In Hawai‘i, We’ve Always Been in Our Slippah Era
GQ recently declared, “We’re in our flops era.” And while I get where they’re coming from — embracing easy, breezy footwear for the summer — a part of me wants to ask, “Bruh, you ever been to Hawai‘i?”
““We’re in our flops era.””
photo source: stock images
Because here, “flip-flops” aren’t a seasonal trend. Slippahs have always been, and will always be, part of our everyday life. It’s not an era — it’s a lifestyle. I get it though. Not every place can pull off year-round slippah weather. So when the mainland fashion world suddenly decides that minimal rubber footwear is cool again, I can’t help but chuckle a little. It’s funny how something so ordinary, so second nature to us in Hawai‘i, can become a fleeting moment of trend elsewhere.
Growing up here, slippahs are basically an extension of your feet. Heading to the beach? Slippahs. Quick coffee run? Slippahs. Family house party? Slippahs — even if you lose them in the giant pile by the front door. That’s just life here.
And it’s more than just practicality. In Hawai‘i, slippahs have a deep-rooted history. Introduced to the islands by Japanese immigrants in the early 20th century, the original zōri — simple, flat sandals traditionally made of rice straw — quickly adapted to local lifestyles. Rubber versions became popular post-World War II, thanks to affordable manufacturing and Hawai‘i’s love for the outdoors. Over the years, brands like Locals and Scott Hawaii became household names, turning the humble slippah into an island essential.
(Sources: The Hawai‘i Herald, “A History of Slippers in Hawai‘i,” 2018; Honolulu Magazine, “A Love Letter to Slippahs,” 2020)
photo source: swallow sandal
And it’s more than just practicality. In Hawai‘i, slippahs have a deep-rooted history. Introduced to the islands by Japanese immigrants in the early 20th century, the original zōri — simple, flat sandals traditionally made of rice straw — quickly adapted to local lifestyles. Rubber versions became popular post-World War II, thanks to affordable manufacturing and Hawai‘i’s love for the outdoors. Over the years, brands like Locals and Scott Hawaii became household names, turning the humble slippah into an island essential.
(Sources: The Hawai‘i Herald, “A History of Slippers in Hawai‘i,” 2018; Honolulu Magazine, “A Love Letter to Slippahs,” 2020)
So while GQ can have its “flops era,” over here, it’s just another Tuesday.
For anyone curious, here are a few of my go-to local slippah brands, some higher-end and some that I’ve grown up with:
OluKai – comfy with a little luxe
Locals – the classic rubber staple
Scott Hawaii – built to last
That’s it. Just simple, easy, everyday essentials.
#Random thoughts.