We have a lot of pastimes in Hawaii that fit nicely into the leisurely pace of life: surfing, barbecues and luau, fishing, grabbing drinks and "grinds" with friends after hiking or golfing... the list goes on. But here's one you may not know about.

Karaoke.

Of course, karaoke exists just about everywhere, but it's an art form in Hawaii -- a crossroads for the many Asian influences that gave it life. People here will rent out a room at a karaoke business, bring enough food and drink for a weeklong cruise, and merrily sing through every musical genre –- for hours. Birthdays, office parties, reunions –- if there's a reason to do it, the singing will follow. Such was the circumstance for your 3DHawaii.com online editor, who this weekend attended a goodbye karaoke party for a friend moving to the Mainland (pictured).

If you're traveling with a group big enough for a room (about eight people is the minimum), check out Krazy Karaoke, Karaoke Hut, Toma's and Karaoke Room 2 in the Honolulu area. HMC Karaoke in Pearlridge is legendary if you don't mind the short drive from town. If you don't have a crowd, there are plenty of bars that offer it for $1 a song. Ask your concierge (or your waiter, or your tour guide, or your barrista) for recommendations.

A few "rules" about Hawaii-style karaoke (they're really more like guidelines):

• Can't sing? No shame. Just sing, no one here's judging you. (At least not to your face.)
  
• What's popular? 70s and 80s R&B ballads, Journey and Hawaiian. You'll make friends with a selection from these, but as always, sing what's in your heart. Last night's party featured everything from Broadway show tunes to Madonna to the "Cheers" theme song.
  
• Don't hog the mike. Pick a song, put it in, sing it, pass the mike.
• Pronounce karaoke correctly. It's a Japanese word, Kah-rah-OH-kay. A friend used to tease those who pronounced it Mainland-style with "Who is this Carrie Okie you keep referring to?"