Honoring & Respecting Hawai’i Nei
It is a privilege and a blessing to be allowed to call this amazing island community home. I have lived on Maui for almost two decades and continue to learn about and from my host culture. I believe that Aloha, true aloha, has the power to heal this divided world. What is aloha anyway? It is much more than a way to say hello and goodbye. It is not an open door policy on influences that negatively impact the community, culture and ‘aina such as over-tourism, irresponsible environmental management and the oppression of culture and desecration of sacred sites. My favorite translation of the word aloha is, ”may you be in the presence of Divine Breath always.” The Ha in aloha is that sacred breath that moves through each one of us. It is what connects us to each other and to something bigger than ourselves. To stand in its presence means to stand in solidarity with all that is sacred and to act in way that is pono or in alignment with what is right and true. What feels pono for me at this time is that all visitors to these beautiful islands understand more about the issues that concern local communities. I especially want all of my couples to be aware of these issues and realize that it is a privilege and a blessing for all of us to be allowed to hold ceremonies on these sacred islands. Below is an invitation to educate yourself on the issues that local communities on Maui and in Hawaii face and to stand in solidarity and in aloha with us by making choices and taking actions that are pono, reflecting your respect for all the blessings that Hawai’i offers.
Covid 19 Response: As of 12/1/20, visitors to Hawai’i are welcome, however, all travelers must have a negative test result (within 72 hours of departure) BEFORE beginning the final leg of their trip. Anyone without a negative test result PRIOR to departure or no test result must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival or the duration of their stay if it is less than 14 days. The negative test result must be uploaded onto Safe Travels prior to departure or printed out prior to departure and hard copy in hand when arriving in Hawai‘i. In addition, the State will accept tests only from certain trusted and tested travel partners. Learn more…
Once you are in Hawaii, you must wear a mask in public unless you are able to physically distance from all other parties. These measures are in place to protect the vulnerable island communities, our kupuna (elders) and limited resources. Here on Maui, for example, we have less than 250 hospital beds with a local population of approximately 150,000 people. In 2019, tourism numbers hit over 3 million for our island, with 50.000 - 75.000 visitors on any given day. While we are all looking forward to welcoming tourism back to the islands now, we appreciate your kokua (help) in abiding by the current rules, regulations and laws that are in place to protect our communities.
*This is an ongoing and developing situation and updates will be added as announced
Kingdom of Hawaii: History is always a good place to begin. Many of us learned simply that Hawaii was annexed by the United States in 1898. There is, however, much more to the story than that. If you love Hawai’i, I highly recommend you learn more about the history of Hawai’i as a sovereign kingdom and the events that have led to its current day status of being recognized worldwide as the 50th state of the United States. Learn more…
Protect Mauna Kea Movement: Mauna a Wakea, on the island of Hawaii is a sacred side for kanaka maoli (native Hawaiian people). The protectors of this sacred mountain, called ki’ai, have been engaged in peaceful demonstration on the mountain since 2014. including 8 months of continuous prayer on the mountain in 2019-2020. (Ki’ai left the mauna temporarily due to Covid 19 in March 2020 due to concerns over the spread of the virus). During this time of peaceful prayer and cultural practice, the kanaka maoli have been engaging in pule (prayer) including chant and hula three times a day, Hawaiian cultural and historical education, and have taught the world the power of kapu aloha. Learn more…
Reef Safe Sunscreen: Effective January 1st 2021, the law states that sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate are banned in Hawaii. However, why wait until then when it is known that these chemicals have significant harmful impacts on Hawaii's marine environment and residing ecosystems, including coral reefs that protect Hawaii's shoreline? Please look for and buy only reef-safe sunscreen. My personal favorite is Ola Sofia. Also please refrain from buying and using spray - on sunscreens, lotions and oils as they create a noxious air pollution for those around you. Learn more…
Supporting the Local Economy: Our local economy is largely dependent on tourism. Due to Covid 19 many small businesses on the island have had to close and the ones that remain struggle to stay open. Please support our local island economy while you are here, avoid patroning global corporations and buy and dine local! You don’t even have to wait until your next visit. You can support many local businesses from the comfort of your own home. Learn more…
Road to Hana: The road to Hana is the most popular activity on Maui for tourists. This is understandable with the beautiful natural jungle landscape. For residents who live in Hana and any of the small towns on the way, it is their home. Please respect every part of this road as you would like your own home to be treated. Leave no trash and do not trespass on private property. It is also a roadway and believe it or not, many residents also commute on the road to Hana. If a car is behind you and going faster than you, please be respectful, pull over and let locals pass. They will be so grateful and probably give you a honk to let you know and throw you a shaka as they drive by. Learn more…
Food Sustainability & Agro-tourism: You may be surprised to know that Hawaii imports about 90 % of its food. Food security and sustainability is a very big issue for our local communities. Please support the movement towards agro-tourism. Learn more…
Marine Life Conservation: Hawaii is home to some amazing marine life including the honu (green sea turtle) and the Hawaiian monk seal, both endangered species. Both like to rest on the shoreline and they are protected by law. Never touch or try to pet any marine animals. Do not walk on the living reef. Do not feed fish or any other animals you encounter. Thank you for your kokua to malama the ‘aina (take care of the land.) Learn more…
Smoking on Beaches is Illegal in Hawaii: Many tourists do not know but smoking is illegal on all Hawaii public beaches. If someone asks you to put your cigarette out, please be respectful and follow the law. Never leave cigarette butts in the sand or throw in the ocean or anywhere but a trash can. Learn more…