Aloha! Did you know a startling 9.3 million people visit Hawaii every year? This number is rising rapidly thanks to lowered airline costs, so it’s no wonder so many people are getting their surf on and flocking to the land of sun and paradise. Before you pack your bags, make sure you know these 15 things.
1. There’s a rainy season.
A lot of people don’t realize that Hawaii has a rainy and dry season. The rainy season is between November and March while the drier months are from June to September. During the rainy season, you can expect rain just about every day.
2. The winds matter.
Because the islands are situated right in the path of the trade winds, it matters which side of the island is “windward” (facing the wind) and “leeward” (the opposite end). The windward side is where the best surf is while the leeward side is drier.
3. You can’t island hop.
A lot of visitors don’t realize just how large Hawaii is. If you’re staying for less than a week, odds are you won’t have time to “island hop” from place to place. A good rule of thumb is to visit no more than two islands for every week you spend in Hawaii.
4. Prepare your wallet.
In Hawaii, you’ll need to pay what’s called a “paradise premium.” This is a bit of a local pun that things cost more in Hawaii because it’s so gorgeous. While it’s true the sun and sand might be worth a bit more cash, this premium is really just because it’s so separated from the rest of the world.
5. Book hotels early.
Accommodations book quickly in Hawaii, especially during peak travel season in the dry months. You’ll find most of the major resorts on Maui, Big Island, and Kawai, but make sure you book early. The good news is you can find amazing accomodation everywhere as long as you book early.
6. Most islanders aren’t Hawaiian.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking all islanders are Hawaiian. The term “Hawaiian” is only used to refer to people who are of Hawaiian descent, and that’s less than 10% of the state’s entire population. Those born on the island are just called “locals.”
7. Learn some Hawaiian.
You don’t need to learn a new language to go to Hawaii, but learning some Hawaiian terms will go a long way with the locals. Aloha is good for hello and goodbye, and Mahalo is good for thank you. That’ll get you far!
8. Welcome to island time.
Island time is a real thing! Things move a bit slower on the islands, so make sure you take your time. This isn’t the place to suffer from road rage, honk your horn, or worry about making it somewhere on time.
9. You can ski.
Believe it or not, you can ski in Hawaii. The Big Island has 8 climate zones, including mountains with snow. In the winter you’ll find locals skiing on Mauna Kea, a volcanic mountain. There are no chairlifts in sight, however.
10. Don’t speak pidgin.
Pidgin is a grammatically simplified local language used in Hawaii that’s composed of a number of immigrant languages. While it can be cool to overhear pidgin around the island, trying to speak it yourself can come off as condescending.
11. Beware of Kapu Sites.
Kapu sights can be found around the island sometimes in unexpected spots. They might not seem special to tourists, but this is referring to a secret site. It might be a burial ground or a royalty meeting place, so be sure to be respectful.
12. Bring cash.
Depending on where you are, you might not be able to use cash in many stores and restaurants. Many places don’t run any internet, especially outside of the touristy districts. Cash is a must.
13. Uber is limited.
A lot of travelers are used to Uber to get around when they’re visiting new places. However, Hawaii has really strict laws on car insurance for passenger vehicles so you might not be able to find an Uber in a lot of places (like certain airports).
14. Every island is different.
Every Hawaiian island is different with its own culture, weather, and sights. Don’t expect to search “Hawaii” on your weather app and find the weather everywhere. Things are super different across the same island, let alone different islands.
15. Don’t expect the movies.
Finally, don’t expect to step onto a movie step in Hawaii. Of course, no photography could do the views justice, but let the islands be their own guide, not the other way around.
Are you planning a visit to Hawaii? You’re in for the experience of a lifetime. Just make sure you pay attention to these things above so you’re not caught off guard.
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