FaceTime on the beach?

I was just informed by a fellow traveller that face timing on the beach was not just rude, but disrespectful, and I wanted to know about this

We were far away from a lot of people and so I know we weren’t bothering others but would never wanna be disrespectful if that’s something I wasn’t aware of

Can Anyone who lives here, give me inside please?

On Kauai, as with many Hawaiian islands, the culture places a strong emphasis on respect for others and the natural environment. Beaches are generally public spaces, but there’s an unspoken etiquette that visitors and locals alike follow to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

Regarding FaceTiming or taking video calls on the beach:

  • If you are far from other people, as you mentioned, it is generally not considered disrespectful. Most locals understand that technology is part of daily life and occasional calls happen.
  • However, loud conversations, especially with devices that amplify your voice or have speakerphone on, may be viewed as intrusive or rude. Hawaiians value “pono” – doing the right thing – which often means being mindful of your impact on others’ enjoyment of public spaces.
  • The context matters: a quiet call while enjoying the view is fine, but group FaceTiming or broadcasting your conversation loudly could be seen as inconsiderate.

Tips to stay respectful:

  • Keep the volume low or use headphones for audio.
  • Step a bit away from other beachgoers if possible.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and the natural beauty; snapping photos or videos of others without permission is generally frowned upon.

In summary, as long as you are mindful of volume, privacy, and proximity to others, FaceTiming on Kauai’s beaches is not inherently disrespectful. The key is to be courteous and aware of the aloha spirit that guides local behavior.


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