21 Local Words to Know When Staying in Hawaii

Chicken Skin. Goosebumps.

Choke. This simply means "plenty".

Da Mainland. The Continental U.S.

Grind. To eat.

Haole. Derogatory slang for someone who's not from around here.

Hapa. Means "half" in Hawaiian, used to describe someone of mixed racial heritage, part of which is of Asian/Pacific Islander ancestry.

Honu. Sea Turtle.

Kama'aina. Long-time residents or locals who typically get the "Kama'aina Discounted Rates".

Keiki. Child.

Kokua. Help or assistance.

Luau. A traditional Hawaiian party (or feast).

Mahalo. Thank you.

Ohana. Ohana means "family". This includes extended family as well as friends.

Ono. Delicious.

Pau. Done.

Pidgin.
It's local-kine speak. No, it's not the bird.

Puka. Hole.

Shaka.
Local hand gesture typically used to convey the "aloha spirit".

Shoyu.
Soy Sauce

Slippahs.
Slippers. Also known as "Rubbah Slippahs". We don't call them flip-flops.

Stink-Eye.
A dirty look; a scornful glare.

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