10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Hawaii

Hawaii is an archipelago in the North Pacific that’s made up of 8 major islands and many small islets, seamounts, and atolls. Six of the islands are most popular among the travelling crowd but you’re very likely to see Oahu on top. Oahu is home to Honolulu, the Hawaiian capital and main gateway to the islands, as well as major attractions such as Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbour, and Diamond Head.

Sure, Oahu offers a good mix, but if you’re looking to further escape the crowds, it’s worth considering the other islands. Kauai offers more for nature lovers and serious hikers, Maui is for those looking for a beach escape with few big-city vibes, while Hawaii Big Island is known for its volcanoes and dramatic peaks.

Once you’ve decided which Hawaiian island suits you best, you might also be eager to visit several other islands during your trip. But don’t think you’ll be able to island-hop between Oahu and Kauai, then see the lava flows of Kilauea on Big Island at the far eastern end of the archipelago, all within a few days.

Each island offers far more than a day’s worth of leisure and sightseeing, so it’s worth planning a whole week or more to get a full Hawaiian island experience. You’ll only be able to achieve so by using inter-island flights – with more airport time, hotel transfers, and car rentals often involved.

Due to Hawaii’s popularity, you’ll need to book some of its major attractions and tours well in advance. But bear in mind that while organised tours to certain attractions can save you a bit of time and hassle, you don’t have to book too many for your visit. Many attractions are cost-free, and you can enjoy a sightseeing tour by simply booking a car and driving around.

Most of the Hawaiian Islands have great roads that lead you past breathtaking seascapes and lush forested valleys. They’re best enjoyed on a self-driving tour. Rent a car (and remember to book in advance) so that you have the freedom to explore right after arriving in Hawaii. This option also saves you from spending money on tours or taxi rides.

Hawaii’s tropical climate can bring unexpected weather conditions. You can have days with unexpected rain on a sunny afternoon or unpredictable thunderstorms in the middle of the night. One island might have contrasting weather conditions to the other. On a single island, it can get swelteringly humid on the coast and freezing cold on the hills.

Pack right depending on your adventure in Hawaii Also, don’t pack just for the beach. You may also want to tuck in some smart-casual resort wear in your luggage if you want to enjoy a dinner show at a seaside resort.

Honolulu and its Waikiki Beach resort area may be among the most popular Hawaiian destinations, but each Hawaiian island offers so much more with their breathtaking natural beauty – over land and under the waves.

On Oahu, you can explore Waimea Bay, Manoa Falls, the whole North Shore, and the underwater wonders of Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Kauai, with its lush greenery, majestic waterfalls and hiking trails, makes it among the most attractive of the Hawaiian islands.

The pristine beaches and lush forests of Hawaii are home to some exotic – and mostly protected – wildlife. You may find yourself on the beach or snorkelling around tide pools with sea turtles and other endangered marine wildlife such as monk seals. In any case, do not touch them and keep your distance. The same goes for corals – don’t touch or step on them as they can take more than a lifetime to grow.

Hawaii’s surf is world-famous thanks to its big and monstrous waves, especially around Oahu's North Shore. However, novice surfers shouldn’t be tempted to check out the waves around North Shore or Laniakea due to the strong currents and exposed reef bottoms. Leave them to the pros.

Fortunately, there are plenty of beginner-friendly surf breaks on each Hawaiian island. Even so, Maui’s northwestern coastline boasts the most beginner breaks on any other island in the archipelago. You can expect soft sand breaks and surf spots with gentle waves that are great for honing newfound skills.

Almost every Polynesian culture has a festive traditional feast. Hawaii’s own, known as a luau, has mostly been westernised for the tourist crowd. There are plenty of luaus across the major islands, held either at luxury resorts or themed beach parties.

Nowadays, truly authentic luaus are hard to find but not impossible. Notable places include Old Lahaina Luau on Maui and Alii Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu.

The hip saying, “take only pictures and leave only footprints” stands true for Hawaiian beach sand. Taking sand from any beach in Hawaii is punishable by fines that start at $100,000. Don’t be tempted, no matter how colourful the sand may be. The same goes for lava rocks – bad luck might follow you back home.