The Hawaiian population sits at 1.4 million residents, and only ten percent of those residents are native Hawaiians - meaning anyone who can trace their roots back to the earliest Hawaiian residents. The other 90 percent of the population are referred to as locals, but you don't automatically become a local the moment you move to Hawaii. And while there is no official test to determine your local status - like there is for residency - there are a few things all Hawaii locals have done at least once.
1. Left the house without shoes - without realizing it.
It's just so easy to forget...
2. Eaten shave ice - with ice cream and sweetened condensed milk, of course.
Shave ice is the perfect treat to cool off with after a grueling hike or day at the beach.
3. Complained about being cold when it’s 72 degrees out.
We've all done it, even if we originally hail from the frozen tundra that is the American Midwest.
4. Given away fruits or veggie from your yard - or accepted them from someone else.
After all, there's no way you would be able to eat all those mangoes on your own.
5. Worn a flower in your hair.
Bonus points if you picked up the flower from the ground.
6. Had to string a lei at the last minute.
It's an essential life skill to have.
7. Be known for one ono potluck dish.
Mine? Pasta salad.
8. Taken a road trip, just by opting for the scenic route to your destination.
While we can't go on traditional road trips, we can take the long way to our favorite beach and call it one.
9. Had a ukulele jam session.
Preferably on the beach, of course.
10. Grabbed spam musubi from your local 7-11.
Because you haven't truly experienced musubi until you've grabbed it from your local 7-11.
11.Thrown a shaka.
Everyone has thrown a shaka in a photograph: the real test comes while driving.
12. Consumed noodles from a different country every day of the week
There are just so many options: Ramen, Saimin, Pho, Hawaiian Mac Salad...
13. Owned a poi dog - or have a family member that does.
Though the term has a long history, today, it is commonly used to describe any sort of mixed breed dog.
14. Had a craving for raw fish.
You can never have too much poke.
15. Owned a pair of dressy slippers.
And you've worn them to what would be a fancy event on the mainland - like a wedding or important work function.
16. Hoarded rice, water, and toilet paper during hurricane season.
You can never have too much water or rice in the house - especially when the islands' are being threatened with hurricanes every week.
17. Called anyone older than you aunty or uncle.
Calling anyone older than you aunty or uncle is a sign of respect, but also a beautiful nod to the idea that we are all ohana.
What else would you add to this list? We'd also like to think that all Hawaii locals have done these 11 weird things, and also know these 17 words and phrases.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!