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Getting to Know Hawaii
Aqua-blue water
and soft sand make Hawaii's beaches a prime attraction.
To prepare for the leisure in the islands,
here's a leisurely look at what to expect from the culture, the customs,
the people, the bars and the language in Hawaii.
Myths and Legends of Hawaii
In Hawaii, a soothing lifestyle fills the air like the smell of a fresh
orchid lei. The fast pace of big-city life is as far away as the U.S.
mainland.
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Luau Larry's
Suntan Tips
The following Hawaiian suntanning tips are provided by PubClubber
Luau Larry, who ran a suntan booth on Waikiki Beach for several
years.
• Hawaii is just 23 degrees north of the equator. Therefore,
it's much easier to burn here than at home; be careful.
• Places where the skin is closest to the bone burn most
easily. That is, the forehead, nose, shoulders, hands and feet.
Use the highest protection factor on these areas.
• Check the ingredients before buying lotion. Try and use
products whose first ingredient is lotion, not water.
• Avoid mineral and baby oils. They are not absorbed into
the skin and will cause blisters. Instead, use vegetable, sesame
or mink oils.
• The only way to avoid a sunburn is to get
a suntan. Tanning is not a race, it's a marathon. Don't
try and do it all in one day.
So, just who is Luau Larry? Read
about him in this article!
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It's casual here, and wearing sandals is as basic as going to the beach.
The pace is slower than the sunset and people operate on "Hawaiian
time," which local-speak meaning there is no great hurry to get
anywhere.
Hawaii was created out of a series of volcanic explosions and a couple
of the volcanos are still active. There are rituals associated with
these volcanos and some say ancient evil spirits are at work, as well.
The only spirits visitors are likely to experience come in a glass;
however, do not take rocks or other natural elements from volcanic sites.
We're not kidding – there are stories of people suddenly having
streaks of back luck after doing such things. Island post offices are
jammed with tourist sending back rocks in order to rid themselves of
the supposed curses.
On the bright side – the very bright side, in fact – rainbows
are plentiful. And you don't have to be in Hawaii all that long to see
one.
Leis are a local custom to celebrate weddings, promotions or special
events.
Getting "Leid" in Hawaii
People do wear flowered shirts but the flowered leis (pronounced "lays")
are reserved for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, graduations
or job promotions. Wear one, and locals will offer you a "congratulations."
Girls will occasionally have an orchard tucked into an ear. In such
cases, it is very important to note which ear which it is placed. If
it's in the left ear, it means the girl is married or involved. If it's
in her right ear, on the other hand, go for it – this means she
is unattached.
Think about this for a second. It's basically a flowered billboard
inviting men to talk to her. For guys, this is better than hearing "single!"
at a ski resort. For girls, there is no better way to invite a man to
introduce himself.
Arrival and Orientation
Outrigger canoes and
the beach bar, both with a view of Waikiki Beach.
Don't expect a beautiful Hawaiian girl to smother you with a lei kisses
when you get off the plane. That's for specific tour groups.
Hawaii's main airport, Honolulu International, is an open-air terminal.
Inner-island flights are our of a different terminal but good signage
points travelers to the free shuttle buses. It's also possible to walk
there in 15-20 minutes.
For those staying on Oahu, there are cabs, city buses and minibuses
that service all parts of the island. It's just $8 for a shuttle to
Waikiki; a cab is approximately $35. The trip takes between 30-45 minutes,
depending on traffic.
Most people stay in jam-packed Waikiki Beach and it's definitely where
most of the action is located. Hotels line the beach and for those who
prefer to spend their budget on drinks rather than a room, several less
pricey high-rise options are available within a few blocks of the sand.
Do note that just about every hotel in Waikiki is called the Outrigger.
Orientation from this point is pretty simple thanks to Hawaii's signature
landmark, Diamond Head. For more information on Honolulu, refer
to our Honolulu guide.
Getting Around
While its possible to have a hotel or condo on a beach and be with
walking distance of many activities, there's just too much to see not
to have a car for at least a few days. Hawaii is all about exploring.
Some of it's most treasured spots are unmarked places high along a cliff
or along a lonely roadside.
This is the case on all the islands. So rent a vehicle, preferably
one with four-wheel drive.
Be sure and drive the posted speed limits. Even if there are no cops
around, slow down. Hey, you're in Hawaii!
The People
 The
natural scenery of Hawaii is enhanced by the beauty of its people.
They are filled with what they term the "Aloha Spirit," a
heartwarming friendliness that lives deep within their soul. They are
sincere about it and it's contagious to pass the Aloha Spirit along
to others.
Hawaiians are largely a laid-back group, well acclimated to living
on an island rich with natural wonders. They are well-tanned and healthy
– exercise and participation in outdoor sports activities are a
large part of their lifestyle. They know the importance of tourism and
treat tourists with all the courtesy of a friendly visitor in their
home.
There are a few hard-core natives, the "kama'ainas" (child
of the land) who refer to all others as a "malihini," meaning
a newcomer or visitor. Because PubClub guides readers to some very local
establishments, it's possible some visitors will experience something
not kindred to the Aloha Spirit.. But Hawaii is full of non-natives,
people who moved here for a job or a lifestyle and who have never left.
Those who work in the bars, shops, restaurants, at the beach or otherwise
deal with tourists do so with a smile on their face. The overall atmosphere
here is one of extreme friendliness.
Pubs and Clubs Customs – Going out in Hawaii
The bars are filled
with fun, but many only get going after midnight.
Hang loose.
The only real tradition about going out in Hawaii – and indeed,
this is reflected in anything anyone does in the Islands – is to
relax and have a good time. Meeting people is a snap, as long as one
smiles.
While the bars are definitely fun, no one is likely to mistake a club
in Honolulu for one in New York, London or Greece. It's just too sedate
and kicked back here for that high-octane energy. There are few dress
codes – an Aloha shirt and short, a skirt or jeans works just about
anywhere – and the focus is on enjoying the moment rather than
in seeing and being seen. In Hawaii, it's not about you and it's not
about us – it's about everybody.
The casual nature of Hawaiians means there are remarkably few fights,
encounters or other stupidly drunk problems.
Drink 'em if you've got 'em for pub and bars is 1 a.m, Some clubs have
special permits which enable them to stay open until 4 a.m.
Tipping
Tipping is as common in Hawaii as it is in the rest of the U.S. Tip
15-20% to bartenders and waitresses, depending on the level of service.
It is also common to tip cab drivers, bellhops and others that provide
similar services.
Dress Code
One word describes Hawaiian fashion: casual. Even businessmen wear
flowered shirts and kakhi pants to the office. The shirts, known around
the globe as "Hawaiian shirts," are actually "Aloha shirts."
Some of the nightclubs are draped in black leather, but many of the
nightspots are just as one would expect: Aloha shirt, shorts and sandals.
Oddly, a couple of the clubs don't allow shorts.
The Language
Two important words
to know in Hawaii are Mai Tai!
This is an unofficial unabridged list of Hawaiian words and phrases.
In Hawaii, pronounce all the vowels in syllables, so the Likelike Highway
is "lee-key, lee-key."
• Aloha. Hello and goodbye It also means peace, goodwill
and all things warm and fuzzy. Hawaii is very proud of its "Aloha
Spirit," which the locals spread throughout the islands.
• Bento. Box lunch, a Hawaiian food staple.
• Brah/Bruddah. A man. Usually the word is used to
say hi to someone. Example, "Hey, bruddah, where are you going?"
Pronounced "bra" and "brud-da."
• Da. The, as in "da bruddah is over there."
• Grind. To eat. Pronounced "grine."
• Hana Hou. Do it again. A crowd often yells it repeatedly
it in a bar to encourage a band to continue playing. Pronounced "ha
na HO."
• Haole.A non-Hawaiian male, sometimes used by locals
to describe a tourist.
Pronounced "HOW lee."
• Hawaiian Time. Late, with a built-in 15-minute grace
period.
• Howzit. Another way to say "Aloha." Example:
"Howzit brah?"
Pronounced "HOW zit."
• Kane. A man. Pronounced "KA ne."
• Keiki. Kids. Pronounced "KA key.
• Mahalo. Thank you. It is utilized frequently to
acknowledge something nice someone does for you. Example: "Mahalo
for the beer, brah." Pronounced "ma HA lo."
• Mainland. The continental United States.
• Ono. Delicious. Pronounced "OH no."
• Pau/Pau hana. Pau means "finished" and
pau Hana" means work. Locals may say "Pua hana, time for a
cocktail," meaning work is finished and it's off to Happy Hour.
Pronounced "pow HA na."
• Puku. A hole. The white little shell necklaces are
Puku necklaces. Pronounced "POO kah.
• Pupus. Appetizers (seen frequently on restaurant menus;
there are also Pupus Platters, which are a variety of appetizers). Pronounced
"Poo poos."
• Shaka. The "thumbs up" hand single, meaning
howzit. Pronounced "SHAH ka."
• Wahine. A woman. Pronounced "wa HEE nay."
Time Zones
Hawaii is nine hours behind GMT in the winter and 10 in summer. It does
does not recognize Daylight Savings time.
When To Go
The islands are most popular – and expensive – during the
winter months. In the late spring and summer, the islands are crowded
with elderly couples and youthful college students who are being sent
here by their parents on a post-school break or for graduation.
Summers are mild, with temperatures usually in the mid-80s, although
it can get a bit humid.
 Next
stop on the Hawaii Party Bus: PubGrub!rub
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