Some call them thongs, sandals, or flip-flops. In Hawai‘i, they are strictly known as slippers, slippahs, or rubbah slippahs (rubber slippers) — the footwear of choice for many locals. In fact, the most popular local slipper brand is aptly named Locals. Though not originally from Hawai‘i, slippers have become so synonymous with island culture that Brazil’s best-known flip-flop brand, Havaianas, took its name from the Portuguese word for “Hawaiians” — a nod to Hawai‘i’s reputation as an endless-summer destination. When visiting the islands, be mindful that it is customary to remove your footwear before entering someone’s home. For locals, it’s as natural as breathing — though signs hung above doors serve as a gentle reminder for the unaccustomed: “Mahalo for removing your slippahs.” The tradition arrived from Japan during the plantation days and was quickly adopted as a sign of respect for the host and a means of keeping the floors clean. Just be sure you no take mo’ bettah slippahs when you leave.