Hospitable Hawaii - where locals "talk stories" and are well worth the listen.

 Hawaii, "The Big Island" and the 50th State, has a rich history and fascinating culture worth reading about before a visit. One main destination is, of course, Pearl Harbor. Another interesting cultural destination is the Lolani Palace, the official residence of the last reigning monarchs, King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani. This once residence was the only official royal palace in the United States. 

Volcanic Hawaii, with 6 active volcanos, is comprised of 137 islands with a population of 1.4 Million. The Capital is Honolulu. GDP Per Capita is $65,700. Each island has its own unique travel style and all 8 are expensive, so save up. The other 7 visitable "neighbor islands" of Hawaii are: Maui, O'ahu, Kaua'i, Moloka'i, Lana'i, and restricted and privately owned Ni'ihau, and uninhabited Kaho'olawe. Natural resources include oil, oil refining and concrete. Main industries are tourism, military defense and agriculture, which includes pineapple, coffee, macadamia nuts and flowers.  The weather is tropical and warm (68-75 Degrees) with afternoon rains common, especially November through March, so layer your clothing and bring a light rain jacket.  

Hawaiians "from the islands" are famously hospitable. Native Hawaiians are of Polynesian descent. English is spoken and Olelo Hawai'i, as well as Pidgin, which is a cherished local language derived from formal Asian grammar and out of the multi-cultural 19th Century Sugar Plantation dialect and is a type of Hawaiian Creole English. Hawaii is ethnically diverse, with 35% European, 25% Japanese and 15% Hawaiian. 

Regional Hawaiian Street names are in Hawaiian and were designed by Protestant Missionaries in the 19th Century. 

All Hawaiian beaches are free and open to the public, but there are written and unwritten safety and environmental rules. Be careful in the ocean. Keep your distance from sea turtles, monk seals, and spinner dolphins. It is considered bad luck, and it is illegal to take with you any sand (white, black or green), rocks, lava, coral or shells. Do not stand or walk on live coral. Wear environmentally friendly (reef safe) sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). Ask permission to take photographs.

Dress code in Hawaii is casual chic. The number one unspoken rule for men is: please DO NOT wear those tacky touristy "Hawaiian shirts." Nice collared shirts or collared Golf shirts are best. Shorts for men are allowed at night (shirt tucked in with belt), but long pants are much appreciated for men.  Ladies, conservative dressing is appreciated. Tube tops and bra straps hanging out are not. Best always to dress up a little bit when traveling so you may walk in anywhere and look like you belong. Remove shoes before entering a home. Just try to look clean and pressed, and not like you are cleaning out your garage. 

Public manners include being quiet and calm. The world is not your school campus. Do not be loud or too excited. Hawaiians have a tradition of "Talking stories" regarding food, culture and children. Listen attentively. Elders (Kupuna) are greatly respected. Stand when introduced. Aloha means "Hello", "Goodbye" and "Love." Shake hands with all present upon arrival and departure. Kissing on the cheek is a compliment as it means you are considered part of the family. Referring to someone as "Uncle John" or "Aunt Jane" are used by children to friends and business associates.  Businesses are usually open from 7:00am - 3:00 pm (main land time). Hawaii is known for its heavy traffic. Pay attention to traffic routes and hours. If driving, do not honk. 

There are rules regarding the famous Hawaiian "Lei." Traditionally, Leis are wreaths and are presented with a kiss and received with BOTH hands gracefully. Wear your Lei as long as you are in the presence of the giver. The Lei should not ever touch the neck. It should be worn draped over the shoulders, half on your front and half on your back. Never place your Lei on a chair or on the floor. Kindly drape your Lei on a table or lectern. Most are handmade and can be quite costly. Spell "Lei" correctly on your 'Thank You Note' to your host. 

Luaus are blessed with a traditional blessing. Hawaiian time is "only a few minutes late." Cuisine is mostly French, Thai and local cuisine. Try everything. Foods can also be raw. Be careful eating raw foods (maybe take something to coat the stomach before the meal) and be careful drinking the local alcohol drinks. Remove your drink umbrella from your drink and place it on your Bread and Butter plate or dinner plate. Do not get drunk at the Luau. Pineapple is NOT native to Hawaii. Pineapples are from South America. "Poi" is mashed taro root (pudding). Lau lau is a traditional dish of fish, chicken or salt pork wrapped in lu'au leaves (from the Taro root) and ti leaves and steamed until tender and served with rice. Taro root or as they call it in Hawaii "kalo" is a sacred foundation of Hawaiian cooking and culture. 

Luau Dress Code is casual chic. Do NOT wear beach attire. Men do not need to wear ties but should NOT wear sandals with their long pants. Do not wear shorts to a Luau. Men should wear neutral collared dress shirts or neutral collared golf shirts. Please Ladies, do NOT wear a "Moo Moo" dress to a Luau. And again to all: DO NOT wear those crazy busy tacky touristy Hawaiian shirts we all see in the movies and on TV.  

Remember, please leave your tacky touristy "Hawaiian Shirts" at home!