12 things to know before going to Hawaii

The laid-back culture of Hawaii makes it one of the best places to visit.

You will have a better visit if you take a few things into account. Here are some important things to know about traveling to the 50th US state.

1. Decide the best time to go

The weather in Hawaii is pleasant throughout the year. There are no extremes because cooling trade winds blow all the time.

Although winter is the busiest tourist season, it has more to do with the weather in other parts of the world. Crowds of families take summer vacations from June through August, and rooms are hard to find, and prices can spike around holidays, especially Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and spring break.

You are more likely to find good deals on accommodations and airfare in the weeks after Easter and the end of May if you are budget conscious. Surfers will find the largest waves in the winter. During the months of January and March, whale-watching tours leave.

2. You'll need to make some reservations in advance

Even though Hawaii has a hang-loose attitude, you might want to book ahead in a few instances. You can reserve a table at top Honolulu restaurants before you get to the islands. There are lots of tickets for the boat to the memorial. You can reserve up to 60 days in advance.

3. Respect Hawaiian culture

After the arrival of the British in 1786, Hawaiian culture was attacked and suppressed. The rebirth of Native Hawaiian cultural and artistic traditions began with the Hawaiian Renaissance in the 70s.

Hawaiian culture–focused charter schools and public schools' Hawaiian-languageimmersion programs are popular, and traditional arts are revitalizing.

Hawaiian culture is a lot more than just melodic place names. Being Hawaiian is an important part of the identity of the islands, from the inclusion of Hawaiian words in everyday speech to the acceptance of concepts of respect and inclusion. The grassroots political activism of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement is becoming more and more part of the local dialogue.

In Hawaii, dos and don'ts can be found.

There are good manners in Hawaii.

• Do use aloha (hello/goodbye and the concept of love and fellowship) and mahalo (thank you). Liberally wave the shaka (Hawaii’s hand greeting sign).
• Do try to correctly pronounce Hawaiian place names and words. Even if you fail, the attempt is appreciated. If you aren’t sure how to say it, ask. Even long names aren’t that hard with a little practice.
• Don’t refer to Maui, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, Lanaʻi and Hawaiʻi (the Big Island) as "outer islands" – it's Oʻahu-centric. They’re called "Neighbor Islands."
• Don’t try to speak pidgin – unless you’re really good at it.
• Do ask permission before you pick fruit or flowers from trees on private property.
• Don’t be pushy. You’ll get what you want (this time), but you’ll get no aloha with it.
• Do drive slowly. Residents rarely have far to go, and they drive that way. In fact, do everything slowly.
• Don’t freak out at every gecko and cockroach. It’s the tropics. There are critters.
• Don’t collect (or even move) stones at sacred sites. If you’re not sure whether something’s sacred, consider that in Hawaiian thinking, everything is sacred, especially in nature.
• Don’t stack rocks or wrap them in ti leaves at waterfalls or heiau. This is an adulteration of the Hawaiian practice of leaving hoʻokupu (offerings) at sacred sites – and it’s littering the islands’ fragile environment.
• Don’t get naked (or topless) on the beach unless it’s an unofficial clothing-optional beach. As always, follow the lead of residents.

4. Underdress for success

T-shirts and flip-flops are ubiquitous, except at Honolulu's top-tier restaurants and at high-end resorts. For men, going fancy means a nice shirt and slacks.

5. Know your ʻokina

The pronunciation and meaning of words are determined by the okina punctuation mark. References to ancient Hawaii and the Kingdom of Hawaii pre-statehood are being used for the island of Hawaii. The US territory that became a state in 1959 is referred to as Hawaii without the okina.

6. Learn the local surfing etiquette

Residents reserve the right to protect other " secret" surf grounds, even if they share surf spots that have become popular tourist destinations. You don't expect to get every wave. Tourists are at the bottom of the hierarchy. If you give a wave you will get a wave back. Surf with a smile and be generous in the water. Ask a local if they can introduce you to a surfer at a famous break.

7. Be aware of floods

A sudden rainstorm miles away can cause a flash flood in minutes, sending down a huge surge of debris filled water that sweeps away everything in its path. If you plan on hiking through a narrow canyon or swimming in a natural pool, you need to check the weather report before you go.

8. Protect your belongings

The islands are known for their thefts from parked cars. Within seconds, thieves can pop a trunk or pull out a door lock. At crowded beach and hotel parking lots where you would expect safety in numbers, they strike.

You don't want to leave anything valuable in your car. If you have to, you should put all your valuables in the trunk before you get to your destination. Thieves will be able to see what you put in the trunk.

9. Stay aware of your surroundings

Drug users and gang members sometimes hang out at campgrounds and roadside county parks, so be aware of the vibe on any beach at night. There may be pockets of resentment against tourists in rural areas of the islands.

10. Avoid scams

Visitors are directed to fake activity-operator booths. If you come to hear their "no obligation" pitch, they will give you all sorts of deals, including free luaus and sunset cruises. The caveat emptor is very large.

11. Don’t trespass

Private and government land in Hawaii are not allowed to be used for public purposes. No matter how many people are doing it, it's still illegal. Visitors to the islands should respect all "Kapu" signs. If you want to go onto private or government-owned land that is closed to the public, always ask for permission from the owner.

12. Watch out for jellyfish

There are bluebottles in Hawaii's tropical waters. If you touch a bluebottle hours after it has washed up, you can get burned.

Seven to 10 days after a full moon, box jellyfish are found in Hawaii's shallow near-shore waters, such as those at Waikiki. Some public beaches may be closed due to this. There is a calendar at the Waikiki Aquarium.

The article was updated in December.