1. You Will Giggle A Little Every Time You See The Ocean Or Majestic Mountains
And then you will say to yourself “I live here!” Whether you’re driving by the ocean on the north shore (famous for big waves in the winter) or past Kalama Beach (where the President of the United States stays during Christmas), you can’t help but smile and feel grateful to live in paradise.
2. You Must Be A University of Hawaii Fan, Or Else!
Since we don’t have a professional sports team, we give our college sports teams extra love. Hardcore fans will tailgate college games all day in the parking lot of the famous Aloha Stadium (where the Pro Bowl is held).
3. Welcome To Jurassic Park
Parts of Jurassic Park were filmed on Oahu. You can find the majestic landscapes seen in the movie on the windward side of the island and at Kualoa Ranch, which offers a Jurassic Park tour and beautiful wedding locations. Just cross your fingers that no T-rex will show up before you say “I do.”
4. We Eat Snow For Fun While People On The East Coast Have To Shovel It
In Honolulu, even tough guys love shave ice. And no, that isn’t a spelling error; it’s called “shave ice,” not “shaved ice.”
Island X Hawaii has some awesome unique and natural syrup flavors they make daily: fresh purees of mango, papaya, watermelon, coffee, dark chocolate, taro and more.
5. Driving To Another Town Feels Like Driving To Another State
It’s too far! You get used to extremely localized living and what used to seem like a really short drive on the mainland now feels like an eternity in Hawaii.
6. We’re the Rainbow State for a Reason
I just saw a rainbow today, and yesterday, and the day before that. In fact, I’ve never seen so many “double rainbows all the way” in my life. Hope you’re not colorblind, or you’ll be seriously missing out.
7. Honolulu Has The Most Epic And Rare Surf Competition On The Planet
Named in honor of the late lifeguard and surfer Eddie Aikau, the Eddie only happens when the waves hit 30+ feet. Surfers are on 24-hour call notice around the world, ready for when the weather forecast predicts Eddie-worthy waves, so they can all hop on a plane to brave waves as high as 50+ feet.
Getting to watch this tournament is true stroke of luck: it’s only been held eight times since its inception in 1985. I’m definitely playing hookey from work when the Eddie comes to town.
8. More Happy People = Less Jerk Faces
According to the most recent Gallup poll, Hawaii Ranks #1 in the United States for well being. Overall people are really casual, laid back and friendly–I often get called “sistah” or “sis” by strangers or new friends. You don’t have to try and impress anyone here. Just be yourself.
9. Ladies, Ladies, Ladies! The Firemen Will Teach You How To Surf.
You didn’t read that wrong. The firemen and women at Hawaiian Fire are life-saving professionals in and out of the water and will have you hanging ten in no time.
And I’m going to throw all subtlety out the window here and just say it: the firefighters are usually super hot.
10. For The Men: Teeny Weeny Bikinis
Bikinis are an island staple. Need I say more?
11. Calling All Entrepreneurs!
A startup scene is beginning to emerge in Honolulu, giving entrepreneurs and inventors an awesome excuse to BYOC (Bring Your Own Career). Blue Startups is the only venture capital accelerator on the island and Honolulu Tech provides a monthly pitch deck event.
12. How Could Surfing Get Even More Zen? Answer: The Stand Up Paddle Board.
There’s nothing funnier than watching someone who has never had a proper lesson try to paddle board for the first time. Why? Because they will inevitably end up cursing and turning in circles.
Paddle boarding is fun and totally doable when you’re taught the right way. Rainbow Watersports Adventures in Haleiwa will hook you up and they are super nice.
13. It’s Not 6 Degrees Of Separation On This Island. Try 2 Degrees!
Even though the population is almost at 1 million, you’ll still feel like you’re living in a small town. If you thought it was a small world already, prepare for your world to get a whole lot tinier.
14. If You Didn’t Like Fish Before, You Will Now
My husband thought he hated fish until he moved here. Seriously, if you don’t like fish, you’ve probably never eaten the good kind (aka caught fresh this morning). I dare you to try it and not like it.
There are so many places to get fabulously fresh fish here, but one place you’ll want to check out is Fresh Catch. Guy Fieri promoted it, so you know it’s gonna be good!
15. Prepare To Eat Rice At Almost Every Meal
Seriously. I know I love rice, but I hope you do too because we even eat rice at breakfast here. Try Big City Diner’s Bacon Jalapeno Fried Rice Monday Special.
You will also find yourself calling soy sauce “shoyu”.
16. Thought You Would Escape Traffic? Well…
Honolulu has some of the worst traffic in the nation. BUT, on the plus side, you’re usually never stuck in traffic more than 45 minutes anyways. Think about. How far can you really go on an island?
17. Dive With Sharks And Live To Tell The Tale
Go to North Shore Shark Adventures if you want a good thrill. If you’re really lucky, you’ll get to see a Great White Shark. I took a tour with my mom and even she had fun.
18. “Ohana Means Family. Family Means Nobody Gets Left Behind…Or Forgotten.”
“Lilo and Stitch” got it right. Family is a huge part of the culture in Hawaii–I’ve never been invited to so many Christmas parties in my life.
19. I’ve Never Seen So Many Fit 80-Year-Olds In My Life
Since the weather is awesome year-round, most people are active, including our senior citizens. Every day I see a buff old person that looks like they could outrun me. Hawaii makes getting older actually look appealing.
20. You Better Learn To Love Seafood, Or You’ll Be Missing Out Big Time!
There are so many crazy good places that serve seafood on the island I can’t even begin to mention them all. Go to Niko’s Pier 38 for starters and try the Furikake Pan Seared Ahi with ginger garlic cilantro dip.
21. Say Alooooooooooooha
What is this beautiful thing called the Aloha Spirit? It’s openness and love. It’s a greeting with a kiss on the cheek, always. It’s calling everyone older than you aunty and uncle as a sign of respect and they accept you into their ohana. It’s because of this that I call this place home.
22. Remember What It Felt Like To Jump Into The Perfect Temperature Pool In The Summer?
That’s how our oceans feel year round. Come on over and dip your toe in…and then the whole rest of you. You’ll never want to leave.
23. Honolulu Is The #3 Happiest City To Work In
You’d think that people would be clawing at their desks to go outside and enjoy the beautiful weather, but according to Forbes, a high percentage of people in Hawaii feel happy and content at work.
24. You Officially Live Here When 60 Degrees Feels Like A Day In The Arctic
When you first move here you’ll want to get rid of all your pants, sweats and long sleeves. Just wait until your second winter here and you’ll be grateful you saved that super puffy coat.
25. Flip Flops Are Now Called Slippers
And you will wear slippers about 360 days out of the year. Time to get a mani pedi.
26. Unless You’re Donald Trump, Prepare To Downsize
Space here comes at a hefty price on most parts of the island. Have a few garage sales so you can fit into your smaller home-sweet-home without feeling claustrophobic.
27. Snorkeling With Sea Turtles Never Gets Old
It’s an amazing thing to have a beautiful wild sea turtle inches from your face, staring right into your eyes. They are so chill.
Aqua Zone Scuba Diving and Snorkeling offers a Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour, so get on that.
28. You Have To Be Swimsuit Ready All Year Long
Is this a good thing or a bad thing? I’m not sure.
29. We Have A Stairway To Heaven
Well, not literally. This steep 2-mile staircase is closed off to the public, but some hikers manage to sneak through security to embark on this legendary and scary hike for the sweet view of the ocean and the tiny island where “Gilligan’s Island” was filmed.
30. Thanksgiving Is A Bajillion Times Better With An Imu Cooked Turkey
Forget fried turkey. Hawaiian turkeys are steamed underground in an imu oven. Juiciest turkey I’ve ever had with a nice smoky flavor. You have to try it!
