74 thoughts on “How do Hawaii Travelers View Other Visitors and Residents”
Douglas B.
Years ago I had just been assigned as a US Government engineer to a middle Eastern country. Very early on a local holiday allowed some travel to Istanbul with mostly State Department employees. At a rooftop Cafe we observed another group of Americans being loud and critical. I was told “We (State department employees representing America) don’t act like that.” From that day on, as I have traveled to a couple of dozen countries and Hawaii, I have tried to remember that advice.
bob s.
Aloha, I have been a resident of Hawaii for 45+ years. Your inquiries can be answered simply. As a child, my mother told me as a child growing up in the midwest, that when you are a guest in someone else’s home you abide by their rules and respect their property. Keep in mind. Hawaiians are proud and unique people. infringing on their land has been an issue they’ve dealt with for generations. Keep away from sacred Hawaiian sites, such as heiau they are not tourist attractions.
As for the ocean, if you do not respect her power, you may well be her victim.
When you enter places clearly marked you are setting yourself up for serious injury or a possible rescue by over-taxed rescue workers.
Simple respect should mark every interaction you have with all people, especially service workers. Hawaii is a very special place, damaging reefs, wildlife, and forested areas are unacceptable. And right now, wear a mask, just do it. Because it’s right and after all, you are in someone else’s home.
PS FYI you spelled malihini wrong in the questions, there is no A in the word, and kamaaina are long-term residents not born in Hawaii, not frequent visitors.
Marie H
My sister has lived on Kauai for over 20 years and has built a home and started a business which employs locals. Recently at a local food market her cart was shoved against a wall and some locals assumed she was a tourist. This is really outrageous behavior and is not endearing local residents to their concerns. That combined with what is happening on the North Shore beaches does not make anyone want to come as a tourist or resident. Really sad.
Loreen T.
I have been to Hawaii 14 times. My uncle lived on the BIG Island for awhile doing construction and that is how I became interested in visiting Hawaii and learning more of the culture. Definitely not mainland. I have Bern lucky to have made friends with many locals over time. I think it comes down to respect and not imposing mainland values and mindsets and being open to the Hawaiian lifestyle. I’m hoping to go back soon.
Keith B.
My answers:
1) look for another trail
2) become disgusted, discern the situation, determine if I should help
3)uncomfortable and smh
4) No. Remind them those surfs can be dangerous
5) Protecting the Islands
6)Tap into the culture
Jan M.
I have lived on Oahu in the 60s and Maui early 2000s. It always amazed me that visitors were in a hurry, honking car horns and not able to relax. You came for vacation..
Fiona N
My husband was stationed at Pearl Harbor some years ago. As a family, we were thrilled for the chance to experience the island and its culture. What a disappointment. My 11 yo was beaten up numerous times and my 8 year old was threatened and intimidated by the “locals” because they had blonde/red hair and blue eyes. We tried our best to be good visitors/citizens. And the location is spectacular. But with my kids begging to stay home every day, and a very hostile attitude permeating our ever interaction, I finally brought them back to the mainland until my husband’s tour was over. We’ve lived in wonderful, welcoming and beautiful places around the world that we’ve returned to several times. But none of us, including my grown children and grandchildren have ever been (back) to Hawaii. The “spirit of aloha” is a myth….you can keep it!
DaveR
Sadly that sort of abuse of haoles has been going on for a long, long time. We encountered it as kids going to HI for the first time in the mid-50s. And it is well described at the start of a major surfer’s autobiography (title escapes me at the moment). Funny thing is, once I hit 65 or so locals were a lot nicer to me. Call me “uncle” or “dat crazy old haole”. At the Elks Club, on the other hand, I’ve been a member for years but still made to feel like an outsider. But that’s more a “locals only” thing than an ethnic thing.
Joe B.
I thank the wonderful Hawaiian people for excepting me as a visitor. Spending two winters in Hawaii I was able to experience their hospitality, food and culture. I found if you give respect you will receive respect. Friends I met brought me into their homes, shared activities and gave me the privilege of calling me Uncle. I will always cherish the friends made there and the beauty of the islands.
Uncle Joe B
Ken R
Just canceled my flight and vacation to Hawaii because of a false positive Covid test. Follow up testing through my primary care found that I was negative for Covid. The false positive test was administered by Hawaiian Airline’s “trusted” partner Worksite Labs. How many false negatives have been handed out, allowing Covid positive travelers to freely infect the people of Hawaii?
Grace B
Wherever places you visit, you should and always follow the rules in that country. If a sign says “closed or do not enter” then don’t do it. Enjoy the time,the local people, the culture especially the food. Respect their tradition and the country. If you can’t stand it then why even bother traveling to other country or you can just stay in the resort until it’s time for you to leave.
Comments are closed.
Aloha!
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Stay abreast of the latest island travel news, tips, deals, and more. Subscribe to our FREE newsletter and let Hawaii come to you. Mahalo!
Years ago I had just been assigned as a US Government engineer to a middle Eastern country. Very early on a local holiday allowed some travel to Istanbul with mostly State Department employees. At a rooftop Cafe we observed another group of Americans being loud and critical. I was told “We (State department employees representing America) don’t act like that.” From that day on, as I have traveled to a couple of dozen countries and Hawaii, I have tried to remember that advice.
Aloha, I have been a resident of Hawaii for 45+ years. Your inquiries can be answered simply. As a child, my mother told me as a child growing up in the midwest, that when you are a guest in someone else’s home you abide by their rules and respect their property. Keep in mind. Hawaiians are proud and unique people. infringing on their land has been an issue they’ve dealt with for generations. Keep away from sacred Hawaiian sites, such as heiau they are not tourist attractions.
As for the ocean, if you do not respect her power, you may well be her victim.
When you enter places clearly marked you are setting yourself up for serious injury or a possible rescue by over-taxed rescue workers.
Simple respect should mark every interaction you have with all people, especially service workers. Hawaii is a very special place, damaging reefs, wildlife, and forested areas are unacceptable. And right now, wear a mask, just do it. Because it’s right and after all, you are in someone else’s home.
PS FYI you spelled malihini wrong in the questions, there is no A in the word, and kamaaina are long-term residents not born in Hawaii, not frequent visitors.
My sister has lived on Kauai for over 20 years and has built a home and started a business which employs locals. Recently at a local food market her cart was shoved against a wall and some locals assumed she was a tourist. This is really outrageous behavior and is not endearing local residents to their concerns. That combined with what is happening on the North Shore beaches does not make anyone want to come as a tourist or resident. Really sad.
I have been to Hawaii 14 times. My uncle lived on the BIG Island for awhile doing construction and that is how I became interested in visiting Hawaii and learning more of the culture. Definitely not mainland. I have Bern lucky to have made friends with many locals over time. I think it comes down to respect and not imposing mainland values and mindsets and being open to the Hawaiian lifestyle. I’m hoping to go back soon.
My answers:
1) look for another trail
2) become disgusted, discern the situation, determine if I should help
3)uncomfortable and smh
4) No. Remind them those surfs can be dangerous
5) Protecting the Islands
6)Tap into the culture
I have lived on Oahu in the 60s and Maui early 2000s. It always amazed me that visitors were in a hurry, honking car horns and not able to relax. You came for vacation..
My husband was stationed at Pearl Harbor some years ago. As a family, we were thrilled for the chance to experience the island and its culture. What a disappointment. My 11 yo was beaten up numerous times and my 8 year old was threatened and intimidated by the “locals” because they had blonde/red hair and blue eyes. We tried our best to be good visitors/citizens. And the location is spectacular. But with my kids begging to stay home every day, and a very hostile attitude permeating our ever interaction, I finally brought them back to the mainland until my husband’s tour was over. We’ve lived in wonderful, welcoming and beautiful places around the world that we’ve returned to several times. But none of us, including my grown children and grandchildren have ever been (back) to Hawaii. The “spirit of aloha” is a myth….you can keep it!
Sadly that sort of abuse of haoles has been going on for a long, long time. We encountered it as kids going to HI for the first time in the mid-50s. And it is well described at the start of a major surfer’s autobiography (title escapes me at the moment). Funny thing is, once I hit 65 or so locals were a lot nicer to me. Call me “uncle” or “dat crazy old haole”. At the Elks Club, on the other hand, I’ve been a member for years but still made to feel like an outsider. But that’s more a “locals only” thing than an ethnic thing.
I thank the wonderful Hawaiian people for excepting me as a visitor. Spending two winters in Hawaii I was able to experience their hospitality, food and culture. I found if you give respect you will receive respect. Friends I met brought me into their homes, shared activities and gave me the privilege of calling me Uncle. I will always cherish the friends made there and the beauty of the islands.
Uncle Joe B
Just canceled my flight and vacation to Hawaii because of a false positive Covid test. Follow up testing through my primary care found that I was negative for Covid. The false positive test was administered by Hawaiian Airline’s “trusted” partner Worksite Labs. How many false negatives have been handed out, allowing Covid positive travelers to freely infect the people of Hawaii?
Wherever places you visit, you should and always follow the rules in that country. If a sign says “closed or do not enter” then don’t do it. Enjoy the time,the local people, the culture especially the food. Respect their tradition and the country. If you can’t stand it then why even bother traveling to other country or you can just stay in the resort until it’s time for you to leave.