How do you show respect in Hawaii?

Here are 12 ways to be a respectful traveler to Hawaii.
  1. Relax - You're on Vacation. You may be used to hustle and bustle, but in Hawaii, rushing is considered pushy and rude. ...
  2. Don't Act Entitled. ...
  3. Protect Natural Resources. ...
  4. Do Your Research. ...
  5. Never Trespass. ...
  6. Pack Sustainably. ...
  7. Don't Litter. ...
  8. Appreciate the Culture.


How do you show respect to Hawaiian people?

Always ask questions and permission. The best way to respect the Hawaiian culture is to ask! If you're not sure about anything, such as where to go or what to wear, you can never go wrong by asking a local.

How do you show gratitude in Hawaii?

Mahalo is a famous Hawaiian word which means “thank you”, or to express gratitude. This is one of the common greetings, rather like “aloha”, used in everyday life in the Hawaiian culture.


Do and don'ts in Hawaii?

  • Hawaii do's and don't's.
  • Do remove your shoes when entering a person's home as a sign of respect.
  • Don't remove or disturb any artefacts in heiau (Hawaiian temples) or any tourist site.
  • Do wear aloha shirts and get into the spirit!
  • Don't wear swimwear or bikinis anywhere else but the beach.


What are some Hawaiian norms?

Hawaiian Customs and Traditions
  • The Hawaiian way to greet someone is with a kiss on the cheek.
  • Always remember to remove your shoes before entering someone's house.
  • When you are invited over to someone's house for a get together, don't show up empty handed.


Hawaiian Word of the Week - Hōʻihi (Respect)



What is most important in Hawaiian culture?

And, most importantly, honoring the spirit of Aloha, which is the core value and custom upon which the entire culture is founded. The Hawaiian culture is well known for its signature musical sound, its Hula dance, and its warriors, defending their islands from invaders.

What is important to Hawaiian culture?

Hawaiian Arts & Culture: The Expression of Aloha

Today, Hawaiian culture may hold many of the answers sought in a rapidly changing world. The spirit of aloha – being in the presence of and sharing the essence of life – teaches us lessons of peace, kindness, compassion and responsibility to future generations.

What not to say to a Hawaiian?

8 Things You Should Never Say to Hawaiians
  • 8 Things You Should Never Say to Hawaiians.
  • Ask us if you need a passport to visit Hawaii. ...
  • Tell us how funny we pronounce words like “Hawaii,” “Mahalo,” “Aloha,” etc. ...
  • Littering is okay. ...
  • Everyone from Hawaii is actually Hawaiian. ...
  • Define “cold” for us.


What not to do in Hawaii culture?

  • Don't touch or get too close to wildlife- turtles, dolphins, monk seals, and nenes. ...
  • Don't touch or walk on coral. ...
  • Don't take lava rocks home. ...
  • Don't forget to throw shaka when someone lets you into your lane. ...
  • Don't avoid Hawaiian/local food. ...
  • Don't use sunscreen that's not reef-safe.


What are taboos in Hawaii?

Tapu is a Polynesian traditional concept denoting something holy or sacred, with "spiritual restriction" or "implied prohibition"; it involves rules and prohibitions. The English word taboo derives from this later meaning and dates from Captain James Cook's visit to Tonga in 1777.

How do you honor a loved one in Hawaii?

In Hawai'i, paddle-outs are common, during which close family and friends swim or paddle out into the ocean for a brief remembrance, scattering lei and flowers in honor of their loved one.


How do you compliment someone in Hawaiian?

You compliment someone by calling them akamai. 11. A hui hou: “Until we meet again”…used by itself.

How do you greet someone in Hawaii?

Aloha can be used to say “Hello” or “Goodbye.” and it has a deeper meaning to the Hawaiian people. Aloha also means kindness, love and affection. For example, in Hawaii people do things 'with aloha' like surfing, working or living, etc.

Is shaka disrespectful?

yes, the shaka is a form of cultural appropriation, but only insofar as the majority that display their thumb and pinky finger (myself included, until recently) probably have no idea where it comes from,” he quickly excuses it by suggesting appropriation is not okay if you aren't aware of the origins of the symbol you ...


What do you say when someone says Mahalo to you?

3. 'A' ole pilikia – You're welcome/ No problem. If someone says 'Mahalo' to you, this is the phrase to respond with.

What does the hand gesture in Hawaii mean?

“Hang loose,” “Right on,” “Thank you,” “Things are great,” “Take it easy” – in Hawaii, the shaka sign expresses all those friendly messages and more. As kamaaina know, to make the shaka, you curl your three middle fingers while extending your thumb and baby finger.

What is disrespectful in Hawaii?

Drive slow and do not honk your horn unless it's an emergency, it's considered really rude. And if you're driving on a narrow road and see a local behind you, it's polite to pull over and let them pass you.


What not to wear in Hawaii?

What Not to Wear in Hawaii
  • White tennis shoes. Nothing says haole (“foreigner”) faster than chunky white sneakers. ...
  • Socks with sandals. You're better than that. ...
  • Loud Hawaiian shirts. ...
  • Matching aloha shirts. ...
  • Speedos. ...
  • Shirts that say, “Hawaii.” It's like wearing an “I Heart NY” shirt in New York city. ...
  • Leis.


What are some unusual laws in Hawaii?

Hawaii Laws You May Not Know About
  • Plastic Bags are Banned. ...
  • Traveling with Fruit or Critters. ...
  • Smoking with Keiki in the Car. ...
  • Don't Touch the Sea Turtles. ...
  • Don't Text in a Crosswalk.


How do Hawaiians say sorry?

"The word "sorry" cannot be translated in to the ancient Hawaiian language," he says. "What you would say is, "please forgive me," and the exact Hawaiian phrase is e kala mai i a`u."


What are 5 valid Hawaiian words?

5 Common Hawaiian Words
  • Aloha. Commonly used as a greeting and farewell, both hello and goodbye. ...
  • Mahalo. This word means “thank you”. ...
  • Ono. When something is ono it is “delicious”. ...
  • Pono. There is no true English translation of pono. ...
  • Ohana. Ohana means family, It also describes close friends and communities.


What is the hardest word to say in Hawaiian?

Perhaps the most common difficult Hawaiian word to pronounce is the name of our unofficial state fish, the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a. 2. But that's not the only fish name that's difficult. Try Lauwiliwilinukunukuʻoiʻoi.

What do Hawaiians value most?

HA'AHA'A – Humility, to be humble, the concept of humility, a core value of the Hawaiian people. To be ha'aha'a is highly praised and respected. HO'OMA'EMA'E – Living with respect and honoring one's person and body inspires others by example. Pure, clean and to cleanse.


What is sacred to Hawaiians?

Maunakea is a deeply sacred place that is revered in Hawaiian traditions. It's regarded as a shrine for worship, as a home to the gods, and as the piko of Hawaiʻi Island.

What is a traditional Hawaiian gift?

What's a traditional Hawaiian gift? One of the most universally exchanged gifts in Hawaii is leis. These can be fresh flower leis, ribbon leis, feather leis, or kukui nut leis. You can even purchase silk flower leis at gift shops to bring home for friends and family.