How To Be A Good Tourist In Hawaii

A trip to Hawaii can be a rich and beautiful experience when you embrace the island lifestyle

Part of the joy in traveling to Hawaii is embracing the “aloha” culture. Yes, “aloha” means both hello and goodbye, but it also represents a state of mind beyond direct translation. The aloha lifestyle is about slowing down to appreciate what’s around you and giving without expecting to get in return. By welcoming this change in perspective, you invite new richness into your getaway and can elevate your experience from passing through to dream come true. It’s easier than you think, and we’re here to help you learn the secrets and get the most out of your trip.

Mainland attitudes can show up in unexpected ways and it’s not always easy to predict how your actions can impact those around you. This may seem unnecessarily formal, but being a responsible guest in Hawaii can have a lasting impact on your trip! Hawaii is home to many culturally significant locations and endangered species, so while you enjoy every little detail of your dream wedding, consider a few ways that you can be a good tourist during your time on the islands. 

Preparing for your trip

Being a responsible guest begins before you set foot in Hawaii. It’s a good idea to research the local customs of the island you’ll be staying on, to better prepare your mindset for the trip. Spend some time reading about what makes the island you’re experiencing unique; it’ll give you insight into any differences in behavior or culture you might not have considered.

There are a few hard and fast rules to follow across the islands, including Hawaii’s ban on certain sunscreen ingredients. Check to see if you have a reef-safe brand of sunscreen and plan ahead so don’t end up burned. Also, while considering what to pack, give extra thought to your footwear and what you’ll need for each excursion. There’s plenty to do in Hawaii and proper shoes are important for both your comfort and safety.

Treat every Hawaiian beach as though it’s a national park

Etiquette on the islands

Once you’ve touched down in Hawaii, it can be easy to get swept up in the experience of the islands. It’s encouraged to shop locally and use public transportation when possible. But if you do end up driving during your trip, don’t honk! Be patient and drive at a leisurely pace, it’s easier to absorb the island’s beauty if you take your time. Sightseeing is more than welcome, just follow all posted signs and park in designated areas so as not to disrupt daily life for the residents of the island.

There’s much to explore and even more to learn about each island, and being a dream guest includes being friendly to those around you. Take your time as you walk, be friendly and respectful to the people you encounter, and wave hello with a smile. There are a few important customs to respect while you’re going about your day, like taking your shoes off before entering a person’s house. Remember that you’re a visitor and to follow others’ leads, and if all else fails ask a local for help understanding what to do.

Excursion etiquette around Hawaii

When out on excursions around Hawaii’s islands, it’s a good idea to treat every location as though it’s a national park. That means only using marked paths and trail access points, not interacting with the wildlife or foliage, and only exploring maintained trails. It’s likely that you’ll see gorgeous vistas throughout your destination wedding experience and it’s important to respect the land as well as the people. There are many culturally significant locations with signs labeled “kapu,” which translates to “forbidden” or “do not enter” but also carries the meanings of “sacred” or “holy.” These locations aren’t for visitors, so be on the lookout for signs that indicate whether it’s okay for you to explore a certain space. If you’re not sure if you’re allowed to be somewhere, it’s better to ask than assume!

Always leave the beach better than you found it

If you’re fortunate enough to spend time on any of Hawaii’s beaches, you’ll want to follow the adage of national parks to leave the space better than you found it. There are common beach hazards, like strong riptides and dangerous rock formations, so even in shallow waters, it’s best to avoid turning your back on the waves. There are plenty of lifeguards to assist you should anything happen, but unlike many mainland beaches, there aren’t food and drink vendors stationed near the sand. Bring your own food and drinks with you on your beach adventure, and help protect the wildlife by cleaning up after yourself.

Speaking of wildlife, it’s prudent to keep your distance from any animals you encounter. Many endangered species protected by federal law call Hawaii their home and it’s good to give them plenty of space. Similarly, it’s best to enjoy the coral reef from a safe distance to avoid causing any accidental damage. The reef is a major contributor to the natural ecosystem but is also very fragile, so avoid standing on it, breaking pieces of it, or touching the reef in any way.

Being a responsible guest can be rewarding in both type and depth of experiences. It can take some planning ahead, but being a gracious visitor enriches your trip by allowing you to do right by Hawaii. And if you’re interested in helping out more, consider voluntourism! With experiences ranging from cleaning majestic coastlines to planting trees in idyllic forests, voluntourism is an excellent way to explore Hawaii while paying it forward to the local inhabitants and future visitors.

Given how many tourists visit Hawaii in a year, it’s easy to understand how one person’s choices can have a compounding effect on the islands and their inhabitants. Enjoying your time in Hawaii is a top priority—and with a few mindful choices, you can ensure any future visits are as magical as yours.

Ready to make your dream Hawaii wedding a reality? Now’s the best time to reserve your unforgettable experience.