Final Update:

Although I had a lot planned, this will actually be my last update for this fic. As much as I loved writing this story, I've come to the conclusion that it's in the best interest to end it here.

The constant romanticization of Hawaii is hurting us. These islands are not a playground and I cannot stand by and watch yet another tourist disrespect my home. Visitors continue to come in mass, not bothering to respect our culture, our land, or our people. These types of visitor's ignore our regulations, trample over our sacred sites, disrespect the land and wildlife, and treat our people like we're less than just because they spent a few thousand dollars thinking that they're helping our economy.

Our reefs are dying. Our natural water has been contaminated. Our endangered wildlife continues to be threatened.

Yet tens of thousands of people continue to book their flights without thinking of the implications that may have. The audacity to even suggest that throwing money at our feet entitles them to endanger the health and welfare of our families as well as ruin our land for the sake of their "Perfect Hawaiian Vacation."

We are overcrowded. We are overcapacity. Not only in regards to tourism but also with the amount of people moving to live here on a whim. This is not your retirement home. This is not your place to live out your adventure fantasy. Native land is being bought up by foreigners to be used as a vacation home for more foreigners. Rent is skyrocketing. Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) are being displaced from their ancestral lands.

I no longer want to contribute to the touristy narrative of this so-called island getaway. I struggled deeply with the idea of just deleting this whole fic because honestly that would've been easier but after reflecting on it I feel as though it is my kuleana (responsibility) to not waste this opportunity to educate.

I was born of this aina (land) and I have a duty to protect it. I have a duty to protect this lahui (community).

Kanaka Maoli just want their land back. We have been fighting tooth and nail and no one is listening. Kanaka have been very outspoken about this, asking that all visitors reconsider their decisions to vacation or move here. If you do not have a connection to this aina or this lahui, please do not book that flight. There is no respectable way to visit Hawaii otherwise.

Though I do understand that there are circumstances where this may be impossible or out of your control so I'll end with a little cheat sheet of the things we see most often. Should you ever visit Hawaii please kokua (help) malama aina (care for the land) by taking the following to heart:

- Do not take. I know it's tempting to take home a jar of sand, a piece of lava rock, or even whatever plant you happen upon, but please don't. Nature is sacred and should be left alone. It's really not hard to simply respect that and let things be. Admire it where it is and learn to be present in its beauty. (Like in Moana, do not take from Te Fiti, she is not yours to keep)

- Do not touch or bother the wildlife. For some this may be a wild concept. There are many endangered animals (and plants) that are indigenous and endemic to these islands. Please let them be. This is their home more than it is any of ours. Our native seals, turtles, and birds in particular are constantly being threatened by ignorant tourists who think they're entitled to a close up picture. If they swim up to you then let them do their own thing and move to another location. It's really that simple. Do not approach them. Do not make contact. If a local sees otherwise, we will not hesitate to call you out on it and snap a picture of you as proof of breaking federal law. We will 100% report you and you will be fined and/or arrested. Again, admire from afar and learn to be present in its beauty.

- Sacred land is exactly that. SACRED. Absolutely do not fuck with our statues of monarchs or our historical buildings and spiritual sites. Especially if it's labeled as such. This is basic common sense and human decency. Anything "KAPU" is vehemently OFF LIMITS.

- Follow all warning signs. If there is a posted sign it's there for a reason. Don't trespass or venture into anywhere you're not supposed to be especially when hiking and especially near the water. The ocean can be unforgiving and unpredictable. It does not care who you are or who you might become. Whatever picture you are trying to get, it's not worth risking your life or the lives of first responders. I don't want to hear of another tragic death of a tourist. If a local is warning you about something, there is a reason for it. Trust us.

- Do not visit Dole Plantation. Sad to say the famous Dole Whip that Disney fans LOVE so much is a product of good ol' colonization. The Dole family played an integral part in the overthrow and illegal imprisonment of Hawaii's last monarch, Queen Liliuokalani, which ultimately led to the illegal overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

- And probably the most important: Plan your trip around volunteering instead of vacationing. Honestly it's incredibly rewarding and not only would you learn a lot, you'd also be giving back in a very intentional way. We like to say, "Leave a place better than when you found it." Many take that as cleaning up after yourself which is true like after picnics in the park, visiting the beach, or even straightening up your own hotel room, but it also applies in the grand scheme of things like giving back to the aina and the native community. In exchange, you'd experience Hawaii on a deeper, more meaningful level. Here are a few volunteer ideas: (Btw, I was going to write Brittana doing most of these throughout the course of this fic lol)

...Beach cleanups. These are always happening all over the island on every island. I'm sure after a simple search you could easily find one during your stay.

...Join a community workday at a Lo'i (kalo farm). There are many that offer community workdays and if you're not afraid of a whole lot of mud then this is perfect for you. It's a lot of hard work but it's honestly so much fun.

...Help restore a Loko i'a (native fishpond). Again a super dope thing to do and it's incredibly rewarding.

I could honestly go on and on but I'm leaving you with the basics. I highly encourage everyone to do more research and educate themselves whether you're visiting Hawaii or not. If you're interested in more information on volunteering then please feel free to message me directly.

Lastly, MAHALO, from the bottom of my heart, for taking the time to read my fic and I'm sorry that I won't be continuing it further. I'm glad that I was able to share a little part of my life with all of you and I hope you all understand the reasoning behind this decision.

Aloha nui loa~
Em