No matter what anyone thinks, if you’re traveling somewhere for leisure, you’re a tourist.
I grew up in the middle of Waikiki, surrounded by tourists in Hawaii all the time. Back then, I barely noticed all the magic—a lei at the airport, a sunset on the beach, a luau under the stars. It was just another day.

Flash forward to my 20’s, and I thought I had to be above all the “touristy” stuff—everything had to be the cool, deep-cut version. But now? Now I say give me the lei, the Mai Tai in the souvenir mug, and the 400 sunset photos. Touristy things are fun—and the people who lean into the joy have the best time.

So if you recognize yourself in these signs, don’t worry — you’re doing Hawaii right.

1. You’re wearing a fresh flower lei at the airport. 🌺
   Locals save leis for big occasions—but if you get one and your face lights up? That’s pure aloha.
2. You gasp when you see a rainbow. 🌈
   Locals might barely glance, they happen all the time in Hawaii. You? You’re right to swoon. They’re stunning every time.
3. You call slippers “flip-flops.” 🩴
   It’s okay. You’ll be calling them slippahs soon enough.
4. You think every beach is the prettiest one ever. 🏝️
   You’re not wrong. Every single time.
5. You get way too excited about shave ice. 🍧
   Respect. It’s a lifestyle.
6. You bravely try Hawaiian words…and probably totally butcher them. 🗣️
   Keep trying. Locals appreciate the effort more than you know.

Being a tourist in Hawaii just means you’re soaking up the magic.

Embrace it, enjoy it, and don’t worry about being cool. The real “cool” is having the time of your life.

Ready to live the lei, rainbow, sunset dream? Just let us know—we’ll help you plan your perfect Hawaiian getaway!