Hawaii Tourist Attraction Guide: Where Not to Go

So, you’re planning a visit to the Aloha State of Hawaii? You are probably doing research about which tourist attractions and wonders of nature you should visit. Perhaps you will view lava at Kilauea on the Big Island, or bike down the long slope of Haleakala on Maui. The nightlife in Honolulu shouldn’t be missed, nor the stunning scenery of Kauai. So, do you know about the number one tourist attraction in Hawaii?

Shopping.

Really? Shopping? Of all the things you can do when you visit the islands, shopping should be far from the top of the list.

Don’t get me wrong! The residents of Hawaii are thrilled to death to have you come here and spend money on trinkets, clothing, food, and entertainment. However, the beauty of Hawaii is simply not to be found at the store. It is outdoors, and free of charge.

As a local who takes full advantage of Hawaiian beaches, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and hiking, I can tell you exactly where I find the most tourists. They are in the mall! Surely there are stores where you live, with very similar items for sale. Are you missing out on seeing your first live sea turtle because your itinerary includes a stop at the Hilo Wal-Mart?

Most vacations have a time limit, and it can be daunting to fit in everything you want to do. When making your selections of which tourist attractions interest you, try to keep in mind that you will save money and see much more exotic beauty if you leave the city limits and experience some of the natural local sights.

Everyone wants souvenirs to take home, of course. They can be a lovely way to remember your Hawaiian vacation. Instead of buying a $25 T-shirt which proclaims you were in Maui, however, why not take a ten-cent photograph of your family standing before Makapipi Falls?

Other low-cost activites will stay with you far longer than those tahitian pearl earrings. Pluck a hibiscus flower in the jungles of Molokai and press it in your guidebook. Sample some kalua pork from a roadside vendor. Use a disposable underwater camera to capture the colorful tropical fish just feet from shore. Learn the hula at your hotel. Visit the Pearl Harbor memorial. Stand at the brink of the Kilauea Caldera and wonder if Pele is home.

If you simply must spend money, you might book a helicopter flight over Waipio Valley, or join a tour group driving up the road to Hana. If you enjoy the ocean, you could join a snorkeling trip to Kealakekua bay and view the spot where Captain Cook was killed so many years ago, or go deep sea fishing.

It saddens me to see busloads of tourists descending on the shopping mall. Even though I have lived in Hawaii for many years, I have yet to see all the amazing sights. You may only have a week here. Please, when choosing tourist attractions, remember that a mall is just a mall, but gorgeous Hawaii can only be found by going outside.