all pau

"All pau" is a universally used Hawaiian Pidgin expression combining the English word "all" with the Hawaiian word "pau" (finished, done, or ended). It is spoken by locals of all ages and backgrounds to indicate that a task is completed, a meal is finished, or a supply is completely depleted. The phrase is highly versatile and appropriate in almost any casual or semi-formal setting, from a server at a restaurant asking if you are finished with your plate to a construction worker signaling the end of a shift. Because "pau" is one of the most deeply integrated Hawaiian words in daily local vocabulary, adding "all" simply emphasizes the absolute completion of the subject at hand. It is rarely considered inappropriate, though in highly formal English contexts, standard phrasing might be preferred.

Aunty Mele been stressin' all week, eh. She wen' volunteer fo' organize da big luau fo' da whole neighborhood, and plenny kine tings fo' do. Gotta cook all da food, set up da tables, make sure everybody get one good time.

"Aisus," she mumble to herself, choppin' up one mountain of veggies. "I hope I can finish everyting befo' da guests come."

Her daughter, Leilani, come into da kitchen, see da chaos, and shake her head. "Mama, you need help? You stay lookin' kinda frazzled."

Aunty Mele smile, "Tanks, Lei, but I get dis. Jus' need fo' focus and get everyting pau."

Leilani roll up her sleeves, "Okay, but if you need anyting, jus' holler, yeah?"

Aunty Mele nod, appreciatin' da offer. She go back to her choppin', but now wit' one lil' bit mo' pep in her step.

Couple hours later, da kalua pig stay roastin' in da imu, da poi stay poundin', and da tables stay all set up wit' flowers and lauhala mats. Aunty Mele take one deep breath, lookin' 'round wit' satisfaction.

"All pau!" she announce, throwin' her hands up in da air. "Everyting stay ready fo' da luau!"

Leilani come out, eyes wide, "Wow, Mama, you did 'em! Da place look amazing!"

Aunty Mele beam, "All tanks to you, Lei, fo' offerin' help. Now, let's get ourselves ready. Da guests goin' be hea' any minute!"

When da first guests arrive, Aunty Mele greet dem wit' one big smile and one warm hug. Da luau stay one big success, wit' plenny food, music, and laughter. Everybody stay havin' one good time, and Aunty Mele, she feelin' proud and happy.

As da night wind down, and da last guests say dea goodbyes, Aunty Mele collapse on one chair, exhausted but content.

"All pau," she sigh, closin' her eyes. "Time fo' rest now."