10 Easy Hawaiian Words and Phrases

Taking a trip to Hawaii? 

Hawaii is a unique state due to its multicultural population and beautiful geography.

Learning keywords and phrases will help you better understand the locals and the culture. 

Hawaiian Language (ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi)🌺

The Hawaiian language, known as ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, is a Polynesian language that developed in the Hawaiian Islands. It has a rich history, deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of Native Hawaiians.

Hawaiian Pidgin (Hawaiian Creole English)

Hawaiian Pidgin, often just called Pidgin, is a creole language that emerged on the sugar plantations of Hawaii in the 19th century. It developed as a way for workers from different linguistic backgrounds—such as Hawaiian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino—to communicate. Over time, it evolved into a stable, full-fledged language spoken by many locals today and has been designated an official language. 

10 Practical Hawaiian and Pidgin Words

Here are some practical words and phrases that you can use every day in Hawaii:

Aloha (ah-LOH-hah)

Meaning: Hello, goodbye, love, and affection.

Usage: “Aloha! How are you today?”

Mahalo (mah-HAH-loh)

Meaning: Thank you.

Usage: “Mahalo for your help!”

ʻOhana (oh-HAH-nah)

Meaning: Family.

Usage: “We are all part of one ʻohana.”

Pau (pow)

Meaning: Finished, done.

Usage: “I’m pau with my work for today.”

Hana hou(hah-nah HOH)

Meaning: Encore, do it again.

Usage: “That performance was amazing! Hana hou!”

Brah(brah)

Meaning: Brother, friend.

Usage: “Hey brah, what’s up?”

Da kine (dah KINE)

Meaning: A placeholder for anything you can’t remember the name of.

Usage: “Can you pass me da kine?”

Grinds (grindz)

Meaning: Food, a meal.

Usage: “Let’s go get some grinds.”

Keep practicing, and you’ll be speaking like a local in no time!