Planning a babymoon is such a special way to celebrate your growing family before your little one arrives. Many parents-to-be choose Kauai for its breathtaking landscapes, relaxing pace, and deep sense of aloha. Beyond the stunning beaches and lush mountains, Kauai is a place where culture and tradition are a part of everyday life.
As a maternity and newborn photographer here on Kauai, I’ve seen how learning a few Hawaiian words and customs can make your experience even more meaningful. It helps you connect more deeply with the island and create lasting memories infused with a sense of place. Here are some Hawaiian words and traditions that will enrich your babymoon experience.
Aloha – More Than Hello
You’ll hear “aloha” everywhere on Kauai, but it’s much more than just a greeting. Aloha means love, compassion, peace, and mutual respect. It’s a way of living and treating others with kindness. When you say or receive “aloha,” think of it as an invitation to slow down, be present, and honor the people and surroundings around you.
Carrying the spirit of aloha into your babymoon can make your trip feel even more relaxing and connected—perfect for this sacred season of preparing for your baby.
Ohana – Family
Ohana means family, but in Hawaiian culture, it extends far beyond blood relatives. It’s about the bonds you create with friends, neighbors, and community. Ohana reflects the idea that family is central to life and everyone has a role in supporting one another.
As you prepare to grow your own ohana, you may find that Kauai feels like a nurturing place to celebrate this transition. When you work with local businesses, like family-owned restaurants or artisans, you’re often welcomed as part of their extended ohana.
Lei and Lei Po‘o – Symbols of Celebration
The lei is one of the most recognizable Hawaiian traditions. Made from flowers, leaves, shells, or feathers, a lei is a symbol of love, honor, and celebration. You may receive one when you arrive or at a special dinner, but you can also have one made for your maternity photo session.
A lei po‘o, or flower crown, is especially beautiful for maternity portraits. Traditionally worn during celebrations, the lei po‘o adds a touch of beauty and meaning. Each flower has its own symbolism—for example, the ti leaf represents protection, while the hibiscus symbolizes delicate beauty. Many expecting mothers love incorporating a lei po‘o into their photos as a way of celebrating new life.
Pono – Balance and Harmony
The Hawaiian word pono refers to righteousness, balance, and living in harmony with others and the natural world. You may hear locals say “to live pono,” which means to live with integrity and respect.
As you walk the beaches, hike the trails, or admire the waterfalls, practicing pono is about caring for the land (‘āina) and treating it with gratitude. For babymooners, it’s also a gentle reminder to care for your body and spirit as you prepare for your little one.
‘Ohana Style Traditions – Sharing Food and Love
Food is an integral part of Hawaiian culture, and many gatherings happen “ohana style,” where everyone shares from large platters and eats together. If you enjoy a local lū‘au during your babymoon, you’ll experience this firsthand. Traditional dishes, such as kalua pig, poi, lomi salmon, and haupia (a coconut dessert), are served as part of the communal celebration.
Even if you don’t attend a lū‘au, look for small local restaurants where meals are meant to be enjoyed together. Sharing food in this way reflects the warmth and inclusiveness of Hawaiian culture.
Blessings and Ceremonies
On Kauai, cultural and spiritual traditions are often woven into daily life. Many families choose to honor their keiki (children) through blessings, chants, and ceremonies. For example, some couples have a traditional Hawaiian blessing performed during pregnancy by a cultural practitioner to honor the life growing within.
While this may not be part of every visitor’s trip, simply being aware of these traditions can help you appreciate the deep respect Hawaiians hold for family and new life.
Keiki – Children
The Hawaiian word for children is keiki (pronounced kay-kee). You’ll see it on signs around the island, often used to indicate a child-friendly area. The word carries a sense of cherishing the youngest members of the ohana.
As you anticipate meeting your keiki, you’ll notice how much the community here values and protects children. This makes Kauai a wonderful place to celebrate your babymoon and look forward to your family’s future adventures.
Malama ‘Āina – Caring for the Land
One of the most important values in Hawaii is malama ‘āina—to care for and protect the land. Kauai’s beauty is sacred, and visitors are encouraged to respect trails, beaches, and sacred sites. When you visit, you can embody this value by leaving no trace, avoiding restricted areas, and treating nature with respect and reverence.
This value aligns beautifully with the nurturing season of pregnancy—it’s all about care, respect, and creating a safe, healthy environment for the next generation.
Bringing It All Together in Your Babymoon Experience
When you visit Kauai for your babymoon, learning and embracing these Hawaiian words and traditions can deepen your experience. Whether it’s saying aloha with intention, wearing a lei po‘o for your Kauai maternity portraits, or practicing malama ‘āina on a morning walk, these traditions connect you to the heart of the island.
At Betty Laurent Photography, I love incorporating these cultural touches into maternity and newborn sessions. They not only add beauty and authenticity to your images but also honor the place where your family’s memories are being made.
Your babymoon is about slowing down, cherishing the present, and preparing for the love that’s about to grow in your ohana. On Kauai, surrounded by aloha and timeless traditions, it becomes an unforgettable experience you’ll treasure for years to come.