“You Wouldn’t Believe What Tourists Do Here”: Stories From Hawaii Locals

Hawaii is a dream destination for millions, but not every visitor knows how to respect the islands or their culture.

Locals have witnessed some truly jaw-dropping behavior, from dangerous stunts to cultural missteps that leave residents shaking their heads.

These real stories from Hawaii locals show just how wild tourist behavior can get.

1. Touching Lava While It’s Still Hot

A Reddit user witnessed something unbelievable at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Despite clear warnings and multiple signs, one tourist decided to reach out and touch active, flowing lava.

The molten rock can reach temperatures over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt through almost anything.

Within seconds, the visitor suffered severe burns and needed an emergency helicopter evacuation. Park rangers constantly warn visitors about the dangers, but some people ignore the rules for a thrill. Respecting nature’s power isn’t just smart; it can save your life.

2. Asking to Swim to Another Island

Picture this: a tourist looks across the ocean channel and asks a local guide if they can simply swim from Maui to Molokai. Sounds harmless, right? Wrong. That stretch of water is roughly 9 miles of open ocean filled with powerful currents, unpredictable waves, and yes, sharks.

Even experienced swimmers wouldn’t attempt this without serious training and support. The Pailolo Channel is notorious for dangerous conditions that have claimed lives.

Locals couldn’t believe someone would consider this casual question, but it happens more often than you’d think. Always ask before you leap, or swim.

3. Trying to Ride a Sea Turtle

Sea turtles glide gracefully through Hawaiian waters, and tourists often get excited when they spot one. But some visitors take it way too far. Multiple locals have reported seeing tourists actually attempting to sit on or ride these protected creatures.

Not only is this behavior illegal under federal law, but it’s also incredibly dangerous and disrespectful. Hawaiian green sea turtles, known locally as honu, are sacred in Hawaiian culture.

Touching or harassing them can result in hefty fines and even jail time. Watch from a respectful distance and let these ancient animals live in peace.

4. Spraying Sunscreen on Sacred Sites

One visitor made a shocking mistake that left locals outraged. At an ancient Hawaiian heiau, or temple, a tourist sprayed sunscreen all over the stone structure. They apparently thought it was just a cool rock formation perfect for protecting from the sun’s glare during photos.

Heiau are sacred religious sites where Native Hawaiians performed ceremonies for centuries. Desecrating these places shows a complete lack of cultural awareness and respect.

Before touching or altering anything in Hawaii, take time to learn its significance. What looks like old rocks might be someone’s holy ground.

5. Climbing Over Fences at Volcano Parks

Safety barriers exist for good reasons, but some tourists see them as obstacles to the perfect selfie. Visitors have repeatedly been caught climbing over fences at volcano parks to get dangerously close to lava flows or crater edges.

The ground near active volcanic areas can collapse without warning, and toxic gases can overcome anyone who gets too close.

Park rangers risk their own safety rescuing people who ignore these warnings. One Instagram photo isn’t worth your life or the lives of rescuers. Stay behind the barriers and enjoy the view from safe designated areas.

6. Asking Where They Can See Penguins

A TripAdvisor thread captured one of the funniest tourist questions locals have heard. Someone genuinely asked where they could find penguins in Hawaii. Locals politely explained that Hawaii is a tropical paradise located near the equator; about as far from penguin territory as you can get.

Penguins live in cold climates, primarily in Antarctica and the Southern Hemisphere. Hawaii boasts tropical birds, sea turtles, and monk seals instead.

While the confusion is amusing, it shows how important basic geography research is before traveling. A quick internet search saves everyone from awkward moments.

7. Picking Plumeria and Selling Them

Entrepreneurial spirit is admirable, but one group of tourists took it too far. Locals spotted visitors picking plumeria flowers from hotel grounds and private properties, then heading to the beach to sell them as authentic Hawaiian leis.

Not only is this theft, but it’s also disrespectful to local lei makers who carefully cultivate flowers and practice traditional methods passed down through generations. Real Hawaiian leis represent love, respect, and aloha spirit; not quick cash grabs.

Support local artisans instead of stealing flowers. Genuine leis purchased from local vendors support families and honor Hawaiian traditions properly.

8. Walking on Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are among Earth’s most delicate ecosystems, yet tourists continue walking directly on them despite countless warnings. Signs clearly mark protected areas, but some visitors ignore them completely, trampling fragile coral that took decades to grow.

Walking on coral doesn’t just damage the environment; it can seriously injure you too. Sharp coral edges cause deep cuts that easily become infected. A single footstep can destroy coral polyps that won’t regenerate for years.

Snorkel and swim above reefs, never stand on them. Future generations deserve to see these underwater rainforests too.

9. Asking If They Can Drive to Pearl Harbor

Geography confusion strikes again! A Redditor shared that a tourist asked if they could drive to Pearl Harbor, assuming it was a public beach open for swimming and sunbathing. The reality? Pearl Harbor is an active United States naval base and historic memorial site.

While you can visit the USS Arizona Memorial and museums with proper arrangements, it’s definitely not a casual beach destination. Security is tight, and respect for the site where over 2,400 Americans died is essential.

Research historical significance before visiting memorial sites. Understanding what happened there makes your visit meaningful.

10. Trying to Take Lava Rocks Home

Perhaps the most common tourist mistake involves packing lava rocks as souvenirs. Every year, packages arrive at Hawaii parks containing rocks with letters from tourists claiming they’ve experienced bad luck since taking them.

Hawaiian legend says Pele, the volcano goddess, curses anyone who removes lava rocks from the islands. Whether you believe in curses or not, removing rocks is actually illegal and damages the natural landscape.

Park rangers spend time returning mailed rocks to their original locations. Leave rocks where they belong and buy ethical souvenirs instead. Your karma will thank you.