When visiting Hawaii, it is essential to be aware of the mistakes that tourists often make and how to respect the culture of the islands. From touching wildlife to disregarding road protocol, here are 25 mistakes tourists often make when visiting Hawaii, and some tips to avoid them while traveling. One of the most frequent errors made by visitors is not giving others their space. When you're preparing for a day at the beach, give others their space.
If you see chairs and towels in the sand, don't place your things a meter away from theirs, particularly if there's a totally empty beach to enjoy. Unless it's a crowded day at the beach, try to leave others at least 10 feet of breathing room. Another mistake that visitors make is underestimating the ocean or overestimating their abilities. Drowning visitors in Hawaii are common and are 10 times more common among visitors than among residents. Swimming or diving alone, where there is no lifeguard, is obviously a bad idea. When it comes to tipping, it can be difficult to know what is appropriate.
On the Peninsula, it is recommended to give a tip of 20% for good service and 25 to 30% for excellent service. To truly appreciate Hawaiian culture, it is important to understand its history. When Europeans arrived in Hawaii in the late 18th century, the native Hawaiians they encountered had spent generations building their own unique culture. To learn more about this culture, visit a local museum, check if your hotel has cultural activities, or contact a cultural professional. Hawaii has incredible marine life, such as the famous Hawaiian green sea turtle and Hawaiian monk seals. To respect this wildlife, it is essential not to touch them or disturb them in any way. It is also important to remember that these lands are sacred to its people, the native Hawaiians who were born generation after generation before the arrival of Europeans.
People born and raised in Hawaii may be Japanese, Portuguese, Filipino, or Caucasian, but they are not Hawaiian unless they are of Hawaiian descent. Finally, it is useful to know some Hawaiian myths and legends because they are a very important part of Hawaiian culture. You won't find this curse in any of the Hawaiian stories, songs, or songs, although you will find many stories about Pelé, the fiery Hawaiian goddess of the volcano.
