Travel is costly.

Booking flights and hotels, buying supplies at your destination for the duration of your stay, eating at various restaurants and eateries, and going out to explore and do fun activities can burn a hole in your wallet in a matter of days.

What you might not realize, however, is what your travel might cost to your destination. This isn’t a monetary cost. Rather, the costs of travel are environmental, and aren’t often noticeable to the individual.

The environmental impact of traveling is difficult to conceive of to an individual, but they exist and are easily compounded.

The most common way people travel is by airplane, which takes a significant amount of fuel to travel from one place to another. Planes require a lot of energy to take off and stay in the air, which means that fossil fuels are the only source of aviation fuel right now. Every flight contributes to the erosion of fossil fuels due to the current lack of viable alternative fuels, and every traveler that flies to their destination further spurs this on.

Traveling often leads to higher expenses on basic necessities like food, water, clothing, and accommodation compared to staying at home. This is due to the flexibility of travel schedules, which often result in the use of disposable products like bottled water and packaged foods. And why wouldn’t they? Buying bottled water is cheap, simple, and easy, for example, and means a lot less trouble getting through airport security compared to packing a reusable bottle.

However, these products are often disposed of in landfills. Tourists also consume more resources than residents, which can be detrimental to the environment. Fossil fuels used in transportation and tourism contribute to finite resources, which are unsustainable. Additionally, tourism can threaten the habitats of endangered species, such as the Big Island’s water supply, which is crucial for the local population.

Tourists often adopt a mindset of temporariness when staying in a new area for a limited time, allowing them to “let loose” and try new things, spend more money, and behave in ways they wouldn’t at home. This mindset can lead to damage to the environment, such as trampling native plants or eroding soil, and disregarding rules and warning signs. For example, people in hotels may not be as cautious about their room’s state as they are in their homes, as room service will take care of it. This mindset can also lead to disregard for the history and cultural significance of destinations, such as Hawaii, where visitors may forget that the islands have been around for millennia and will likely remain there for millennia. Overall, tourists should be mindful of their surroundings and be cautious when visiting new places.

Ecotourism is generally understood to involve travel habits that reduce (or eliminate) a visitor’s environmental impact on their destination. The specific definitions may vary from place to place and depending on who you talk to, but the basic idea remains the same: ecotourists want to travel sustainably. Most ecotours are generally focused on the environment or culture of an area, whether it’s a sightseeing tour that uses a bike rather than an automobile, a whale-watching tour that depends on a healthy population of humpback whales, or a fun zipline course built above farmland.

 There are three main ways tours aim to be more eco-friendly:

1. Minimizing resource use and environmental impact
2. Increasing awareness of natural species and resources
3. Supporting local people and efforts in the destination

A bike tour uses human energy to go from place to place rather than a resource-hungry tour bus, eliminating the need for fossil fuels. A nature tour that involves sightseeing at natural locations or wonders isn’t necessarily an ecotour unless it reduces the impact of bringing thousands of visitors there per year.

Whale-watching tour, on the other hand, increases awareness for a local species while allowing residents of the area to make money off of their presence—a significant paradigm shift since humpback whales were historically endangered due to whaling.

Zipline courses built above a farm not only has little impact (the lines don’t encroach on the existing agricultural land), but also provides additional income for local farmers and supports locally-grown produce.

If you want to consider yourself an ecotourist, however, you’ll have to do more than just attend a few ecotours. An ecotourist reduces their environmental footprint by attending ecotours, avoiding fossil fuels, supporting local communities, and being conservative with water, food, and waste. While not all of these actions are possible for everyone, if everyone made a conscious decision to travel responsibly, even if it was just a minor change, it would make a significant positive impact on the environment. By doing so, everyone can contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly travel experience.

Everyone has to fly to get to Hawaii, but there are good and bad ways to catch a flight. Flying directly to your destination generally takes less fuel than taking off, landing, and taking off again. Check if your airline sells a carbon-offset, which is an optional fee that goes towards helping the company reduce their carbon emissions. Pack light so you reduce the weight of your baggage.

Houses and apartments are generally more energy efficient lodgings than hotels are, especially when larger hotels come with their own golf courses, swimming pools, fountains, and other amenities that consume more than they provide.

Renting a car, especially if you’re traveling alone, is just not worth the petrol it uses. If you’re thinking of renting a hybrid, keep in mind that taking a bus or riding a bike is still preferable than utilizing electric energy for short excursions like those in city centers.

Hawaii has a burgeoning local produce market, so consider visiting farmers’ markets, locally-sourced restaurants, and breweries that serve local beers!

Remember that not all nature tours are ecotours, so use some discretion: Visiting Kauai’s biggest natural attractions in a luxury, air-conditioned tour bus? Not so eco-friendly. Biking from Waimea Canyon down to Waimea Town? Much more eco.

Hope you’ve learned something about ecotourism and the environmental impact of traveling. Ready for your trip? visit HawaiiActivties.com for more options!

Hawaii is a tropical island that offers a unique and memorable experience for most visitors.  To make the most of your experiences, it is essential to learn something during your stay in Hawaii. The trend known as “educational tourism,” is growing worldwide. This not only provides a novel experience but also a skill that can be developed and trained even after leaving, whether at home or during a different trip. Hawaii offers numerous opportunities to learn something new, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a unique and memorable experience. Here’s a list of 10 things you can learn here.

A lot of you read the title and thought “I want to learn how to surf!”

Well, you’re not alone, and the locals know it—that’s why it’s easy to find surfing lessons in Hawaii, especially ones tailored for visitors, no matter where you’re staying.

Surfing isn’t as hard as it looks, either. Most of the effort goes into keeping your balance when you’re on the board. Catching a wave is a matter of being in the right place at the right time, which you’ll learn as part of your lesson. By the end of your surfing class, you’ll have learned how to stand up, catch a wave, and even do a few basic tricks!

Another ocean sport, stand-up paddling (or SUP for short) has been growing in popularity recently. One reason is because it’s easy; the board is wider and more stable than a regular surfboard, so it doesn’t require as much skill.

The gear required is simple, too, since you just need a SUP board and a paddle. As soon as you learn how to keep your balance on the board, you’re good to go! Keep in mind it’s something of a workout, too: your shoulders and core are most used when standing on a board and paddling, so you get to work on that beach body while at the beach!

You heard that right! Scuba isn’t as complicated as it seems, at least in the beginning. You can get certified to go scuba diving with a quick lesson, and what better place to do it?

The reefs around Hawai’i are not only an awesome motivation to go scuba diving, but they’re also the perfect place for beginner divers. There are multiple levels of scuba certification, so don’t expect to be deep diving within the span of your Hawaiian vacation (unless you’re dedicated), but there’s plenty to be seen even for beginner divers that regular snorkeling just won’t get you. And if you’re already certified, there are ocean dives for experienced scuba divers too!

A lot of the entries on this list are outdoor adventures, and that’s for a good reason.

Hawai’i’s natural environment is gorgeous. Learning these skills lets you explore or experience it in ways you couldn’t before. Rappelling is a great way of experiencing hikes and waterfalls in Hawai’i that you won’t be able to access without the gear and skill involved.

Yes, you read that right! You can rappel down waterfalls. Don’t worry though, your instructors won’t throw you off a plummeting stream to begin with. You’ll start with a more controlled descent in a training area before moving to your first waterfall. While rappelling down a waterfall can be tricky due to the slipperiness, you’ll have all the gear, instruction, and help you can get, so there’s nothing to worry about.

What better way to relax when you’re in Hawai’i?

Yoga is a great way to get a workout but also collect your thoughts with some light exercise. It’s also really easy to get into, and everyone can benefit from some yoga. Yoga classes are available to both beginners and the experienced, so they’re worth checking out for anyone.

Who knows, maybe after trying it out in Hawai’i, you’ll make it a healthy habit when you return home!

This is one of the less adventurous items on the list, but it’s no less important.

Hawai’i not only has a rich cultural heritage but was also home to a civilization that was able to sustainably maintain a population of one million before electricity or modern development. As such, the traditions, skills, and habits of Native Hawaiians should be learned, spread, and passed down to future generations as a way of learning to live in harmony with our natural environment.

This doesn’t mean sleeping under the stars miles away from running water or electricity. Rather, it means learning the skills that the ancient Hawaiians used such as weaving baskets out of hala leaves, pounding poi, and coconut husking—the traditional arts and crafts that were both recreational and practical. You won’t even have to take actual classes to learn about these. You can participate in them during luaus or at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

It’s not very well known that Hawaii has many ranches. Moving with the times, these ranches now allow visitors to explore their beautiful acreages via horseback, ATV, and even new zipline courses.

In Oahu, notably, there are horseback riding tours that take you through the verdant Kualoa Ranch, where you can marvel at nature’s beauty while interacting with these graceful animals. Then, on the Big Island, the Waipi’o Valley offers a unique opportunity to learn horseback riding amidst the backdrop of cascading waterfalls, towering cliffs, and wild horses. Over in Maui, Mendes Ranch and Trail Rides offer a unique coastal view, allowing you to trot along the coastline while observing the surrounding wildlife. Here, experienced guides also instruct beginners on horseback riding, ensuring a fun and safe learning environment. Each island, with its unique landscape and charm, provides a distinct learning experience that is as enriching as it is exciting.

While related to learning indigenous knowledge, this is much more extreme.

Learning traditional arts and crafts is one thing, learning basic survival skills is a whole another ball game. While you’re never more than a few miles away from a town in the islands and it’s fairly easy to orient yourself wherever you are, survival skills come in handy when you most need them; in an emergency.

You’ll never know when you’ll have to make a fire, trap a wild chicken, run away from pigs, and figure out what’s safe to eat or drink in the wilderness. These skills will probably be more useful to you back home rather than on a small island where you can’t get lost for more than a day.

For those of us for which the advice “throw yourself at the ground and miss” hasn’t been very successful, you can sit in the (co-)pilot’s seat of an aircraft for a quick pilot’s class.

Here in Hawai’i, you can find lessons that double as flightseeing tours, adding an extra thrill to your vacation sightseeing. I’d recommend an air tour of the islands to anyone since it lets you see the landscape of Hawaii and the sheer amount of geological diversity that thrives here.

What better way to spice up a flight than by doing the flying yourself? Sit at the helm of an airplane or helicopter, taking instructions from an experienced and friendly pilot who will guide you at your own pace (and be ready to take the controls if necessary). Most places also give you a neat certificate to take home to prove you’ve flown your aircraft!

This is probably the perfect learning opportunity in Hawaii.

Fishing is easy to pick up, available at any body of water, and lets you take something home for your efforts. It’s also family-friendly since anyone who doesn’t want to fish can always just hang out on the boat 90% of fishing is just hanging out, anyway.

Fishing tours generally provide the boat and fishing gear, and a lot also provide food and drinks for your day out on the water. It’s common that they also let you keep what you catch, except fish that are too small or specific areas that are catch-and-release only. Some vessels are also equipped with an onboard grill, so you can cut, clean, and cook your catch as soon as you get it!

That’s our list! If nothing else, I hope you learn a lot about Hawai’i during your visit—about its culture, history, and unique ecology. Our islands are always worth visiting, and worth learning from! Looking for other kinds of lessons? Visit HawaiiActivities.com to know more!

So you’ve landed at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and need to find a way to your hotel. You walk to the nearby car rental and ask for a compact vehicle.

“Sorry, all our compact and sedan models are rented out at the moment. We can rent you a small SUV for $150 per day.”

That’s triple what you expected to spend. Better just call a cab for now. Arriving at your hotel and settling in, you’re eager to get out and do something fun. You whip out your smartphone, type in the search bar “fun things to do Oahu” and figure that ziplining is exactly what you want to do. You call up Kualoa Ranch to see if they’ve got a zipline open:

“Sorry ma’am, we’re fully booked for today.”

Alright, I guess it’ll have to be ‘Plan B’ for today, but what about tomorrow?

“I’m so sorry, but tomorrow’s totally full as well. We do have an open spot next Monday if you’d like!”

Sunday night is your flight back home, so that’s a no-go. By now you’re feeling a bit peckish, so you decide to go out and find a nice lunch restaurant. Walking around Waikiki, you spot an enticing place with a menu posted out in the front. As the hostess greets you, you can tell from her body language that this will be another disappointment.

“I’m sorry miss, but we’re really busy right now. If you want a seat, it will be a wait of maybe 60 to 90 minutes.” Sigh. What went wrong?

Here’s what you need to know when you want to start booking a trip to Hawaii.

While it may seem fun to have a vacation that’s totally spontaneous, the reality is that a lot of things are too unpredictable to expect on the spot: rental cars run out, activities can get fully booked, and restaurants run out of seats.

Just like buying plane tickets, booking activities and tours in advance can ensure you get a seat when and where you want it, as well as save you money. Trying to book a same-day activity isn’t always possible for this reason, as tour providers may need to make arrangements (like food or equipment) beforehand.

Even if same-day bookings are available, during the busy seasons there might not be any availability left on the days or times you wanted. Making reservations well in advance will ensure you’ll get a spot exactly when you want.

Nobody wants to spend their vacation chasing after people to figure out if their North Shore horseback ride is still available or not. You definitely don’t want to drive all the way to your activity to find that there’s no spots left for your party.

Reserving your seats beforehand might seem like a chore, but figuring out your schedule is much better than trying to throw something together at the last minute (and perhaps not succeeding). You’re only here for a limited time, after all, so you should be spending that time actually doing things instead of searching for “fun things to do” on your phone.

Sometimes, things happen. People make mistakes, errors pop up in digital systems—Murphy’s Law applies even during holidays. Things like spotty internet (you’re traveling, after all) when you’re trying to book an activity could compromise your reservation.

Booking early means you’ll have more time to catch any such errors or reorganize your schedule if it comes to that. It also means that you’re better able to change plans if something comes up: canceling early will often get you a full refund, whereas you’d be hard-pressed to get any money back for a last-minute cancellation.

Some activities require preparation, whether due to certain restrictions or just by the nature of the activity. Imagine going on a guided snorkeling tour, but not having a snorkel and mask—you’d be forced to spend money on a gear rental or purchase on the day of the activity when you could have gotten a cheaper set if you knew earlier.

Maybe you thought you’d surprise your spouse with a 5-star Star of Honolulu sunset cruise, but neither of you brought appropriate attire for a high-class dinner. Planning ahead helps you pack exactly what you need and avoid bringing (or buying!) too much stuff. And honestly, it’s just less of a headache since you won’t be scrambling for whatever item you might have forgotten.

Last-minute deals are tempting, but they’re always a gamble. Airlines, hotels, and other seat-based services tend to give out discounts at the last minute to fill up empty seats, which is the main reason why people like to wait before buying.

However, being able to get these lightning deals depends on the provider not being fully booked, which isn’t very common during busy season in Hawaii. It also means you’ll be left with whatever seats or activities aren’t as popular (why else wouldn’t they be taken by another traveler?). In the long run, planning ahead ends up saving you time, anxiety, and in some cases even money. You’re on vacation to get away from the stress, after all, so it’s best to just leave that all at home.

If you’re planning a trip to the tropical paradise of Hawaii, it’s essential to pick the right time for your visit. Our article about the Best Time to Visit Oahu provides an in-depth analysis of the best times to visit Hawaii, taking into account factors like weather patterns, crowd density, and seasonal activities. Whether you’re an active adventurer seeking the perfect wave or a relaxed traveler dreaming of serene beaches and vibrant sunsets, this article has the insights you need to plan your perfect Hawaiian getaway.

So you’ve bought your tickets, booked your hotel, and have a fun summer in Hawaii all planned out. What’s next? While Hawaii has a variety of activities available for every type of person, each Hawaii vacation begins the exact same way: An airport screening.

Airport security has been tight for a long time, and for good reason. Everyone wants their flight to go safely and smoothly so they can get to Hawaii and head to the beach. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, then, that TSA is willing to go to great lengths to find and remove anything that may compromise the safety and security of the flight. On the other hand, it can be downright painful to go through an hour of security checks, removing and re-donning your shoes multiple times, just to be able to find your gate.

For your benefit, here’s a full list of everything you need to get to your destination:

1. Your boarding pass
2. A government-issued photo ID

That’s it.

Without these two items you’re not getting on your plane. With just them and nothing else, you can pass through without worry—just make sure your name on both items is the same. Of course, if you’re traveling for more than a day, you’ll probably be packing supplies, essentials, and maybe a change of underwear.

Some of you might be thinking “Well, of course you can’t bring weapons on a plane.” So hopefully you realize that this restriction applies to conventional firearms and ammunition as well as BB guns, paintball guns, flare guns, pellet guns, and realistic gun replicas.

It also applies to all knives as well as multi-tools like Swiss Army knives and leathermen. You may not realize, however, that this applies to anything that can be used as a weapon, including any sports bats/clubs/sticks/poles, snow cleats & crampons, tent spikes, tools longer than 7 inches (18 cm) and pepper spray/mace. As a rule, if you’re unsure of a particular item, leave it at home.

TSA has something called the “3-1-1 Rule” that every traveler should be aware of:

• Any liquid, gel, cream, or paste that you bring must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less in quantity.
• You can bring as many of these 3.4-oz containers as you can fit in a single 1-quart bag (~0.95 liters).
• Each passenger may bring 1 bag of liquids with them as a carry-on. This bag must be declared when passing through security.

That’s the 3-1-1 rule: 3 ounces, 1 quart, 1 bag per passenger. Check the TSA website for more detailed information on what you can and can’t take through a security check.

Hawaii has strict regulations on any living plants that come into the islands. Items such as live plants or fresh fruits and vegetables could be invasive or carry invasive species with them, such as bacteria or small insects.

As a preventative measure, many fruits and vegetables aren’t allowed in Hawaii, while others are with prior inspection. Generally speaking, you’re still allowed to bring dried plants, fruits, and vegetables as well as nuts. Cooked, canned, frozen, or processed foods are also OK if  you (and your food) are flying from continental US. See here for more information. If you do happen to bring your daily apple with you to the airport, you’ll just be forced to smuggle it to the islands via your stomach. After a healthy amount of chewing, of course.

For the above reasons, animals also fall under strict regulations when going in and out of Hawaii. Hawaii is a rabies-free state and to keep it that way, all dogs and cats are quarantined upon arrival to undergo a rabies check. Most importantly, all incoming dogs and cats must undergo an OIE-FAVN rabies blood test and pass a 120-day waiting period.

If you haven’t completed this blood test, your furry family member will be placed in quarantine for the full 120 days. In general, it’s better to just leave Mr. Fluffles at a pet day-care or with a trusted friend.

Check out Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture page for more information.

Hawaii, an isolated archipelago in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, is far away from any other major landmass. Flying to Hawaii from California will take over 5 hours, while flying from the East Coast, Japan, or Australia takes about 10 hours of non-stop flying. That’s a long flight, and you don’t want to be spending 9 hours sitting still with nothing to do, unable to fall asleep because it’s too bright or loud in the cabin for you to get comfortable.

Here’s a few (airport-security-approved) items you should keep in your carry-on to make your long flight go smoothly.

I highly recommend bringing a sleep mask or at least a handkerchief/bandanna to tie around your eyes. You can’t choose to close every window on the plane and turn off every light, so a mask is the only thing you can depend on to grant you sleep-worthy darkness.

Similarly, a set of earplugs can be a godsend. Whether there’s a crying baby or a loud conversation going on behind you, long flights are rarely quiet enough to sleep through. In lieu of earplugs, a good set of noise-canceling headphones is a great, multi-purpose alternative.

Lastly, most people find a pillow or neck-cushion indispensable for getting a good nap in during long flights. The horseshoe-shaped cushions are great at preventing stiff necks that are typical of sleeping in the seated position.

So maybe you’re reading this at the airport and forgot to bring all of the previously-mentioned items. Maybe you’re gonna land at 9:30 and really don’t want to be wide awake for your first night in Hawaii. Either way, you might not want to spend the entire flight asleep, which is why these items are great to have with you on long flights.

A mobile device is the typical modern-day entertainment device, and you’re free to use one that doesn’t interfere with airplane communications, such as a tablet or music player. Phones can be used so long as they’re in airplane mode, which means no internet and no phone calls. I recommend transferring a few albums and movies to your phone’s memory before the flight. Books and ereaders are a dependable choice that will keep you engaged for as long as you have something to read. In-flight magazines that will give you more information on your destination are available on most flights.

Failing that, a deck of cards can entertain anyone without needing batteries. Even if you’re flying alone, you can play solitare on your tray or invite the person next to you to play blackjack (if they’re not sleeping, of course).

Arguably the most important things to bring when traveling are the little things that will keep you sane on a long flight. These are minor things that you could do without, but go a long way in making travel tolerable.

A bottle of water won’t make it past airport security, but you could always bring an empty bottle and fill it up at a fountain in the airport. If not, buy a bottle at the airport. You don’t want to be at the mercy of your flight attendant to stay hydrated—she’s got dozens of other people to take care of, after all.

Likewise, a light snack comes in handy when the airplane food isn’t enough (or just isn’t very good). As stated earlier, avoid bringing fresh fruit or vegetables unless you’re ready to go through agricultural inspection or eat them all before you land. Nuts, dried fruit, chips, or crackers are all fair game, though, and can make a 9-hour flight bearable when a bland airplane lunch just doesn’t cut it.

Comfortable clothing is one of the most important things to have when traveling. Even though you’re likely heading to a warmer climate, chances are the pressurized, climate-controlled airplane cabin will be kept chilly for the duration of your flight. As such, a light jacket or small blanket will do wonders in keeping you comfortable, especially if you’d like to catch up on sleep.

If you’re traveling with kids or babies, everything listed above is doubly important, with the addition of anything that will keep your kid happy. This means diapers, milk, toys, snacks, or coloring books. As parents, you understand that if your child is unhappy, you’re gonna have a bad time.

With all of this in mind, you’re pretty much set for your trip to Hawaii! Congrats and get packing! Before that, here’s a few parting tips that might make your life easier.

• Dress for security: I don’t mean short shorts and a low cut top. Keep in mind that when going through security, you’ll have to remove your shoes and belt, as well as empty out your pockets. The best way to prepare for this, then, is to keep your pockets empty (save for the 2 essential items listed above) by stashing your keys and phone in your carry-on. Avoid wearing a belt to the airport altogether to save yourself some trouble. For footwear, choose something you can remove and wear easily like slippers (“flip-flops” for our continental friends). They’ll be seeing a lot of use in the islands, anyway.
• Check-In early: Most airlines now offer online and mobile check-in options that can save you time at the airport. Not all passengers can check-in via the web, so visit your airline’s website for more details on online check-in. You can also print out your boarding pass at home, which saves you time looking for a kiosk at the airport. If you’re a US national and fly often, consider applying for TSA Pre-check. For an $85 membership fee that lasts 5 years, you can streamline your trip through airport security by registering  you in a “known traveler” registry, which requires a fingerprint and background check.
• Less is more: This one might seem difficult to wrap your head around, but a lot of things you pack in a check-in bag aren’t strictly necessary to bring. Chances are, you can fit all your necessities in your carry-on and buy or rent anything you need at your destination. This has the added bonus of saving time and money, as well as not having to worry about your baggage being lost or sent to the wrong state. If you can manage it, I recommend you forgo your check-in bag altogether and put all your travel items in a carry-on.
• Bring your sense of humor: One of the most important things to consider is that while traveling you’ll probably be stressed, tired, and anxious to get out of the airport and into your hotel. Chances are, the same goes for everyone else at the airport.

 

With that in mind, it’s good to step back and take a deep breath if you find yourself getting impatient. Don’t let it get you down: it’ll all be worth it when you finally arrive in paradise!

Travel can be stressful. Kids can be stressful. Traveling with kids? Oh boy.

If you’re a new parent, you’re probably surprised at how the mere presence of a baby or toddler can complicate something as simple as going to the store. Traveling gets much more complicated when kids come into the picture, but that doesn’t mean that every parent should settle for a staycation until the kids are off to college. In fact, if you’re planning to travel with a baby or toddler, all it takes is preparation and a bit of parental instinct.

Traveling with a baby can be a nightmare for the unprepared parent. The experience of flying around the world and going to a totally new place is stressful for children—it’s stressful for most adults, too! The important thing for a parent to keep in mind is what their baby is feeling, even if they can’t communicate it.

Your baby might get freaked out to suddenly find themselves in a strange place around strange people, so it’s important to pack toys and even a portable play yard with you to create a familiar environment for your little one. Note that the first day or two of your trip will probably involve getting settled and letting your child acclimate to the new environment (babies get jet lagged, too!), so don’t plan to do very much at the beginning of your stay, and consider staying a few days longer than you normally would.

The second best thing about traveling with a baby is that you don’t have to buy tickets for them if you keep them on your lap. (The best thing is that they can’t yet run away from you.)

Note, however, that if you want to use a car seat for your child you will need to buy another ticket. Some parents might see this as a worthwhile investment, as an extra seat gives you that much more space to care for your baby. Some babies experience ear pain from air pressure changes during airplane flights, in which case having them suck on something is the best cure. Not every baby goes through this, though, so if your baby is sleeping soundly during takeoff then it’s best to leave them be.

It’s easy to go overboard when packing for your child: what if she needs this? What if I need that? What if so-and-so happens? But keep in mind that Hawaii’s got plenty of supermarkets, grocery stores, department stores—we even have Costco! Chances are, if you need something for your baby, you’ll be able to buy it while in Hawaii. You don’t really want to be trudging through the airport with all your bags, a child, and an extra 40 lbs of baby supplies.

It’s best to pack essentials for the entire trip, but consider buying items that are replaceable, disposable, or that you’ll only use once or twice. Even cheap clothes can be bought in Hawaii and then given away or donated before you leave. Trust me, the money you spend will probably save you time, stress, and even money in the end.

If your baby needs medication or formula, be sure to pack as much as you need, despite liquid restrictions. Luckily, breast milk, formula, and medications are exempt from that rule, meaning you can bring as much as you need as long as you inform the TSA officer during screening. Check out TSA’s website for more information.

You can never be sure how your little one will respond to travel. Some babies hate being in a totally new area, while some love all the novel experiences. Most just kind of sleep through it, though.

In any case, it’s important that you don’t worry about doing everything you want to do in Hawaii. Instead, just focus on having a good time and pay attention to your child’s needs. If you try to organize and schedule every minute of your trip, you’ll end up disappointed when things don’t go according to plan—and when there’s a kid in the mix, things never go according to plan. Most of all, make sure you (and your baby) are getting enough sleep!

There’s plenty of things you can do with your child in Hawaii, whether for free or on a paid tour. Here are some ideas:

We’ve said plenty about luaus in many different blog posts, and yet we can never say enough. Luaus are perfect for parents, since they’re easy to attend and don’t require any preparation, and they’re great for kids, who love the music and flashy dances. Plus, there are luaus available on any island, any day of the week. If you haven’t been to a luau before, you should definitely go, but even if you have you should strongly consider attending one again.

Check out our list of luaus offered by HawaiiActivities here.

Like luaus, there are plenty of night shows available in Hawaii to attend, including comedy, music, theater, fireworks, and magic shows. Also like luaus, they don’t require any preparation or special requirements: just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. Take a look at the list of night shows offered on HawaiiActivities to see some kid-friendly options.

Hawaii’s melting pot of cultures makes for a variety of different cuisines from all around the world, including interesting fusions of local, Hawaiian, and international dishes. That means that if you want to walk around a town or mall and try a bunch of different dishes at nearby holes in the wall and local venues, you can. If you want to treat yourself at a fancy restaurant in Waikiki, you can do that, too.

If you really want to go out and experience local food, you can also drive around and visit various food trucks, shrimp shacks, and roadside stands that are popular, delicious, and won’t break your budget (you’ve got mouths to feed, after all). Whatever you’re looking for, you’re bound to find something you like for you and your little one.

See More: Hawaii Food Tours

Circle Island helicopter flights are one of the best ways to see the islands, and can often get you to places you wouldn’t otherwise see.They also, like airplanes, allow lap-children to fly free.

There are a few things to keep in mind, like the fact that you can’t do a doors-off flight with small children, your baby will need ear protection, and queasiness might be an issue. Besides that, though, helicopter flights are a safe and spectacular way for you and your child to see the islands.

See More: Helicopter Tours in Hawaii

Not all sightseeing tours allow lap-children to ride along for free, but most do, especially if you’re riding in one of the larger motorcoaches. These sightseeing tours are a great way to see all the major points of interest on each island. While you could just drive yourself from one place to another (and you might want to, depending on how much attention your baby will need), you’ll be missing out on having a guide to tell you about each area, and you’ll have to do all the driving yourself.

As for major destinations, Dole Plantation is a family favorite, as it has things like a train ride, giant maze, and Dole Whip that kids love.

Everyone that visits the Big Island visits Volcanoes National Park. Besides the volcano itself, the park is also filled with cool lava formations, a museum, and a variety of geological wonders.

Pro-tip: There’s definitely a lot of walking and hiking involved if you want to see everything, so be ready to carry your child if you want to explore the park. Another warning, Kilauea spews out volcanic fog (vog), which is sulfur dioxide as well as other gases released by the crater.  While the vog is generally too thin to affect humans, if the sulfur levels in the air are too high, prolonged exposure near the volcano could be bad for your baby. Vog levels are monitored and you’ll be warned if they get dangerously high, but that doesn’t happen often so you most likely won’t have to worry.

Visiting a museum in Hawaii is one of the best ways to learn about the islands’ history, culture, geography, and endemic wildlife. Bishop Museum on Oahu holds a ton of unique specimens from Polynesia that can’t be found anywhere else. It’s also got a planetarium, where you and your kid can learn about astronomy (or just watch a pretty star show).

There are also plenty of historic museums all around the islands to commemorate places, people, and events significant to Hawaii’s history. Pearl harbor Aviation Museum would surely peak your kids’ interests on aviation. Use your own discretion as to where you want to visit, since not everyone likes museums—and that applies to children as well as adults.

See More: Arts and Museums Hawaii

There aren’t many theme parks in Hawaii, and all of them are on Oahu. Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), however, is the one park that you need to experience. Between the Marketplace and the all the attractions of the Center itself, this is an all-day activity that you and your family can enjoy. There are plenty of shows and hands-on activities that your child will love, and every night ends with a luau buffet dinner and show.

See More: Polynesian Cultural Center Tours

You’re on an island, so might as well do some sailing. After all, being out on the ocean is a lot of fun for anyone. The larger cruise vessels offer live entertainment, or at least fresh dinner, but smaller catamarans do quick sunset cruises that are fun, relaxing, and short enough to keep your toddler’s attention.

You can also sail out in the daytime on a dolphin-watching cruise, which is really popular with children. During the winter (November – April), Humpback whales migrate to Hawaii’s waters, which means whale watching cruises are available.

Check out our full list of all the cruises, sails, and boat tours in Hawaii.

Like museums, aquariums and zoos are really popular with kids. Honolulu Zoo in Waikiki is the only zoo in the state, and it features over 1,000 animals, including endemic and endangered species. You can also bring your own cooler full of snacks and drinks, provided you don’t litter or try to feed the animals. Waikiki Aquarium is located right next to the zoo. While not as big as other aquariums, it’s an inexpensive way to spend a few hours of your day and entertaining for kids, too.

The other aquariums you can visit in Hawaii are Sea Life Park and the Maui Ocean Center. Sea Life Park is largely like what you would find on the US continent at places such as SeaWorld, with live shows and interactive marine exhibits.The Maui Ocean Center is more hands-off, boasting the largest collection of Pacific corals in the world and a variety of fish, reptiles, and marine mammals.

While you might not find yourself (and your baby) participating in a lot of activities, you can always find ride-along packages that let one parent take part while the other is able to watch the child. Shark diving tours are one such activity, where you and your baby can just stay in the boat and see the sharks from the surface.

Other snorkeling and scuba diving tours also allow ride-alongs, who can just stay in the boat for a reduced fare. If you see an activity you like with a ride-along option that allows infants, go ahead and sign up, or call in to ask if you’re unsure.

You don’t always have to spend money to have a good time in Hawaii. There’s plenty to do and see just driving around on your own without having to buy anything—and you’re probably spending all your money on baby supplies, right?

Here are some ideas to help you and your baby have fun on your Hawaiian vacation:

I probably didn’t need to tell you to go to the beach when you visit Hawaii. The beach is a great place to relax and kids can inexplicably be entertained for hours just by playing with sand. Look for beaches with tide pools, as these little puddles are safer for infants and often hold small sea creatures. Just be careful of the sun: the UV rays are more intense in Hawaii, making it easier for you and your child to get sunburned. So don’t forget to bring your reef-safe sunscreen.

While sightseeing tours are often worth the cost for having a driver and guide, sometimes your child needs the care and attention of a private tour. In that case, you can just rent a car, open up your maps app, and drive around the island yourself. One benefit of this is that you have full control over where you visit and how long you stay. You’ll also be able to stop and take breaks whenever you and your little one need it. Another awesome thing is that your trunk will give you space for bags and baby supplies, something you won’t get in a tour bus.

If you visit during any major holidays, you can bet there will be celebrations around the islands. Halloween is always a fun event if you’re in Waikiki or Lahaina, both places having costume contests for kids and adults. Block parties that include art walks and food & wine tastings are held in downtown Honolulu the first Friday of every month.

There are also other monthly special events held for the public at places like Waimea, PCC, and the Honolulu Zoo. Whenever you visit, look online for local events near you, especially ones meant for families and children, as there’s bound to be something worth checking out.

This is one of those things I suggest doing and always get this response: “But I can do that at home!”

My follow-up question is always the same: “But do you?”

A lot of people travel for the chance to experience something new or different, but many people travel for the simple change of pace a vacation offers compared to the bustle of everyday life. A picnic at the park seems like such a normal, mundane activity for someone visiting Hawaii, but think about the last time you got the opportunity to spend time with your family without worrying about what tomorrow has in store. Plus, Hawaii’s parks are absolutely beautiful and the weather can’t be beat (it’s Hawaii, after all).

Hawaii offers many hikes that are easily accessible and don’t take too long. Even with a baby or a toddler, you can do a simple hike like Diamond Head, Makapuu, or Manoa Falls. If your child is small enough, put them in a baby carrier. Remember to do your research before you go, check the weather before you leave your hotel, and make sure you’ve backed enough snacks, water, sunscreen, and bug repellent.

You can browse the list of hiking tours in Oahu, here.

That’s our list! Again, it’s important to remember that while there’s a lot of fun and interesting stuff to do in Hawaii, if your baby isn’t feeling comfortable, it might be a better idea to stay in and just relax in your hotel for some time. You’re here to relax, after all—Hawaii isn’t going anywhere.

Hawaii’s breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture have long been a magnet for filmmakers. From the verdant cliffs of Kauai to the bustling streets of Honolulu, the Aloha State has served as the backdrop for an array of movies and TV shows. This article will take you on a cinematic journey, exploring the diverse locations within Hawaii that have been immortalized on screen.

Hawaii, a beautiful and diverse US destination, is a popular destination for film and TV shows due to its natural setting and diverse nature. The Big Island has 8 of the 13 Koppen climate zones, making it an ideal backdrop for movies and shows. Hollywood studios began producing films in Hawaii in the 1950s, focusing on Pearl Harbor‘s increased attention during World War II. Later, films covered Hawaii’s history, culture, and romantic atmosphere, while larger budgeted films used the natural landscape and undeveloped parts of the island for “untamed wilderness” movies. As Hawaii’s market appeal grew and travel became more affordable, film tourism increased, attracting a new type of tourist to visit the locations where their favorite films were shot.

A list of major films and TV shows set in Hawaii, along with their specific locations, is provided. Tours and activities in each area are also available, including movie-themed sightseeing tours on Kauai andOahu. We’ve added links throughout the article to help you find tours and activities in each area. 

Remembered for the famous kiss on the beach between Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr, From Here to Eternity, based on the novel of the same name, is famous for its honest portrayal of military life during peacetime. Filmed on Oahu, the aforementioned scene was set at Halona Cove, a popular tourist attraction even today. Other locations featured in the film are Schofield Barracks, Waialae Country Club, and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.

Based on the musical, South Pacific topped the box office its release year, despite criticisms of the film’s use of color. Arguably the most memorable number is Bali Ha’i, a haunting melody about a mysterious and off-limits paradise. In the film adaptation, the volcano Bali Ha’i is portrayed by Mount Makana on the north shore of Kauai, with the scene being shot on Hanalei Bay. Even today, Mount Makana is often referred to as “Bali Ha’i.”

The first of the Elvis films to be shot in Hawaii, and an influential film that brought Hawaii into the limelight as a major tourist destination, Blue Hawaii is a musical romantic-comedy that also had ties to military. Set mostly in Waikiki and around Diamond Head, several scenes were filmed around the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Much of the film was shot at the Coco Palms Resort, which has since been abandoned due to damage from Hurricane Iniki in 1992. The Resort is scheduled to be reopened after restoration in 2018 under Hyatt.

One of the first TV series to use a tropical setting, Gilligan’s Island ran for three seasons and was shot mostly in a studio. The scenes they couldn’t pull off in-house, however, were filmed in Moloa’a Beach and Hanalei, on the north shore of Kauai. The footage for the opening theme was taken in Honolulu Harbor and in Kaneohe Bay, with Mokuoloe (Coconut Island) visible in the background.

An epic drama and the first of many Hollywood films to discuss Hawaiian culture, Hawaii tells the story of a missionary and his wife (portrayed by Max von Sydow and Julie Andrews) as they move to Hawaii in the 1820s. Set in Lahaina and Honolulu, the film was shot in multiple locations around Oahu.

Combining the popularity of police procedural dramas with the increasing marketability of Hawaii, Hawaii Five-0 was, at the time, the longest-running police drama on American TV. It was also one of the few major filming projects in Hawaii at the time, a fact that the cast and crew felt keenly as many locals who were hired to work on Hawaii Five-0 were forced to learn on-the-job due to lack of previous experience or training.

Despite the logistical issues, almost every episode of the series was shot in Hawaii on location or in studios at Diamond Head and Pearl City, with each episode proudly proclaiming that it was “filmed entirely on location in Hawaii.”

While not set in the islands, the original Indiana Jones film owes Hawaii more than just a few locations: the film only began to materialize when George Lucas and Steven Spielberg discussed making an action-adventure film while on vacation in Hawaii. Much of the forest-based scenes were shot on the island of Kauai, including Huleia River in Kipu Ranch.

Another popular crime-related series filed on location in Hawaii, this time focusing on a private investigator that takes cases he wants and lives as a guest in someone else’s beachfront mansion. Said mansion is actually a real residence in Waimanalo, on the southeast side of Oahu, and was recently sold for a cool $8.7 million. Other locations featured in the show include Ala Wai Harbor, Bellows Air Force Base, the airport, and various locations around Chinatown and Waikiki.

Another Spielberg film, Kauai was chosen for the location of Jurassic Park in part due to past work done there for Raiders of the Lost Ark.

In a stroke of misfortune, filming in 1992 was interrupted by Hurricane Iniki, which hit Kauai hard on September 11, becoming one of the costliest hurricanes the U.S. had seen so far. On the plus side, some of the storm footage in the film was created by the hurricane itself. Filming resumed in Kualoa Ranch on Oahu (where you can still do a film tour), with additional scenes also completed in Haiku on Maui and on the (private) island of Niihau.

A romantic comedy starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, 50 First Dates is both set and filmed in Oahu, incorporating real-world places such as Sea Life Park  (where Adam’s character works), Waimanalo, Kaneohe, and Makapu’u.

This enigmatic drama series is among the numerous productions that chose the breathtaking landscapes of Hawaii as their filming backdrop. The series was primarily filmed in Oahu, making full use of the island’s diverse terrain to portray the fictitious, isolated island on which the plane crash survivors find themselves. Key locations include the tranquil Mokule’ia Beach, which served as the crash site, and the captivatingly lush Waimea Valley, which was frequently used for jungle scenes. The remnants of the fictitious DHARMA Initiative’s compounds were shot at a former YMCA camp in Punaluu. These charming spots, among others, were instrumental in bringing Lost’s mysterious island to life.

Yet another romantic comedy set and filmed in Hawaii, though this one’s a little less family-friendly. Forgetting Sarah Marshall is set and shot specifically at the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Oahu, where the main character goes on vacation to forget his ex-girlfriend, only to find that she’s also visiting Turtle Bay with her new boyfriend. Filming was done entirely on-location in Hawaii and Los Angeles.

A satirical comedy set in Vietnam, Tropic Thunder chose Kauai for the majority of its filming due to its thick tropical forests. Director Ben Stiller is reported to have spent over a month exploring the island land, sea, and sky, before choosing it as a location over Mexico or Southern California.

Moreover, Tropic Thunder was one of the largest film productions on the island to date, contributing more than $60 million to the island’s economy.

A remake of the original television series, the new Hawaii Five-0 has been ongoing since 2010. Filming continues around Oahu, closing off select areas around the island for short times while new seasons are being shot. The popularity of the series has helped boost various local businesses, including more visitors to Iolani Palace and Pearl Harbor, more shave ice sales, and rising popularity of Kona Brewing Company beers (Steve’s favorite). There are also sightseeing tours that cater specifically to Hawaii Five-0 fans!

Soul Surfer is a biographical drama that tells the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a surfer that lost her arm in a shark attack at 13, but was determined to continue surfing and goes on to compete in surfing competitions despite the loss of her arm.

Hamilton, born and raised on Kauai, was heavily involved in the production of the film with the rest of her family. The majority of the filming occurred in Hawaii, with Hamilton herself doing the surfing scenes.

A drama film starring George Clooney, The Descendants focuses on family, relationships, and legacy—themes that resonate strongly with the chosen backdrop of the Hawaiian islands. Clooney plays a Honolulu-based attorney who is the sole trustee of 25,000 acres of land on Kauai. Most of the film was shot in Hanalei Bay on the north shore of Kauai, with additional scenes filmed at Kipu Ranch on Kauai and in Honolulu, Oahu.

While viewing these films and TV shows gives us a glimpse of Hawaii’s spectacular charm, nothing compares to the real-life experience. Why not walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters and see these stunning locations for yourself? Head over to HawaiiActivities.com and start planning your unique Hawaiian adventure today. You’ll not only get to see where these iconic scenes were filmed but also immerse yourself in the unrivaled beauty that is Hawaii. It’s time for your own action scene!

Most of Hawaii’s iconic film and TV scenes (Jurassic Park, Hawaii Five-0, Lost, Pirates of the Caribbean, Hunger Games, Godzilla, 50 First Dates) were shot at Kualoa Ranch on Oahu’s windward coast. You can walk the same valleys, see the exact filming spots, and ride through Ka’a’awa Valley in person:

Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites Tour – The original filming locations tour. A guide takes you to the exact spots where Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, Lost, Hawaii Five-0, and 50 First Dates were filmed, with behind-the-scenes stories at each location.

Jurassic Valley ATV Adventure – Drive your own ATV through Jurassic Valley, passing filming locations and dramatic mountain scenery. A more hands-on way to explore the ranch.

Kualoa Ranch ATV Raptor Tour – The most popular Kualoa experience. A 2-hour off-road adventure through the same valleys the raptors roamed. Waikiki hotel pickup available.

While every place has its own unique features that make it distinct, Hawaii’s history and geography set it apart from the rest of the United States and, in some cases, the rest of the world. Here are some interesting facts that you might not have known about Hawaii.

While Mt. Everest is generally known to be the tallest peak in the world due to its elevation (8,848 meters tall), that measurement is taken from sea level to the very top of the mountain. When measured from sea level to peak, Mauna Kea stands at a measly 4,207 meters tall, not even half of Everest.

Mauna Kea, however, is partially submerged: the base of the mountain is actually below sea level at the sea floor. Thus, when measured from base to peak, Mauna Kea measures 10,210 meters, making it the tallest mountain in the world. The elevation of the summit as well as its latitude make it an amazing place to go stargazing or watch the sunset.

With a little under a million residents, the city of Honolulu doesn’t place very high on the list of most populous cities in the U.S., much less the world. However, given the Hawaiian Islands’ isolated position in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, it’s a wonder that so many people congregate here. For reference, the closest major city to Honolulu is San Francisco, which is 2,400 miles away – that’s the same distance as traveling the entire U.S. continent, coast to coast.

The United States of America is proud of its separation from the British monarchy in 1776, which is probably why there aren’t weren’t any palaces or royal buildings built anywhere on American soil. That is, until the U.S. annexed Hawaii, which has a long and proud history of ruling monarchs.

The current ‘Iolani Palace was completed by King David Kalakaua in 1882 and featured electric lights, indoor plumbing, and a telephone. For the record, the White House didn’t have electrical wiring installed until 1891, and even then the president and his wife were too afraid to use them.

Hawaii’s climate and geography has allowed species that can’t be found on the continent to thrive in the islands. It’s one of the reasons why Hawaii has such a long history of plantation work, growing sugarcane, pineapple, macadamia nuts, banana, sandalwood, and coffee. The volcanic soil, tropical climate, and consistent year-round weather of the Hawaiian Islands make them ideal for growing crops of all kinds.

In particular, Kailua-Kona on the Big Island is the perfect place to grow coffee for several reasons. The volcanic soil, gently sloping hills, light rainfall, and modest sunshine of Kona create the ideal conditions for growing coffee, and has birthed its own variety of coffee: Kona coffee, one of the most expensive in the world.

If you’re on the Big Island, consider taking a tour of a Kona coffee farm – some of them even give free samples!

Although Kawaikini is the highest peak on Kauai, the nearby Mt. Waialeale is much more famous as being the wettest place in the world. Getting an average yearly rainfall of over 450 inches, the mountain, named “rippling water” creates giant waterfalls and large bogs where rare plant species thrive. One reason for this is that the cool, gentle tradewinds that the islands are famous for blow in from the northeast – since Kauai is the northeasternmost island in the Hawaiian chain, it means that any rain clouds that blow in from the Pacific hit Kauai first.

Also, while Waialeale is tall at over 1,500 meters, it isn’t so high (like Haleakala or Mauna Kea) to tower over the rainclouds, allowing precipitation to collect at its peak. While other places in the world might get more rainfall at specific points in time or have historically been wetter, Mount Waialeale gets to keep its title for having consistently high rainfall throughout the past few decades.

Two of the smaller islands in the Hawaiian chain, Molokai and Lanai see much fewer people coming to visit or move in. Molokai, known as “the Friendly Isle,” is well known for being home of the Kalaupapa peninsula, having a small-town atmosphere throughout the island, and being excellent hunting ground for axis deer. Molokai also has a population of just over 7,000 people, most of which agree a stop light is completely unnecessary – not just because of the lack of traffic, but because it would spoil the small-town aesthetic of Kaunakakai, the largest population center on the island.

Lanai is known as “the Pineapple Isle” due to being home of the world’s largest pineapple plantation. The island has merely 3,000 residents, a portion of which are employees at the Four Seasons resort. Most of the “roads” are unmarked dirt pathways as well, making a four-wheel-drive vehicle necessary for anyone who wants to explore the island, and also making the idea of a potential stop light completely absurd.

Many visitors to Hawaii are surprised by how big ranching is in the islands. In fact, ranching is a long-standing tradition in Hawaii that rose out of necessity: cattle, brought to the islands as a gift, were overrunning the forests and trampling native plants. To find a solution, Kamehameha III invited three Mexican vaqueros from California to wrangle the now-wild cattle. As such, paniolos (Hawaiian cowboy) became a part of Hawaiian culture beginning in the early 19th century, directly descended from the Mexican practice of cattle rearing.

Parker Ranch was the first ranch to be built in the Hawaiian islands, founded in 1847 (three years before California became a state). The ranch itself spans about 250,000 acres on the Big Island, making it the largest in all of Hawaii.

Referred to as just “the volcano” by residents of Hawaii, Kilauea is the newest volcano in the Hawaiian Island chain, which was created as the Pacific tectonic plate shifted northwest over a volcanic hotspot. This same hotspot is now creating fresh land on the south side of the Big Island, spewing from Halemaumau Crater and running down into the ocean.

Despite it’s youth (or perhaps because of it), Kilauea currently emits the most lava of all the active volcanoes in the world. Eruptions have been continuous since 1983, making Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island the must-visit destination for anyone who wants to see active lava flows.

You read that right: Hawaii isn’t the original home of the famous macadamia nut. The original plant is indigenous to Australia and was named after the famous Australian figure John Macadam.

The tree was only introduced to Hawaii in 1882 as a windbreak for sugarcane fields, not being commercially produced until decades later. Today, Hawaii holds a spot in the top 3 macadamia producers of the world, along with Australia and South Africa, and is best known for its cultivation techniques.

“Noon” is pretty easily defined by most: 12 p.m., right in the middle of the day. A “solar noon,” however, isn’t defined by the clock. Instead, it’s understood to be the time of day when the sun reaches its highest point, or zenith, which is dependent on the season and location of the observer.

If you’re living north of the Tropic of Cancer (U.S., Europe, East Asia, etc.), your sun will actually be located slightly south of you during a solar noon – likewise, the sun will be slightly north for observers south of the Tropic of Capricorn (Australia, South Africa, Argentina, etc.). Hawaii, however, is the closest state of the U.S. to the equator, meaning at specific times in the year, the sun is directly overhead.

This is most noticeable when looking at shadows: an object like a telephone pole that stands straight up will seem to not have a shadow at all. This phenomenon is known locally as a “Lahaina noon,” where the sun passes directly overhead, and occurs once in May and again in July.

Hawaii’s culture and history evolved separately from the rest of the United States, so it shouldn’t be surprising that there are social conventions and norms that you won’t find on the continent. Besides culturally sensitive issues, there are also conservation efforts in Hawaii that visitors should be mindful of, in addition to regular advice that every traveler should keep in mind. Let’s discuss more about Kapu and things not to do in Hawaii.

[lwptoc skipHeadingLevel=”h3,h4,h5,h6″]

Throughout the islands, you might run into warning signs that say “kapu.” This Hawaiian word is related to “taboo,” a term found in various forms throughout Polynesia. The simplest definition of kapu is “forbidden,” but the root of the term has a deeper connection to Hawaiian history and culture.

Prehistoric Hawaii operated under a kapu system which was a universal code of law. The kapu system dictated everything from politics, to religion, to social and gender roles, to even how and what a person may eat. The highest penalty for breaking the most sacred kapu was a death sentence that could only be avoided by running to a pu’uhonua, or place of refuge. If the offender was able to reach the pu’uhonua before being caught, a kahuna would perform a ceremony purifying the offender of their transgression, granting them pardon and allowing them to return home safely.

The kapu system was abolished by King Kamehameha II, who broke kapu by eating with the women of his royal court. Under the kapu system, men and women were not allowed to eat together, so having the ruling monarch break kapu in this way effectively abolished the system for the entire kingdom.

Today, the word kapu is used to refer to things that people should avoid, whether or not it is part of Hawaii’s law.

Hawaii is blessed with one of the most biodiverse environments in the world. In addition to its rich tropical climate and varied geography, Hawaii is home to very few natural threats to human beings. A hiker in Hawaii doesn’t have to worry about mountain lions or poison ivy, for example, nor do residents have to worry about snakes or venomous insects.

In fact, Hawaii’s biosphere is so safe that the biggest threat to it is posed by human beings. Historically, human beings have brought a lot of threats to the indigenous creatures of the islands, from the first Polynesian settlers bringing pigs that dug up fragile plants, to later Western sailors bringing mongooses and mosquitoes.

Today, humans are still a real threat to the natural environment due to pollution, development, and simple negligence.

While there are major efforts being made to study and conserve Hawaii’s unique wildlife, every individual has a part to play in protecting the environment. Something as simple as properly disposing of your trash goes a long way in keeping the environment clean and habitable for all of Hawaii—whether plant, animal, or human.

In addition, be mindful of wildlife when out in nature: species such as the Hawaiian green sea turtle and Hawaiian monk seal are endangered, and must not be approached or disturbed, especially when resting.

In general, listen to and heed all instructions when doing nature tours, and be mindful of signs and warnings in your area.

Like any other place, the locals of Hawaii have superstitions and folklore that inform what they can or can’t do. In Hawaii, a lot of this folklore comes from Hawaiian traditions and beliefs. There are a few superstitions that visitors should be aware of:

A small container of sand sounds like a cool souvenir, especially if taken from a black- or red-sand beach, but doing so is considered bad luck. Moreover, sand is a natural resource that takes years to form, so removing it harms the environment. Lastly, sand is coarse and rough and irritating and it gets everywhere, do you really want your “souvenir” accidentally popping open and spilling into the rest of your luggage?

Removing lava rocks from the volcano is considered bad luck. The lava is property of Pele, and taking a rock for yourself is tantamount to stealing. Trust me, you don’t want an ancient Hawaiian goddess angry at you.

If you’re on Oahu and want to visit the East side via the Pali Highway, make sure there isn’t any pork (or other pig-related meats) in your car before your drive. This piece of folklore is still commonly shared, but traces its root to Hawaiian legends. The Pali is the realm of Pele, goddess of lava, who had a turbulent relationship with Kamapua’a, the pig demigod. Since the two hate each other, bringing pig (representative of Kamapua’a) into Pele’s domain is sure to draw her ire. Again, you don’t want an ancient Hawaiian goddess angry at you.

This one isn’t Pele-related. Probably. The myth is that bringing a banana on a boat will prevent you from catching any fish. There isn’t a single origin of this belief, but it seems to be present in some fishing communities outside Hawaii as well. Note that some fishermen also include banana-based products (chips, muffins), and a few even include anything with “banana” in the name—so avoid “Banana Boat” brand sunscreen if you plan to go fishing!

Most of the advice in this post boils down to one thing: respect.

If you show respect to the land and people of Hawaii, you’ll have a good time. But, if you don’t respect the culture, laws, or environment, you won’t have a good experience, and you’ll also be making the experience worse for every traveler that comes after you. You might be surprised at how different it is from continental US!

Is there anything else you want to know before your first trip? Are you visiting and curious about local customs? Sound off in the comments section; we’d love to hear it!

Coming to Hawaii or wanting to experience Hawaii virtually? Check out some of our many tour and activity options on HawaiiActivities.com!

Summer’s over, meaning kids go back to school, college starts its fall semester, and the heat finally relents after months of sweat. It also means that one of the peak travel times has passed, and everyone goes back to work to bide their time until the winter holidays. In general, there are less people traveling worldwide, and especially to Hawaii. Here’s a guide on how you can take advantage of the off-season’s offerings!

In general, Hawaii’s off-season is in late winter (January to early March), late spring (late April to early June), and fall (September to mid-December). Different people will give you different answers as to when off-season really is, mostly because of how complicated and unpredictable travel and travel-related trends can be.

In addition, each place has it’s own off-season, and most (like Hawaii) have multiple times of year that are considered off-season. Lastly, some people also refer to off-seasons as “low seasons,” “trough times,” or a variety of other terms that are unique to specific tourist destinations.

For this guide, we’re using the term “off-season” to refer to the less busy times of the year—note that we said “less busy” rather than “empty” or “quiet.

Compared to a lot of other tourist destinations, Hawaii is always busy. With that in mind, every time we describe a trend or pattern just understand that any statements will be relative rather than absolute. So, relatively speaking, the above listed times are much less busy because you avoid the many travelers visiting during their winter holidays, spring breaks, and summer vacations.

The busy seasons in Hawaii are characterized by climate, holidays, and convenience, but they often involve competition for rates, deals, and personal space. This can make it difficult to enjoy a beautiful Hawaiian sunset or a romantic dinner cruise with a throng of tourists. One compelling argument to travel in the off-season is to skip the crowds.

The summer traveling season, which lasts from early June to August, is filled with large groups of tourists eager to see and do everything before summer ends. However, starting in September, these large groups migrate back home, leaving tourist destinations less crowded. The winter holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, attract many visitors, including “snowbirds” from colder climates. This period is the busiest time of year worldwide, and Hawaii is no exception.

However, between the winter holidays and spring break, travel decreases significantly, making it an ideal time to escape both crowds and the coldest months of the year. To avoid crowds, consider all major holidays and convenient travel times… and avoid them like the plague.

Market forces dictate that as demand decreases, prices must decrease to account for the surplus of supply. In the off-season, hotel and airline companies lower their prices due to the decreased volume of people traveling. Compared to traveling in October, buying a plane ticket during the summer would be one-and-a-half times as expensive, and taking a flight at the end of December would cost more than twice as much. This price trend also applies to hotel accommodations, as the convenience of traveling during major holidays will cost you cold hard cash. On the other hand, it means that things are cheaper in the off-season, there’s less competition for plane seats and hotel rooms, and everything is less crowded than in the busy times of year.

Govisithawaii.com, an excellent resource for Hawaii hotel trends, produced an infographic on Hawaii hotel trends, including a line graph. Many hotel, airline, and tour companies also offer discounts and special deals to stimulate business during the off-season. Off-season flights are usually half the cost of those at Christmas, but airline companies often make last-minute deals on flights to fill up seats when they aren’t busy. Hotels also offer lower rates on accommodations to stay in the black during the less busy months.

In conclusion, the off-season is a time for businesses to lower prices and more deals pop up to encourage people to travel.

Hawaii’s weather is generally pleasant for tourists, but summer travelers may experience sunburn due to its high ultraviolet index due to its proximity to the equator. The sun’s direct UV rays can reach up to 90° F, making it difficult to avoid skin redness and sensitivity. Summer travelers should apply sunscreen regularly, as the dry months rarely offer cloud cover from the sun’s intense rays.

Winter travelers face unique challenges in Hawaii. Winters are wet, which is beneficial for tropical plants and greener surroundings, but not ideal for beach activities, cruises, or leisurely hikes. Weather forecasts are unpredictable and unpredictable, and weather conditions can be unpredictable and unpredictable. Winter is also prime surfing time for Hawaii residents and visitors, with larger waves and rougher ocean conditions.

The spring and fall months provide a perfect balance between the two seasons, offering occasional rainfall, warm temperatures, and a milder climate. The sun remains with lesser intensity, and occasional clouds provide brief respites and drizzle. Although the water remains fairly warm from the summer and there will be waves, winters are less dangerous. Variable weather also offers advantages, as individual areas may see more sun and rain than others. If you prefer a different climate, driving to another location can provide a change of climate.

Chances are, if you’re not planning to visit during any major holidays, you’re more flexible as to when you’re willing to travel. An adjustable travel schedule allows you one major benefit: the freedom to bargain-hunt.

Instead of planning a week of travel and hoping for deals on that day, you can search for specials first, then plan your trip around any discounts you might find. You’ll be shocked at how much money you can save bargain-hunting for special deals on flights, hotels, and even tours at any off-season destination.

Obviously, these specials won’t happen during busy times of the year or major holidays when everyone and their aunt decides to travel. However, there’s no way of telling exactly when these deals will pop up, so deal-savvy travelers will have to keep their eyes open and their schedules flexible. And that’s a major strength of traveling off-season that many people overlook: you decide when it’s best to travel instead of being constrained to a calendar.

For a comprehensive guide to helicopter tours in Oahu, including routes, operators, and what to expect, see our Ultimate Guide to Helicopter Tours in Oahu.

If you are looking to book a helicopter tour in Oahu directly, you can browse all current options at our Oahu Helicopter Tours page.