I am often asked how to be a respectful tourist in Hawaii. I don’t always feel like the best person to ask as I am not born and raised or still a permanent resident and, while my family has lived on Kaua’i for over 30 years, there will always be a part of me that will be a visitor. With that in mind, I reached out to some of my buddies that are current and long time residence of the islands and put a little list together of our accumulated tips. These are with a focus on Kauai as it is the place and the people I know best.

~ Mālama ʻāina. Care for the land. It speaks to a mutual bond between people and place ~ one rooted in care, responsibility, and respect. The land is regarded not just as a resource, but as kin, sustaining life as it is cared for in return. This way of thinking centers stewardship, long-term balance, and practices that protect what exists so future generations inherit something stronger, not diminished.

- Educate yourself about Hawaiian history and culture. The overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, American imperialism, the annexation of Hawaii, and resistance movements to maintain Hawaiian traditions and language. Visit local museums, watch videos, and read books. Here are two books stores based in Hawaii with amazing selections: Native Books, Nā Mea Hawai'i.