Responsible Tourism in Hawaii: Do’s & Don’ts

At Aloha Sunshine Tours we believe in preserving Hawaii’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and wildlife. By following these responsible travel guidelines, you can help protect the islands for future generations while enjoying an authentic Hawaiian experience.

Do’s: Respect & Protect Hawaii’s Land, Culture, and People

🌿 Stay on Marked Trails & Paths – Stick to designated trails to protect delicate ecosystems and prevent erosion.

♻️ Follow ‘Leave No Trace’ Principles – Pack out all trash and leave natural areas as you found them.

🌊 Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Only use reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral reefs and marine life.

🛕 Respect Sacred & Historical Sites – Avoid touching, sitting on, or removing anything from heiaus (temples), petroglyphs, and burial sites.

🛍 Support Local Communities – Shop at local markets and small businesses to support Hawaiian families.

🐢 Be Mindful of Wildlife – Observe animals from a safe distance—do not touch, feed, or disturb them.

🤙 Learn & Embrace Hawaiian Culture – Learn Hawaiian words like “Aloha” (hello/goodbye) and “Mahalo” (thank you) and respect local traditions.

🏡 Respect Local Residents & Communities – Keep noise levels low, follow parking rules, and be mindful in local neighborhoods.

Don’ts: Avoid Harmful or Disrespectful Behaviors

⛔ Don’t Take Lava Rocks, Sand, or Shells – Removing natural elements is bad luck (Pele’s curse) and illegal in national parks.

🐠 Don’t Step on or Touch Coral Reefs – Coral is a living organism—stepping on it damages the reef.

🍔 Don’t Feed Wild Animals – Feeding sea turtles, birds, or fish disrupts their natural diet and harms ecosystems.

📝 Don’t Carve or Write on Rocks, Trees, or Historic Sites – Defacing petroglyphs, trees, or landmarks is disrespectful and illegal.

🗑 Don’t Litter or Leave Food Scraps Behind – Even biodegradable food can attract invasive species and harm wildlife.

🚷 Don’t Ignore Safety Warnings – Hawaii has strong currents, lava flows, flash floods, and unstable cliffs—always follow posted signs.

🏝 Don’t Enter Restricted or Private Areas – Some beaches, trails, and lands are off-limits or require permission to visit.

🏯 Don’t Disrespect Hawaiian Traditions – Be mindful when visiting sacred sites, talking about legends, or interacting with cultural practitioners.

💚 Travel With Aloha: Leave Hawaii Better Than You Found It

By following these simple do’s and don’ts, you help preserve Hawaii’s beauty, culture, and spirit. Mahalo for being a responsible traveler and showing respect for the land, its people, and its history.