Walk through any beach town in Hawaii, and you’ll see them everywhere-on sidewalks, in grocery stores, even in church parking lots. They’re cheap, easy to slip on, and perfect for sandy feet. But if you ask a local what they’re called, they won’t say "flip-flops." That’s not the word you’ll hear. In Hawaii, they’re called slippers.
It’s Not a Flip-Flop, It’s a Slipper
In most of the United States, people say "flip-flops." In Australia, they’re "thongs." In the UK, "plastic sandals." But in Hawaii, the word is simple: slippers. It’s not slang. It’s not a nickname. It’s the official, everyday term. Ask a Hawaiian where they bought their slippers, and they’ll tell you the name of the store-like ABC Stores, or the one on Kailua Road. They won’t say "flip-flops." They’ll say "slippers."
This isn’t just a quirk of language. It’s a cultural marker. The word "slippers" reflects how deeply these shoes are woven into daily life. They’re not just footwear. They’re part of the rhythm of living here. You wear them to the post office, to the laundromat, to a potluck dinner. You don’t change out of them unless you’re going to a formal event-or maybe even then, if you’re relaxed about it.
Why "Slippers" and Not "Flip-Flops"?
The origin of the term goes back to the 1950s and 60s, when Japanese and American soldiers stationed in Hawaii brought back rubber sandals from their travels. These were practical, affordable, and easy to clean-perfect for the islands. Local businesses started selling them under the name "slippers," because that’s what they were: something you slip on and off without laces or straps.
"Flip-flop" came from the sound the soles make when you walk. But in Hawaii, people didn’t focus on the noise. They focused on the function. You slip them on. You slip them off. Simple. That’s how the name stuck.
By the 1970s, Hawaiian-made slippers became a staple. Brands like Flip Flop Shops a Hawaiian brand known for handcrafted, colorful slippers with island designs and Rainbow Slippers a local favorite since 1972, offering slippers with native floral patterns and durable rubber soles started popping up. These weren’t mass-produced imports. They were made on the islands, for islanders.
Slippers Are a Cultural Symbol
Wearing slippers in Hawaii isn’t about being lazy. It’s about being practical-and proud. There’s a famous saying: "Hawaiian time" doesn’t mean being late. It means you’re not in a rush. Slippers go with that mindset. You don’t need to tie them. You don’t need to polish them. You just put them on and go.
Even in professional settings, slippers are common. Teachers wear them to school. Nurses wear them in hospital hallways. Office workers keep a pair under their desk. You’ll see people in suits and ties, with slippers on their feet, walking to lunch. It’s not a fashion statement. It’s normal.
Slippers also carry cultural meaning. Many are decorated with tropical flowers like hibiscus, plumeria, and orchids, often printed or embossed on the straps, waves symbolizing the ocean that surrounds the islands, or traditional Hawaiian patterns like kapa cloth designs or tapa motifs. These aren’t just decorations. They’re stories. A pair of slippers might carry the image of a family’s favorite beach or the flower that grew by their grandmother’s house.
How to Tell Real Hawaiian Slippers from Imports
Not all slippers sold in Hawaii are made there. In fact, most are imported from China or Vietnam. But locals know the difference. Real Hawaiian slippers have a few key traits:
- Thicker soles-designed to last longer on rough pavement and lava rock
- Softer rubber-more flexible, less likely to crack in the sun
- Hand-printed designs-not just mass-produced stickers
- Local branding-look for "Made in Hawaii" or names like "Kona Slippers," "Maui Moccasins," or "Oahu Originals"
Buyers who care about quality avoid the plastic-looking slippers sold at tourist shops near Waikiki. Instead, they head to local markets like the KCC Farmers Market in Honolulu or the Hilo Night Market. That’s where you’ll find slippers made by island artisans, sometimes even stitched by hand.
Slippers and Identity
For many Hawaiians, wearing slippers is a quiet act of resistance. In a world that pushes formal dress codes and "proper" footwear, slippers say: "I’m not trying to impress you. I’m just living."
There’s a story about a Hawaiian man who flew to New York for a business meeting. He wore a suit and tie-but his shoes? Slippers. Someone asked him why. He smiled and said, "I didn’t come here to change who I am. I came to do business. My feet are still in Hawaii."
That’s the heart of it. Slippers aren’t just shoes. They’re a reminder of where you’re from. They’re comfort. They’re identity. They’re home.
What to Look for When Buying Hawaiian Slippers
If you want to take a real Hawaiian slipper home, here’s what to check:
- Look for the label: "Made in Hawaii" or "Handcrafted in the Islands"
- Feel the rubber: It should be soft, not stiff. Bend it slightly-it should flex easily
- Check the strap: It should be wide enough to stay on your heel, not too thin to dig in
- Smell it: Real Hawaiian rubber has a light, clean scent. Cheap plastic slippers smell chemical
- Ask where it’s made: If the seller doesn’t know, it’s probably imported
Don’t buy the $3 pair at the airport gift shop. Spend $20-$35 at a local shop. You’ll get something that lasts, and you’ll support someone who actually lives here.
Slippers Aren’t Just for the Beach
Some people think slippers are only for the sand. But in Hawaii, they’re for everything. You’ll see them on the trail to a waterfall. In the car after surf class. At a luau. At a wedding reception. Even at a funeral, if the family prefers it.
There’s a reason why slippers are worn everywhere: they’re made for the climate. Humidity. Rain. Salt air. Sand. No other shoe handles it better. They dry fast. They wash off easy. They don’t trap heat. They’re the only footwear that doesn’t feel like a burden in a place where the sun is always shining.
So if you ever visit Hawaii, don’t be surprised when you see people in slippers at the grocery store. Don’t laugh. Don’t judge. Just slip on a pair yourself. You’ll understand why they’re not called flip-flops here. They’re slippers. And they’re part of what makes Hawaii, Hawaii.
Why do Hawaiians call flip-flops "slippers"?
Hawaiians call them "slippers" because the term describes how they’re worn-slipped on and off easily. Unlike "flip-flop," which refers to the sound they make, "slippers" focuses on function, not noise. The word became standard in the 1950s-60s when local businesses started selling them, and it stuck as part of everyday language.
Are Hawaiian slippers different from regular flip-flops?
Yes. Authentic Hawaiian slippers have thicker, more flexible rubber soles designed for rough surfaces like lava rock and pavement. They’re often hand-printed with local designs and made from higher-quality materials than mass-produced imports. Many are made on the islands by local artisans, while most "flip-flops" sold elsewhere are cheap, factory-made plastics.
Can you wear slippers in formal settings in Hawaii?
Yes, and it’s common. In Hawaii, formality is different. People wear slippers to church, business meetings, and even weddings. It’s not about being disrespectful-it’s about comfort and cultural norms. If a formal event requires dress shoes, it will say so. Otherwise, slippers are perfectly acceptable.
Where can you buy real Hawaiian slippers?
Avoid tourist shops near Waikiki. Instead, visit local markets like KCC Farmers Market in Honolulu, Hilo Night Market, or shops like Rainbow Slippers or Kona Slippers. Look for "Made in Hawaii" labels and handcrafted designs. These are made by island residents and last much longer than imported versions.
Do Hawaiians wear slippers year-round?
Absolutely. Hawaii’s climate is warm and humid all year. Rain, sun, and sand make other shoes impractical. Slippers dry fast, stay clean, and don’t trap heat. Even in winter, when temperatures drop to 65°F, locals still wear slippers. They’re not seasonal-they’re essential.