If you are coming to the Hawaiian Islands for a visit, or even to stay......please take the time to read this blog post about a few things you aren't told before arriving here.
1.) Please do not liter. We have the utmost respect for our land, and so do our local people. We all work very hard to keep our islands as clean as we can. Please keep your garbage with you until you're able to find a place to dispose it.
2.) Please do your best to "Drive with Aloha" which means, do not speed, allow the person who is oncoming the right of way, and always wave or "shaka" to say Mahalo if someone has granted you access first.
3.) Please remove your shoes before entering someone's home. It's just what we do, and it's out of respect.
4.) You don't have to use the word "ALOHA" at the beginning of every sentence when approaching a local.
5.) DO NOT TAKE ANY LAVA ROCKS, SEASHELLS, OR SAND HOME WITH YOU IN YOUR BAGS!! These are sacred things that belong to our Aina (land). Please respect this, and abide by this. Legend has it that those who have taken rocks, sand etc. had a curse put on them and/or family members until they have returned it.
6.)Before swimming, please acknowledge ALL warning signs on the beach. Look around you for any signs of danger. Watch the waves, currents, and weather changes for any immediate precautionary actions.
7.) NEVER face your back to the ocean. As you are exiting the water, always look back over your shoulders to avoid any oncoming waves. This is very important to remember!
8.) DO NOT PEE ON ANY SACRED GROUNDS! As a human being, that's why we have toilets.....USE THEM or you'll be sorry.
9.) Please DO give our native food a try.......you just might like it.
10.) Have Fun, be safe.....and Live Aloha!
