Can tourists say Mahalo?

Don't worry about it too much, the locals don't care what you say back as long as your being respectful of their culture and Hawaiian language customs. Sidenote: According to Wikipedia, Mahalo is a Hawaiian word meaning thanks, gratitiude, admirtaion, praise, esteem, regards and respects.



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Haole is a Hawaiian word for non-native Hawaiian or Polynesian people, often referring to white people. Usage can be in an insulting or pejorative manner, but it usually refers to a foreigner or tourist.

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pop culture, using sacred cultural symbols purely for decoration or throwing a Hawaiian luau as a theme party can be seen as disrespectful and appropriative by Native Hawaiians. Approaching Hawaiian culture with authenticity and respect is recommended.

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Hello, hi, or more often “howzit” is appropriate. Howzit especially is a typical greeting among those of us who have grown up here. I personally don't necessarily greet folks with Aloha unless I know them well. I will often leave with an Aloha and Mahalo (thank you).

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If someone says “mahalo” to you, your first impulse may be to say “mahalo” back! That's reasonable, since that's how you use “aloha,” but the proper response is actually “'A'ole pilikia,” which means “you're welcome.” ”'A'ole pilikia” is pronounced ah-oh-leh pee-lee-kee-yah.

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Remove your shoes. Whether you're at your hotel or someone's home, the first thing you should do before entering is take off your shoes. It's an important Hawaiian custom that shows respect for the home owner and helps keep the home clean. Some homes may have indoor slippers or you can just go barefoot.

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Common Items from Hawaii NOT ALLOWED into the U.S. Mainland or Alaska
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables, some exceptions are those listed below as permitted.
  • Berries of any kind, including fresh coffee berries and sea grapes.
  • Cactus plants or cactus plant parts.
  • Cotton and cotton bolls.
  • Fresh flowers of jade vine, and Mauna Loa.


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There does not currently appear to be a strong sentiment among Native Hawaiians that the shirt should not be worn by non-Hawaiian people. This is likely because a Hawaiian shirt isn't a religious or historically ceremonial item of clothing. Therefore, it's usually okay to wear a Hawaiian shirt.

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Anyone can wear an aloha shirt without risking offense to Hawaiians. Hawaiians didn't invent them; they didn't exist until well into the 1900s, and were originated (reputedly) by a Chinese merchant based on colorful Japanese prints, in a Honolulu dry goods store.

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And not all residents greet one another with Aloha. Remember, most of the population are not Kanaka Ma'oli (native Hawaiian). Hello, hi, or more often “howzit” is appropriate. Howzit especially is a typical greeting among those of us who have grown up here.

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It's this, ALLLOHHAA! No seriously, when someone says Mahalo, you can say Aloha or just plain your welcome. Don't worry about it too much, the locals don't care what you say back as long as your being respectful of their culture and Hawaiian language customs.

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