What are the do’s and don’ts of Hawaii travel? Many travelers wonder this, especially if it’s their first trip to the Hawaiian Islands. If this is you, you can relax because there isn’t a pop quiz at the end of your vacation, but there are a few things you should consider.

Visiting Hawaii is an exercise is relaxation and pleasure, and there’s not a set list of do’s and don’ts to worry about. However, there are a few good rules of thumb to remember as you navigate Hawaii.

Hawaii Do’s and Don’ts

Let’s get the “don’ts” of visiting Hawaii out of the way first.

When Visiting Hawaii Don’t:

• Don’t bring home lava rocks.

Although usually done with harmless intentions, please do not bring home lava rocks. There is an old legend that bringing home lava rocks from Hawaii will give you bad luck. Over the years we have received many anonymous packages containing rocks and stones that visitors brought home and afterward changed their minds. Although it isn’t illegal, to many locals it is considered disrespectful.

• Don’t harass the marine life.

Hawaiian sea turtles, known as honu, and Hawaiian monk seals are endangered species, and therefore protected under federal and state law. Please do not touch, ride, corner or otherwise “harass” these sea creatures. Hefty fines are not the Hawaii souvenirs you want to bring home!

• Don’t cross protective barriers or ignore warning signs.

This is a very important part of the Hawaii Do’s and Don’ts. It should go without saying, but amazingly, people do this all the time in Hawaii. The protective barriers and warning signs are for your own protection. Visitors may not understand the risk they pose to their safety by failing to heed these warnings. The ocean is powerful, and many times waves crash against rocky coastlines with much more power than meets the eye. Please don’t risk your life over a selfie.

• Don’t trespass on private property.

There are so many mind-bogglingly beautiful beaches and hikes to experience in Hawaii without trespassing. Yes, there are some hikes that are only accessible via private property, but just because they’re there doesn’t mean you have to go. There’s no excuse for trespassing on someone’s private property, or blocking someone’s driveway just so you can do what you want. This is the sort of behavior that gives tourists a bad reputation.

• Don’t hike on unmarked trails.

Every year there are news reports of missing hikers in Hawaii. Some end well, others don’t. There are many well-marked and lovely hikes to do, so please don’t venture off the beaten path. Dangers can include wild boar (and the hunters hunting them), steep drop-offs disguised by overgrowth, falling rocks, crumbly ledges and more. You don’t want to find yourself lost and without cell service. And no matter the hike, please know your personal limitations. Even a well-marked trail can be dangerous and physically demanding.

• Don’t walk on coral reef

Coral reef sustains fragile marine ecosystems. Please never sit, stand or walk on them.

• Don’t go to Lahaina Town

Until Lahaina is rebuilt, please do not attempt to enter the off-limit areas. This is a sacred area where people died, lost homes and suffered unimaginable trauma. Please be respectful and avoid this area when visiting Maui.

When Visiting Hawaii Do:

• Do try new food.

Hawaii is a cultural melting pot, and this results in some of the most mouth-watering food on the planet! Yeah, yeah, we’ve all heard the “poi tastes like wallpaper paste” jokes, but that’s actually not true. Sprinkle a little sugar in your poi and embrace this Hawaiian staple. There’s also a wide range of international cuisines such as Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Puerto Rican, Southern US, Chinese, Filipino, Indonesian and French just to name a few. Step out of your palate comfort zone and you may go home with new cravings!

• Do get out of your hotel and explore Hawaii.

Hawaii is one of the safest tropical destinations in the world. Of course, no matter where you’re at you need to exercise basic safety precautions, but you don’t need to fear venturing out in Hawaii. In many other tropical places visitors are encouraged to only leave their resort with a trusted guide or tour because of safety concerns, but no such warning applies to Hawaii. There is so much to see and do, and don’t miss it by spending your entire vacation at the pool.

• Do use reef-friendly sunscreen.

Hawaii’s reefs are teeming with marine life and they want to keep it that way. In 2021, Hawaii banned sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, as these chemicals have been shown to damage fragile marine ecosystems. There are many reef-friendly sunscreens on the market, and many hotels and resorts in Hawaii include reef-friendly sunscreen in their resort amenities.

• Do reciprocate aloha.

Hawaii’s aloha spirit is legendary, and one of the reasons people flock to these sun-drenched islands. However, try to remember that the people living in Hawaii are human too, and have good days and bad days. Aloha spirit truly thrives when it is transactional, so give as much as you receive!

• Do hang loose in Hawaii.

This may be the most important out of the Hawaii Do’s and Don’ts. It’s been shown time and time again that someone’s attitude can make or break their vacation. Maybe it rains, sometimes there are crowds or long lines, babies cry and kids whine. Things can be expensive or food might be cold. Flights can have delays and occasionally hotel rooms can be disappointing. If you can take the little bumps in the road for what they are- minor irritations- your experience won’t be defined by the things that went wrong. Instead, it will be defined by all the things that went right, and the memories of the mishaps become funny dinner party stories instead of sour patch recollections.

None of this is to say you should lower your expectations, but understanding that life is life no matter where you are will help you take things in stride. If you choose to trust us with the privilege of planning your All-Inclusive Hawaii vacation, you have the added bonus of letting us handle the hiccups, so you can just focus on the fun! Hanging loose in Hawaii is so much more than learning to shaka, it’s a state of mind.

One final “Do” when visiting Hawaii:

• Do come back!

Don’t make Hawaii a one and done vacation. Each Hawaiian Island is unique and distinct, and we guarantee you haven’t explored all there is to see and do on your first visit. Make visiting Hawaii a tradition! Many of our clients are repeat Hawaii visitors, and bring their children, and then their children bring their children. All of our Hawaii All-Inclusive Packages offer interest-free payment plans, and make planning your next Hawaiian adventure a breeze.