Here are 10 Things People from Hawaii Do That Seem Insane To Everyone Else

Welcome to the Aloha State, where Hawaii’s vibrant culture and unique traditions shine bright! From driving barefoot to hosting lava viewing parties, residents of Hawaii engage in behaviors that might raise eyebrows elsewhere. Join us as we uncover 10 quirks and customs that showcase the laid-back and adventurous spirit of Hawaii like no place else.

“Shaka sign overload”

Hawaiians use the shaka sign, a hand gesture involving the thumb and pinky finger extended with the other fingers curled, to convey aloha spirit and positivity in various situations, even to strangers, showcasing a laid-back and friendly attitude that may seem excessive or unfamiliar to those from more reserved cultures.

“Driving barefoot”

In Hawaii, it’s common for residents to drive barefoot, especially when heading to or from the beach, as sand can accumulate in footwear and cause discomfort, showcasing a casual approach to driving that may seem unconventional or unsafe to those from regions with stricter driving norms.

“Spam consumption”

Hawaiians have a fondness for Spam, with the canned meat often incorporated into local dishes like Spam musubi, Spam fried rice, and Spam and eggs, showcasing a culinary tradition that may seem strange or unappetizing to those unfamiliar with Spam’s popularity in Hawaii.

“Lava viewing parties”

When lava flows from Kilauea volcano on the Big Island, locals sometimes gather to watch the spectacle from a safe distance, showcasing a fascination with the power of nature that may seem risky or foolhardy to those from regions without active volcanoes.

“Beach bum lifestyle”

Hawaiians embrace a laid-back lifestyle centered around the beach, with activities like surfing, swimming, and sunbathing being priorities, even if it means sacrificing career advancement or material possessions, showcasing a dedication to leisure and outdoor recreation that may seem irresponsible or impractical to those from more work-focused cultures.

“Plate lunch obsession”

Hawaiians love plate lunches, consisting of a protein, rice, and macaroni salad, often served in generous portions and enjoyed as a hearty meal on the go, showcasing a preference for simple and satisfying comfort food that may seem excessive or indulgent to those accustomed to smaller and lighter meals.

“Pigeon English”

Hawaiians sometimes speak Pidgin English, a creole language derived from Hawaiian, English, and other languages, featuring unique grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, showcasing a rich linguistic heritage that may seem confusing or difficult to understand to those unfamiliar with Pidgin.

“Island time mentality”

Hawaiians operate on “island time,” a relaxed approach to punctuality and deadlines where things may run late or take longer than expected, showcasing a prioritization of leisure and flexibility that may seem frustrating or inefficient to those from more time-conscious cultures.

“Aloha attire”

Hawaiians often dress casually in aloha shirts, shorts, and slippers (flip-flops), even for formal occasions like weddings and business meetings, showcasing a relaxed approach to dress codes and personal style that may seem disrespectful or inappropriate to those from more formal cultures.

“Honoring the ‘aina”

Hawaiians have a deep respect for the land, or “aina,” often participating in environmental conservation efforts and cultural practices to preserve and protect the natural beauty of the islands, showcasing a connection to nature and a sense of stewardship that may seem commendable but extreme to those from regions with less emphasis on environmentalism.