The archipelago is the 50th state in the United States and has its own culture – decoupled from the United States. The archipelago did not become part of the United States until 1959. The islands used to be called the Sandwich Islands. Aloha, which translated from the Honolulu language means appreciation, is more than just a greeting. This word is an expression of the lifestyle of the culture on the archipelago and expresses the longing for a coexistence in goodness and harmony. Furthermore, in tradition, the ohana has the family. She likes to share these and other values with people who come to the archipelago – both with people who want to live here permanently as well as with people who only spend their vacation on one of the islands. The culture of the native residents of the parents is something that appeals to many tourists who come to the archipelago as foreign guests.
Language, music and culture
It is there, the language, but also the music and the culture of the people of Honolulu that appeal to foreign guests who land at the capital’s airport and then immerse themselves in the culture of the island world. In order to experience aloha – in the broadest sense also something like “love” – and to bring about a cultural exchange, the tourists have to be ready to immerse themselves in the culture of the island people after landing at Honolulu airport. This also includes immersing yourself in the aloha spirit in the form of language, music and dance, but also art, theater and film, culinary. There are also numerous festivals on the islands where the local residents have the opportunity to show their culture to foreign guests. Such cultural exchanges are rather rare in the United States, with people being more open to other cultures and people from abroad than citizens in the southern states or the Midwest. People do not know any prejudices regarding skin color, nationality or origin.
Hula dance and goodies
Foreigners can experience a very special kind of cultural exchange if they visit the islands and study the event calendar of the island on which their hotel is located in advance. The range of festivals is rather colorful and encompasses much more than just hula dance demonstrations. The festival includes several events, including ceremonies. The focus of these events is the cultural connection and relationship between the archipelago and the Pacific when it comes to the dance performances and traditional art performances. Honolulu has long been a major culinary hub in the United States. The city even has gourmet districts with many small restaurants.