Hawaii is a destination that is a must-visit at least once in their lifetime. The islands offer something for everyone, from adventure seekers to those who just want to relax on the beach or take part in local authentic luaus in Kauai. Also, the food is fantastic and the locals are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet.
When making plans trip and organizing that packing list, there are a few things to bear in mind to make sure you have a great travel experience.
So, here are a few tips on how to prepare for your Hawaii island vacation:
#1 Choose your island wisely – There are eight main islands in Hawaii, each with its own unique personality. Do some research to figure out which island (or islands) is the best fit for your vacation style.
#2 Book your accommodation in advance – Hawaii is a popular destination, so accommodation can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel times. Book your hotel, resort, or vacation rental as far in advance as possible to ensure you get your first choice.
#3 Pack for the weather – Hawaii is warm year-round, but there are still distinct seasons. The summer months (May to October) are generally hotter and more humid, while the winter months (November to April) are a bit cooler and drier. pack accordingly and be sure to include plenty of sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
#4 Learn a few Hawaiian phrases – Learning even a few basic Hawaiian phrases will go a long way in making your trip more enjoyable. Locals appreciate when visitors make an effort to speak the language, even if it’s just a few words.
#5 Be respectful of Hawaiian culture – Hawaii is a very culturally-rich place, and there are certain customs and traditions that should be respected. For example, avoid wearing beachwear in town, remove your shoes when entering someone’s home, and don’t touch the flowers at the temples. Just stick to common sense and you’ll be just fine!
#6 Don’t over-plan – It’s easy to want to pack every minute of your vacation with activities, but resist the urge to over-plan. Leave some time for relaxation and exploring on your own. One of the best parts about Hawaii is that there’s no need to hurry – everything moves at a much slower pace.
#7 Be prepared for unexpected expenses – While Hawaii is generally an affordable place to travel, there are always a few unexpected expenses that can pop up. For example, many activities require an additional fee, such as snorkeling or hiking. And while most restaurants are reasonably priced, there are a few that can be quite expensive. Be sure to budget for these unexpected costs to avoid any surprises.
#8 Travel insurance is a must – Given the remote location of the islands, it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance. From lost luggage to medical emergencies, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
#9 Don’t forget your camera – Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on earth, so you’re going to want to take plenty of pictures. Be sure to bring along a good quality camera to capture all your memories.
#10 Have fun! – This is the best tip of all. Remember to relax and have fun. Hawaii is a magical place that you’ll want to come back to again and again.
15 Things you should never do in Hawaii
Now that you are prepared, we would like to introduce you to Hawaiian customs and culture while pointing out some things you do not want to do in the country. It’s nothing out of the ordinary, just common sense, but it needs to be said. Here goes!
#1 Disrespect the Hawaiian Flag – The Hawaiian flag should never touch the ground, and should only be flown upside down as a sign of distress.
#2 Stand on a Monument – Many of Hawaii’s monuments are sacred sites, so it’s important to show respect by not standing on them.
#3 Take Sand or Coral Home With You – Sand and coral are an important part of Hawaii’s ecosystem, so it’s important to leave them where they belong.
#4 Drive Without a License – All drivers in Hawaii must have a valid driver’s license, so be sure to bring yours if you’re planning on renting a car.
#5 Litter – Littering is not only disrespectful, but it’s also against the law in Hawaii.
#6 Harass Wildlife – Hawaii’s wildlife is protected, so it’s important to not harass or feed them.
#7 Disrespect the Royal Family – The Hawaiian royal family is still revered by many, so it’s important to show respect when you’re in Hawaii.
#8 Use Drugs – Drugs are illegal in Hawaii, so it’s important to not use them while you’re on the islands.
#9 Go Without Insurance – Travel insurance is a must in Hawaii, as the islands are remote and medical emergencies can be expensive.
#10 Forget Your Camera – Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on earth, so you’re going to want to take plenty of pictures. Be sure to bring along a good quality camera to capture all your memories.
#11 Steal – Stealing is not only disrespectful, but it’s also a crime.
#12 Drive Under the Influence – Driving under the influence is against the law and can be very dangerous.
#13 Disrespect Hawaiian Elders – Hawaiian elders are to be respected for their wisdom and knowledge.
#14 Park in a Handicap Spot – Only those with a valid handicap placard or license plate should park in handicap spots.
#15 Trespass – trespassing is against the law and can lead to serious consequences. Be respectful and don’t do it!
Hawaii Island Vacation – Takeaways
The bottom line is that Hawaii is a special place with its own unique culture and customs. It’s important to be respectful of these things when you’re visiting the islands.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article. For more articles like this, be sure to check out blog.Mahalo. Make sure you’re staying safe in these times we are all going through and have a good one, guys!
