If you’ve lived in Hawaii for far too long, you’ve probably experienced these 10 things that are uniquely local:
- Always speaking or understanding Hawaiʻi Pidgin, the vibrant local creole language with words like “howzit,” “pau hana,” and “slippahs” that outsiders struggle with.
- Calling everybody “aunty” or “uncle” (or “unko”) out of respect, even if they are not related to you by blood.
- Living on “Hawaiian time,” where being late is culturally accepted and expected.
- Eating finger steaks and going for “grinds” (meals) with friends, especially enjoying local delicacies like poke and haupia.
- Using slang like “broke da mouth” to describe food so good it’s practically mouth-breaking.
- Constantly hearing “Hana Hou!” shouted at shows to call for an encore.
- Taking “holoholo” outings meaning cruising or wandering just for pleasure or fun.
- Wearing “slippahs” (flip flops) everywhere, no matter the occasion or weather.
- Experiencing a “kanak attack” — the food coma after overeating at a local plate lunch or potluck.
- Enjoying the strong sense of community and “kuleana” — meaning both privilege and responsibility towards the land and people.
These everyday experiences, language quirks, and cultural details mark long-term residency in Hawaiʻi and often become second nature to kamaʻāina (locals).
SOURCES
[1](https://hawaii.com/50-hawaii-pidgin-words-and-terms-visitors-need-to-know/)
[2](https://www.hawaiimagazine.com/44-hawaiian-and-pidgin-phrases-every-visitor-needs-to-know/)
[3](https://www.enjoytravel.com/us/travel-news/guides/hawaii-slang)
[4](https://collectionsofwaikiki.com/pidgin-hawaiian-slang-words/)
[5](https://www.solemateadventures.com/hawaiian-slang-words-pidgin-phrases/)
