15 Hawaii Travel Tips That Will Make or Break Your Trip in 2025

byYOURTRAVELVAULT

Nothing ruins a Hawaii trip faster than poor planning or common tourist mistakes. We’ve seen it happen too many times—long lines, missed experiences, and wasted money. So, we’ve compiled the Hawaii travel tips you need to know to make your trip smooth and stress-free.

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Travel Tips for Hawaii

Here are the travel tips to Hawaii that you need to know before you go.

1. Be Cool About the Culture

Hawaii isn’t just a vacation spot—it’s home to a lot of history and culture. You’ll hear words like aloha (hello/goodbye) and mahalo (thank you) a lot, so it’s good to know what they mean. 

Also, if someone gives you a lei, don’t take it off in front of them (it’s kinda rude). And whatever you do, don’t move rocks or take sand from the beach. People actually mail that stuff back because they think it’s bad luck.

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2. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute to Book Stuff

There’s no doubt that Hawaii is all about the chill vibes, but if you wait too long to book things, you might miss out. Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay, and Haleakalā sunrise all need reservations in advance. 

Even some restaurants fill up fast. So, if there’s something you really want to do, don’t just wing it.

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3. Traffic Can Be a Pain

If you’re renting a car, just know that traffic (especially on Oahu) can be really slow. Mornings and afternoons are packed with commuters, and you don’t want to waste your beach time stuck in a line of cars. Plan around it if you can.

4. The Ocean is No Joke

The water looks amazing, but it can get rough. Some beaches have strong currents, and waves can sneak up on you. 

Locals say, “Never turn your back on the ocean,” and they’re not kidding. Swim where there are lifeguards, and if a sign says “No Swimming,” it’s not a suggestion. Also, jellyfish show up about a week after a full moon, so maybe check that before diving in.

5. Keep Your Distance from Wildlife

You’re probably going to see sea turtles or monk seals chilling on the beach. It’s super tempting to get close, but don’t. It’s actually illegal to touch or mess with them. Same with dolphins and whales. You just gotta enjoy them from a distance.

6. Pack a Light Jacket

If you’re doing sunrise at Haleakalā or any boat rides in the morning, it gets cold. And by cold, I mean you’ll be wishing you brought more than just a hoodie.

7. Renting a Car is a Good Idea

If you’re planning to explore beyond your hotel, renting a car is worth it. Just keep in mind:

  • Gas is expensive.
  • Parking in Waikiki is a hassle (and pricey).
  • Rental car break-ins happen, so don’t leave anything valuable inside.

If you’re only staying in Honolulu, you can probably get by with public transport and Uber.

8. Bring a Reusable Bag

Hawaii banned plastic bags, so bring your own if you plan on shopping. If you forget, stores charge for reusable ones, which isn’t a big deal, but it’s nice to have your own.

9. Island Hopping Sounds Fun, But…

Jumping between islands seems like a great idea, but it eats up a lot of time. There are no ferries (except for Maui to Lanai), so you’ll have to fly.

If you only have a week, it’s best to just stick to one island. If you have more time, two islands max is a good call.

10. Flip-Flops Are Totally Acceptable

Hawaii is casual. You can wear slippers (flip-flops) almost anywhere. Even at nicer restaurants, a button-up shirt and sandals are usually fine. Just don’t show up at a fancy spot looking like you just rolled off the beach.

11. If You’re Gonna Surf, Know the Rules

Locals are cool about sharing surf spots, but there’s definitely an order. Don’t just paddle out and expect to catch every wave because people who live there get priority. If you’re a beginner, maybe stick to the smaller breaks and avoid the hardcore surf spots.

12. Try the Local Food

Hawaii has some seriously good food, so don’t just eat at chain restaurants. Try:

  • Poke – Fresh, marinated raw fish.
  • Plate Lunch – Rice, mac salad, and a protein (like kalua pork or loco moco).
  • Shave Ice – Way better than a snow cone. Get it with condensed milk on top.
  • Spam Musubi – It’s basically Spam sushi. Sounds weird, but it’s actually really good.

Food trucks (our favorite) are also a solid choice. They’re cheaper than restaurants and usually just as good.

13. Don’t Be That Tourist

A few things locals hate:

  • Calling all locals “Hawaiians” (only people with native Hawaiian ancestry are actually Hawaiian).
  • Driving slow in the fast lane. If people are behind you, just pull over.
  • Ignoring “No Trespassing” signs. If a sign says kapu, that means stay out.
  • Being loud in quiet places. Hawaii has a lot of peaceful spots. Don’t be the one ruining it.

14. Hawaii Is Expensive, so Plan for It

Hawaii isn’t cheap, and hidden costs add up fast. Expect to pay resort fees ranging from $25 to $50 per night, parking fees (especially in Waikiki), and higher prices for food and gas.

To save money, eat at food trucks, rent a condo instead of a hotel, and visit during the off-season (spring or fall).

15. Slow Down and Enjoy It

Hawaii is best enjoyed at a slow pace. Don’t try to cram too much into your trip. Leave time to just hang out on the beach, watch a sunset, or grab a drink and relax. You don’t have to see everything to have a good time.

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