Before I moved to Hawaii, I knew about Pidgin. I had heard it here and there in movies, maybe in a YouTube video or two. But I had never actually been around people who spoke it all the time—switching in and out of it as naturally as breathing. Coming from San Diego, it kind of reminded me of Spanglish—that effortless back-and-forth between English and Spanish that’s super common in Southern California. Except here, instead of Spanish, you’ve got a mix of Hawaiian, Portuguese, Japanese, Filipino, and who knows what else. And trust me, the first time you hear a full-on Pidgin conversation, you might think, “Wait… was that even English?”

But after spending more time in Hawaii, listening, and (sometimes awkwardly) trying to use Pidgin myself, I realized—it’s not just slang. It’s a legit way of speaking, shaped by history and culture. And once you start understanding it? You’ll never hear Hawaii the same way again.

The Origins of Pidgin English in Hawaii

So, where did Pidgin even come from? Turns out, it all started back in the 1800s on Hawaii’s sugarcane plantations. You had workers from all over the world—Hawaii, Portugal, China, Japan, the Philippines—who didn’t speak the same language. But they needed a way to talk to each other (and their bosses), so they kind of mashed their languages together into something everyone could understand.

Over time, Pidgin evolved from just a plantation trade language into something much bigger. It worked its way into everyday life, local businesses, and even schools. Eventually, kids started growing up speaking Pidgin at home—and just like that, it became a full-on creole language unique to Hawaii.  Here’s a classic video on YouTube that takes you through a 100% Pidgin interaction:

How Pidgin English Evolved Over Time

If you think Pidgin is just broken English, you’ve got it all wrong. It has its own grammar, structure, and rhythm that make it different from both English and Hawaiian. The cool part? It’s still evolving. You’ll hear different versions of Pidgin depending on where you are and who you’re talking to. Older generations tend to speak a heavier, more traditional Pidgin, while younger people mix in more standard English.

And Pidgin isn’t just something you hear on the street. It’s in Hawaiian music, local TV shows, comedy skits, and even politics. Some schools are even teaching about Pidgin’s history now, which is wild considering it used to be looked down on. Now, it’s something locals take pride in—it’s part of what makes Hawaii, Hawaii.

Essential Pidgin Words and Phrases

Once I started picking up on the most common Pidgin words, everything started clicking. Here are some key ones to know:

  • Aunty / Unko – Respectful term for older women and men, even if not blood-related.
  • Brah / Braddah – Friend, brother, or just a way to address someone.
  • Grindz – Food.
  • Broke da mouth – Extremely delicious food.
  • Pupus – Appetizers or snacks.
  • Bento – Boxed lunch, usually with rice, meat, and sides.
  • Mauka / Makai – Toward the mountains / Toward the ocean (used for directions).
  • Hana Hou! – Encore! Do it again!
  • Pau – Done, finished.
  • Pau Hana – Finished with work, often used for after-work drinks.
  • Shaka – Hand gesture meaning “hang loose” or “all good.”
  • Cherry – High quality or excellent.
  • Choke – A lot, plentiful.
  • Da Kine – A placeholder word for anything and everything.
  • Can / No Can – Yes / No.
  • Bumbai – Later, or else.
  • Cockaroach – To steal something.
  • Scrap – To fight.
  • Talk Stink – To gossip or badmouth someone.
  • Talk Story – To chat, hang out, or have a conversation.
  • High Maka Maka – Stuck up, pretentious.
  • Like Beef? – Wanna fight?
  • Juice – Can mean something is rigged or refer to big surf.
  • Mo’ Bettah – Better.
  • Ono – Delicious.
  • Moke / Tita – Local tough guy / girl who speaks strong Pidgin.
  • Okole – Butt.
  • Stink Eye – Dirty look.
  • Wahine – Woman.
  • Haole – Someone of Caucasian descent.
  • Hawaiian Time / Island Time – The concept of being fashionably late.

If you hear “Brah, dat ono grindz, broke da mouth!”, they’re just saying the food is insanely good. Or if you’re asking for directions and someone says it’s Mauka, that means it’s inland. “How’s it going?” turns into “Howzit?”.

How Pidgin Reflects Hawaiian Culture

What I love about Pidgin is that it’s not just a way of speaking—it’s a reflection of Hawaii’s laid-back, welcoming, and community-focused culture. It’s casual, it’s full of humor, and it brings people together. The way locals talk, laugh, and joke in Pidgin is part of what makes the islands feel so different from anywhere else.

And once you start picking up on it? You’ll feel more connected to the people here. Not because you need to speak it fluently, I don’t even attempt to speak it. But because understanding Pidgin means understanding Hawaii.

FAQs

  1. Is Pidgin English the same as Hawaiian?
    No, Pidgin is a creole language that developed in Hawaii, while Hawaiian is the native Polynesian language of the islands.
  2. Can non-locals learn Pidgin?
    Absolutely! While fluency takes time, learning common words and phrases will help you connect with locals and better understand island culture.
  3. Is Pidgin considered proper English?
    Not exactly. Pidgin has its own grammar and structure, making it more of a separate language than a dialect of English.
  4. Do people in Hawaii still speak Pidgin today?
    Yes! Pidgin is still widely spoken, though younger generations tend to mix it with standard English more than older generations.
  5. Will speaking Pidgin help me fit in with locals?
    Understanding it? Yes. But don’t force it—just let it come naturally, and locals will appreciate the effort!