13 things to know about Hawaiʻi before you visit
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Visiting Hawaiʻi is one of those once in a lifetime experiences for many. So, when you come, you want to be sure you understand how to maximize your time and your fun.
Here is a list of the 10 most important things to know before you take the plunge and begin planning your holiday in paradise.Like we said in the introduction, for many, coming to Hawaiʻi on holiday, it is a once in a lifetime experience. So, why bring your stress, anxiety, anger or resentment?
Slough off the things that make you feel dead inside before you arrive. Once in Hawaiʻi, embrace the culture, the slow pace of life and feel the excitement, joy and peace that comes with leaving the anger and stress behind.
Hawaiʻi's culture is laid back. So, when it comes to dealing with anger and stress, it's best not to lash out at the people around you. Be kind to the hotel staff, the servers at the restaurants and the people who help you at the beach or on excursions.
Being kind and embracing aloha costs nothing.
There are six habitable islands where visitors can go and soak up all that is Hawaiʻi.
Oʻahu is known as the Gathering Place Isle. Oʻahu is Hawaiʻi's economic and political hub. The state capitol is located in Honolulu which is also where the Hawaiʻi's royal family lived.
Kauaʻi is north of Oʻahu and is known as the Garden Isle. It's sparsely populated but has an incredible amount of natural beauty.
Maui is known as the Valley Isle since two valleys make up most of the island's topography. Home to Lāhainā, it was the hub for the royal family before they moved to Honolulu.
Molokaʻi is known as the Friendly Isle. The locals on this island work to preserve Hawaiʻi's history, it's gorgeous natural beauty and its strong sense of community.
Lānaʻi is known as the Pineapple Isle. It was once home to the world's largest pineapple plantation. The island is secluded and quiet which adds a mystique to it.
Hawaiʻi Island is known as the Big Island. It's where all the active volcanoes and telescopes are. On one side of the island is Hilo, and on the other side is Kailua-Kona.
If you plan on traveling between islands while you visit, plan before you come. It is not easy to hop from island to island. You need to plan.
Also, keep in mind that Hawaiʻi is the most remote location on Earth; so, of course, it has its own time zone. Hawaiʻi is six hours behind New York and two hours behind Los Angeles. It is 19 hours behind Tokyo and 20 hours behind Sydney.
Aloha is a concept as well as a word that's used to say hello, goodbye and even thank you. Aloha is about kindness and respect regardless of who you are, where you come from or what you look like.
As a matter of fact, local etiquette strongly encourages patience and kindness in all parts of our lives. You can click to learn more about what Aloha is and how to embrace in for your visit with Kumu Brad Lum, a local spiritual and community leader.
Be sure to pack Hawaiʻi-approved sunscreen. The sun is closer to the Earth the closer you get to the equator. So, the sun has a much more powerful impact on your skin.
And since coral reef health is incredibly important to the islands' ecosystems, it is imperative that you use the right sunscreen.
Respect for the ʻāina is very important to the residents of Hawaiʻi. Hawaiʻi has one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world; so, locals take their kuleana (responsibility) to maintain the ʻāina very seriously.
So, don't leave the water running at the beaches. Clean up after yourself when you're on a hike or other adventure. Follow the rules set out for the activities you are experiencing.
Do not interfere with the marine life. While lots of people like taking photos with wildlife, this can get you expensive fines and possible jail time. So, DO NOT molest the marine and wild life in Hawaiʻi.
Bringing fresh fruits or live animals into Hawaiʻi is heavily restricted and regulated. This is because Hawaiʻi's ecosystem is quite fragile.
The state protects its fragile ecosystem from invasive species that can prey on Hawaiʻi's animals without any natural predators. When you go through the airports, agricultural inspection at the airport to safeguard native plants and animals from potential biological threats.
Be prepared for pretty rapid temperature fluctuations. While Hawaiʻi has a small temperature band compared to other places in the United States, the wind, waves and humidity can make the temperatures feel pretty cold.
Well, it's one of two official languages of the state, the other being English. The Native Hawaiian people were prevented from speaking their language for several decades after the illegal overthrow of the royal family by U.S. industrial interests
But over the years, there has been a strong resurgence of the language with ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi words springled throughout locals' vernacular.
When you visit Hawaiʻi, you undoubtedly come into contact with Native Hawaiians. Live aloha and malama the ʻāina (care for the land), and you will be just fine.
Native Hawaiian legends caution that taking volcanic rocks can anger Pele, the fire goddess. Some visitors who fear bad luck have been known to send back stolen rocks.
Beyond the superstition, it is also illegal to remove anything from national parks. Leaving nature undisturbed helps preserve these landscapes for future visitors. So, be sure to malama the ʻāina while you're a visitor.
In Hawaiʻi, tipping follows the standard U.S. customs practice. Restaurant servers typically expect 15–20%, and tour guides and hotel staff are also grateful for tips. You need to tip because many service industry workers in the U.S. do not have the same protections and benefits that are afforded in other places.
Even airport shuttle drivers often depend on gratuities. Not tipping may be considered impolite or disrespectful, especially in the service-focused tourism industry.
Just because you can swim in a lake doesn't mean you can swim in an ocean. Many people die in ocean related fatalities each year; and Hawaiʻi is no different.
Be cautious. Always have a partner with you. Don't take calm surface water for granted. The Pacific Ocean is a mighty entity.
The shaka is legendary in Hawaiʻi. Long linked to Hawaii's plantation era, it has become a way for locals to show their kindness and appreciation.
Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8
Throw a shaka when you let someone into traffic. Throw a shaka when you thank a driver for waiting for you to cross the street. The shaka is pretty much universal and is recognized by locals as a sign of respect and that you are embracing Hawaiʻi's culture.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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