Quick Answer
"Ono" (pronounced "OH-no") means delicious, tasty, or yummy in Hawaiian. It's the essential word for describing great food in Hawaii. You'll see it everywhere - on menus, food truck names, restaurant signs, and in everyday conversation. When something tastes amazing, locals say it's "ono!" Fun fact: "Ono" is also the name of a popular fish (wahoo) - named for how delicious it is!
How to Pronounce "Ono"
Breakdown:
- "OH" - Like "oh" in "go" or "so"
- "no" - Like "no" as in "no problem"
Sounds like: "Oh no!" (like you dropped something) - but said with equal emphasis on both syllables and a positive tone!
Common mistake: Don't say "AH-no" or "OO-no" - keep both vowels as clear "oh" sounds.
How to Use "Ono"
"Dis poke stay ono!"
This poke is delicious!
"Da food ono or what?"
Is the food good?
"Ono Hawaiian Foods"
Common name for restaurants
"Dat's some ono grindz!"
That's some delicious food!
"Ono Grindz" - The Classic Combo
"Ono grindz" (or "ono grinds") is one of the most common phrases in Hawaii. "Grindz" is Pidgin for food (from "grinding" = eating), so "ono grindz" literally means "delicious food."
You'll see "Ono Grindz" on food trucks, restaurant signs, and hear it in everyday conversation. When someone asks "Wea get da ono grindz?" they're asking where to find good food!
Learn more about "Grindz" →Real Examples
"Ho, dis laulau stay so ono!"
Wow, this laulau is so delicious!
"Aunty's cooking always ono"
Aunty's cooking is always delicious
"You gotta try da garlic shrimp - so ono!"
You have to try the garlic shrimp - it's so good!
"Da malasadas from Leonard's stay ono!"
The malasadas from Leonard's are delicious!
"Not bad, but not dat ono"
It's okay, but not that great
Ono - The Fish
"Ono" is also the Hawaiian name for wahoo - a popular game fish found in Hawaiian waters. The fish got its name because it's so delicious! Ono fish has firm, white flesh and is prized for grilling, searing, or making into poke.
So yes, you can say "Da ono stay ono!" (The wahoo is delicious!) - and locals will know exactly what you mean!
Related Food Terms
Grindz
Food / eating
Broke da Mouth
So delicious it "broke your mouth"
Ono Grindz
Delicious food
Kaukau
Food (from Chinese pidgin)
Pupus
Appetizers, snacks
Plate Lunch
Classic Hawaii meal
Learn More Hawaiian Pidgin!
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