Headed to Hawaii? Don’t Let These 10 Common Mistakes Ruin Your Trip!
If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, don’t let these easy mistakes derail your vacation to paradise.
Hawaii is a bucket-list destination for good reason.
With stunning beaches, emerald mountains, and a Polynesian culture distinctly unique from the other 49 U.S. states…the Hawaiian Islands are like nowhere else on Earth.
But even paradise has its quirks.
As an Oahu resident, I often see visitors make avoidable mistakes that can add stress to their trip or even harm the island’s beauty or wildlife.
From underestimating costs to overlooking cultural norms, it’s easy to misstep if you’re not prepared.
But I want you to have the best Hawaii trip possible!
So today, I’m sharing the top 10 mistakes to avoid when visiting Hawaii.
Let’s get started…
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will likely blow on mai tais, poke, and shave ice. All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you.
1. Underestimating Travel Costs
Hawaii is a dream destination, but it comes with a hefty price tag. From grocery stores to car rentals, everything is more expensive here.
Visitors often forget the little things when doing their vacation budget and have sticker shock when they arrive.
Flights and accommodations are the big ticket items.
But dining, snacks, and those delicious mai tais add up fast (Tip: If you’re going to spend $20+ on a mai tai, make it one of these).
And that’s before we even get to Hawaii’s most popular must-do activities like snorkeling tours or luaus.
What to do?
Research costs early and book activities in advance so they’re included in your overall budget.
Look for deals on flights and accommodations (like some of Waikiki’s chic budget-friendly boutique hotels). Consider vacation rentals with kitchens to save on meals. Just remember, groceries are expensive, too!
The good news? Hawaii has tons of free activities like botanical gardens, hikes, and beautiful beaches to give your vacation budget a break.
Read More: 25 Awesome Things to Do on Oahu That Won’t Cost You a Dime🌺
2. Not Renting a Car
While some areas like Waikiki have decent public transportation and walkability, most of Hawaii isn’t designed for getting around without a car.
If you rely on ride-shares or taxis, you may find yourself stranded. That’s especially true on islands like the Big Island, where attractions are spread out.
Read More: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Hawaii’s Big Island (2025)
If you want to experience some of Hawaii’s most unique experiences, like a day trip to Oahu’s North Shore or driving Maui’s Road to Hana, having your own wheels is best.
One driving tip, unless there’s an actual emergency, don’t honk your horn. It’s considered rude here.
What to do?
Book your rental car early for the best deal. This is crucial during peak seasons when availability is limited.
If renting isn’t an option, plan your trip around areas with good shuttle services or book tours that include transportation.
Discount Hawaii Car Rental
For rental cars in Hawaii, go to the local experts. They’ll find you the best rate among all the major companies with no booking fees. And their customer support is top-notch.
Tip: If you’re staying in Waikiki, just rent a car for the few days you need it – hotel parking rates are a budget-buster!
3. Overpacking
You don’t need half the things you think you do for a trip to Hawaii.
The tropical climate and casual dress code mean you just don’t need to bring much. Plus, lugging heavy bags can be a hassle, especially if you’re hopping between islands or hotels.
Dressy clothes for a fancy dinner are not a thing in the islands. A sundress for women and Aloha shirts for men are perfectly acceptable even in the finest restaurants.
Read More: The 5 Best Happy Hours in Waikiki for Deals with a View 🍸
What to do?
Pack light. Focus on essentials like breathable clothes, a swimsuit, a hat, and comfortable shoes (leave the high heels at home – they are the easiest way to spot a tourist!).
Bring a light rain jacket for jungle hikes or the occasional passing shower. Pack reef-safe sunscreen or just buy it when you arrive. Snorkel gear can be easily rented or cheaply purchased. No need to pack it unless you own special equipment.
If you’re staying in a vacation rental, you’ll likely have access to a washer and dryer so you can re-wear outfits.
4. Disrespecting Local Culture
This is a big one and, unfortunately, probably the most common mistake I see visitors make.
Hawaii is so much more than just amazing beaches and fantastic snorkeling. Hawaiian culture is deeply rooted in respect for the land (aina) and its people.
Did you know that Hawaii is home to the only Royal Palace in the United States? That’s right, Honolulu’s ʻIolani Palace is a fascinating place to visit to learn about Hawaiian history.
Honolulu’s Bishop Museum is another incredible place to spend an afternoon learning about Hawaiian and Polynesian Culture.
Mispronouncing Hawaiian words, touching sacred sites, or treating Hawaii like just another beach destination come across as dismissive and disrespectful.
What to do?
The best way to honor Hawaiian culture is to learn about it.
Make time in your itinerary to visit the Bishop Museum or the Iolani Palace. Teach your kids about Hawaii’s culture, history, and wildlife.
Learn a few Hawaiian words and phrases (see #10 below) and read up on Hawaiian customs and traditions before your visit.
5. Ignoring Ocean Safety
If you only remember one thing on this list, make it this one. It’s literally life or death.
The ocean may look calm, but Hawaii’s waters can be deceiving. Strong currents, sharp coral, and sudden waves are common, and many visitors end up in dangerous situations.
The North Shore of Oahu is a perfect example.
In the summer months, the waves are gentle, and snorkeling at popular Shark’s Cove is one of the best things to do on a day trip to the North Shore.
But the winter months bring BIG waves and entirely different conditions. Just recently, several visitors were walking along the edge of the rocky tidal pools in the image above and were nearly killed by a rouge wave.
What to do?
Respect the ocean.
Check beach safety signs and talk to lifeguards before swimming. If a beach doesn’t have a lifeguard, proceed with caution.
Don’t visit restricted places like the Makapu’u Tide Pools. They may look beautiful on Instagram but they’re off-limits for a reason.
Never turn your back to the ocean and always heed posted warning flags.
And finally, when in doubt, don’t go out.
6. Packing Non-Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Hawaii’s coral reefs are vital ecosystems, but many visitors unknowingly damage them by using sunscreens with harmful chemicals.
Several years ago, Hawaii banned certain types of sunscreen to protect marine life. The protected marine park of Hanauma Bay is the perfect example of why this restriction is so important for conservation.
Not sure if your sunscreen makes the cut? Play it safe and don’t bring any sunscreen with you, just buy it here.
All sunscreen sold in Hawaii is certified reef-safe. For example, stop by any local ABC Store and you’ll have plenty to choose from!
What to do?
Bring or buy reef-safe sunscreen made with mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Look for the “reef-safe” label, and apply it generously before hitting the water.
Tip: I have fair skin and I have tried ALL the reef-safe sunscreens. Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen Spray is my hands-down favorite.
Sadly, they don’t sell it in the convenient ABC Stores. But you can find the lotion at our local Costco. And the spray is available at Long’s Drugs or Walmart (or just buy it on Amazon and bring it with you!).
7. Trying to See Too Many Islands
I get it, really I do. You’ve flown all the way across the darn Pacific Ocean, why not try to see all the islands while you’re here?
Hopping between islands may sound like the ultimate Hawaiian experience, but it’s time-consuming and expensive.
You’ll spend more time in airports than enjoying the beautiful Hawaiian culture and your surroundings.
Tip: If you want to see all 4 of the main Hawaiian Islands in a single week, book the NCL Hawaiian Islands cruise. It departs Honolulu every Saturday, year-round.
What to do?
I live on Oahu so I’m probably partial. But I always recommend visiting Oahu plus one other island of your choice.
If volcanoes are important to you, visit the Big Island. If you’re a beach lover, visit Maui. Looking for natural beauty and some peace and quiet? Head for Kauai.
But can you really fly all that way and not see Pearl Harbor? Or Waikiki Beach? I think not.
So stick to a max of two islands on your trip. Unless you have longer than a week to spare, then a third island is fair game.
My general rule of thumb is a minimum of 3 nights (two full days) per island.
8. Visiting During Busy Season Without Planning
The summer months and the holidays are peak season in Hawaii. Since the islands are such a terrific family destination, any time the kids are out of school, things get busy around here.
Peak season means crowded beaches, sold-out activities, and sky-high prices. Showing up without a plan will lead to disappointment.
And I’m not just talking about restaurant reservations or pre-booked tours.
Many of Hawaii’s most popular natural attractions now require reservations (this is a new phenomenon in the post-Covid era). Even if you’ve visited the islands many times over the years, you might be surprised by the new reservation requirements.
So, if you want to hike Diamond Head, snorkel at Hanauma Bay, visit Pearl Harbor, or see the most famous beach on the Road to Hana, you now need a reservation.
Read More: Headed to Maui? Here are 3 Reservations You Need to Make Now 🌺📆💻
What to do?
If you’re visiting during peak season, book everything in advance—hotels, rental cars, tours, and even dinner reservations for popular spots.
If you’re visiting Maui or Kauai during whale season, book those tours in advance, too.
Read More: The Everything Guide to the Best Maui Whale Watching Tours
Peak season or not, research when reservations can be made for each of the activities you want to do and book them the minute the reservation system opens.
I can help with that: 3 Essential Reservations to Book for the Perfect Oahu Vacation 🌺📆💻
If you can, travel during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for fewer crowds and better deals.
9. Disrespecting Wildlife
Spotting Hawaii’s wildlife, from green sea turtles (honu) to monk seals, is one of the most awesome things about visiting the islands.
It’s very common to see a monk seal resting on busy Waikiki Beach. (Tip: They love the spot by the rocks in front of Steak Shack.)
Or honu basking on Kauai’s Poipu Beach or Maui’s Ho’okipa Beach.
But remember, they are protected by law.
Many visitors get too close for a selfie, which can harm the animals and lead to hefty fines.
What to do?
I know it’s hard, I really do. I have to fight my own instinct to get closer when I’m lucky enough to spot a turtle or monk seal around the island. It’s just such a special experience and it often gets the best of wowed visitors.
But always admire wildlife from a safe (and legal!) distance. That’s 10 feet for turtles and 50 feet for monk seals (150 feet for moms with pups).
If you’re on a popular beach like Waikiki, the beach attendants are quick to cone off visiting wildlife to help visitors keep a safe distance.
But if you’re in the water and a curious turtle gets too close, remember that it’s YOUR job to maintain the 10′ distance (the turtles here have no jobs).
Oh and never feed or touch wildlife, that goes for fish, too.
10. Not Learning Hawaiian Words and Phrases
Hawaiian is an official language in Hawaii, and understanding even a few words can enrich your island experience.
Many visitors skip this step and miss out on a deeper connection with the locals.
Two of my favorite words to teach family and friends when they visit are mauka (toward the mountains/inland) and makai (toward the ocean/sea).
Hawaiians use “mauka” (mow-kah) as a directional term to indicate a location or movement away from the ocean and toward the island’s interior. It’s commonly used when giving directions.
For example:
“The farmers’ market is on the mauka side of the road,” means the market is on the side of the road closer to the mountains.
Conversely, a beach park on the makai side of the highway is on the side of the road closer to the ocean.
You’ll hear locals and longtime residents use these terms often, so understanding them is a big help when exploring.
What to do?
Just learn the basics and make an effort.
Words like aloha (hello, goodbye), mahalo (thank you), and ohana (family) are not only practical but also a sign of respect. Many place names are in Hawaiian, so learning pronunciation helps, too.
Fun fact: It took me months of watching the local news every morning to figure out how to pronounce things when we first moved here. And I’m still learning. You won’t have that much time so focus on the basics.
And if you’re not sure what a Hawaiian word means or how to pronounce it, just ask!
The bottom line?
Hawaii’s abundant natural beauty and fascinating culture make it one of the best vacation destinations in the world.
But avoiding the most common pitfalls will make your holiday experience even better.
If you plan ahead and respect the islands and people, you’ll not only have a smoother trip but also leave a positive impact.
Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your trip to Hawaii is the vacation of your dreams.
Aloha and happy travels!
