Gone are the days when every visitor to Hawaii received a lei after getting off the plane. But now, everyone at Honolulu Airport will receive a new greeting.
Visitors to the airport will be greeted by a welcome message in Hawaiian language through the loudspeakers every half hour, which will then be followed by the English translation.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority unveiled the new greeting today, saying it's a way to reconnect the visitors to true Hawaiian culture and to give respect and aloha to Native Hawaiians.
"Today is a turning point, it's about resetting who we are as a people place and culture,” said Mike McCartney of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
"Today is the day that Hawaiian language began a new era in Hawaii,” said Governor Neil Abercrombie.
The new era also includes a video taped message in the Hawaiian language that will be distributed to every airline that flies to the state. Native Hawaiians say the move gives a stronger connection between the tourists and the Hawaiian community.
"To have the first and last impression of Hawaii be noted by visitors and kamaaina alike by having Hawaiian language floating around the air is about as powerful a sense of place kind of a greeting that you can have. So we're very, very happy about it,” said Peter Apo of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority says it all becomes part of what makes visiting Hawaii unique. Native Hawaiians welcome it as a sign of respect.
The plan is to have the greeting at all airports around the state.
