Pidgin English, Hawaiian Creole, local slang… no matter what you call it, you’ll know it when you hear it. To locals, it sounds like a breath of fresh air. An instant identifier that the other person gets you on a cultural level. However, to visitors, it can be hard to understand and can even make simple conversations more difficult.
As you prepare for an upcoming visit to the islands, this list of know-before-you-go Pidgin and Hawaiian language slang will help you keep up with conversation and give insight into the cultural melting pot that is Kauai and the surrounding islands.
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What is Pidgin?
Pidgin languages arise when people who do not share a common language need to communicate with one another, often in trade or communal work. In these settings, words and phrases are created spontaneously as a way of ensuring a common understanding.
This was especially important in Hawaii in the 1830s as sugarcane plantations hired immigrants from China, Japan, Portugal, Korea, Spain, and even Russia. As the immigrant farm workers spent their days together, Hawaiian pidgin English took shape, and remnants of it have remained popular in local speech even now.
Pidgin vs Creole
Unlike Creole, which has fully developed vocabulary and grammatical rules, pidgin languages typically consist of limited words with very specific meanings within their respective communities. In fact, Creole languages often originate as a particular pidgin becomes widely used and children grow up learning it as their first language.
In this process, the language develops and becomes more complex, covering all aspects of communication, not just specific words.
Popular Pidgin Words and Hawaiian Language Slang
1. Da Kine (dah KINE) – One of the best examples of the uniqueness pidgin can present, especially to other cultures or communities, is seen in the phrase “da kine.” Think of it like a pronoun that can apply to anything, similar to the word “that.”
At a table, someone could say, “Pass me da kine” as they point to the salt. In this instance, da kine conveys salt. Context and setting are everything when grasping the meaning of this Hawaiian slang phrase.
2. Kau Kau(cow-cow) - Similar to Grinds (grindz), kau kau refers to a meal or food.
3. Broke da Mouth – Sticking to the food theme, broke da mouth (or broke da mout), as you’d more likely hear, refers to food that’s so good it “broke the mouth.” “Dis kalua pig so ono, it broke da mouth!”
4. Kanak Attack – Think food coma. The word “Kanak” comes from “Kanaka,” a Hawaiian word meaning “person.” And “Attack,” in this instance, is just a clever rhyme to help further the idea of being useless after a large meal. “Brah, I had a kanak attack after that ono kau kau.”
5. Shaka (sha-kah) – Much like the Hawaiian word aloha, the shaka is a hand gesture that symbolizes both a welcome and a goodbye. To make the shaka, close your fist and extend your thumb and pinky, keeping your palm facing your body.
6. Shoots – The deeper and longer you hold out this pidgin word, the better. Shoots is a popular way of saying “ok,” “absolutely,” or an enthusiastic “yes!”
7. Try – Instead of asking “please,” sometimes you may hear someone say, “Try pass me da kine.” While this is more like telling someone to do something instead of asking and, therefore, isn’t the politest thing to say, if you encounter it during your vacation, it’s helpful to understand the intention is simply a request.
8. Lua – You may be more familiar with the British version of this slang word. Lua literally translates to “hole” or “pit” and has become the Hawaiian version of the “loo” or bathroom.
8. K Den – You can probably guess this one. K den is a simple way of saying “okay then” or “sounds good.”
10. Rajah Dat – “Roger that.” This pidgin phrase is an alternative to “K den.”
11. Talk Story – To catch up with an old friend or even make small talk with a stranger. To talk story is to converse with anyone about anything. “We talk story all night on the lanai.”
12. Howzit – Another common piece of Hawaiian language slang, howzit is like the casual, “Hey, how are you?” exchanged in passing on the mainland.
13. Holo Holo – To go out for a stroll or casual walk about town. “I went holo holo around Poipu Beach and found a great spot for some grindz.”
14. Lolo – Delulu, loco, lolo… It’s all the same. When someone is being crazy, they’re acting lolo.
15. Hale (HAH-leh) – As you browse Suite Paradise’s vacation rentals, you’ll come across this word a lot! That’s because hale means house!
16. Slipphas – Walk in the hale and kick off da slipphas! Meaning flip-flops, slippers, sandals, or anything of the like, this is one pidgin word you’ll hear a lot.
17. Hana Hou (HAH-nah HO) – If you’re out at a Poipu Beach bar or restaurant enjoying some local live music, calling for hana hou or an encore is a great way to ask the performer to play another song.
18. Ho – As a mainlander, hearing someone shout “ho” at you as you walk down the street could be a bit alarming, especially if you’re a woman. But in Hawaii, just think of it as the island version of “Hey!” When you need to get someone’s attention, it’s a quick way to do it. “Ho! Which way to the beach?”
19. Kuleana (koo-leh-AH-nah) – There are a lot of casual Hawaiian phrases and slang words, but this one is important. Kuleana means responsibility or a sense of duty. Things designated kuleana mean the community takes pride in them, and as visitors, you should too. “The ocean is our kuleana, we have to protect it for ourselves and for future generations.”
20. Pau Hana (Pow-ha-nah) – Two of the best Hawaiian words to know, especially when you’re here on vacation. Pou Hana is going to help you find some great discounts on food and drink since it basically means “happy hour!”
Plan Your Hawaiian Getaway with Suite Paradise
Featured Property: Poipu Hale Pono
It’s one thing to read a list of Pidgin phrases and Hawaiian language slang, but it’s a whole other thing to experience it first-hand. Get away to Poipu Beach in Kauai, Hawaii, and immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of this tropical paradise.
As you plan your getaway, remember booking directly with a property management company is the best way to get the most affordable rate and best service during your stay. That’s because the property manager doesn’t tack on third-party fees like Airbnb or VRBO.
At Suite Paradise, you’ll find gorgeous Poipu Beach vacation rentals perfect for your family’s needs and budget. Plus, our local, on-island staff is available to assist you with everything you need while you’re here! Browse our available properties and book your next adventure directly today!
If you’re interested in learning more handy language tips before your trip, check out these 12 Must-Know Hawaiian Words and Phrases.