Pono is a word in the Hawaiian language that means "righteousness." To travel with pono means treating the people, land, and culture you are visiting with respect. Understanding how to travel with pono and partake in Hawaiian culture will ensure that your trip is fantastic and respectful.

Traveling Respectfully

One of the essential aspects of traveling with pono is to travel in a way that helps protect both the people and the environment of Hawaii. Ensure that you take all health responsibilities seriously before traveling and follow any health and safety guidelines at stores, hotels, and rideshares. 

Additionally, consider the impact of your actions on the environment. The coral reefs surrounding the islands are important ecologically and an essential aspect of Hawaiian culture. Coral reefs are living animals, so you should avoid stepping on or touching them. You can also help protect them by wearing only coral-safe sunscreen, as many sunscreens contain ingredients that can be harmful to marine life and ecosystems.

When hiking or enjoying natural areas, remember always to pack up any trash and avoid leaving food or anything behind. You should also avoid picking any plants and should never take rocks or sand with you as these are culturally significant items.

Engaging With Hawaiian Culture

Learning more about the culture, and experiencing it, is one of the most memorable parts of a vacation to Hawaii. To ensure that you are thoughtfully engaging with the culture, consider attending events at state parks or other areas. Many offer programs that will allow you to interact with different aspects of the culture and heritage of Hawaii. At Waimea Valley, they have an artisan program that features various artists and craftspeople who share their knowledge with visitors. You could learn to play the ukulele, see traditional Hawaiian weapons, understand how lei are made, or even learn more about how people used to work in the wetland areas of the islands.

Additionally, you could join tours to learn more about the botanical culture of Hawaii. Understanding how flora and fauna interact with the landscape can help you avoid making any errors that may harm the ecosystem. If you want to learn more without a tour, pay attention to local signage, displaying information about the area and plants along paths. Finally, you can also volunteer for the opportunity to learn even more.

Traveling with pono ensures that you engage with Hawaiian culture in a meaningful way. In Haleiwa, HI, Waimea Valley offers a gorgeous landscape alongside unique learning opportunities for all visitors. The park is located on over 1,875 acres of land and features a variety of activities alongside nature hikes and areas to explore. Call (808) 638-7766 with questions, visit their website to learn more, or conveniently purchase tickets online.