50 Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Living in Hawaii

Aloha! Living in Hawaii is a dream for many, but island life comes with its own unique set of challenges and rewards. Whether you’re a new resident or a long-time local, understanding the nuances of Hawaiian culture and lifestyle is crucial for a harmonious existence in paradise. This comprehensive guide offers 50 essential do’s and don’ts to help you navigate life in the Aloha State with respect, awareness, and aloha spirit.

Embracing Hawaiian Culture

Hula is an important part of Hawaiian culture.
Kuhio Park hula dancer by Ray_LAC is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Image may have been resized or cropped from original

1. Do learn about Hawaiian history and culture Educate yourself about Hawaii’s rich heritage. Attend cultural events, visit museums, and engage with local communities to deepen your understanding.

2. Don’t disrespect sacred sites Many locations in Hawaii hold deep spiritual significance. Always follow posted guidelines and avoid disturbing these areas.

3. Do learn basic Hawaiian language Incorporate Hawaiian words into your daily life. Start with “Aloha” (hello/goodbye), “Mahalo” (thank you), and “Kokua” (help).

4. Don’t mock or imitate Hawaiian pidgin Respect the local dialect. It’s not for outsiders to imitate or use inappropriately.

5. Do support local businesses Patronize locally-owned shops, restaurants, and services to contribute to the island economy.

Environmental Stewardship

#Earth A bird’s eye view of the famous NaPali Coast of Kauai, Hawaii taken
from a hovering helicopter. By Ryan Moyer [2048 X 1366] by 80048637@N02 is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. Image may have been resized or cropped from original.

6. Do use reef-safe sunscreen Protect Hawaii’s marine ecosystem by choosing sunscreens without harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate.

7. Don’t litter or leave trash on beaches Keep Hawaii beautiful. Always clean up after yourself and participate in community beach cleanups.

8. Do conserve water and energy Hawaii’s resources are limited. Be mindful of your water and electricity usage.

9. Don’t take lava rocks or sand as souvenirs It’s illegal and culturally insensitive to remove natural elements from the islands.

10. Do practice responsible hiking Stay on marked trails, respect wildlife, and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Community Living

Hawaii 2014: Hawaiian International Folm Festival by Kathy Schrock is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0. Image may have been resized or cropped from original.

11. Do get to know your neighbors Building strong community ties is an important part of island life.

12. Don’t be loud or disruptive Respect quiet hours and be considerate of your neighbors, especially in apartment buildings.

13. Do participate in local events Engage with your community by attending festivals, farmers markets, and neighborhood gatherings.

14. Don’t ignore the concept of “island time” Embrace a more relaxed pace of life and be patient with others.

15. Do volunteer in your community Give back by volunteering for local organizations or participating in community service projects.

Transportation and Driving

The Bus runs throughout the islands!
A TheBus New Flyer DE40LFR bus crossing Nimitz Highway on Bishop Street in downtown Honolulu. by Musashi1600 is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Image may have been resized or cropped from original.

16. Do practice aloha while driving Be courteous on the road. Let others merge and avoid excessive honking.

17. Don’t block beach access Respect public beach access points and avoid parking in front of them.

18. Do carpool or use public transportation when possible Help reduce traffic congestion, especially on Oahu.

19. Don’t leave valuables visible in your car Car break-ins can happen. Keep your belongings out of sight.

20. Do be cautious on rural roads Many island roads are narrow and winding. Drive carefully, especially at night.

Health and Safety

Sometimes it’s not all rainbows in Hawaii.
Raindrops by racruth is licensed under CC0 1.0. Image may have been resized or cropped from original.

21. Do stay prepared for natural disasters Keep an emergency kit ready for hurricanes, tsunamis, or other potential hazards.

22. Don’t underestimate the sun’s intensity Use proper sun protection to avoid severe sunburns and long-term skin damage.

23. Do learn ocean safety Understand rip currents, wave patterns, and other ocean hazards.

24. Don’t hike alone in remote areas Always inform someone of your plans and hike with a buddy when possible.

25. Do be aware of local health concerns Stay informed about issues like dengue fever or leptospirosis and take necessary precautions.

Work and Finance

Honolulu from Punchbowl by Kyle Hasegawa is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Image may have been resized or cropped from original

26. Do understand the high cost of living Budget carefully and be prepared for higher prices on many goods and services.

27. Don’t expect mainland salaries Many jobs in Hawaii pay less than their mainland counterparts. Adjust your expectations accordingly.

28. Do consider remote work opportunities Take advantage of Hawaii’s growing digital nomad community and remote work options.

29. Don’t forget about shipping costs Factor in higher shipping fees when ordering items from the mainland.

30. Do explore multiple income streams Many Hawaii residents have side hustles or multiple jobs to make ends meet.

Housing and Home Life

Hawaii by David Wipf is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Image may have been resized or cropped from original and has been 64268289@N03.

31. Do research neighborhoods thoroughly before moving Each area of Hawaii has its own character. Find the right fit for your lifestyle.

32. Don’t keep doors and windows open all the time While the climate is lovely, be mindful of security and pests.

33. Do invest in good fans or air conditioning Staying cool can be crucial for comfort, especially if you’re not used to the humidity.

34. Don’t ignore pest control Be proactive about managing insects and rodents in your home.

35. Do be prepared for higher utility costs Electricity, in particular, can be expensive in Hawaii.

Food and Dining

Poke is pretty popular in the islands.
Spicy Ahi Tuna Poke by Foodista is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Image may have been resized or cropped from original

36. Do embrace local cuisine Try traditional Hawaiian dishes and support local farmers and fishermen.

37. Don’t waste food Be mindful of portion sizes and food waste, as many items are imported and costly.

38. Do grow your own produce if possible Even a small garden can help offset high grocery costs.

39. Don’t shy away from plate lunch spots These local eateries offer delicious, affordable meals.

40. Do learn to cook with local ingredients Incorporate tropical fruits, fresh fish, and other local produce into your cooking.

Respecting Wildlife

Nene in a freshwater pond in Hawaii

41. Do admire wildlife from a distance Never touch or feed wild animals, including sea turtles and monk seals.

42. Don’t use harmful fishing practices Follow local fishing regulations to protect marine ecosystems.

43. Do report injured wildlife to proper authorities Know who to contact if you encounter injured or distressed animals.

44. Don’t release non-native species Avoid introducing or releasing non-native plants or animals into the environment.

45. Do participate in conservation efforts Support local wildlife conservation organizations through donations or volunteer work.

Cultural Sensitivity

Collage of Hawaiian Royalty

46. Do ask permission before taking photos of people Respect privacy, especially at cultural events or on sacred grounds.

47. Don’t wear shoes inside homes Remove your shoes before entering someone’s house as a sign of respect.

48. Do dress appropriately for various settings Understand and respect dress codes for beaches, hikes, and more formal occasions.

49. Don’t touch or sit on sacred stones or structures Many rocks and formations hold cultural significance. Admire them respectfully.

50. Do perpetuate the Aloha spirit Embrace kindness, patience, and respect in your daily interactions with others.

Living in Hawaii is a privilege that comes with the responsibility of caring for the land, respecting the culture, and contributing positively to your community. By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll not only enrich your own island experience but also help preserve the beauty and spirit of Hawaii for future generations.

Remember, malama pono – take care and do what is right. Your efforts to live harmoniously in the islands will be appreciated by both the land and its people.