If you’ve spent even five minutes on social media before your Hawai‘i trip, you’ve probably been told — usually by someone holding a coconut in front of a drone shot — exactly what not to do here. Don’t go to Waikīkī. Don’t eat at chain restaurants. Don’t stay in a resort. And definitely don’t post that beach photo unless you’ve “earned it” with a sunrise hike.
Somewhere between the hashtags and humblebrags, some travelers started thinking they set the rules for everyone else. That’s nonsense.
You can love Hawai‘i, respect its culture, and still enjoy your trip your way. You don’t owe the internet proof that you “did Hawai‘i right.” Spend all weekend at the resort. Swim in the pool. Order the fries. What matters is respect — for the people, the land, and the wildlife — not how “authentic” your trip looks online.
So yes, I’ll share a few real “don’ts” — for safety and respect — but relax. Enjoy your burger. Stay in Waikīkī if that’s your vibe. Hawai‘i isn’t a test you can fail; it’s a place you should care for while having a genuinely good time.
What Not to Do When Visiting Hawai‘i (The Stuff That Actually Matters)
Don’t touch or get too close to wildlife.
Sea turtles, monk seals, and seabirds deserve their space. Admire them, photograph them, but never approach or block their path. Getting that “perfect” selfie isn’t worth stressing an endangered animal (or getting a fine).
You may get lucky like I did when I took this photo, to see some monk seals while visiting. Many times there are signs posted so knowing what to do is quite easy. If there is no signage keep a distance of 50 feet, or 150 feet if the monk seal is with a pup. Here is some detailed information about the monk seals and how to interact respectfully.
Don’t park in driveways, on lawns, or anywhere that says “no parking.”
It’s easy to forget that people live in paradise. Respect local neighborhoods and avoid blocking driveways or parking in areas clearly meant for residents.
I took this shot on the way to the Pillbox hike in Lanikai on O’ahu. This is a very popular hike, like many others, so take a moment to be aware of your surroundings.
Don’t hike off trail or closed/private trails.
Hawai‘i’s landscapes are stunning — but also fragile. Trails are closed for safety and preservation reasons. Just because you saw someone else hop a fence doesn’t make it okay.
My biggest pet peeve on this list, hiking off trail. I love hiking and I love the trails available for all to use. By staying on the trail we avoid erosion on non-maintained areas and allow the natural plants to grow in the area. Don’t be that one.
Don’t ignore surf or water hazard warnings.
Hawai‘i’s waters are powerful and unpredictable. Always read beach signage and check local surf reports before getting in. When in doubt, ask a lifeguard — they know the ocean better than any influencer ever will. Never turn your back on the ocean — rogue waves can surprise even the most experienced swimmers and knock you off your feet in seconds.
I remember once bringing some friends with me who had all the latest body boarding gear, bags, fins, and rash guards to Pounders in Laie, I spent many a summer there. They were experienced swimmers from California and seemed like they would enjoy the larger waves. It didn’t work so well and we ended the ‘sesh early. Hawaiian waters are different.
Don’t overestimate your swimming or snorkeling skills.
Even calm-looking bays can have strong currents. Stay close to shore, use a buddy system, and always keep an eye on your surroundings. The ocean is not the place to “wing it.”
If you have any open cuts or scrapes, skip swimming in freshwater streams or ponds — leptospirosis, a serious bacterial infection, is more common than you might think.
Don’t risk your life (or someone else’s) for a photo.
That cliff or lava edge might look epic on Instagram, but it’s not worth the danger. Locals have a phrase for this kind of thing — “no make ‘A‘ole” — don’t be foolish.
This is one of several helicopter landing zones along the Kalalau trail on Kaua’i. Many hikers get injured along this trail every year, dont push your limits and dont let the ‘gram make you do something foolish.
Don’t take lava rocks, sand, coral, or shells home.
It’s illegal, disrespectful, and — according to local lore — bad luck. Leave them where they belong, and take memories instead.
Don’t use chemical sunscreen or litter near the ocean.
Many sunscreens harm coral reefs. Go reef-safe and always pack out your trash. Small actions make a big difference here.
My recommended packing list for Hawai’i has some reef-safe sunscreen options available from Amazon along with some other nifty items.
Don’t forget local customs and basic courtesy.
Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home, learn a few Hawaiian words (like “mahalo”), and respect cultural spaces. You’re a guest — act like one.
Don’t smoke or vape at the beach.
Hawai‘i takes its beaches seriously — they’re places of beauty, recreation, and community. Smoking and vaping are banned on most beaches statewide. More importantly, cigarette butts and vape waste harm marine life and make the sand anything but paradise. If you must smoke, do it in designated areas away from the shore and always dispose of waste properly.
Don’t hike during heavy rain or right after.
Hawai‘i’s trails can turn dangerously slick in minutes, and flash floods happen fast in valleys and gulches. If the weather turns, turn back — the view will still be there tomorrow.
If you are thinking, “its my only day here and I don’t know if I will every come back!”, think of all the emergency services personnel you may be putting in harms way to rescue you. It’s ok, you don’t have to do everything on your visit.
Things I Recommend Doing (But Really, It’s Up to You)
Now that we’ve covered the serious “don’ts,” here are a few lighthearted ones — the kind that won’t get you fined or glared at, but might make your trip a little better if you skip them.
Don’t spend your entire vacation behind your camera.
Take the shot, sure, but then actually look at the view. Hawai‘i’s beauty doesn’t need a filter — and you’ll remember it better without a lens between you and the moment.
Don’t overpack your schedule.
You don’t need to hit every beach, hike, and restaurant in one trip. Some of the best days here are the ones that just happen — a spontaneous shave ice stop, a lazy swim, a roadside fruit stand.
Don’t stress if you never leave Waikīkī.
There’s nothing wrong with loving Waikīkī — the beach, the food, the buzz. You can respect Hawai‘i and still enjoy a mai tai with an umbrella in it.
Don’t feel pressured to eat only where “locals eat.”
Supporting local spots is great, but if a chain restaurant or a resort burger makes you happy — order it. There’s no moral high ground in poke bowls.
Thinking of visiting one of the million ABC stores in Waikiki? Locally owned.
Don’t compare islands like you’re grading them.
O‘ahu isn’t “too crowded,” Maui isn’t “too fancy,” and the Big Island isn’t “too quiet.” Each one has its own rhythm — let it unfold instead of ranking it.
Don’t forget to show aloha in small ways.
Smile, say hello, let someone merge in traffic, pick up that stray piece of trash. The aloha spirit isn’t a hashtag — it’s a habit.
Final Thoughts: Respect, Relax, Repeat
If you’re planning your first trip to Hawai‘i, the best way to make it memorable is to balance curiosity with respect. Whether you’re exploring beyond Waikīkī or enjoying a quiet morning coffee on your balcony, let the islands set the pace. Small, thoughtful choices — like reef-safe sunscreen, supporting local businesses, and learning a few Hawaiian words — go a long way.
For more ideas on where to stay, eat, and explore across the islands, check out some of my favorite guides here:
Remember: Hawai‘i isn’t a test of how adventurous, local, or authentic you can be. It’s a living, breathing place that rewards travelers who show up with respect — and maybe a little sunscreen on their nose.
