bus. Visitors driving vehicles on the islands are expected to honor signs which designate certain public roads as "local traffic only". These rules are enforced in order to protect local residents from dealing with extra traffic in their neighborhoods. Business areas would always be the exception to this. Beaches There are many public beaches on the islands, but parking spaces may be limited in the "beach access lots". Since these "beach access" areas were initiated by state and local laws so that locals could regain access to beaches where they were denied access to in areas of heavy hotel/tourist development; it is appreciated when visitors leave these free limited parking spaces for the locals to use. Most hotels will allow day use parking for a fee. If you are coming to the Islands to surf it is best to ask the locals which beaches allow outsiders. In the most popular surfing areas, it takes many years to be accepted and forcing your way will usually be met with resistance from local surfers. Environmental responsibility Always mālama ka āina or in other words, take care of the land. Respect the local beaches and land by cleaning up your ʻōpala (trash) and take care to not upset any native species such as the Hawaiian green sea turtles, monk seals, and coral reefs. It is best to make sure all who visit can enjoy the natural resources. Visitors wishing to acquire shells, rocks and other mementos can usually find them for sale at many roadside stands, thus contributing to the local economy. When visiting the Big Island, it is important to not take any black sand or lava rock, as it is said to anger Pele, the Hawaiian fire goddess. Footnotes References Hawaii culture Hawaii