Life in Hawaii is as unique as our islands – and if you grew up in Hawaii and have talked to anyone who didn’t, you might quickly realize how different your childhood really was. From food preferences and your vocabulary to your comfort level in the ocean, you’re sure to recognize many of these 17 legitimate signs that you grew up in the Aloha State.

  1. You know how to craft the perfect lei.

Jenn/Flickr

  1. You can easily pronounce even the longest Hawaiian words.

Brad Hagan/Flickr

  1. You can’t get enough poi.

bionicgrrl/Flickr

  1. You don’t understand daylight savings time.

Jasperdo/Flickr

  1. You know there is a clear distinction between locals and Hawaiians.

176th Wing Alaska Air National Guard

  1. You own a rice cooker.

Ramberto Cumagun/Flickr

  1. You think nothing of swimming, shopping, and eating in the same clothes.

Chris Hunkeler/Flickr

  1. You know there are only two legitimate seasons in Hawaii.

Bill Sodeman/Flickr

  1. You call them slippers, NOT flip-flops.

Jared M/Flickr

  1. You’re cold as soon as it hits 75 degrees.

Kevin Schraer/Flickr

  1. You have countless aunties, uncles, and cousins.

kptice/Flickr

  1. You feel more comfortable in the water than you do on land.

Micah Camara/Flickr

  1. You automatically remove your shoes before entering anyone’s house.

Bert Kimura/Flickr

  1. You call it shave ice, not shaved ice or snow cones.

Bionicgrrl/Flickr

  1. The only suit in your closet is a bathing suit.

BOMBTWINZ/Flickr

  1. Your mouth waters when you hear the words “li hing mui.”

CRASH:candy/Flickr

  1. You’re proud of all things Hawaiian.

Ryan Keene/Flickr

So, tell us, what other signs are there that you grew up in Hawaii? Did you learn these 11 essential life lessons you get from living in Hawaii?

Jenn/Flickr

Brad Hagan/Flickr

bionicgrrl/Flickr

Jasperdo/Flickr

176th Wing Alaska Air National Guard

Ramberto Cumagun/Flickr

Chris Hunkeler/Flickr

Bill Sodeman/Flickr

Jared M/Flickr

Kevin Schraer/Flickr

kptice/Flickr

Micah Camara/Flickr

Bert Kimura/Flickr

Bionicgrrl/Flickr

BOMBTWINZ/Flickr

CRASH:candy/Flickr

Ryan Keene/Flickr

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