Hawaii - Local Customs
Don’t refuse a lei (flower garland). It’s a symbol of affection and Aloha so wear it with gratitude and don’t take it off in front of the person who gave it to you. Pregnant women will be given a long, open-ended lei to represent a safe childbirth.
Don’t laugh at the hula. It’s not just a dance for tourists, but a serious part of local culture.
Do not remove coral, lava rocks, or black sand. Not only is environmental theft harmful to the ecology but it is also said to bring bad luck to remove black sand or coral from Hawaii.
Don’t touch sea turtles or monk seals. Wildlife is common on the beaches, however, getting too close or touching them is prohibited.
When entering someone’s home, remember to take off your shoes. Keeping them on is considered impolite.
Private property should be respected. While all beaches are open to the public, not all of them have public access.
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Effective February 14, 2023, and until further notice, the DOBOR Kauai District Office and Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor Office will have limited hours of 7:45am to 1:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
It is possible to clear in at Ko’Olina Marina (Barber’s Point) on Oahu. Officers came from Honolulu to board us and clear us in within 2 hours of arrival on both of our visits (April & June 2018).
We were required to pay for a local contractor to dispose of all garbage deemed “foreign” by the Agriculture clearance agent when arriving from overseas – the cost of this was VERY expensive: $150 + $90/bag, max bag weight 20lbs.
We were advised that the only trash that could be guaranteed not to be deemed “foreign” and require expensive sterilization/incineration was clean beverage containers suitable for recycling that no animal or vegetable products had ever touched – i.e. soda and beer cans, water bottles, etc.
Even clean washed empty cans, glass jars (pickles, jam, etc) and clean plastic wrappers were required to be incinerated.
It is not possible to haul out in Ala Wai. Keehi Marine Center (Honolulu) on Oahu and Ko Olina (Barbers Point Harbour) offer haul outs, Keehi is cheaper.
If you need a slip, get one at the Yacht Club, better facilities and security patrols constantly.
Mike Fossl reports that it is no longer possible to clear in at Nawiliwili / Port Allen.