Traveling to Hawaiʻi with kids is an unforgettable experience—filled with beautiful beaches, delicious food, and rich local culture. One of the most fun ways to connect with the islands is by learning a few Hawaiian and local Pidgin phrases. Locals often blend English, Hawaiian (ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi), and Pidgin—a Hawaiian Creole language spoken across the islands. For families, understanding this unique mix can help kids feel more included and help you navigate with ease. Whether you’re ordering food, asking for directions, or just making new friends at the beach, this guide to Hawaiian phrases for families will make your trip smoother and more fun.
A
Aloha
Hello, goodbye, or love.
“Say aloha to Grandma when we get off the plane!”
B
Bumbai (bum-bye)
Later, otherwise.
“Finish your lunch now, bumbai you’ll be hungry at the beach.”
C
Chicken Skin
Goosebumps.
“That sunset was so pretty, it gave me chicken skin!”
Choke
A lot, plenty.
“This shave ice got choke syrup, yum!”
D
Da Kine
Used when you forget the word for something.
“Pass me da kine—you know, the beach towel!”
E
Eh
Hey! (a friendly attention-getter)
“Eh, Keoni, wait up!”
F
Fut
Fart.
“Who fut in the car? Roll the window down!”
G
Grinds / Grindz
Food or a meal.
“Let’s go get some grinds after swimming!”
H
Hana Hou (hah-nah-ho)
Do it again! (often yelled after a great performance)
“That hula dance was awesome! Hana hou!”
Hamajang
Messed up, all over the place.
“My beach hair is so hamajang today.”
Holo Holo
To go cruising or out for fun.
“We’re gonna holo holo around the island today.”
Howzit
Hi, how are you?
“Howzit, aunty? Good to see you!”
I
Irraz
Irritating or annoying.
“That loud bird outside is so irraz!”
K
Kamaʻāina
Local resident.
“We’re visiting, but Uncle Kai is kamaʻāina.”
Kanak Attack
That sleepy feeling after eating a big meal.
“I’m full of loco moco. Total kanak attack!”
Kapu
Forbidden or off-limits.
“Don’t touch that! It’s kapu.”
Keiki
Child or children.
“This beach has a keiki play area.”
L
L’dat
Like that.
“Sometimes life just goes l’dat.”
M
Mahalo
Thank you.
“Mahalo for the shave ice, Mom!”
Makai
Toward the ocean.
“Let’s park on the makai side.”
Mauka
Toward the mountains.
“The trail starts on the mauka side of the road.”
N
Nāna (nah-nah)
Look! (often said to kids)
“Nāna at that big turtle!”
ʻO
ʻOhana
Family.
“We’re going to the luau with our whole ʻohana.”
ʻOno
Delicious.
“These malasadas are so ʻono!”
P
Pau
Done or finished.
“Are you pau with your homework?”
Poke (po-kay)
Cubed raw fish, often served over rice.
“Let’s get poke bowls for lunch!”
Pūpū
Appetizers or snacks.
“Uncle brought some pūpū for the picnic.”
R
Rajah (dat)
Okay, got it.
“We meet at 3? Rajah dat!”
S
Shoots
Okay, sure.
“You wanna build a sandcastle? Shoots!”
Shishi
To pee (great for toddlers!).
“Tell Mommy if you gotta go shishi!”
Slippahs
Flip-flops or sandals.
“Don’t forget your slippahs for the beach!”
Small Kid Time
When someone was little.
“This ice cream shop been here since small kid time!”
T
Talk Story
To chat or catch up.
“Let’s go visit Grandpa and talk story.”
Tanks
Thanks.
“Tanks for the juice!”
Planning your family trip? These guides can help you make the most of your time on the islands:
- Kauai with Kids: Family Travel Guide
- Best Family Beaches in Kauai
- Whale Watching in Maui with Kids
- Road to Hana Itinerary for Families
- Best Snorkeling Beaches in Maui for Families
- Kid-Friendly Snorkeling in Oahu: A Parent’s Guide
- Best Oahu Beaches for Families
- Snorkeling with Manta Rays on the Big Island
- Easy Hikes on the Big Island for Families
You can also browse our ranked lists:
- Best Things to Do in Kauai with Kids (Ranked)
- Best Things to Do in Maui with Kids (Ranked)
- Best Family Stays in Oahu (Ranked)
- Best Things to Do on the Big Island with Kids (Ranked)
For more general visitor info, check out the Wikivoyage page.
