A Guide to Hawaiian Slang and Learning Local Dialect

Before you get to Hawaii there are just a few things of which you need to be keenly aware. One of those things is the fact that it may sound like a foreign language when you speak to someone here, but it is actually English. The term that has been coined is "Pidgin English." It stems from the fact that there are countless ethnicities that immigrated to Hawaii. This caused a mish-mash of sorts of words that transformed into the local dialect. There are a few words you will hear that may sound like something, but will mean something different. Lets get started.

Ono. A taste explosion in one's mouth.

The word ono is a Hawaiian word that is used to describe the tastiness of a food. If someone were to ask you what you thought of the food they prepared and you answered with "Ono." Then you would be toast of the party.

Pau. Done or finish.

This is another Hawaiian word that you will probably hear. When someone comes up to you and asks "Pau?" They are essentially asking you if you are done or finished. If the server at the restaurant asks you this then you will be well prepared with an answer.

Solid. Very good or dependable.

Many times we take this to mean the texture of an object. In Hawaii the word Solid means that something is awesome. Such as the waves. If someone said "The waves were solid." Then you would know that that meant the waves were pretty awesome.

Choke. Meaning plenty.

No not what happens when you eat too much or when you lose at the last minute. If someone says something like "Get choke." They are saying that there is plenty left.

Lua. Bathroom.

If someone tells you that the Lua is in the back, then you will know that the bathroom is out back.

Haole (how-lee). Caucasian or tourist.

If you hear this word and you are the only white person around, tag you're it. They are probably talking about you.

These are just a few words to get you started, but trust me they are words that I can guarantee you will hear getting thrown around by the locals. It may sound weird at first, but you will start to get used to it. Just as any culture, Hawaii is a unique cultural blend of people. Enjoy yourself while you are there.