January 25, 2026

Tips for Being a Respectful Hawaii Visitor

North Shore, Kauai (2026).

I am often asked how to be a respectful tourist in Hawaii. I don’t always feel like the best person to ask as I am not born and raised or still a permanent resident and, while my family has lived on Kaua’i for over 30 years, there will always be a part of me that will be a visitor. With that in mind, I reached out to some of my buddies that are current and long time residence of the islands and put a little list together of our accumulated tips. These are with a focus on Kauai as it is the place and the people I know best.

~ Mālama ʻāina. Care for the land. It speaks to a mutual bond between people and place ~ one rooted in care, responsibility, and respect. The land is regarded not just as a resource, but as kin, sustaining life as it is cared for in return. This way of thinking centers stewardship, long-term balance, and practices that protect what exists so future generations inherit something stronger, not diminished.

- Educate yourself about Hawaiian history and culture. The overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, American imperialism, the annexation of Hawaii, and resistance movements to maintain Hawaiian traditions and language. Visit local museums, watch videos, and read books. Here are two books stores based in Hawaii with amazing selections: Native Books, Nā Mea Hawai'i.

“This is not America” on a hurricane siren pole.

- Be a respectful guest. Locals live where you come to play. Hawaii is not your playground. Be humble, quick to apologize if appropriate, and receive feedback with grace. Be aware of signage, stay on trails And paved roads, accept that some places are not for you ~ leave your ego at home and honor the opportunity to learn.

~ Respect the power of the ocean. There may be currents or other hazards you do not perceive. Listen to locals if they advise you to stay out of the water. Never turn your back to the sea. Don’t walk on the reefs. Don’t disturb or get too close to marine life. Only use reef safe sunscreen.

~ Take every opportunity to pick up and properly dispose of trash, yours or not. The reality of microplastics penetrating every crevice of our environment is incredibly visible on many Kauai beaches.

~ Drive with caution and attention. Locals frequently make an effort to yield and allow others to merge into their lane and to drive with aloha. The goal isn’t to get there the fastest but to maintain harmony and ensure everyone gets to where they need to safely. Cell phone reception can be spotty so it is important to know where you are going before you leave. Lost? Pull over to a safe place to reassess your trip. If you make a mistake, throw a wave or a shaka out the window.

~ Show an interest in the local community. Ask respectful questions and be engaged. Don’t make assumptions. Volunteer with local organizations and learn how Hawaiian culture is being lived and expressed today. Consider beach cleanups, Hawaiian fish ponds, and kalo patches and farms that perpetuate traditional ways.

~ Shop at locally owned businesses. Go to farmers/art markets. Look for locally made products. Avoid sending your financial footprint back to the mainland.

~ Tip generously. At minimun 20%.

~ SLOW DOWN. Patience and humility go a long way. Your agenda is not a priority. Don’t expect Hawaii to adapt to you. You adapt to it.

~ Support a local nonprofit by making a monetary donation or volunteering at a workday with a cause that resonates with you. It’s a great way to meet locals and have a positive impact on the island. Here are a few nonprofits based on Kaua’i:

  • PAL Hawaii ~ Develops and preserves permanently affordable homes and living solutions for Hawai‘i families through community land trust projects, rental and ownership pathways, support services, and housing stability efforts ~ keeping locals rooted.

  • Mālama Kaua’i ~ Strengthens Kaua‘i’s food system by increasing local food production, access, education, and sustainable agriculture through partnerships, workforce developments, community programs, and support for farmers and resilience efforts.

  • Ho’omalu ke Kai ~ Sustainably protecting and watching over Kauaʻi's marine ecosystems' health, while sharing passion and knowledge, to create youawareness and motivation in the community for taking care of the ocean and its inhabitants.

  • Keala Kauai ~ Provides Kauai’s youth with free fitness classes, mentorship, nutrition programs, and early intervention efforts ~ giving them the tools to overcome challenges, avoid substance abuse, and make healthier choices.

  • Garden Island Arts Council ~ Provides Kauaʻi communities with year-round arts education, performances, workshops, exhibits, and creative events ~ bringing people together to celebrate culture, inspire expression, and strengthen connection through the arts.

- It is illegal to take home lava rocks, coral, or sand. It has been beveled that you will be cursed if you take lava rocks off island (Pele’s Curse). While this is actually not from ancient Hawaiian mo‘olelo (mythology/history), there are countless stories that will send a chill down your spine so just don’t do it. Collecting shells or beach glass is okay but should always be done in moderation.

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These tips feel universal to any place you are visiting. Having grown up in Hawaii, I deeply understand frustrations and anger toward visitors. The lack of awarenss and entitlement is common and heartbreaking in moments. Bottom line it’s about:

RESPECT

HUMILITY

GENEROSITY

Big mahalos to Misty, Michael, Shannon, Connor, Norman, Kalli, Tony, and Mateo for you your input <3

To my Hawai’i peeps, have another tip to add to the list? Have an edit or suggestion? Don’t hesitate to reach out: hi@fumiishome.com

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