If you’re coming to Honolulu to surf, it’s best to be prepared for the “local” vibe that you are sure to encounter. If you’re a “haole” (white) guy, you should be careful even on the south shore to not cop an attitude in the water (girls, fortunately you don’t received nearly as much). The thing about surfing in Honolulu is that many residents (or “moks,” as we call them) believe the water is their territory and tourists don’t really belong there.

The key here is to be respectful of the locals when you’re in the water. Always follow the “right of way” rule and never cut someone off. Wait your turn. Regardless, here is a list of five spots that you should be aware of where you are likely to encounter a more “local” attitude.

1. Ala Moana Bowls

Because this is the premiere south shore surf spot, this place sees the most agressive surfers in town. Shortboarders can get particularly irritated with longboarders. A big no-no here is to drop in on someone — especially a dark-skinned local boy, so wait your turn and smile while you’re waiting.

2. Canoe’s

Since this spot is smack dab in the middle of Waikiki Beach (and in front of the Duke statue), it is always crowded here. There are still long-time longboarders who love to ride this gentle wave, so let them have their fun and you can have your own.

3. Kewalo’s

This place now sees a growing female crowd, which is helping the atmosphere in the water. Still, be on the lookout for a few dedidated surfers who claim this spot as theirs.

4. Lighthouse

Just west of friendly Cliffs by Diamond Head, Lighthouse is notorious for having aggressive shortboarders. This is not a spot for beginners anyways, so you are better off just surfing at friendly (but crowded) Cliffs.

5. Kaiser Bowls

Two breaks over from Ala Moana Bowls, Kaisers has always been a heavily “local” crowd. Some boys surf in groups to get each other on a wave of choice. You are not likely to catch the set wave here, so you might be better off at friendlier but sometimes more dangerous (at low tide) Rockpiles.

“Seven Jeans, True Religion”…yes, you’ve heard that Fergie song “My Humps” where she names off several high end clothing brands.  Well, add True Religion to the list of stores coming to Hawaii.

True Religion is planning to open their first Hawaii store in the Ala Moana Shopping Center sometime in the summer of 2008.  According to the Star Bulletin, the boutique will be 1270 square feet and will feature the entire collection including their famous jeans for men, women, and children, as well as sportswear, swimwear, handbags, hats, and footwear.

If you haven’t heard of True Religion, they are best known for their fashionable jeans that run between $200 and $300.  I’ve seen them at Off Saks Fifth and Barney’s New York at the Waikele Outlets, as well as the Nordstrom Rack at the Ward Center.  They also feature these jeans at Neiman Marcus in Ala Moana.  As you can see, all of these stores are high end stores.

So who are they targeting?  According to the True American’s core customer base, they are targeting those who are between 18 and 45 with an average household income of over $100,000.  Yeah, I’m sure if you don’t make close to that much, you’ll be happy with a pair of Levi’s.  Then again, with all the Japanese tourists ready to drop all their dough shopping, True Religion has placed themselves in a perfect location for those people.  And we know that there are A LOT of people out there who are willing to spend $200-300 for jeans even though they work minimum wage.  They’ll save until they get those fashionable jeans.  Just think, how many people are carrying Louis Vuitton bags and you see them working at McDonald’s?  Exactly.