As the most isolated population center on earth, the Hawaiian Islands are unique in everything from our culture and history to the foods consumed and quirky habits shared by locals. And as a result of our unique life, there are countless stereotypes the rest of the world believes about Hawaii locals. While some of these stereotypes are absolutely baseless, others are often true — even though we might not want to admit it. Without further ado, here are totally true 15 Hawaiian stereotypes that Hawaii locals should probably just accept as fact.

1. Spam is a big deal in Hawaii.
Chris Barker/Flickr
In Hawaii, there is perhaps only one food that is more engrained in the island culture than pineapple – and that food is Spam. This quintessential canned ham product manufactured in Minnesota was introduced to the islands during the 1940s, and has become a wildly popular staple food across the islands.
2. There is a pair of slippers for all occasions.
toastal/Flickr
You undoubtedly have both a pair of slippers to throw on to work outside, as well as a fancy pair you wear to weddings and other celebrations.
3. We are all about Ohana.
Jeremy Plehler/Flickr
Lilo and Stitch said it best: "Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind." There is little more that we value than our families, including not only our blood relatives, but all of our aunties, uncles, and cousins.
4. We all love the ocean.
Stefan Klopp/Flickr
Well, duh. Why else would we choose to live on a tropical island with an astronomical cost of living?
5. Hawaii locals are laid-back.
Carlton Abas/Flickr
If you’re not laid-back when you move to Hawaii, you adapt to the relaxed pace of life far before you ever become a true local.
6. We love being active.
Curt Smith/Flickr
When you live in Hawaii, you don’t necessarily need a gym membership, and it’s easy to be active all the time. Plus, with views like this, how could you not LOVE hiking?
7. Locals are incredibly friendly.
thaths/Flickr
It might be the Aloha Spirit, but most Hawaii locals are incredibly welcoming - both towards other locals and tourists alike.

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8. Hawaii locals think rice is its own food group.
bionicgrrl/Flickr
Is it really a meal if it doesn't include rice? In Hawaii, rice is the biggest common denominator to all of our meals, and quite frankly, we might not survive without it. There's a reason almost every single Hawaii local owns a rice cooker.
9. The Aloha spirit is all-encompassing.
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr
There's nothing quite like the Aloha spirit you'll find in Hawaii. People who have never lived or visited the islands might think it's a stereotype, but here, it's just life.
10. We are indeed often indifferent to national politics.
Hopeful In NJ/Flickr
When you live more than 2,000 miles from the mainland, it's hard not to feel indifferent when it comes to United States politics.
11. We are behind the times when it comes to mainland culture and fads.
Armin Rodler/Flickr
Music tends to make it to the islands a little later than it does to the mainland, as do many American fads.
12. Hawaii locals have a distinct way of talking.
marcos ojeda/Flickr
Though the Hawaiian accent is subtle, people from Hawaii do talk a little… differently. Plus, most locals use pidgin - or at least have a few Hawaiian words in their regular vocabulary. One of the two actual creole languages in the United States, Pidgin English is a combination of various languages that arose during the plantation era.
13. We've all taken a hula lesson at some point — but we're NOT all amazing at it.
Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr
Like many elementary students learn line dancing on the mainland, students here do learn the hula, but not just as physical education — as a history and culture lesson.
14. We don't do well with cold.
Justin De La Ornellas/Flickr
When you grow up in a warm climate, adapting to anything colder is a struggle. As a result, many locals break out the sweaters when it dips into the high 60s.
15. And finally, we are incredibly lucky.
Dhilung Kirat/Flickr
This one might not be a stereotype, per say, but it is a common belief that Hawaii locals are lucky to call a tropical island home. And it couldn't be more true. After all, there is a reason "Lucky We Live Hawaii" is such a common phrase.

What other Hawaiian stereotypes do you believe are totally true? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

If you’re looking for a good laugh, why not read about these 15 weird things in Hawaii locals do or maybe take a look at these 21 hilarious signs that perfectly sum up Hawaii life?

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Hawaiian stereotypes

Sarah M. | August 12, 2022

What are some other Hawaiian stereotypes that are true?

Hawaiians are an odd bunch, with a culture and language all their own. For instance, flip flops -- those things you wear on your feet? -- those are slippers. And we have a pair for each and every occasion. In Hawaii, we refer to almost everyone we know as an auntie, uncle, or cousin. We're all family here! We choose shave ice over anything, even ice cream. And yes -- it's shave ice, not "shaved" ice. Shave ice is the quintessential Hawaiian treat; the perfect snack for a quick sugar rush after a day spent in the ocean. Who in their right mind would chose boring ice cream over shave ice? Unless your shave ice is served on top of ice cream... which is delicious.

What are some Hawaii phrases and sayings?

Want to talk like a local? Here's a little Hawaii linguistics lesson!

  • Howzit, braddah? This common Hawaiian greeting essentially translates to "What’s up, man?" and is easily a shortened version of "How is it going?" 
  • Da Kine: Often seen as a placeholder word with no true definition, da kine is often used as the English equivalent to whatchamacallit, you know, for when you really don’t want to use real words.
  • Ono Grinds: Quite literally, delicious food. As in, "Braddah, let’s go to Rainbow Drive In for some ono grinds."
  • E Komo Mai: Meaning welcome or enter, "E Komo Mai," is perhaps one of the most common phrases you’ll hear in Hawaii.
  • Lastly: Mahalo Nui Loa. This is what you say when you are extremely thankful. Quite literally, "thank you very much."

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