As the most isolated population center in the entire world, the Hawaiian Islands are incredibly unique and unlike anywhere else you’ve ever lived or visited. That is clearly evident in everything from our breathtaking scenery to the quirks Hawaii locals share. From common language differences and driving preferences to feelings of sun guilt, island fever, and general annoyance about Hawaiian pizza, here are 17 weird side effects of growing up in Hawaii you might have experienced. Read on for a good laugh.
- You know there’s nothing a little “vitamin sea” can’t fix.
Christian Arballo/Flickr Everyone knows that saltwater therapy can cure anything.
- You know how to pronounce even the longest Hawaiian words.
Brad Hagan/Flickr You also laugh in the face of anyone who tells you that the way you pronounce “Hawaii” or “Karaoke” is weird.
- You roll your eyes when anyone mentions Hawaiian pizza.
Elsie Hui/Flickr Just because a pizza has pineapple doesn’t mean it’s Hawaiian.
- You easily experience feelings of cold — at 75 degrees.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr When you grow up in a warm climate, adapting to anything colder is a struggle.
- You love Spam more than any mainlander ever would.
Kyle Nishioka/Fliickr Especially Spam Musubi.
- You have lost track of who your “real” aunties, uncles, and cousins are.
Rmgvaoacjr ornlwjntxg/Flickr Not that it matters anyway. Our chosen ohana is just as important as those we are related to by blood.
- You know not to drive Westbound on H-1 in the afternoon — unless you absolutely have to.
be808/Flickr If you work in Honolulu and live on the west side, my thoughts go out to you.
- Your Instagram is full of sunset photos…
Thomas Hawk/Flickr Even though we constantly witness stunning sunsets, we’ll never get sick of them.
- …and the occasional sunrise shot.
Chris Chabot/Flickr When we wake up early enough, that is.
- You don’t wear flip-flops, you wear slippers.
jenswanson/Flickr For the last time, they are slippers or slippahs, not flip-flops or thongs.
- You throw shakas everywhere you go.
Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr While you’re driving and in photographs, especially.
- You call it shoyu, not soy sauce.
frontriver/Flickr At least no one will look at you funny if you call it soy sauce.
- The Aloha Spirit is more than just a concept.
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr There’s nothing quite like the Aloha spirit you’ll find in Hawaii.
- You might be indifferent to current events.
Hopeful in NJ/Flickr When you live more than 2,000 miles from the mainland, it’s hard not to feel indifferent when it comes to United States politics.
- You dread the vog.
Kenneth Lu/Flickr For some people, the vog rolling in results in pretty intense symptoms.
- You have experienced sun guilt and island fever.
Charles Chandler/Flickr Some days you just need to stay inside, watch Netflix, and relax — or get off of the tiny island you call home.
- The Aloha State will always be your home.
Matt Cornish/Flickr It’s hard not to be in love with Hawaii.
Which of these things do you believe are true? Is there one or two that ring more true than the others? What other weird side effects of growing up in Hawaii have you experienced? Sound off in the comments, then if you need a good laugh today — and who doesn’t these days — check out these 21 signs that sum up island life perfectly.
Christian Arballo/Flickr
Everyone knows that saltwater therapy can cure anything.
Brad Hagan/Flickr
You also laugh in the face of anyone who tells you that the way you pronounce “Hawaii” or “Karaoke” is weird.
Elsie Hui/Flickr
Just because a pizza has pineapple doesn’t mean it’s Hawaiian.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
When you grow up in a warm climate, adapting to anything colder is a struggle.
Kyle Nishioka/Fliickr
Especially Spam Musubi.
Rmgvaoacjr ornlwjntxg/Flickr
Not that it matters anyway. Our chosen ohana is just as important as those we are related to by blood.
be808/Flickr
If you work in Honolulu and live on the west side, my thoughts go out to you.
Thomas Hawk/Flickr
Even though we constantly witness stunning sunsets, we’ll never get sick of them.
Chris Chabot/Flickr
When we wake up early enough, that is.
jenswanson/Flickr
For the last time, they are slippers or slippahs, not flip-flops or thongs.
Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr
While you’re driving and in photographs, especially.
frontriver/Flickr
At least no one will look at you funny if you call it soy sauce.
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr
There’s nothing quite like the Aloha spirit you’ll find in Hawaii.
Hopeful in NJ/Flickr
When you live more than 2,000 miles from the mainland, it’s hard not to feel indifferent when it comes to United States politics.
Kenneth Lu/Flickr
For some people, the vog rolling in results in pretty intense symptoms.
Charles Chandler/Flickr
Some days you just need to stay inside, watch Netflix, and relax — or get off of the tiny island you call home.
Matt Cornish/Flickr
It’s hard not to be in love with Hawaii.
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Address: Hawaii, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Growing Up In Hawaii December 11, 2020 Megan Shute What is it like to live in Hawaii?
Like anywhere, there are certainly pros and cons to living in Hawaii. If you’re new to island living, you might find yourself experiencing a bit of culture shock — after all, as the most isolated population center on the planet, the Hawaiian Islands are unlike anywhere else in the world. From the islands’ culture and history to our traditions, favorite foods, and strange habits, everything about living in Hawaii is a little bit, well, different.
What are the best things about living in Hawaii?
There’s nowhere else we’d rather call home than the beautiful Aloha State. Across the Hawaiian Islands, life is a little slower, and we choose to embody the Aloha Spirit in everything we do. From the stunning, panoramic views and that intoxicating tropical ocean breeze to the mouthwatering local food and an emphasis on ohana, there are so, so many things to love about living in Hawaii — but everyone has their own opinions. I think we can all agree that the rest of America could learn a thing or two about life from the islands, though.
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.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Growing Up In Hawaii
December 11, 2020
Megan Shute
What is it like to live in Hawaii?
Like anywhere, there are certainly pros and cons to living in Hawaii. If you’re new to island living, you might find yourself experiencing a bit of culture shock — after all, as the most isolated population center on the planet, the Hawaiian Islands are unlike anywhere else in the world. From the islands’ culture and history to our traditions, favorite foods, and strange habits, everything about living in Hawaii is a little bit, well, different.
What are the best things about living in Hawaii?
There’s nowhere else we’d rather call home than the beautiful Aloha State. Across the Hawaiian Islands, life is a little slower, and we choose to embody the Aloha Spirit in everything we do. From the stunning, panoramic views and that intoxicating tropical ocean breeze to the mouthwatering local food and an emphasis on ohana, there are so, so many things to love about living in Hawaii — but everyone has their own opinions. I think we can all agree that the rest of America could learn a thing or two about life from the islands, though.
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.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Like anywhere, there are certainly pros and cons to living in Hawaii. If you’re new to island living, you might find yourself experiencing a bit of culture shock — after all, as the most isolated population center on the planet, the Hawaiian Islands are unlike anywhere else in the world. From the islands’ culture and history to our traditions, favorite foods, and strange habits, everything about living in Hawaii is a little bit, well, different.
What are the best things about living in Hawaii?
There’s nowhere else we’d rather call home than the beautiful Aloha State. Across the Hawaiian Islands, life is a little slower, and we choose to embody the Aloha Spirit in everything we do. From the stunning, panoramic views and that intoxicating tropical ocean breeze to the mouthwatering local food and an emphasis on ohana, there are so, so many things to love about living in Hawaii — but everyone has their own opinions. I think we can all agree that the rest of America could learn a thing or two about life from the islands, though.
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.
