How to Be a Better Traveler In Hawai'i 🌴

Plus what you probably don't know about poke, and an Amsterdam layover itinerary

Today we have a Q&A with Kainoa Daines and Annie Daly, authors of “Island Wisdom: Hawaiian Traditions and Practices for a Meaningful Life.”

You’ve likely seen the articles about Hawai’i and overtourism. There have been numerous stories about disrespectful tourists damaging fragile ecosystems and historic sites, endangering wildlife and using up water at resorts while locals faced water restrictions. Hawai‘i is the most remote landmass in the entire world, and natural resources are limited. Some Hawaiians have even taken to social media begging visitors not to come.

Photo by Liz Barney

In 2019, a record 10.4 million people visited Hawaii. While tourism hasn’t fully picked up post-pandemic, people are traveling again and Hawaii is getting plenty of visitors

The overtourism crisis in Hawai‘i has definitely reached peak levels, as Hawaiians and locals continue to get priced out of their homes and there are fewer and fewer untouched areas for them to enjoy themselves. - Annie Daly

So, should you go? And if so, how can you be a better traveler while there?

Kainoa Daines is a Native Hawaiian born and raised in Honolulu. He is an executive in Hawai’i’s visitor industry, an event organizer, and a “forever student of Hawai’i.” He is also a member of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I and the Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu. He considers it his kuleana (responsibility and privilege) to share the true story of his culture with the world.

Annie Daly is a journalist based in New York City who fell in love with Hawai’i as a child while spending summers in Kona. Now, she studies and writes about Hawaiian culture. Her first book, “Destination Wellness,” includes a chapter on her favorite well-being lessons found in Hawaiian practices. She also considers herself a forever student of Hawai’i and feels grateful to be able to spread Hawai’i’s messages far and wide.

Buy on Bookshop

“Island Wisdom” is a gorgeous book that would make a great holiday gift for the travel lover on your list, or for someone striving to live a more meaningful life day to day.

Read on for their thoughts on how to be a better traveler in Hawai’i, as well as how to bring some Hawaiian practices into your everyday life.