Hawai’i, Tourism, and Culture Washing
Learn how to reduce the tourism impacts in Hawaii to lessen culture washing and more.
Tourism & Hawai’i
Tourism in Hawai’i began in the 1860s, with the Kilauea volcano becoming a desirable attraction for adventure tourism. Since that time, Hawai’i has seen many changes to its islands, with tourism becoming a primary source of income for the population. Oahu has seen strip malls and hotels turn into skyscrapers, and this island ranges from 450,000-570,000 visitors per month. The devastation tourism has had on the Hawaiian islands comes in the form of erasure and perversion. The Hawaiian culture is treated as a performance by vacationers as they inhabit the islands as their personal adventure lands.
The Impacts
Since the opening of tourism to the Hawaiian islands and the capital of Hawai’i, natives, and the islands' ecosystems have been affected.
Historical Impacts
Historical impacts are noted below, before the 20th century.
Disruption of sacred sites in Native Hawaiian culture.
Loss of access and protection in areas of cultural use. Particularly areas and historical sites associated with Hawaiian deities and places to connect to spiritual forces.
Disruptions or changes in natural resources. These resources were sources of abundance, such as plants, fish, and other marine resources.
Loss of ownership of lands due to the influx of tourism areas.
Loss of community in coastal communities. Hawaiians felt alien to their lands as they were pushed out and became popular with tourists.
Loss of "`oh āna" (family) from previous communities where there have been tourism developments.
Loss of ancestral lands due to financial mishaps caused by tourism.
Modern Impacts
Modern impacts are noted as events of the 20th century affecting current Hawaiians.
The growth of fascism is seen in the encroachment of name brands and strip malls.
Increase of trash and littering across all islands.
Native animals have become endangered.
Increase in population, including non-Hawaiian migrators.
Increased prices in goods due to importation and distribution.
Increased home prices as foreigners buy land.
Loss of the Hawaiian language.
Parks and beaches have been exposed on social media, drawing large crowds.
Surf spots are no longer private to Hawaiians as surfers crowd peaks.
What is Culture Washing?
Culture washing is a marketing process used by an entity or organization to create an attractive but inaccurate representation—an example of culture washing dates back to 1774 when Captain Cook landed in Fiji. The presentation of Pacific Island women at this time was to portray them as willing, exotic and uncovered to European populations to encourage tourism. More recent is the portrayal of the Hawaiian hula girl, a victim of culture-washing. The misrepresentation of hula dancers has been openly used to greet tourists to the Hawaiian islands. Yet what tourists have no respect for is that hula is a critical tradition to pass along knowledge and stories. Hula has become expropriated as hotels use native Hawaiians to dance openly for tourists in hotel lobbies. The commodification of hula can even be seen on the mainland in the form of Halloween costumes and themes for parties.
How Can We Do Better?
How can we make an effort to be more mindful while vacationing? Malama Kuh Home means "caring for my beloved home." If you are visiting Hawai’i or planning a trip through regional travel vouchers, you can take this phrase along with your visit to the islands and begin to see the place you are visiting as an extension of your home.
The topics below detail practices in which we can prepare and make an effort to respect Hawai’i.
Focus on "Regenerative Tourism"
"Regenerative tourism" is defined as a type of tourism that focuses on reducing tourism's impacts on the natural environment.
You can participate in regenerative tourism by:
Making net contributions.
Creating conditions that support the area to flourish.
Improving the destinations you visit for other visitors and residents.
Research
Knowledge and respect go hand in hand. When visiting a new place, be sure to do your research to learn about the history of your vacation destination. Be sure to research customs, language, and values to ensure that you are not being offensive or inconsiderate of others.
Book the right hotel
Hotels have become more mindful of culture-washing and are focusing on improving the quality of life for Hawaiian workers—unfortunately, not all of them. Cultural practitioners and advisors have been posted in a few hotels to help educate tourists about Hawaiian history and culture.
Booking a sustainable hotel is a great way to support the Hawaiian ecosystem. These hotels lessen the burdens of the hotel industry on the islands and are a great eco-friendly alternative.
Support local
Connecting with locals is a great way to support small businesses owned by Hawaiians. Making purchases in small, family-owned, or Hawai’i-originated industries returns your dollars to the island rather than supporting large corporations that have monopolized the markets.
Volunteer
Another great way to turn your tourism into a good act that helps the people of Hawai’i is to schedule a day, or two, to give back to the community. There are many volunteer programs you can take part in during your stay that can make your vacation more impactful. Click here to read about opportunities suitable for your comfort level and learn how to help.
Be mindful
The most essential and straightforward way to improve the effects of tourism is to be mindful of your actions when on vacation.
Respect resources and wildlife.
Watch your volume, whether that be your speaking voice, music, etc.
Do not litter or destroy native plants.
Do not speak offensively to service personnel.
Refrain from entitled actions.
Be respectful of others who may not speak your language.
Refrain from photographing people or children.
Be cordial to others.
Overall, be mindful and ensure that your tourist activities benefit the needs and aspirations of Hawai’i and its people. Responsible tourism can help reduce the impacts of tourism on many destinations. You can visit the Hawaiian Tourism Authority for more information on responsible tourism.
Key Takeaways
The devastation tourism has had on the Hawaiian islands comes in the form of erasure, as well as a perversion of the Hawaiian culture as a performance, as visitors treat the islands as their tropical adventure lands.
Since the opening of tourism to the Hawaiian islands and the capital of Hawai’i, natives, and the islands' ecosystems have been affected.
Modern impacts are noted as events of the 20th century affecting current Hawaiians. These include overcrowding, pollution, appropriation, erasure, and lack of affordability and resources.
Culture washing is a marketing process used by an entity or organization to create an attractive but inaccurate representation.
Focus on "Regenerative Tourism".
Be sure to research customs, language, and values to ensure that you are not being offensive or inconsiderate of others.
Book an eco-friendly hotel with a cultural advisor.
Support local businesses.
Volunteer while on vacation.
Be mindful of your volume, actions, and interactions.
