Of the four major islands in the Hawaiian group, tradition tells us that the highest and most sacred places were Mauna Wai'ale'ale on Kaua'i; Mauna Ka'ala on O'ahu; Mauna Haleakala on Maui; and Mauna Kea on Hawai'i.
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Big IslandMauna Kea (“white mountain”) is not only the highest point in all of Hawaii, it's also the most sacred. Ancient laws permitted only high-ranking chiefs to visit the 13,796 summit, where sacred ceremonies were performed, most notably at the times of solstice.
Access to the Reserve (the island and the 2 miles of ocean surrounding Kaho'olawe) is restricted because of the continued danger of unexploded ordnance. Access to the Reserve is permitted only with authorization of KIRC for specific purposes, such as restoration, education, and culture.
No one is allowed to land on Niihau unless you are a resident of the island, a member of the Robinson family, or an invited guest. The Robinson family permits helicopter tours, but contact between the visitors and natives is not allowed. Fishermen and sailors may visit the island by sea, but are not able to land.
Although due to the behavior of the majority of tourists, it's fair to say that most indigenous people of Hawai'i do not welcome tourists. Quite the opposite of welcoming, they wait at the airport with Go Home signs.
Molokai is known for its limited resorts and attractions, which adds to its charm as the least touristy island in Hawaii. Unlike other islands that are filled with high-rise hotels and commercialized attractions, Molokai offers a more rustic and untouched experience.
Maui residents have remained consistent that visitors should avoid all of West Maui, which continues to be a hub for displaced families. Hotels there are housing more than 5,000 people who are not tourists, including families who lost homes, government relief officials, aid organizations and cleanup crews.
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.
Once owned by Royalty, Niihau was purchased from King Kamehameha in 1864 and up to 1987, visits to the island were typically restricted to the owners and their guests, or government officials, which is how it gained its moniker; “The Forbidden Island”.
No one is allowed to visit Hawaii's Forbidden Isle—the 70-square-mile island, which on a clear day can be spied from Kauai's west coast—unless they are invited by Niihau owners the Robinson family, or by one of its 70 full-time Native Hawaiian residents.