The Best part about Hawaii: The Aloha Spirit.
I came to Hawaii in the beginning of this Year (2012). Spring classes for University started 5 days after i landed in Hawaii and i was able to enroll just in time, one of them being a Religion class that i needed. During the second week of Spring quarter (still fresh from the Mainland), the class was separated in groups and we were to answer a simple question, "What is the culture here in Hawaii?". My group comprised of Me, a guy who just got stepped off the plane from California, a filipino woman who was a little obnoxious, and a hawaiian guy who expression seemed like he would rather be anywhere but class. So after the initial awkwardness of not knowing each other, Jen the filipina spoke up and said Hawaii is about people and family and blah blah...her train of thought was going nowhere. She kept repeating the phrase "ya know what i mean", sort of like she was pressing her opinion on us, seeking for a head nod. In my mind i was thinking, "no, i have no clue what you mean". The whole time the Hawaiian guy kept silent. Next it was my turn to give my opinion, but i quickly let it be known that I didn't have a clue, partly because I didnt want to embaress my self like Jen just did and also i want to quickly hear what the Hawaiian guy had to say. So i turned to him and asked him what he thought. He smirked and said, "If you are good (or respect) the land, the land will be good to you". I'll never forget those words. It was my first real understanding of the place I had just arrived at. Thats exactly what this place is. Its about the land, the people who live here and the people before it. All the street signs are names of famous kings and queens from the past, you cant escape it. The color, the mountains, the smell, the slowness of pace.. These islands are separated from the rest of the world, and it feels like another universe. You are one with this island, cramped in yet spacious at the same time. The water is almost a teal color and the waves penetrate the "memory" part of your brain, so you'll never forget that sound it makes. The locals are quiet, observant and out spoken when they want to be. They communicate by "talking story" with one another, trying to get by another day, spirits high. The culture is gentle and colorful, the spirit beautiful. I know i will take a part of it with me when i leave.
The Worst part about Hawaii: The Tourists
After living here a while, you start to understand. Its no secret that a large part of Hawaii's economy depends on the amount of tourists and the revenue they bring in. But its hard going into Waikiki. I understand why locals dislike going to that part of the Island, unless they work there, or there's a festival along the streets. Tourists don't respect Hawaii. It's probably not their fault, they have no clue (or care to know) what this place is about. I live in Makiki, which is half a mile from Waikiki so ive seen it all. Ive seen the shoppers: from name brands to cheap tourists gifts, waikiki has it all. Then theres the partiers: ... bachelorette party where theres always one drunk chic who cant hold her liquor. Of just the group of friends who just "vacation" around the bars. The Tanners: people at the beach all day. The dirty business men...etc. Ill stop there, but you get the point. Im not saying all tourists are like this because there are some who go outside of the "city" and learn about the history, immerse themselves in the culture, go on hikes, see the scenery..but its not common. Dont get me wrong, I dont hate or even dislike tourists (I am one sometimes), but i can empathize with how to locals feel about tourists coming here which has forced part of Hawaii to become a commercialized amusement park.
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