How Native Hawaiians Are Decolonizing Tourism

“[‘Detours’] is more than just critique,” Aikau clarified, “It is also a series of instructions for how to contribute to decolonization.” The book’s proposal states that it would offer alternative itineraries for those wishing to visit Hawaii with an equitable exchange in mind. She continued, “We use the Hawaiian word ea to describe the goal of the book and the projects described within it.” Ea is defined as the breath and sovereignty of the lāhui (Hawaiian nation), ʻāina (the land), and its people. “When we talk about ea we do not mean it as a metaphor but as a material condition of independence [and] self-determination.” “Detours” tells potential tourists that if they are to visit, this is what’s being asked of them.