RESERVATIONSHawaii’s ancient cultures have been passed down through hundreds of generations based on the traditional values of the native people. Many unusual Hawaiian customs have evolved over time or adapted through outside influences.
This culture included long-established customs that were in place long before European and other visitors landed. Visitors should review and understand many of these customs before visiting Maui to ensure that they not only understand but can follow and respect them too.
Malama I Ka ‘Aina
This Hawaiian term means “caring for the land,” and it’s one taken very seriously. One of the most prominent aspects of Hawaii’s ancient culture is the care and respect given to the land on which people live. Native Hawaiians and non-native locals have all learned to give respect to all aspects of the environment as well as the people who live and work on the land.
Caring for the land can take many forms, for both locals and visitors alike. It can be as simple as picking up after yourself and leaving the area better than you found it. It’s also picking up trash from both a beach area and anything you find while in the water. As a guest, you don’t want to cause harm to either the land or the animals. This includes awareness of endangered animals, native plants, and the water surrounding the Islands.
Another aspect is leaving things undisturbed. Many visitors want to take home a piece of Maui but taking a small rock or two is frowned upon. Florida doesn’t mind, but in Maui, it’s believed that taking rocks, sand, or lava rocks will lead you to be “cursed.”
Meeting People
Whether native-born or from another land, Hawaiians are friendly people. You may be surprised to be greeted by a hug and a kiss, or the more traditional touching noses. Known as honi ihu, the practice exudes closeness and “shared breath.”
When visiting someone’s home, it’s customary to take off your shoes to prevent sand and dirt from entering.
Another custom is to bring a gift of food when visiting, especially if it’s something the recipient can’t find in Maui. For instance, if “home” is Texas, dried chilis and other spices unique to The Lone Star State would be an appropriate gift. Conversely, it’s also traditional to bring similar gifts of food to family and friends after a trip away from the Islands.
One thing you shouldn’t do is attempt to speak Hawaiian Pidgin English, the local “creole” language that evolved over time with different groups of people. While it sounds like broken English, it isn’t, and locals may become offended if you try to join them.
Flowers And The Lei
One thing Maui has plenty of is gorgeous flowers. So it’s customary to offer a lei on special occasions, such as a birthday, graduation, wedding, etc., as well as to visitors. Remember that it is a custom to politely accept a lei, except for a pregnant woman, whose lei should be open-ended. Wear the lei as long as you are in the giver’s company.
Flowers are also worn by women to convey their availability. When a woman wears a flower over her left ear, it indicates that she has a significant other. A flower worn over the right ear indicates that she is unattached.
The Ohana
Visitors may have heard the native Hawaiian term “ohana,” but aren’t sure what it means. The literal translation of ohana is “family.” The word also encompasses friends of a family or even the entire community of Hawaii. That includes a place for family and friends to visit or to stay long-term.
Many landowners build a smaller structures on their property for family members. In modern terms, an Ohana is legally an “accessory dwelling unit,” or ADU. Stateside, these buildings are called a “mother-in-law house.” Because they were most often built for family members, the name “ohana” has become synonymous with these structures. Ohanas is now seen to help ease the housing shortage on Maui and all the Islands and to help property owners pay their mortgages.
Note that if you’re considering building an ohana on a Mainland property, it’s probably best to refer to it as an ADU or “mother-in-law house” until it’s finished.
Hana Kai Maui Embodies the Spirit of Aloha in Hana
Stay in a secluded beachside condo where you can relax. The Hana Kai Maui resort are your home away from home. The units are designed to be comfortable and relaxing whether you’re here for a night, a weekend, or even an entire week.
The Hana Kai Maui staff looks forward to your visit.
