Why can't you take a rock from Hawaii?

But you should think twice before taking anything from the Island. Legend has it that Pele, the goddess of fire and volcano, enacts a curse on anyone who steals items off the Island. She considers the rocks and sand her children and will do anything to protect them.

What happens if you take a rock from Hawaii?

Not only is it illegal to remove anything from a national park, but it is just unwise to trifle with Pele, the volcano goddess of Hawaii. A legend, referred to as Pele's Curse, says that visitors who take rocks or sand away from Hawaii will suffer bad luck until the native Hawaiian elements are returned.

Can I bring a rock back from Hawaii?

HAWAII (CBS) - Tourism officials in Hawaii are reminding visitors not to take lava rocks home with them. Taking things from National Parks is against the law, so taking volcanic rocks from Hawaii's volcanoes is illegal. But apart from being illegal, legend has it that taking volcanic rocks from Hawaii is bad luck.

Are you allowed to take rocks from the beach in Hawaii?

It is against federal law to remove rocks from a national park, and against state law to take sand from any Hawaii beach.

Can you take rocks and shells from Hawaii?

Can You Take Rocks from Hawaii? Just like with seashells, taking rocks from Hawaii in small amounts for your personal use is permitted by the Division of Land and Natural Resources. But again, you're not allowed to sell any of the rocks that you've collected from Hawaii.

Tourist Takes Rocks from Hawaii, Doesn't Expect What Happens Next

What you Cannot bring from Hawaii?

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) prohibits or restricts the entry of many agricultural products from Hawaii into the U.S. mainland, including most fresh fruits and vegetables and certain types of plants and flowers.

What you Cannot take from Hawaii?

Items from Hawaii that travelers may NOT bring to the U.S. mainland: Fresh fruits and vegetables, except for those listed above as permitted. Berries of any kind, including whole fresh coffee berries (aka, coffee cherries) and sea grapes. Cactus plants or cactus plant parts.

Can I bring back sand from Hawaii?

And that's a very risky endeavor, as taking sand from any beach in Hawaii is punishable by fines upwards of $100,000. This includes Papakolea Beach, also known as Green Sands Beach, and Punalu'u Beach, which is famous for its black volcanic sands.

Can I take shells home from Hawaii?

You are more than welcome to keep it and take it home. They are few and far between, and there are many locals who would snag one if they found it. Many artisans collect shells for their works and to make jewelry. Just make sure it does not have a critter inside and is well cleaned of all soil and any plant life.

Can I take black sand from Hawaii?

During a volcanic eruption, enough lava can interact this way with the ocean that a new black sand beach can form literally overnight. It is illegal in Hawaii to take lava rocks and sand from the beautiful beaches on any of the islands.

Can I take a small rock from Hawaii?

Packing a few lava rocks or a handful of sand for a remarkable keepsake is harmless, right? Not so. Possessing or removing any natural mineral is illegal and could cost you some hefty fines. Hawaii is big on the preservation of natural resources.

Will TSA confiscate rocks?

According to the TSA, you are allowed to bring rocks and minerals on a plane. You can pack them in your checked luggage or even keep them your carry-on bag. If your samples are sharp or fist-sized, it is best to put them in a checked bag to avoid the appearance of a potential security risk.

Can a rock go through customs?

Travelers entering with souvenirs such as rocks and stones, beach sand, or Irish peat must declare and present items for inspection at entry.

Why can't you whistle at night in Hawaii?

“I like to whistle, but everyone around is like, 'don't whistle at night',” Heck said. “So I try not to, and I'm conscious of it.” There are many stories in Hawaiian folklore that tells of how doing so will lead to bad luck; one being that it mimics the sound of Night marchers, the ghosts of ancient Hawaiian warriors.

Why can't you take fruit out of Hawaii?

In answer to your question only packaged foods are allowed from Hawaii, you can't just pick fruits and then send them to the mainland. This is due to plant pests and disease. Pineapples and coconuts are the exception but they still need to be agriculturally inspected.

Why are there no shells in Hawaii?

Two of the main reasons you won't find seashells on the beach here in Hawaii are: the isolation of the islands and the slope of the beaches. If one is diving or snorkeling far off shore, you will see seashells.

Can I take my lei home from Hawaii?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits certain items, including some flowers used in Hawaiian leis, from entering the U.S. mainland to protect against harmful plant pests.

Can you take sea glass from Hawaii?

Most folks encourage visitors to leave the sea glass there for others to enjoy for many years. Please don't take any of the glass, but instead leave it for others like you to enjoy for many years. Glass Beach is easily found in Kauai's industrial town of Port Allen.

Is it OK to take dead coral from Hawaii?

No. In Hawai'i, it is unlawful to take, break or damage, any stony coral, including any reef or mushroom coral (HAR 13-95-70), except as otherwise authorized by law by a Special Activity Permit for scientific, educational, management, or propagation purposes (HRS 187A-6). Am I allowed to collect coral to sell? No.

Can I bring a pineapple home from Hawaii?

For the most part, we will accept one pre-packaged box of pineapples or treated papayas, per paid passenger, free of charge (subject to space availability) on flights departing from Hawaii to the North America. The box must not exceed 10 lbs in weight and must be pre-agriculture inspected.

Can I take driftwood from Hawaii?

It is also illegal to take dead coral, rocks and most other “marine deposits” from the beach. The exceptions are driftwood, shells, beach glass, glass floats, and seaweed.

Can you take dirt from Hawaii?

Soil from all other countries (and from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and all U.S. territories) is prohibited from entering the United States without a permit and/or USDA-approved soil treatment.

What should you not touch in Hawaii?

What should you not say in Hawaii?

1) Don't Say You're from America

Hawaii is not a stand-alone country. It may be far away from the mainland, but Hawaii is part of the United States of America. The island territory became the 50th State of the U.S. on August 21, 1959. Instead, you can say that you are from the mainland.

What are things you can only get in Hawaii?