What not to do in Hawaii (33 things you should never do in Hawaii)

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What Not to Do in Hawaii (33 Things You Should Never Do in Hawaii)

There’s no shortage of blog posts about things to do in Hawaii. I’ve written plenty of them myself, including 100 things to do in Hawaii. But every trip, I see the same handful of mistakes play out, some funny, some costly, and a few that can get you fined, hurt, or in trouble with the people who live here.

So here’s the list I actually wish more visitors read before they landed.

Lately there’s been a wave of videos showing tourists touching wildlife, ignoring warning signs, and trespassing for a photo. It’s part of why this post keeps resurfacing; people are searching “what not to do in Hawaii” and “things you shouldn’t do in Hawaii” more than ever. If you don’t want to be “that tourist,” this is your list.

If you’re planning a Hawaii vacation and feeling overwhelmed, that’s exactly what I’m here for. I specialize in Hawaii honeymoons, vacations, and family trips. Contact me for more information. I’m a Hawaii travel agent who has spent over 8 years planning over 500 trips to Maui, Oahu, the Big Island, and Kauai for honeymooners and families.

Do I need a rental car in Hawaii?

You’ll see this again further down the list, but it’s worth saying twice: don’t skip the rental car. I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They have the best rates and free cancellation. If you need to find some reasonable flights, sign up for Going Free alerts.

Now, the full list.

33 things you should never do in Hawaii

These aren’t ranked, so read the whole list; the smaller ones trip people up just as often as the big ones.

1. Don’t touch the turtles

Green sea turtles, honu, are legally protected. Hawaii is also home to hawksbill, leatherback, loggerhead, and olive ridley turtles. Keep your distance; it’s their home, and you’re a guest. Beyond being disrespectful, touching a turtle is illegal and can carry a real fine or jail time.

Want to see them safely? Check out where to find sea turtles on the Big Island, or my full guide to Hawaiian animals. Snorkeling with sea turtles is one of the best things to do in Hawaii, just from a respectful distance.

Sea turtles at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach on the Big Island.

2. Don’t touch the dolphins

Swimming near wild dolphins is unforgettable, but keep your distance from dolphins, monk seals, and every other sea creature you encounter. 

If you’re visiting the Big Island, a snorkeling tour in Kealakekua Bay is a great way to see dolphins. 

You might also see them at Molokini Crater in Maui, or this dolphin sailing on Oahu.

3. Don’t touch the monk seals

Tourists harassing or touching Hawaiian monk seals has been a real problem in recent years. They’re endangered, with an estimated 1,400 or so left, so spotting one is a privilege. You’ll often see volunteers or wildlife officials roping off areas where seals are resting on the beach. Look, don’t touch.

Here is the NOAA guide to monk seals for more information.

Look, but don’t touch! Two Hawaiian monk seals on Glass Beach in Kauai. 

4. Don’t touch the coral

Starting to see a pattern? Don’t touch it, don’t step on it, be careful around it. Coral is a living organism, and stepping on it can cause damage that takes years to recover, if it recovers at all. It can also cut you badly. When in doubt with wildlife, coral, or lava: don’t touch it.

5. Don’t use sunscreen that isn’t reef-safe

Choose a sunscreen that’s actually reef-friendly, not just labeled that way. I’ve written a full breakdown of what reef-safe sunscreen actually means and why it matters.

Hawaii has phased out the sale of non-reef-safe sunscreen, but plenty of visitors still bring their own from home. Look for truly mineral-based brands like All-Good and Badger.

6. Don’t call everyone “Hawaiian”

Being “Hawaiian” isn’t like being “Californian” or a “New Yorker.” People who live in Hawaii are generally called “locals.”

You might also hear kamaʻaina, meaning someone connected to the land, which is why some restaurants offer kamaʻaina discounts to residents.

The term Hawaiian, or kanaka, refers specifically to Native Hawaiian heritage. Native Hawaiians are a relatively small share of the state’s residents, so don’t assume everyone you meet is Native Hawaiian.

7. Don’t underestimate the sun

I hear “I don’t burn” constantly. Hawaii sits close to the equator, and the sun is stronger than most visitors expect; you can burn here even if you never do at home.

So make sure to stock up on reef-safe sunscreen before you leave, just in case. It’s also a good idea to bring SPF ChapStick and some aloe vera gel, just in case you burn.

8. Don’t skip the rental car

Every island rewards having your own wheels. I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental for the best rates. Book before you land, waiting until you arrive means paying inflated airport prices, or worse, realizing later that you needed a car after all and scrambling.

Even on Oahu, which has solid public transit, you’ll still want a car to get past Waikiki. Unless your entire trip is two days in Waikiki, you’ll want one.

9. Don’t forget you’re on island time

Things move slower here, and that’s the point. Most speed limits top out around 55 mph, often less. Plan your days, but hold them loosely. Some itinerary ideas if you want a starting point:

• 7-day Maui Itinerary
• 7-day Big Island Itinerary
• 4-day Big Island Itinerary
• 7-day Kauai Itinerary
• 4-day Maui itinerary
• 4-day Kauai Itinerary

10. Don’t be an aggressive driver

Most drivers in Hawaii are friendly; it’s part of the aloha spirit. Oahu has more traffic and a bit more edge to it than the neighbor islands, but on the whole, drivers are more patient than average.

Locals know these roads better than you do, so if you’re sightseeing and see cars stacking up behind you, pull over and let them by. The Ultimate Guide to the Road to Hana has more on driving etiquette specifically for that route.

You might also enjoy The Ultimate Guide to the Road to Hana.

11. Don’t be rude to servers and bartenders

This shouldn’t need saying, but it does. Service workers in Hawaii are paid little relative to the cost of living and rely heavily on tips. They don’t make the rules. Being kind costs you nothing.

12. Don’t forget Hawaii is the 50th state

Two parts to this. First, Hawaii is part of the United States, everyone speaks English, and it’s a very safe place to visit, so there’s no need to treat it like unfamiliar territory.

Second, the history behind Hawaii becoming a state is complicated, and some locals understandably have complicated feelings about it. A little awareness goes a long way. If you want the background, read up on the meaning of mahalo and other common Hawaiian words.

13. Don’t rent snorkel gear over and over

Setting hygiene aside, renting gear every time you snorkel adds up fast. If you’ll be in the water more than once or twice, bring your own set. I have this set, and you can check out my Amazon page for more snorkeling recommendations.

14. Hawaii is for (most) budgets

Hawaii has all kinds of accommodations for every budget. From boutique hotels to the Presidential Suite at the Four Seasons. By the way, if you DO book any Four Seasons, do it with a Four Seasons Preferred Partner (me!) for extra perks. 

If a 5-star resort is what you have in mind, check out the best luxury hotels on Maui and Oahu:

• The best 5-star resorts on Maui
• The best 5-star resorts on Oahu
• The Best Luxury Resorts Big Island
• The best Kauai honeymoon resorts
• The 25 Best Resorts in Hawaii

If you’re looking for an affordable boutique hotel, check out my review of the ISO Kauai or my list of the best boutique hotels in Hawaii.

If you’re celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary, check out the best resorts in Hawaii for honeymoons. 

I do not recommend Airbnb in Hawaii; you can find out why in my blog post. I do not recommend vacation rentals, as they are not well-regulated in Hawaii and, in some cases, are outright banned. 

If you’re planning a Hawaii honeymoon or another special occasion, I recommend working with a Hawaii Travel Agent (like me!) to find the right resort. Contact me for more information.

15. Don’t skip Hawaiian food

You’re here, eat like it. Try plate lunch, poke, malasadas, shave ice. Hit a farmer’s market for local produce, and if you’re on the Big Island, tour a Kona coffee farm. My favorite smoothie stop is Kauai Juice Company, which sources as much local produce as it can.

16. Don’t speed or use your phone while driving

You shouldn’t do these things anywhere, but don’t do them in Hawaii.

Using your phone while driving is illegal. It’s also good to remember “island time,” as I mentioned earlier; most people aren’t in a hurry, and you shouldn’t be in a hurry either. 

On the opposite side of the spectrum, if you are taking your time enjoying the beautiful Hawaii scenery, it’s customary to pull over and let locals around you when possible. 

17. Don’t underestimate travel time between spots

Fifty miles in Hawaii isn’t the same as 50 miles on the mainland on an interstate. Driving 50 miles will likely take an hour and maybe much longer, depending on where you are.

My clients will tell you about a special skill I have: I can almost always accurately estimate how long it will take to get from one location to another. But, of course, I’m not a mind-reader, so I won’t know the traffic situation.

The Hana Highway, or Road to Hana, is an experience that takes a few hours, but did you know it’s only 45 miles from Paia to Hana?

If you’re planning a Maui vacation, don’t miss 50 things to do in Maui. There are plenty of spots on the Road to Hana that made the list.

18. Don’t ignore posted warning signs

Signs warning about sharp coral, strong currents, or past drownings are there for a reason. If a beach looks over-posted, find another beach. If a trail is closed, don’t hike it anyway.

No photo is worth the risk, and a lot of the “Instagram spot” hikes people chase are actually trespassing.

19. Don’t litter, smoke on the beach, or trespass

Smoking on Hawaii beaches is illegal, and littering is just disrespectful to a place that works hard to stay beautiful.

Stay off private property, and take “kapu” signs (keep out, no trespassing, sacred) seriously. Most of the visitor-versus-local conflict stories you’ve read about online trace back to a tourist trespassing, littering, or otherwise disregarding local culture.

A few minutes learning the basics before you go goes a long way; my 10 things to know before going to Hawaii post is a good primer.

20. Don’t touch active lava

If you can see active lava, don’t touch it. Just don’t do it. This is obvious, right?! 

That said, if you have the opportunity to see active lava on the Big Island, you should definitely do it! 

Many visitors think that there is always active lava on the Big Island, but that isn’t true. The best way to learn about active lava is to check the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park website. 

Many of my clients also enjoy a Big Island helicopter tour over Volcanoes National Park. There are a few, but my favorite is the Big Island Spectacular, which covers the whole island!

You can choose the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour: A two-hour tour of Hawaii’s volcanic badlands, lush rain forests, and Kohala Mountains. Or, Circle of Fire and Waterfalls, which remains mostly on the Hilo side of the island. 

Another way to see Volcanoes National Park is a guided evening tour. Of course, you can always explore the park on your own.

21. Don’t take lava rocks home

Lava rocks might seem like a great souvenir, but legend has it that you’ll be cursed if you take them home. The element’s return to Hawaii is the only thing that will lift the curse.

You might roll your eyes, but the post office sees hundreds of lava rocks, sand, and other materials returned to Hawaii every year! Better safe than cursed, right?!

If you’d like to learn more about lava rocks and black sand, I have a post about black sand beaches in Maui that covers them in detail.

Speaking of sand, you aren’t allowed to take the sand home either. Yes. black/green/red sand is enjoyable and unique, but leave it in Hawaii. Take only photos and leave only footprints is the best motto for your Hawaii vacation.

22. Don’t assume you need a passport

U.S. citizens don’t need one; Hawaii is the 50th state. You can use it as ID if you don’t have a REAL ID for flying, but otherwise leave it at home.

23. Don’t confuse the Big Island and Oahu

I don’t know why, but there is major confusion about these two islands being the same. Oahu, the island with the city of Honolulu (and the popular area of Waikiki), is Hawaii’s most populous island. It’s also the most popular for tourism.

The Big Island, or Hawaii Island, has an active volcano and is the largest island by land mass. These islands could not be more different, and many tourists show up expecting them to be the same. They are not!

24. Don’t leave valuables in your rental car

Hawaii’s crime rate is relatively low, but rental car break-ins are common enough to plan around.

Thieves know what a rental looks like from a distance. Keep valuables in your room safe, or store them with luggage check-in at your resort after checkout.

25. Don’t try to see every island in one trip

Tempting, but it turns a one- or two-week vacation into a chaotic string of airports. Interisland travel eats half a day once you count TSA lines, early arrivals, the flight, and transit on both ends. I recommend one island per week, or four to five days minimum per island if you’re determined to see more than one.

How do you choose? I have a blog post for that! 

26. Don’t wear shoes indoors

Will you visit someone’s home in Hawaii? Maybe not, but if you do, please remove your shoes! Removing shoes is customary in Hawaii (it comes from Japanese and other cultures) and is considered very disrespectful. 

Depending on where you are from, it may be the norm to remove shoes in a home (it was where I grew up), or it may be shocking to you to see a pile of shoes by the door. Either way, please be respectful and remove your shoes if you’re welcomed into someone’s home. 

If you visit cultural centers or other cultural sites, you may also be asked to remove your shoes. 

27. Don’t check ocean conditions and swim anyway

Drowning is the leading cause of visitor injury and death in Hawaii, and it’s almost always preventable. Check conditions before you swim, ocean safety flags and lifeguard postings exist for a reason. Never swim alone, never turn your back on the ocean, and if a beach doesn’t have a lifeguard, that’s worth factoring into whether you get in the water at all.

28. Don’t assume restaurants stay open late

Hawaii doesn’t run on mainland restaurant hours. Plenty of kitchens close by 9 pm, so a spontaneous 9:30 dinner plan can leave you scrambling.

Book ahead where you can, and have a backup plate-lunch spot in mind for nights you didn’t plan far enough in advance.

29. Don’t skip travel insurance

Flights get delayed, plans change, and Hawaii vacations aren’t cheap to walk away from. Travel insurance is worth a look, especially for anything with non-refundable resort or activity bookings. It’s something I talk through with every client I work with, since the right policy depends a lot on how your trip is structured.

30. Don’t overpack your itinerary

It’s tempting to try to do everything. Pick your must-dos and build around them; leave room to actually enjoy the place instead of racing through a checklist.

31. Don’t fear the rain

Ask about Kauai and rain comes up every time. Don’t let it scare you off, rain is what makes the rainbows. Showers

tend to be brief, and most resorts sit in the drier, sunnier parts of the islands, so a quick drive can usually find you sun even on a wet day.

32. Don’t skip learning the local culture

Hawaii’s culture is deep and worth your time. Visit a cultural site like Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau on the Big Island, check whether your hotel offers any cultural programming, and go in curious.

33. Don’t forget the aloha spirit

Be kind, throw a shaka when someone waves you into their lane, treat everyone in the hospitality industry with respect. Then take that spirit home with you when you leave.

Frequently asked questions about what not to do in Hawaii

Here are some of the most common questions I get as a Hawaii Travel Agent. 

Do I really need a rental car in Hawaii?

On every island except a very short Waikiki-only trip on Oahu, yes. Public transit exists but doesn’t get you to most of what makes Hawaii worth visiting. 

Is it rude to call someone “Hawaiian” if they’re not Native Hawaiian?

It’s a common mistake, not an insult, but it’s worth getting right. “Hawaiian” refers specifically to Native Hawaiian heritage. Residents of the state, regardless of background, are generally called “locals.”

Can I bring lava rocks or sand home from Hawaii?

You can, but local legend says it curses you until the rock is returned, and Hawaii’s post office really does receive returned lava rocks and sand every year. Best practice either way: leave natural materials where you found them.

What should I never do at a Hawaii beach?

Don’t touch or step on coral, don’t approach turtles, seals, or dolphins, don’t smoke (it’s illegal on Hawaii beaches), and don’t ignore posted warning signs about currents or hazards.

What’s the biggest mistake first-time visitors make in Hawaii?

Overpacking the itinerary. Trying to see and do everything on “mainland time” instead of building in slack is the single most common regret I hear from clients after their first trip.

Do you have to tip in Hawaii?

Yes, tipping culture is the same as the rest of the US. Restaurants, bars, tour guides, and hotel staff all expect it, generally 15 to 20 percent for service and a few dollars per bag or per day for housekeeping.

Can you pick flowers, plants, or shells in Hawaii?

Generally no, especially in state parks, nature preserves, and other protected areas. Removing natural materials can be illegal depending on where you are, so it’s safest to leave everything as you found it.

What happens if you touch a sea turtle or monk seal in Hawaii?

Both are federally protected species. Getting too close to or touching one can result in a real fine and, in serious cases, criminal charges under federal wildlife law. It’s also wrong, so don’t do it.

Is Waikiki safe at night?

No one can promise safety anywhere, but is it generally considered safe? Yes. Especially in the main tourist areas.  However, the same common sense that applies to any city applies here too. Stick to well-lit areas and keep an eye on your things.

Women traveling alone should be particularly vigilant, as with anywhere else in the world. 

Can you smoke or vape on Hawaii beaches?

No, smoking and vaping are illegal on all Hawaii state beaches and most county beach parks.

What’s the best way to be respectful of Hawaiian culture as a visitor?

Learn a few basics before you go: don’t touch wildlife or coral, take your shoes off when it’s customary, stay off land marked “kapu,” and remember Hawaii is someone’s home, not just a vacation backdrop.

Ready to plan your Hawaii vacation?

I am a Hawaii Travel Agent specializing in honeymoons, vacations, and group trips. However, I am currently only taking on a select number of clients per month. You can contact me if you want to learn more and check my availability.

If you’re having trouble figuring out your Hawaii vacation, that’s what I am here for! I’d love to help you create a customized Hawaii vacation just for you. I don’t do anything with packages; I get an idea of what you want and create a custom Hawaii trip from there. So reach out if you want to learn more about working with a Hawaii Travel Agent. 

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