What is showing Aloha? Here are a few tips!
Have you visited the islands before? First I’ll say if you haven’t been here you are missing out! But if you have then you know how amazing it is. We who live here would love to keep it a beautiful, friendly environment for everyone to love.
So here’s the deal. Things are different here, people are friendly, they say hello at the store, they let you go in front of them even if you are driving crazy and cutting everyone off, they may even pull over and help you if you get a flat tire. Here are a few pointers that will help you have a super Aloha filled vacation here in Hawaii.
Tip #1- Don’t honk your horns! If you are picking someone up or waiting for your spouse in the car and impatient with the waiting, whatever you do, don’t honk your horn. It is considered bad etiquette and just plain rude. On the chances you may offend someone just hold off on the honking.
Tip #2- Expect delays. This doesn’t mean there will be traffic, this means SLOW DOWN! RELAX, your on vacay! Although we still work like everyone else in the world, we typically aren’t in a hurry, so understand we don’t drive 80 miles an hour to the grocery store, work or the beach. If you haven’t heard the term “Hawaiian time”, let me enlighten you. Everything from driving, shopping, food, manufacturing, building… takes longer in paradise. So, relax and enjoy the view while you wait.
Tip #3- Say Thank you! Don’t think I’m crazy here, I know this should be a standard response to kindness, but you would be shocked to know how often these words go unsaid. With all the hustle and bustle of living in the mainland I know everyone is on guard, in a rush and unsure of their safety. But stop, and remember you are on vacation in one of the most beautiful, safe places on Earth. If you are walking on Alii Drive and cross the road, say thank you to the car that has stopped to let you cross. I know it’s the law for them to stop, but let’s be real, it doesn’t mean they have to, right? So just take 2 seconds and do a little head nod, a wave or for goodness sake something! And this also goes for when you are in the car and someone lets you go in front of them or at a stop sign a driver waves you through even though it was their turn to go. I know I am really pushing this but I can’t even tell you how many times we have done kind things and aren’t even acknowledged.
Tip #4- Don’t judge. This is a big one. When I first moved to Hawaii I had no sense for good food. Growing up eating the typical “American” food, like cheeseburgers, spaghetti, meatloaf, potatoes and so on. I was never introduced to raw fish or seafood in general. I recall saying the word “eew” when my now husband had mentioned poke to me as a date night dish. I can still remember his reaction. He was clearly offended and thought I was so rude. I felt horrible, I of course apologized, but it was a great lesson for me to show respect for other cultures. I encourage you to try the local food before you pass judgment because it’s not what you are used to. This also goes for the lifestyle of the local population. I may be from California but I have been here since I was 21 years old and feel somewhat local. With a local born and raised Hawaiian/Tokelauan husband I have embraced the lifestyle here. Try not to judge others who aren’t in the rat race, if I may call it that. It’s just different here, and remember, that’s why you love it so much!
Tip #5- Be Clean! I almost didn’t put this tip in here because I feel like it goes unsaid. But from some experiences we have had here I think it’s clear not everyone shares the same respect for the Earth as we do. Most Hawaiian’s show an incredible respect for the aina (land). Not all of course, there will always be the certain people not on the same level as others. But to me it’s common sense to not leave your trash on the beach or throw your cigarette butts on the ground. The islands will only stay beautiful if everyone plays their part in keeping them this way. Even the visitors to the islands can play their part.
Tip #6- No slippah’s please! What are slippah’s? I’m sure you are thinking… Slippah’s are flip flops. Here, in Hawaii that is all we wear, so leave your boots and heels in the mainland and when you get to Hawaii show your respect for the locals and remove your shoes at the door!
Tip #7- Leave the Lava and sand on the island. This one is really a way to show aloha to the island itself. Many guests visit our world-renowned beaches or our one of a kind active Kilauea Volcano while on their vacation. Many also want to bring home a souvenir while there. Hawaiian’s believe it is disrespectful to take the land from the islands, also the belief is that it will upset the fire goddess Madame Pele and a curse or bad luck will be placed on you for removing the lava from the island. Whether this is true or not, I wouldn’t want to upset the fire goddess. Would you? So I recommend heading over to the ABC Store and buying a nice souvenir to take home from there.
Tip #7- Take some Aloha home with you! I think this is the most important tip of all. Repeat the acts of kindness you see here in Hawaii, carry the Aloha with you wherever you go.
