If you are planning a vacation to Hawaii, then there are several things that you need to be aware of before you arrive. From when is the worst time of year to go to what you should and should not wear, read on to discover all the most important do’s and don’ts of vacationing in Hawaii.
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Do go off-season
If you don’t want to bankrupt yourself or have to put up with manic crowds, you should visit Hawaii during the off-season months. If you have children and you have no choice but to vacation during the school holidays, be prepared to pay a lot more for flights, airport transfers, accommodation, and eating out.
Do not wear shoes indoors.
If you are invited to someone’s home in Hawaii, keeping your shoes on is considered rude. Therefore, make sure you remove your shoes at the door to respect the views of the locals. The only exception to this rule is flip-flops, which some people do not mind being worn indoors.
Do buy sunscreen
The tropical weather in Hawaii means that sunscreen is a must. However, rather than buy it at home or the airport and take it with you, it is recommended to buy it when you arrive at your destination. This is because Hawaii has officially banned any kind of sunscreen products that could potentially harm the reefs surrounding the island.
Don’t be careless with coral reefs
As mentioned above, the coral reefs are of great importance to the people of Hawaii, so you need to be respectful of how you treat them. If you are snorkeling or scuba diving, make sure that you do not touch or step on it. Also, make sure that you wear reef-safe sunscreen whenever you are in the ocean.
Do bring your own bags
Hawaii has banned the use of all plastic bags due to environmental concerns. This means that you need to take your eco-friendly bags with you when you go shopping or be willing to pay to buy one at the store. Remember that prices are higher here than on the mainland, including the cost of bags.
Don’t honk your horn
If you choose to rent a car to get around your chosen island, you need to ensure you adhere to the local driving laws and best practices. Generally, people in Hawaii do not honk their horns but instead use hand signals to convey emotions.
It is also a good idea to avoid driving at certain times of the day when the traffic is bad, such as during morning and afternoon rush hour.
Don’t approach protected marine life
Of course, it is exciting when you encounter local wildlife and marine life, such as sea turtles and humpback whales, but that doesn’t mean you have the right to approach them. In fact, these species are protected by law, which means that human contact is forbidden, so make sure that you keep your distance.
Do look into condo rentals
When it comes to choosing accommodation for your Hawaiian vacation, you may think you are limited to hotels or resorts. However, there is an alternative – luxury condos. Offering a lot more privacy and affordability, take a look at these Outrigger vacation rentals in Maui, one of the most popular islands in Hawaii.
Do take a hike
There are so many magnificent hiking trails in Hawaii, so if you like to explore on foot, then make sure you take a day to hike. Offering one of the best ways to see your chosen island’s natural scenery, make sure you pack plenty of water and snacks to keep you going and do not go alone.
Don’t underestimate the ocean
One of the biggest mistakes that tourists make when visiting Hawaii is underestimating the ocean. Yes, it is warm and inviting, but it can also be dangerous at times. Locals will tell you never to turn your back on the ocean, which means to always remain vigilant. Also, look out for beach hazard ratings and take any necessary precautions.
Do learn the lingo
Although you don’t need to be fluent to vacation in Hawaii, learning a few common words and phrases can be a good idea. For example, aina means land, e komo mai means welcome, and a hui hou translates as until we meet again.
If you are not great at learning new languages, there is nothing wrong with carrying around a small phrase book with you.
Final thoughts
Although it may seem like there are a lot of rules and regulations when visiting Hawaii, this is only because the locals are so proud and fiercely protective of their home and way of life. When you arrive, you will see only too quickly how friendly and welcoming the people of Hawaii are and how amazing their way of life is.