Common Words
Here are some words you should know (in order of my personal favorites):
- poke (po-kay) = raw fish, usually served over a bowl of rice; think of it as a deconstructed sushi roll (hint: it’s delicious)
- acai (a-sigh-ee) = thick berry smoothie, usually served as a bowl and topped with fruit, granola, and honey (hint: also delicious)
- ‘ono = delicious
- grinds = food
- ‘ono grinds = delicious food (notice a trend here?)
- pupu = appetizer
- aloha = hello & goodbye, but also a million other things related to love
- mahalo (ma-ha-low) = thank you
- howzit? (hows-it) = used by locals as people on the mainland use “how are you?” (ex. when you meet someone new they might say “eh, howzit brah?” as a greeting)
- honu (ho-new) = turtle
- aunty / uncle = what most adults are referred to by kids, even if not technically an aunt or an uncle (ex. I was “aunty holly” to my coworkers’ kids)
- grom = young surfer
- keiki (kay-key) = kid/kids
- lanani (la-nigh) = porch, outdoor area of a house/apartment
- kupuna (ka-pune-a) = elder, someone respected
- kama’aina (kama-eye-na) = local; if you are living in Hawaii make sure to ask for a kama’aina discount
- haole (how-lee) = a term meaning not local, sometimes derogatory, but also can be used in jest
- mauka (mauw-ka) = towards the water…used by locals as a directional term
- makai (ma-kai-e) = towards the mountains…used by locals as a directional term
- kai = ocean
- hawaii (ha-vie-ee) = how locals say Hawaii vs. how visitors say “ha-why-ee”
- poi (poy) = a purple paste that is a hawaiian food staple; not my favorite
Tips
Don’t be afraid of living in and embracing the communities and locals. The people of Hawaii are the most real, authentic, and kind of anywhere I’ve ever been.
Respect the ocean and understand how powerful & dangerous it is. The waves and tide can be beautiful and fun but you can get carried out or pulled under in a second. Be especially careful on the North Shore and West Side during surf season, at Sandy Beach on the South Shore, and at the tide pools and blow holes.
Try surfing. But also, respect the surf line up, don’t be a kook. If a local calls you one you might want to get out of the surf line up 
Leave the sea life alone! Don’t touch the seals, honu, dolphins, etc. Follow the laws and keep your distance.
Beware of jaywalking, especially in Waikiki. I grew up in a city where jaywalking is a way of life, and in Hawaii you will get a $100 ticket…even if no cars are coming!
Pack it in, pack it out. There are many amazing hikes that have had to close due to jerks not respecting nature, leaving trash, and disrupting the natural environment. Please leave Hawaii so many generations can enjoy its natural beauty in the future!
Participate in a community event – there are so many runs, festivals, walks, beach clean-ups, etc. Sounds high-horsey and do-good-ery, but it’s one of the best ways to meet people, and it’s a great way to show appreciation to the community that you are lucky to be a part of. Help keep Hawaii as amazing as it currently is for a long, long time.
As with anywhere, go early. The earlier you get to a hike, the beach, or a tourist location, the more fun, less people, better parking there will be.
Other Resources
Unreal Hawaii – my favorite resource for hikes and other outdoor adventures
Biting Commentary – Honolulu Magazine’s ongoing column about what’s hot in the F&B world, including round-ups of best places for an acai bowl, etc.
Honolulu – Check out the “Arts & Culture” and “Outdoors” sections for things to do
GoHawaii – standard state tourist site, but tons of helpful info
Honolulu Family – offers weekly round-up of things to do, not just for people with kids
All Trails – great hiking resource
Jelly Side Up 