Sources of Information
1. Visitors Bureaus
The Hawai’i Visitors and Conventions Bureau (HVCB) is the “mother” of all the individual island bureaus. The HVCB serves as the official source of information for individual travelers, groups and conventioneers. The O’ahu Visitors Bureau is the island’s chapter of HVCB.
HVCB Visitors Bureau • 1 800 GOHAWAII • 923 1811 • www.gohawaii.com
O’ahu Visitors Bureau • 1 877 525 6248 • 524 0722 • www.visit-oahu.com
2. Magazines
Hana Hou!, Hawaiian Airlines in-flight magazine is published six times a year. HONOLULU Magazine is Hawai’i’s only major regional magazine and a great source of insider information. All can be accessed online.
3. Newspapers
Hawai’i has one main daily, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, which covers all aspects of the news and is available statewide.
4. Websites
Virtually all hotel chains, activities sellers, and even most restaurants now have their own websites. They are easily accessed via any search engine. For updated online coverage of local news, videos and photo galleries, and event listings, visit websites such as MidWeek and Hawai’i Reporter. The O’ahu Visitors Bureau site also offers links to many visitor attractions.
5. Suggested Reading
James Michener’s Hawai’i is considered by many a “must-read” for visitors. It is certainly epic in scope and an entertaining, if not precisely accurate, historical novel. Shoal of Time by Gavan Daws, Hawai’i’s History by Hawai’i’s Queen by Queen Liliu’okalani, and Hawaiian Mythology by Martha Beckwith are all excellent choices.
6. Free Visitor Publications
You will be deluged by dozens of free visitor publications as soon as you arrive at any airport in Hawai’i. Many are chock full of discount coupons and free offers. Bear in mind that most publications cover only the places that advertise with them.
7. Concierge
Your hotel concierge is potentially one of the very best sources of insider information. They are, of course, island residents, and many know every nook and cranny of O’ahu – where to get the best noodles and find that vintage piece of Hawaiiana you’re after. Remember to tip them well if the advice is good.
8. Talk to Locals
Hawai’i is known for having some of the world’s friendliest locals, and most love to share their knowledge of their hometown. Talk to waiters and waitresses, the bartender, the supermarket cashier, and the person who sells you your very first aloha shirt. You’re sure to learn secrets not available in any guidebook!
9. Local TV
Oceanic Cable TV Channel 16 is a treasure trove of entertaining local information. Check it out, even if the pidgin (the local slang) proves a little difficult to decipher.
10. Yellow Pages
There’s a Yellow Pages phone book in most hotel rooms. Besides helping to identify the closest Japanese restaurant or surf shop, flipping through the book will give you an idea of the local way of life. Keep in mind that the large display listings are paid advertising.
