Understanding Hawaiian Culture – Common Etiquette Tips

In Hawaii, you’ll encounter some really friendly people and you’ll find the warm spirit of aloha wherever you go.  As in other parts of the world, the people here too have their own etiquette rules.  So if you wish to learn the Hawaiian culture, make sure you follow the simple etiquette tips mentioned below.  That will also make your visit an enjoyable one.

• Though you won’t have a major problem communicating with the local people in Hawaii, it would be a good idea to get familiar with the pronunciation of the Hawaiian vowels and alphabets and also of commonly used words.  For example, ‘Aloha’, pronounced as “ah lo hah”, has different meanings, but is mostly used for saying hello or goodbye.’Mahalo’, pronounced as “muh hah lo”, means thank you.  Often, you’ll find that most street and town names are marked in Hawaiian.  If you get familiar with the basic pronunciation of the Hawaiian language, you’ll find it easier to pronounce these names.
• Besides the commonly spoken Hawaiian language, there is also a local dialect called “Pidgin” in which many words are pronounced differently.  But you’ll only hear it spoken very rarely or on the radio.  Visitors are advised not to attempt to speak this pidgin dialect to the locals for fear of inadvertently offending or irritating them.  Also, don’t assume that those who speak pidgin are illiterate, for most locals are “bilingual”, and speak perfect English in addition to pidgin.
• Always remember to remove your shoes before you enter anyone’s home.
• Accept a ‘lei’ (a flower garland) with gratitude and politeness, and never take it off when in the presence of the one who presented it to you.  Expectant mothers are offered a lei with an open end as a mark of ensuring a safe delivery. Continue Reading »
  Hawaii Etiquette Tips

Technorati Tags: aloha, Hawaiian culture

Budget travel to Hawaii

If you are planning to spend a vacation in Hawaii, you are going to be spending.  Things do not come cheap in the Aloha State.  This is mainly because the islands are cut off from the mainland and resources are very limited.  So if you are looking to cut corners and still have a vacation in Hawaii on a budget, it is going to take some advance planning on your part and a willingness to make some tiny alterations.

1. Lodging and boarding
Most people feel a vacation in Hawaii would mean lots of Mai Tais and a admirably splendid view of the Pacific ocean from their balconies.  But travelers going to Hawaii on a budget will need to shelve such scenes from their minds.  The room rates for an ocean facing room with a balcony for a single night would cost you a minimum of $300.  It is far cheaper staying a little away from the beach. Some of the travel agencies also give you a discounted room rate when you make your airline bookings with them and take their offered suggestions for a resort.  If you want to save on your laundry and dining bills, you could also consider the possibility of taking a condo with a kitchenette and washer and dryer.  There are also dormitory style hostels available for those with a shoestring budget.  These are available for $20 or less.  For even better bargains, you could try out tent camping in the state parks or at one of the beaches.

2. Travel around Hawaii
The bus services in Hawaii are very efficient and far more affordable as compared to renting a car or being driven around in a taxi.  You could save plenty by picking a free map of the local area from your hotel and taking the tourist buses to check out the tourist spots.  The buses plying are very clean and safe and regularly stop at all the major destinations for tourists.  You could also purchase a visitor pass online at $20 for unlimited use for bus rides.

3. Food and dining
While making your hotel bookings, make sure you book at a place that offers breakfast as a complimentary.  When you arrive and next step out of the hotel, you could go and stock up on drinks and snacks from the local Wal-Mart.  If your hotel room doesn’t have a mini-bar, buy your drinks from a convenience store locally instead of the vending machines in your hotel as they will be far more expensive.  You could also save money by looking for a local eatery that serves standard island fare for lunch or dinner consisting of a big portion of rice and seafood or meat with vegetables on the side at $10 or less.

4. Activities
Go online prior to making your trip to Hawaii and make your reservations for activities that you would like to indulge in.  That way you will save yourself the time you will need to decide and negotiate for the best deals.