No, there are no wild, established populations of crocodiles in Hawaii, though very rare, isolated incidents of illegally released pets (like caimans or alligators) have been found, and saltwater crocodiles occasionally drift there from the South Pacific/Australia, but they don't survive long. Hawaii's isolation protects its unique ecosystem, making large predators like crocs non-native and generally absent, with most sightings being temporary strays or illegal releases.
Hawaii is entirely free from alligators and crocodiles.
TIL according to Hawaiian superstition it's considered bad luck to whistle at night because it mimics the sound of Night marchers, the ghosts of ancient Hawaiian warriors. If someone comes across a procession of the night marchers, crouch low to the ground on your stomachs and avoid eye contact.
Tiger sharks are the most wide-ranging top reef predator in Monument waters, routinely swimming hundreds of kilometers along the Hawaiian Archipelago and out into open ocean. Grey reef and galapagos sharks occasionally cross open ocean between islands but are generally resident at a single island.
Hawaii's Ocean. The behavior of the ocean in Hawaii is unique, complex, and unpredictable. On Oahu lifeguards perform about 1100 "rescues" a year. On average 50 people drown in the ocean annually (all islands), approximately half being visitors.
Heart disease, cancer, and cerebrovascular diseases were the leading causes of death in Hawaii in 2022. Of the 6,381 deaths that year, 48% were due to one of these three causes. The fourth and fifth most common causes were accidents and Alzheimer disease.
Yes, $2000 can be enough for a week in Hawaii for one person, but it requires careful budgeting, focusing on budget accommodations (hostels, private Airbnb rooms), cooking some meals (especially if staying in a condo), utilizing happy hours, and enjoying free activities like beaches and hikes; however, it's tight and won't cover luxury, and major expenses like flights and car rentals will significantly impact it, making it very challenging for two people unless flights are already covered.
Hawaii's isolated geography means no native land mammals (except for bats), let alone apex predators like panthers or jaguars.
The scorpions we have in Honolulu and the surrounding areas of Oahu are the little brown scorpion. They aren't poisonous, but can bite. These bites can cause pain and swelling, much like a centipede sting.
In 2024 in Hawaii, 62.5% of all violent crimes were aggravated assaults; 19%, robberies; 17.9%, rapes; and 0.73%, murders. Hawaii ranked 42nd among states for high violent crime rates (218 offenses per 100,000 people). The rate was highest in Alaska (724 offenses per 100,000 people) and lowest in Maine (100).
One of the most well-known superstitions about nails is that you should never cut your nails at night. This is because the nail clippings can be used as a form of witchcraft.
Hawaii's "best-kept secrets" are subjective but often point to Niʻihau (the privately-owned "Forbidden Isle"), quieter islands like Molokaʻi, secluded spots like Oahu's Mermaid Caves, Maui's Secret Cove (Paʻako Beach), or authentic experiences like Kona's coffee farms, offering escapes from typical tourist traps for more cultural immersion or natural beauty.
There's a cultural stigma in Hawaii against honking your horn out of anger or to tell someone to move; and, 2. People in Hawaii don't like to be passed. You know? They don't like to be passed, and they don't like to be honked at.
Living in Hawaii on $3,000 a month is extremely challenging and generally not feasible for a comfortable life, as basic expenses like rent, groceries, and utilities often exceed this amount, requiring a very strict minimalist lifestyle, roommates, or finding rent-free housing, with many experts suggesting over $4,500 monthly is needed for essentials. Housing costs alone, particularly on islands like Oahu, frequently consume most of that budget, with average one-bedrooms around $2,000-$2,200+, making it very tight for everything else.
South Florida is the only place where you can find both crocodiles and alligators. American alligators occur in Florida, southern Texas, Louisiana and parts of North and South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, with the alligator's range appearing to inch northward in the last few years.
Hawaiian sea turtles, known as honu, and Hawaiian monk seals are endangered species, and therefore protected under federal and state law. Please do not touch, ride, corner or otherwise “harass” these sea creatures. Hefty fines are not the Hawaii souvenirs you want to bring home!
Let's start with some good news: Hawaii has no native snake species and enforces strict regulations to prevent their introduction. This is because the state's isolated ecosystem is incredibly fragile, and non-native snakes could have devastating effects on native wildlife, especially birds.
The striped bark scorpion is a common invader that can climb onto bedding. There should never be anything left hanging from your bed onto the floor. Bark Scorpions love to climb, and can climb clothes, blankets, sheets, etc. from the floor into bed.
There are no wolves in the Hawaiian Islands. Fossil evidence indicates a wolf-like species once roamed Hawaii, but they disappeared before the first human settlers arrived.
There are no monkeys in Hawaii. Hawaii's indigenous animals, those that are native to the island, include the hoary bat, the Hawaiian state bird, the nene, which is a type of goose, the endangered Hawksbill sea turtle, and Hawaiian monk seals.
Some species were accidentally introduced to Hawaii like the rat, fire ants, coqui frog, mosquitos, and coconut rhinoceros beetle. Some are species brought in for cultivation that spread to wild areas like miconia, pigs, and goats.
And, Hawaii follows American tipping culture practices. As on the mainland, tip as much as you feel comfortable tipping. If you got great service, then show your appreciation. If the service was rude or gruff, tip accordingly.
Yes, Hawaii is generally considered expensive for Australians, especially for dining, drinks, and accommodation in tourist areas like Waikiki, with the weak AUD making everyday costs higher than in Australia; however, it can be managed with self-catering, avoiding tourist traps, and smart spending on activities, though it often feels pricier than comparable Australian destinations.
The states where $100 is worth the least are the District of Columbia ($84.60), Hawaii ($85.32), New York ($86.66), New Jersey ($87.64), and California ($88.57). That same money goes the furthest in Mississippi ($115.74), Arkansas ($114.16), Missouri ($113.51), Alabama (113.51), and South Dakota ($113.38).