There are inevitably several different types of people you’ll meet anywhere — but nowhere is that more true than in Hawaii. Because the islands are such a melting pot of cultures, lifestyles, and personalities, you are sure to meet one of these individuals during your time in Hawaii — whether you’ve lived here forever, have recently moved, or are merely on vacation.

1. The surfer.
Kanaka Menehune/Flickr
The surfer is laid-back, rises early to catch the best waves, and is in perfect shape.
2. The adrenaline junkie.
Matt Boman/Flickr
They are always on the lookout for their next great adrenaline fix — whether it is hang gliding, zip lining, or skydiving.
3. The bronze angel.
Micha Camara/Flickr
This individual is always sporting a ridiculously flawless tan. Seriously, how do they get such a perfectly even tan? They must just live in that one swimsuit. It's the only explanation.
4. And then there are the vampires.
Chris James/Flickr
These are the individuals who who walk around with an umbrella and floppy hat — even occasionally long pants, and a long shirt — just to protect themselves from the sun… Are they vampires? Can you actually shield yourself from the sun in Hawaii?
5. The hiker.
Marvin Chandra/Flickr
They are constantly discovering new hikes, going on weekend-long treks around the islands and they always have a killer Instagram feed of them posing — somehow looking flawless — on the top of a mountain. (I secretly aspire to be this person.)
6. The military member.
Official U.S. Navy Page/Flickr
They were all super excited when they received orders to paradise; and some are still stoked. Others just don’t understand the appeal and want to be back on the mainland.
7. The tourists.
Thaths/Flickr
These tourists have saved every penny to afford a trip to the islands, wear Hawaiian shirts with a camera around their neck, and are perpetually lost or confused.

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8. …and the honeymooners.
Michael J/Flickr
Most of the honeymooners in Hawaii could be classified as tourists, but these lovebirds tend to just make out constantly — at dinner, on the beach, etc. Oh, and they will take a lot of kissing selfies, as pictured above.
9. The intense hippie.
Andres Monroy-Hernandez/Flickr
Individuals who preach the importance of a vegan, organic, gluten-free diet and the importance of respecting mother earth. They are often spotted driving an old VW Van or Bug — most likely painted with vibrant colors and crazy designs.
10. The yogi.
Kyle Nishioka/Flickr
These individuals are way too dedicated to yoga — and you will often find them at yoga retreats, or even doing yoga in the middle of the ocean atop a paddleboard. Someone please tell me how this is possible.
11. The moped rider.
Kanaka Menehune/Flickr
Many of these individuals appear to be daredevils, and clearly must have nine lives if they are able to survive Hawaii drivers.
12. The always-on-vacation folk.
Julie U./Flickr
These individuals are essentially on a permanent vacation. Where does their income even come from? Because I totally want in on the secret.
13. The haole who just doesn’t get it.
Ricky Norris/Flickr
These individuals recently moved to the islands, embrace all things Hawaiian, and like to pretend they are different from every other person who has visited Hawaii They will typically throw a shaka any chance they can get, and start every conversation with "Aloha."
14. The "stay out of Hawaii" guy.
Timmmmmmm/Flickr
This guy (or gal) was born in Hawaii — or even worse, moved to the Aloha State years ago — and now takes every opportunity he can to argue about how the islands are overpopulated, and no one should move here.

So, tell us, which one of these people you’ll meet in Hawaii are you? Maybe you’re a mix? Which of these types of people is your favorite? Let us know in the comments, then click here to discover why People From Hawaii Are The Best Kind Of People You’ll Ever Meet — whether they are avid surfers or obsessed with yoga!

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More to Explore

Hawaii Locals

Megan Shute | October 19, 2020

What are the people of Hawaii like?

Hawaii locals are absolutely incredible, with few exceptions, of course. In Hawaii, the Aloha Spirit runs deep and the locals are laid-back, happy, and barely stressed. They also love the beach, local food, and exploring spots hidden from tourists. Bottom line: those who call the Hawaiian Islands home are the best people you will ever meet.

Do Hawaii locals have any strange habits?

Of course, they do! In addition to these 11 weird things only people from Hawaii do, many locals refuse to use their car horns, eat more Spam per capita than any other state, and welcome geckos into their homes with open arms. Did you know that geckos not only eat up all of those unwanted bugs that somehow make their way into your home but are considered lucky?

What are some of the most common misconceptions people have about Hawaii?

Because the Hawaiian Islands are so removed from the rest of the world — after all, the Aloha State is the most isolated population center in the entire world — many people have misconceptions about the people who live here and the islands themselves. Contrary to popular belief, people from Hawaii do more than surf, spend time at the beach drinking Mai Tais, and playing the ukulele in our Hawaiian shirts. For specific examples, you might want to read about the 10 Stereotypes About Hawaii That Need To Be Put To Rest Right Now.

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