Every destination has its own set of unwritten rules regarding cultural etiquette, and Hawaii is no different.
Sharing the dos and don’ts with visitors for their time in the Hawaiian Islands is the goal of a visitor campaign launched by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) and the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB).
The ‘Kuleana Campaign’ is one part of a multi-pronged approach to share the beauty of the culture of Hawaii while educating visitors on how to travel respectfully while visiting.
The campaign includes 15-, 30- and 60-second videos aimed at curbing some of the challenges each county is facing, and features 15 Hawaiian residents.
Videos were created for Oahu, Maui County, Kauai, and Hawaii Island. Topics include ocean safety, ocean conservation, culture, land safety, astute renting, and pono tourism.
HVCB’s chief marketing officer, Jay Talwar, said: “Many travellers visiting the Hawaiian Islands don’t necessarily understand why we stay on the trail when we hike, why we care about protecting our reefs, and many of the dangers they need to be mindful of.
“Rather than scold them, we felt that if our residents shared the ‘whys’ behind appropriate behaviour, then most visitors would follow along.
“In other words, if we don’t show them the trail, how can we expect them to stay on it? That’s what our new Kuleana Campaign aims to do.”
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