Hawaii Culture Do’s & Don’ts

by Lexi Brown

Welcome to Hawaii! You have finally arrived to the island of Oahu, and now it's adventure time!

But is there anything you need to know about Hawaii and its rich culture before you step out of your hotel and disrespect someone by accident without even knowing what you did wrong? This happens quite often due to the lack of knowledge about the island, its history, people, do’s and don’ts.

We are here to help you with a breakdown of things you should know before going out and about to explore Oahu.

Let’s start by understanding the language. You can only use the term “Hawaiian” when it comes to describing the people and culture of Hawaii. Anyone not Hawaiian is known as “locals” or “Kamaaina” (“Child of the land”).

Hawaiian Pidgin English is creole language which to new comers might sound like broken English, however it is a mixture of words from different languages. It is preferred if you do not attempt to speak Hawaiian Pidgin unless you are very proficient at it otherwise it is taken as disrespectful or as if you are mocking.

Driving around the island can be both a little intimidating and nice. Always tough to make your way through traffic and drivers from different parts of the World and tourist buses. However, when someone is courteous and let’s you through on their lane throwing a shaka is encouraged! It is not common in Hawaii to use your car’s horn while driving unless honking as a friendly greeting!

The gifts of Lei in Hawaii are a beautiful tradition and a huge must do! Lei are flower, shells, nuts or leaves garlands worn around the neck or head to show appreciation. In Hawaiian history these were used by ancient chiefs and were a tradition brought to the Hawaiian Islands by Polynesian voyagers coming from Tahiti. A lei is worn draped over the shoulders hanging on both your front and back. Lei are part of all special occasions but you can wear them just because if you want.

A big don’t which you have probably heard of before is to never take lava rocks from a volcano or rocks and sand from a beach. Superstition says this will bring on a curse on whoever takes them. Hawaii culture has always show high esteem on rocks due to the many ways they were used through out the years to build, use as tools and even deities. Leave them where you found them, do not take them with you!

While in Hawaii remember to always take care of the Aina. Wherever you go take with you whatever you brought. Do not leave trash behind while hiking or at the beach. Do not throw waste in the ocean, do not disturb the wild life. Hawaii’s ecosystem is a wonderful thing to explore but do so while showing respect to the land always.

For example: The Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu) are protected by State and Federal laws. Never touch a Sea Turtle in the water or while sun bathing or nesting! The Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle is the only Indigenous reptile found in Hawaii. For Hawaiians the Honu is symbol of good luck.

There are many ways in which you can gain more understanding about Hawaii and everything that encompasses this beautiful place. These are just come cultural do’s and don’ts but if you are interested in knowing more about the history of the islands you can always visit our local museums to learn more and acquire new knowledge.