In 2014, Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, Goa Governor Mridula Sinha, and U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii met together to discuss establishing a sister state relationship between Goa and Hawaii. The stated goal of the sister state relationship between the state of Goa in India and the state of Hawaii in the U.S. is to increase economic and cultural exchanges.
The only official word to be found online about Goa and Hawaii working together seems to be these two articles from the Office of Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. The Goa-Hawaii sister state relationship is briefly mentioned in both of these press releases:
- Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Calls on USDA to Prioritize Exporting Hawaii Macadamia Nut (Read)
- Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Wraps Up Weeks of Productive Meetings in India to Promote U.S., Hawaii Interests (Read)
Most recent update from a news source: July 2017
- Tulsi Gabbard says Hawaii and Goa to have sister-state partnership (Read)
What does it mean to be sister states?
Sister Cities International, which is a U.S. nonprofit that was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, says this to describe sister cities:
A sister city, county, or state relationship is a broad-based, long-term partnership between two communities in two countries. A sister city, county, or state relationship is officially recognized after the highest elected or appointed official from both communities sign off on an agreement.
Each relationship of sister cities can be different. It can exist to promote cultural exchange and it can exist to promote trade. Sister cities can work together to mutually benefit their economic, social, cultural, and educational goals.
On the cultural exchange side for example, youth and grade school students can be involved. There are many sister cities in which high school students travel internationally to visit counterparts in their sister communities for meaningful cultural exchange.
Any given city or state can have any number of relationships with communities in other countries. There are also sister city organizations that work to develop and promote international partnerships. A good example of this is Chicago Sister Cities International which aims to promote common goals with their sister cities in over 20 countries!
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
So, aside from wanting to work together to promote common goals, what do Goa and Hawaii have in common?
Both states are known for their beach lifestyle
When Indians think of Goa, many think of it as a dream destination and a place to get away, slow down, and relax!
When Americans think of Hawaii, many think of it as a dream destination and a place to get away, slow down, and relax!
Both states have more to offer than their beach lifestyle
If you visit Goa or Hawaii, chances are very unlikely that you will make it a trip without some beach time! While both states are famously known for their coastline, and rightly so, they are also both lesser known for other activities. There are outdoor activities and cultural activities that can also make for a great experience with a visit to Goa or Hawaii!
For example:
Both states rely heavily on tourism
Having the beach lifestyle and being dream destinations, this makes Goa and Hawaii very attractive to domestic and international tourists. The tourism industry is one of the top industries in Goa and Hawaii.
Both states have food famous to their state that is Portuguese-influenced
Having been a Portuguese colony, Goa’s Portuguese influence is plentiful in many ways. This includes dishes that are considered to be distinctly Goan cuisine. In Goa, you can find dishes that are modified Portuguese dishes, like the Goan pork vindaloo.
Hawaii had a wave of Portuguese immigration with people who arrived in Hawaii to work on sugar cane plantations. These people brought with them a bit of Portuguese culture with the making of malasadas. Today, these pastries that are basically donuts without a hole are considered a Hawaiian food that you must try when you visit Hawaii. There is even a dedicated day in Hawaii to indulge in the hot sugary goodness, Malasada Day!
CHEERS TO GOA AND HAWAII!
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling