How to respect and preserve Hawaiian culture during your visit

Hawaii is a place of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and warm hospitality. But it is also a place of history, identity, and values that are unique and precious to its native people. Hawaiian culture is the result of centuries of adaptation, innovation, and resilience in the face of colonization, oppression, and globalization. As a visitor, you have the opportunity to learn about and appreciate Hawaiian culture during your visit. But you also have the responsibility to respect and preserve it for future generations. Here are some ways to do so:

1. Learn about Hawaiian history and culture

Before you visit Hawaii, take some time to learn about its history and culture. You can read books, watch documentaries, listen to podcasts, or browse websites that provide accurate and authentic information about Hawaii’s past and present. You can also visit museums, historical sites, cultural centers, or festivals that showcase Hawaii’s heritage and traditions. For example, you can visit the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, which is the largest museum of natural and cultural history in Hawaii¹. You can also attend the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, which is the most prestigious hula competition in the world².

2. Respect Hawaiian values and beliefs

Hawaii has a value system that guides the actions and interactions of Hawaiians with each other, with nature, and with visitors. One of the most important values is Aloha, which means love, kindness, compassion, harmony, and unity. You can practice Aloha by being courteous, grateful, and respectful towards locals and fellow travelers. You can also respect other Hawaiian values and beliefs by following their etiquette and norms, such as removing your shoes before entering a home or asking permission before taking photos of people or sacred sites³. You can also respect Hawaiian spirituality by not disturbing or removing anything from heiau (ancient temples), burial grounds, or other sacred places.

3. Support local businesses and communities

One of the best ways to respect and preserve Hawaiian culture is to support local businesses and communities that sustain and celebrate it. You can do this by choosing local products and services that are authentic and sustainable. For example, you can eat at family-run restaurants that serve fresh and local ingredients, such as South Shore Grill near Diamond Head crater or Merriman’s on Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and Big Island⁴. You can also shop at local markets and boutiques that sell handmade crafts and souvenirs made from natural or recycled materials. And you can join tours or activities that are operated by local guides who respect the nature and culture of Hawaii.

4. Participate in cultural activities

Another way to respect and preserve Hawaiian culture is to participate in cultural activities that allow you to experience and appreciate it firsthand. You can do this by joining classes or workshops that teach you about Hawaiian language, legends, traditions, art, music, dance, or cuisine. For example, you can join a lei-making class at the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki². You can also attend performances or shows that showcase Hawaiian talent and creativity. For example, you can watch a luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu².

5. Share your experience

The last way to respect and preserve Hawaiian culture is to share your experience with others who might be interested in visiting Hawaii. You can do this by telling your stories and showing your images to your friends, family, or social media followers. You can also do this by inspiring others to travel respectfully and sustainably in Hawaii and elsewhere.

By following these tips, you can respect and preserve Hawaiian culture during your visit. You can also enjoy a more authentic and meaningful experience.