5 Hawaiʻi Travel Tips You Must Know Before Coming

Planning a trip to Hawaiʻi? Before you pack your bags, you must understand a few key things that can make or break your experience. From local culture to navigating the Islands with ease, these travel tips will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure your visit is both enjoyable and responsible. 

Here are five must-know tips to make your adventure in Hawaiʻi unforgettable—in the best way possible. 

Tip #1: Reef-safe Sunscreen 

Getting sunburned on your first day will make for an uncomfortable trip. But please kokua (help) and ensure your sunscreen is reef-safe. Mineral-based sunscreens that utilize titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are reef-safe and can be found at most stores across the Islands. Here are some Made in Hawaiʻi reef-safe sunscreens! Support local small businesses!

• Kōkua Sun Care
• Mama Kuleana
• Little Hands Hawaiʻi

Tip #2: Mālama i ka ʻāina (Care for the Land)

From the beaches to the mountains, there is so much to see. When hiking, remember to stay on designated trails and check the weather prior to embarking on your hike. For more tips and updates on park closures/renovations, visit our Division of State Parks website.

As you head to the beaches, remember to keep your distance from marine life. It is a crime to intentionally disturb wildlife, such as Hawaiian monk seals and honu (sea turtles). 

Explore our Honu Collection at Maui Divers Jewelry, a beautiful way to celebrate and remember your journey in Hawaiʻi.

Discover the Honu Collection

Tip #3: Travel with Aloha

Hawaiʻi is known as the "Aloha State". Show Aloha by doing things like driving with Aloha. Double-check the speed limit and drive with courtesy, patience, and safety. When someone lets you through, throw a shaka for them to see! It's the local way to say “Mahalo!” (thank you) on the roads. 

Getting to know our culture and history is another way to show Aloha. Take a tour at Pearl Harbor or visit Kualoa Ranch, the site of many Hollywood movies, including Jurrasic Park and Jumanji with Dwyane "The Rock" Johnson. Visit Hawaiʻi Tours and view their Sustainable Tourism tours. "The Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate visitors, businesses, and the community on the benefits of eco-friendly tourism to protect Hawaiʻi's environment and cultural resources." (Hawaiʻi Tours). Choose a tour with the STAH badge to support Hawaiʻi's mission to protect our Islands while having fun!

Tip #4 : Common Words and Phrases to Know

In Hawaiʻi, many locals speak pidgin, an English slang mixed with words from other heritages like Japanese, Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, and Portuguese. Get to know some local words and phrases before arriving in Hawaiʻi!

Aloha (ah-lo-hah) - A double meaning, Aloha means "Hello" and "Goodbye." In Hawaiʻi, Aloha also embodies a way of life, encompassing love, kindness, compassion, and respect, so be sure to embrace this concept while you're here.

A hui hou (a-hoo-wee ho) - Until we meet again. 

Mauka (mah-oo-kuh) & Makai (mah-kye) - This is generally used when someone is giving directions. Mauka means towards the mountains, and makai means towards the water. 

Mahalo (mah-ha-lo) - Thank you!

ʻOhana (o-ha-na) - Family

Hana Hou (hah-nah hoh) - One more time! Often used at a performance or show when it's over, but the audience wants one more song.

Howzit - Thing local slag term means "Hi!" or "How are you doing?"

Kapu (kah-poo) - something foreign or taboo. If you see a sign like this, please kokua (help) and avoid the area.

Kokua (koh-koo-ah) - to help

Tip #5 - Bring Home Aloha, Not Lava 

Souvenirs are a fun way to remember your trip, but not everything in Hawaiʻi is meant to be taken home. It’s considered bad luck to take lava rocks or sand from the Islands, and it’s also disrespectful to the land. Instead, shop local! 

Visit our Maui Divers Jewelry stores for our Pick A Pearl experience. It’s more than just shopping—it’s a memory in the making. You’ll choose your own oyster, which reveals one or two freshwater pearls in stunning shades like white, peach, pink, or lavender. Then, you can set your pearl in a pendant, ring, or earrings of your choice—all crafted right there on-site. It’s a one-of-a-kind keepsake that’s truly made in Hawaiʻi and made by you.

Visiting Soon? Plan a Visit to a Maui Divers Jewelry Store Near

Visiting Hawaiʻi is more than just a vacation—it’s an opportunity to connect with a unique culture, breathtaking landscapes, and the spirit of Aloha. Whether you're driving with kindness, choosing sustainable tours, or picking the perfect souvenir, every small action adds up to a more meaningful experience. Respect the land, support local, and embrace the rhythm of island life. When you travel with Aloha, you don’t just take memories—you leave behind gratitude.

Sources

Hawaiʻi Tours - https://www.hawaiitours.com/tours/certified-sustainable/