What Do Hawaiians Call Slippers? Irish Curiosity Meets Island Culture

In Ireland, if you mention 'slippers,' most folks immediately picture those cosy, fleece-lined things you pop on as soon as you finish your tea. You know, the sort you grab from Dunnes or Penneys, especially during our colder months—basically the only thing standing between your toes and icy kitchen tiles.

But here’s a fun twist: fly off to Hawaii, show someone your battered Penneys slippers, and you'd probably get a laugh. Over there, 'slippers' means something totally different—think beach, sun, and sand stuck to your feet, not turf fires and woolly socks.

• When Slippers Aren't Just For Indoors: The Irish Take
• The Hawaiian Word and Its Roots
• Footwear Faux Pas: Travelling from Ireland to the Islands
• Slippers, Flip-Flops, and Jandals: Worldly Words for Comfy Feet

When Slippers Aren't Just For Indoors: The Irish Take

Across Ireland, slippers are the gold standard for home comfort. Parents, kids, even the cat (well, maybe just Whiskers trying to nap on mine)—every household knows their worth, especially when the cold seeps in from the Dublin Bay or a Galway storm rolls through. For most of us, slippers are an indoor thing. They’re part of the Irish home toolkit, right up there with a kettle and an electric blanket.

Still, if you walk into your local SuperValu or browse the shelves at Penneys, you’ll spot rows of slippers from September onwards. They come in every size and shape—think fluffy boot slippers for watching the Late Late Show, or the classic plaid pair everyone’s granddad has by the fireplace. Let’s be honest, Irish winters and uncomfortable floors just don’t mix. It’s why so many Irish families gift slippers around Christmas; it’s honestly expected, like selection boxes and novelty socks.

But head outdoors with your slippers? That’s a hard no for most. Sure, you’ll catch the odd person sliding down the bins in slippers on a cold Tuesday morning, but nobody’s bringing them to the shops or the pub. Even the neighbours will have a word—slippers belong in the house. If you see someone at Tesco in actual slippers, chances are they just forgot themselves after a mad morning with the kids.

What might surprise some, especially anyone new to Ireland, is how flip-flops or slide-on summer shoes aren’t usually called slippers here. If a teenager in Kerry says, ‘grab my flip-flops,’ you know they’re talking about those plastic, Y-shaped sandals we’d wear to the beach on rare sunny days or on holiday to Spain. Around Irish coasts—down in Lahinch or on Dollymount Strand—you might see these in action, but never will an Irish person call them ‘slippers’ without raising eyebrows.

So in the Irish market, slippers are all about cozy home life, long chilly evenings, and the little comforts that make winter actually bearable. But don’t confuse them with what you’d wear roaming Bondi Beach or Waikiki’s sands.

The Hawaiian Word and Its Roots

So, what do Hawaiians actually call slippers? Over there, they use the word “slippahs.” Yes, that’s how it’s spelled and said—like a laid-back, shorter version of what you might call your faded Penneys pair. But these aren’t your winter warmers. In Hawaii, slippahs are what Irish folks would call flip-flops or sandals—open-toed, rubber-soled, perfect for walking from your apartment in Lahinch straight across the sand to the water.

The story gets more interesting when you realise that the word “slippahs” is just as much a part of everyday language in Hawaii as saying “grand” is in county Mayo. The word shows up everywhere and is so accepted that it’s featured in school dress codes, local signage, and even shop branding. Try searching for "Hawaiian slippers" when booking a last-minute trip from Ireland and you’ll quickly end up on pages selling you flip-flops, not the plush variety.

“In Hawaii, everyone from keiki (kids) to tutu (granny) wears slippahs. It’s a way of life here, not just footwear,” says Honolulu Magazine, capturing the heart of the tradition.

This isn’t just a slang thing. It’s proper local culture, with roots in practicality. Hawaii’s warm, sandy environment makes bulky shoes pointless. Rubber-soled, open-backed footwear lets everyone get around quickly and shake out the sand before stepping inside—sort of the opposite habit of what we have here in Ireland with our muddy boots and clean kitchen floors.

Just how big are slippahs in Hawaii? There’s even an annual "National Slipper Day," where everyone sports their favourite pair. Check out this quick comparison on popular footwear:

If you ever make it to O‘ahu on holiday, don’t be the person asking for “bedroom slippers” at the pharmacy. Say "slippahs" and you’ll fit right in.

Footwear Faux Pas: Travelling from Ireland to the Islands

Holidaymakers from Ireland heading for Hawaii or any sun-drenched island are in for a bit of a language mix-up. Packing ‘Hawaiian slippers’ into your suitcase means something completely different if you shop in Dublin compared to Honolulu. In Ireland, you’re likely tossing in your trusty indoor slippers, while in Hawaii, ‘slippers’ are what we call flip-flops—those rubbery, toe-post sandals that come out on sunny days in Bray or Lahinch.

Here’s where it gets confusing. If you rock up to your hotel reception in Maui and ask, “Where can I get slippers?” you won’t be directed to comfy indoor shoes. Instead, you’ll find shelves stacked with flip-flops (and not a fleecy lining in sight). For Irish families, especially with kids in tow, this can save both money and awkward moments—no one wants to trek Honolulu in socks and woolly slippers from home.

It’s a handy tip: before you leave Ireland, make sure what you’re buying actually matches what’s worn locally. Flip-flops—known as ‘slippers’ in Hawaii and as ‘jandals’ in New Zealand—are a must for anything sandy, whether you’re trekking to Hanauma Bay or just nipping out for breakfast. Don’t rely on local Irish shops for the right kind, either. Out-of-season, most shops in Salthill or Bundoran won’t have flip-flops in winter, so you might pay double at airports or tourist hotspots abroad.

• If shopping online in Ireland for a Hawaii trip, search for ‘flip-flops’ for best results, not ‘slippers.’
• Bring two pairs: one for the beach, and a backup in case that first pair snaps (it happens to the best of us, even on holidays to Lanzarote).
• Kids’ sizes vanish quickly in Irish stores before summer holidays, so shop early if your kids are fussy, like my Saoirse.
• If you forget, you’ll find plenty in Hawaii’s ABC Stores but expect to pay tourist prices.

Confusing ‘slippers’ with flip-flops is a classic holiday blunder that’s easily avoided. Always double-check what a shop or hotel actually means—you’ll save yourself some funny looks and a few euros, too.

Slippers, Flip-Flops, and Jandals: Worldly Words for Comfy Feet

If you’ve ever been caught in a mix-up about the word slippers, you’re not alone. Across the world, people have wildly different ideas about what counts as a slipper—and honestly, it can get pretty confusing, especially when you’re traveling or shopping online.

Let’s break down where the differences really pop out. Here in Ireland, slippers are those soft house shoes (essential for early mornings and cold floors), and it’d feel bizarre rocking up to SuperValu in them. But in Hawaii, ‘slippers’—or ‘slippahs’ to be exact—mean what we’d call flip-flops or sometimes ‘thongs’ if you’re Australian. Walk into a shop in Dublin and ask for slippers for the beach, and you’ll probably just get pointed to the pyjama section.

Different countries, different words:

• Hawaii: Slippers (aka slippahs) = flip-flops
• Ireland & UK: Slippers = indoor house shoes
• USA: Flip-flops = beach sandals
• New Zealand: Jandals = flip-flops
• Australia: Thongs = flip-flops

There’s actually a bit of history. The basic design—a flat sole and a Y-shaped strap—pops up everywhere from ancient Egypt to Japan. But the words evolved with local cultures. In New Zealand, ‘jandals’ is short for ‘Japanese sandals.’ In the US, the term ‘flip-flop’ comes from—you guessed it—the sound they make while walking.

Why does all this matter here in Ireland? If you’re heading to sun holidays—think Lanzarote or even a Hawaiian adventure—knowing what to call your footwear saves confusion. Even at Irish beaches like Inchydoney or Brittas Bay, you’ll hear a jumble: some say flip-flops, others use sandals, but rarely ‘slippers’ unless you’re on the couch. When packing, using the word ‘flip-flops’ (or just 'beach sandals') makes sure you bring the right thing.

For a laugh, check out this quick guide to popular terms for beach footwear in various English-speaking countries:

So, next time you’re at Penneys, about to buy for a trip, remember—ask for flip-flops if you want something beach-ready. And if you spot ‘slippers’ in a Hawaiian shop, smile—you’re one step closer to blending in with the locals.