Pronunciation: da-kine (like “the kine”)

If you spend time in Hawaii, you’ll quickly notice one magical word that seems to fit into any conversation: da kine.

Da kine is a local Pidgin (Hawaiian Creole English) word that’s basically a fill-in-the-blank for anything. It can mean that thing, what’s-it-called, or even replace an entire idea when words fail you. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of words.

Example?
“Eh, you seen da kine?”
“Yeah, da kine was good, brah.”
“Go grab da kine from da kitchen.”

Locals can carry entire conversations using da kine, with tone and context doing all the heavy lifting. It’s a word rooted in familiarity — it works best when you and the person you’re talking to are on the same wavelength.

Local Tip:
If you can’t remember the word for something, slip in da kine and chances are, people will know what you mean. It’s flexible, casual, and pure local style.

Cultural Note:
Da kine reflects the laid-back, friendly spirit of Hawaii, where communication is as much about connection as precision. It’s part of what makes Pidgin so expressive — sometimes you don’t need the exact word when everyone already understands the vibe.

When you’re ready for your next adventure, we’re here — ready for da kine memories you’ll never forget.  Contact us today to get started.