As the most isolated population center on the entire planet, the Hawaiian Islands are incredibly unique in everything from our scenery and land formations to our culture and common quirks. While not everyone is the same, there are a few habits most Hawaii locals share that we will never be able to unlearn — whether we spend our entire lives or only a few years in Hawaii. These are my favorite habits of Hawaiians!
1. We will always call the 48 contiguous states the mainland…
This undoubtedly results in weird looks from those who live, well, on the mainland.
2. You’ve been seen throwing shakas… all the time.
You’ve been seen throwing a shaka in traffic, while crossing the street, and in most of your hiking photographs. Funny story: I once gave someone a shaka for letting me cross the road while visiting family on the mainland. Their face was one of disbelief and concern that I was throwing a gang sign at them.
3. You refer to almost everyone you know as your aunties, uncles, and cousins.
In Hawaii, everyone is Ohana, even if you may not be related by blood.
4. You welcome geckos into your home.
Not only are geckos adorable, but they eat up all of those unwanted bugs that somehow make their way into your home - despite how often you clean your house.
5. We will always refer to directions using "mauka," or toward the mountains and "makai," meaning towards the sea.
It is also common to use the terms "Ewa" and "Diamond Head" when giving directions on Oahu.
6. Speaking of Oahu, we plan all of our afternoon activities around rush hour so we won’t have to be on H-1 headed west between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Otherwise, you'll waste precious time sitting in traffic. And nobody wants that.
7. We also talk about distance not in miles – but in the time it takes to get to our destination.
When you factor in traffic, road construction, and slow speed limits, it doesn't make sense to talk about driving times in distance. My favorite beach on Oahu, for example, is only 20 miles from my house, but easily takes me an hour to get there.
8. You will always refer to flip-flops as slippers, or even better, slippahs.
We know best — since all we own are slippers (and maybe a pair of hiking boots). You will also always take your shoes off before entering someone’s home.
9. You hug everyone you meet upon saying "Aloha."
It might be the Aloha spirit, but hugging is common — even if you just met someone. Mainlanders get pretty freaked out about it, though.
10. You automatically start spelling out our street name whenever giving your address to someone over the phone.
It's a reflex, really, because we all know that if the person on the other end isn’t a Hawaii local, they won't understand otherwise.
11. You refuse to use your car horn.
It not only disturbs the peace, but it's just plain rude. Have some Aloha spirit, man. One of my favorite local habits in Hawaii.
12. You break out your sweaters and jeans as soon as the temperature drops below 75 degrees.
When you're used to sunny skies and temperatures hovering around 85 degrees, anything colder makes you feel as though you're going to freeze... especially these last few weeks.
What other odd quirks or habits of Hawaiians share? Did we miss anything obvious? If you enjoyed this list, we think you should read about the 17 things every Hawaii local has done at least once. And if you want to visit the Hawaiian Islands, check out the options on VRBO.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
