How to Travel to Hawaii Respectfully
Remove Your Shoes
Japanese immigrants brought with them the custom of removing one’s shoes before entering a residence, and it quickly became the norm. Today, it is mostly a matter of cleanliness. It’s in poor taste to track dirt and grime onto the floor of a home, where children play, family members sit or lie down, and laundry is often folded. It is also indicative of the state’s relaxed lifestyle. The year-round warm weather means that everyone is usually wearing slippers, and when you slide them off, it’s an indication that it’s time to kick back and relax.Shop Locally
When the pandemic hit and Hawai’i had to halt tourism, its largest economic sector, it was left struggling to recover. Now that Hawai’i is once again open for business, visitors have the opportunity to support local families simply by choosing where they spend their hard-earned dollars. Shopping locally is the easiest way to ensure that money is funneled directly into local communities, while also providing visitors with an enhanced experience that they may have otherwise missed out on.- Farmers markets, like the Kapi’olani Community College Farmers Market, have a dizzying array of fresh fruits, vegetables, and snacks, all of which support local farmers and artisans.
- Locally owned and operated restaurants like Rainbow Drive-In have been around a long time for a reason–they take pride in their food and locals and visitors alike can’t get enough. Try out as many mom-and-pop restaurants as you can during your stay; you won’t be disappointed.
- Food truck events like What the Truck! at Waikele Center and Eat the Street on the Kaka’ako Waterfront, make it easy to sample plate lunches and unique dishes you’ll only find in Hawai’i.