Hawaiian Cultures and Traditions to Know Before Your Next Hawaii Family Vacation

The Native Hawaiians arrived in the Hawaiian Islands hundreds of years ago. They brought many unique Hawaiian cultures and traditions with them. As other people chose the Hawaiian Islands as their new destination to live in more recent years, some of the cultures and traditions have evolved. Therefore, you will see quite diverse cultures and traditions when you are visiting any of the Hawaiian Islands during your next family vacation.

Hawaiian Cultures

One of the greatest Hawaiian cultures is the spirit of aloha. The locals choose to be in the present and share the essence of life. We can all learn a lot from the Hawaiian locals. Their way of life can teach us kindness, compassion, and peace. While there are many different ways to learn about Hawaiian culture, the most common ways are through:

• Chants
• Music
• Arts
• Hula
• Hawaiian Language
• Historic Sites

Ea Mai Hawaiinuiakea

Ea Mai Hawaiinuiakea is a chant that refers to the origins of early chiefs and kings on the Hawaiian Islands. This chant is used to affirm all connections between the people and the land they live on.

The Hawaiian Language

The Hawaiian language is also referred to as Ōlelo Hawaii. This language was brought to the islands by the Native Hawaiians. This language was introduced back in the early 1800s. Over the years, it evolved into the language we all now hear today when we are visiting the Hawaiian Islands.

When you decide to take a family vacation in Hawaii, it is always best to learn at least a few words and phrases in the Hawaiian language. The best word to know will be aloha because you will use that every time you want to greet someone.

Historic Sites

One of the best ways to experience some of the Hawaiian cultures is to visit a few of the historic sites on the islands. All the islands have numerous historic sites. Each site offers a unique look into the past while allowing you to see how it fits with the Hawaiian cultures and traditions.

If you are interested in seeing any of the historic sites in Hawaii during your next family vacation, let me know. I will be more than happy to include a few of them in your customized itinerary!

Hawaiian Traditions

There are quite a few Hawaiian traditions you should be aware of when you choose to take a family vacation on one of the Hawaiian Islands. Many of the Hawaiian traditions have been derived from numerous cultures. Some traditions may seem familiar to you, while others may be traditions you have never heard of before.

Aloha Clothing

Almost everyone living in Hawaii embraces the Aloha line of clothing. The Hawaiian floral shirts and muumuu dresses can be seen everywhere. Those who prefer to skip the florals will choose clothing items with earth-tone colors. You will be amazed at how many businessmen and women can be seen in floral shirts as their business attire for the day!

A Kiss on the Cheek

Every greeting in Hawaii begins with a kiss on the cheek. This Hawaiian tradition also occurs at the end of an event. When you kiss someone’s cheek to say goodbye, you are saying hui hoi, which means until we meet again.

No Wearing Shoes Inside a Home

No one wears shoes inside a home in Hawaii. All shoes, and even slippers, are left out on the doorstep to avoid bringing any dirt inside the house. Thankfully, Hawaii has very warm weather, so going without shoes inside is easier than it is in many colder parts of the world.

Lei Day

All aspects of the lei are celebrated on May 1st every year. While you can celebrate this day on any of the Hawaiian Islands, the experience is always best on Oahu. On that island, you can venture over to Queen Kapiolani Park for live music, lei-making demonstrations, local cuisine, and even a lei contest.

Giving of a Lei

Giving leis is a popular tradition in Hawaii. This is why you will receive one on multiple occasions when you are visiting the islands. The locals often give out leis for graduations, retirements, birthdays, and so many other events. When you receive a lei, you can hang it up to dry. Or you can place it in the refrigerator and inhale the scent for a few days.

Eating Sashimi

The locals in Hawaii love eating raw fish. Throughout the year, the raw fish of choice is tuna. However, on New Year’s Eve, eating sashimi, which can be made from many types of fish, is a must. If you want to participate in this Hawaiian tradition on New Year’s Eve in Hawaii, you must arrive at the fish markets early. It is common for the markets to sell out of fish early!

Ohana

Ohana is quite an important tradition in Hawaii. It symbolizes family. All those close friends that you have always considered to be part of your family are actually treated as family in Hawaii through Ohana. This tradition creates a feeling of inclusiveness for every one you spend a lot of time with.

Hula

The hula used to be performed in private. Nowadays, you will see the hula performed in public as a form of entertainment. To learn the hula the proper way, you must train with a respected kumu. Only they can teach you the technical skills needed to perform the hula in the most sacred way.

These are the Hawaiian cultures and traditions you should know about when you are planning your next family vacation in Hawaii. I know there is a lot of information here, so feel free to ask me questions when we begin talking about your next Hawaiian vacation.

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