Hawaii isn’t just famous for its beaches and aloha spirit—it also has some of the most entertaining and expressive slang you’ll ever hear. Whether it’s Pidgin English, local lingo, or native expressions, these phrases add flavor to everyday conversation. Here’s a fun list of Hawaiian phrases that’ll have you talking like a local in no time.
Chee Hoo!
An enthusiastic shout of excitement or joy, like the Hawaiian version of “woohoo!” You’ll hear it at parties, sports events, or even in traffic jams. “Chee hoooo!”
Broke Da Mouth
Used to describe food that’s incredibly delicious. If a dish is so good it “broke da mouth,” you know it’s a winner. Example: “Dis laulau is ono, broke da mouth fo’ real!”
Choke
This means “a lot of” or “plenty.” You might hear someone say, “The beach had choke people today.”
Da Kine
A versatile phrase that acts as a placeholder for nearly anything—an object, a person, an idea—you name it. Example: “Can you grab da kine from da car?”
Howzit?
A casual greeting that combines “how” and “is it?”—basically, a friendly “What’s up?” or “How are you?” Example: “Howzit, braddah?”
Shoots!
A laid-back way to say “okay,” “right on,” or “got it!” You’ll hear this a lot when making plans. Example: “We meeting at the beach? Shoots!”
Hamajang
Used to describe something that’s messy, disorganized, or just all out of whack. Example: “Your hair stay hamajang!”
Lolo
A playful insult meaning “crazy” or “silly.” It’s the local version of calling someone a goof. Example: “You one lolo, you know dat?”
Talk Story
Means to chat or catch up. It’s more than small talk—talking story is about bonding and sharing. Example: “Come auntie’s house, we go talk story.”
Grindz
Slang for food—especially delicious local eats. It can also mean “to eat.” Example: “Ho, we goin’ get some grindz after surf.”
Okole
Hawaiian for “butt,” often used in playful expressions. Example: “You’re a pain in the okole.”
Slippahs
What locals call flip-flops. They’re a staple of island life. Example: “No forget your slippahs before entering!”
Pau Hana
Literally translates to “finished work.” It’s the go-to phrase for after-work fun or happy hour. Example: “Let’s get pupus for pau hana!”
Stink Eye
That unmistakable dirty look someone gives you when they’re annoyed. Example: “Ho, she stay giving me stink eye.”
Bumbai
Means “later” or “eventually.” Perfect for when things don’t need to happen right away. Example: “No worry, bumbai we go.”
Chicken Skin
Another word for goosebumps, especially from a scary story or powerful moment. Example: “The story was so spooky, I got chicken skin!”
Fut
A humorous way to say “fart.” It’s always good for a laugh. Example: “Who fut?”
Learning these phrases not only helps you sound more like a local, but also gives you a glimpse into Hawaii’s playful, relaxed, and tight-knit culture. So next time you’re in the islands, don’t be shy—talk story, grab some grindz, and give a hearty “Chee hoo!”
