Hawaii: Mainland vs. Islands by Kathryn Bustard December 8, 2006

The areas of Orange County and Oahu share many of the same characteristics. Although divided by water and different cultures, both have the same spirit.
In terms of race and ethnicity Oahu, Hawaii has a huge multi-racial mix with 46% Asians, 20% mixed races, 20% whites, and 8.9% are Native Hawaiian or Pacific-Islander. The racial percent of Orange County is 64.81% White, 30.76% are Hispanic or Latino, 13.59% Asian, 1.67% African American, 0.70% Native American, 0.31% Pacific Islander, 14.80% are other races, and 4.12% are mixed races.
Both regions also have diverse religious customs. Oahu is about 50% Christian, 32% Catholics, 9% Atheist, 6% Buddhist, and 3% Other. Orange County is about 57% Christian, 27% Catholic, 10% Atheist, 2% Jewish, 1% Muslim, and 3% other.
The culinary fields of both came from different backgrounds to form what they are today. In the island of Oahu, foods are very diverse due to different ethnicities of Filipinos, Hawaiians, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Japanese, Samoan, and others. A common food on the island is known as haupia which is coconut jello. Chicken Adobo is another favorite which is rooted from Filipino chicken and pork. Kalua Pig is the traditional luau dish which is Hawaiian pork. Poi is a thick purple paste that is a side dish to many main meals. In Orange County, American foods are common such as hamburgers, hot dogs, and fries. Italian food is also intermixed such as pasta, and spaghetti. Mexican food, due to its location next to California brings such plates as tacos, enchiladas, and taquitos. Asian fried rice, orange chicken, and sushi is also a wide favorite.
Climate in the beautiful island Oahu tropical and humid, bringing in 80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit in summer and 60’s in winter with rainfall. Orange County is also a lovely location, yet has small changing climate, with 70 to 90 degrees in summer and 40 to 60 degrees in winter.
Dance is a key part of both cultures. Oahu holds Hula Halaus (Hula Dance Schools) such as Halau Hula Kailua Oahu and Puka’ikapuaokalani Hula Halau. The traditional dance in Hawaii is hula. Many Halaus also teach Polynesian dances such as Tahitian, Tongan, Samoan, and New Zealand dances. In Orange County there are many types of dancing such as hip hop, folk, salsa, belly dancing, and many other cultural dancing.
Oahu’s stores consist of Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center with other assortments of drugstores, lei stands, and traditional Hawaiian things. Honolua Surf Company sports casual wear, sweatshirts, shorts, and body boards. Another big company, Local Motion, specializes in t-shirts, board shorts, and island jewelry. Miura Store and Tailor Shop are known more for their traditional Hawaiian clothes of muumuus and aloha shirts. The every day attire in Oahu, Hawaii is very casual. Many locals wear t-shirts, shorts, and local “slippahs” (flip-flops). Girls sometimes wear flowers in their hair and island jewelry. Business men wear colorful aloha shirts to work, women long muumuus, a blend of 19th century missionary attire and Hawaiian printed attire. Orange County features Abercrombie and Fitch which is more of Casual luxury clothes of denim jackets, classic shirts, and graphic tees. J. Crew is also popular with preppy knits, tees, and polos. Hollister shoots for a more surfer themed store featuring jeans, denim skirts, tees and polos. Juicy Couture is a classy and luxurious clothing line with accessories, handbags, and tracksuits. Lucky Brand Jeans is a company solely dedicated to jeans, tops and accessories. Rainbow Sandals are extremely popular, called “The World’s Best Sandals”, made of leather materials that last long. The attire in Orange County is more formal and expensive. Most people in Orange County are conscious of what they wear and are willing to pay a high amount of money to look good. Most people in Orange County try to impress people with their money and high standards of living.
Music also portrays each region in different lights. Oahu uses Hawaiian music of Bruddah Iz, Keali’i Reichel, and the Makaha Sons. Jawaiian is a mix of reggae and Hawaiian music with artists known as Ekolu, Three plus, and Kani Makou.

Hip-Hop and Rap are also popular in Oahu. Orange County has a lot of Hip-Hop/Rap such as Ludacris, Eminem, and Lil’ Jon. For Pop music, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, and Chris Brown dominate. Alternative is also a widely listensed to genre with such groups of Death Cab for Cutie, Snow Patrol, and The Killers
The top 4 attractions in Oahu are unlike any other area in the world. The first is the outdoor activities, such as surfing, snorkeling, and sight-seeing. The second is at Diamond Head where you can hike and look at volcanoes. The Polynesian Cultural Center is the next top attraction. The last attraction that is a must see on the island is the luaus and Polynesian dancing. Orange County holds unbelievable parks such as Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Wild Rivers. The next attraction is the Arrowhead Pond Entertainment center which is always a good bet for a spectacular show. Malls are a big part of the area, such as South Coast Mall, The Block at Orange, Fashion Island, and the Irvine Spectrum. The last attraction of Orange County is its colder climate beaches for water sports such as sailing, surfing, or swimming.