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5 Fun Hawaiian Cultural Traditions You Need to Know

March 20, 2023 by Karyn Locke

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Are you planning to go on a tropical vacation to the stunning islands of Hawaii? If so, then here are 5 fun Hawaiian cultural traditions you should know.

Fun Hawaiian Cultural Traditions - lei on stone turtle

Hawaii is an island paradise filled with rich culture and traditions. Visitors should be aware of many unique Hawaiian customs before their trip. Understanding these cultural norms will help you have a more authentic experience in Hawaii and better appreciate their culture. This article will discuss some Hawaiian cultural traditions you should know.

Fun Hawaiian Cultural Traditions – Traditional Greetings

Page Contents

  • Fun Hawaiian Cultural Traditions – Traditional Greetings
  • Fun Hawaiian Cultural Traditions – Lei Etiquette
  • Fun Hawaiian Cultural Traditions – Removing Shoes
  • Fun Hawaiian Cultural Traditions – Lu’au Events
  • Fun Hawaiian Cultural Traditions – Aloha Spirit
Fun Hawaiian Cultural Traditions - aloha
Did you know Aloha means love & peace, not just hello?

When visiting Hawaii, it is essential to understand the traditional greetings of the Hawaiian people. The most used word for greeting someone is “Aloha,” which means love and peace. However, this simple word is more significant than just a casual hello. By saying Aloha, you show respect and joy at meeting someone new. It is also common to greet someone with a friendly kiss on the cheek.

Fun Hawaiian Cultural Traditions – Lei Etiquette

Fun Hawaiian Cultural Traditions - lei ettiquette
So many beautiful lei colors

When it comes to wearing a lei in Hawaii, know how to practice proper lei etiquette. When receiving a lei from someone else, it is polite to accept the gift as an expression of gratitude while lightly bowing your head.

It is also important not to remove a lei in front of the person who gave it to you, as Hawaiians consider this rude. And you also want to avoid giving a closed lei to a pregnant woman as it is a sign of bad luck.

Fun Hawaiian Cultural Traditions – Removing Shoes

Fun Hawaiian Cultural Traditions - shoes outside house
Keep the shoes outside when visiting someone’s home in Hawaii

When entering someone’s home in Hawaii, understand that removing your shoes before entering is a traditional custom. This gesture of respect pays homage to the Hawaiian belief that everything outside—dirt, dust, and debris—should remain outside so as not to contaminate the purity of one’s home.

Understanding cultural norms like these will ensure that you have a respectful and enjoyable experience while in Hawaii. Not only do customs like removing shoes demonstrate respect for others, but they also act as an expression of appreciation for getting welcomed into someone else’s home.

Personally, I really enjoy this rule in my own home and in my neck of the woods – near Pittsburgh, PA. Not only do we have a rule, especially during the rainy, muddy season, to leave our shoes outside on the porch to dry off before bringing them inside, I take my shoes off at my relatives’ and friends’ homes as well.

Fun Hawaiian Cultural Traditions – Lu’au Events

Fun Hawaiian Cultural Traditions - luau
Enjoying a lu’au is a must when visiting the Hawaiian Islands

Lu’au events are iconic Hawaiian celebrations that have been a part of the culture for centuries. These vibrant gatherings involve music, dance, and traditional dishes such as poi and kalua pig; all meant to bring people together in celebration.

Throughout the night, live music is typically played on ukuleles or other traditional instruments that accompany hula dancers in colorful costumes. Finally, dinner features authentic cuisines like poke, laulau, and haupia.

Fun Hawaiian Cultural Traditions – Aloha Spirit

The Aloha Spirit is an integral part of Hawaiian culture, and you can find it in many aspects of how Hawaiians live their lives. The basic concept behind the Aloha Spirit is to treat others with respect, kindness, and compassion. This spirit of love and hospitality has gotten handed down through generations, so it’s easy to see why this attitude resonates strongly among native Hawaiians today.

One example of how welcoming the Aloha Spirit into your life can make a difference is by greeting people with a warm smile or offering a friendly “Aloha!” when you first meet them. 

Now that you’re aware of 5 Hawaiian cultural traditions to know, you can visit the islands with more knowledge and understanding. Have fun on your trip and immerse yourself in the culture to get the full experience of these gorgeous islands.

Filed Under: On the Go, Travel Tagged With: Hawaiian cultural traditions

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