Are you curious about Hawaii and what is Hawaii most known for? Keep scrolling to find out 23 things associated with Hawaii you might not realize.
This list of things associated with Hawaii was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
You know that feeling when someone says “Hawaii” and your brain instantly floods with images?
For me, it’s always pineapples, shave ice, and those perfect turquoise waves. But Hawaii is so much more than the postcard version you see in travel magazines.
As a Hawaii travel expert who’s been visiting these islands since I was 10 years old (over 40 trips now!), I’ve experienced everything from legendary surf breaks to family luaus, from volcanic eruptions to the best malasadas you’ll ever eat.
And after two decades of hula dancing, I can tell you that the cultural heart of Hawaii runs deep.
So what makes Hawaii so special?
Here are 17 things that make these islands unlike anywhere else on Earth.
1. Shave Ice
Let’s start with my absolute favorite Hawaiian treat.
The first time I tried shave ice, I was 10 years old and completely blown away.
The cup seemed MASSIVE (honestly, it still does), piled high with fluffy ice and rainbow colors dripping down the sides.
As someone who’s never been much of an ice cream person, discovering shave ice felt like finding my people.
From that trip on, I made it my mission to try shave ice everywhere I could find it. And trust me, after 40+ Hawaii trips, I’ve tried a lot.
The best shave ice isn’t just ice with syrup poured on top.
It’s shaved so fine it melts on your tongue like snow, layered with fruit syrups (sometimes made from real organic fruit), and if you’re doing it right, there’s vanilla ice cream on the bottom.
Some spots even add li hing mui powder or fresh fruit on top.
My top picks? Ululani’s on Maui and any of these spots on Oahu.
You can grab shave ice as part of food tours, or just hunt down a local spot yourself. I promise it’ll be one of your favorite Hawaii discoveries.
2. Surfing
Hawaii isn’t just famous for surfing. Hawaii IS surfing.
This is where the sport was born, where Hawaiian royalty rode waves on massive wooden boards, where Duke Kahanamoku became an Olympic swimming champion and then spread the gospel of surfing across the globe.
He’s still called “the father of modern surfing” for good reason.
And in 2021, when surfing finally became an Olympic sport, guess who won the very first women’s gold medal?
Native Hawaiian Carissa Moore. She surfed under a rainbow that day, which feels exactly right.
If you want to try it yourself, check out surf lessons on Oahu or Maui. Viator and Get Your Guide both have highly-rated surf lesson packages that include equipment and instructors.
3. Active Volcanoes
Hawaii exists because of volcanoes. Every single island was built by volcanic eruptions over millions of years.
And here’s the wild part: Kilauea on the Big Island is erupting right now. Like, literally as I’m writing this in December 2025.
It’s been erupting episodically since December 23, 2024, with spectacular lava fountains that sometimes shoot over 1,000 feet into the air.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the best place to see it, though you need to check current conditions before you go since activity changes frequently.
You can watch live webcams on the USGS website to see if lava is visible before you make the drive.
Book Big Island tours through Get Your Guide or Viator to explore the volcanic landscapes with expert guides who know the safest viewing spots.
4. Pineapples
Hawaii’s most iconic fruit isn’t even native to the islands (Polynesian settlers brought them), but try telling that to the thousands of tourists who visit Dole Plantation every year.
The plantation is open daily from 9:30am to 5:30pm (closed Christmas Day) and it’s genuinely fun.
You can tour pineapple fields, walk through gardens, navigate the world’s largest maze, and most importantly, get Dole Whip.
Fresh pineapple is also one of the best Hawaii gifts to bring home.
Just know you can’t bring it through agricultural inspection if you’re flying to the mainland, so eat it before you leave or ship it.
5. Malasadas
These Portuguese-style donuts are proof that sometimes the best things in life are simple: fried dough rolled in sugar.
Leonard’s Bakery on Oahu (open 5:30am-7pm daily) is the most famous spot, and their line wraps around the building for good reason.
The original sugar-coated version is incredible, but now they fill them with custard, guava, chocolate, and even ube.
Can’t make it to Leonard’s? I’ve got a homemade malasada recipe that’s pretty darn close to the real thing.
6. Poke
Before poke bowls took over every trendy restaurant on the mainland, this was just how locals in Hawaii ate fresh fish.
Traditional poke is raw ahi tuna cut into cubes, seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions, sometimes mixed with seaweed. It’s simple, fresh, and ridiculously good.
You’ll find the best poke at local grocery stores and fish markets, not fancy restaurants. Check out the best spots on Oahu and Maui.
7. Hula Dancing
Hula isn’t just a tourist show. It’s how Hawaiians pass down their history, stories, and culture through movement.
I’ve been dancing hula for over 20 years, and every time I perform, I’m connected to something bigger than myself.
The ancient style (kahiko) uses drums and chanting. The modern style (auana) uses instrumental music and is what you’ll see at most luaus.
Speaking of which, catch a luau on Oahu, Kauai, Maui, or the Big Island. Book through Viator or Get Your Guide to secure your spot ahead of time.
8. Mai Tais
The mai tai might have been invented in California, but Hawaii perfected it.
The best mai tai I’ve ever had is at Monkeypod Kitchen or Merriman’s (same company). They top it with lilikoi (passion fruit) foam and it’s absolutely incredible.
I’ve even created a copycat recipe so you can make it at home.
Just remember: a real mai tai has rum, lime juice, orange liqueur, orgeat syrup, and pineapple juice. If your “mai tai” is neon red, that’s not a mai tai.
9. Spam
Yes, really.
Hawaii consumes more Spam per capita than any other state. You’ll see it everywhere: Spam musubi (Spam on rice wrapped in seaweed), Spam fried rice, Spam and eggs, even Spam burgers.
This started during World War II when the military shipped tons of canned meat to Hawaii. After the war, locals kept using it because it doesn’t expire quickly, which matters when most of your food is imported.
Spam musubi is my go-to beach snack. You can grab one at any ABC Store or 7-Eleven.
10. Leis
Getting a lei when you arrive in Hawaii isn’t automatic like it used to be (unless you book a lei greeting at the airport), but they’re still a huge part of island culture.
Locals give leis for graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, anything worth celebrating.
And every May 1st is Lei Day, a whole holiday dedicated to leis with contests, parades, and pageants.
Fresh flower leis smell amazing, but they only last a few days. If you want something longer-lasting, look for kukui nut leis or shell leis as Hawaiian souvenirs.
11. Kona Coffee
The Big Island’s Kona district produces some of the most expensive coffee in the world, and after tasting it, you’ll understand why.
Only coffee grown in this specific region can be called “Kona coffee.” The volcanic soil, elevation, and microclimate create perfect growing conditions.
Visit one of the best Kona coffee farms to taste it fresh. Or pick up a few bags to bring home as gifts (it’s one of the most popular Hawaiian souvenirs).
12. Shrimp Trucks
The North Shore of Oahu is legendary for its surf. But locals know the real attraction: garlic shrimp from a food truck.
These aren’t fancy. You’re eating out of a styrofoam container on a picnic bench, butter dripping down your fingers, surrounded by chickens that roam free around the trucks. It’s perfect.
Most plates come with white rice and macaroni salad. Order the garlic shrimp. Trust me on this.
Check out the best North Shore food trucks for my top picks. You can book North Shore tours on Get Your Guide that include stops at these legendary trucks.
13. Ukulele
The ukulele actually came from Portuguese plantation workers who brought a small guitar-like instrument to Hawaii in the 1880s. King David Kalakaua loved it so much he made it part of Hawaiian music.
Now you’ll hear ukuleles in every famous Hawaiian song by your favorite Hawaiian musicians.
If you want to learn, I’ve got a guide to the best ukuleles for kids. It only has 4 strings, so it’s one of the easiest instruments to start with.
14. Rainbows
I’ve seen more rainbows in Hawaii than anywhere else on Earth.
The islands get quick bursts of rain followed immediately by sunshine, which creates perfect conditions for rainbows.
Double rainbows are common. Triple rainbows happen occasionally if you’re really lucky.
The scientific explanation? Hawaii’s tropical location, frequent rain showers, and mountainous terrain create ideal rainbow conditions almost daily.
15. Aloha Shirts
Hawaiian shirts (or aloha shirts) became popular in the 1920s-1930s with Japanese-inspired prints. Now they’re worn everywhere from business meetings to beach bars.
You can find cheap ones at swap meets and Costco, or splurge on vintage designs from Reyn Spooner. Either way, you’ll fit right in.
Pro tip: locals call them “aloha shirts,” not “Hawaiian shirts.”
16. Macadamia Nuts
These buttery, crunchy nuts aren’t native to Hawaii (they’re from Australia), but Hawaii grows them better than anywhere else.
You’ll see them in everything: macadamia nut crusted fish, macadamia nut pancakes, macadamia nut cookies. And of course, chocolate-covered macadamia nuts from Hawaiian Host or Mauna Loa make perfect gifts.
Find them at any ABC Store or order them on Amazon to ship directly home.
17. Aloha Spirit
This one’s harder to explain but easier to feel.
The aloha spirit isn’t just about being friendly. It’s about showing up with respect, taking care of the land, treating people with kindness, and understanding that we’re all connected.
You’ll see it when a stranger gives you directions without you asking. When a local shares their favorite secret beach spot. When someone says “talk story” and actually means they want to hear about your life.
That’s the real Hawaii. And it’s the thing I miss most when I leave.
Planning Your Hawaii Trip
Now that you know what makes Hawaii so special, it’s time to start planning.
I’ve created detailed travel guides for each island that break down exactly where to stay, what to do, and how to save money:
Not sure where to start? Take my free 5-day email course on how to travel to Hawaii like a pro.
I’ll walk you through everything from picking the right island to finding the best deals on hotels and flights.
Or if you want personalized help planning your trip, book a Hawaii travel consultation with me.
As a professional tourist and Certified Hawaii Destination Specialist, I’ll help you create an itinerary that hits all the highlights without wasting time or money.
I also share weekly Hawaii tips and insider secrets on my podcast, Hawaii Travel Made Easy. Perfect for listening while you’re planning your trip.
Ready to book your hotels? I always start with Expedia to compare prices across all the major chains. For car rentals, Discount Hawaii Car Rental consistently has the best rates.
And if you want photos to remember your trip, Flytographer connects you with professional photographers in Hawaii. Use my link to save $20 on your session.
The islands are waiting for you. Time to go discover what makes Hawaii truly unforgettable.