The Warmest Greeting
While some places around the world consider it taboo to show any kind of public display of affection, embracing one another with a hug is the most common form of greeting and saying goodbye to one another in Hawaii. Most Americans will only initially greet dates or close friends with a hug.
Most people meeting for the first time usually go for the handshake. However, you shouldn’t be surprised if you visit Hawaii and locals greet you for the first time with a warm hug and a big smile. It may feel unusual to you at first, but they’ll certainly make you feel welcome.