I’m sure most people will agree that Hawaii is a special place. However, the reason why people think Hawaii is special will vary based on who you ask. Specifically, born & raised locals’ answers will differ quite a lot from that of visitors and transplants.
The popularity of American Idol contestant Iam Tongi has propelled the issue of Hawaii’s liveability into the national spotlight. Over the past couple of months, I’ve seen many articles and videos from various news organizations across the country covering the economic challenges of living in Hawaii, the pull local people feel to the islands, and the challenges faced by locals that choose to relocate. And these topics are real and serious issues for those of us that call the islands home but is one that often that goes unnoticed by people visiting or relocating from elsewhere. That’s why I’m glad that Iam inadvertently brought these topics to our collective attention and which is why I’m discussing these topics today.
Hawaii is a Special Place
When asked why Hawaii is a special place, many non-locals will likely have similar answers – it’s our great year-round weather, the gorgeous mountains, and our stunning beaches. But to locals, Hawaii is a special place for far different reasons. Sure, we do enjoy our unique environment, but that’s just a small part of our perception. The number one reason why Hawaii is a special place to most of us locals is probably a tie between family and culture.
Family
Family is a no-brainer. Sure, I know in the continental U.S., it’s common to move away from one’s family, often to a different state. But in Hawaii, it is common for us to have a strong desire to stick close to our family. This is largely due to the strong family bond that is typical in Polynesian and Asian families. Now, I’m not suggesting that other cultures don’t love their family, but Polynesian and Asian cultures, in general, put a greater emphasis on staying closely connected to one’s family.
Culture
Like family, Hawaii’s culture is strongly influenced by our ethnic mix and is part of why Hawaii is a special place. Because of our large Polynesian and Asian populations, Hawaii tends to have a more collectivist culture. That’s not to say that there isn’t division in the islands – there is – especially political division and opinions on certain local issues such as Honolulu’s rail, TMT, and sovereignty. Despite these differences, though, locals generally get along with one another, so long as these topics aren’t brought up.
Then, of course, there are more unique circumstances. While communities rallying together to overcome disasters is not unique to Hawaii, locals will support other locals in their individual pursuits like nowhere else. A very recent and potent example of this is, of course, Iam Tongi. Hawaii’s collective population rallied around him in voting and when he returned home for his American Idol homecoming concert. But even Hawaii’s celebrities pitched in to provide him with moral support and to further encourage locals anywhere and everywhere to vote for Iam. Take a look!
If you aren’t from Hawaii, you probably don’t know many of these celebrities. But these are some of Hawaii’s best musicians. Jake Shimabukuro and Kelly Boy DeLima of Kapena are among some of my favorites.
Another unique aspect of our culture that, I think, contributes to making Hawaii a special place is comedy. You see, our collective attitudes allows us to do something that is increasingly rare in other areas around the world – we can laugh at ethnic jokes. Specifically, we laugh at ethnic jokes about Hawaii’s prevailing ethnicities, and, for the most part, no one gets offended. We can mostly laugh at jokes about our own ethnic backgrounds, along with those of others. Take this gem from local comedian Tumua as an example.
Cuisine
This one might matter to me more than others, but there’s no denying that Hawaii’s cuisine is part of what makes Hawaii a special place. You see, aside from Hawaii’s endemic Hawaiian cuisine, our local food culture is a unique mishmash of Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Filipino, and Portuguese, among others. That’s how we got iconic dishes like Saimin; the McDonald’s breakfast platter featuring SPAM, Portuguese Sausage, eggs, and rice; and more.
The problem for Hawaii expats, though, is that when others try to emulate our food, they never do it right. Poke, for example, is rarely done right outside of Hawaii. Virtually all poke spots, especially those not owned and operated by former Hawaii residents, are more of a minced fish salad than actual poke. Saimin is another one, though even locals can rarely get it right outside of Hawaii simply because the noodles don’t exist outside of the islands.
Environment
Here’s where everyone can agree – Hawaii is a special place because of its environment. And while locals love the beaches and mountains as much as visitors do, even here, there are subtle differences. For example, many locals like to fish both for sustenance and for fun. There’s nothing quite like catching Aholehole or Moi, taking it home, and pan-frying it till crispy on the outside. Nor is there anything like Chinese-style steamed Moana Kali, or a Papio that you turn into sashimi AND fried bones.
Personally, while I seldom go to the beach anymore, I grew up a beach bum. And when I’m away from Hawaii for an extended period of time, I actually start to feel funny until I can get back home and breathe in that saltwater-infused air. Sounds strange, I know, but it’s true.
Iam Tongi
While the focus of this post is to discuss why Hawaii is a special place, I want to touch on Iam. I found it absolutely amazing that Iam decided to sing “Cool Down” by Kolohe Kai during the finale. He did this to change things up, stay true to himself, and pay tribute to his home. Yes, he lives in Washington now, but when you’re from Hawaii, your true HOME will always be the islands.
That said, I found it a bit disturbing how some sought to ridicule Iam for choosing to sing Cool Down. One YouTuber made it even seem like the whole category of music is inappropriate or inferior. Let me just say that Reggae and Hawaiian-style Reggae (also known as Jawaiian) is not an inferior class of music. Many locals love this style of music.
Personally, I grew up listening to this style of music from artists such as Kolohe Kai, Kapena, Ka’au Crater Boys, Opihi Pickers, Natural Vibrations, and more. Just because the style isn’t familiar to you, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t good or is inferior. I don’t care for country music, but I’ll never ridicule someone for listening to it or singing it. And let’s not forget that the steel guitar, an instrument that is so prevalent in country music, originated in HAWAII.
Hawaii is a Special Place
It’s really difficult to put into words why Hawaii is a special place to locals, but I hope this post helps to provide some clarity. It’s certainly why Hawaii is special to me and why I’m a strong proponent of supporting local and preserving our environment. However, this is also why locals will often struggle to be able to stay here, even when they know a better life can be had somewhere else like California, Texas, Nevada, Oregon, or Washington. And it’s also why many aim to move back someday or give up and move back after just a brief stay elsewhere. Our draw to our home and ohana is strong. It’s probably why Hawaiian Air‘s most recent TV ad resonated so well across the islands.
If you want another perspective of life in the islands from what you may have been reading about or watching on TV lately, I strongly suggest checking out Markain’s three-part series about living in Hilo, Hawaii.