Five Important Practices While Visiting Kauai
Kauai’s natural and social environment does well when visitors show respect for both. Malama is the Hawaiian word that means “to care for” and kuleana means “responsibility.” Malama with kuleana.
Here are five top ideas for sharing stewardship on Kauai.
Slow to the Local Pace: Relax into the pace of Kauai, whether you are driving, eating or enjoying an adventure. Kauai’s residents marvel in it’s scenery and rich environment. They take the time to savor it. Acting pushy turns local residents off.
Malama Aina — Respect Endangered Sea Animals: Human interaction and plastics threaten our endangered marine mammals. If you are in the water and see a giant green sea turtle, monk seal or humpback whale, stay away, do not approach. If you are on the beach and see a resting turtle or seal; same thing, do not approach. Observe from 100 feet away, or circle around with a wide berth. Pick up plastics from the beach or volunteer in a beach clean up day. This has a far reaching positive affect. Sea creatures die from plastics. Turtle photo credit, Jessica Else, The Garden Island
Believe the Signs: Warnings about surf, flood, protected animals, dangerous areas, cultural places and kapu “no go” are serious. Testing these bounds, even if for just a selfie, is both dangerous and highly disrespectful. Local residents are so dismayed to see a visitor ignoring the warnings. Photo credit: The Cliffs at Princeville
Honor the Aloha Tradition: Aloha does not only mean “hello” or “goodbye,” the word aloha also means to embrace, honor, respect, share, welcome, and be compassionate. These practices have been embraced for a very long time. Try to think about these meanings when saying aloha to someone, be sure to establish eye contact and smile.
Support Kauai’s Local Businesses: Our island has a rich variety of locally-established businesses that provide food, produce, captivating art, jewelry, clothing, wood products. Find these opportunities everywhere on Kauai. Enjoy the stories our hard-working business owners can share with you.
Resources: Travel & Leisure Magazine, various Kauai resources.
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We will be flyiing to the Big Island and during our stay we will be going to Kauai for 2 nights then back to The Big Island. We will be using Clear for the test 72 hours before departing the states. Question is if we have to do any further testing for the trip to Kauai or back the the Big Island?
Aloha Steve, Glad to know you’re coming to Kauai. Your only requirement is your pre=test results uploaded to Hawaii’s Safe Travels program before departure. Once you’ve been cleared at your point of entry, no further testing is required. Make sure you also carry a paper copy of your results with you. Safe trip to you.
We will be traveling to Kauai for a weeks vacation, but prior to our actual stay we will be visiting Honolulu for a few days. I understand that we will be required to upload our negative COVID results and register in the Safe Travels program prior to us leaving the mainland. We arrive in Kauai, but will be taking a flight to Honolulu shortly after our arrival. I know a screener can process us to Honolulu, but now understand we have to provide another negative COVID test result prior to our return flight to Kauai. Since we will only be on Oahu for 2 days, will a rapid test be accepted for our return to Kauai?
Currently, the negative test taken within 72 hours of your departure should suffice for your whole stay. Please, however, get another test if you experience any signs of feeling sick. Your accommodations host can guide you to a testing site. Hope you enjoy your time in the islands.