There are a number of places in the world that you might have on your travel bucket list, but none are perhaps quite as well-known and renowned as Hawaii. Seen by many as the ultimate tropical destination, Hawaii offers visitors everything from rest and relaxation among its picturesque scenery to adventure and excitement throughout the islands. You might even be in the process of planning your next Hawaiian getaway for the coming year.
That being said, as you narrow down your to-do list for your trip to Hawaii, it is important to remember that there are some distinct things that you should avoid doing while you are in Hawaii. Since the island is such a popular tourist spot for people worldwide, it can be easy to get caught up in the more commercialized aspects of visiting Hawaii. Furthermore, there are a number of things about tourists in general that tend to bother the locals.
Therefore, if you are planning a trip to Hawaii, here are a few things that you should avoid doing so that you can have the very best vacation possible.
Visit Overly-Crowded Beaches
When you think of a vacation in Hawaii, you undoubtedly envision yourself relaxing on a pristine, white beach somewhere on the island. While it is true that you must absolutely include this on your itinerary for your vacation, it is also important to bear in mind that every single other tourist has the same thought as you in this regard.
For this reason, do your research ahead of time so that you can find a beach that won’t be too crowded for your day in the sun. While places like Waikiki Beach are on top of practically every must-see list that you can find on Hawaii, many people find that this spot is simply a tourist trap.
If you can, try to stay at a Maui resort hotel that will allow you to access a beach easily that won’t be as crowded as the more famous ones. The fact of the matter is that when it comes to Hawaii, there is no such thing as a disappointing beach.
Annoy the Locals
You might have heard that Hawaiian locals aren’t necessarily the kindest to tourists. This doesn’t mean that they aren’t some of the most welcoming and kind people that you could hope to meet. In fact, part of the local culture is to embrace the sentiment of “aloha” in most aspects of everyday life.
The issue comes in when tourists aren’t respectful of the local culture and customs. Hawaiians take pride in their culture and will be annoyed with any visitors who view such things as silly or something to make fun of. In order to get the most out of your Hawaiian vacation, make sure that you are respectful of the locals and their culture.
Stay on the Beach the Whole Time
When you are in Hawaii, it can be tempting to want to stay on or by the beach the entire time. However, taking this approach to your island getaway would be a big mistake. There is so much more to Hawaii than the beaches alone.
Schedule in some real-time to explore inland a bit. From national parks to breathtaking hikes, you won’t be sorry that you did so. Moreover, there is some real adventure to be had when you step away from the beach for a few days.
Those who love outdoor activities will want to take advantage of things like kayaking and biking throughout the island and the many other excursions that you can go on. Those who are fans of culture can learn a great deal about the history and customs of the islands from the various cultural centers that are dotted throughout Hawaii. Each island has its own distinct culture, so make sure that you learn as much about the one you are staying on as possible.
Hawaii is also known for its many agricultural plantations as well. From lavender farms to pineapple plantations, you can get your fill of agricultural bliss when you visit Hawaii as well.
Other things worthy of note are the various waterfalls located inland from the beaches and the local art scene that thrives in such an exotic and beautiful environment.
Avoid the Local Cuisine
You might have been warned that Hawaiian cuisine is something that should be avoided. While you might not be as interested in trying out the various Spam offerings that can be found throughout Hawaii, there is actually a great deal about the local cuisine that is incredible and shouldn’t be missed.
You will, without a doubt, find some of the freshest seafood around when you visit Hawaii. Moreover, dishes like poke bowls and the like have quickly become popular for providing a delicious and fresh meal that you won’t want to pass on.
