Hawaii may be part of the United States, but the islands have their own unique culture. If you’ll be moving from the mainland to the Aloha State, here are some of the biggest cultural differences to be aware of so you can start acclimating as soon as you arrive.

Moving From the Mainland to Hawaii? 3 Cultural Differences to Expect

1. Island Time 

Island time doesn't refer to Hawaii’s time zone, which is different from the rest of the country’s and doesn’t observe daylight savings. Instead, it refers to the relaxed way of life. Everything moves a little slower in Hawaii.

Meetings rarely start when scheduled, for example—unless you’re in the military—and one-day shipping is hardly ever an option when completing your online purchases. Even the speed limits are lower, which encourages motorists to take their time. 

2. Family Oriented 

Hawaii has an incredibly family-oriented culture. It’s not uncommon for three or four generations to reside in a single home.

What does this mean for newcomers? You’ll be greeted warmly, and as long as you respect their culture, you'll be treated like family too. You may even be encouraged to call older friends “Auntie” and “Uncle,” even if they have no actual relation to you. 

3. Hawaiian & Asian Influences 

Spam musubi is the perfect way to illustrate Hawaii’s merging of native and Japanese cultures. Comprised of grilled spam, rice, and nori, it remains a popular snack to this day. Spam became popular on the islands during WWII because of its extended shelf life. Japanese culture, on the other hand, has been influencing Hawaii since the end of the 19th century, and today, roughly 14% of the state’s population has Japanese ancestry. 

To this day, locals are proud of their native and Japanese roots, which can be seen all over the island. Both cultures have permeated virtually every aspect of Hawaiian life. During the Honolulu Marathon, for example, you’ll hear the announcer speaking in Japanese. At McDonald’s, you can order haupia (coconut) pie and fresh pineapple. 

For help with your transpacific move, turn to M. Dyer & Sons. Based on Oahu, this full-service moving company is comprised of 70 trained employees who know how to pack, ship, store, and deliver property without damaging it, no matter the distance. To start planning your move, reach out on their website or call (808) 456-4200.