Episode 110: Why Your Hawaiian Trip is Incomplete Without Embracing the Spirit of Aloha! With Guest Elijah Kalā
Why You Need to Listen to This Episode:
Hawaiian vacations are more than just pristine beaches and whale watching. Ever thought of immersing yourself in the true spirit of Aloha?
In this episode, Bryan Murphy sits down with Hawaiian native and culture advocate, Elijah Kalā, to unearth the heart and soul of Hawaii. You’ll discover why traveling with Aloha is the golden ticket to a memorable Hawaiian experience.
Don’t just be a tourist; become part of the community. Dive in, and find out how.
This post gives general info and isn’t legal or authoritative advice. It helps travelers with tips but can’t replace personal abilities, fitness, experience, or local knowledge. Marine activities have risks; assess conditions and follow local laws.
Hawaii has always been a dream destination for many. But how can you ensure that your trip to these beautiful islands is not just about ticking off the touristy things but also about giving back and embracing the spirit of Aloha? This episode holds the answers.
1. The True Spirit of Aloha
Aloha is not just a greeting; it’s a way of life in Hawaii. Elijah sheds light on how the spirit of Aloha is in giving. Before you jump into the exhilarating excursions, think about giving back. Not only does it set the tone for your trip, but it also brings a heartbeat to your entire vacation experience. As Elijah says, “The real spirit of Aloha is in the giving.”
2. Authentic Hawaiian Experiences
Why settle for a packaged version of Hawaii when you can get access to the real deal? Elijah emphasizes the importance of building relationships with the locals. Volunteering or engaging in community services at the start of your trip will pave the way for genuine interactions, leading to invitations to local events like a first birthday luau.
3. Understanding and Embodying Hawaiian Cultural Values
This isn’t just about respecting customs. It’s about truly understanding the values and embodying them. From simple gestures like taking off your shoes before entering a house to acknowledging someone who lets you merge in traffic with a wave and a shaka, it’s these small acts that make a big difference.
Topics Discussed in This Episode:
- The essence of giving back while on vacation.
- Why starting your trip with community involvement matters.
- The significance of genuine relationships with the locals.
- Avoiding the “haole mindset” and truly embracing Hawaiian cultural values.
- Importance of respecting and understanding cultural norms for an enriched experience.
Wrapping It Up
Hawaii offers a wealth of experiences. But to truly appreciate its beauty and culture, one needs to go beyond the regular touristy activities. As Bryan and Elijah delve into the depth of Hawaiian culture and values, it becomes clear that to travel with Aloha is to embrace, respect, and give back. Hawaii isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience, a feeling, and a way of life.
Listen On:
Resources
Find out more about today’s guest…
- Elijah’s Instagram
- awakenedaloha.org
Mentioned within the episode…
- evolutionofaloha.com
- nakiaiomaui.org
- Lahaina Strong Instagram
- helpmauirise.org
- The previous episode with Elijah
Self-Guided Island Tours
- Episode 70 – How to Volunteer in Hawaii
- Episode 87 – How to Travel Responsibly to Hawaii
- Episode 35 – 5 Things to Not Do in Hawaii
Travel Pono (responsibly)
Connect With Us
- Buy Me a Coffee
- Send Us a Message with any questions about Hawaii
- Hawaii’s Best Instagram
- Join our Hawaii’s Best Travel Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!
Bumper music, Ukulele and Chill, provided by Coby G (used with permission)
Bumper music, Aloha Friday, provided by Clay D (used with permission)
Spread Aloha
- Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts
- Follow the Show on Apple Podcasts
Related Posts
Avoid These 10 Common Mistakes When Planning a Trip to Hawaii
[dssb_sharing_button social_network="pinterest" sharing_message="custom_message"...
Ep 126: 5 Mistakes When Planning a Trip to Hawaii
Planning your trip is just as crucial as the journey itself. Today, we're diving deep into the top five mistakes travelers often make when planning their Hawaiian vacation. Whether it's your first visit or your twentieth, I'm here to help you navigate these common...
Ep 124: Keep it Aloha: How to Engage with Hawaiian Culture Responsibly with Kamaka Dias
In our latest episode of Hawaii’s Best, we had the pleasure of having Kamaka Dias. Kamaka, a native Hawaiian with a rich background that spans across continents, shared not only his life story but also his insights on how to truly embrace and respect Hawaiian culture....
Bryan Murphy, owner of Hawaii’s Best Travel, is a certified Hawaii destination expert from the Hawaii Visitors Bureau. He actively participates in the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau as a member and has a strong educational background focused on local culture and sustainability. As the host of "Hawaii’s Best Travel," a top-30 US travel podcast, Bryan combines his years of experience with valuable insights. He connects with a broad online community, reaching nearly half a million people, and offers a richer, more responsible way to experience Hawaii.
