if there are any questions you have about life in Hawai’i or ways to interact with Hawaiian culture, I’m an open door! feel free to message or email me with any questions you have!

you might hear the word “aloha” thrown around quite a bit, but do you know what it means? it’s not just a greeting or a word for love—it is a spirit to embody.

aloha means to give, not just to take. aloha means to be generous and kind. aloha means giving the benefit of the doubt and allowing grace when others are wrong. aloha means to listen and learn from those around you.

here are four ways you can not just experience but participate in the spirit of aloha when you come to visit:

1. don’t use the car horn unless necessary! (it’s culturally disrespectful unless it is for an emergency) drive well, pay attention to those around you. let people into your lane when they need it and be sure to wave when people let you in!

2. take care of the land. when visiting Hawaiʻi, treat it like your own home—pack up your trash, and don’t just leave it like you found it but leave it better than you found it.

3. be respectful. whether it is of the neighbours when you are hiking (don’t block people’s driveways!) or if you’re dining out. we love our island and you as a visitor are a big part of how we survive, but it can be hard to live with a constant stream of people who aren’t aware of the people or culture they are visiting.

4. support Hawaiian and local businesses over chains—every dollar is a vote for the world we want to live in, and trust me, the creative and culinary talent in local businesses is a world you want to be a part of!

5. Hawai’i is more than a part of the United States; the Hawaiian Kingdom existed long before being illegally overthrown in 1823. though there is good that came out of our statehood, many pains and wounds were caused that were never and cannot be repaired. enjoy the island, don’t take it for granted, have fun, and go home inspired. 🤙