on the matter?” The term originates from Hawaii’s pidgin language.
18. Sistah:
This Hawaii slang term is used to refer to a female friend or acquaintance. It can also be used as an endearing term of address for any woman.
For example, “Mahalo, sistah!” The term originates from Hawaii’s pidgin language.
19. Haole:
This Hawaii slang term is used to refer to any one of Caucasian descent. It can also be used to describe something that’s foreign or unfamiliar.
For example, “Oooh, this new restaurant is so haole!” However, the term haole can sometimes be interpreted negatively, so it should be used cautiously.
20. Braddah:
This Hawaii slang term is used to refer to a male friend or acquaintance. However, it can also be used as an endearing term of address for any man.
For example, “A hui hou braddah!” The term originates from Hawaii’s pidgin language and is often used in Hawaii’s everyday speech.
21. Dada:
This Hawaii slang term is used to refer to someone who is cool or awesome. It can also be used as an expression of admiration.
For example, “That dress looks so dada!” The term comes from Hawaii’s local culture and is commonly used in Hawaii’s everyday speech.
22. Gone Moi:
This Hawaii slang term describes someone who is crazy or has lost their mind. It can also be used as a warning for someone who appears to be acting strangely.
For example, “You better watch out—he’s gone moi!” This Hawaii slang term is believed to be derived from the Hawaiian phrase “ho’Moi,” which means “to go crazy.”
23. Kolohe:
This Hawaii slang term is used to refer to someone who is mischievous or naughty.
It can also be used as an endearing term for someone who is a bit of a troublemaker. For example, “My little brother is such a kolohe!”
This Hawaii slang term originated in Hawaii’s plantation era and was used to refer to young men who acted out or caused trouble.
24. Kokua:
This Hawaii slang term means “help”. It can be used to ask for help or to thank someone for their assistance.
For example, “Hey braddah, Kokua!” or “Mahalo for the Kokua!” Kokua is a Hawaii term of endearment that is often used to show appreciation and gratitude.
25. Akamai:
This Hawaii slang term means “smart” or “clever”. It can be used to describe someone wise beyond their years, intelligent, and quick-witted.
For example, “That braddah is so akamai!” The term is often used to show admiration and respect for someone’s knowledge or problem-solving abilities.
26. Hale:
This Hawaii slang term refers to a house or home. It can also be used as an informal way of saying “hello”, similar to “aloha”.
For example, you might say, “Hale, braddah! Howzit?” The term is often used to show warmth and familiarity.
Final Thoughts:
Slang words and phrases of a place are a great way to gain insight into the region’s culture.
Hawaii is no different and has its unique set of slang words and phrases that can help you appreciate Hawaii’s rich history and culture while visiting or living there.
Hawaii slang words and phrases are a fun way to add color to your conversations.
They can help you express yourself more authentically while boosting your Hawaii knowledge and familiarity.
Knowing some Hawaii slang can also help you fit in better with locals while enjoying the islands.
So don’t be afraid to get creative with Hawaii slang – it can make all the difference!
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