The Aloha Spirit
With a combination of allowing the Aloha Spirit of the islands to support your relaxing vacation and basic common sense to keep your belongings safe, your trip will be just what the doctor ordered.
It is also important to remember that you are coming to the islands to relax, to slow down and to unwind. The culture in the islands is different from that of most of the United States and people genuinely move slower. So if you are in a hurry to get your rental car, food or anything for that matter, you will be frustrated and disappointed. Breath, look around you, enjoy the pace of island life. It’s good for you to not move so fast and it’s ultimately why you came.
Another tip for travelers is to be pleasant with anyone that is working in the tourist industry. The Aloha Spirit is real for locals and they believe that you get what you give. So the nicer you are to them, the nicer they are to you. I’m sure it is common sense to most, and I can’t tell you how many locals complain of having to serve visitors that are rude or tip poorly (10-15%).
The island culture is a mixture of many different ethnicities coming together to make Hawaii a special place. An unspoken understanding between all cultures is one of basic manners. Greet someone when appropriate, say thank you and you are welcome, and be respectful of their environment. Remember that Hawai’i, although part of the United States, has its own ways and does not always take part in the rat race of America.
As far as attire goes, be comfortable and prepared for the heat in the day. Sunglasses are essential.
If you plan to head up any mountain, it does get cooler and sometimes rains, so bring a light sweater or a thin jacket. If going to any one of the summits such as Haleakala, Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa, you will be surprised at how cold it gets so be prepared for the 30’s if it is during the rainy season or in the evening for sunset.
For the fashionistas wanting to wear their designer gear, there are fine dining restaurants and night clubs on certain islands. For the most part, island wear is a bit behind the latest trends unless you are in Honolulu or some places on Maui. The islands are not L.A. or New York, the people in Hawaii care more about what is on the inside than what you have on the outside.
Lastly, it is expensive in Hawaii. There are ways to get around it such as knowing the right places to eat and stay (highlighted in the island profiles). Certain islands do have adequate public transportation and there are tons of wonderful things to see and do that don’t cost a great deal of money. Be realistic about your travel budget and choose wisely, Hawaii is not Indonesia or Thailand, but it’s worth every penny.
