O’ahu, the third-largest of the Hawaiian islands, is certainly a dream vacation destination for people who love the tropics. From its turquoise blue waters, scenic landscapes and sunsets to deep-rooted culture and cordial people, its natural beauty will make you breathless and feel like you’re in a movie about paradise.
But don’t let these senses overwhelm planning your first visit to Hawaii. These five following travel tips at NeedThat will certainly be your guide through the calm and rough waves of the island so that your trip becomes a memorable aloha Hawaiian vibe.
1. Travel outside in Waikiki
The 2020 Visitor Plant Inventory from the Hawaii Tourism Authority reported that about 78% of all Oahu hotels are located in Waikiki and Honolulu. This means you might probably stay in these areas for at least part of your vacation since they are developed with complete lifestyle amenities like restaurants, bars, and retail shops.
While these features make the neighborhood a one-stop-shop trip, they’re only beneficial for short-term stays. Otherwise, we highly recommend you add to your itinerary destinations and activities located outside Waikiki. These could include visiting Kapolei, Makakilo, Ewa Beach, and Ko Olina neighborhoods.
2. Reserve a rental car
With travel tip #1 on the list, it’s practical to rent a car outside Waikiki. That is, of course, if your accommodation doesn’t offer shuttle services for guests with special excursions. Consider this land trip another activity to your itinerary as it gives you an opportunity to freely roam around the island and engage with locals to understand more about their culture.
3. Reserve your slots as far in advance as you can
Hawaii’s all-year-round tropical climate means tourists never stop visiting, and this goes much truer for O’ahu’s Waikiki neighborhood as it gets busy throughout the year. So, to get you things ahead, we suggest that you make reservations in popular restaurants, bars, entertainment centers, and activities listed in your itinerary.
4. Book a full-day visit at Polynesian Cultural Center
Polynesian Cultural Center is voted Hawaii’s #1 visitor attraction by USA Today. And for definitely a good reason. While not mandated, it’s a necessary trip to really understand and further explore the rich heritage of the Pacific Islands. There are traditional hands-on activities, an authentic Aliʻi Lūʻau dinner, and a spectacular evening show across its 42-acre of tropical splendor.
5. Embrace Hawaiian etiquette and culture
Wherever you are across the world, the best travel experience is one that is connected with the locals and their culture because, after all, it’s their country/city that is being visited. For Hawaii, the people’s culture remains as vestiges in modern Hawaiian society, such as re-enactments of the ceremonies and traditions throughout the islands. Here are key reminders to honor and respect their centuries of customs:
- Appreciate Lei: Lei is a garland or wreath put on a person as a token of welcome or farewell bestowed with a kiss as a sign of hospitality. This item and practice have been carried out for centuries since the early Polynesian settlers wore them and chiefs would exchange them as symbols of peace between groups. So, they have deep cultural significance, and etiquette demands that you accept and wear it if it’s offered to you for as long as you are in the giver’s presence.
- Respect sacred sites: Hawaii is home to several cultural treasures, including temples, petroglyph-covered rock walls, and sculptures made by the indigenous people. You must respect these places by remaining gentle and leaving the surrounding environment as is; anything as basic as selecting a flower or rearranging some rocks to spell out your name might be seen as rude.
- Respect Hawaii wildlife and landscape: In the same spirit as respecting sacred sites, it’s illegal and against Hawaiian tradition to touch native wildlife, especially endangered animals. Always keep your distance from them.
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