Hawaii Do’s And Don’ts: 10 Unwritten Rules That Every Hawaiian Knows

While people from California can call themselves Californian, people from Hawaii don’t typically call themselves Hawaiian unless they are Native Hawaiian. To put it simply, “Hawaiian” refers to an ethnic group of people who are indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands, with a distinct culture, language, and history. When someone who is from Hawaii but is not of Native Hawaiian descent claims that they’re “Hawaiian,” it’s a misrepresentation—even something akin to appropriation. To avoid confusion, it’s best to refer to anyone from or living in Hawaii (and who does not identify as Native Hawaiian) as “local.”

Many Hawaii visitors are tempted to just hang out in the tourist hubs—whether that be Waikiki on Oahu, Kaʻanapali or Wailea on Maui, Waikoloa on the Big Island, or Poipu on Kauai. But to experience the true atmosphere of the islands, you’ll want to explore outside of these visitor-focused areas and discover the hidden gems.

To follow this Hawaii travel tip, you’ll likely need a vehicle to explore some of the best eateries, shops, beaches, and hikes around. For convenience and efficiency, consider these options: renting a moped, taking a self-guided audio tour, hiring a private driver with a customizable itinerary, or joining a small-group tour.

One of the most important things to know before visiting Hawaii is that every island is different. As a matter of fact, many people don’t even realize how many islands there are in the first place. (There are eight major islands, but only six are open to visitors). Even within each island, there are distinct regions and towns, each with their own unique atmosphere. While more choices can make it a bit harder to select a specific island and area for your trip, a little research can go a long way. Regardless of which island you choose as your base, it’s hard to go wrong.

Every trip to Hawaii should include some Native Hawaiian cultural experiences, beyond a hula show or hotel-gifted lei. After all, Native Hawaiians are a huge reason why the islands are the wonderful place that they are. Look for festivals, museums, historic landmarks, and restaurants that allow you to dive deeper. Some favorites include Oahu’s Iolani Palace and Bishop Museum, Maui’s East Maui Taro Festival, the Big Island’s Ka'aloa's Super J’s restaurant and the Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve, and Kauai’s Mokihana Festival.

Hawaii is often considered a paradise, so many visitors are surprised to learn the islands have their own fair share of issues. The state has one of the highest homeless rates in the US, paired with one of the highest costs of living. The traffic is terrible (one of the unwritten rules of Hawaii: do everything in your power to avoid going west on Oahu’s H-1 highway at 5pm), and many native plant and animal species are at risk of extinction, to name a few. For a more positive impact, use your tourist dollars to support the local economy and ecology.

Arguably the main draw of Hawaii is its abundant nature and marine life, and as a visitor it’s important to do your part to preserve it. There are small things you can do throughout your visit, such as using reef-safe sunscreen while you swim or snorkel, sticking to designated hiking trails, and giving space to any wild animals—such as turtles and monk seals—that you may cross paths with. If you want to go above and beyond, consider doing a beach clean-up or volunteering with a local sustainability-focused nonprofit during your trip, or supporting local eco-tourism.

If you’re unfamiliar with the ocean—and the parts of the Pacific around Hawaii in particular—you may not know what to watch out for at local beaches. Large waves, rip currents, and sharp rocks and coral are the main culprits. For the best advice oh how to stay safe at any particular beach, consider popping by the lifeguard tower. Most lifeguards are more than happy to offer any advice you need to safely enjoy the beach. If you'd like more guidance while you're on the water, though, you can also book a surfing lesson or go snorkeling with a guide.

On a similar note, one of the biggest Hawaii tips for tourists is to heed the advice of locals and any posted warning signs. While this “do” may seem obvious, you might be surprised how often visitors completely ignore both. If the beach is blocked off—likely due to large waves or contamination—don’t go in the water. If there is signage warning you about the edge of a rocky cliff face, don’t venture too close. Even if you can’t see the danger, please remember that the warning was made for a reason.

One of the most dangerous mistakes to avoid in Hawaii is hiking unprepared. In 2023, there were nearly 300 rescue calls, most of which took place during tourism peaks during spring break and summer. While accidents do happen, many of these rescues could be avoided with better preparation. Research ahead of time to make sure the hike is legal and it matches your skill level.

Learn where to park, what items to bring, where the trail starts and ends (including the route and distance), how long a hike might take to complete, and if the trails are clearly marked before you head out. On a similar note, many Hawaii hikes don’t have cell service; instead, take a screenshot or download maps and any other information you’ll need before you leave.

Considering the blend of cultures that make up Hawaii’s population, from Native Hawaiians to many immigrant populations, there’s no doubt that you’ll encounter some new-to-you foods. While some are authentic dishes from international destinations, others are Hawaii-specific bites, including Spam musubis (handheld Spam-rice-seaweed snacks), malasadas (giant doughnut spheres with Portuguese origins), manapuas (steamed or baked buns filled with locally inspired fillings), and saimin (a pan-Asian fusion noodle dish), to name a few. Plus, don’t forget truly authentic Native Hawaiian dishes such as kalua pig (tender shredded pork) and poi (a taro-based purple paste).

Related: 9 Quintessentially Hawaiian Dishes and Where To Eat Them On Oahu