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Traveling to Hawaii

What to Bring Where to Dine Places to Visit

Terms to Know Words of Wisdom

What to Bring
 Although Hawaii has shops where you can buy pretty much anything you forget to pack, there are a few essential items that you will probably want to bring with you on the plane, so you can hit the beaches and hiking trails once you arrive.
  • A lot of sunscreen
  • Camera
  • Shorts
  • A laid back attitude
  • Extra smile power
  • A desire to try new things
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Where to Dine
 After buying your plane ticket to Hawaii we realize that you may not have that much cash to spend on food. However, there are still many places in Hawaii that are affordable and good. Here are some places that Hawaii Club members enjoy eating at that offer some of the local cuisines that reflect a uniqueness of Hawaii and a fushion of other cultures.
  • Zippy's
  • L&L Drive Inn
  • Grace's
  • Kaka'ako Kitchen
  • Kua'aina Burger
  • Maui Tacos
  • Gina's Barbeque
  • St. Louis Drive-in
  • Rainbow Drive-in
  • Ted's Bakery
  • Waiola Shave Ice or Matsumoto's
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Places to Visit
 Hawaii has many interesting and beautiful places to visit. Here are just a few of the many places that you may want to see while you are in Hawaii.
  • Hanauma Bay
  • Polynesian Cultural Center
  • Kailua Town & Lanikai beach
  • North Shore: Haleiwa town, Wailua, Waimea Bay, Sunset beach
  • Manoa Falls hike
  • Ala Moana shopping center
  • Swap Meet at Aloha Stadium
  • Diamond Head
  • Waikiki
  • Makapuu Lighthouse hike
  • The Sea Tiger and the YO-257 (for scuba divers)
  • Pearl Harbor
  • Iolani Palace
  • Punchbowl
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Local Terms to Know
 Sometimes visitors who travel to Hawaii feel like people are speaking a different language due to all the local terms and phrases used. Here is a list of some commonly used words and phrases to get you ready for the unique local language of Hawaii.
  • Pau: finished, end, done
  • Brah: bro
  • Saimin: ramen
  • Haole: Caucasian
  • Diamondhead: east
  • Ewa: west
  • Mauka: towards the mountains
  • Makai: towards the sea
  • Slippers or slippas: flip-flops or sandals
  • Plate lunch: meal consisting of rice, macaroni, and entree
  • Da Kine: sentence filler or "whatchu-ma-call-it"
  • Puka: a hole
  • Kapu: forbidden, taboo, or do not touch
  • Kokua: help or assistance
  • Ono: good, delicious
  • Pupu: an appetizer
  • Grinds: good food
  • Choke: a lot
  • Big Island: Hawaii
  • Aloha: hello, good-bye, love
  • Mahalo: thank you
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Words of Wisdom
 Here are some words of wisdom to keep in mind when you visit Hawaii!
  • Wear sunscreen even if it happens to be overcast.
  • Don't take any of the lava rocks you come across. Legend has it that it will bring bad luck.
  • "Slippers" are not just for wearing around the house.
  • The terms "auntie," "uncle," and "cousin" are sometimes used to refer to people that are not biologically related but are close family friends.
  • Don't be surprised if you don't understand what everyone is saying, just smile and nod.
  • Locals are sometimes on "Hawaiian Time," which means that they are running late.
  • You should remove your shoes or slippers before entering people's homes.
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Sara Ayabe: sayabe@wellesley.edu
Date Created: November 15, 2004
Last Modified: December 1, 2004
Expires: June 2005