6 Eco-friendly Tips to Travel Sustainably in Hawaii
- Take a direct flight to the island you want to visit.
- Book an eco-friendly accommodation.
- Take care of the reef.
- Support local and sustainable tour companies.
- Clean your shoes before arrival, as well as before and after farm tours or going into the forest.
Is it disrespectful to visit Hawaii?
So respect is important and it goes both ways. Residents need to respect tourists who have made a choice to spend their hard-earned money to be here and who add significantly to our economy. Tourists must respect both Hawaii’s culture and our local ways of life.
How can I be respectful to go to Hawaii?
Here are 12 ways to be a respectful traveler to Hawaii.
- Relax – You’re on Vacation. You may be used to hustle and bustle, but in Hawaii, rushing is considered pushy and rude.
- Don’t Act Entitled.
- Protect Natural Resources.
- Do Your Research.
- Never Trespass.
- Pack Sustainably.
- Don’t Litter.
- Appreciate the Culture.
How can I travel to Hawaii and support natives?
Supporting and respecting their culture in return makes your visit even better.
- Respect Local Traditions When Visiting Hawaii.
- Explore Hawaiian Culture.
- Follow Local Restrictions.
- Support Locally Owned Native Hawaiian Restaurants.
- Buy Locally Made Native Hawaiian Souvenirs.
Why Hawaiians don’t want tourists?
Despite the importance of tourism to the economy, Hawaiians have opposed inappropriate resort and golf-course development and their urbanizing effects. Reasons include the foreign ownership of the industry and its negative impacts on local communities.
What should you not 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 do Hawaiians call tourists?
Haoles
Haoles, Go Home!
Hawaiians use it to identify a foreigner, but also as slang or a racist term shouted to intimidate tourists and foreigners in general. Even Google’s dictionary tells us that the word “haole” is a derogatory term used by native Hawaiians to pinpoint a foreign white person or non-Polynesian individual.
How do I stop being disrespectful in Hawaii?
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.
Do and don’ts of 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.
Do indigenous Hawaiians want tourists?
Tourism doesn’t benefit most Native Hawaiians. Those who do work in the industry are overworked and underpaid. A majority (51%) of those experiencing homelessness on the islands are natives. Instead, tourism benefits large corporations and developers that are, by and large, not from Hawai’i.
What is the biggest problem in Hawaii?
According to the survey, conducted by Ward Research, the top issues for residents on Hawaii Island are homelessness, drugs and traffic. Maui residents’ top issues were affordable housing, traffic and public education. On Kauai, traffic was first, followed by environmental concerns and crime/public safety.
When should you not go to Hawaii?
If you wish to avoid Hawaii’s hurricane season, then stay clear of Hawaii from June 1st to November 30th. Due to winds, currents, and ocean temperatures around the islands, Hawaii escapes most direct hits. The last hurricane to directly hit a Hawaiian island was Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Hurricanes are rare in Hawaii.
Why does Hawaii have so many homeless?
In addition to the high cost of living, a cause of homelessness is low wages. More than 60 percent of the jobs in the state pay less than $20 per hour and two-thirds pay less than $15 per hour. That’s less than half of what households need to earn in Hawaii for survival.
Why Do Hawaiians take their shoes off?
It shows respect to the owner of the house by keeping their home clean and not tracking dirt and germs inside, especially if there’s a baby or toddler crawling around on the floor, but on an emotional level, removing your shoes also means it’s time to relax and join in the party.
Is it too hot for jeans in Hawaii?
Hawaii itself is around 80 degrees year-round so you likely won’t need these to wear there, except for maybe at night. Every single indoor place in Hawaii is air conditioned excessively which is why sometimes jeans are helpful!
Do they give you a lei when you land in Hawaii?
Arrange a traditional lei greeting for your arrival at the airport on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island of Hawaii! Your friendly island greeter will welcome you with a warm “aloha” and present you with a beautiful fresh flower lei – a symbol of aloha, welcome and love in Hawaii.
Why Do Hawaiians say brah?
One of the most common Hawaiian pidgin terms is that of brah, meaning “brother”. And, as you might’ve guessed, a brah doesn’t have to be your brother by blood.
What does living Pono mean?
Being “pono” means living in perfect alignment with all things in life where your every thought and action is in perfect harmony, including yourself as a spiritual being. Living pono means having a proper and respectful relationship with your parents, spouse, children, neighbors, and all others.
What do they call cigarettes in Hawaii?
For example, in Hawaii, cigarettes are called lei-lana-lukus.
Is going to a luau in Hawaii culturally insensitive?
Be Respectful of Hawaiian Culture
Keep in mind that if you are attending a luau, whether a private gathering hosted by Hawaiians or one open to the general public, such as those we feature here, that you should always display the utmost respect for Hawaiian culture.
How do I stop night marchers?
Additionally, mortals can avoid harm or death from night marchers by being fortunate to have an ancient ancestor marcher present to recognize them. As they encounter the mortal, they will call out “Na’u!”, which means “mine” in Hawaiian. No one in the warrior procession will harm them.