9 Common Mistakes Tourists Make in Hawaii
Aloha! October is Hawaii month at The Points Guy, so check back regularly for flight and hotel reviews, features and deals from Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island of Hawaii.
Hawaii is one of the world's most sought after travel destinations, and the islands receive millions of visitors each year by both plane as well as ship (in 2017, that number exceeded 9.4 million).
If you want your trip to paradise to be as dreamy as possible — mai tais on the beach, surf lessons and jungle hikes — plan ahead and avoid these all too common vacation oversights.
1. Assuming All the Islands Are the Same
There are eight major islands that make up Hawaii, and none of them are remotely the same. Choosing the right island for you will determine the vibe of your trip.
Only six of the islands are major tourist destinations: Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Maui and the Big Island. Even still, each one offers its own distinct adventures, weather and local transportation (don't expect to catch an Uber on Lanai, for example, while serious hikers should plan to escape to the Garden Isle of Kauai), so it’s important to plan your trip accordingly.
2. Saying You’re "From the United States”
It’s really easy for a local to spot a tourist. Don't make it easier by claiming you're “from the United States,” because, well, you're still in the US. Sure, Hawaii may feel very exotic and tropical, but it's been a state since 1959. Simply say you're from “the mainland” or, name the specific state you live in.
Though you haven't left the country, travelers will still need to bring cash from home, or face fees at local banks. There are no Bank of America locations in Hawaii, nor will you find a Chase or Wells Fargo during your stay.
3. Trying to Island Hop in One Trip
It’s tempting to island hop during your trip, especially because the flights are cheap and short. But because there is so much to see on each individual island, it’s best to stick to just one or two.
If you only have 3 to 5 days for your Hawaii vacation, for example, you should focus on exploring one island. If you can go for a week or longer, you could see two. Adding a third island to a 7 or 10 day trip might be feasible, but you'll be spread thin, you will end up spending more time transiting through airports than relaxing on the beach!
Travelers who do island hop should start on Oahu, Maui or the Big Island — the three islands with the most connectivity.
4. Spending Your First Full Day in the Sun
We know the first thing you want to do when you reach Hawaii is slip into a swimsuit and head out to the pool or beach. But this could be a mistake you regret the rest of your trip.
If you spend the entire day outside, you’re very likely to get sunburned, dehydrated and extremely tired — not a great way to start a holiday. And if you get burnt on day one, you’ll be burnt for the entirety of your trip. Avoid this common mistake by getting plenty of shade and drinking a glass of water at least for every fruity cocktail you have.
5. Not Bringing the Right SPF
In Hawaii, most travelers can’t get away with their standard sunscreen. The islands are a lot closer to the equator than many travelers realize, and the sun is most direct on the islands between the hours of 11am and 2pm (read: prime beach time). If you normally wear SPF 15 or 25, you need to wear at least 30 or 45. Don’t forget to apply the sunscreen to your feet and ears, and remember to pack a good sunhat.
Moreover, Hawaii recently banned some sunscreens: those that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, chemicals that can kill coral reefs. Even though the law doesn't go into effect until 2021, you should still be conscientious about buying sunscreen that's environmentally friendly.
6. Only Exploring Waikiki on Oahu
A vast majority of vacationers spend their entire trip on Oahu, specifically on or near Waikiki beach. But there is so much more to see around the island (not to mention, you know, the rest of the state). If you stay in Waikiki, make sure you plan at least one or two day trips out of the city and explore the other sides of the island. The best way to do this is to rent a car, though Ubers are easy to come by.
Travel north to watch some of the best surfers on Earth ride the famous North Shore swells, and to visit the nearby town of Haleiwa (stop for garlic shrimp from Giovanni's shrimp truck). If you head to the east side of the island, you can spend a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center or the Kualoa Ranch.
7. Not Packing a Sweater
Although most days in Hawaii are sunny and hot, the weather can be unpredictable. Depending on the time of year, it could rain for an entire day.
Bring a light rain jacket for those unexpected weather spells, and know that it can get quite cool at night, too.
8. Hiking After it Rains
If it rains during your trip, you may need to adjust your itinerary. The hiking trails, many of which are steep, dirt footpaths, can get extremely muddy and slippery.
If you decide to do a hike and it recently rained (even if it was a couple days prior) you should at least prepare to get dirty. Some hiking trails might be closed after rainfall, whereas other trails have a rope system in place to help guide you up and down the trail. And you’ve been warned: even if the way up seems fine, the way down is definitely going to be slippery!
9. Ignoring Posted Signs at the Beach
While some beaches have lifeguards, not all of them do, and most lifeguards will go off duty in the evening. Swimming in Hawaii can be very dangerous, so if you see a warning sign or flag about the shore break or rip currents, it’s best to avoid going into the ocean at that time.
Shore break can knock you down against rocks and reef, and rip currents can pull you far out to sea, which often leads to drowning. Even if you think you're a strong swimmer, it’s best to be cautious, especially in Hawaii.
All photos by the author.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.