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. Things that seem totally normal here – like throwing shakas in traffic or being cold at 70 degrees – are met with weird looks and confusion anywhere else. These 12 quirks shared by Hawaii locals might seem absolutely insane to anyone who isn’t familiar with Hawaiian culture.
- Eat Spam on a regular basis.
Frank Hamm/Flickr Did you know that 7 million cans of Spam are sold in Hawaii each year according to Spam’s website? Spam haters obviously haven’t tried Spam Musubi.
- Bundle up when the temperature dips below 75 degrees.
Justin De La Ornellas/Flickr When you acclimate to tropical weather, any dip in temperature leaves you freezing - even if it is 70 degrees!
- Use “mauka” and “makai” instead of traditional cardinal directions.
Marvin Chandra/Flickr Meaning “to the mountain” and “to the sea,” respectively, mauka and makai make way more sense than east and west.
- Get up before dawn for a sunrise hike.
Barb Mayer/Flickr You might think we’re crazy, but nothing beats starting your day with exercise and a sunrise.
- Allow geckos to live inside their homes.
Sam Cox/Flickr They eat all of the other bugs for you. Plus, they’re incredibly cute.
- Call the contiguous 48 American states, “the mainland.”
Eric and Mary Ellen/Flickr It’s just what we do.
- Plan our lives around avoiding rush hour traffic.
be808/Flickr Otherwise, we might get stuck in two hours of traffic just to run to Costco - and nobody wants that.
- Own only three pairs of shoes: slippers, fancy slippers, and hiking boots.
Mark Bonica/Flickr Really, what other shoes do you need?
- Throw shakas all the time.
Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr Funny story: I once gave someone a shaka for letting me cross the road while visiting Minnesota. Their face was one of disbelief and concern that I was throwing a gang sign at them.
- Talk about distance in the time it takes to get there, not miles.
Armin Rodler/Flickr Because even though your favorite beach on the island is only 25 miles away, it will take you more than an hour to get there.
- Not knowing who your real cousins are…
Sam Howzit/Flickr …or your aunts and uncles, for that matter. We’re all ohana, here!
- Complain about anything, ever.
Thomas/Flickr Because complaining about anything in your life will certainly result in anyone who hasn’t lived here saying “But you live in paradise!” Well, yes, but we still deal with many of the same everyday struggles as you.
Can you think of any other quirks shared by Hawaii locals? What weird things do you do as a result of living in Hawaii that get you some weird looks elsewhere? If you enjoyed this list, we think you’ll love these 21 hilarious signs that totally define Hawaii.
Frank Hamm/Flickr
Did you know that 7 million cans of Spam are sold in Hawaii each year according to Spam’s website? Spam haters obviously haven’t tried Spam Musubi.
Justin De La Ornellas/Flickr
When you acclimate to tropical weather, any dip in temperature leaves you freezing - even if it is 70 degrees!
Marvin Chandra/Flickr
Meaning “to the mountain” and “to the sea,” respectively, mauka and makai make way more sense than east and west.
Barb Mayer/Flickr
You might think we’re crazy, but nothing beats starting your day with exercise and a sunrise.
Sam Cox/Flickr
They eat all of the other bugs for you. Plus, they’re incredibly cute.
Eric and Mary Ellen/Flickr
It’s just what we do.
be808/Flickr
Otherwise, we might get stuck in two hours of traffic just to run to Costco - and nobody wants that.
Mark Bonica/Flickr
Really, what other shoes do you need?
Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr
Funny story: I once gave someone a shaka for letting me cross the road while visiting Minnesota. Their face was one of disbelief and concern that I was throwing a gang sign at them.
Armin Rodler/Flickr
Because even though your favorite beach on the island is only 25 miles away, it will take you more than an hour to get there.
Sam Howzit/Flickr
…or your aunts and uncles, for that matter. We’re all ohana, here!
Thomas/Flickr
Because complaining about anything in your life will certainly result in anyone who hasn’t lived here saying “But you live in paradise!” Well, yes, but we still deal with many of the same everyday struggles as you.
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Address: Hawaii, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Understanding Hawaii’s Quirks March 07, 2021 Megan Shute Do Hawaii locals have any strange habits? Of course, they do — did you even read this article? In addition to those habits above, many Hawaii locals refuse to use their car horns, have distinct preferences when it comes to the foods and beverages they consume, and struggle with something called sun guilt. What can we say? Sometimes, you need to recharge by binge-watching Netflix all day, but that can be hard when you feel guilty for not enjoying the weather and taking advantage of Hawaii’s beautiful landscape. 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. 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 are the weirdest things about Hawaii? While we might take offense to the word “weird” at times, there’s no denying that the Aloha State is one of the most unique places in the entire country. From bizarre historic stories to the odd places you can visit, you’ll love learning about what makes the Hawaiian Islands so quirky. I personally love telling everyone I meet about the odd and elusive colony of wallabies you’ll find hiding in Oahu’s Kalihi Valley.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Understanding Hawaii’s Quirks
March 07, 2021
Megan Shute
Do Hawaii locals have any strange habits? Of course, they do — did you even read this article? In addition to those habits above, many Hawaii locals refuse to use their car horns, have distinct preferences when it comes to the foods and beverages they consume, and struggle with something called sun guilt. What can we say? Sometimes, you need to recharge by binge-watching Netflix all day, but that can be hard when you feel guilty for not enjoying the weather and taking advantage of Hawaii’s beautiful landscape. 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. 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 are the weirdest things about Hawaii? While we might take offense to the word “weird” at times, there’s no denying that the Aloha State is one of the most unique places in the entire country. From bizarre historic stories to the odd places you can visit, you’ll love learning about what makes the Hawaiian Islands so quirky. I personally love telling everyone I meet about the odd and elusive colony of wallabies you’ll find hiding in Oahu’s Kalihi Valley.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Of course, they do — did you even read this article? In addition to those habits above, many Hawaii locals refuse to use their car horns, have distinct preferences when it comes to the foods and beverages they consume, and struggle with something called sun guilt. What can we say? Sometimes, you need to recharge by binge-watching Netflix all day, but that can be hard when you feel guilty for not enjoying the weather and taking advantage of Hawaii’s beautiful landscape.
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.
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 are the weirdest things about Hawaii?
While we might take offense to the word “weird” at times, there’s no denying that the Aloha State is one of the most unique places in the entire country. From bizarre historic stories to the odd places you can visit, you’ll love learning about what makes the Hawaiian Islands so quirky. I personally love telling everyone I meet about the odd and elusive colony of wallabies you’ll find hiding in Oahu’s Kalihi Valley.
