10 Things People Do in Hawaii That You Would Never Do on the Mainland

Katrina Hicks Student Contributor, Hawaii Pacific University

Amanda Kowalski Student Contributor, Hawaii Pacific University

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at HPU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

There are a lot of differences between Hawaii and the mainland, and it can definitely take some getting used to. Some are pretty minor, but others can cause some major (and hilarious) misunderstandings!

1. Driving casually

On the mainland, if you don’t start moving at least 2 seconds before the light turns green, you’re gonna get honked at. In Hawaii, whateva! Finish talking to your uncle in the car next to you, go when you feel like it!

2. Aunty/Uncle

If you call a stranger ‘aunty’ in, say, Oregon – you’re going to get some strange looks. Similarly, if you call the lady at Foodland ma’am, she’s gonna give you side-eye.

3. Wearing shirts with flowers on them to work

For pretty much everywhere else on the planet, men’s ‘business attire’ means slacks and a long sleeve button down, usually with a suit jacket. In Hawaii, you stand out if you wear anything besides a short sleeve aloha shirt.

4. Hug strangers

Anytime you meet someone new in Hawaii, they’re going to give you a hug. Aunty is also probably going to kiss your cheek, which can be a shock if you’re used to the “don’t touch me” persona of many places on the mainland.

5. Wearing shorts in December

Most of the world is huddled indoors wearing layers upon layers of clothes and blankets, but here in Hawaii you are probably irritated about how sweaty you got on your way to work.

6. Pau, pupu, da kine, howzit

To mainland folk, these are going to sound like “pow,” “poopoo,” “???” and “???”

7. Take “Road trips” longer than the 40 min drive to North Shore

You can drive around the perimeter of the island all you want, but if you try to drive more than 20 or 30 miles in a straight line you’re going to get a bit soggy.

8. Ohana ≠ family

In Hawaii, everyone is your ohana. Strangers in need, friends of friends, or other people’s family – you treat everyone like you have been friends for years. The mainland is very different – friends are friends, strangers are strangers.

9. Eat spam

Enough said.

10. Slippers (slippahs)

Hawaii: flip-flops

Mainland: soft furry shoes you wear in your house