1.) People wave to you even though they just cut you off in traffic.
2.) Sandy Beach because it’s the only beach in Hawaii where you have the high possibility of physically hurting yourself and also having a good time.
3.) Dim Sum is a must and the best local kind is found in my home town at Aiea Manapua. The legit Chinese-kind you can find all around Chinatown with Legend and Mei Sum being my favorites.
4.) If you want a little slice of authentic Asian-Third World cuisine without ever leaving paradise then Maunakea Marketplace is it. The Filipino, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese food stands all commingle in an area the size of my outdoor patio in a way that reminds us locals of our roots.
5.) Hawaiian Time where everybody arrives at their destination ½+ later than they should.
6.) October is my favorite month of the year providing us islanders with the clearest mornings and the most striking sunsets of the year.
7.) Full moon surfing at midnight with friends at Queens Beach in Waikiki. Even better if you have a friend in a kayak with a case of Heneiken!
8.) Potluck BBQ’s with good friends at Kaimana Beach and Makalei in the shadow of Diamond Head.
9.) All the different islands – Maui, Kauai, Big Island, Lanai, Molokai — you can vacation any time of the year on a moment’s notice. Jump on the Super Ferry or catch a plane and you’ll be a tourist again in no time.
10.) Tailgating at Aloha Stadium for all the University of Hawai’i football games. It’s a gathering of some of the best local foods, too much beer and fervor you’re gonna find anywhere.
11.) The weather – it’s not too hot, not too cold, but juuuuuust right.
12.) Coming out of the H-3 freeway and seeing the waterfalls that suddenly appear on the Ko’olau mountain range on Windward-side of the island after heavy rainfall.
13.) The lei stands at the airport with the 80-year old aunties making leis for days. Plus, everytime I go there it’s for a some sort of happy occasion like graduations, birthdays and seeing people off.
14.) The Chinatown art and music scene is like the 21st Century Hawaiian Renaissance or something. The place is hip and always jumpin’ most days of the week. And when I’m thirsty I gotta have a cold one at Hank’s on Nu’uanu, my favorite watering hole.
15.) You can always catch a rockin’ show at Anna Bannana’s because it’s the best joint in town for the best local underground music and talent.
16.) The Loco Moco is hands-down my favorite plate lunch and you can find them at any plate lunch spot in the islands – it’s a staple. Mac 24-7 has the absolute best one in my opinion next to the one I make at home
17.) On a bright sunny day you get nailed with “passing showers.” Wait a minute – I hate that, but it still cool.
18.) When your aunties go on a trip to the mainland they always bring back “omiyage” no matter what. Of course, aunties always go to Vegas so I have a wide selection t-shirts from the casinos from Downtown to The Strip and also lots of beef jerky.
19.) All the different kinds of poke (Hawaiian raw fish) available to eat and the different ways people make them. Tamura’s “Jalapeño Ahi Poke” is da best…actually, everything there is!
20.) Hearing everybody chant “hana hou…hana hou…hana hou…” at a concert until the band feels the love to come out for one more number.
21.) La Mariana is the absolute best place for the obligatory Tiki drink when guest fly into town. Too many Zombies will literally make you into a…you guessed it, a blubbering, mindless “half-the-man I used-to-be” inebriate.
22.) Kickin’ it with your co-workers after a long day with the local watering hole “happy hour” and pupu specials.
23.) Kona Brew Company for by far the best local beer you’re gonna find. The Longboard Lager from the tap is my favorite – mmmm!
24.) Look for a construction site and you see a lineup of lunch wagons with the best local plate lunches around. Never mind all the hungry local bruddahs – stake your spot in line and you won’t regret it. Try to find the one with the complimentary soda for the deals.
25.) If your ever up at 4 in the morning (hey, man, no questions…) Eggs ‘N Things in Waikiki just might save your life.
26.) Unpretentious sushi on a conveyor belt might not sound very appetizing but it’s right up my alley – and my wallet too! – when I jonesing for some Japanese on the quick.
27.) Kualoa Ranch is the absolute best place for a big-time concert. With the Ko’olaus at your back and the stage, Kaneohe Bay and Chinaman’s Hat in the front, you are in a place they call Heaven.
28.) Makua Beach on the Westside is one of the most beautiful, untouched beaches you’re gonna find O’ahu. Pinch yourself because it’s that good!
29.) The “kanak attack” feeling that overpowers your will to go back to work and be productive after a huge lunch.
30.) And finally…the Aloha Spirit. I know I forgot a lot of stuff for this list so I know people will forgive me…please have Aloha and forgive me – I tried my best
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