When planning a trip to Hawaii . There is no shortage of fantastic resources , of incredible things to do , and I think a quick Google search will confirm that . However , just as important , there are some things that you want to make sure that you do not do when you visit Hawaii , and that's what we're talking about in this episode . So let's go ahead and let's dive right on into it .
Speaker 2Aloha . Welcome to Hawaii's Best . Here you'll learn what to know before traveling , as we discover Hawaiian culture , local businesses and the experiences that make Hawaii one of the most incredible places in the world . And now your host , brian Murphy .
Speaker 1On today's episode we're talking all about what not to do in Hawaii And , like I mentioned , there are many , many guides what to do And we provide some of those guides at Hawaii's Best Travel , but there's not a lot of guides of what not to do . There are some in a search that I did . There are some guides that show you kind of what not to do , but , i think , just as important of what to do in Hawaii , there are certain things that you just want to be aware of , and when I say you don't want to do this , don't want to do that , i don't want to sound just don't do that just because because I said so . No , that's not . The intent of this list is to give you five things that you don't want to do in Hawaii because it's in your best interest , and when we unpack these five , you'll see how , by not doing these things , you'll be able to have even a better time on your next trip to Hawaii . So let's go ahead and we're going to dive right on in to the five things not to do in Hawaii Number one .
Speaker 1Number one not renting a car . And though you know it may seem fun to try and explore Hawaii without a car . It really just isn't feasible . You can maybe get away with it a little bit on Oahu , especially if you're staying in Waikiki . The public transportation on Oahu is definitely a little bit more present than the other islands . But if you're trying to save some money , don't take it from the rental car budget line . If you like the idea of traveling around the islands via a bus tour , then maybe you can get away without running a car . But to really explore Hawaii , you want to be able to get out there . Get out there on your own , with your group and be able to explore the island on your own time And when you want . To many hikes require some driving to get to the trail heads . So that's just another reason why renting a car is important . And if you rent a car and you're driving around the island , say on Oahu , and you're not exactly sure where to go or what to do , there's a great app for that that we recommend . It's called Shaka Guide , an app , and I'll link it in the show notes . You can actually go to hawaiysbesttravelcom , slash shaka , and be able to download the app right there .
Speaker 1And another quick tip is don't leave valuables in your car . There are a lot of turnoffs and hikes in Hawaii which require you to park on the side of the road or park in a small lot , which makes those cars an easy target for , you know , smashing grab thieves . So be sure to yes , that happens in Hawaii , it happens quite a bit . Just be mindful of that Next time you're getting out there and parking your car . Hide your stuff in the car or , even better yet , take any valuables with you as you hike .
Speaker 1Number two Number two it kind of goes along with the first one is don't spend all your time in Waikiki . Waikiki is designed to keep you happy , content and really not to venture out . I mean you can . It's obvious to see why because there's world class dining , hotels , shopping . It's easy to just stay put in Waikiki your entire vacation while you are on Oahu . However , Hawaii , like I mentioned , is really meant to be explored and to get out there . Say , you're staying in Waikiki , rent in a car for the day , a day trip to the North Shore . It'll provide some great perspective of the many wonders of Hawaii , and even a short drive over to the east side in Kailua . It'll transport you into this whole other world of Hawaii that can be hard to find in Waikiki . Now , you know don't get me wrong Waikiki can be an incredible place and there's so many places there that are amazing . The iconic View of Diamond Head from Waikiki Beach , you know , standing right outside the Royal Hawaiian Hotel , that shot right there . Waikiki is Incredible . And Waikiki is also a great place to learn how to surf and just to get acclimated with Hawaii . But there's so much more to explore than just staying the whole time in Waikiki .
Speaker 1Number three . Number three ignoring warning signs . When it comes to having someone else tell you what to do , like , seriously , i'm the first one to say don't , don't tell me what to do . Like , mind your own business . But it's a lot different in Hawaii . The lifeguards there are amazing and incredible and generally care about your well-being and have your best interest in mind . They are a group of men and women who deserve , i think , more appreciation than they actually get . You know , they risk their lives every day fighting some of the most crazy rips and Surf in the world . They know what they're doing and they deal a lot with like knuckleheads just getting out there , thinking , thinking you know they were , they swam in school , thinking they swam in high school on the swim team and That they can just , you know , get out and just jump right into the ocean without heating , any warnings , and that's just simply not true . When there is a warning sign of a strong current or sharp coral , for example , pay attention , it's there for a reason . The surf in Hawaii can be unpredictable one minute You know it could be calm , and then the next completely different . So just winning .
Speaker 1There's a saying you know you , maybe you've heard of it , it's when in doubt , don't go out . And that's just simply means if you feeling a little uneasy About getting out into the water , just just don't do it . And another thing to just keep in mind , too , is just never turn your back to the ocean , Always just be aware that could be that one rogue wave that just kind of wipes you . You probably seen people just get face planted , and You know some some gnarly shore breaks . So just be aware of that . So just know what the ocean is doing , know what the water is doing , and that simply is just not turning your back on it . Just being aware , keeping your eye on it is super important . And another thing is to go to beaches where there are lifeguards positioned . That should . That gives you just a good idea of a good piece of mind really , to just to To know that that there's some sort of safety net there , and that's just a good piece of mind , knowing that that part of the beach is patrolled by lifeguards . And I think the same can be said for hiking too , just to be aware of the signs that are being posted at the trail heads . Ask around , you know , ask locals about different hikes , different beaches , and they'll be more than happy to give you their advice and To offer any warnings or any tips on certain hikes . So be sure to do that . Be safe , enjoy Hawaii like it's meant to be enjoyed , and the beauty of it , but also you want to make sure you go back home alive too , because that's super important . So those signs are there for a reason , and be sure to eat their warnings .
Speaker 1Number four . Number four , using chemical sunscreen . Now , before we go into you know what sunscreen is we recommend . It's unvital to acknowledge that protecting yourself from exposure to the Sun is critical and with an average of 271 days per year of sunny days in Honolulu , there is an excellent likelihood that your stay on the islands will be mostly sunny and the Sun in Hawaii It it can be hotter and a bit stronger than maybe what you're used to . So sunscreen and protecting yourself from the Sun is super important . If having to remember to put sunscreen on and reapplying it isn't your thing , then wearing a short sleeve or long sleeve , rash guard And the hat can be a great alternative to that . And finally , number five . And finally number five the most important thing Not to do in Hawaii is not showing respect .
Speaker 1Aloha is more than just a warm and fuzzy thing to say . It's really truly a way of life , and how you interact with people on island will make or break your experience truly . By simply showing love and appreciation for people in Hawaii while you're on vacation , you will receive 10 times back . The love and community of Hawaiians and locals is something truly unique and special . So , along with showing respect for others , showing respect for the land is just as important . You can check out our interview with Maddie Leong and Spencer Lee . There are a couple of professional landscape photographers that we had on the podcast show back on episode 34 . You can learn more about how to do that tangibly when you're on island . But the main thing I just wanna just highlight is leaving no trace , and in that episode we talked about the principles of leave no trace . There's seven of them . I just wanna kinda quickly rattle those off to you so you can have a better understanding of just what it means to being good stewards of the land when you travel And this can apply for Hawaii , obviously , but anything in your life , or even when you're traveling to other locations .
Speaker 1Number one is plan ahead and prepare . Number two travel and camp on durable surfaces , and I would also add to that travel and camp to where it's permitted as well . Number three dispose of waste properly . You'd be surprised to learn that there's many beaches in Hawaii where there's a bunch of trash , and that's another thing that you can do while you're on vacation is looking into the local community of when there are beach cleanups . That's just a great way to be able to give back to such an incredible place .
Speaker 1Number four is leave what you find . For example , don't take lava rocks . That's like big taboo , like no , no . Don't just leave the lava rocks alone . Pay a little , we'll get you . It's just good , not good vibes . So be sure to not take any lava rocks with you . Number five minimize campfire impacts And also I would add to that , build a fire to where it's permitted as well . Number six is respect wildlife . Don't chase dolphins . Don't touch dolphins . Don't touch turtles . These are federally protected animals as well , so just be aware of that . Enjoy them from a distance , enjoy them in their natural habitat , their beauty , but don't chase after them to get the shot or anything like that . And number seven is just be considerate of other visitors as well . So I hope that this quick list of five things of what not to do in Hawaii gave you some perspective as you're planning your next trip . Until next time , be well , aloha And I'll see you soon .
Speaker 2Mahalo for listening to this episode of Hawaii's Best . To stay up to date on future episodes , please subscribe and visit us at Hawaii's BestTravelcom .