8 MISTAKES Tourists Make in Hawaii | MojoTravels

Biggest Mistakes Travelers Make in Hawaii



It’s time to kick back, relax, enjoy some good old-fashioned islands fun - hopefully without committing any of these local travel faux pas! Welcome to MojoTravels, and today we're counting down our picks for the Biggest Mistakes Travelers Make in Hawaii.



For this list, we’re looking at some of the most common errors, both big and small, that people tend to make when visiting the beautiful island state of Hawaii. Shoutout to Huffington Post for these tourist blunders.





Entering a Home Without Taking Your Shoes Off First

In your own social circles back home, some houses and apartments are likely to have a strict “no shoes” policy, while others may very well encourage you to keep them on. But not so in Hawaii. You see, it all comes back to the concept of “ohana” - which means “family,” but in the extended community sense. Hawaiians are an incredibly hospitable people, and if you’re polite, courteous and friendly, they will likely treat you like family. If you do get an invite to someone’s home, remember that Hawaii is a sandy place: no one wears shoes inside, and to do so is considered very rude. Also, if you do get an invite to a get together, be sure to bring a small gift or dish to contribute to the meal. “Ohana” means family, and family means sharing!





Taking Home “Free” Souvenirs

You wouldn’t walk into a gift shop, grab whatever catches your eye and walk out the door, would you? Now how about if someone walked into your backyard and started picking up your decorative rocks, ripping out handfuls of grass or sampling from your garden? We suspect you’d be none too pleased. We get it, there’s something about natural spaces that make people want to take a little piece back home with them to remember the trip. And when you’ve spent a week in paradise on earth (ie. Hawaii), that compulsion is likely to be even stronger than usual. It might seem like just a few grains of sand or one little lava rock, but if every visitor were to take a souvenir home, it would really add up. And it’s actually illegal. Perhaps the most compelling argument however, is that local legend tells that its extremely bad luck. So take a picture instead!



Touching Wildlife

This kind of goes hand in hand with our previous point, but it warrants making the distinction. Not only should NOT attempt to take local Hawaiian flora and fauna back home with you, but whenever possible, you should avoid touching it altogether. We’re not saying you can’t lean on a tree or brush up against ferns while hiking; we’re just saying you shouldn’t go out of your way to get all handsy with the local plants. But this is especially important when it comes to the many wonderful creatures that call Hawaii and its surrounding waters home. Monk seals and sea turtles are both endangered species that, while adorable and tempting to touch, should be appreciated from afar and left in peace. This goes beyond good manners - disturbing either species can actually earn you a hefty fine.





Going Hiking Underdressed, Ill-Equipped or Uninformed

Hawaii is a hiker’s paradise. The islands offer a wide variety of trails suitable for most levels of experience and personal fitness. This can be a great way to reconnect with nature, see a different side of Hawaii and take in some breathtaking views, but the often isolated natural environments that make a hiking trail so appealing also makes them potentially dangerous to the uninitiated or overly ambitious. Some trails, especially those that offer ocean views, may take you along narrow cliffside paths without a sturdy railing. There are entire sections of Hawaii that are largely inaccessible by vehicle. That might sound appealing, but not if you’re in flip flops and only have one bottle of water between 4 people. So do your homework first and know what you’re signing up for. Wear appropriate gear, and when in doubt, err on the side of caution by selecting the easier path.





Underestimating the Ocean

The North Pacific is a stunning body of water to behold and a pleasure to explore during your time in Hawaii. But mistaking its natural beauty for safety has resulted in more than one tourist getting themselves hurt (or even killed). The ocean is a powerful force to be respected; fail to do so and you could come to serious harm. Now, that’s not to say that you should fear the ocean either. You just need to be an informed visitor! If you’re not a strong swimmer, stick to beaches with a lifeguard present. Look out for warning signs: there are often strong currents in certain areas, and these should be avoided. You should always check the weather forecast beforehand and stay mindful while in the water for changing conditions. Swim with a friend, don’t turn your back to the ocean when close to the water and most importantly… have fun!





Prioritizing Instagram

Old-fashioned journaling and diaries might not be as popular as they once were, but with the advent of social media, we’re now living in an unprecedented age of excessive self-documentation and oversharing. While Instagram can be a great source of inspiration for your travel destination, sometimes the gratification we get from social media can result in skewed priorities. Before you know it, your trip is over and you can hardly remember any of it. The reason? You saw it all through the lens of your phone, and once you had the shot, you moved on without taking a moment to actually appreciate your surroundings. In Hawaii, this compulsion is especially hard to fight given that the landscape is absolutely gorgeous, and another photo op is always just around the next corner. But try putting the phone away, and really attempt to be present and in the moment. Then take your phone out and snap the perfect pic. And if you find a secret hideaway, maybe don’t tag the specific location. Sometimes it’s okay not to share.





Disrespecting the Reef

Hawaii is a very easy place to get a sunburn. As such, it’s important that you take plenty of breaks in the shade and that you avoid committing entire days to the beach - especially at the start of your trip. There’s nothing like a serious sunburn to put a damper on your vacation! As such, sunscreen is very important; you should basically be wearing it whenever outside. But what many people don’t realise is that certain types of sunscreen can be harmful to local coral reefs due to the chemical UV blockers in the ingredients. By picking up a mineral sunblock or other reef-friendly sunscreen, you can not only help protect this fragile ecosystem, but preserve the many wonders of the coral reef for future travelers. On a similar note, please don’t touch or stand on the reef.





Ignoring Local Customs and Rules of the Road

Nothing says “I’m a tourist and I don’t care who knows it” like a complete disregard for local customs, etiquette and cultural norms. For example, while your daily traffic-ridden big city commute may have turned you into someone who likes to communicate frequently with your horn, that’s a big no-no here. In Hawaii, horns are reserved for emergencies and avoiding accidents. This is both etiquette and law on the islands. Furthermore, proper manners aren’t just important on the road, but in the water as well. Surfing can be a whole lot of fun, but it demands a certain amount of coordination between you and other surfers. And getting in someone’s way can be dangerous. If it’s your first time, be sure to take a lesson, both to learn surfing etiquette and proper technique. Oh, and one final word of advice… they don’t call them “hawaiian shirts” in Hawaii; they’re aloha shirts. Happy travels!