What is Hawaiian etiquette?

Here's a quick guide to some local customs and traditions: The Hawaiian way to greet someone is with a kiss on the cheek. Always remember to remove your shoes before entering someone's house. When you are invited over to someone's house for a get together, don't show up empty handed.



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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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14 Etiquette Tips To Know Before Traveling To Hawaii
  • 14 Accept The Lei.
  • 13 Be Kind To Others.
  • 12 Respect Hula.
  • 11 Take Your Shoes Off.
  • 10 Ask Where (And When) To Surf.
  • 9 Call Them Locals
  • 8 Watch Your Driving.
  • 7 Don't Take Anything (Except Photos)


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  • Don't remove sand from the beach. A small container of sand sounds like a cool souvenir, especially if taken from a black- or red-sand beach, but doing so is considered bad luck. ...
  • Don't take any lava rocks from Volcanoes National Park. ...
  • Don't take any pork over the Pali. ...
  • Don't bring bananas on a boat.


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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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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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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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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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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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Generally, most locals are happy to see the tourists come and see what life means for them, especially those activities that depict a life many have never seen, learned, or experienced.

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Nighttime visits, especially if you travel alone, are not recommended. On Oahu's windward coast in Kualoa Ranch, in an area said to hold the remains of hundreds of Hawaiian Chiefs, Night Marcher sightings are common, reportedly the cause of numerous nighttime vehicle accidents.

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Aloha nui loa (pronounced: ah-loh-ha-new-ee-low-a) or all my love in Hawaiian. The perfect expression to share with your valentine on the 14th and any day of the year.

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