With back to back trips to Hawaii these last couple weeks for work (and a little exploring), I thought we’d do a couple consolidated Hawaii weeks on Land of Marvels! So look forward to finding out all the inside tips you need to know before a trip to the Islands all this week!
Hawaii is one of those places where being a local and a tourist are really different. The tourists spend most of their time on crowded beaches in crowded tourist areas paying high dollar prices for food and entertainment. The locals live a different existence, trying to stay away from the tourist spots and embracing the rest of the island. So if you want to experience the Hawaiian Islands as a local, here’s exactly how to experience Hawaii as a local.
Taste the local food.
From ramen to plate lunches, taste the real local food of the island. Whether you find a plate lunch place serving chicken katsu and mac salad or indulging in local ramen or udon, find a spot away from the tourist areas to try the local flavors. You’ll also pay a lot less than in the tourist spots.
Find a secluded beach.
To really experience the true beauty of Hawaii’s beaches, you’ll want to get out of the tourist spots and head around the island to the various beaches. Sitting on a secluded beach all to yourself is a pretty amazing feeling and you’ll enjoy the experience that much more. I like going early before everyone wakes up which makes you feel even more secluded.
Venture out of Waikiki.
This is hard to do if you don’t have a car, but on Oahu, if you can, venture out of Waikiki. You’ll get a much better sense of the local culture and see the vast landscapes of the island, instead of just the beach and Diamond Head. You’ll get a taste of what Hawaii is really about and you’ll experience the local feel even more.
Get on Island time.
Island time is legitly a real thing. Everything moves slower in Hawaii, due dates are more flexible and people really do go surfing before work. Realize that things don’t move as fast here as they do on the Mainland, so embrace is and just get on Island time when you arrive.
Understand local culture.
Hawaiian culture is vast and there is so much behind the history of the Hawaiian Islands. Do some research before heading to Hawaii to understand the social and political views there so you’re ready to start exploring and honoring the local culture!
Appreciate the beauty of the Islands.
One thing no one can contest is the natural beauty of the Hawaii Islands. Even though I’m not a real beach person and don’t love the heat, can’t say the Hawaiian Islands aren’t beautiful. From mountains to rainforests to coves and lava fields, the Hawaiian Island chain should be appreciated. The locals know their home is beautiful, so be sure to appreciate it while you visit.
Headed to Hawaii?
Check out our Oahu Travel Guide in the Land of Marvels Shop for only $5!
≈ CARMEN ≈ says
I think my first step is to go to Hawaii! I’ve never been. :]
// ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
Casey says
Haha yes! It’s definitely an interesting place to visit!
Hannah @ TravelingBanana.com says
I’d loooove to visit Hawaii! One day I’ll have to use these tips! 🙂
Casey says
Excellent… glad they will help someday! 🙂
Restless Cat says
I love experience places more from the local perspective, I would love to visit Hawaii one day 😀
Casey says
It’s so much more interesting to experience like the locals do!
Restless Cat says
I totally agree, the experience differs when you know some local things.
Christine Everyday says
I think understanding the political situation is important anywhere you travel, even in our own country! Great tips.
Casey says
Totally… important no matter where you go!
Alyssa Guttendorf says
Island time IS a real thing! I lived in Hawaii for 3 years when I was younger, and I remember my dad used to get so frustrated when we first moved there since everyone was always late, haha. You just gotta embrace it!
Alyssa
http://www.alyssawithana.com
Casey says
YES!!! It was one of the things that drove me crazy about living and working in Hawaii!
Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki says
I can only handle one day in Waikiki, I love that I have always gotten to experience a different side of Hawaii.
Casey says
Yes! I agree.. it stresses me out! I love the Windward side!
Deepti @ Endless Postcards says
The culture in Hawaii is so interesting. The next time I go to Hawaii, I’ll keep this in mind. It’s time for me to stop acting like a tourist and start acting like a traveler!
xo, endlesspostcards.com
Casey says
Haha yes! It’s interesting to learn more about the local culture and understand it.
Leesa & Kate says
Thanks for the advice!
xx Leesa & Kate
Travel inspo? http://www.wanderlustchronicles.com.au
Casey says
Glad you enjoyed!
A Broken Backpack says
I enjoyed 5 days in Hawaii.. And I wish I could go back!!
Casey says
Glad to hear it! 🙂
Leonie says
Would love to visit Hawaii one day x
Leonie ♥ IkonikBeauty
Casey says
Yes!
Dr. Sus says
Ah yes. I couldn’t agree more. My aunt and grandpa live on the big island. Visiting them was such a neat experience. We learned about the geography, the culture, and history of the island. Life on Hawaii is slow and beautiful. But you have got to get off the resorts to find it! On the big island the resorts are actually not he desert side of the island. All the greenery is planted!
The non-resort side of the island moves slower. The infrastructure isn’t very good. Life isn’t glamorous but it is slow and beautiful. My favorite moments were:
1. The neighborhood we stayed in got a paved road while we stayed there. All the kids brought out their rusty bikes and scooters. The grandparents and parents admired the new pavement. It was fun walking down the new road with everyone and socializing.
2. Eating local fare. How could you possibly leave Hawaii without trying a loco moco? Also make sure to try Hawaiian style snow cones with azuki beans and condensed milk, spam sushi, spam everything, and mochi cake.
3. Farmers markets! It is so much fun to meet people and try food. Plus, where else in the world could you buy 4-6 papayas for one dollar.
4. Finding a completely secluded beach and chilling.
5. Learning to play the ukulele. Once when we were dropping our trash off at the dump, my sister was playing her uke with the window of our minivan rolled down. A huge truck pulled up next to us and the guy in the passenger seat was also playing his uke with his window rolled down. So they jammed together.
Casey says
Love this!!! All so true and so Hawaii!
Happy says
Awesome selection! 🙂
xx
Joy Della Vita Travelblog
Casey says
So glad!