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Hawaii may be the 50th U.S. state, but it's an ocean — and a world — apart from its mainland brethren. In fact, because it didn't join the star-spangled party until 1959, Hawaii came into the Union as an adopted adult, complete with its own unique personality, fully formed (indeed, ancient) culture, and distinct worldview.
Honolulu sits closer to Tokyo than it does to Washington, D.C. — and that makes a big difference, creating a further divide between the islands and the Eurocentric perspective that many Americans have on the world.
Even the population is dramatically different. Unlike in the rest of the United States, no one ethnic group forms a majority in Hawaii. Although Caucasian and Japanese are the two largest ethnic groups (each accounts for roughly 22 percent of the population), nearly 35 percent of islanders consider themselves of mixed ethnicity. Hawaii's residents, as a group, don't consider race a factor in marriage; they're just as likely to marry someone from a different race as not.
The fact that Hawaii is both exotic and familiar is one of its greatest appeals. It's also one of the biggest pitfalls for visitors, however: Because Hawaii is part of the good ol' U.S. of A., many first-time visitors think that they have it all figured out. What could they possibly have to know?
 | You need to know a few things, it turns out. If you'd rather come across as an akamai (smart) traveler than advertise your status as a Malihini (newcomer), then this article is for you. |
Mastering the most important phrases in the Hawaiian language
Everyone in Hawaii speaks English, of course. A few Hawaiian words and phrases have made their way into the common vernacular, though, and regularly pop up in everyday conversation.
You probably already know the Hawaiian word aloha (a-lo-ha), which serves as an all-purpose greeting — hello and welcome, and goodbye as well. It's a warm and wonderful word, full of grace and compassion and good feeling, so use it liberally; there's no better way to get caught up in the true spirit of Hawaii.
A second word that every visitor should learn is mahalo (ma-ha-low), which means "thank you" and is used extensively throughout Hawaii. If you want to say "Thanks very much!" or "Thank you so much," say mahalo nui loa (ma-ha-low noo-ee low-ah). Not only will the locals be impressed with your efforts to learn, but they'll be flattered by your graciousness, too.
Islanders don't like "goodbye" to be so permanent. So to really sound like a local, part from others warmly with a hui hou (ah hoo-ee ho), which means "until we meet again."
Remembering that you're in the United States
If you're from the continental United States, don't say "back home in the U.S." when you're talking to folks in Hawaii. This tip seems like a real no-brainer, but that long flight across the Pacific and the one-of-a-kind Hawaiian ambience and culture can really play tricks with your mind. Islanders are a patriotic bunch, so they don't take kindly to being left off the national map. Refer to the continental United States as the mainland.
And locals are always called "islanders," never Hawaiians, unless they are of native blood, which not that many islanders are.
Wearing sunscreen
You don't need a trained eye to spot the newest arrivals a mile away — they're the ones with the excruciating sunburns.
The sun's rays are much stronger in Hawaii than on the mainland. Most locals use SPF 30 sunscreen on a daily basis. It's wise not to go out in the sun, even for ten minutes, wearing anything less than SPF 15. Apply sunscreen under bathing suit straps, on the tops of your feet, on the back of your neck, and on your ears and lips.
Dressing the part
There's nothing more tacky-touristy than a bold tropical-patterned aloha shirt, right? Wrong!
The key to wearing aloha wear well is understanding what separates the sublime from the goofy.
Look for beautiful, well-designed prints with strong colors and no bleeding. Look for quality buttons (coconut or wood are best) and pattern matching at the seams and pockets. Top-quality brands to look for include Kahala Sportswear, Kamehameha Garment Co., and the Paradise Found and Diamond Head labels, all of which have revived vintage designs; Reyn's, Tommy Bahama's, and Tori Richard. Mamo Howell has elevated the muumuu to haute couture status. Hilo Hattie is the largest manufacturer of aloha wear; its stuff isn't the height of aloha fashion, but it remains very affordable.
| The cardinal rule of wearing aloha wear like a local rather than a tourist? No matching. No themed husband-and-wife shirts, no mom-and-daughter muumuus, no two garments on one person in the same pattern. Period. |
Remembering your island-style manners
As in many Eastern cultures, removing your shoes when you enter a private home is common practice in Hawaii — which is one reason why flip-flops and other slip-on shoes are so common in the islands.
Islanders pride themselves on their laid-back manner, and they really show it in their driving habits — so leave your need for speed at home. If the car in front of you isn't moving quickly enough, or someone cuts you off, just let it slide. Car horns are used to greet friends in Hawaii.
Leaving your work behind
Even the millionaires who are buying up Hawaii real estate understand the meaning of Hawaii. Don't cart your business worries halfway around the world; an island vacation is far too precious for that.
Smiling a lot and saying "aloha" to strangers
Who knows? You may even get yourself mistaken for a local.
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