Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The beaches, the mountains, and the crystal clear ocean make it a popular destination for tourists worldwide. However, there are some things that Hawaiians wish all tourists knew and did when traveling in our state. For instance, you still need to take the antigen for us entry. In this blog post, we will discuss some of those things. We hope that by reading this post, you will have a better understanding of what it means to be a tourist in Hawaii and will be able to enjoy your time here while respecting the culture and people of our islands.

Hawaiians Are Native People, Not Locals

One of the first things Hawaiians wish all tourists knew is that we are Native people, not locals. This may seem like a slight distinction, but it is an important one. Locals are people who have lived in Hawaii for a long time, often their whole lives. Native people are the original inhabitants of our islands. We deeply connect to our land and culture, and we are proud of our heritage. When you travel to Hawaii, please remember that you are a guest in our home. Treat us with respect and learn about our culture before you come.

Respecting the Nature and Culture Is a Must

Since we have such a deep connection to our land, we must respect the land and nature. It means not littering, not damaging the coral reefs, and not hiking on sacred sites. When you come to Hawaii, take only pictures and memories, leave only footprints. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the beauty of our islands for years to come. In addition to respecting the land, we also ask that you respect our culture and customs. Many tourists come to Hawaii and think they can do whatever they want because it is a “relaxed” place. However, certain things are considered disrespectful, such as wearing revealing clothing or taking photos without permission.

Native Hawaiians Love Those Who Learning Few Words in Hawaiian

Did you know that Hawaii is the 50th state in the United States? It’s true. And while English is our official language, Hawaiian is also spoken here. Learning a few words in Hawaiian shows that you are interested in our culture and respect us as Native people. Some simple phrases to remember include “hello” (aloha), “thank you” (mahalo), and “goodbye” (a hui hou).

Removing Your Shoes Is Sometimes Necessary

On top of that, removing your shoes when entering someone’s home or a place of worship is considered respectful. In Hawaii, we often take our shoes off when entering someone’s house as a sign of respect. We also remove our shoes when we enter certain temples or sacred sites. If you are unsure whether or not you should remove your shoes, just ask. We would instead that you ask than make a mistake and offend someone. We hope this blog post has given you some insight into what it means to be a tourist in Hawaii.

Remember, you are a guest in our home when you travel to our state. Respect the land, respect the culture, and learn a few words in Hawaiian. Mahalo for reading.