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How can I be culturally respectful in Hawaii?

While it may be tempting to bring home a souvenir from Hawaii, you should never take anything from the land. Nature is considered sacred here and you should never move or take anything like lava rocks, flowers, or rocks or sand from the beach.



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Malama 'aina, care for the land, Malama kai, care for the sea, are basic Hawaiian values that are being introduced to the Western world. 'OHANA – Family. 'Ohana is a common foundation or structure of humanity. In the Hawaiian culture, one turns to 'ohana for unconditional encouragement, support and understanding.

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Always strive to leave the site the same as you found it, and don't leave trash behind. Extend your respect to the local wildlife and landscape; something as simple as picking a flower or rearranging some rocks to spell out your name can be interpreted as disrespectful.

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Never take off a lei in the presence of the person who gave it to you – it's considered rude. Wait until you're alone, then remove it.

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How to be a respectful tourist
  1. • Research beforehand.
  2. • Shop local.
  3. • Be a discriminating photographer.
  4. • Get off the beaten track.
  5. • Be pedestrian aware.
  6. • Dress appropriately.
  7. • Leave no trace.
  8. • Respect the residents' privacy.


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Malama 'aina, care for the land, Malama kai, care for the sea, are basic Hawaiian values that are being introduced to the Western world. 'OHANA – Family. 'Ohana is a common foundation or structure of humanity. In the Hawaiian culture, one turns to 'ohana for unconditional encouragement, support and understanding.

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Mahalo means “thank you.” If someone does you a kindness, don't be shy about saying, “Mahalo,” to them. Locals will be pleased that you used this word.

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kapu. 1. nvs. Taboo, prohibition; special privilege or exemption from ordinary taboo; sacredness; prohibited, forbidden; sacred, holy, consecrated; no trespassing, keep out. ho?o.

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Today, most people refer to the Indigenous or Native people of Hawai?i as “Hawaiians,” but what did we use to call ourselves? Kanaka, or Kanaka (pl.), refers to Hawaiian people specifically but also applies to humankind in general. Before foreign contact, all Hawaiian people were referred to generally as “Kanaka.”

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