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HONOLULU (KHON) – To be a tourist means to be aware of the place you are visiting and the people who call it home. Rules and general courtesy also apply while vacationing in Hawaii, a place with a history that should be respected. With simple care and attention, you can do your part in being a good visitor.
Here are 10 things not to do when visiting the islands.
1. Underestimate the sea.
Even if the water appears calm, always keep in mind that waves can be unpredictable. Staying and staying away from the rocky shoreline during heavy surf can save lives, especially if you find yourself on a beach with no lifeguards around. Even if you are a good swimmer, you should read and follow the warning signs.
2. Touch a monk seal, sea turtle, or other wildlife.
Never approach a Hawaiian monk seal. Not only is this disrespectful, but it could cost you a $ 50,000 fine and up to five years in prison. It is a crime under state and federal law to touch or molest any of these creatures. Keep at least 15 meters from the animals or 45 meters from puppies with their mothers. Watch out for sea turtles 10 feet away. For dolphins and small whales, stay 50 meters away. Anyone seeing illegal activity is encouraged to call the NOAA helpline at (888) -256-9840.
3. Use sunscreens that are not reef safe.
In 2021, Hawaii became the first state in the nation to ban the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. These chemicals have been shown to be toxic to marine life and cause coral bleaching. Safe and effective alternatives are sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, according to the Food and Drug Administration. So check your products before you go into the sea.
4. Hike an illegal trail or late at night.
Never go hiking alone and always start early. You don’t want to end up as a search and rescue team trying to find out where you are in the dark mountains. Hikers are sometimes unaware of their personal fitness experience and misjudge the time it takes to go on a hike. Also, do not hike illegal trails, even if you can find photos and reviews on social media. They are closed for a reason. Hikers who clog the roads to get on these trails also annoy the locals in the area.
5. Park wherever you want to enjoy the sights.
There are many sights to see as you drive across the islands, but that doesn’t mean you have the right to stop in the middle of the road for a snap. Nor does it mean you can park anywhere, even if it’s a short stay. A great example of this is the scenic road to Hana, officially known as the Hana Highway, which has long been a draw for visitors to Maui. Tourists overloading this area are a major problem for East Maui residents who rely on accessibility in their daily lives.
6. Bring lava stones as souvenirs.
These lava rocks are beautiful, but make no mistake, they are not good souvenirs. Not only is it considered disrespectful to remove lava stones from the ground they lie on to shape Hawaii’s beautiful islands, but many residents will tell you it’s bad luck too. If you want a safe flight home, it’s best to leave the rocks where they are. Trust us.
7. Step on corals.
It’s no secret that Hawaii is home to a variety of beautiful marine life, and a large part of what thrives the state’s unique ecosystem is its corals. Corals are fragile animals and a simple touch could be the death sentence for an entire colony. Oils from human skin can destroy their mucous membranes, which serves to protect the animal from diseases and harmful bacteria that the ocean can carry. Walking, standing, and stepping on corals has the potential to affect all of life in the area. In Hawaii, it’s best to avoid shallow coral reefs and instead choose beaches that have a sandy bed or enough water to separate your eager legs from the ocean floor.
8. Keep campfires on the beach.
Almost every movie set on an island has a campfire scene, so you might think that campfires on the beach are a great way to spend your vacation. Well, you might want to consider the law. Bonfires on most beaches in the states and counties of Hawaii are illegal and can cost up to $ 5,000.
9. Stay in Waikiki all the time.
There are many “commandments” to remember. We understand However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy all that the islands have to offer. If you’re visiting, you’ve likely found somewhere to stay in Waikiki. While the city itself has a lot to offer, it’s important to know that there is an entire island to explore. The further west you go, the more you can see how the residents live day in and day out. And you may be pleasantly surprised by all the things you can do as you step out of the malls and busy streets.
10. Disrespect for culture.
That sounds obvious, but it’s important to take a moment to think about what this means. Disrespect for culture goes beyond touching corals and turtles or parking in any parking lot. It is rude to people who are different from you or to treat others as if they are less because they don’t speak the way you speak. It makes fun of hula dancing and makes fun of Hawaiian identity.
Most of all, disrespect for culture means neglecting to take care of the land, something that many native Hawaiians consider part of their cultural identity. Remember what the place you are visiting means to those who call it home. Trash, stone clearing from sacred sites, and failure to learn etiquette are all the ways in which culture can be easily disregarded.
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