Welcome to Hawaii, where the sunsets are stunning, the surf is always up, and “Aloha” is not just a greeting—it’s a way of life. Whether you’re on the island of Oahu, soaking in the beauty of Maui, or enjoying the laid-back vibe of the Big Island, living in Hawaii is an experience like no other. Here are eight things no one tells you about living in paradise—but you’ll quickly learn once you’re here.
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You’ll Become a “Sunset Snob” (And It’s Totally Normal)
In Hawaii, sunsets aren’t just pretty—they’re magical. With the perfect balance of colors in the sky, you’ll start planning your day around them. You’ll quickly become a self-declared “sunset snob,” critiquing every sunset based on the shades of pink, orange, and purple. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself taking pictures of the sunset almost every day—you’ll never get tired of it.
The “Aloha Spirit” Will Take Over Your Life (Whether You Like It or Not)
“Aloha” is more than just a word in Hawaii—it’s a lifestyle. It’s about kindness, hospitality, and respect, and soon enough, you’ll start using it as more than just a greeting. Before long, you’ll find yourself saying “Aloha” to strangers, calling your friends “ohana” (family), and being so relaxed that even your stress is on vacation. The “Aloha spirit” isn’t just a local thing—it’s a mindset, and you’ll adopt it whether you’re ready or not.
The Weather Will Spoil You (And You’ll Complain About “Cold” 70°F)
The weather in Hawaii is almost always perfect. It’s sunny, warm, and just the right amount of breezy, no matter which island you’re on. But here’s the catch: after a while, you’ll become a weather snob. If the temperature dips below 75°F, you’ll start calling it “cold” and wrap yourself in a sweater, even if the rest of the world thinks you’re insane. Living in paradise means you’ll never truly “need” a jacket again—except for those rare occasions when it’s “chilly.”
You’ll Develop a Serious Addiction to Spam
Spam? Yes, Spam. Living in Hawaii means getting to know the deliciously unique way locals prepare this canned meat. Whether it’s Spam musubi (the Hawaiian version of sushi with Spam), Spam sandwiches, or Spam on the side of any plate lunch, you’ll soon find yourself craving the salty goodness. Don’t fight it—at some point, you’ll find yourself becoming a Spam fan and even defend its culinary merits to outsiders.
Traffic Will Drive You Crazy (and So Will People Who Don’t “Get It”)
While the islands are beautiful, the traffic can be a pain—especially in Honolulu. The roads are narrow, the population dense, and during rush hour, the only thing moving faster than the cars is your frustration. You’ll eventually learn to adapt to the traffic, but you’ll also start secretly judging tourists who don’t understand the struggle of trying to get anywhere in a timely fashion. Welcome to the wonderful world of “Hawaii time”—where you’ll be late, but it’ll be okay because everyone else is, too.
You’ll Start Using “Shaka” Like It’s Your New Favorite Hand Gesture
“Shaka” is more than just a hand gesture; it’s a way of expressing the laid-back vibe that runs through Hawaii. Soon enough, you’ll find yourself flashing the “shaka” sign (thumb and pinky out, with your other three fingers curled in) at everyone you meet. Whether it’s “hang loose,” “good vibes,” or just acknowledging a fellow surfer, the shaka will become your go-to gesture for everything—from saying “hello” to “you’re awesome.”
You’ll Find Yourself Saying “Local Time” and “Local Food” a Lot
Living in Hawaii means embracing the concept of “local”—whether it’s local time, local food, or local customs. If you’re ever late for something, you’ll quickly get used to saying “Oh, I was just on local time,” and everyone will understand. The same goes for food—you’ll start proudly declaring your love for local favorites like plate lunches, poke, loco moco, and malasadas. Suddenly, everything just tastes better when it’s “local.”
You’ll Definitely Learn to Love (and Fear) the Ocean
The ocean is both your best friend and your worst enemy in Hawaii. Whether you’re surfing, snorkeling, or just hanging out at the beach, you’ll quickly learn the joys and dangers of the Pacific. You’ll learn to respect the powerful waves, the riptides, and the unpredictable weather patterns. Soon, you’ll be part of the local beach-going community, which means an expert at knowing the difference between a calm day on the water and one when you need to stay out of the surf…