HAWAII- Tourists visiting Hawaii are commonly called "haole," an insulting or pejorative term for non-native Hawaiian or Polynesian people who aren't from Hawaii. Initially, "haole" was an offensive reference used as a descriptive term for second-generation European immigrants who settled on the islands.
"Haole" derives from Hawaiian traditions of touching noses when greeting, known as "huni." To avoid offending anyone unfamiliar with this custom, newcomers would shake hands instead, but to share an air of life ("ha" and "ole" in Hawaiian), they rubbed noses against each other. This term eventually spread beyond just Hawaiians to include foreigners and tourists alike.
Visitors must respect local customs and fashion when traveling to Hawaii to demonstrate appreciation of Hawaiian culture. One way of showing respect is wearing an aloha shirt appropriate to your island of choice. These shirts come with various floral prints and vibrant colors, each representing a different island. In addition, visitors should dress in neutral-colored clothes such as shorts or pants without bright or garish patterns; locals typically sport faded t-shirts that reflect island living.
Footwear also plays an essential role in associating yourself with Hawaii locals; rather than opting for tourist-grade flip flops, sandals may provide more comfortable exploration on sandy beaches and hiking trails while at the same time providing a sense of assimilation into local culture and way of life. By adopting customs and fashion from Hawaii, tourists can have a more authentic experience while showing respect to local community members.
