Is it rude to not say Aloha?

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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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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People in Hawaii use it as a way to greet each other hello, or to wish each other a great morning. It's also used when they're parting ways and bidding farewell.

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One of my Hawaiian language teachers taught it to me as 'Aloha means recognizing yourself in everyone and everything you meet. ' If you're not Hawaiian and you say it, it could come off as mockery.

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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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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.

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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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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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1. Pick up a few local words. The two most important native words that you will likely hear all the time are Aloha and Mahalo.

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Top 10 strange laws in Hawaii:
  • On Kauai, it is illegal for buildings to be taller than a palm tree or the equivalent to four stories.
  • When in a state park, you are not allowed to annoy the birds.
  • Billboards were outlawed in the 1920s.
  • Coins are not allowed to be placed in one's ears.


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One last note about respect; and please, we cannot emphasize this enough: Unless you are Hawaiian or are very intimately familiar with the culture, do not throw or attend a party deemed a “luau.” Culture is an identity- not a party theme.

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Tourism is seen as one of several factors that allowed the Maui fire to become so deadly. But travelers have been more directly blamed for some of the state's many enduring problems, including a severe housing crisis, water shortages, environmental degradation and the dilution of Native Hawaiian culture.

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