Take The “pono pledge” In Hawaii

“Pono” is a traditional Hawai’ian word that cannot easily be translated to just one English word. To live “pono” means to live in harmony with all things, and to adopt a custodial relationship towards the planet and its inhabitants.

The “Pono Pledge” is a series of intentions visitors and inhabitants of the Big Island of Hawaii can (and should) promise to comply with when they visit or live on this beautiful island.

Watch the video below to hear the full Pono pledge in Hawai’ian and in English - or scroll down to read the English translation.

The Pono Pledge

1. I pledge to be “pono” (righteous) on the island of Hawai’i.

2. I will mindfully seek wonder, but not wander where I do not belong.

3. I will not defy death for breathtaking photos, trespass, or venture beyond safety.

4. I will care for land and sea, and admire wildlife only from afar.

5. Molten lava will mesmerize me, but I will not disrupt its flow.

6. I will not take what is not mine, leaving lava rocks and sand as originally found.

7. I will heed ocean conditions, never turning my back to the Pacific.

8. When rain falls inland, I will remain high above ground, out of rivers and streams.

9. I will be a steward of the land, revered as my loving chief.

How to take the Pono Pledge

The Pono Pledge is something anyone can take, anywhere, anytime. Read it aloud with friends, family, or other members of your travel party upon your arrival on the island.

You can also sign the pledge digitally on ponopledge.com.