If you’re planning your first time visit to Hawaii, there are a few things you should know. As a local who’s lived in Hawaii and observed tourists/visiting friends from the mainland, I’ve collected the most important tips you should know before your first time visit to Hawaii. I’ve taken the stress out of your trip by giving you practical advice. You don’t have to go at it blindly, and following these tips will ensure the best possible trip for you!
Use sunscreen
Whenever you go out, use sunscreen. I can’t tell you how many times people have visited Hawaii from the mainland and either 1) forgot to put on sunscreen, 2) thought they were immune, or 3) just thought they didn’t need it (like for a hike, picnic, etc). Whatever the reason, having a bad burn will just ruin the whole trip. Your body will be sore and you won’t be able to go into the sun—and most of Hawaii’s activities are under the rays. So do yourself a favor and use sunscreen, even if you don’t think you need it! P.S. I’m a local and I still use sunscreen—do your skin and vacay a favor. 😉
Use reef-safe sunscreen
The chemicals from sunscreen have negatively affected the reefs in Hawaii, so a law was made banning certain types of sunscreen. Do yourself and the environment a huge favor by carefully selecting reef-safe sunscreen, which can be purchased at grocery stores and Walmarts throughout the islands.
Use insect repellant
Most first time visitors to Hawaii forget about this tip, or don’t even think about it. To be honest, Hawaii has lots of bugs. If you’re going on a hike in a more jungle-like part of the islands, use insect repellant. Some parts of Hawaii are really mosquito infested, so to avoid the itchy legs and arms, use insect repellant.
Rent a car
If you don’t have a car, it will be very difficult to get around the island. There is a public transportation system, but most of your time will be wasted by using that. If you want to go where you want to go, and do the things you want to do… rent a car. Check out Turo for some awesome deals on car rentals.
Be prepared to pay
Hawaii ain’t cheap. Groceries are much more expensive in Hawaii than the mainland, so be prepared to pay more for even something as simple as a gallon of milk. Your Costco card will come in clutch if you’re doing Hawaii on a budget though, as food prices aren’t much different from the mainland. The Costco foodcourt is also a great way to do Hawaii on a budget.
Choose tourist companies wisely
There are tourist companies that are authentic and original, sharing folklore, history, and aloha… and then there are tourist companies that are soooo touristy. I’ve seen both, but my biggest piece of advice is to research and schedule your excursions in advance. If you’re coming off a cruise, also be cautious of which tours to choose and ASK questions! You want to get the most of your time and experience in Hawaii.
Respect the locals, space, and boundaries
A lot of the gems and attractions of Hawaii are usually surrounded by homes. Like any other place you visit, respect the locals, their space, and boundaries. Don’t trespass and don’t invade. Hawaii locals have to work hard to live there, so be respectful of their space.
Respect the animals
Just as you wouldn’t walk up to someone and touch them, or trash their home… don’t do that with the animals. They make a home of the ocean, the reefs, and the beaches too, so don’t litter, don’t touch them, and give them their space. Locals have a lot of respect for the life of the land, and each animal is unique and special. Admire from a distance, but give the animals the respect they deserve too.
Malama ka ‘Aina
This is a common phrase you’ll see in Hawaii, meaning “Take care of the land.” We are deeply invested in the health and stability of our land, as we feel connected to it. As we take care of the land, it takes care of us—physically, emotionally, spiritually… In fact, islanders are so serious about this that a person could be fined at least $500 if they’re caught littering. So respect the land, whether you’re at the beach, on a hike, etc. and remember, when you take care of the land, it will take care of you!
Heed the warning/caution signs
If the signs says “No Trespassing,” there’s a reason for it. Or if it says to drive slower (which might be annoying to you, as Hawaii speed limits are much slower than any other place), there’s a reason for it.
If in doubt, don’t go out
Hawaii is full of ocean currents and riptides. When you come to a beach, especially if there are caution/warning signs, and you aren’t sure if you should go out… don’t go out. Too many people have been hurt, or worse, killed by going into the water without paying attention to the warning signs. If you do happen to get caught in a current, here’s what you do:
1. Don’t panic. If you panic, you’ll lose your energy and ability to concentrate on getting back.
2. Swim with the current. Sounds weird, but when you swim with it, you’ll be able to eventually make your way back to shore.
3. If you can find something to stand on, use that to walk to shore. I’ve been caught in the current a few times, but I’ve always been fortunate to have found a sandbar, reef, or other thing to be able to stand on and walk to shore.
Be careful!
There have been stories from all over the world of people not watching their surroundings while taking selfies. In Hawaii, the most common thing I’ve seen is people turn their backs to the ocean. That’s a big no-no. Since I was little my mom would remind me to not turn my back to the ocean, and you shouldn’t either. Always be aware of your surroundings before taking a picture.
Be careful in heeding the warning signs as well. I was at Rainbow Falls in Hilo and an old couple went out on the slippery rocks… I’m not sure why. Maybe they wanted to see the water closer? I just remember feeling really worried for them. In more recent news, a girl slipped down a 50-ft falls and survived but broke several ribs and damaged her lungs. Just don’t do it. Be wise and watch your surroundings.
Have fun!
And, above all, have fun! This is your first time visit to Hawaii and it’s going to be an amazing, unforgettable adventure. If you follow these tips for your first time visit to Hawaii, you’ll have a great time!
Wishing you a joyful trip,
Lei
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