Pono Pledge

1. nvs. Goodness, uprightness, morality, moral qualities, correct or proper procedure, excellence, well-being, prosperity, welfare, benefit, behalf, equity, sake, true condition or nature, duty; moral, fitting, proper, righteous, right, upright, just, virtuous, fair, beneficial, successful, in perfect order, accurate, correct, eased, relieved; should, ought, must, necessary.

Pono is a beautiful Hawaiian word, one with multi-level meaning and a lot of importance for people lucky enough to visit Hawaii. When something—a place, an event, a person’s attitude or a way of doing things—is “pono,” it is in a state of correctness. It is respectful, safe, accurate and responsible.

The Pono Pledge (www.ponopledge.com), a creative new initiative by the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau (IHVB) and Hawaii County, encourages safe, responsible and respectful tourism. Its eight principles are simply stated, but cover a wide range of situations, experiences and thought-provoking possibilities for visitors on vacation, and for Hawaii residents as well.