Thinking of going on holiday to Hawaii? You’re not alone. Nearly 10 million travelers chose Hawaii as their paradise vacation destination in 2018.
However, it’s not all paradise in Hawaii. As with any other tourist destination, there are a number of rookie mistakes that can ruin your first trip to Hawaii.
In a land of sunshine, rainbows and beaches, many things can go wrong. Find out what not to do on your first trip to Hawaii.
1. Forget sunscreen
Nothing ruins a vacation faster than a sunburn on the first day of travel. For this reason, locals always recommend to not spend the first day under the sun.
You may want to enjoy the beach right away, but the Hawaiian sun is harsher than most places in the world. So give your skin and body time to adjust to the climate before sunbathing or swimming.
Instead, spend your first day exploring the town. Talk to locals, shop and eat authentic Hawaiian food.
When you’re ready for the beach, be sure to wear the right sunscreen. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 so you can tan without getting burned.
Hawaii recently passed a sunscreen ban that will go into effect in 2021, but we recommend you follow their recommendations now. Make sure your sunscreen doesn’t contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are harmful to coral reefs. This will ensure that coral reefs remain healthy for years to come.
2. Take some beach souvenirs with you
If you’re a first-time visitor to Hawaii, you might be tempted to pick up a free beach souvenir.
Many beaches on the island impose fines on those who take lava rocks or sand from the beach. If every tourist visiting Hawaii took a lava rock or sand bottle with them, the beaches wouldn’t be the same.
The story of Hawaii’s goddess Pele is even more fascinating than the fine. For years, people who collected items from the beach were out of luck until they returned them. Locals believe Pele, the creator of the Hawaiian islands, is responsible for this misfortune.
Buy your souvenirs in the shop if you want to protect your wallet and your karma.
3. Failure to comply with local laws
Hawaii has a number of quirky local laws that tourists aren’t aware of.
For example, in Hawaii it is illegal to have more than one alcoholic beverage in front of you at the same time. While it might be tempting to order two drinks after the bartender has finally paid attention, don’t take the risk! Instead, order one drink at a time and respect local laws.
The criteria for prosecuting crimes in Hawaii also differ from those in other states. If you are arrested for violating some strange local laws, make sure you find a Hawaii defense attorney. He or she will help you get out of the Hawaii legal system quickly so you can get back to enjoying your vacation.
4. Stay at the resort
For months, travelers search for the best island to visit in Hawaii for the first time. They find plenty of great activities on the different islands and put together a daily itinerary. But when they arrive, they never leave the hotel.
Hawaiian resorts offer many services and entertainment options during their trip. While the resort has plenty of activities to keep you busy, don’t succumb to the temptation to stay put for the duration. If you do, you’ll miss out on the local culture, personalities, and all the islands have to offer.
Instead, make sure you spend at least one full day away from the resort. Find a local town to explore, hike a scenic trail, or go to a unique beach. Whatever you do, you’ll get a more authentic Hawaiian experience than the resort offers.
5. ignore safety when swimming.
Swimming in a pool and swimming in the ocean are two completely different things. And swimming on a Hawaiian beach is a unique experience.
To swim safely, never swim alone. Even if you were part of the swim team in school, there is no point in swimming alone. Instead, it is advisable to always have a swim buddy or someone from the beach with you to supervise you to make sure you are okay.
Second, pay attention to signs or flags that indicate water conditions. Not all beaches have lifeguards and it can be difficult to tell if the water is safe or not. These signs and flags indicate the presence of dangerous breakers or back currents.
6. say you are from the United States.
If someone asks you where you are from, do not under any circumstances say you are from the United States, the U.S., or the United States. People often forget that Hawaii is part of the United States and make this mistake.
Your response is not only unhelpful but also rude to the residents. Instead, always respond with the name of the home state. Also avoid using expressions such as “midwest” or “east coa.”
