Do You Know Their Customs?

As a sign of respect, if you are going to Hawaii, it is always good to learn about the people's background and customs. You don't have to walk on eggshells. Feel confident that you are being polite and friendly.

I thought that Hawaiians are descendants of Japanese ancestors because they look like them.
I had this idea when I was watching the show on Disney Channel, "Johnny Kapahala," and I saw his Dad and Grandfather. They look like Japanese to me. Aside from that, I've seen some Hawaiians on TV that look like them too.

This blogging is really giving me a good insight and great knowledge as I try to answer my own questions about Hawaii.

You can't just assume. You have to dig and learn.

Well from my digging, I discovered Hawaii is known as the "Melting Point of the Pacific." Hawaii blends different ethnic groups and cultures from many lands into a culture of it's own.

No single race prevails and the mixed ethnic portion 0f the p0pulation is always growing.

About 32% of the people are Caucasian; 28% are mixed races; 27% are Asian; 12% are Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander.

This ethnic variety is a source of pride for the people of Hawaii. It is t is diversity of backgrounds and cultures that makes Hawaii so special.

Generosity, friendliness, and compassion, the love of music, dance and celebration all play an integral part in the life of an islander.

In the island's climate, tension is abated, rushing is obsolete, and thus the expression of doing things on "Hawaiian Time" is created.

After living in Hawaii for a while, you'll inevitably adopt the habit of removing your shoes when entering a home.

A warm embrace is treasured among friends and relatives upon greeting or departure.

The closeness, the bond, can be referred to as gestures when visiting another's home.

The most cherished gift of all is the gift of aloha. Both men and women enjoy the gifts of aloha for it has no prejudices.

In a local family, one of the most celebrated among special ocassions is a child's first birthday for which the family will bar no expense.

Everyone enjoys the flower lei or the ceremonial haku lei. At parties or gatherings, the host or honored guest will likely be wearing a special flower lei.

Flowers and lei are given to friends or relatives upon arrivals or departures on trips or for any other special ocassion, including birthdays, weddings, proms, anniversaries, graduations, births, promotions, and appointments.