18 Things People From Hawaii Always Have To Explain To Out Of Towners
By Megan Shute|Updated on February 17, 2021(Originally published February 03, 2021)
×
Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
As the most isolated population center on earth, the Hawaiian Islands are perhaps one of the most unique locations on earth, which means that life in Hawaii will always be a little different than anywhere else. And no time is that more evident than when locals have to explain the islands to well-intentioned visitors who don’t quite understand what Hawaii is all about.
Forget directions like east and west, Hawaiians use the words mauka, meaning towards the mountain and makai, meaning towards the ocean. We also have alternative names for many roads, and we give directions based on landmarks rather than addresses. I remember driving to a hike once and the Yelp reviews told us to "turn right, and park on the side of the road next to the 11th light pole." Sure enough, there was the entrance to the hike.
2. Aloha Fridays are the best - and happen every week.
Like a magnificent weekly holiday, there is absolutely nothing better than hearing your favorite radio DJ exclaiming "Happy Aloha Friday" on the air during your Friday morning commute, or hanging out with your friends pau hana to celebrate the weekend.
Vog, or the volcanic smog, that wafts over from the Big Island when the trade winds die down, is absolutely killer. We’re talking itchy eyes, sinus headaches, and more. Plus, it’s unpredictable.
You can never have too many beaches to choose from. After all, you need favorites for all of the activities you love: surfing, snorkeling, boogie boarding, SUP, barbecuing with friends, and just getting some sun.
From rip currents and strong undertows to dangers lurking in the Pacific like sharks and Portuguese Man ‘o War jellyfish, the waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands as dangerous as they are beautiful. Just remember: the Pacific Ocean is always in charge.
At least on Oahu, that is. Traffic in the Honolulu metropolitan area is the second-worst in the country, second only to Los Angeles. There's a reason we avoid going West on H-1 between the hours of 3 and 7 p.m.
Shocker, only about 10 percent of Hawaii residents are actually Hawaiian and can trace their roots to the islands’ first settlers. The rest are just Hawaii locals.
It does rain here quite a bit; I mean, how else do you think we get so many rainbows? Oh, and there’s no way your shorts and tank tops are going to cut it when you head to higher elevation - especially Mauna Kea, which does occasionally get snow in the winter.
Many of our most magical beaches, breathtaking waterfalls, and other enchanting natural wonders can only be reached on foot. Sorry, you’ll have to put in some effort to find that jaw-dropping view you saw on Instagram.
Advertisement
14. Plate lunches are a staple of our diets.
And no, a plate lunch isn’t simply what’s on your plate. The traditional Hawaiian plate lunch typically consists of rice, a side like macaroni salad, and a main entree, like chicken katsu or kalua pork.
15. Hawaii is so much more than just Waikiki, and in fact, we tend to avoid the tourist trap.
Nearly half of all tourists who visit the Hawaiian Islands check out Waikiki, but most locals hate it. The parking is expensive, the beach’s sand is pumped in from neighboring islands, and there are far too many people to enjoy yourself.
Hahaha, no. You can go on a cruise to the four main Hawaiian Islands, but most people simply hop on a short island hopper flight to travel to the neighboring islands.
The eight main islands that make up the Hawaiian archipelago couldn’t be more different. For example, you won’t find a single stoplight on the island of Molokai, while traffic on Oahu is among the worst in the country. Oh, and most people can't believe that Maui is home to both Mount Haleakala and the stunning Waimooku Falls.
So, tell us, Hawaii locals, what else would you add to this list? Sound off in the comments.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Hawaii Differences
Megan Shute|February 17, 2021
What questions shouldn't you ask someone who lives in Hawaii?
The 11 Most Ridiculous Questions Tourists Have Ever Asked About Hawaii is a good starting point. It can be summed up in one singular question, though: Do people in Hawaii live in grass huts without cell phones and internet, wear leis and grass skirts exclusively, and travel only by boat? That would be a resounding no, though there is one thing we hate more than any other, and that's mainlanders not knowing that Hawaii is, in fact, an American state.
How can you spot someone from Hawaii when you're not in the Aloha State?
With a distinct style, specific character quirks, and a unique lifestyle, Hawaii locals are pretty easy to spot – even when they have left the islands. You might spot them bundled up in a sweater when the temperature hits 70 degrees, eating rice with every single meal, wearing slippers – or as you might call them, flip-flops – everywhere, and throwing shakas everywhere they go.
What makes the Hawaiian Islands so, well, different?
