Essential Tips for Your Hawaii Vacation: 12 Must-Know Insights

Across the islands, Hawaiian culture-focused charter schools and public schools offering Hawaiian-language immersion programs have gained popularity, while traditional arts experience a renewed interest. Restoration efforts are underway for ancient heiau (temples) and fishponds, along with the replanting of native forests and breeding and reintroducing endangered bird species.

Today, Hawaiian identity encompasses more than melodic place names and luau exhibitions. Being Hawaiian plays a significant role in the islands’ identity, evident in various forms, from the use of Hawaiian words in everyday communication to embracing the values of respect and inclusivity. Although opinions vary regarding the expression of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement, its grassroots activism is increasingly part of local discourse.

Dos and don’ts in Hawaii

Polite behavior in Hawaii centers on respect and awareness.

• Do use aloha (hello/goodbye and the concept of love and fellowship) and mahalo (thank you). Generously wave the shaka (Hawaii’s hand gesture of greeting).

• Do strive to pronounce Hawaiian place names and words accurately. Even attempts are appreciated, so feel free to ask if uncertain.

• Don’t label Maui, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, Lanaʻi, and Hawaiʻi (the Big Island) as “outer islands” – instead, refer to them as “Neighbor Islands.”

• Don’t attempt to speak pidgin unless you are adept at it.

• Do seek permission before harvesting fruit or flowers from trees on private property.

• Don’t impose your demands. While you may achieve your objectives, you risk receiving little aloha in return.

• Do drive cautiously. Residents typically have short travel distances, and drive accordingly.

• Don’t panic at the sight of every gecko or cockroach; they are part of the tropical environment.

• Don’t disturb stones at sacred sites. All elements of nature hold significance in Hawaiian culture.

• Don’t stack rocks or wrap them in ti leaves at waterfalls or heiau, as this is considered contamination of the practice of leaving hoʻokupu (offerings).

• Don’t go nude (or topless) at the beach unless it is an unofficial clothing-optional area. Always observe local customs.

4. Underdress for success

The informal dressing code of Hawaii means that T-shirts and flip-flops are commonplace, with exceptions found in high-end restaurants and resorts. Dressing up means opting for neat and modest attire, typically an aloha shirt paired with slacks for men.

5. Know your ʻokina

The ʻokina punctuation mark (ʻ) represents a glottal stop in Hawaiian, impacting both pronunciation and meaning. Increasingly, Hawaiʻi (with the ʻokina) is utilized for the island of Hawaiʻi (the Big Island), ancient references to Hawaiʻi, and the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi before statehood. Conversely, Hawaii (without the ʻokina) alludes to the US territory that attained statehood in 1959, although the spelling with the ʻokina is being adopted more frequently for both state and place names.

6. Learn the local surfing etiquette

Residents are generally open to sharing popular surfing locations with visitors but protect lesser-known spots. As a beginner, it’s important to recognize that not every wave will be yours. There exists a hierarchy in surfing waves, with tourists typically at the bottom. However, if you show generosity while surfing, it usually leads to reciprocity. Always approach the waters with good intentions, understand your standing in the lineup, and enjoy the surf with a smile. For particularly territorial breaks like Oʻahu’s Banzai Pipeline, don’t hesitate to seek an introduction from a local.

7. Be aware of floods

Regardless of the dry appearance of a streambed or the sunlit sky overhead, unforeseen rainstorms in distant regions can trigger flash floods within moments, carrying debris-laden water that can sweep away anything in its path. It is imperative to check weather forecasts prior to embarking on hikes; this is especially critical when exploring narrow canyons or swimming in waterfalls or natural pools.

8. Protect your belongings

The islands are known for vehicle break-ins, particularly in rental cars identifiable by barcode stickers. Thieves can quickly access trunks or unlock doors in seconds, targeting trailheads, crowded beach areas, and hotel parking lots where safety may seem assured.

Always refrain from leaving valuables in your parked vehicle. If necessary, conceal them from view before reaching your destination, as thieves may observe your actions.

9. Stay aware of your surroundings

Remain alert to the atmosphere on beaches at night, even in areas with police presence (for example, Waikiki), as well as in campgrounds and roadside county parks that may attract illicit activity. In less touristy parts of the islands, there can be feelings of resentment towards visitors, so it is crucial to approach exploration with respect.

10. Avoid scams

Common scams encountered by visitors include misleading activity booths and timeshare presentations. Sales representatives may entice you with offers of free luaus or sunset cruises in exchange for attending their “no obligation” pitch. Exercise caution.

11. Don’t trespass

Hawaii enforces strict regulations regarding trespassing on both private and government property not designated for public use. Trespassing is illegal, regardless of the number of individuals seen doing so. Visitors are advised to adhere to all “Kapu” or “No Trespassing” signage. Always obtain explicit consent from property owners or local authorities before accessing any restricted land.

12. Watch out for jellyfish

Stings from box jellyfish and Portuguese man-of-war (commonly known as bluebottles) can occur in Hawaii’s coastal waters. Even indirect contact with a bluebottle hours after it has washed ashore can result in painful stings.

Box jellyfish tend to appear seven to ten days following a full moon, swimming into the shallow coastal waters of Hawaii, such as those around Waikiki. During these times, some public beaches may be temporarily closed for safety. The Waikiki Aquarium provides a calendar predicting box jellyfish occurrences.

This article was first published Jan 17, 2022, and updated Dec 12, 2022.