Living in Hawaiʻi and the U.S.

Hawai'i's Local Culture

Hawaii’s local culture is distinct from the continetal U.S. due to its indigenous Polynesian roots and a rich history of immigration. This creates a relaxed lifestyle governed by the Aloha Spirit, a multicultural "melting pot" of food and language, and a profound reverence for the land. Specific cultural characteristics that make Hawai'i different from the continential U.S. include:

Multicultural & "Local" Identity: The population is incredibly diverse, heavily influenced by Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, and Portuguese immigrants who came to work on the sugar and pineapple plantations. This resulted in Hawaiian Creole English (Pidgin)--a shared, localized language.

The Aloha Spirit & 'Ohana: Extending beyond a greeting, the Aloha Spirit is a state of mind focused on compassion and mutual respect. This manifests in 'Ohana (the concept of extended family and deep community ties) and Kōkua (communal responsibility and helping one another).

Food Culture: Hawai'i is famous for the "plate lunch" (two scoops of rice, macaroni salad, and a protein like kālua pig or lau lau). Spam is a staple, and cultural blending means you can easily eat Portuguese malasadas, Japanese sushi, and Filipino adobo in the same week.

Reverence for Land and Sea: Traditional values center on mālama (caring for the land and ocean). This means activities are deeply tied to nature, and locals show high respect for ancient Hawaiian sites, heiau (temples), and local taboos (like not taking lava rocks from the island).

American Culture

Below is an introduction to American values and aspects of life and suggestions on how to help you successfully adjust to living in Hawaiʻi and in the U.S. While the State of Hawaiʻi is part of the U.S, keep in mind that the culture and values expressed in Hawaiʻi are often quite different than those in the continental U.S.

Characteristics of U.S. American Culture

Goal and achievement oriented

Americans think they can accomplish just about anything given enough time, money and technology.

Highly organized and Institutionalistic

Americans prefer a society that is strong institutionally, secure, and tidy or well-kept.

Freedom-loving and self-reliant

Americans fought a revolution and subsequent wars to preserve their concept of democracy, so they resent too much control or interference, especially by government or external forces. They believe in an ideal that all persons are created equal: though they sometimes fail to live that ideal fully, they strive through laws to promote equal opportunity and to confront their own racism or prejudice. They also idealize the self-made person who rises from poverty and adversity, and think they can influence and create their future. Control of one's destiny is popularly expressed as "doing your own thing." Americans think, for the most part, that with determination and initiative, one can achieve whatever he or she sets out to do, thus fulfilling that individual's human potential.

Work-oriented and efficient

Americans possess a strong work ethic, though they are learning in the present generation to enjoy leisure time. They are very time conscious and efficient in doing things. They tinker with gadgets and technological systems, always searching for easier, better, more efficient ways of accomplishment.

Friendly and informal

Americans rejected the traditional privileges of royalty and class, but defer to those with affluence and power. Although informal in greeting and dress, they are a non-contact culture (e.g., avoid embracing in public usually) and maintain certain physical/psychological distance with others (e.g. about two feet).

Competitive and aggressive

Americans in play or business are generally oriented towards winning due to their drive to achieve and succeed.

Generosity

Although Americans seemingly emphasize material values, they are a sharing people as has been demonstrated in the Marshall Plan, foreign aid programs, refugee assistance, and their willingness at home or abroad to espouse a good cause and to help neighbors in need. They tend to be altruistic and some would say naive as a people.

Aspects of U.S. American Life

The dominant mode of activity in mainstream American society is "doing." U.S. Americans have a preoccupation with time, organization, and using resources so that everything has to have a purpose that is measurable. "Getting things done" is an American characteristic. In their social relationships they assume that everyone is equal and this removes the need for elaborate forms of social address. Social relationships are characterized by informality and social reciprocities are much less clearly defined. Mainstream U.S. Americans are motivated by achievement and accomplishment. Their identity and to a certain extent their self-worth is measured by what they achieve. They also assume that the work is material rather than spiritual and man's purpose is to overcome or conquer the forces of nature. Mainstream Americans also see themselves as individual and unique. International visitors have stated that the following aspects of American life are often the most confusing and difficult to understand:

Pace of life

Visitors from many countries outside the U.S. are amazed and often somewhat distressed at the rapid pace of American life and the accompanying emphasis on punctuality and efficiency.

Friendship

Because Americans are generally gregarious when first meeting someone, visitors often mistake this as the beginning of a deep reciprocal friendship. This is because in many societies there is much more initial reserve in interpersonal relations, particularly with strangers. For many visitors, the American comes on too strong too soon and then fails to follow up with the implicitly promised friendship.

Service and egalitarianism

The sense of egalitarianism on the part of American waiters, taxi drivers, etc., causes them to perform their services in a brusque, business-like manner, without the cordial manner that many visitors are accustomed to at home. The visitor often compounds this problem by giving what the American service person perceives as an order from on high, thereby causing the service to become even more surly.

Emotional expressiveness

Americans seem to stand near the center of an emotional spectrum that extends out to embrace the effervescent Latins at one extreme and the subdued Southeast Asians at the other. While they appear unemotional and cold to the Latins, they may appear hyperbolic and impulsive to Asians.

Individualism, freedom, and privacy

Some visitors are deeply impressed by the individual freedom, particularly in the political arena, that an American enjoys. Others are appalled, however, by what they sometimes call "too much freedom" in terms of excessive individualism, and cite lack of gun control laws as an example of what they mean.

Self-reliance and the nuclear family

Visitors have ambivalent feelings about the self-reliant American nuclear family. Some are impressed by the parents' handling of household chores and the children's independent assertiveness. Others see the American pattern as abrasive, somewhat chaotic, and lacking the strong extended family supports to which they are accustomed.

Informality and morality

Because many visitors come from societies that stress neat, formal and (by American standards) conservative clothing styles, they are sometimes shocked by what they views as Americans' sloppy way of dressing. Often they tend to equate this informality with immorality, and they are persuaded that America is on the way to moral ruin when they observe provocative clothing styles and public displays of affection.

Crime

Reports have reached the four corners of the globe about the high crime rate in American cities. Many new arrivals are thus highly concerned for their personal safety, although some are surprised and somewhat encouraged to find that the violence level is not as high as they had anticipated. As in urban areas anywhere in the world, the wise traveler avoids certain areas of a city at any time, travels if possible in groups, and checks with reliable locals on safe procedures, especially on airport security and the carrying of valuables.

Race relations

Comments from international visitors concerning current race relations in the U.S. mirror the confused, conflicting views expressed by U.S. Americans. Sharp attacks on lingering racial discrimination are mingled with expressions of surprise that race relations is not as a big a problem as some visitors had been led to believe.

Lack of knowledge about other countries

Particularly disheartening to many visitors is the U.S. American's lack of knowledge of and interest in other countries and cultures. This attitude has developed because of long-standing geographical isolation coupled with the immigrant experience, in which to become a full-fledged member of the "New World" one had to cast aside the customs and culture of the homeland.

Culture Shock

Most students experience difficulties at one time or another while at UH Hilo. As an international student, you may experience some challenges that are unique or more intense because you have the added pressure of adjusting to a new culture, language, and different academic environment. Staff members at Counseling Services work with international students and are knowledgeable about the issues facing international students, including homesickness and adjustment. Counseling is a free, confidential service provided to all students at UH Hilo, including international students. Check out this short video that introduces the concepts of mental health for international students in the U.S. The video covers mental health awareness and warning signs, dispelling myths, and showing ways to seek help.

Class Participation

Are you dreading participating in class? Check out the tips offered in this short article on overcoming a fear of class participation, including:

1. Seek support
2. Plan ahead
3. Ease your feelings
4. Acknowledge your effort
5. Keep doing it

Dating, Relationships and Sex

Cultural practices and norms about dating, relationships and sex differ from one culture to another. Similarly, laws about sexual assault and harassment vary around the world. So it's important that international students understand cultural practices and laws in the U.S. when it comes to dating, relationships and sex. This short video provides international students with the facts about sexual assault and consent, how to prevent an assault from happening, and what to do if one does occur. Also check out this video of international students discussing different cultural views on sexual assault. Counseling Services has more information on sexual assault and relationship violence, including who to contact for more information.

Money and Banking

Check out this webpage about banking for international students for information about credit cards and how to transfer money from abroad.

You may want to open a checking and/or savings account at a local bank to pay for things and to establish credit in the U.S. You should not carry large sums of money with you. Typically one or two forms of photo identification (ID) are required to open a bank account. A U.S. social security number is not required. Most banks and credit unions will provide you with a bank card when you open an account that you can use as a debit card and at an ATM (Automated Teller Machine) so that you do not have to carry a lot of cash. Most banks have 24-hour ATMs that enable you to withdraw cash from an account or make a deposit.

The closest bank to the UH Hilo campus is the Bank of Hawaiʻi at 1339 Kinoole Street. Also close to campus are the Big Island Federal Credit Union and First Hawaiian Bank . Appointments are usually required to open an account. Each bank has different rules and fees. Some banks assess monthly checking service charges, and some do not. Many banks have special student accounts that may have lower fees and lower minimum balances than normal, so be sure to ask about student accounts. Keep track of your expenses. Be aware that fees are typically charged for an overdrawn account.

To Cash or Deposit Checks

When depositing money in a bank account, be aware that checks from foreign countries may need time to clear. This may cause a delay of several days or even weeks during which you will be unable to access any part of the deposited checks.

Your bank will cash a check for you with proper ID. To cash a check in person at a bank:

• Endorse a check by signing your name in ink on the left reverse side of the check. Do not endorse any check until you are at the teller’s window at the bank. An endorsed check is the same as cash.
• Your name should be signed exactly as it appears on the face of the check, even if it is incorrectly spelled. Sign your name with the correct spelling directly below the first endorsement if it is misspelled.

Some banks enable you to make deposits electronically using the bank's app.

If you are unable to get to the bank during normal business hours, you can make a deposit to your account by mail or by using the appropriate deposit box located near the main entrance of most banks. Depositing cash by mail is not safe. Deposit only checks by mail. To deposit a check by mail, complete a deposit slip but do not endorse the check. On the left reverse side of the check in the depositor’s endorsement area, write “FOR DEPOSIT ONLY.” Then write your account number on the next line.

Money Orders

Never send cash through the mail. If you need to send money to someone and you cannot send it electonically, you can send a check or obtain a money order. Money orders can be purchased at banks, post offices, Western Union and stores such as 7-11, Sack N Save and Safeway.

American Currency

Identification (ID) Cards

It is important to have a picture ID in the U.S. A passport can be used as a source of identification but it is not recommended to carry it around with you on a daily basis.

UH Hilo ID Card

You can obtain a UH Hilo student ID card at the Campus Center. There is a $10 fee for this card which will have your photograph on it and will serve as an official UH Hilo student identification. You will use this card to enter the Student Life Center, borrow books from the Library, and enter the dining hall if you have a meal plan. The ID card must be validated every semester that you are enrolled at UH Hilo. If you lose your ID there is a $10 replacement charge.

Hawaiʻi State ID Card

A Hawaiʻi State ID card is not required, but some students find that getting the card is convenient to have as a form of government-issued identification. To get a Hawaiʻi State ID card, follow the instructions here. If you do not have a U.S. social security, you need to obtain a “letter of denial” from the Social Security Administration office. Go to the Social Security Administration office located in the Prince Kuhio Plaza (open Monday-Friday 8:30 am–3:30 pm) and explain that you need a “letter of denial.” You may be asked to complete an application for a social security card (PDF) so that you can be issued a letter of denial.

Social Security Numbers

You can get a U.S. social security number if you get offered a job. Only students who work can be authorized to obtain a U.S. social security number. (You cannot be authorized to get a social security number to open a bank account, get a cell phone, etc.) If you get offered a job, the Director of International Student Services (ISS) will authorize you to apply for a U.S. social security number. Provide the Director of ISS with a document or an email message showing proof of a job offer from your employer. The Director will then give you a letter authorizing you to apply for a social security number. Then, bring the letter along with a completed application form (PDF), passport, I-94 Form, and your I-20 Form to the Social Security Administration office located at the Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo (open Monday-Friday 8:30 am-3:30 pm). There is no fee to get a social security number. View the steps to follow (PDF) to get a social security number.

Renting an Apartment or House

If you are thinking about renting an apartment or house off-campus, be aware of the following:

• Utilities: Some apartments and houses include the cost of utilities (such as electricity, water, and internet), but others do not. If utilities are not included in the rent, ask what the typical monthly cost is.
• Lease: Most apartments and houses require you to sign a lease or contract, which requires you to live there for a certain period of time. Typical lease periods are 6 months to 1 year.
• Furnished: Some apartments and houses are furnished, while others are not.

Find out about utilities, leases, and furnishings before you make a decision.

To rent an apartment or house, you may need to do the following:

• Present several forms of identification
• Provide a security deposit – the amount varies, but is typically equal to 1 month’s rent (ask if the deposit is refundable when you move out)
• Provide a letter of financial support if you do not have a credit rating

Credit Scores for International Students

A credit score is a three-digit number between 300 and 850. It tells lenders how likely you are to pay back money you borrow. The higher your score, the better opportunities you'll have. Think of it like a report card for your money habits. Some landlords and employers check this score. Check out this guide about how to build a credit score.

Postal System

To send and receive mail in the U.S., the following format is used:

You can also visit a post office in Hilo. There is a post office located close to the airport, which is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 am-4:30 pm and Saturdays from 8:30 am-12:30 pm, and a post office in downtown Hilo (at 154 Waianuenue Avenue), which is open from Monday-Friday from 8:00 am-4:00 pm and Saturdays from 12:30-2:00 pm.

Change of Address

You must inform the UH Hilo International Student Services (ISS) office within 10 days if your address changes. Use this Change of Address form (PDF) and submit it to the ISS office. You should also update your address in your MyUH Services account. It is also recommended that you notify the U.S. Post Office of any address changes. Before moving from one residence to another in the U.S., you should complete an Official USPS change of address form online or get a form at any post office. This form will direct the post office to forward your mail to your new address and should prevent the loss of any mail.

Bus and Taxis

Bus Service

Bus service is limited in Hilo and on the Big Island. Buses (called the Hele-On Bus) stop at the UH Hilo campus. Visit the Hele-On website for bus schedules and maps and for information on how to ride the bus .

Taxis & Ride Shares

Regular taxi fares are set by law and should be the same for any taxi company. Approximate taxi rate is $3.00 for the first 1/8 mile (or minute of waiting) plus $0.30 for each additional 1/8 mile (or minute of waiting). View a list of taxi companies in Hilo. Ride share services like Uber and Lyft are also available in Hilo.

Cars

Before you begin driving a car, it is important to be aware of the responsibilities involved in the State of Hawaiʻi and the U.S.

Hawaiʻi State Driver’s License

To drive legally in the State of Hawaiʻi, you must have one of the following:

• A valid State of Hawaiʻi driver’s license, or
• Be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license issued by any U.S. state or U.S. territory, or
• A valid foreign driver’s license along with an International Driving Permit.

Obtaining a Hawaiʻi Driver’s License

For detailed information about getting a driver's license in Hawaii, click here. Before you can take a written test, you must obtain and present a passport and a U.S. social security number or letter of denial from the Social Security Office. (See Social Security Numbers section above.) You should read the Hawaiʻi Driver's Manual.

When you are ready to take the written test, make sure you bring your Social Security Card or a Social Security letter of denial, your passport, Hawaiʻi State ID, or out-of-state driver’s license or International Driver’s license (if you have one) to the Hilo Driver License & Motor Vehicle Control Center, located at 120 Pauahi Street. You must take and pass the written examination covering the information in the Hawaiʻi Driver's Manual. After you pass the exam, you will be issued a Temporary Instruction Permit. With this permit, you may drive but you must be accompanied by a licensed driver. If you fail the exam, you must wait at least one week before taking the driver performance test. Unless you are operating a moped, motor scooter or motorcycle, the licensed driver must sit beside you. A Permit is valid for 3 months. You can renew this Permit, but you must do so before it expires.

Before you practice driving or operating a car, scooter, or motorcycle (including rentals) be sure you are covered with current “No Fault Insurance”. Driving without valid car insurance carries a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense along with a 3-month driver's license suspension.

When you are ready to take the Driver Performance Test, you must:

• Make an appointment with the Driver License & Motor Vehicle Control Center.
• Go to the Center with the type of vehicle for which you want a license (moped, motorcycle, or car). The vehicle (other than a moped) must have “No Fault Insurance”, current registration and safety sticker. You will be asked to show proof of these papers.
• You must be accompanied by a licensed driver.
• You must have your Temporary Driver License Permit with you.
• If you fail the test you can take the test again, but you will have to make another appointment and pay another fee for each test. If you pass the test, you will be issued a Temporary Driver’s License, and your permanent license will be mailed to you.

International and Out-of-State Driver’s Licenses

A driver’s license from another state is valid for driving in Hawaiʻi until its expiration date. An international driver’s license in combination with another country’s driver’s license is valid for driving in Hawaiʻi for one year after issuance date of the international driver’s license. If you wish to obtain a Hawaiʻi driver’s license without taking the driving exam, you must complete all licensing procedures before your out-of-state license expires. Once your out-of-state license expires, you have to take the road test as well. You must pass a 30-question multiple choice examination with no more than six errors. If you fail the exam, you must wait one week before retaking it. If you wish to obtain a license for the first time or you possess an international driver’s license and another country’s license, you must successfully pass both the written and road tests. After paying the fee, you will be issued a temporary license good for 90 days and you will receive your permanent license in the mail.

When you drive a car, motorcycle or moped you may be required to show a proof of driving permit or license. (See Obtaining a Hawaiʻi Driver’s License)

Automobile Insurance

Each driver in the state of Hawaiʻi must carry proof of liability insurance. This is insurance to cover damage of other people and the property of others in case you are at fault in an accident. There are numerous insurance companies that offer automobile insurance. You always need to carry proof of automobile insurance in your car. In Hawai'i, driving without automobile insurance results in severe penalties, including a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense along with a 3-month driver's license suspension. It is even greater if you are involved in a an accident without insurance or for a second offense of driving without insurance.

State Inspection Sticker

On your car’s rear bumper, there is a sticker with a large printed number. This number indicates the month in which the car must be inspected. The lights, brakes, tires, horn and other basic features must operate to pass inspection. This must be renewed annually. If you do not obtain a new inspection sticker before the old one expires, you may get a traffic ticket. Look for a gas station with signs indicating that they do inspections. You may wish to call to see if an appointment is necessary.

Car Title and License Plates

If you buy an automobile, especially a used one, be careful. Be sure to get a bill of sale (receipt) and the car title. You must then go to the Hilo Driver License & Motor Vehicle Contro Center to transfer and register the car in your name.

Accidents

If you have an automobile accident, you are required to stop at the scene. Be sure to obtain the other driver’s name, address and phone number. Also be sure to exchange information on insurance companies! Hawaiʻi police officers cannot come to the scene of all accidents, however, you should call the police to inform them of the accident even if there are no injuries. In case you receive a traffic ticket (or have an accident), come to the International Student Services Office to discuss the situation.

Bicycles & E-Bikes

You do not need a license to ride a bicycle or e-bike, but you do need to register a bicycle or e-bike. Click here for more information about bicycle and e-bike registration. You must obey all traffic laws pertaining to bicycles and e-bikes.

Bicycle Safety

Because many students do not own cars in Hilo and public transportation is not easily accessible, bicycles can be a convenient means of transportation. However, there are not many bicycle lanes in and around Hilo, which can make bike riding dangerous. Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the following safety rules:

• Wear a helmet. An unprotected head is highly susceptible to injury, even from the slightest contact.
• Use proper hand signals when riding. It is important that motorists around you can predict what you intend to do so they can adjust their driving.
• Ride on the correct side of the road. Never ride against traffic; always ride with the traffic!
• Ride single file when riding with others.
• If riding at night your bike should have headlights and taillights. Wear light colored clothing and se reflective tape on you bike, clothing, etc. so that you can be easily spotted.
• Regular bicycle maintenance is very important. Servicing you bike regularly will help to prevent accidents due to equipment failure.
• Ride defensively. Expect the unexpected!

Remember, you are hard to see and although cycling is becoming more popular, many drivers are not trained to recognize the rights of a bicycle rider.

Mopeds & Motorcycles

An alternative to riding a bicycle is a moped. A moped is the least expensive motorized vehicle to operate because of its high fuel efficiency and no insurance requirement. However, you must have a driver’s license, registration, and safety check. Click here for more information about mopeds in Hilo.

When operating a moped, you must obey all the basic traffic laws and special laws for mopeds. The special rules for Mopeds include:

• You cannot drive a moped at night
• You cannot carry any passengers
• You must wear a Department of Transportation-inspected helmet and goggles

To operate a motorcycle, you must have a valid driver’s license in the proper category. For details, click here.

Food Insecurity

Sometimes we may need a little extra help with having enough to eat. If you find yourself in that situation, Hilo has resources that can help you. Visit Hale Lako on campus or the the Hawaiʻi Food Basket to find locations, dates, and times when you may access free food.

Religion & Spirituality

Hilo has numerous churches and places of worship for many different faiths and religions. ChurchAngel.com list churches and places of worship in the Hilo area. There are also several student clubs on campus that have a spiritual focus.