What should I be careful of in Hawaii?

While Hawaii may seem an idyllic place, the ocean and weather can be volatile and unforgiving. Always pay attention to posted warning signs like high surf, strong currents, and dangerous shore break, and be wary of weather alerts like flash flooding.
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Do and don'ts in Hawaii?

Do remove your shoes when entering a person's home as a sign of respect. Don't remove or disturb any artefacts in heiau (Hawaiian temples) or any tourist site. Do wear aloha shirts and get into the spirit! Don't wear swimwear or bikinis anywhere else but the beach.
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What shouldn't you take from Hawaii?

Common Items from Hawaii NOT ALLOWED into the U.S. Mainland or Alaska
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables, some exceptions are those listed below as permitted.
  • Berries of any kind, including fresh coffee berries and sea grapes.
  • Cactus plants or cactus plant parts.
  • Cotton and cotton bolls.
  • Fresh flowers of jade vine, and Mauna Loa.
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What is considered disrespectful in Hawaii?

Drive slow and do not honk your horn unless it's an emergency, it's considered really rude. And if you're driving on a narrow road and see a local behind you, it's polite to pull over and let them pass you.
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What is the biggest crime in Hawaii?

Among the four major Hawaiian Islands, Maui has the highest crime rate. It had a property rate of 3454 and a violent crime rate of 269.
...
Violent crimes involve crimes such as:
  • murder.
  • rape.
  • robbery.
  • aggravated assault.
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20 Things NOT TO DO when visiting Hawaii



What is the deadliest thing in Hawaii?

The most dangerous thing in Hawaii is the ocean, and drowning is “the leading cause of death for tourists in Hawaii,” but other dangers lurk beneath the water and underfoot.
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What is a weird law in Hawaii?

On Kauai, it is illegal for buildings to be taller than a palm tree or the equivalent to four stories. When in a state park, you are not allowed to annoy the birds. Billboards were outlawed in the 1920s. Coins are not allowed to be placed in one's ears.
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Is it rude to tip in Hawaii?

It's especially important to tip in Hawaii because the cost of living is really high. How much should you tip in Hawaii? The standard tipping amount for adequate service is 15% and you can tip 20-25% for outstanding service. It can come across as insulting to tip less than 15% for service.
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What are some Hawaiian taboos?

Here are a few things to avoid if you're a visitor to Hawaii.
...
There are a few superstitions that visitors should be aware of:
  • Don't remove sand from the beach. ...
  • Don't take any lava rocks from Volcanoes National Park. ...
  • Don't take any pork over the Pali. ...
  • Don't bring bananas on a boat.
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Can you take a lei on the plane?

You can take them home… usually. Be sure to ask the lei maker there are any citrus plant parts incorporated in the lei. Citrus flowers, leaves or other parts of any citrus plant are not allowed.
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Is it OK to wear Hawaiian shirts in Hawaii?

Yes. They are called aloha shirts. However, true locals wear more muted colors which can sometimes look like the fabric is turned inside out. Bright colors are worn by tourists.
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Is sunscreen illegal in Hawaii?

Hawaii's first sunscreen ban, which blocked the distribution and sale of products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, went into effect on January 1, 2021. A proposed ban that prohibits sunscreens containing octocrylene and avobenzone is set to take effect on January 1, 2023, if it's passed by the state senate.
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Should you wear jeans in Hawaii?

Can you wear jeans in Hawaii? Sure, you can wear jeans in Hawaii. But unless you're going up to the summit of Haleakala you'll probably be more comfortable in almost anything else due to the balmy temperatures and humidity.
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What you need to know before going to Hawaii?

Tips You Need to Know Before Visiting Hawaii
  • Aloha Is a Way of Life. Aloha is not only a popular way to say hello and goodbye in Hawaiian. ...
  • Learn to Speak Hawaiian. ...
  • Visit the Local Cultural Centers. ...
  • Eat the Local Food. ...
  • Remember, Not Every Local Person is Hawaiian.
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How do you respect Hawaii when visiting?

Here are 12 ways to be a respectful traveler to Hawaii.
  1. Relax - You're on Vacation. You may be used to hustle and bustle, but in Hawaii, rushing is considered pushy and rude. ...
  2. Don't Act Entitled. ...
  3. Protect Natural Resources. ...
  4. Do Your Research. ...
  5. Never Trespass. ...
  6. Pack Sustainably. ...
  7. Don't Litter. ...
  8. Appreciate the Culture.
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What should you not touch in Hawaii?

  • Don't touch or get too close to wildlife- turtles, dolphins, monk seals, and nenes. ...
  • Don't touch or walk on coral. ...
  • Don't take lava rocks home. ...
  • Don't forget to throw shaka when someone lets you into your lane. ...
  • Don't avoid Hawaiian/local food. ...
  • Don't use sunscreen that's not reef-safe.
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Is it rude to honk in Hawaii?

Don't: Honk

The exception: in the case of an emergency or an imminent collision. You'll hear horns used with much less frequency in Hawaii, and many consider honking rude.
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How do tourists not stand out in Hawaii?

How to Not Look Like a Tourist in Hawaii
  1. Learn the Lay of the Land. One of the easiest ways to pick a tourist out of a crowd in Hawaii is when they are lost. ...
  2. Incorporate Hawaiian Vocabulary. This point can't be overstated enough. ...
  3. Do as the Locals Do. ...
  4. Dress for Success. ...
  5. Let Go of Your "Mainland Mentality"
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Can a 20 year old date a 16 year old in Hawaii?

The age of consent in Hawai'i is 16 years old. At this age a person may legally consent to sexual activity with another person who has also reached the age of consent.
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Can you defend yourself in Hawaii?

Hawaii Law

Hawaii does not have a stand your ground law. State law explicitly imposes a duty to retreat before resorting to deadly force outside the home.
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Is Sexting in Hawaii legal?

Sexting is the sending of sexually explicit images​ via SMS message or other means via mobile phone, computer or any other device capable of electronic data transmission or distribution. It is against the law to sext in the state of Hawaii (§712-1215.6).
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What is the curse of Hawaii?

Pele's Curse is the belief that anything natively Hawaiian, such as sand, rock, or pumice, will bring bad luck on whoever takes it away from Hawaii.
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Has Hawaii ever had a serial killer?

The Honolulu Strangler, also known as The Honolulu Rapist, is the nickname given to an unidentified serial killer who is credited with killing five women in Hawaii from 1985 and 1986. He is the second known serial killer active in the state (after Eugene Barrett).
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Which Hawaii island is the safest?

Which Hawaiian island is the safest to live on? If you're just looking at the sheer number of incidents on each island, Kauai is the safest island to live on. In 2020, the Kauai Police Department reported the lowest number of violent crime incidents and property crime incidents of any of the four major islands.
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