15 Hilarious Questions Hawai‘i’s Tourists Really Ask

Hawaii • March 8, 2019


Repeat after me: There’s no such thing as a stupid question. 

While some questions may give us pause, the only way we ever learn anything is by asking, right? Those who work in the visitor industry get pelted with questions of all sorts. They’re thrilled that people want to learn so much about their surroundings and the activities they’re taking part in, but some questions can and do make us here in Hawai‘i chuckle.

It’s certainly no different than when a Hawai‘i resident visits the U.S. mainland or another country for the first time. The questions we may ask, the pronunciations we jumble, and the geography or historical facts we simply get plain wrong, are no different, really, than what we encounter here regularly from our visitors.

So with all that in mind, we thought it would be fun to ask some of our friends who regularly work with tourists about some of the questions they’ve been asked. We’ve compiled 15 of them below. Some are innocent, some perhaps odd, and some may have even been asked tongue-in-cheek. We think you’ll agree that many of these are outright hilarious.

We’ll leave it up to you to decide which is which, while you consider how you would have answered. Who knows, you may even see a question here that you’ve been meaning to ask but were afraid to!

Q: Does the water go all the way around the island?

Q: What altitude will we be snorkeling in?

Q: What keeps the island from floating away?

Q: What if our boat hits an iceberg?

Q: How long are the bridges to the other islands?

Q: Have you ever traveled outside of Hawai‘i?

Q: Can I swim under the island?

Q: Are the fish real?

Q: Why are the submarine decks wet?

Q: Do you add dye to the ocean? This water is bluer than my ocean.

Q: Is Diamond Head real or is that a background screen for our photo?

Q: Do you need scuba gear to ride in the submarine?

Q: Does the sun ever set in front of the clouds?

Q: Is the lava indigenous to the island?

Q: How many jars of water do I need to capture all the different colors of the water?

Remember: If you don’t know, ASK! Asking questions—any question—is the first step towards learning something. So ask away!

Diamond Head
“Ain’t nothing like the real thing, babyyyy…”

 

A shark is swimming in the ocean near a coral reef.
By Hawaii April 30, 2025
Discover the latest shark facts in Hawaii, including safety tips, common species, and insights from local experts. Stay informed and safe during your island adventures.
By Cheryl Lee April 30, 2025
Time to get out and explore! The island’s full of awesome spots—just keep an eye out, some might ask for a reservation or an entrance fee to get in.
By Cheryl Lee April 27, 2025
Downtown Honolulu is rich in history, showcasing Hawaii's royal past, cultural fusion, and modern vibrancy. This walking tour includes the must-see landmarks: ‘Iolani Palace, the King Kamehameha Statue, the Hawaiian Mission Houses, and other nearby attractions.
By Cheryl Lee April 26, 2025
Make memories—and bring a little paradise home! Hawaii’s family-friendly shopping centers offer something for everyone, from charming local boutiques and challenging breakout rooms to free hula shows, helpful services, and delicious dining the whole family can enjoy.
By Cheryl Lee April 26, 2025
Vacations are the perfect excuse to indulge - whether you're savoring a melt-in-your-mouth Beef Wellington or diving into an endless seafood buffet stacked with fresh crab legs. For the more adventurous, quick bites like beer-battered fish tacos or wood-fired pizzas hit the spot before grabbing your snorkel gear and heading to the beach. Ready to eat your way through paradise? Check out some of our favorite restaurants in Waikiki!
By Cheryl Lee April 25, 2025
Uncover 10 truly interesting facts of Kona's Manta Rays that will leave you in awe of these magnificent creatures!
Your guide to exploring the island of Kauai.
By Gavin Hillman April 24, 2025
Discover the best of Kauai with our complete guide—explore natural wonders, thrilling adventures, local markets, cultural gems, and top attractions.
A fish is swimming in the water near a coral reef.
By Gavin Hillman April 24, 2025
The eels of Hawaii come in many shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common: they are all masters of disguise. These slippery creatures can be found in the ocean’s depths, lurking among the coral reefs and rocks. There are three types of eels that are commonly found in Hawaii’s waters.
Fireworks are displayed in front of a tall building
By Cheryl Lee April 24, 2025
Experience the magic of Waikīkī’s Friday Night Fireworks at Hilton Hawaiian Village. Discover the best places to watch, tips for viewing, and the history behind this iconic weekly show in Honolulu.
The Complete Guide for Moving to Hawaii: Everything You Should Know
By Gavin Hillman April 19, 2025
Thinking of moving to Hawaii? Take a deep dive into what it takes to move to Hawaii from the mainland, including the logistics, lifestyle changes, and the hidden challenges.
More Posts