10 Essential Hawaiian Pidgin Phrases Every Visitor Should Know 🗣️
Connect with locals, order food like a pro, and experience authentic island culture
Planning a trip to Hawaii? While English is widely spoken, knowing a few Hawaiian Pidgin phrases can transform your vacation from tourist-mode to truly connecting with local culture. These 10 essential phrases will help you navigate conversations, order delicious food, and maybe even make a few local friends along the way.
Howzit
Pronunciation: HOW-zit
Meaning: Hello / How are you? / What's up?
"Howzit, brah!" — Hello, friend!
"Howzit going?" — How's it going?
This is THE greeting in Hawaii. Use it when entering a shop, meeting someone new, or just passing by. It's friendly, casual, and immediately shows you've done your homework.
Shoots
Pronunciation: SHOOTS
Meaning: Okay / Sounds good / Yes / Sure / Let's do it
Waiter: "Your table is ready."
You: "Shoots!" ✓
Friend: "Wanna grab lunch?"
You: "Shoots, brah!"
"Shoots" is incredibly versatile. It's the local way of saying "yes," "okay," or expressing agreement. You'll hear it constantly—and you can use it just as often!
Mahalo
Pronunciation: mah-HA-lo
Meaning: Thank you
"Mahalo!" — Thank you!
"Mahalo nui loa" — Thank you very much
While technically a Hawaiian word (not Pidgin), "Mahalo" is used universally in Hawaii. You'll see it everywhere—on signs, receipts, and in daily conversation. It's the polite way to show gratitude.
Ono / Broke Da Mouth
Pronunciation: OH-no / BROKE dah MOWT
Meaning: Delicious / Extremely delicious
"Dis poke stay ono!" — This poke is delicious!
"Da loco moco was broke da mouth!" — The loco moco was incredibly good!
Food is central to Hawaiian culture. Complimenting a meal with "ono" or the emphatic "broke da mouth" will earn you smiles from cooks, servers, and fellow diners. Use these when you try plate lunch, poke, or any local specialty!
Da Kine
Pronunciation: dah KYNE
Meaning: The thing / That thing / Whatchamacallit / [Literally anything]
"Can you pass me da kine?" — Can you pass me that thing?
"I went to da kine yesterday" — I went to [that place] yesterday
"She's so da kine" — She's so [whatever quality you mean]
"Da kine" is the Swiss Army knife of Pidgin. When you can't think of a word—or when context makes it obvious—just say "da kine." You'll sound more local than you realize!
Pau
Pronunciation: POW
Meaning: Finished / Done / Complete
"You pau with your plate?" — Are you finished with your plate?
"I stay pau work" — I'm done with work
"Pau hana!" — Done with work (happy hour time!)
"Pau" is used constantly in Hawaii. You'll hear servers ask if you're "pau" with your meal. "Pau hana" specifically means "after work" and refers to happy hour—a great time to relax and soak in island vibes.
No Worry
Pronunciation: NO WUR-ee
Meaning: Don't worry / No problem / It's all good
"Sorry I'm late!" → "No worry, brah"
"No worry, we get plenny time" — Don't worry, we have plenty of time
This phrase captures Hawaii's laid-back attitude perfectly. Things move slower on "island time," and "no worry" reflects that relaxed approach to life. Use it to reassure others or embrace the chill vibes yourself.
Grindz
Pronunciation: GRINDZ
Meaning: Food / A meal
"Where da grindz at?" — Where's the food?
"Dis place get ono grindz!" — This place has delicious food!
"Let's go grind" — Let's go eat
Hawaii takes food seriously, and "grindz" is how locals talk about it. When you see a food truck or restaurant advertising "ono grindz," you know you're in for a treat!
Makai / Mauka
Pronunciation: mah-KAI / MOW-kah
Meaning: Toward the ocean (makai) / Toward the mountain (mauka)
"Turn makai at the light" — Turn toward the ocean at the light
"Da restaurant stay mauka side" — The restaurant is on the mountain side
Forget north, south, east, west! In Hawaii, directions are given relative to the ocean and mountains. Understanding "makai" and "mauka" will save you from getting lost and impress locals with your island savvy.
Talk Story
Pronunciation: TAWK STOR-ee
Meaning: Chat / Have a conversation / Hang out and talk
"Come, we talk story" — Come, let's chat
"We was just talking story" — We were just having a conversation
"Talk story" is more than just conversation—it's a Hawaiian tradition of sharing experiences, memories, and connection. When someone invites you to talk story, they're inviting you into a meaningful exchange. Take your time and enjoy it!
🎯 Bonus Tips for Using Pidgin
Do's:
- ✅ Use "Howzit" and "Shoots" casually
- ✅ Compliment food with "ono"
- ✅ Say "Mahalo" genuinely
- ✅ Learn directions (makai/mauka)
- ✅ Embrace "no worry" attitude
Don'ts:
- ❌ Exaggerate the accent
- ❌ Use Pidgin sarcastically or mockingly
- ❌ Pretend to be local when you're not
- ❌ Force phrases into every sentence
🚀 Ready to Learn More?
These 10 phrases will give you a solid foundation for connecting with Hawaii's culture. Want to go deeper? Check out our complete resources:
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