{"id":8825,"date":"2025-08-15T19:16:25","date_gmt":"2025-08-15T19:16:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/?p=8825"},"modified":"2025-08-15T19:16:26","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T19:16:26","slug":"dos-and-donts-for-touring-in-hawaii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/?p=8825","title":{"rendered":"Dos and don\u2019ts for touring in Hawaii"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Hawai?i’ll have a popularity for being a relaxed, laid-back vacation spot. And that\u2018s true \u2013 to an extent. The Islands have their very own quirks, customs and unstated guidelines that even essentially the most well-intentioned customer can overlook or ignore. Even one thing so simple as tossing out an outdated lei \u2013 flower garland \u2013 may be deemed as disrespectful.<\/p>\n

Listed below are some dos and don\u2019ts to remember when visiting the fiftieth state.<\/p>\n

\"Koolau
Hike the Ko?olau Mountains on O’ahu. digidreamgrafix\/Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When planning your trip<\/h2>\n

1. Don\u2019t simply plan a visit to O?ahu \u2013 or a single island. In the event you\u2019re making the trek all the way in which to Hawai?i, take into account visiting one other island, even only for the day. Whereas O?ahu typically will get the majority of tourists, the opposite islands supply distinctive experiences you gained\u2019t need to miss. Flights are frequent between islands and don\u2019t take longer than 45 minutes.<\/p>\n

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\nCommercial\n<\/p>\n

<\/astro-ad> <\/p>\n

2. Do hire a automotive. Whereas some customer hubs \u2013 like Waik?okay? on O?ahu and Kona on Hawai?i Island \u2013 are walkable, you gained\u2019t be capable of expertise the complete scope of any island with out driving round it. Solely O?ahu has in depth public transportation, from a city-run bus system that may get you wherever on the island to a motorcycle ride-share program in a number of city areas. Most islands have Uber and different ride-share choices, however fares can get costly. By automotive, you’ll be able to discover rural neighborhoods, discover secluded seashores and see extra of the island\u2019s pure magnificence.<\/p>\n

3. Don\u2019t anticipate good climate all day, day by day. Whereas Hawai?i is thought for its idyllic local weather and year-round sunshine, it does \u2013 and can \u2013 rain, particularly within the winter and spring months. A few of Hawai?i\u2019s peaks, like Kaua?i\u2019s Mount Wai?ale?ale, are among the many wettest spots on the earth. And relying on when and the place you\u2019re planning to go to, it may be chilly, too. Climate in higher-elevation areas may be chilly and unpredictable. The temperature on the summit of the ten,023-ft Haleakal? on Maui, for instance, is about 30\u00b0F\t cooler than the coast and might dip beneath freezing. Snow on the summits of Halekal? and Mauna Kea on Hawai?i Island is a typical prevalence through the winter months. Pack a sweater or rain jacket, simply in case.<\/p>\n

4. Do ebook reservations for standard customer points of interest, excursions and reveals upfront. Through the pandemic, the state started implementing reservation methods at a lot of its standard parks, together with Hanauma Bay and Diamond Head State Monument on O?ahu, H??ena State Park on Kaua?i and Wai??napanapa State Park on Maui. These parks require entry charges, too, for non-residents. You even should ebook a time slot as much as 60 days upfront to see the dawn at Halekal? on Maui. Many standard eating places and reveals replenish, too, so finest to ebook forward.<\/p>\n

5. Lahaina continues to be recovering, however do take into account West Maui. Lahaina continues to heal from the lethal wildfires that devastated the coastal city in 2023. And though guests aren\u2019t allowed into the core of Lahaina, the remainder of West Maui is open \u2013 and wishes help. Contemplate visiting cities like Okay??anapali and Kapalua, which boast golden-sand seashores, sprawling resorts and nice outlets and eating places. Some beloved Lahaina companies have reopened, together with Sale Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina, Previous Lahaina L??au and M?la Ocean Tavern.<\/p>\n

Social etiquette and interactions<\/h2>\n

6. Do study a number of Hawaiian phrases, however don\u2019t attempt to communicate the language should you\u2019re not fluent in it. You\u2019ll hear phrases like \u201caloha\u201d (hi there), \u201cmahalo\u201d (thanks) and \u201cpau\u201d (completed), so it\u2019s a good suggestion to familiarize your self with generally used phrases. The Hawai?i Tourism Authority has a nice record of phrases and phrases to know<\/a> earlier than your journey to the Islands. However don\u2019t attempt to communicate ??lelo Hawai?i to everybody you meet; solely about 2% of the state\u2019s inhabitants have some fluency within the language. It’d come off as disrespectful. Apps like Duolingo now supply free newbie classes within the Hawaiian language, making it straightforward to get began earlier than or throughout your journey.<\/p>\n

7. Don\u2019t assume everybody who lives in Hawai?i is Hawaiian. Certain, somebody from California is commonly known as a Californian, but it surely\u2019s not the identical in Hawai?i. Hawaiian is an ethnicity also referred to as kanaka maoli<\/i>. Somebody born and raised in Hawai?i is likely to be Japanese, Portuguese, Filipino or Caucasian, however they don’t seem to be Hawaiian except they\u2019re of Hawaiian descent. Residents are known as kama??ina<\/i>.<\/p>\n

8. Do take off your footwear whenever you\u2019re going inside somebody\u2019s residence. It\u2019s thought-about dangerous manners to maintain them on indoors. Plus, virtually talking, strolling indoors with out footwear ensures cleaner flooring and carpets.<\/p>\n

9. Do settle for any lei that\u2019s offered to you, however don\u2019t toss it within the trash. Lei is taken into account sacred and there\u2019s quite a lot of cultural significance to them. While you obtain a lei \u2013 and also you probably will whenever you examine into any lodge in Hawai?i \u2013 it’s best to decrease your head and permit the giver to place it over your head and onto your shoulders. (Don\u2019t take it from the giver; that\u2019s thought-about impolite.) And as an alternative of dumping the lei, place it properly on a desk in your room.<\/p>\n

10. Don\u2019t stack rocks. It\u2019s not a standard follow, and it\u2019s thought-about culturally insensitive to do it. Native Hawaiians used rocks to construct ahu<\/i> (altars) for ceremonial functions and as markers \u2013 not for ornamental functions. The Hawai?i Division of State Parks additionally discourages guests from stacking rocks, because it modifies the pure setting and poses a security hazard. And the Hawai?i Volcanoes Nationwide Park urges guests to not transfer rocks; its workers builds ahu<\/i> to mark trails and transferring them or stacking others can create confusion for hikers and park-goers. Go away rocks, vegetation and different pure objects as you discover them.<\/p>\n

\"Maui,
Do not honk whereas making your approach alongside the Highway to Hana on Maui. arkanto\/Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When getting round<\/h2>\n

11. Don\u2019t honk. It\u2019s not one thing Hawai?i drivers do.<\/p>\n

12. Do drive with persistence and inside pace limits. Hawai?i has comparatively low pace limits, with highways maxing out at 60 mph. You may be fined at the very least $100 for rushing, with further fines relying on how briskly you have been driving.<\/p>\n

13. Do pull over for different drivers on slim roads and one-lane bridges. (You\u2019ll discover these in locations like H?na on Maui and Hanalei on Kaua?i.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

14. Do wave or flash a shaka when one other driver enables you to merge or lower in.<\/p>\n

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\nCommercial\n<\/p>\n

<\/astro-ad> <\/p>\n

15. Do heed Hawai?i\u2019s biking guidelines. O?ahu might be essentially the most bike-friendly of all of the islands, with practically 60 miles of motorbike lanes and 46 miles of motorbike paths. However word the foundations. You possibly can\u2019t trip bicycles on the sidewalks in enterprise districts like Waik?okay? and Downtown Honolulu. And you will get stopped for biking whereas intoxicated; in Hawai?i bicycles are outlined as automobiles and the state\u2019s DUI statute applies.<\/p>\n

While you’re outside<\/h2>\n

16. Do use reef-safe sunscreen. In 2021 Hawai?i banned sunscreens that comprise oxybenzone and octinoxate, chemical substances which have been proven to break fragile marine ecosystems. You’ll find reef-safe alternate options in all places, from comfort shops to lodge outlets. There are a number of domestically made choices, too, resembling Little Palms Hawai?i and Uncooked Love.<\/p>\n

17. Don\u2019t depart valuables unattended in your automotive or on the seashore. Greatest to go away them on the lodge and take solely your necessities \u2013 pockets, telephone, keys \u2013 with you.<\/p>\n

\"Seals
Go to (however do not contact) the seals on Ke’e Seashore on Kaua’i. Westend61\/Getty Photos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

18. Don\u2019t get too near Hawai?i\u2019s protected wildlife. Certain, it\u2019s thrilling to see a honu<\/i> (Hawaiian inexperienced sea turtle) or n?n?<\/i> (Hawaiian goose) within the wild. However these animals are protected by legislation, requiring you to maintain your distance. It\u2019s a felony below state legislation to the touch, harass, hurt or kill any endangered or threatened species, together with Hawaiian monk seals, with penalties of as much as 5 years in jail and a $50,000 wonderful. It’s important to be at the very least 10ft (3m) away from sea turtles on land and within the water; behind indicators or obstacles or at the very least 50ft (15m) away from Hawaiian monk seals; at the very least 50yds (45m) from dolphins; and it\u2019s in opposition to federal legislation to be inside 100yds of a humpback whale. Get pleasure from them from a secure distance.<\/p>\n

19. Don\u2019t stand on a rock ledge close to the ocean. It could seem to be the proper spot to snap a photograph \u2013 till a wave knocks you down and drags you out to sea. The ocean may be unpredictable, and rocks may be very slippery and harmful when moist.<\/p>\n

20. Don\u2019t stand too near a blowhole. Whereas it might be thrilling to see water shoot 100 ft within the air, blowholes like N?okay?lele on Maui and H?lona on O?ahu are finest seen from a secure distance. The power of the water can knock you down or wash you into the ocean.<\/p>\n

21. Don\u2019t stand on the reef. Not solely are you damaging this necessary marine ecosystem, you may additionally step on a spiny sea urchin. Not enjoyable!<\/p>\n

\"Early
The volcano summit in Haleakala Nationwide Park. Eleseus\/Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

22. Do depart lava rocks alone. For many years, folks have taken lava rocks from Hawai?i Volcanoes Nationwide Park and Haleakal? Nationwide Park as souvenirs. And lots of ship them again, nervous in regards to the fable that claims anybody who takes rocks from Hawai?i will likely be cursed. Whereas that will not be true, there\u2019s a good less complicated purpose: It\u2019s unlawful \u2013 to not point out culturally inappropriate \u2013 to take something from a nationwide park, together with lava rocks. Taking rocks can alter the geological story, negatively affect native biodiversity and tamper cultural and archeological websites.<\/p>\n

23. Don\u2019t cross protecting obstacles or ignore warning indicators. This looks like a no brainer, however you\u2019d be shocked how many individuals \u2013 guests and locals alike \u2013 ignore warnings and enterprise into harmful areas. For instance, each month field jellyfish invade south shorelines on O?ahu, and lifeguards submit indicators. Nonetheless, folks wade into the ocean solely to get stung by certainly one of these venomous marine invertebrates.<\/p>\n

24. Don\u2019t swim in brown or murky water. This often happens after heavy rains or close to river mouths. Brown water sometimes means excessive ranges of micro organism and swimming in it, particularly with an open lower, may lead to a foul an infection.<\/p>\n

25. Do examine in with lifeguards. Many of the standard seashores in Hawai?i are staffed with educated lifeguards, with O?ahu boasting essentially the most. Cease by the towers to ask lifeguards about present climate and ocean situations, potential risks and posted warnings. When doubtful, don\u2019t exit.<\/p>\n

\"Entrance
Entrance to the Kalalau Path on Kaua’i’s Napili Coast. bluestork\/Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When mountain climbing<\/h2>\n

26. Do hike solely on state-run trails or these in nationwide parks. The state\u2019s path system encompasses 855 miles of trails and entry roads throughout all main islands, from the paved stroll to the Makapu?u Lighthouse on O?ahu to the epic 22-mile Kalalau Path on Kaua?i\u2019s N?pali Coast. Keep on the marked trails and by no means enterprise on closed hikes \u2013 like Ha?ik? Stairs (Stairway to Heaven) on O?ahu \u2013 or throughout non-public property. You may face steep fines and even jail time.<\/p>\n

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27. Do pack the necessities. You\u2019ll want water \u2013 an excellent rule of thumb is to hold at the very least 1L of water per particular person for each two hours of mountain climbing \u2013 and snacks like protein bars, fruit or path combine. Put on sturdy however comfy mountain climbing footwear, slather on sunscreen and bug repellent, and convey a rain jacket simply in case.<\/p>\n

28. Don\u2019t hike alone and do inform somebody the place you can be mountain climbing and what time you anticipate to return.\u00a0<\/p>\n

29. Do convey a charged cellphone, in case of emergency. If you need, pack a photo voltaic charger.<\/p>\n

30. Do hike inside your bodily limits. Don\u2019t push your self. Mountaineering is strenuous, and climate situations could make the trek more difficult than you anticipated. It\u2019s OK to show round.<\/p>\n

Eating and meals customs<\/h2>\n

31. Don\u2019t simply eat at chain eating places. Whereas all of us love the familiarity of our favourite eatery, you\u2019d be lacking out on experiencing the very best a part of touring someplace new: the meals! Discover hole-in-the-wall eating places, ask locals or seek the advice of meals blogs to seek out nice native eating places, caf\u00e9s and bars.<\/p>\n

32. Do eat exterior your consolation zone. Because of the multiethnic range within the Islands, Hawai?i boasts an eclectic array of cuisines, from Vietnamese road meals to farm-to-table wonderful eating. Attempt a delicacies you\u2019ve by no means had earlier than. And undoubtedly expertise Hawaiian meals \u2013 like okay?lua pig, lau lau, poi and haupia \u2013 whether or not at a restaurant like Helena\u2019s Hawaiian Meals on O?ahu or at a standard l??au like Previous Lahaina L??au on Maui.<\/p>\n

33. Do strive Spam \u2013 or at the very least a Spam musubi. Hawai?i consumes an estimated 7 million cans of Spam yearly, making it the state with the best per capita consumption of the canned meat within the US. You\u2019ll discover Spam in all places. Its hottest kind, although, is Spam musubi: a grilled slice of Spam fastened on a mattress of rice and held along with seaweed, or nori. You’ll find Spam musubi at comfort shops, fuel stations and grocery shops. Some eating places even serve elevated variations.<\/p>\n

34. Don\u2019t overlook to tip. And that goes past restaurant servers. Present some like to tour guides, valet, bellhops, housekeepers and taxi or ride-share drivers.<\/p>\n

\"The
The Bishop Museum on O’ahu. Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

35. Do find out about place names and mo?olelo<\/i> (tales) behind them.\u00a0 Many landmarks within the Islands have deep cultural significance and historical past. At any time when you’ll be able to, attempt to use the Hawaiian title of a location \u2013 not the English model or nickname. It\u2019s a simple technique to present respect for the place and to assist perpetuate the story behind it.<\/p>\n

36. Do take time to study in regards to the historical past of Hawai?i. Go to locations like Bishop Museum and ?Iolani Palace on O?ahu, Kaua?i Museum on Kaua?i and Hulihe?e Palace on Hawai?i Island.<\/p>\n

37. Do take part in cultural actions. Many lodges and malls supply free cultural courses, like ?ukulele enjoying, lei making and hula. And search for cultural-based occasions that you may attend. In the summertime, for instance, many Japanese temples throughout the Islands rejoice the obon competition, with taiko drumming, dancing and meals.<\/p>\n

38. Do observe indicators and protocols at sacred locations like heiau<\/i> (temples), lava tubes, burial grounds and fishponds. Even when they\u2019re open to the general public, they’re typically traditionally and culturally vital.<\/p>\n

39. Do help native by purchasing at domestically owned outlets and eating places, craft festivals and farmers markets. Not solely are you supporting native artisans, makers and farmers, however you\u2019ll be shopping for one thing distinctive to the Islands.<\/p>\n

40. Do volunteer and provides again. Voluntourism alternatives exist throughout all islands. You possibly can plant native bushes, clear up seashores, or assist in a taro farm \u2013 all which deepen your connection to the Islands whereas studying about Hawai?i\u2018s tradition, folks and surroundings. Organizations like Travel2Change and M?lama Hawai?i make it straightforward to match with community-based volunteer actions.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Hawai?i’ll have a popularity for being a relaxed, laid-back vacation spot. And that\u2018s true \u2013…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8827,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[2284],"tags":[],"featured_image_urls":{"full":["https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock2023906493.jpg",600,400,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock2023906493-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock2023906493-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock2023906493.jpg",600,400,false],"large":["https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock2023906493.jpg",600,400,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock2023906493.jpg",600,400,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock2023906493.jpg",600,400,false],"covernews-slider-full":["https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock2023906493.jpg",600,400,false],"covernews-slider-center":["https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock2023906493.jpg",600,400,false],"covernews-featured":["https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock2023906493.jpg",600,400,false],"covernews-medium":["https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock2023906493-540x340.jpg",540,340,true],"covernews-medium-square":["https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock2023906493-400x250.jpg",400,250,true]},"author_info":{"display_name":"admin","author_link":"https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/?author=1"},"category_info":"Photography<\/a>","tag_info":"Photography","comment_count":"0","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8825"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=8825"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8825\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8826,"href":"https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8825\/revisions\/8826"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8827"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=8825"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=8825"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetraveling.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=8825"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}