You’re Not A True Hawaii Local Unless You Understand These 19 Words

The Hawaiian Islands are unique in more ways than any one person could count and that includes our language, vocabulary, and local diction. While most people from Hawaii don’t exclusively speak Hawaiian — except those who call Niihau home — there are a variety of words and phrases from the Hawaiian language that are still frequently used today. From traditional Hawaiian phrases to modern slang and pidgin terms, you’re not a true Hawaii local who can prove they’re living in Hawaii unless you understand (and maybe even use) these 19 common words and phrases.

1. Windward

Windward refers to the land upwind and leeward is the downwind area, often used to describe different sides of the same island.

2. Howzit

Howzit essentially means, "what's up" or "how's it going?"

3. Da kine

Often seen as a placeholder word with no true definition, da kine is often used as the English equivalent to whatchamacallit.

4. Kapu

Anything labeled as Kapu is forbidden or taboo. This word is most commonly used on trespassing signs. Important for life on Hawaii!

5. Holohholo

Holohholo directly translates to going out for a walk, ride, or sail for fun.

6. Wahine and Kane

Wahine and Kane, the Hawaiian words for women and men, are often used in bathroom signs throughout the islands. You’ll run into this often during daily life in Hawaii.

7. Pau hana

Directly translating to "after work," pau hana is a celebration of the end of the work day. What is life like in Hawaii? A celebration!

8. Pupus

Pupus are snacks or appetizers.

9. Lanai

It is not a balcony or patio, it is a lanai.

10. E Komo Mai

Meaning welcome or enter, "E Komo Mai," is perhaps one of the most common phrases you’ll hear in Hawaii

11. Hanai

Though officially meaning "adopted or foster sibling," the term hanai is most commonly used to describe those people in our lives we consider family, even if we're not blood-related. Because everyone knows the word “ohana.”

12. Aloha

Aloha. While ‘Aloha’ means hello and goodbye, it also is the embodiment of the Hawaiian lifestyle and spirit, conveying feelings of love, kindness, and anything good.

13. Kokua

Kokua directly translates to "help" or "to give aid," but it is most commonly used as a way to describe helping each other out.

14. These ono grinds are broke da mout

These ono grinds are broke da mout, literally translates to "this food is so delicious it broke my mouth." This is one of my favorites.

15. Malasada

Speaking of delicious, a malasada is a Portuguese donut, and everybody should love them.

16. Mauka

Forget directions like east and west, Hawaiians use the words mauka, meaning towards the mountain, and makai, meaning towards the ocean.

17. Hui hou

A hui hou translates to "until we meet again," and is a lot better than simply saying goodbye.

18. Humuhumunukunukuapua'a

Our state fish is a reef triggerfish, the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a. If you’re a true local, you’ll know how to pronounce this one.

19. Kama’aina

Kama’aina literally translates to “child of the land,” but generally refers to locals.

So, tell us: how many of these words and phrases do you understand? What other phrases should everyone who is living in Hawaii or moves to Hawaii know? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. Curious about what no one tells you about living in Hawaii?

And if you’re just visiting the islands, make sure to support local and book your stay on VRBO.