The Hawaiian Islands are unique in more ways than anyone can count — and that includes our language, vocabulary, and local diction. While most people from Hawaii don’t have an accent, per se, there are a variety of funny Hawaiian sayings that might leave visitors a little confused, to say the least. From modern slang to Pidgin terms, you’ll only hear these 12 (somewhat) silly sayings in Hawaii.
- “Laniakea Beach has choke honu.”
Andrew Fitzhugh/Flickr No, we’re not referring to the common verb in the English language. In Hawaii, choke is a slang term that means “a lot of something.” Honu is the Hawaiian word for sea turtle.
- “These ono grinds are broke da mout.”
www.bluewaikiki.com A literal definition: “this food is so delicious it broke my mouth.” This is easily my favorite slang term used in Hawaii.
- “Da Kine.”
Tara Severns/Flickr Often seen as a placeholder word with no true definition, da kine is often used as the English equivalent to whatchamacallit.
- “You’re a pain in the Okole.”
ChrisCosta77/Flickr Okole is a slang term in Hawaii meaning butt.
- “Braddah, that’s pono.”
Joe Parks/Flickr Like Da Kine, pono is another catchall word. It is often defined as righteousness, but can also mean fair, moral, or proper.
- “Are you wearing your fancy slippahs?”
jenswanson/Flickr We don’t call them flip-flops in Hawaii. They are either slippers, or even better, slippahs. Everyone also owns one pair of fancy slippers reserved for weddings and events where you might be required to dress up a little.
- “No Can.”
Jason Jacobs/Flickr Quite literally, “I can’t.” Also potential definitions: it’s not possible, cannot.
- “Holoholo wale.”
Alex/Flickr The meaning of this phrase might not be funny, but without context, the words certainly sound silly. Holoholo directly translates to going out for a walk, ride, or sail for fun. Adding the “wale” means to wander aimlessly.
- “Watch out for the menehune.”
Sam Howzit/Flickr Hawaiian legend has it that the Menehune are a small dwarf-like species, similar to pixies or trolls, that hide deep in Hawaii’s forests and valleys, and are thought to be master builders.
- “Let’s go grab some pupus pau hana.”
wyteone/Flickr Directly translating to “after work,” pau hana is a celebration of the end of the work day. Oh, and pupus are simply appetizers.
- “Howzit, braddah?”
Yoshiyoshi Hirokawa/DigitalVision Possibly the most common Hawaiian phrase used today, meaning “What’s up, man?”
- “Chee Hoo!”
University of Hawaii News/Flickr Instead of cheering when excited, Hawaii locals exclaim “Chee hoo!”
Now that we’ve discussed funny Hawaiian words and phrases, let’s look at these 15 phrases Hawaii locals don’t understand. Need a good laugh today? Check out these 21 hilarious signs that perfectly sum up island life.
Andrew Fitzhugh/Flickr
No, we’re not referring to the common verb in the English language. In Hawaii, choke is a slang term that means “a lot of something.” Honu is the Hawaiian word for sea turtle.
A literal definition: “this food is so delicious it broke my mouth.” This is easily my favorite slang term used in Hawaii.
Tara Severns/Flickr
Often seen as a placeholder word with no true definition, da kine is often used as the English equivalent to whatchamacallit.
ChrisCosta77/Flickr
Okole is a slang term in Hawaii meaning butt.
Joe Parks/Flickr
Like Da Kine, pono is another catchall word. It is often defined as righteousness, but can also mean fair, moral, or proper.
jenswanson/Flickr
We don’t call them flip-flops in Hawaii. They are either slippers, or even better, slippahs. Everyone also owns one pair of fancy slippers reserved for weddings and events where you might be required to dress up a little.
Jason Jacobs/Flickr
Quite literally, “I can’t.” Also potential definitions: it’s not possible, cannot.
Alex/Flickr
The meaning of this phrase might not be funny, but without context, the words certainly sound silly. Holoholo directly translates to going out for a walk, ride, or sail for fun. Adding the “wale” means to wander aimlessly.
Sam Howzit/Flickr
Hawaiian legend has it that the Menehune are a small dwarf-like species, similar to pixies or trolls, that hide deep in Hawaii’s forests and valleys, and are thought to be master builders.
wyteone/Flickr
Directly translating to “after work,” pau hana is a celebration of the end of the work day. Oh, and pupus are simply appetizers.
Yoshiyoshi Hirokawa/DigitalVision
Possibly the most common Hawaiian phrase used today, meaning “What’s up, man?”
University of Hawaii News/Flickr
Instead of cheering when excited, Hawaii locals exclaim “Chee hoo!”
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Address: Hawaii, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Funny Hawaiian Sayings August 12, 2022 Bill Hall When is the best time to come to Hawaii? Hawaii has four distinct seasons, and they all are very comfortable weather-wise. It is never too chilly in Hawaii, as it is rarely ever below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. And in the summer everything is pretty much Hollywood movie perfect. It really comes down to what you are looking for. If you prefer the hustle and bustle of crowds and perfect weather, then summer is absolutely the time to go. It’s a fun time to be here. Others may prefer a quieter time and choose to visit in the spring and fall when it is also a bit less expensive. It’s a win/win situation. If you are planning a winter trip, take a look at Hawaii Made Forbes’ New List Of The Best Winter Travel Destinations For 2020. It’ll certainly make you consider the season! The 13 Very Best Places To Go In Hawaii This Spring takes you through some great options. 13 Things You Must Do Underneath The Summer Sun In Hawaii highlights the warmer months. There’s No Better Way To Celebrate Fall Than With This Incredible Harvest Festival In Hawaii is a fun look at a local farm in the fall. Where is the best place for snorkeling in Hawaii? Hawaii has many places that are amazing for snorkeling. The water temperature is perfect and also crystal clear. Plus, you may see some Hawaiian green sea turtles, and that’s something that will really make your day. One place folks really love is Electric Beach Park. The waters are warm and the scenery is epic. Read all about it in There’s No Other Beach In Hawaii Quite Like This One With Unusually Warm Waters. 13 Awesome And Easy Snorkel Spots In Hawaii That Are Perfect For First-Timers is a nice list that everyone in your crew can enjoy. These 14 Phenomenal Snorkeling Destinations In Hawaii Will Blow You Away is an article that will also point you in the right direction. Have fun out there!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Funny Hawaiian Sayings
August 12, 2022
Bill Hall
When is the best time to come to Hawaii? Hawaii has four distinct seasons, and they all are very comfortable weather-wise. It is never too chilly in Hawaii, as it is rarely ever below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. And in the summer everything is pretty much Hollywood movie perfect. It really comes down to what you are looking for. If you prefer the hustle and bustle of crowds and perfect weather, then summer is absolutely the time to go. It’s a fun time to be here. Others may prefer a quieter time and choose to visit in the spring and fall when it is also a bit less expensive. It’s a win/win situation. If you are planning a winter trip, take a look at Hawaii Made Forbes’ New List Of The Best Winter Travel Destinations For 2020. It’ll certainly make you consider the season! The 13 Very Best Places To Go In Hawaii This Spring takes you through some great options. 13 Things You Must Do Underneath The Summer Sun In Hawaii highlights the warmer months. There’s No Better Way To Celebrate Fall Than With This Incredible Harvest Festival In Hawaii is a fun look at a local farm in the fall. Where is the best place for snorkeling in Hawaii? Hawaii has many places that are amazing for snorkeling. The water temperature is perfect and also crystal clear. Plus, you may see some Hawaiian green sea turtles, and that’s something that will really make your day. One place folks really love is Electric Beach Park. The waters are warm and the scenery is epic. Read all about it in There’s No Other Beach In Hawaii Quite Like This One With Unusually Warm Waters. 13 Awesome And Easy Snorkel Spots In Hawaii That Are Perfect For First-Timers is a nice list that everyone in your crew can enjoy. These 14 Phenomenal Snorkeling Destinations In Hawaii Will Blow You Away is an article that will also point you in the right direction. Have fun out there!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hawaii has four distinct seasons, and they all are very comfortable weather-wise. It is never too chilly in Hawaii, as it is rarely ever below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. And in the summer everything is pretty much Hollywood movie perfect.
It really comes down to what you are looking for. If you prefer the hustle and bustle of crowds and perfect weather, then summer is absolutely the time to go. It’s a fun time to be here. Others may prefer a quieter time and choose to visit in the spring and fall when it is also a bit less expensive. It’s a win/win situation.
If you are planning a winter trip, take a look at Hawaii Made Forbes’ New List Of The Best Winter Travel Destinations For 2020. It’ll certainly make you consider the season!
The 13 Very Best Places To Go In Hawaii This Spring takes you through some great options.
13 Things You Must Do Underneath The Summer Sun In Hawaii highlights the warmer months.
There’s No Better Way To Celebrate Fall Than With This Incredible Harvest Festival In Hawaii is a fun look at a local farm in the fall.
Where is the best place for snorkeling in Hawaii?
Hawaii has many places that are amazing for snorkeling. The water temperature is perfect and also crystal clear. Plus, you may see some Hawaiian green sea turtles, and that’s something that will really make your day.
One place folks really love is Electric Beach Park. The waters are warm and the scenery is epic. Read all about it in There’s No Other Beach In Hawaii Quite Like This One With Unusually Warm Waters.
13 Awesome And Easy Snorkel Spots In Hawaii That Are Perfect For First-Timers is a nice list that everyone in your crew can enjoy.
These 14 Phenomenal Snorkeling Destinations In Hawaii Will Blow You Away is an article that will also point you in the right direction.
Have fun out there!
