People always look forward to taking a vacation primarily because there is no work to do, errands to run and deadlines to meet. A Hawaiian escapade is just absolutely about fun and pleasure. But then, you should also be aware of your responsibilities. Every vacationer’s nightmare will be to end up inside a foreign country’s prison cell. To avoid this, it is highly recommended to bring with you your best behavior and proper conduct before embarking into your journey to the Hawaiian paradise. Here are some tips on how to avoid getting into trouble in Hawaii:
- Never take the lei off your neck. These colorful flowers are usually given to welcome tourists to the beautiful islands of Hawaii. Removing it can be disrespectful.
- Never be ignorant. Don’t come to Hawaii without even knowing something about it. Learn some basic Hawaiian words such as Aloha (Hello, Goodbye) and Mahalo (Thank You). Knowing these words will make a difference during your stay.
- Never say the word “what.” This word has been known to initiate a fight. Visitors are advised not to use this word when speaking to a native.
- Never call men and women as mokes and tita. These words are simply derogatory to them.
- Never break into private properties. People can stay and swim in most Hawaiian beaches. However, trespassing in a privately-owned beach is a serious crime. Keep in mind that ignorance of the law will never be an excuse.
- Never swim or sunbathe in the nude. Not all Hawaiian beaches are open to this kind of idea. Read the signs first before doing anything that can cause public scandal.
- Never ruin the corals. Visitors are ordered to read all the guidelines before snorkeling or scuba diving so as to be informed that touching or stepping on coral reefs can actually damage them. Preserving these wonderful things is also protecting the sea life.
- Never make noise with your car’s horn. Unless there’s an emergency, tourists should avoid honking their horns.
- Never laugh at Hawaiian tradition. Hula is a popular traditional dance that most people enjoy. Laughing at it is an insult to Hawaiian locals.
- Never be thrifty in buying souvenirs to the point of giving away black sand or lava rocks. These things are considered to be unlucky and may cause the person bad luck. Spend some money for decent souvenirs to give your loved ones.
Remember that it is always best to know what to do and what not to do in Hawaii. Following these simple guidelines will make your Hawaiian vacation more enjoyable and worry-free.
(image courtesy of Cougar-Studio at Flickr)
Sun, Feb 15, 2009
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