Kākoʻo i ke Kaiaulu
Supporting Oʻahu's Local Communities
Foster positive relationships through mindful choices and respectful engagement
Written by a Local Cultural Guide
Leilani AkoTravel pono extends to fostering positive relationships with our host community (kaiaulu). This involves conscious choices benefiting local residents and showing respect for our way of life. Where you spend money powerfully expresses values, demonstrates aloha for community, and directly invests in our island's sustainable future.
The Power of Your Purchase: Buy Local, Buy Pono
Supporting locally-owned businesses, artisans, farmers, and restaurants ensures tourism revenue circulates within the community. This benefits Hawaiian families and contributes to local economy. Buy souvenirs from local craftspeople, produce at farmers' markets, or meals at family-run restaurants.
🛍️ Local Shopping
- • Hawaiian-made souvenirs and crafts
- • Local artisan jewelry and artwork
- • Hawaiian music and books
- • Locally produced foods and treats
🏪 Support Local Businesses
- • Family-run restaurants and cafes
- • Local tour operators and guides
- • Hawaiian-owned accommodations
- • Neighborhood shops and services
Farm-to-Table Feasts: A Taste of Oʻahu's Bounty
Oʻahu has a thriving farm-to-table dining scene. It's a delicious way to enjoy freshest local ingredients while supporting our agricultural community.
Recommended Farm-to-Table Restaurants:
- • Kahumana Organic Farm & Café - Sources from its own farm
- • Monkeypod Kitchen - Committed to local sourcing
- • Town - Fresh, local ingredients
- • Roy's - Hawaii Regional Cuisine pioneer
Visit Local Farmers' Markets:
Kapiʻolani Community College (KCC) Farmers' Market
Saturdays - Direct access to Oʻahu's agricultural abundance
Kailua Town Farmers' Market
Meet local producers, taste fresh local food
Driving with Aloha: Sharing the Road Respectfully
A simple yet significant way to show respect is practicing "Aloha on the road":
Share the Shaka: Wave or give the shaka sign (thumb and pinky extended) as thank you when drivers show courtesy
Quiet Respect: Don't honk unless absolutely necessary for safety—it's considered rude in Hawaiʻi
Park Properly: Only in designated areas and follow all local parking laws
Be Considerate: If driving slowly for sightseeing, safely pull over to let local traffic pass
Respect Local Neighborhoods
Remember that residential areas are homes, not extensions of tourist zones. Show respect for the communities where people live, work, and raise families.
🏘️ Neighborhood Respect
- • Keep noise levels low, especially evenings
- • Follow parking rules and regulations
- • Don't block driveways or access roads
- • Respect private property boundaries
🤝 Community Consideration
- • Be mindful during morning and evening hours
- • Don't treat neighborhoods as photo backdrops
- • Ask permission before photographing homes
- • Support neighborhood businesses
Quick Guide: Pono Do's and Don'ts on Oʻahu
DO:
- • Learn and use basic Hawaiian words
- • Support local businesses and farmers
- • Drive with aloha and courtesy
- • Respect private property signs
- • Keep noise levels considerate
DON'T:
- • Be excessively loud in neighborhoods
- • Block local traffic unnecessarily
- • Ignore parking restrictions
- • Use single-use plastics when avoidable
- • Treat communities as tourist attractions
Continue Your Pono Journey
Discover how you can give back to Oʻahu through voluntourism and conservation efforts.
Giving Back →🧭 Pono Travel Guide
- Introduction
Core concepts & principles
- Cultural Respect
Sacred sites & traditions
- Environmental Care
Protect land & ocean
- Wildlife Guidelines
Safe viewing distances
- Community Support
Local businesses & respect
- Giving Back
Voluntourism opportunities
- Resources
Practical information
🛍️ Support Local
🤙 Driving Aloha
The Shaka
Thumb & pinky extended = thanks!
No Honking
Only for safety emergencies
Pull Over
Let locals pass when sightseeing
Park Pono
Designated areas only
🌾 Farm-to-Table
Taste the freshest local ingredients while supporting Oʻahu's agricultural community.
• KCC Farmers' Market (Saturdays)
• Kailua Town Farmers' Market
• Farm-to-table restaurants