I grew up in Hawaii. Here are 9 surprising things about living in the tourist hot spot
I was born and raised in Hawaii — here are things people think are surprising about growing up here.
Not everyone from Hawaii is Hawaiian, and we don't all surf or dance the hula.
The Hawaiian Islands are home to various cultures, traditions, climates, and more.
After being born and raised on Maui, I moved to the mainland US to attend college in California and experienced a bit of culture shock.
I was introduced to a new world filled with freeways, fast food, and changing seasons. People also made assumptions about me and my lifestyle based on where I grew up.
Some of the more outlandish questions I've received have been if we live in grass huts, have electricity, or ride dolphins as a means of transportation. A few more common misconceptions are that everyone born in Hawaii is considered Hawaiian — it's an ethnicity, not a demonym — and that locals are at the beach 24/7.
Here are things about growing up in Hawaii that some may be surprised by.
Residents live and work on the slopes of active volcanoes
Some businesses are open on Mauna Kea. // Shutterstock
When people think of volcanoes in Hawaii, they likely picture Kīlauea, the most active one in the islands. Lava has been flowing almost continuously since 1983.
But there are six active volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii and Maui, two of which — Mauna Kea and Haleakalā — are classified as dormant. This means there's still potential for activity because they have erupted in the past 10,000 years.
Despite the inherent risk, there are many residential areas and businesses located on or near these volcanoes.
Additionally, it's said that trying to interfere with a lava flow will disrespect and anger Pele, the Hawaiian creation goddess of fire and volcanoes, so trying to divert one is a cultural issue.
A lot of people who grow up here embrace physical touch
It's common practice to arrive at a party and spend the first 20 minutes or so greeting everyone with a hug and a kiss on the cheek — and to do the same thing before leaving, as well.
This stems from honi, a traditional Hawaiian greeting during which two people press their noses together and inhale each other's hā (breath of life).
Upon moving to the mainland, I discovered not as many people are comfortable with this form of physical touch, so I started defaulting to a handshake instead.
Hawaii is a melting pot of various Asian and Pacific Islander cultures
Spam musubi is similar to Japanese onigiri. // The Image Party/Shutterstock
In the mid-1800s, Chinese laborers were the first Asian immigrants who came to work on the plantations in Hawaii. This led to an influx of people from various regions, including the Philippines, Korea, Portugal, Africa, and, predominantly, Japan.
According to the 2022 census, the most common ethnic background in Hawaii is Asian. Only about 10% of the population identifies as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander.
This melting pot has heavily influenced modern culture, including the use of Pidgin, one of the state's three official languages; taking off our shoes before entering someone's home; and a lot of "ono grinds" (delicious food).
Hawaii is the only state with holidays that celebrate royalty
This includes Prince Kūhiō Day on March 26 and King Kamehameha I Day on June 11, both of which honor these royal men as well as their service to the Hawaiian kingdom and its people.
People get a day off school or work for both celebrations, which typically include a parade and festivals with cultural activities like traditional dance performances, Hawaiian music, and more.
Another unique holiday is May Day, otherwise known as Lei Day. Many organizations, including my elementary and middle school, put on a show.
When I participated, students from each grade learned a traditional dance to perform on stage for our families and a royal court, who were appointed representatives from each class.
We live on one of the most isolated land masses in the world
The view of the windward side of Oahu, Hawaii, from aboard a Hawaiian Airlines flight. // Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
The Hawaiian Island chain is located about 2,000 miles from California, about 4,000 miles from Japan, and about 4,600 miles from New Zealand. It is literally in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
Not only does this exasperate island fever — which is very real — but it makes shipping an absolute nightmare. This is especially difficult considering up to 90% of the state's food is imported, which is why grocery store prices are astronomically high.
Some companies refuse to ship to Hawaii altogether because of the additional costs.
The weather is more diverse than mainlanders may think
Often when people refer to Hawaii, they describe either a tropical rainforest or a sunny paradise where it's always 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
In reality, each island has a variety of microclimates, and the difference a few miles can make is remarkable.
For example, my hometown of Lāhainā is known for being hot and dry — instead of school being canceled for snow days, we would have rain days. If you drive about 15 minutes north the climate is typically cooler and the infrastructure is better equipped for weather.
It also snows on the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island as well as Haleakalā on Maui, which is where I saw snow for the first time.
There's a profound sense of love and trust within the community
People show up to help each other in Hawaii.
In Hawaii, people are treated like family and referred to as such.
Regardless of ancestral ties, older women and men are called aunties and uncles, respectively. Peers often call each other cousin, braddah, or sistah (which can be shortened to cuz, bra, or sis). All of these are terms of endearment.
You'll also find a lot of roadside stands that sell fresh fruit or flowers by relying on the honor system, as locals trust that people will share in the aloha spirit.
Not everyone who lives in Hawaii surfs or dances the hula
The most common question I get after telling people I'm from Hawaii is, "Do you surf?" And the answer is no.
People are even more shocked to discover that I'm not a big fan of the beach — I prefer to be among trees in a lush forest.
I'm also not a hula dancer, though I've learned a few choreographed pieces throughout the years.
These cultural activities are significant because surfing is believed to have originated on the islands and hula also serves as an oral record of Hawaiian history.
Personally, I feel that assuming all Hawaii residents are experts in these activities unintentionally invalidates those who have actually dedicated time and energy to honoring these sacred traditions.
There are a few things we don't have that are common on the mainland
In Hawaii, it's illegal to own a pet snake, ferret, or hamster.
When it comes to any pet, there's also a long process behind bringing them over from the mainland, as Hawaii is the only state without rabies.
You also won't see any flashy billboards or slot machines here, as the oversized advertisements and gambling are both prohibited in Hawaii. Residents also don't participate in Daylight Savings Time.
