12 Undeniable Habits That No Hawaii Local Can Ever Unlearn
Megan Shute
Author
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…
2. You’ve been seen throwing shakas… all the time.
3. You refer to almost everyone you know as your aunties, uncles, and cousins.
4. You welcome geckos into your home.
5. We will always refer to directions using "mauka," or toward the mountains and "makai," meaning towards the sea.
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.
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7. We also talk about distance not in miles – but in the time it takes to get to our destination.
8. You will always refer to flip-flops as slippers, or even better, slippahs.
9. You hug everyone you meet upon saying "Aloha."
10. You automatically start spelling out our street name whenever giving your address to someone over the phone.
11. You refuse to use your car horn.
12. You break out your sweaters and jeans as soon as the temperature drops below 75 degrees.
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.
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Habits of Hawaiians
What is most important in Hawaiian culture?
In Hawaiian culture, the most important value is undoubtedly "Aloha." Aloha encompasses love, compassion, respect, and harmony, serving as the guiding principle for interactions and relationships within Hawaiian society. It's not just a word but a way of life, reflecting kindness, empathy, and understanding towards others and the environment.
Aloha fosters a deep sense of connection to nature, family, community, and cultural heritage, embodying the essence of Hawaiian identity and spirituality. Through the practice of aloha, Hawaiians maintain their cultural integrity, uphold traditions, and cultivate a sense of unity and belonging for all.
What is the Hawaiian way of life?
The Hawaiian way of life, often referred to as "Aloha Spirit," encompasses a deep connection to nature, community, and cultural traditions. Here are some key aspects of the Hawaiian way of life:
- Aloha Spirit: Central to Hawaiian culture is the concept of "aloha," which means love, compassion, and kindness. It's not just a word but a way of life that emphasizes treating others with respect and warmth.
- Connection to Nature: Hawaiians profoundly respect the land, sea, and sky. Nature is seen as a living entity, and a deep sense of stewardship towards preserving the environment exists.
- Ohana (Family): Family is highly valued in Hawaiian culture, extending beyond blood relations to include close friends and community members. Ohana emphasizes unity, support, and loyalty.
- Hula and Music: Hula is not just a dance but a form of storytelling that preserves Hawaiian history and traditions. Music, including the ukulele and slack-key guitar, is integral to Hawaiian culture, often reflecting love, nature, and daily life themes.
- Spirituality: Traditional Hawaiian spirituality is deeply intertwined with nature, ancestor worship, and a reverence for gods and goddesses. Many Hawaiians also practice Christianity or other religions introduced by settlers.
- Cultural Practices: Traditional Hawaiian ceremonies and customs, such as luaus, lei-making, and the practice of kapu (taboos), are still observed today, alongside modern adaptations.
- Food: Hawaiian cuisine reflects the multicultural influences of the islands, incorporating ingredients like taro, coconut, fish, and tropical fruits. Traditional dishes like poi, kalua pig, and lomi lomi salmon are enjoyed alongside international fare.
The Hawaiian way of life emphasizes harmony, respect, and interconnectedness with the natural world and each other. It's a culture rich in traditions and values that have been passed down through generations.