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Shoes: Shoes worn outside are removed when entering a home or residence. Shoes are left outside or just inside the front door. Inside shoes may be worn, but most go bare foot or with socks on their feet. Lei: Many visitors think the flower lei is just a "touristy" gimick. Well, it is not. Lei are very important here and are given for birthdays, holidays, weddings, showers, as congratulations and as thank-you, and come in many forms. A visit to the lei stand at the airport can be very enjoyable just to see the variety. Feel free to wear lei while on your visit. Again, you will be appreciated for enjoying one of our local customs. Lei can be made of more than just flowers. Seed, shell and feather lei are especially valuable and treasured here in the islands. Lei can be worn on your hat, head, or around your neck. Here is my eldest son at his High School graduation, and my youngest at a State Wrestling Tournament, these demonstrate typical use of lei. So give one to someone you love, they are always a welcome gift.
Humility: This is a big one here. You wont find many people here bragging about their accomplishments. Here it is not about what you have done as an individual that is important, but what you have done for your family and community and what kind of person you are. To brag is to be "High Makamaka" in a word, snooty. And to be such invites mischevious spirits to bring you bad luck. If you treat others with kindness, that's all the success you need worry about in Hawaii. Click here for more on Hawaiian Values. GO>> Standing in lines: Part of what makes your experience in Hawaii so special is how nice the people are, right? Now you can share the aloha too. When standing in a line for food, the bus, or a show, don't rush to be first, here we let anyone older than ourselves go first. We also help others with their bags and parcels. If you listen, you will hear young people offer to help by saying "Auntie (or Uncle), can I get that for you" or "You first Auntie (or Uncle)" In short, anyone older than you is your Auntie or Uncle and deserves respect and assistance. It feels really good, try it. This is also a local cusom that you can take home with you. You will be amazed at how warmly your actions will be received. Standing in a crowd: Weather watching a cultural performance at the the Volcano National Park or a juggler on the beach on Maui, be aware of where you are. Are you blocking someone's view? Ask and then move aside. Is there someone older than you trying to see, offer them your spot. Locals will tend to the needs of others before they tend their own. Again, try it, it feels good, and it is another local custom you can take home with you. BBQ: If you like BBQ back home and want it here, be sure you ask about the menu. Here in Hawaii BBQ usually means Terryaki. A very different dish, very good, but it wont be what you were expecting. Shoyu: Here in the Islands, if you want some soy sauce, ask for Shoyu (show-you). White Rice: Just know that most meals you order at a lunch counter will include two scoops of white rice. It is a staple here. It might also come with Miso soup. You can sometime substitute a green salad, but don't be surprised if you can't. Even McDonalds now offers two scoops of white rice with their local plates. So just know it's comming and try not to look too surprised at all thoses simple carbs staring back at you, you don't have to eat it if you don't want it.
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