15 Things NOT To Do In Hawaii Unless You Want Locals To Hate You (Avoid These At All Costs)

I've called Oahu home for more than three decades now, and let me tell you… I've seen it all. The good tourists, the bad ones, and the ones who make us shake our heads and wonder what they were thinking. I'm not a tour guide – just someone who loves these islands and wants visitors to experience them the right way. I've traveled to Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island countless times over the years, so trust me when I say these tips apply across all the islands. But there's one mistake that could land you in federal prison… Let's dive into what NOT to do if you want to keep the aloha spirit alive.

Touching Marine Wildlife Will Get You Fined and Hated

Here's the deal. You cannot touch Hawaiian monk seals or sea turtles. Period. I don't care how cute they look or how close they swim to you – these creatures will consume your vacation in ways you never imagined. These animals are critically endangered and protected under federal law.

The fines are no joke either. We're talking $1,500 to $50,000 and potential felony charges with up to five years in prison. But here's what locals are really afraid of – the story that follows. A visitor from Alabama paid $1,500 after touching a monk seal on Kauai and posting it to Instagram. Another Louisiana couple on their honeymoon got busted for the same thing after their TikTok went viral – their vacation photos turned into mugshots.

Stay at least 50 feet away from monk seals and 10 feet from sea turtles. If you see someone harassing wildlife, call the NOAA hotline at 1-888-256-9840. We locals take this seriously because these animals are part of our ohana (family), not props for your social media.

Pro tip: The Hawaiian monk seal population is critically endangered with only about 1,400 left in the wild. When you respect their space, you're literally helping save a species from extinction – and that's something you can brag about back home.

Honking Your Horn Like You're on the Mainland

This one drives us nuts. Literally. Honking in Hawaii is considered incredibly rude unless it's an emergency. On the mainland, people honk at everything – someone's going too slow, the light turned green two seconds ago, they're saying hi to a friend. But here? The energy is completely different.

The sound of honking cuts through the island breeze like an alarm clock jolting you awake. It's jarring, disruptive, and screams “I don't understand where I am.” We use the shaka instead. When someone lets you merge, throw them a shaka or flash your hazard lights a couple times as a thank you. If someone's not paying attention at a green light, wait a few seconds, then maybe give a gentle tap. But aggressive honking? That marks you as a tourist immediately – and not in a good way.

I remember sitting in traffic on H-1 last month, and this rental car behind me started laying on the horn because traffic was moving slowly. The locals around us just shook our heads in unison. That driver had no idea they'd just announced to everyone that they didn't understand island time, and what happened next showed exactly why that matters…

Pro tip: The only exception is on the Road to Hana on Maui, where you can honk lightly around blind curves to alert oncoming traffic of your presence.

Taking Lava Rocks Is Illegal and Cursed

I can't believe I still have to say this, but don't take lava rocks home. It's straight-up illegal if you're taking them from any national park like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The fines range from hundreds to thousands of dollars – but that's not the scary part.

Here's where it gets interesting. Beyond the legal aspect, there's Pele's curse. Pele is the goddess of volcanoes, and Hawaiian legend says she'll curse anyone who takes her rocks. The evidence is haunting. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park receives hundreds of packages every year from people mailing rocks back, begging for the curse to be lifted. Inside these packages? Heartbreaking letters from tourists who've experienced unexplainable bad luck, illness, or disaster after taking the rocks.

Whether you believe in the curse or not doesn't matter. Taking rocks disrupts the ecosystem and disrespects our culture. Leave the rocks where they belong. Take photos instead.

The rough texture of a'a lava under your feet, the way the ancient rock still radiates heat from deep underground, the sulfur-tinged air near active vents that catches in your throat – these sensory experiences are priceless and permanent. You don't need to steal to remember them.

Wearing Shoes Inside Someone's Home

If you get invited to a local's home and walk in with your shoes on, you've basically announced you have zero respect for our culture. Taking off shoes isn't optional here – it's mandatory, and here's what you're about to discover…

Walk up to any house and you'll see a mountain of slippers (that's “flip-flops” to you mainlanders) outside the door. The bigger the pile, the better the party. This custom comes from keeping our homes clean in a place where we spend so much time barefoot, and it's deeply ingrained in island culture. The cool tile floors under your bare feet, the gritty sensation of sand that somehow still gets tracked in despite everyone's best efforts, the casual comfort of island living – it all starts at the door.

Don't wear athletic shoes with socks to someone's house either. You'll look ridiculous taking them off, and they'll stick out from the pile of slippers like a sore thumb. Wear slippers or easy-to-remove shoes that won't make you look clueless.

Misusing or Overusing the Shaka

The shaka (thumb and pinky extended, three middle fingers curled) is everywhere here. But tourists often mess it up or use it awkwardly, and locals notice immediately. But here's why that small gesture matters more than you'd think…

The shaka isn't just a random hand gesture. It means “hang loose,” “aloha,” “thank you,” “everything's good,” or “howzit” depending on context. You use it when someone lets you merge in traffic, when greeting friends, or when acknowledging good vibes. It's shorthand for a whole philosophy.

Here's what makes it look natural – a little loose wrist action. Don't hold it stiff like you're posing for a photo. Let it flow naturally. And don't overdo it. Using a shaka every five seconds screams “tourist trying too hard” louder than any fanny pack ever could.

I was at Foodland the other day and saw a tourist throwing shakas at everyone – the cashier, random shoppers, even the person restocking shelves. It was… a lot. Use it genuinely, not as a costume. Local phrase: “Shaka brah” – a friendly greeting that combines the gesture with acknowledgment of shared good vibes.

Using Non Reef Safe Sunscreen

Hawaii banned the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate back in 2021. These chemicals bleach and kill coral reefs in a process that's heartbreaking to watch if you've spent decades diving these waters. Since our reefs are already under massive stress, we don't mess around—and you shouldn't either.

You can bring sunscreen from home that contains these chemicals (it's not illegal to possess), but why would you? Stores here only sell reef-safe options now, and honestly, you should be using them anyway. Your choice at the drugstore could mean the difference between a reef thriving or becoming a bleached graveyard.

Look for sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide as the active ingredient. They might leave a slight white cast on your skin, but that's a small price to pay for not destroying the ocean. Picture this: the white mist of aerosol sunscreen settling on everything including the sand that'll wash into the ocean with the next tide.

I've been diving the same spots off the North Shore for 25 years, and watching that white haze settle over the water? The coral that's left is precious. Maui County even banned all non-mineral sunscreens starting in 2022. This isn't a suggestion – it's the law, and here's what happens when tourists ignore it…

Hiking Closed or Illegal Trails

Stairway to Heaven (Haiku Stairs) is illegal, folks. It's been closed since 1987. Yet tourists keep trying to sneak up there anyway, getting arrested and fined around $1,000. But the real cost goes far deeper than money.

The Moanalua Valley Trail, which was the legal alternative route to the same summit, also closed in 2024. The state cited safety concerns, erosion, and damage to native forests that took centuries to establish. Now Honolulu is planning to demolish the entire Haiku Stairs structure, erasing the temptation completely.

When you hike illegal trails, you're not just breaking the law – you're putting local first responders in danger when you inevitably need rescue. Those helicopter rescues cost $1,000 to $2,500, and taxpayers foot the bill. You're also trampling native plants and ecosystems that exist nowhere else on Earth. Sixteen people were arrested in October 2024 for trespassing on closed trails, their vacations turning into legal nightmares.

Pro tip: Stick to legal hikes like Diamond Head, Makapu'u Lighthouse, or Manoa Falls. They're beautiful, safe, and you won't get arrested.

Eating Only at Chain Restaurants

When you come to Hawaii and eat at Applebee's, Chili's, or McDonald's, we die a little inside. You're literally on islands with some of the most unique food culture in America, and you're choosing… Olive Garden?

The taste of perfectly balanced broth, the tenderness of char siu that melts on your tongue, the crispy edges of fresh poke – these are experiences you're skipping. Local restaurants are struggling hard right now. Hawaii's restaurant industry lost nearly 4,000 jobs since 2019 and still hasn't recovered. Rising costs and labor shortages are killing local businesses, and every tourist who walks into a chain restaurant instead is another nail in the coffin.

Instead, try Highway Inn for traditional Hawaiian food, Rainbow Drive-In for plate lunch, or any of the hole-in-the-wall poke spots. Hit up food trucks. Go to farmers markets. Eat where locals eat.

There's this saimin spot in Kalihi I've been going to since the '90s. The broth is perfect, the char siu melts in your mouth, and the owner still remembers my order. That's the Hawaii visitors should experience – not another TGI Friday's. Supporting local businesses isn't just good for the economy. It's showing respect for our culture and community, and you'll taste the difference in every bite.

Never Turning Your Back to the Ocean

“Never turn your back to the ocean” isn't just a cute saying – it's a safety rule that prevents injuries and deaths. Rogue waves are unpredictable and can knock you off your feet even in seemingly calm conditions. You can feel the spray, see the horizon perfectly – and then suddenly you're underwater, gasping for air.

I've seen tourists standing on wet rocks taking selfies with their backs to the water, and boom – a wave crashes over them. The force is shocking, disorienting, and dangerous. If the rocks are wet, waves have already been there. Move to dry ground immediately.

Shore breaks are particularly dangerous and cause serious neck and spinal injuries. Even small waves breaking on shallow sandbars can hurt you badly. Always face the water when you're near the shoreline. The crash of waves hitting shore, the salty spray stinging your face, the sudden pull of rip currents – respect the ocean's power.

Rip currents are another major concern. If you get caught in one, don't panic and don't fight it. Swim parallel to shore until you're out of the current, then swim back at an angle. This knowledge could save your life.

Treating Hawaii Like Your Personal Theme Park

This one bothers locals more than almost anything else. Some tourists act like Hawaii is Disneyland and we're all cast members here to serve them. The entitlement creates friction that ripples through entire communities.

Someone on Reddit shared a story about a tourist snapping her fingers at her in a grocery store, demanding better cuts of meat – not realizing she was just another shopper, not an employee. That entitled attitude is everywhere in tourist areas, and it's exhausting for people just trying to live their lives.

Tourists harass wildlife for photos, trespass on private property and sacred sites, put themselves in danger doing stupid things then demand rescues, complain when the weather doesn't cooperate, and expect refunds because reality doesn't match their Instagram fantasies. After the devastating Maui fires that killed hundreds, tourists were booking snorkeling tours in waters where people died 24 hours earlier – and that level of insensitivity is exactly why some locals have “hang loose” fatigue.

We're real people living real lives. Hawaii isn't a backdrop for your vacation photos – it's our home, our sacred land, our community.

Staying Only in Waikiki

Look, Waikiki is fine for a night or two, but if that's all you see, you're missing 95% of what makes Hawaii special. It's the most touristy, crowded, commercialized part of Oahu – and here's what most visitors never discover…

Rent a car and explore. Drive the North Shore and stop at food trucks in Haleiwa. Hike to hidden beaches where the sand feels different between your toes, where the water is so clear you see fish darting between your legs. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center. Check out the windward side's turquoise waters that look photoshopped but aren't.

On the Big Island, don't just stay in Kona. Drive to Hilo. See the volcanoes. Experience the raw power of creation. On Maui, explore beyond Lahaina and Kaanapali. Kauai's Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon will blow your mind – the dramatic cliffs, the way mist rolls through valleys, the ancient feeling of the place.

I took my nephew from California on his first visit last year. He wanted to stay in Waikiki the whole week. I dragged him to the North Shore for sunset, took him to a local plate lunch spot in Wahiawa, and showed him beaches where locals actually hang out. By day three, he didn't want to go back to Waikiki. The smell of plumeria on a quiet country road, the taste of fresh poke from a local market, the sound of ukulele drifting from someone's porch – that's the Hawaii he'll remember forever.

Being in a Constant Rush

Island time is real, and fighting it will only stress you out. Hawaii operates at a different pace, and that's intentional. Your nervous system needs this.

Don't schedule five activities in one day. Traffic on Oahu is brutal – morning rush is 6:30-9:00 AM and evening rush is 3:00-6:30 PM. Getting anywhere takes longer than you think, and the more you rush, the less you experience.

Plan one major activity per day, hit two good food spots, and leave time to just… be. Sit on the beach. Watch the sunset – really watch it, don't just photograph it. Talk story with locals. You can always come back.

The rushed tourists are the ones who miss everything. They're so busy checking items off their list that they don't notice the gecko on the wall, the rainbow after a passing shower, or the way the mountains glow green after it rains.

Insider tip: Avoid driving during rush hours by planning beach time or meals during those windows. Visit popular attractions early morning or late afternoon to skip crowds.

Disrespecting Sacred Sites and Culture

Hawaiian culture isn't a costume. Don't wear sacred symbols like hula skirts as party outfits without understanding their meaning. The weight of history in these garments, the mana (spiritual power) woven into every thread – that's not Halloween material.

Don't trespass on heiau (temples) or burial sites for better sunset photos. Many companies promote a warped, commercialized version of Hawaiian culture to sell tours and trinkets. The real culture is deeper, more nuanced, and deserves respect.

Learn basic Hawaiian words and their meanings. Understand that “aloha” means more than “hello” – it's a whole philosophy of love, compassion, and connection. “Mahalo” is thank you. “Ohana” is family. These aren't just cute foreign words; they're the foundation of how people live here.

When visiting cultural sites, read the posted information carefully. Don't climb on structures. Don't take artifacts. If something feels sacred, it probably is – treat it that way. The mana (spiritual power) you can feel in these places, the connection between land and people that goes back hundreds of years – approach it all with humility and reverence.

Leaving Valuables in Your Car

Hawaii has car break-ins. A lot of them. Thieves know tourists park at trailheads and beaches for hours, leaving cars unattended – and they exploit that ruthlessly.

Don't leave anything visible in your car – and I mean nothing. No bags, no phone chargers, no sunglasses. Even an empty shopping bag on the floor can be enough for someone to smash your window. The sound of breaking glass echoes through parking lots constantly during peak tourist season.

Bring only what you need for the beach or hike. Leave valuables in your hotel safe. If you must bring something, keep it on you. I've seen rental cars with smashed windows at practically every beach parking lot on the island at some point. The break-ins happen fast – sometimes while you're only 50 yards away in the water, and by the time you notice, your rental car is destroyed and your vacation is ruined.

Pro tip: Leave your car unlocked with nothing inside rather than risk a broken window. Seriously. Some locals do this at surf spots, and it works because thieves are looking for easy targets with visible goods, not empty cars.

Booking Illegal Vacation Rentals

Hawaii has a huge problem with illegal vacation rentals, and booking them makes you part of the problem. These rentals take housing away from local families who are already struggling with a housing crisis that's reaching breaking point.

Make sure your rental is legal by checking that it has a proper registration number. In Honolulu, short-term rentals are only legal in five resort zones, not residential neighborhoods. The state passed a law in 2024 giving counties the power to regulate or ban short-term rentals. Maui is phasing out thousands of apartment-zoned vacation rentals because families need homes.

Staying in illegal units supports a system that displaces locals. About 70% of Hawaii visitors still stay in hotels anyway. Consider choosing a legal hotel or resort that contributes properly to the local economy through taxes and employment. The frustration locals feel when they're priced out of their own neighborhoods, the families split up because they can't afford rent, the way entire communities change when tourists outnumber residents – your accommodation choice matters more than you realize.

Littering and Disrespecting the Aina

“Aina” means land, and we treat it as sacred. Littering here isn't just rude – it's offensive on a spiritual level.

Pack out everything you pack in. That includes cigarette butts, food wrappers, and yes, your beer bottles. If trash cans are full, take it with you. Don't feed wildlife. Don't pick flowers from private property. Stay on marked trails to protect native plants. Don't stack rocks or create cairns – it's actually harmful to the environment and disrespectful to the culture.

Beach cleanups happen regularly here, and locals spend their weekends picking up after careless tourists. Don't be that person who leaves trash behind.

Last month I was at Lanikai Beach and watched a family pack up and leave, walking past their pile of snack wrappers and plastic bottles. An elderly local woman walked over and started picking it up, shaking her head. That image stuck with me – the resignation in her shoulders, the way she sighed. The green mountains after rain, the clear water where you can see fish swimming, the beaches where sea turtles still nest – it only stays that way if we all take care of it.

Where to Stay in Hawaii

Since we've covered what not to do, let me point you toward some solid accommodation options that support the local economy properly. For Oahu, check out Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort in the legal Waikiki resort zone – it offers pools, restaurants, and beach access while contributing to the local hospitality industry. The Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort is another excellent choice in the resort zone with proper licensing.

On Maui, Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott and Grand Wailea operate in designated resort areas and employ hundreds of local residents. The Big Island's Hilton Waikoloa Village offers family-friendly amenities in Waikoloa resort area.

For Kauai, Marriott's Kauai Beach Club and Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort provide legal resort accommodations. These properties maintain proper registrations, pay appropriate taxes, and create jobs for local families.

When booking, verify the property has a legal short-term rental license number if staying in a vacation rental. Resort hotels are always a safer bet and contribute more directly to Hawaii's economy.

Final Thoughts

Hawaii welcomes millions of visitors every year – 9.6 million in 2024 alone. The vast majority are respectful, curious, and genuinely appreciate what these islands offer. But the ones who don't follow basic etiquette? They stick out and create problems that affect everyone.

This isn't about locals being unfriendly. It's about mutual respect. When you follow these guidelines, take time to learn about the culture, support local businesses, and treat the land and people with care, you'll have an amazing experience. Locals will be warm and welcoming because you're showing you care.

The aloha spirit is alive and well here, but it's a two-way street. Come with an open heart and respect for these islands, and you'll leave with memories and connections that last a lifetime. Come acting entitled and careless, and you'll wonder why everyone seemed so “unfriendly.”

These islands have given me everything. The community, the lifestyle, the natural beauty that never gets old even after 30+ years. I want visitors to experience that magic too – the real Hawaii, not the commercialized theme park version.

So take your shoes off at the door. Throw an easy shaka when someone lets you merge. Eat at the local plate lunch spot. Face the ocean. Leave no trace. Respect the culture. And please, for the love of Pele, don't touch the monk seals.

A hui hou (until we meet again) 🤙