Are you contemplating organizing a trip to Hawaii? You have company. In 2018, Hawaii was selected by nearly ten million visitors as their ideal vacation destination.
All things considered, Hawaii is not a paradise. Similar to any other tourist destination, a number of novice errors have the potential to sabotage a first visit to Hawaii.
Numerous misfortunes are possible in the land of rainbows, sunlight, and beaches. To discover what not to do during your first excursion to Hawaii, continue reading.
1. Neglecting to apply sunscreen
An early morning sunburn is the surest way to quickly jeopardize a vacation. Thus, it is frequently advised by locals that one should avoid spending the initial day outdoors.
Although you might be compelled to immediately begin enjoying the shore, the sun in Hawaii is considerably harsher than in the majority of other countries. Therefore, before engaging in swimming or sunbathing, allow your body and epidermis to acclimate to the environment.
Commence your first day in the area by exploring the local metropolis. Visit a few stores, converse with locals, and savor authentic Hawaiian cuisine.
Before you head to the shore, ensure that you are applying the appropriate sunscreen. If you bring at least 30 SPF of sunscreen, you can still tan without the risk of developing the dreaded sunburn. Reapply this frequently over the course of the day.
A sunscreen prohibition was recently enacted in Hawaii, with an effective date of 2021. However, it is advisable to adhere to their recommendations at this time. Ensure that your sunscreen does not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are chemicals that harm reefs. This ensures the long-term health and vitality of the coral reefs.
2. Taking Beach Souvenirs Home
A first-time visitor to Hawaii might find themselves enticed to acquire a complimentary memento from the shore.
A number of island beaches levy penalties against individuals who remove lava pebbles or sand. If each visitor to Hawaii brought back a container of sand or a lava boulder, the picturesque coastlines would be unrecognizable.
A tale concerning the Hawaiian deity Pele is even more convincing than a monetary consequence. Those who remove items from the seashore are doomed to endure years of misfortune until they repatriate the item. The poor fate is attributed to Pele, the Hawaiian Islands’ creator, in the opinion of the locals.
Therefore, to safeguard your wallet and karma, purchase mementos from a store.
3. Disregarding Local Regulations
Hawaii is replete with peculiar local regulations that the average tourist is unaware of.
In Hawaii, for instance, it is strictly forbidden to possess more than one intoxicating beverage at any given time. Do not take the chance by ordering two beverages after successfully attracting the attention of the bartender. Order one drink at a time and abide by local regulations.
Hawaii’s approach to prosecuting offenses differs even in its most fundamental aspects from that of other states. If you are arrested in Hawaii for violating any peculiar local regulations, you should immediately retain a defense attorney. They will expedite your navigation of the Hawaii judicial system, allowing you to return to your vacation activities.
4. Lodgement at the Resort
Tourists frequently dedicate months to conducting extensive research on which island in Hawaii they should visit for the very first time. A multitude of extraordinary activities are discovered across the various islands, and a daily itinerary is meticulously planned. However, upon their arrival, they do not venture beyond the premises of their resort.
Hawaii resorts are magnificent, providing guests with an abundance of amenities and entertainment options. Although the resort offers numerous activities to occupy your time, resist the urge to spend the entire time there. You will miss out on the local personalities, culture, and everything the islands have to offer if you proceed in this manner.
Rather, strive to spend a minimum of one complete day away from the resort. Discover a picturesque town to investigate, drive to an isolated shore, or hike a scenic trail. Regardless of your actions, your experience in Hawaii will be more genuine than what your resort can provide.
5. Disregard for Swimming Safety
Bathing in the ocean as opposed to a bathing pool is an entirely distinct experience. Additionally, snorkeling at a shore in Hawaii is an entirely unique experience.
Swimming alone is never a secure practice. Even if you were a member of the high school swim team, swimming alone is completely absurd. Constantly have a swimming companion or a beachgoer monitor your progress to ensure your safety.
Following that, ensure that you are vigilant for any posted flags or signs that indicate the condition of the water. Lifeguards are not present at all beaches, making it difficult to determine whether or not the water is suitable for swimming. The presence of these flags and signs will alert you to perilous shore breaches and tidal currents.
6. Displaying Your National Origin
When someone inquires about your nationality, never, under any circumstances, respond with “the United States,” “USA,” or “the states.” This error occurs frequently when individuals neglect that Hawaii is a state of the United States.
Your response is not only unhelpful but also impolite to the residents. Always begin your responses with the jurisdiction from which you are originating. Additionally, refrain from employing terminologies such as “east coast” or “midwest,” as they solely pertain to the contiguous United States.
Maximize Your Initial Visit to Hawaii
By avoiding the following, your first trip to Hawaii can be considerably more enjoyable.
However, keep in mind that even if you do make an error, it should not derail your entire excursion. Move on, offer an apology to anyone you may have inadvertently offended, and brush off the error. It would be extremely difficult to avoid having a good time on a journey to paradise.