Many of these are egregious while others are merely a reminder. Mistakes Hawaii visitors should never make.
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29 thoughts on “Terrible Mistakes Hawaii Visitors Should Never Make”
Many of these are egregious while others are merely a reminder. Mistakes Hawaii visitors should never make.
RE #1: years ago the locals who grew up playing in the ocean as “the” thing to do when pau hana, used to “ride” the turtles, just like people ride horses on land. I once witnessed a turtle swim right up to a Hawaiian man, pause, waiting for him to mount, much like a hailed cab approaching a pedestrian. It’s one of my most fond memories. I get that it’s no longer considered politically correct in today’s world, but riding a willing turtle is no different than riding a horse, and is far less traumatic to the turtles than boats and jet skis bouncing off their backs, or having their nesting sites destroyed by roads, hotels, homes, condos, etc.
Hi guys , one more to add to the list is to not snorkel within a week or so of flying to hawaii . You probably saw the article last week of the husband and wife on honeymoon and were snorkeling and husband died, was found unresponsive near the shore. Quite sad and then the people helping the wife found out the couples bags and phone and car were stolen at the beach . Numerous articles describe the danger of drowning while snorkeling after flying due to the effects of high altitude while flying on the lungs . ( the air pressure in the plane cabin is equivalent to 7000 feet elevation ). Do some research on this subject of snorkeling after flying and be safe. Enough dangers with the ocean , no reason to add one that can be prevented .
Thank you for this information about flying and snorkeling. I’ve never heard a hint about this ever before. I will definitely do a Google search. Most visitors to Hawaii stay only one week and look forward to snorkeling. Honestly, this does not make sense to me but I will check it out.
Here is an article on the subject of snorkel deaths : scubadivermag.com/the-hawaiian-snorkelling-deaths-mystery/
Aloha Guys! You made me smile with the mention of malasadas (Portuguese Sweet Bread)! My dear mom-in-law’s family was from the Madeira islands, and she taught me how to make them. They are much better than regular donuts (and we love donuts! ha)
Your blog should be required reading, with passing a pop quiz on it required before visitors can leave the airport. Every single time we go to our favorite beach, where seals and turtles often haul up to rest, we have to chase off tourists who are too close/harassing them. Please keep writing about this. Mahalo!
Agree, Cathy. I have an Airbnb and with the men’s permission, I would like to print and include it in my welcome book!
Your comments on visitor driving is comical. I see lot’s of courtesies and thank you shaka’s on Kauai which is nice. However, speeding, horn honking and illegal u-turns are common behaviors among locals as well. This is not just a tourist issue.
After living here many years I have to say that sadly it seems even more locals now than tourists seem to be speeding and aggressive on the roads. Mostly the younger generation has forgotten to relax and be on island time.
I agree with George H and Chris S. If you don’t want visitors to speed then set a good example by not doing it yourself. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve been doing 50 in 50 MPH zone on Kauai only to have a local blow by me at 60 in their island truck.
I read your comment about visitors jaywalking to get to a restaurant. Jaywalking seems to still be illegal in Hawaii which makes sense to me. Beware if you come to California where I live. Governor Gavin Newsom passed the “Freedom To Walk Act” in September 2022. The act took effect January 2023. It is now legal to jaywalk in California.
I appreciate the ‘cheap tipping’ comment but not sure what is appropriate. On mainland, I tip 20% for good service and 25 – 30% for excellent. Is that fair?
That’s more than fair. However i don’t get the “work 3 jobs” part of that article. I usually overtip here (just to make up for cheapos), but it’s still their choice to work extra jobs to be able to live in paradise.
I very much agree with what you have said. Also, not thinking of anyone but themselves.