Traveling to hawaii - what if anything can I bring home?

[JCDelbeek]

This thread brings to light a number of issues about collecting in the wild and attitudes towards local customs/laws.

The most obvious is DO YOUR HOMEWORK before you go. For many countries, there are strict laws in place regarding wild collecting, protected areas, what can be taken and what can not etc etc etc. In many of the south Pacific islands, the reefs are owned by local villages and taking anything from the reef without permission from the local chief can result in severe consequences, made all the worse if you don't know the language. Finally, getting permits to collect can sometimes take MONTHS so do your homework ahead of time.

Above all, respect local values, laws and attitudes when travelling anywhere, always remember ... you are a guest in their area. You wouldn't go visiting someone's house and walk out with some of their cutlery would you?

Aloha!
JCD

[JCDelbeek]

Oh and finally ... Florida has similar bans on collecting corals and requires permits/licenses for collecting fish ... so I am a bit puzzled as to why some find this unusual for Hawaii. Don't even think about it in CA either!

Aloha!
JCD

[moonpod]

Stockley's can get you anything you want and they will package it nicely.

If you are going to the big island, go up to Kahala, get access to the Mauna Lani Beach Club, go snorkeling off to the left around the corner. It's great and easy to swim to.

Hapuna is a beautiful beach, but there is little to no cover.

The Four Seasons Hualalei is DA BOMB. For families, I'd recommend a condo on the Kahala coast. That or the Waikoloa hilton. The other unique experience is the Kona Village Resort.

Do NOT miss the lava flow if it's going and if they let you near it. Just too cool.

I personally wouldn't bother trying to collect--you're there to have a VACATION and the local fish anyways are dirt cheap at Stockley's (or at least they used to be)