10 Hawaiian Taboos: Avoid These Common Mistakes When Visiting
When visiting Hawaii, it’s essential to do more than just pack your sunscreen and beach gear—you’ll also want to pack a little cultural know-how. The islands are rich in traditions, beliefs, and customs that have been passed down for generations, and understanding them can make your experience more meaningful and respectful. In this guide, we’ll dive into ten Hawaiian taboos that visitors often overlook, from the dos and don’ts of sacred sites to the superstitions you’ll want to heed. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll not only enjoy your trip to the fullest but also show your respect for the unique culture and spirit of Hawaii.
Don’t Take Rocks or Sand from the Islands
In Hawaii, it is considered bad luck to take rocks, sand, or any natural elements from the islands, a belief deeply rooted in respect for the goddess Pele, the powerful deity of volcanoes and fire.
According to local legend, Pele becomes angered when pieces of the islands—like rocks or sand—are taken away, leading to misfortune or hardship for those who remove them.
Over the years, numerous stories have surfaced of visitors who took rocks or sand home as souvenirs, only to experience a string of bad luck until they returned the items.
To avoid incurring Pele's wrath and to respect the natural and cultural integrity of the islands, it’s best to leave these treasures where they belong and take only memories and photographs.
2. Respect Sacred Sites (Heiau)
Hawaii is home to many sacred sites, such as *heiau* (ancient Hawaiian temples), burial grounds, and culturally significant landmarks that are deeply revered by the local community.
These places are more than just historical sites; they are spaces where spiritual and cultural practices have been carried out for centuries, serving as connections to the ancestors and the divine.
To honor these sacred sites, visitors should be mindful of their behavior: refrain from walking or climbing on the structures, keep noise to a minimum, and avoid eating or drinking in these areas.
It's also crucial not to remove any objects, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, as these may be offerings or hold cultural importance.
Respecting these spaces is a way to acknowledge Hawaii’s cultural heritage and the deep spiritual significance they hold for its people.
3. Don’t Whistle at Night
In Hawaiian folklore, whistling at night is believed to attract the *Night Marchers* (*Huaka’i Pō*), the spirits of ancient Hawaiian warriors who are said to roam the islands under the cover of darkness.
These spectral warriors are thought to march in a ghostly procession, accompanied by the sounds of drums and the glow of torches.
Encountering the *Night Marchers* is considered a grave omen, bringing bad luck or even danger to those who witness them.
According to local belief, if you hear the distant beat of drums or see flickering lights at night, the safest course of action is to lie face down, avoid eye contact, and remain silent until they pass.
This gesture shows respect to the spirits and is thought to protect you from their wrath, ensuring you are not mistaken as a threat or a disrespectful intruder on their sacred path.
4. Never Turn Your Back to the Ocean
In Hawaiian culture, the ocean is not just a body of water but a powerful, living entity with a spirit and will of its own.
Turning your back to the ocean is considered both disrespectful and unwise. Culturally, it signifies a lack of reverence for this mighty force that provides life and sustenance but also demands respect.
Practically, it is dangerous; the ocean is unpredictable, and turning your back could mean being caught off guard by a sudden wave or strong current.
To stay safe and show respect, always face the ocean, stay alert to changing wave patterns and tides, and be mindful of posted warnings or local advice about conditions.
This mindful approach honors both the cultural beliefs of the Hawaiian people and the very real power of the sea.
5. Avoid Sitting on Walls (Especially in Graveyards)
In Hawaiian culture, walls and certain structures, particularly those found in graveyards, are believed to serve as boundaries between the physical and spiritual worlds.
These walls are considered to house or protect spirits, and sitting on them is thought to bring bad luck or be seen as a sign of disrespect to the spirits who dwell there.
Graveyards, in particular, are viewed as sacred and sensitive spaces where the spirits of ancestors reside.
Out of respect for these spirits and the sanctity of the site, locals avoid sitting, leaning, or loitering on walls or other structures within graveyards.
Visitors should honor these customs by treating graveyards and their surroundings with the utmost respect, ensuring they do not disturb or disrespect the spiritual presence believed to exist in these sacred places.
6. Do Not Take Offerings from Shrines
In Hawaii, it is a common and deeply meaningful practice to leave offerings like food, flowers, or stones at shrines, *heiau* (ancient temples), or near banyan trees to honor the gods, ancestral spirits, or to ask for protection and blessings.
These offerings are made with great care and reverence, often reflecting a person’s devotion, gratitude, or hope for spiritual guidance.
Disturbing or taking these offerings is considered highly disrespectful, as it is seen as an act that disrupts the spiritual connection and could bring misfortune upon those who tamper with them.
Stories abound of locals who regularly leave offerings of fresh fruit or leis at a specific tree or shrine to honor their ancestors or seek the favor of a deity.
These offerings are viewed as sacred, and their removal can offend the spirits or gods to whom they were given, resulting in unexpected misfortunes.
To respect these traditions, visitors should leave all offerings undisturbed, understanding that they play a significant role in Hawaii's spiritual and cultural landscape.
7. Mind Your Manners with the ‘Aumākua (Family Guardians)
In Hawaiian culture, many families have ‘aumākua, ancestral guardian spirits believed to manifest in specific animals, such as sharks, owls, turtles, or even certain plants.
These creatures are considered sacred protectors and are deeply revered by the families they guard.
To avoid causing harm or disrespect, visitors should exercise care and mindfulness around these animals, understanding that they might be more than just wildlife—they could be someone’s beloved guardian spirit.
Locals show respect to their ‘aumākua in various ways: for instance, fishermen may release a caught shark back into the ocean, recognizing it as a possible family guardian, or beachgoers will give a wide berth to a basking turtle on the shore.
Feeding these animals is also discouraged, as it can disrupt their natural behavior and is considered a form of interference with the ‘aumākua.
By treating these creatures with respect and allowing them to remain undisturbed in their natural environment, visitors honor the deep cultural connections that the Hawaiian people share with their ancestral spirits.
8. Respect the Land and Environment (Malama ‘Aina)
In Hawaiian culture, the concept of *malama ‘aina*—or caring for the land—is a deeply ingrained value that reflects the profound respect Hawaiians have for their natural environment.
The land is considered a living entity that sustains life and, in turn, deserves to be treated with care and reverence.
For visitors, this means taking conscious steps to minimize their impact: avoid littering and always clean up after yourself, stay on designated paths to protect fragile ecosystems, and use reef-safe sunscreen to prevent harm to marine life.
Additionally, reduce plastic waste by opting for reusable water bottles, bags, and utensils, and participate in local efforts like beach cleanups whenever possible.
By embracing these practices, visitors honor the Hawaiian way of *malama ‘aina*, helping to preserve the islands’ natural beauty for generations to come.
9. Avoid Wearing Shoes Inside Homes
In Hawaii, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home, a practice that reflects respect, cleanliness, and an awareness of the shared living space.
Wearing shoes indoors is seen as bringing in dirt, debris, and even bad energy, which can disrupt the harmony of the household.
This tradition is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and is common across many homes on the islands.
To show respect for this local custom, visitors should always check for a cue at the door, such as a cluster of shoes or a sign, indicating that shoes should be removed.
When in doubt, it’s always polite to ask the host if they would prefer shoes to be left outside. Embracing this small gesture demonstrates cultural awareness and appreciation for Hawaiian hospitality.
10. Be Aware of Taboo Days (Kapu Days)
In Hawaiian culture, certain days are considered *kapu*, meaning sacred or forbidden, and are set aside to honor the gods or adhere to cultural beliefs.
During these *kapu* days, various activities—such as fishing, farming, or even entering specific areas—might be avoided to show respect for the deities or to observe spiritual traditions.
The concept of *kapu* was a fundamental aspect of ancient Hawaiian society, governing both social order and religious practices by defining what was prohibited or sacred at different times.
While the strict *kapu* system is no longer legally enforced, its influence continues to shape modern cultural practices, with many Hawaiians still observing certain traditions, ceremonies, or restrictions on these sacred days.
For visitors, being mindful of *kapu* days and the practices associated with them is a way to honor the island's rich cultural heritage and show respect for the beliefs that continue to hold significance in Hawaiian communities.