12 Aug How to Adapt to the Hawaiian Lifestyle
Hawaii might be part of the United States. Still, the culture on the islands is very different than what people experience on the mainland. You can find the trappings of home with fast food choices and similar conveniences. However, what makes Honolulu, Oahu, and the other islands special is the embrace of the melting pot we have.
You won’t find the same separation between classes, races, and cultures in different neighborhoods here. Hawaii is about one people who appreciate the land.
Best Ways to Adjust to Life in Hawaii
When you stay in Honolulu for a vacation, holiday, or business trip, the best way to adjust is to live an active lifestyle. Get outside before the sunrise to enjoy some time at the beach. Learning how to surf, going on a hike, or taking up paddling helps you to spend more time in the sun. Whether you try a new sport or strike out on your own, life here is about being outside.
Land is scarce in Hawaii. An immediate appreciation for this limited resource is necessary when adapting to the local lifestyle. Leaving your trash behind is a fast way to have someone confront you about your behavior.
Do some locals trash the beach and leave beer bottles as litter? Sure – but visitors are guests and treated differently. Picking up after yourself in public places is going to make the experience more welcoming.
Make Some Friends During Your Stay
Most visitors come to Hawaii on vacation. They hang out with their family or close friends, keep to a tight circle, and never really try to embrace the local life.
Even if you are in Honolulu for a few days, branching out to form some friendships can make your experience here a wonderful memory. Chat with people in the restaurants, talk with fellow beachgoers, or share a conversation as you go up one of the many trails there are to explore.
Life on Oahu is about community. You can choose to get lost, but then you’ll never have the chance to make a lifelong friend.
Understand that Living Arrangements Are Different
Living in the tropics requires an adjustment to the weather. The seasons are different in Honolulu than they are in the mainland, which means the structure of many homes here may be more open than you’re used to having. You’ll have more open areas, additional windows, and screens to keep the bugs away.
When you live close to the ocean, the salty air can have corrosive tendencies that impact your house and car. Leather can develop mildew overnight sometimes.
You can also find dozens of micro-climates on the islands that each provide unique characteristics to enjoy.
Things get done at their own time in Honolulu. You’ll learn to appreciate Amazon, FedEx, and local growers. You don’t need to wear real shoes all of the time, costs can be high, but life is always good if that is how you want it to be.
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