What It Was Like Growing Up in Hawaii (Small Kid Time)

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Really enjoyed filming this video back where I grew up. Best compliment I got was from my mom. Glad she saw it. Worth more than 10,000+ views. 😁

[@royaleromo8391]

As an adult now, I now know that growing up in Hawaii was a privilege and I am blessed to have had it. I grew up on Maui and had my fathers parents on Oahu, so my summers were spent in the plantation camps of Waipahu. I LOVED IT. Some summers I would spend in the Pu'unene camp here on Maui with my Mom's parents... LOVED THAT TOO! My grandparents house here on Maui was the center for the parties too and my grandparents place in Waipahu was just that too... Many many of summers-LOVED IT ALL! I look back at the times and I kinda miss it. I miss the times with family just hanging, eating, playing bingo and piyut (card game)... Like you said, I got to the age where my parents were more like "friends" and that we could talk to each other about anything. My Mom became my best friend and we'd spend our weekends, shopping and talking about "how life was". They I decided to move to Oahu, to try my hand at the "city life". Did that for 12 years and moved back home when Mom decided to retire. My best friend told me that we were gonna do the "whole Vegas" trip thingy that "older" people from Hawaii tend to do when they retire. Unfortunately, mom suffered a stroke and all that plans was put on the back burner and I became "care taker" for my parents. It was funny to see that the roles had changed yet again. But growing up with the closeness I had with my parents, I would not change for anything. Mom passed away on February 19th and now I have Dad... I love your page and all your topics... Thank You for making me think about my own life and what I have....

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. I still remember playing cards. Trumps and Rich Man, Poor Man all day. 😁

[@timothyzakaria7397]

​@@HelloFromHawaii I'm jealous I grew up in Texas

[@SunnyIlha]

It was totally absolutely fabulous growing up in Hawai'i.

[@tresquarto5362]

100% AGREE! Reading your comments makes me understand how really close nit and unique Hawaii people are. It's like we all kina grew up the same! I remember playing in the back yard at my cousin's house down the street with my other auntie's house next door and running into my grandparent's house once the sun goes down for dinner. Spending summers going to visit Lela (Grand-grandmother) in Kauai, just to make sure she's okay. Or checking in on our Kupuna neighbors to see if they need anything (Because everyone know's their kids live mainland). Or waking up 5AM before the sunrise on the weekends just to get to the swap meet before all the really good deals go away. Long summer drives down North Shore for shave ice with the family, and once you get older catching bus with your friends just to go BBBBEEEEAACCCHHH!!!!.....SSSOOOOO Many memories I wouldn't change for the world. Lucky Live Hawaii EH! ;)

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing 🤙

[@melanieathwal4038]

Hawaii was a great place to grow up. As one of five in an average sized house in Kalihi it was crowded but we didn’t know any different. Ours was the place everyone converged on for holidays because my grandparents lived next door. There was always plenty (maybe too much) food. Everyone had their signature dish they brought. My Chinese uncle always brought his famous noodles, my half Japanese aunt made the best sushi, my grandparents made the best lau laus, of course there was always the bbq and everything else in between, salads especially Mac salad and a huge pot of rice. Desserts were a must! Pies, haupia, cakes …. On Thanksgiving, the obligatory turkey was carved and tucked in a corner of the overburdened table. BBQ? I didn’t know til I was a teenager that there was anything besides BBQ teriyaki. The beach was always our last resort for something to do. We took it so much for granted. Like most islanders, everyone lived for the next football game. There was always someone we knew that was playing somewhere. Race? Ethnicity? Diversity? There is no more diverse place on this planet than in Hawaii! We laughed so much because we would call each other names using racial slurs only to realize that we were part of that race too! Hahahaha! Many of the old timers, aunts, uncles, grandparents are gone and my sibs and cousins and I are now grandparents ourselves. I live in the mainland now but memories of those good old huna budda days will stick with me forever! By the way, we might be grown ups now but our parents will always see us as kids as I will always see my children the same way.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. Great reflection on family potlucks and how certain people brought certain dishes. Lay them all out and everyone grabs a plate.

[@sw651]

I loved this video. I grew up In a small town in western Massachusetts. Both my parents were immigrants from different parts of the world. We didn't have cousins, aunts, uncles, or grandparents around but I had a lot of brothers and sisters. Instead of family, friends would come for big cookouts. If their wasn't a ball game popping up we were out playing in the woods. When I look back at my life as a child I'm grateful for how we were raised and appreciate the lessons I learned and things I was taught by older people in the neighborhood. We were often sent out to shovel the snow from their driveways or help them rake leaves in fall. Even when we were offered money for it, we were not allowed to accept it. One lady in particular was 93 and I cut her grass every Saturday. She knew I couldn't accept pay so she waited by the door until I was done and asked me to come in for a minute. She would give me some of whatever she baked that week or a bowl of ice cream and would tell me about her life when she was my age. Sometimes I was there for a couple hours listening or telling her what I did that week. I didnt think much about it until a couple years after her death, I ran into her son at a store. He told me how she bragged about the stuff I was doing, my grades in school, or if I scored in my last soccer game. He joked about how his brothers and sisters teased her about not getting that kind of praise from her growing up. I laughed and told him I heard about it all. Even the bad stuff you all did and gave a few examples. Family isn't always relatives but sometimes people you shared experiences with. Thanks again for making me look back on so much.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Sounds like a wonderful childhood. 🤙

[@JadaDesiree]

My partner is from wahiawa. I grew up in Helotes TX. We often talk about our childhoods since we grew up in drastically different cultures. We didn’t have anything to do in my hometown. I experienced a lot of racism growing up and was very often the only Asian person in the room. That was my normal. I wished I grew up in hawaii, I often would wonder as a child how it would be to grow up near the beach. We both moved to CA a few years ago and he now appreciates home so much more and realizes how growing up in hawaii is such a privilege. I love hawaii so much. Moving there changed my life. I have never felt at home until I lived there 💙

[@gwillis01]

Mark Twain, famous American author, talked about growing up in Hannibal, MO. The only exciting thing for a young boy to do was climb the hill near the railroad station and watch the freight trains unload.

[@reddevilparatrooper]

Growing up in Honolulu Hawaii and living in Waikiki and my mom working at the International Market Place and my dad working for SIDA Taxi. It was a slow time as a kid going from Jefferson Elementary School, walking there every morning, Taking the bus to Washington Intermediate, and Mc Kinley High School. It was classic back in the mid 1970s to the mid 80s before I joined the Army. Really brought back classic memories of living in Waikiki. Families around our neighborhood would come to our house to do BBQs because we rented a house from Kilgo's. We would have a great time and built a strong bond because I had made friends and went to school with them. Our Tongan neighbors would get bananas and coconuts from us because we had a coconut tree and had banana trees in our yard as part of our garden, along with mangos, sweet potato, green and red Filipino chilis and tomatoes. Our neighbors would come and ask when it was growing good and plenty. We were a happy group of neighbors and kids growing up just 3 blocks behind the Hyatt Regency and Waikiki Beach and King's Alley at that time.

[@eugenegauggel1000]

I grew up there since 1954. I went to high school in Honolulu. I learned Ho'oponopono from Mornah Nalamaku Simeona. I met her when I was a photographer at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. She was in charge of the health Spa downstairs. She changed my life. Hawaii is where my roots are. My sisters feel the same way. My uncle was head of the Education department. My faother and mother played viola in the Honolulu symphony orchestra.

[@Duhble07]

Another great video, maybe this one a little more special. We can’t control where we are raised, but, with a bit of luck, we CAN control where our kids are raised. You made the right choice. And yeah, I’m sure your mom is proud.

[@5StarAlcatraz]

I mostly grew up in Hawaii (Honolulu/Waikiki, Kailua) but moved to the mainland (Cali) when I went to college. I never moved back…(career, marriage, kids, etc). But every time I come back to visit I feel like I am really ‘Home’…something I don’t completely feel in the mainland. My favorite memories are having family gatherings in Kapiolani park & Kailua beach, all the eats, surfing, swimming, volleyball. So many of my Ohana have already passed away or moved to the mainland 😢. I also miss jamming, talking story & hanging with my local friends. I have had a ‘successful’ life, but if I had the chance to do my life over again, I would never have left!

[@carlnishi6994]

Brah, Mahalo for such a meaningful video! Brings back so many of my own memories of the Islands. I really (really) hope that you are an educator. You do such an awesome job of sharing your thoughts, viewpoints and feelings in such a respectful way. Well done.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I used to teach at a university in Colorado.

[@theroadrunnerjarhead4109]

I can’t imagine growing up anywhere else. It’s the best place for a child to grow up. All I got to say.

[@charissekolcz8935]

It is easy to take care of someone loving, it is hard to take take of someone who is not so pleasant...so glad you have relatives you enjoy being with..

[@AzaleaChan13]

It feels nice to have this video be in your old room, even if we started out with us on the cans of pineapples haha!! We all have the one house/relative that is the gathering place. Definitely owe it to our kupuna to help them out, in addition to the generations we don’t even know about! Growing up in the last frontier and the islands, nothing is closer than family. I miss the ones who have passed on, but I want to do right by them by living how they demonstrated their way of life.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

So true!

[@badtuna73]

I truly missed growing up in Hawaii where family and extended family are a top priority. I miss the get-togethers, potlucks, and kanikapila our ohana had almost every weekend. You could also go out in the backyard and enjoy the sunshine, go to the beach, go surfing, fishing, snorkeling, all year round. Yeah, it was a great privilege to have been born and raised in Hawaii. I wished my kids (who were all born in California) could have experienced the same. But it's all in the heart and mindset no matter where I live as the spirit of aloha will always be in my blood. Great video. Mahalo for sharing part of your life growing up on the islands.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Hope your kids still get to visit HI. It was a great place to grow up. Still is.

[@badtuna73]

@@HelloFromHawaii Yes. Our adult kids go visit Hawaii at least once a year. However, it's still not the same as being born and raised there.

[@9834-c2g]

You should feel blessed for having been raised in a traditional family. I think your parents did an excellent job. I grew up in Puerto Rico in a very dysfunctional family. As an older adult I am still struggling with all the trauma that it caused. Again, consider yourself blessed.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Yes, I feel blessed for my family.

[@TheLyssaLanaProject]

Very privileged to have grown up in Hawaii. Nothing like it. Immediate family and extended were the same thing...I knew no difference. Even tho we are raising our girls in the mainland...we highlight that importance in family. ❤ - Lana

[@mersase1]

It’s a commandment from God to care for your parents in their older yrs, bc they gave life to you & raised you until you were able to be on your own & when they get older & feeble they need your help in return, it’s the most godly thing to do ❤👍🏼

[@bowtie87ss]

First off, love your channel. I grew up in Kalihi in the 70s and 80s. Just wonderful times. I never really considered ourselves as poor because as kids, we never really wanted for anything fancy. We were Sears people and not Liberty House which was fine. Also, as an only child, my cousins were my brothers. That bond still exists today even though I live on the Mainland now and they stayed in HI.

[@cherylmcmillan984]

Well said! I love that you have such respect for your Ohana, especially your elders. Your Mom and Dad must be so proud of you. I hope you pass on your love of family to your son. Mahalo for sharing your perspective.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Thanks for the kind words. Hope that I make them proud.

[@christopherturco197]

While not originally from Hawaii (I moved to the islands in 1978 to attend UH), I did a lot of growing up in Hawaii and became an adult there. Being from Hawaii has become ingrained in me, and I identify with Hawaii and Hawaii locals much more than my home state and people in RI. It is such a special place for so many reasons, not the least of which is how people from the various cultures relate to each other. We share the Hawaii culture no matter what our ethnic background. Some of the things that you mentioned about family closeness, and taking care of family at a point in their lives when they need us to step up, is an experience that I share. When I moved back to RI in 2000, it was to get back on my feet financially, but also because my parents were getting older/toward the end of their lives. Dad wasn't physically able to do the things he used to and I was able to help him with those things. When he passed I looked after my Mom for the next 13 years until she passed. Those are the sort of things I saw them do. That was the old way. It's a good thing not to let go of all the old ways, and Hawaii has managed to hold onto and perpetuate those ways. At least it had as long as I lived there... I hope it still does. Long story short, I hope to move back to the place I feel I did a lot of growing up, but I'm beginning to wonder if that is an impossible dream, given the financial pressures involved. It pains me to think that I may not be able to come home. I guess I really am a local after all.

[@gwillis01]

Thanks for an interesting video

[@lynnvia3943]

I love all your videos but this video really touched my heart. Your parents raised a wonderful son.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Thank you 🤙

[@justinum1297]

I always love watching your channel. It is funny, educative and realistic. This time is touching. You made me not regret my decision to raise my children in Hawaii. I had many conflicts in my mind since I left Korea because I was not sure my decision was right for my family. You videos always encourage me! 😊

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Thanks for watching. Appreciate the comment. Growing up in Hawaii is very unique. Hope you feel encouraged.

[@janclimo2284]

I was raised in the 70s&80s on Oahu; it was a magical time. Your videos are relatable to me. My Dad's family isn't awesome but they were my building blocks 😁💕

[@jonnuanez7183]

You grew up in the 80s and 90s?? My goodness, sir. I don't want to know your age, but you have kept very well. Kudos. And you're blessed that you had and have family that *demonstrates* HOW to be a family. Not a "do as I say" attitude or even if they're around.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo. Very blessed to have family that demonstrates it. Best way to learn.

[@mkkaneta]

There was a local saying “everything for the children”. It was part of their lives for our parents and grandparents to sacrifice and do without for us. They never talked about it but we owe them everything we have and who we have become. We can never repay them for those unspoken gifts but we can pass that love on to our children.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I believe the Japanese had a similar phrase, "For the sake of the children". Forgot who coined the phrase. Got a book all about that somewhere.

[@Tr0nzoid]

I was in Hawaii twice a total of only four years but it was a very significant and lasting time (as it seems life in Hawaii would be). Childhood there meant school field trips all over, going to an amusement center called Castle Park that was in Aiea, Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor at Pearlridge Mall. Trips to Sea Life Park, beaches. We learned local lingo and food. In the later years, we had Hawaiian history in school and the teachers were locals along with some students. Older kids go to school off base. The second parent will often work off base. For a while, we went to church in Wahiawa. The military has the added diversity of people from all over the country, and all races in all positions and neighborhoods. Civilians can never understand what that is like and mainlanders seem intent on being as ignorant of Hawaii as they possibly can and there is no excuse for it. My grandparents visited and we played tourist all over Oahu as well as on Maui and the Big Island. The first time, I was so young that it was just what I knew without a feeling of being away from a "mainland," even as I started to learn about states and maps and becoming aware of where my grandparents and others lived. I had that sense when I went back. I grew up military middle class. During most of childhood, I did not associate new and "nice" things with wealth. I just figured my parents did not want, need, or care to bother with some stuff. A new car looked neat but they did not get any of the trendy vehicles throughout the 1980s (sporty coupes, lookalike GM cars, mini-vans, etc). Rarely were costs and affordability mentioned. We lived in a house they bought on the mainland between two times in Hawaii. I was a begging kid for toys and got those toys. That is one thing I have noticed with a lot of people, the sense of "rich" and "poor," and some people even like to exaggerate a lower status to try to fit in to some discussions. Yes, the internet and social media have definitely influenced the average person to act like some kind of rich celebrity, along with the general increase in brand name consciousness and easy credit over the last 30 years.

[@lw1814]

The respect that we have (had) with each other, regardless of ethnicity in Hawaiʻi is what sets Hawaiʻi a part from other places. The disrespect is not tolerated no matter who you are. It has been diminishing over the years because of influx of outsiders moving in. But i will say that growing up in Hawaiʻi, that is one of the most important aspect. Respect.

[@hawaiigirl3415]

Omg! You just described my family and my extended family experience. My grandma lived next door and every Saturday we all got together and played. Since then my grandparents have passed and grandmas house is gone, but my brother and a cousin have taken on that role and take turns hosting the holidays or super bowl games or other get togethers. The cousins have grown up and are the ones hanging out, and talking sorry while their kids are the one running around and playing. Living in Japan my boys and I miss this and I am sad that they are not able to experience the same kind of thing I experienced growing up with family. We do ; however go home during the summers and get together with the extended family. My mom too has taken care of grandma when she was alive and other aunties as they got older. It was just something she did and took on on her own. I think you totally nailed it saying that growing up surrounded by family is unique… because it truly is.

[@chon9527]

Cheers from The PNW. Wonderful trip down memory lane. I always enjoy hearing your perspective regarding identity, family values, and cultural diversity. Next time I visit the island spam musubis are on me lol. I wish you all the best and look forward to your next video.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo. Yes, make sure to get a couple of musubis. 7-11?

[@kennoma7998]

Lucky that your ancestors set their roots in Hawaii. Another thoughtful vlog..Thanks, Chris.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Really thankful that they persevered, even when it was hard. Ten kids in one house. Can't imagine.

[@gerarddelacruz9649]

Thank you Chris for sharing your experiences to all your viewers. I am also planning to make the move to Kalihi in few years. Greatly Appreciated. Mahalo.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@SunnyIlha]

That's the most coolest good fun picture!!

[@SunnyIlha]

Growing up in Hawai'i was wonderful beyond all words.

[@DMFedalizo]

Well done video, growing up in Hawaii is a very unique experience. Throughout the generations there are a lot of commonalities that are passed down. Yes, I agree the family and extended family closeness is special. Experiences like going field trips to the Bishop Museum, playing chase master in the streets, Kikaida, plate lunches, musubi and Hawaiian Sun juice at the beach is unique to Hawaii. Wouldn't want to change my childhood for anything. Mahalo for this video🤙🏽

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Chase Master! Wow, brings back memories.

[@DMFedalizo]

@@HelloFromHawaii ...and gotta put da slippahs on your hands so you can run faster

[@theresewheeler1498]

Another great video Growing up In Hawaii is a privilege and blessing Love the island

[@gumerzambrano]

Just came back from visiting Waikiki for a week and absolutely fell in love with Hawaii!! Kualoa Ranch was my favorite activity that I had done in my lifetime...yet 😄

[@tuckedinshirt]

Was Kimo your tour guide? Lol

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Glad you enjoyed Kualoa. Beautiful mountains and lots to do.

[@Foldisfitch]

Always interesting and enjoyable...thanks!

[@brockjennings]

When I was growing up on Hawaii, it seemed we all had thicker skin. We poked fun at of each other, but it wasn't with such malice. I believe the Beamer Brothers song, "Mr. Sun Cho Lee" captures it perfectly.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@uncleblack7322]

time frame may be different, 50',60',70'...however, your right...Hawaii is family...The gathering is vital...family do care..;.

[@user-sg8kq7ii3y]

Yep, except now, when families get together, the young ones constantly got their phones in their hand, and, instead of talking to the real person sitting right across from them, they seem to feel more comfortable interacting with their electronics. I was a child in the 70's and 80's. Whenever I went to parties, I looked forward to seeing and talking to all of the older men in my family. One would give me a sip of his Primo. I would ask another to blow "donuts" with the cigarette smoke. I'd ask another about his stories of his experiences in the Army. I'd ask another to tell me ghost stories (even if I heard the stories a dozen times). Now the young ones sit at the table with their faces glued to their phones. Or, they go to the TV room and start watching Netflix even if they can do that anytime.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Sad that that is what is happening.

[@crawnyxx]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and family with us because a person's life and space are private despite being publicly presented. Memories allow us to visit what we have experienced and are currently building but this means a great deal to me, understanding my reflection on past times! 🤙🍻..

[@KomalSanjeev]

It surprises me how some aspects of growing up in Hawaii are so close to Indian culture. Families in India are also very close. We often have large extended family gatherings for festivals. My grandpa and grandma helped raise me throughout my childhood and I'm also very close to them. Grandparents are just the best ❤️

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing.

[@StyleshStorm]

First. Also will watch this tonight unwell but born and raised Hawaii too. 90s baby and 2000s kid/teen.

[@joeygarza9936]

I think I saw you and your family walking by the capital building today! 🤙🏼 You look taller on KZbin haha 😂

[@HelloFromHawaii]

😂

[@kjames1414]

Yes

[@cesarcanete3402]

Growing up in Hawaii is great. As a local myself, I can tell you that It's not as exciting as the tourism advertisements claim it to be, but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. I divided my time between Mililani & Kailua growing up, so I had Pearl ridge mall, the arcade, Mililani Town Center, Kalama beach, the shack & Mililani Trojan & Kalaheo Mustang football, basketball, Judo & wrestling games to go to & do. So happy that you decided to move back home to Hawaii. I'm gonna move back home some day soon, but on the Big Island. All of my friends & family on Oahu are on the mainland now (In Las Vegas like most Hawaiian locals lol), so I'm gonna go back home & also start a new. Going back home where my heart will always be w/ a new beginning. I can't wait when the day comes.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing

[@Cruisingfoodies]

My grandparents helped raise me too. It's nice to hear the respect for kapuna and the cultural diversity

[@ELucas-ih9wg]

My dad was in the navy and I lived in Manoa with my mom, cousin and aunt & uncle until for various reasons they made us move. My cousin and I loved every second of living there and would have stayed if we had a choice. Manoa in particular was a little paradise that we loved so much and would move back to in a heartbeat if anything was remotely affordable. Unfortunately it isn't.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Yeah, Manoa is a great place. And yes, not really affordable.

[@ryamashiroya]

Great video. My parents were very supportive for sports and music events too. Their generation and the ones before them were amazing. Nowadays it seems we have no time for anything.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Yeah, interesting how everyone is so busy. Life is just faster? Maybe just on Oahu.

[@DerfLrak]

I was born and raised in Ohio, that’s the only place I’ve ever lived. However I’ve visited almost all 50 states and finally went to Hawaii on my honeymoon almost 2 years ago.. I don’t know exactly what it is, but for some reason I have not stopped thinking about Maui every day for the past 2 years! I wish I could get it out of my head because there’s no logical way I could move there. My wife loves it as well but is pregnant with our first child. We have no family or friends there. I’d love for my kids to grow up there but family is more important.. Perhaps it will never be anything more than an unattainable dream, but who knows what the future holds!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Maybe you can visit frequently. In a way, your kid will have spent some time in Hawaii.

[@DerfLrak]

@@HelloFromHawaii Agreed! So far that is the plan. Thank you for your excellent videos!

[@setsunameioh5537]

what you said about there not being a lot of emphasis on race resonated with me because growing up in brazil i had friends of all races and we were all connected under the brazilian identity regardless of small cultural differences we might share at home. when my family moved to the california, there were so many cliques, even in elementary school. everyone kind of stayed with their own race and it was a culture shock to me. i loved visiting hawaii because it reminded me of my home country in the 90s, when everyone was open and accepting.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Yeah, that social dynamic is subtle in Hawaii, but it's there.

[@eromson1]

Another great video, Mahalo. I would love you to do a series of videos on each segment. >>> Best memories of growing up? Being able to walk to the beach and body surf when there were only a few other people on the beach. Taking my bike down to Azeka's (Kihei, Maui) to get shave ice or span musubi after school.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Great idea. I wish I had more time in this video, but I had to cut out a lot of stories. Maybe save them for another video. 🤙

[@harryshigeura3892]

... yes, another super vid, you nailed it right on the kini popo !!! me, grew up starting in the early 50's, all same same of what you said, never seems to change in Hawaii ...

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@304Hibachi]

What a privilege i was writing the moment you said wow haha. Right on man. This is an extra dope one ❤❤❤ When i moved there for the 10 years i always wondered how cool if a hapa guy like me coulda grew up there instead of ghettos in the south 😔 I brought that ghetto with me which i why i think im so tight with Kalihi hanai and Waianae hanai 🗿 I felt i fit in but in such a purer way. Hello the philosophical on this one.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@cinderella364]

I love your Aloha cap!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Vintage UH logo

[@chuckrags5873]

Very nice video, hope you will help your parents clean there home.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I can try 😂

[@roykamaaina]

Grew up in a plantation town. One comment I have is that the Hawaii guys could get along with all races. Saw that while in the military.

[@thumbstruck]

Hawai'i got TV a generation after the mainland did, and that had a social impact. Living on an island also has an impact. Food, music, Pidgin, also impacted. Spesho kine place.... Mainland folks had a lot of their family culture marketed out of them. There are pockets of cultural survival but for the most part folks carry very little with them. The plus part of "American" culture is the exposure to many cultures and the opportunities to "borrow" (not really cockaroaching) and synthesize new combinations.

[@hori166]

Isn't technology great in that it allows you to produce these videos? For me to do anything similar I would have to transfer 8mm and Beta tapes--yea, I'm a dinosaur! Childhood memories are precious and it's great that you are reflecting on this now. It demonstrates a rare level of introspection and maturity. Families do evolve as evidenced by your mother making use of vacant real estate. But seriously, canned pineapple (which brand? Dole? Taiwan?) and a folding chair 🤣?!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

lol. Dole pineapples in the can. 😂

[@bobkraft6215]

If you would like to come to Waianae or Kapolei just let me know. Show you what is like to live here.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the offer. I'm hoping to make it that side for some videos, but I hardly go out there. Mostly in town and windward side.

[@Pixics]

Hawaii is an island, so I guess there is less land for bigger homes. But when I was there and stayed in an Airbnb, I thought it was pretty cool to see coconuts growing everywhere.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Yeah, lots of coconuts. Just gotta watch out when they start falling. Could probably knock a person out.

[@theway3058]

We own a traditional old school HI house. It’s way old. On Bch in Kailua. Wife’s parents have had home for maybe 50 years. It’s good for our family to spend time in that house. On main land our house is big an somewhat new. Diff vibe.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Yeah, some of the homes have so much sentimental value. Hard to see them torn down for new homes, but probably better for the families. And can always create new memories.

[@gordonames1892]

IN MY OLD NEIGHHOOD IN KANEOHE, THE OLD ROAD, HALF THE PEOPLE THERE WERE RELATED. THEY BECAME PART OF MY EXTENDED FAMILY. MY COUSIN MARRIED INTO THOS FAMILY, MY FRIENDS BECAME KALABASH COUSINS. WHEN SISTET GOT MARRIED, THERE WERE 1400 PEOPLE AT HER WEDDING!!

[@rollercoasterfweak]

Growing up with other cultures felt similar in California. There was a lot of diversity and I didn't think about someone's ethnicity when seeing them. That being said, my family qualifies as "poor" in comparison to most Californians... Feels similar to what you describe with Hawaii.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Interesting comparison.

[@tracyalan7201]

It's a good video, although I'm surprised that you managed to get your mom's approval to shoot as much as you did. Most local moms don't like complete strangers seeing inside the house before they can clean up. That is one of the advantages of growing up in Hawaii, it's not anything like the lifestyle that we saw coming on the television shows of American families of the time. Everyone was in the same kind of home, same as the people next door and several streets over. All lived in, whether Filipino, Hawaiian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean or Chinese. We had the same mix up of neighborhoods here or several blocks away. My cousins on Maui, Kauai, Aina Haina, Mililani, Manoa all lived the same way, whether dad's or mom's side. That was then. Now, we should expect changes to occur because of the technological changes in the last 30+ years. The lifestyle that we had as children is changing rapidly, Hawaii isn't necessarily the backwaters that it used to be. Unlike some parts of the country where tech isn't as available, Hawaii has more than its share. Along with communication is knowledge, awareness and over dependence. The era that is being talked about is one that is less tech, closer, more common. The differences now are spreading communities apart through availability/usage of the tech and with it comes separation of that commonality that we took bonded us. We still have aloha but unless we're careful, it's not the noon daylight but more the late afternoon before twilight.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. They cleaned up before we stayed for the weekend. Great point about technology advancing and the effects it may have on Hawaii.

[@gordonames1892]

GROWING UP IN HAWAII WITH SO MANY CULTURES AND LANGUAGES, FOUND IT EASY TO PICK UP LANGUAGES. THE AIR FORCE WANTED TO SEND ME TO LANGUAGE SCHOOL.

[@BobbyHo2022]

Was poor looking back compared to how i live now. Always squeezing as a kid. Didn't understand what my parents meant when they said its expensive here. lol. That was early 1980s. I say it is worse now. Went probly twice to fancy restaurant in my first 15 years of life. lol. Allan Wongs, John Dominis, both closed now.

[@StyleshStorm]

Real fast kine though. About the growing up in Hawaii as a privilege thing. I absolutely agree to s powerful degree. When I was a child in the early 2000s I didn't really think about it all that much but I certainly realize it now. The family and I most of us are priced out and were forced to leave but one thing that will never be taken away from me specifically is I spent my most fun, childhood wonderous years in Paradise. I'm sad I left my homeland with the family but there's a silver lining knowing I've probably already experienced the best of Hawaii had to offer in the late 90s and all of the 2000s.

[@SunnyIlha]

Fo'real, cannot be humbug. 'Humbug' !! ...I neva hear dat word for loooong time !! 😃

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤣

[@crpond3699]

😉👍🏻

[@sst5688]

Another hallmark of local culture is clutter in the house lol Ha’come your mom dem never dump the broken fridge?! Lol

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I think it might still work. 😁

[@mersase1]

I grew up as an islander 🏝️ but my nationality is Chamorro from Guam ( USA) a territory of the USA. my Dad was in the AirForce & traveled to the US where he was stationed on mainland & did’t return back to our island until the early 60’s bc he was medically discharged due to health conditions. I can identify how you felt living in another place where, most islanders are very welcoming to other nationalities & sees each other equally. But when I got to US mainland I saw the difference of racism & white supremacy rulings, terrible. It’s known to the world it’s land of the free & opportunities but that depends where your at if your skin color is not white. America has a great constitution for all human rights but their are some ignorant white property that don’t honor that Liberty & justice for all. Sad but it’s true … America has change greatly over the yrs & it’s not like it use to be in my younger yrs … when I relocated to the Mainland in 2014, I almost couldn’t recognize her. She is still a great nations but a lot of things has changed. She has become lawlessness & see why many Americans moved to other states or out of the country … it’s become so expensive in certain states. I remember when soda pops where 25scents to 75 scents, movies where $3.00 to $5.00 a bag of chips were $1.00 to $3.00 & MacDonalds happy meals were $3.00 to $5.00, now it’s $10.00 to 15.00, & a peach of gum was 10 to 15 scents now $4.OO to $7.00 Woah ! 😲

[@minetruther7365]

From the thumbnail, I didn’t know Japanese could be so dark, respectfully your parents looks phillipino

[@user-sg8kq7ii3y]

Chris, the interesting thing is that you're Japanese by ethnicity, but not by culture. So if you were to go to Japan, the people there would not consider you "Japanese". They'd just consider you an "American".

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Yeah, I'd be gaijin.

[@justinreilly1]

Always interested me that Hawaiians in general don’t get hung up on race except for some native Hawaiians who are extremely racist. Always struck me as sort of anti-Aloha.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

The race thing is complicated. Just one of those things we deal with in our special way in Hawaii.

[@jesuscastillo3335]

Who cares what the world thinks about the names you give your kids, personally I was going to name my 2 boys Einstein & Socrates, ended up naming them Emanuel and Paul. Traditions are not laws, family matters is between you, your wife, your kids and God. now that I would call myself a Native Hawaiian, nah, I know that will be like an insult to real natives, but maybe islander or Hawaiian citizen.

[@richardmccarley281]

No offense, but it looks like someone is a hoarder.

[@brockjennings]

It's not hoarding. It's known in Hawaii as a lack of a basement 😄

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Hurricane supplies 😁