cuz

In Hawaii, "cuz" is a ubiquitous term of endearment and camaraderie used by locals of all ages and backgrounds. While it literally stems from the English word "cousin" or acts as a contraction for "because," its cultural weight is much heavier. It reflects the island value of extended family (ʻohana), where close friends, neighbors, and even friendly strangers are treated with the same warmth and respect as blood relatives. It is highly appropriate in casual settings—like at the beach, a tailgate, or a local drive-in—to greet a peer or get someone's attention in a friendly way. However, it should generally be avoided in formal or highly professional environments, or when addressing elders (kūpuna), where "Aunty" or "Uncle" is the proper and respectful choice.

The sun was just starting to dip below the horizon at Makapuu Beach, casting a golden glow over the water. Keoni was busy flipping teriyaki chicken on the grill when a familiar lifted Tacoma pulled into the adjacent parking stall. The door swung open, and out stepped Moku, carrying a massive cooler and a wide grin. "Eh, cuz! Long time no see," Keoni called out, waving his tongs in the air.

Moku laughed and gave Keoni a quick hug and a solid back pat. "I know, I know. I was running late cuz the traffic on the H-1 was unreal today. But I brought the poke and the drinks, so we good." They cracked open a couple of cold ones and settled into their beach chairs, watching the kids splash in the shallow water.

As the evening rolled on, more friends and family drifted over to their tent. Every new arrival was greeted with a warm "howzit, cuz," instantly blurring the lines between blood relatives and lifelong friends. It didn't matter who was actually related to who; under the pop-up tent with the smell of smoke and sea salt in the air, everybody was family.