Your first time on the Island can be a whirlwind of excitement and confusion. Here is a helpful guide to the Pidgin Slang that will make you feel JUST like a native:
Lets start out easy
ALOHA (uh-LOW-ha) – A greeting. Can mean hello, goodbye, or love.
BODDA YOU? (BAH-dah yoo) – Are you bothered by this?
BRAH – A friend or buddy.
EH? – You know?
FO’ REAL? (foh-REAL) – Are you serious?
LOCAL STYLE – The way people do things in Hawaii.
MAHALO (mah-HAH-loh) – Thank you.
MAKAI (muh-KYH) – A direction towards the sea.
MAUKA (MOW-kuh) – A direction towards the mountain.
MO BETTAH (moh BEH-tah) – Much better. A much better idea.
NAH NAH NAH – Just kidding.
NO CAN (NOH cahn) – Can’t do. No way.
ONO (OH-noh) – Good or great.
PAU (POW) – Done.
SLIPPAHS (SLEE-pahs) – Rubber sandals. Flip-flops.
TALK STORY – To talk about something. To chat.
WIKI WIKI (WICK-ee-WICK-ee) – Fast.
Hope this insider information helps with your visit, oh and A’ole pilikia ( that means you’re welcome, but you knew that, right?).
Puakea Ranch