Sunbathing on Lanikai, Oahu
Hawaii is rich in natural and cultural wonders, and each island has something unique to offer. With so much vying for your attention, planning a trip can be bewildering. Here we’ve compiled everything you need to know before escaping to the islands.
The first thing to do: Decide where you want to go. Read through each chapter to see which islands fit the profile and offer the activities you’re looking for. We strongly recommend that you limit your island-hopping to one island per week. If you decide to visit more than one in a week, be warned: You could spend much of your precious vacation time in airports and checking in and out of hotels. Not much fun!
Our second tip is to fly directly to the island of your choice; doing so can save you a 2-hour layover in Honolulu and another plane ride. Oahu, the Big Island, Maui, and Kauai all receive direct flights from the Mainland.
So let’s get on with the process of planning your trip. For pertinent facts and on-the-ground resources in Hawaii, turn to “Fast Facts: Hawaii,” at the end of this chapter on p. 607.
By Plane
Most major U.S. and many international carriers fly to the Daniel K. Inouye International (HNL)—formerly Honolulu International Airport—on Oahu. Some also offer direct flights to Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui, Lihue Airport (LIH) on Kauai, and Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo Airport (ITO) on the Big Island. If you can fly directly to the island of your choice, you’ll be spared a 2-hour layover in Honolulu and another plane ride. If you’re heading to Molokai Airport (MKK) or Lanai Airport (LNY), you’ll have the easiest connections if you fly into Honolulu or Kahului. See island chapters for detailed information on direct flights to each island.
Hawaiian Airlines offers flights from more mainland U.S. gateways than any other airline. Hawaiian’s easy-to-navigate website makes finding the cheapest fares a cinch. Its closest competitor, pricewise, is Virgin America Airlines, which flies nonstop from San Francisco and Los Angeles. Alaska Airlines offers daily nonstop flights from West Coast cities, including Anchorage, Seattle, Portland, and Oakland. New to the market, Southwest Airlines is worth checking out for deals from the West Coast. From points farther east, United, American, Continental, and Delta all fly to Hawaii with nonstop service to Honolulu and most neighbor islands. If you’re having difficulty finding an affordable fare, try routing your flight through Las Vegas. It’s a huge hub for traffic to and from the islands.
internet or apps for Hawaii Hotel Discounts
Hawaii hotels and resorts know they have a captive audience and high prices reflect that. And while it’s not impossible to get a good deal by calling a hotel, you’re more likely to snag a discount online or with a mobile app. Here are some strategies:
1.Browse extreme discounts on sites where you reserve or bid for lodgings without knowing which hotel you’ll get. You’ll find these on Priceline.com and Hotwire.com, and they can be money-savers, particularly if you’re booking within a week of travel (that’s when the hotels get nervous and resort to deep discounts). These feature major chains, so it’s unlikely you’ll book a dump.
2.Review discounts on the hotel’s website. Hotels tend to give the lowest rates to those who book through their sites rather than through a third party. But you’ll only find these truly deep discounts in the loyalty section of these sites—so join the club.
3.Use the right hotel search engine. They’re not all equal, as we at Frommers.com learned in the spring of 2017 after putting the top 20 sites to the test in 20 destinations around the globe. We discovered that Booking.com listed the lowest rates for hotels in the city center, and in the under $200 range, 16 out of 20 times—the best record, by far, of all the sites we tested. And Booking.com includes all taxes and fees in its initial results (not all do, which can make for a frustrating shopping experience). For top-end properties, again in the city center, both Priceline.com and HotelsCombined.com came up with the best rates, tying at 14 wins each.
For travel from beyond the U.S. mainland, check these airlines: Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Qantas Airways, Japan Air Lines, All Nippon Airways (ANA), the Taiwan-based China Airlines, Korean Air, and Philippine Airlines. Hawaiian Airlines also flies nonstop to Australia, American Samoa, Philippines, Tahiti, South Korea, and Japan.
Arriving at the Airport
IMMIGRATION & CUSTOMS CLEARANCE International visitors arriving by air should cultivate patience before setting foot on U.S. soil. U.S. airports have considerable security practices in place. Clearing Customs and Immigration can take as long as 2 hours.
AGRICULTURAL SCREENING AT AIRPORTS At the Honolulu and neighbor-island airports, baggage and passengers bound for the Mainland must be screened by agriculture officials. Officials will confiscate fresh local produce (avocados, bananas, and mangoes) in the name of fruit-fly control. Pineapples, coconuts, and papayas inspected and certified for export; boxed flowers; leis without seeds; and processed foods (macadamia nuts, coffee, jams, dried fruit, and the like) will pass.
For additional advice on travel within each island, see “Getting Around” in the individual island chapters.
Interisland Flights
Hawaii has one major interisland carrier, Hawaiian Airlines (www.hawaiianair.com; 
800/367-5320), and a commuter airline Mokulele Airlines (www.mokuleleairlines.com; 866/260-7070). The commuter flights service the neighbor islands’ more remote airports and tend to be on small planes; you’ll board from the tarmac and weight restrictions apply. Check-in at least 90 minutes before your flight—especially Oahu or during holidays. You can get by with 60 minutes at the neighbor-island airports.
By Shuttle
Roberts Hawaii Express Shuttle (www.robertshawaii.com; 800/831-5541 or 808/539-9400), offers curb-to-curb shuttle service to and from the airports on Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai. Booking is a breeze (and 15% cheaper) on their website. SpeediShuttle (www.speedishuttle.com; 877/242-5777) services all of the major airports plus the cruise terminal. For an extra fee, you can request a fresh flower lei greeting.
By Bus
Public transit is spotty—Oahu has adequate bus service, but even so, it’s set up for residents, not tourists carrying suitcases or beach toys (all carry-ons must fit on your lap or under the bus seat). TheBus (www.thebus.org; 808/848-5555) delivers you to destinations around the island for $2.50. If you’re traveling on a shoestring and have the patience of a saint, this could be a transportation option for you. Bus nos. 19 and 20 travel regularly between the airport and Waikiki; the trip takes about an hour.
The neighbor-island buses are even less visitor-friendly. One-way rides cost $2. The Kauai Bus (www.kauai.gov/bus; 808/246-8110) stops at Lihue Airport twice every hour, but connections to towns outside of Lihue are few and far between. On the Valley Isle, the Maui Bus (www.mauicounty.gov—hover over the “Services” option and then choose “Bus Service Information”; 808/871-4838) picks up at Kahului Airport every 90 minutes and delivers riders to a transfer station at Queen Kaahumanu Mall. The Hele-On Bus (www.heleonbus.org; 808/961-8744) on Hawaii Island visits the Hilo Airport every 90 minutes and Kona Airport once a day.
By Car
Bottom line: Rent a car. You will need your own wheels to get around the islands, especially if you plan to explore outside your resort—and you absolutely should. As discussed above, public transit is unreliable, and taxis are obscenely expensive.
That said, Hawaii has some of the priciest car-rental rates in the country. The most expensive is the island of Lanai, where four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles cost a small fortune. Rental cars are often at a premium on Kauai, Molokai, and Lanai and may be sold out on any island over holiday weekends, so be sure to book well ahead. In fact, we recommend reserving your car as soon as you book your airfare.
To rent a car in Hawaii, you must be at least 25 years of age and have a valid driver’s license and credit card. Note: If you’re visiting from abroad and plan to rent a car in the United States, keep in mind that foreign driver’s licenses are usually recognized in the U.S., but you should get an international one if your home license is not in English.
At the Honolulu and most neighbor-island airports, you’ll find many major car-rental agencies, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. Most of the islands have independent rental companies that operate outside of the airport, often for cheaper rates; check individual island chapters. If you’re traveling with windsurfing or other sports gear on Maui, check out Aloha Rent a Car ( 877/5452-5642 or 808/877-4477; www.aloharentacar.com). We highly recommend AutoSlash.com over other online car rental services. It applies every available coupon on the market to the booking, yielding surprisingly low daily rates. And if the cost of a rental drops, it automatically rebooks renters, again lowering the price.
Gasoline Gas prices in Hawaii, always much higher than on the U.S. mainland, vary from island to island. Expect to pay around $4 a gallon, and as much as $5 a gallon on Lanai and Molokai. Check www.gasbuddy.com to find the cheapest gas in your area.
Insurance Hawaii is a no-fault state, which means that if you don’t have collision-damage insurance, you are required to pay for all damages before you leave the state, whether or not the accident was your fault. Your personal car insurance may provide rental-car coverage; check before you leave home. Bring your insurance identification card if you decline the optional insurance, which usually costs from $9 to $45 a day. Obtain the name of your company’s local claim representative before you go. Some credit card companies also provide collision-damage insurance for their customers; check with yours before you rent.
Stay Off the Cellphone |
Talking on a cellphone while driving in Hawaii is a big no-no. Fines start at $297 and increase in school or construction zones. Save yourself the money; if you have to take a photo of that rainbow, pull over.
Driving Rules Hawaii state law mandates that all car passengers must wear a seat belt and all infants must be strapped into a car seat. You’ll pay a $92 fine if you don’t buckle up. Pedestrians always have the right of way, even if they’re not in the crosswalk. You can turn right on red after a full and complete stop, unless otherwise posted. Hand-held electronic devices are prohibited while driving.
Road Maps The best and most detailed maps for activities are published by Franko Maps (www.frankosmaps.com); they feature a host of island maps, plus a terrific “Hawaiian Reef Creatures Guide” for snorkelers curious about those fish they spot underwater. Free road maps are published by This Week magazine, a visitor publication available on Oahu, the Big Island, Maui, and Kauai.
Another good source is the University of Hawaii Press maps, which include a detailed network of island roads, large-scale insets of towns, historical and contemporary points of interest, parks, beaches, and hiking trails. If you can’t find them in a bookstore near you, contact University of Hawaii Press, 2840 Kolowalu St., Honolulu, HI 96822 (www.uhpress.hawaii.edu; 888/UH-PRESS [847-7377]). For topographic maps of the islands, go to the U.S. Geological Survey site (https://pubs.er.usgs.gov).
Special-Interest Trips & Tours
This section presents an overview of special-interest trips, tours, and outdoor excursions in Hawaii. See individual island chapters for detailed information on the best local outfitters and tour-guide operators—as well as tips for exploring on your own. Each island chapter discusses the best spots to set out on your own, from the top offshore snorkel and dive spots to great daylong hikes, as well as the federal, state, and county agencies that can help you with hikes on public property. We also list references for spotting birds, plants, and sea life. Always use the resources available to inquire about weather, trail, or surf conditions; water availability; and other conditions before you take off on your adventure.
Air Tours
Nothing beats getting a bird’s-eye view of Hawaii. Some of the islands’ most stunning scenery can’t be seen any other way. You’ll have your choice of aircraft here: helicopter, small fixed-wing plane, or, on Oahu, seaplane. For wide-open spaces such as the lava fields of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a fixed-wing plane is the safest and most affordable option. But for exploring tight canyons and valleys, helicopters have an advantage: They can hover. Only a helicopter can bring you face to face with waterfalls in remote places like Mount Waialeale on Kauai and Maui’s little-known Wall of Tears, up near the summit of Puu Kukui.
Today’s pilots are part historian, part DJ, part amusement-ride operator, and part tour guide, sharing anecdotes about Hawaii’s flora, fauna, history, and culture. Top trips include:
Napali Coast, Kauai, where you soar over the painted landscape of Waimea Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and visit the cascading falls of Mount Waialeale, one of the wettest spots on Earth.
Haleakala National Park and West Maui, where you skirt the edges of Haleakala’s otherworldly crater before plunging into the deep, pristine valleys of the West Maui Mountains.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, where you stare into the molten core of a live volcano and watch lava spill into the sea.
Farm Tours
Overalls and garden spades might fit your image of a Hawaii vacation, but a tour of a lush and bountiful island farm should be on your itinerary. Agritourism has become an important new income stream for Hawaii farmers, who often struggle with the rising costs of doing business in paradise. Farm tours benefit everyone: The farmer gets extra cash, visitors gain an intimate understanding of where and how their food is produced, and fertile farmlands stay in production—preserving Hawaii’s rural heritage. There are so many diverse and inspiring farms to choose from: 100-year-old Kona coffee farms, bean-to-bar chocolate plantations, orchid nurseries, an award-winning goat dairy, and even a vodka farm!
With its massive cattle ranches, tropical flower nurseries, and coffee-covered hillsides, the Big Island is the agricultural heart of Hawaii. But each of the islands has farms worth visiting. Many agritours include sumptuous tasting sessions, fascinating historical accounts, and tips for growing your own food at home. See each island’s “Exploring” section for details on visiting local farms.
On the Big Island, Hawaii Forest & Trail (www.hawaii-forest.com; 808/331-8505) visits tropical fruit and coffee farms as part of their whole-day tours. Individual coffee growers open their orchards up as well (see p. 191).
Maui Country Farm Tours (www.mauicountryfarmtours.com; 808/283-9131) offers a gorgeous overview of agriculture on the Valley Isle, traveling through working coffee and pineapple plantations and stopping at a lavender farm, a goat dairy, and a vodka distillery.
Hawaii boasts some of the oldest national parks in the system—and the only one with an erupting volcano. The National Park Service manages eight sites on four islands: the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument on Oahu, Haleakala National Park on Maui, Kalaupapa National Historic Park on Molokai, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park, Puu o Honaunau Historic Park, and the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail on the island of Hawaii. Plans to open the Honouliuli National Monument commemorating the losses of Japanese citizens interned during WWII are underway.
A Weeklong Cruise Through the Islands |
If you’re looking for a taste of several islands in 7 days, consider Norwegian Cruise Line (www.ncl.com; 
866/234-7350), the only cruise line that operates year-round in Hawaii. NCL’s 2,186-passenger ship Pride of America circles Hawaii, stopping on four islands: the Big Island, Maui, Kauai, and Oahu.
Volunteer Vacations & Ecotourism
If you’re looking to swap sunbathing for something more memorable on your next trip to Hawaii, consider volunteering while on vacation. Rewards include new friends and access to spectacular wilderness areas that are otherwise off-limits.
If you’re looking for eco-friendly tour operators, the Hawaii Ecotourism Association website (www.hawaiiecotourism.org; 808/235-5431) is a good place to start. The owners of Hale Hookipa Inn on Maui maintain a great list of places to volunteer on the Valley Isle. Check it out at http://volunteer-on-vacation-hawaii.com.
The Surfrider Foundation organizes beach and reef cleanups and has several active chapters throughout the islands: Oahu (https://oahu.surfrider.org); Maui (https://maui.surfrider.org); Kauai (https://kauai.surfrider.org); and, on the Big Island, Kona (https://kona.surfrider.org) and Hilo (https://hilo.surfrider.org). And what could be more exciting than keeping watch over nesting sea turtles? Contact the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program ( 808/956-7031) and the Hawaii Wildlife Fund (www.wildhawaii.org; 808/280-8124) to see if they need help monitoring marine life.
For a truly novel experience, sign up on the waitlist to volunteer with Kahoolawe Island Restoration Commission (www.kahoolawe.hawaii.gov/volunteer.shtml; 808/243-5020). You’ll travel by boat from Maui to Kahoolawe, an uninhabited island that the U.S. military used as target practice for decades. Plant by plant, volunteers bring life back to the barren island, once a significant site for Hawaiian navigators. A week here is a cultural immersion unlike any other.
A great alternative to hiring a private guide is taking a trip with the Nature Conservancy or the Sierra Club. Both organizations offer guided hikes in preserves and special areas during the year, as well as day- to week-long volunteer work trips to restore habitats and trails, and root out invasive plants. It’s a chance to see the “real” Hawaii—including wilderness areas that are ordinarily off-limits.
The Sierra Club offers half- or all-day hikes to beautiful, remote spots on Oahu, Kauai, the Big Island, and Maui. Knowledgeable volunteers lead the trips and share a wealth of cultural and botanical information. Hikes are classified as easy, moderate, or strenuous; some (but not all) incorporate a few hours of volunteer work. Donations of $3 for Sierra Club members and $5 for nonmembers (bring exact change) are recommended. Contact the Hawaii Chapter of the Sierra Club (www.sierraclubhawaii.com; 808/538-6616 on Oahu).
All Nature Conservancy hikes and work trips are free (donations appreciated). However, you must reserve a spot. Hikes are offered once a month on Maui and Molokai, and occasionally on Oahu. Contact the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii (www.nature.org/hawaii; 808/537-4508 on Oahu; 808/572-7849 on Maui; 808/553-5236 on Molokai; and 808/587-6257 on Kauai).
Watersports Excursions
The same Pacific Ocean surrounds all of the Hawaiian Islands, but the varying topography of each shoreline makes certain spots superior for watersports. If surfing is your passion, head to Oahu. You’ll find gentle waves at Waikiki and adrenaline-laced action on the famed North Shore. Maui has plenty of surf breaks, too; plus, it’s the birthplace of windsurfing and a top kitesurfing destination. Beginners and pros alike will find perfect conditions for catching air off of Maui’s swells.
Kayaking is excellent statewide, particularly on Kauai, where you can take the adventurous Napali Coast challenge, and on Molokai, where you can lazily paddle downwind past ancient fishponds.
Reef-safe Sunscreen |
Hawaii recently became the first state to ban the sale of sunscreen containing chemicals that harm coral reefs and other marine life. New studies revealed that oxybenzone and octinoxate—the active ingredients in many sunblocks—contribute to coral bleaching. They may also be detrimental to human health. The good news? You can defend yourself against harmful UV rays without endangering your fishy friends. Invest in a hat and long sleeves. Purchase mineral sunblocks with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Look for the “reef safe” label. The new law won’t go into effect until 2021, but you can get a head start on protecting yourself and the reef. Check out bereefsafe.com for more information.
Sport fishing fans should head to the Big Island’s Kona Coast where billfish tournaments have reeled in monster Pacific blue marlins.
The deep blue Kona waters are also home to giant manta rays, and scuba diving among these gentle creatures is a magical experience. Scuba diving is also spectacular off Lanai, where ethereal caverns have formed in the reefs, and on Maui, on the back wall of Molokini Crater.
All of the islands have great snorkeling spots, but Maui’s two small boat harbors offer the widest range of snorkel and dive tours. Book a half-day cruise out to Molokini or an all-day adventure over to Lanai.
During the winter months, from November to April, whale-watching tours launch from every island, but the marine mammals seem to favor Maui’s Maalaea Bay. Dolphin-spotting is most reliable on Lanai at Manele Bay and on Hawaii at Kealakekua Bay, where the charismatic spinner dolphins come to rest.
Go to each island’s “Watersports” sections for detailed information on watersports outfitters and tour providers.
Area Codes Hawaii’s area code is 808; it applies to all islands. Use the area code when calling from one island to another; there is a long-distance charge.
Customs For details regarding U.S. Customs and Border Protection, consult your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or U.S. Customs (www.cbp.gov). You cannot take home fresh fruit, plants, or seeds (including some leis) unless they are inspected and sealed. You cannot seal and pack them yourself. For information on what you’re allowed to bring home, contact one of the following agencies:
U.S. Citizens: U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP), 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20229 (www.cbp.gov; 877/CBP-5511).
Canadian Citizens: Canada Border Services Agency (www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca; 800/461-9999 in Canada, or 204/983-3500).
U.K. Citizens: HM Customs & Excise (www.hmce.gov.uk; 0845/010-9000 in the U.K., or 020/8929-0152).
Australian Citizens: Australian Customs Service (www.customs.gov.au; 1300/363-263).
New Zealand Citizens: New Zealand Customs, The Customhouse, 17–21 Whitmore St., Box 2218, Wellington (www.customs.govt.nz; 64/9-927-8036 outside of NZ, or 0800/428-786).
Electricity Like Canada, the United States uses 110 to 120 volts AC (60 cycles), compared to 220 to 240 volts AC (50 cycles) in most of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Downward converters that change 220–240 volts to 110–120 volts are hard to find in the U.S., so bring one with you if you’re traveling to Hawaii from abroad.
Embassies & Consulates All embassies are in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Some consulates are in major U.S. cities, and most nations have a mission to the United Nations in New York City. If your country isn’t listed below, check www.embassy.org/embassies.
The embassy of Australia is at 1601 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (www.usa.embassy.gov.au; 202/797-3000). Consulates are in New York, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Denver, Atlanta, Chicago, and San Francisco.
The embassy of Canada is at 501 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001 (www.canadianembassy.org; 202/682-1740). Consulates are in Chicago, Detroit, San Diego, and other cities. See website for full listing.
The embassy of Ireland is at 2234 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (www.embassyofireland.org; 202/462-3939). Irish consulates are in Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and other cities. See website for full listing.
The embassy of New Zealand is at 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008 (www.nzembassy.com; 202/328-4800). Consulates are in Los Angeles and Honolulu.
The embassy of the United Kingdom is at 3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (www.gov.uk/government/world/usa; 202/588-6500). Other British consulates are in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Miami.
Family Travel With beaches to build castles on, water to splash in, and amazing sights to see, Hawaii is paradise for children. Take a look at “The Best of Hawaii for Kids” in chapter 1.
The larger hotels and resorts offer supervised programs for children and can refer you to qualified babysitters. By state law, hotels can accept only children ages 5 to 12 in supervised activities programs but can often accommodate younger kids by hiring babysitters to watch over them. Contact People Attentive to Children (PATCH) for referrals to babysitters who have taken a training course in childcare. On Oahu, call 808/839-1988; on the Big Island, call 808/322-3500 in Kona or 808/961-3169 in Hilo; on Maui, call 808/242-9232; on Kauai, call 808/246-0622; on Molokai and Lanai, call 800/498-4145; or visit www.patchhawaii.org. The Nanny Connection (www.thenannyconnection.com; 808/875-4777) on Maui is a reputable business that sends Mary Poppins–esque nannies to resorts and beaches to watch children ($15 per hour and up, with a 3-hour minimum and a $25 booking fee). Tutoring services are also available.
Baby’s Away (www.babysaway.com) rents cribs, strollers, highchairs, playpens, infant seats, and the like on Oahu ( 800/496-6386 or 808/729-4214), Maui ( 800/942-9030 or 808/269-4939 and Hawaii Island ( 800/996-9030 or 808/747-9667). The staff will deliver whatever you need to wherever you’re staying and pick it up when you’re done.
Gay & Lesbian Travelers The number of gay- or lesbian-specific accommodations on the islands is limited, but Hawaii welcomes all people with aloha. Since 1990, the state’s capital has hosted the Honolulu Pride Parade and Celebration. Register to participate at www.honolulupride.org.
Pride Guide Hawaii (www.gogayhawaii.com) features gay and lesbian news, blogs, business recommendations, and other information for the entire state. Also check out the website for Out in Hawaii (www.outinhawaii.com), which calls itself “Queer Resources and Information for the State of Hawaii,” with vacation ideas, a calendar of events, information on Hawaii, and even a chat room.
Health Mosquitoes Mosquito-borne diseases are rare in Hawaii, though an outbreak of dengue fever did affect Hawaii Island in 2016. The Hawaii State Health Department recommends travelers a) choose lodging with screens or sleep under a mosquito net; b) cover up in long sleeves and pants; and c) use EPA-registered insect repellent. For more info, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/features/StopMosquitoes.
Centipedes, Scorpions & Other Critters Although insects can get a little close for comfort in Hawaii (expect to see ants, cockroaches, and other critters indoors, even in posh hotels), few cause serious trouble. Giant centipedes—as long as 8 inches—are occasionally seen; scorpions are rare. Around Hilo on the Big Island, little red fire ants can rain down from trees and sting unsuspecting passersby. If you’re stung or bitten by an insect and experience extreme pain, swelling, nausea, or any other severe reaction, seek medical help immediately. Geckos—the little lizards circling your porch light—are harmless and considered good luck in Hawaiian homes. Yes, even inside homes.
Hiking Safety Before you set out on a hike, let someone know where you’re heading and when you plan to return; too many hikers spend cold nights in the wilderness because they don’t take this simple precaution. It’s always a good idea to hike with a pal. Select your route based on your own fitness level. Check weather conditions with the National Weather Service (www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl; 808/973-5286 on Oahu), even if it looks sunny: The weather here ranges from blistering hot to freezing cold and can change in a matter of hours or miles. Do not hike if rain or a storm is predicted; flash floods are common in Hawaii and have resulted in many preventable deaths. Plan to finish your hike at least an hour before sunset; because Hawaii is so close to the equator, it does not have a twilight period, and thus it gets dark quickly after the sun sets. Wear sturdy shoes, a hat, clothes to protect you from the sun and from getting scratches, and high-SPF sunscreen on all exposed areas. Take plenty of water, a basic first-aid kit, a snack, and a bag to pack out what you pack in. Watch your step. Loose lava rocks are famous for twisting ankles. Don’t rely on cellphones; service isn’t available in many remote places.
Vog When molten lava from Kilauea pours into the ocean, gases are released, resulting in a brownish, volcanic haze that hovers at the horizon. Some people claim that exposure to the smoglike air causes headaches and bronchial ailments. To date, there’s no evidence that vog causes lingering damage to healthy individuals. Vog primarily affects the Big Island—Kona, in particular—but is often felt as far away as Maui and Oahu. You can minimize the effects of vog by closing your windows and using an air conditioner indoors. The University of Hawaii recommends draping a floor fan with a wet cloth saturated in a thin paste of baking soda and water, which captures and neutralizes the sulfur compounds. Cleansing your sinuses with a neti pot and saltwater also helps. Word of caution: If you’re pregnant or have heart or breathing problems, avoid exposure to the sulfuric fumes in and around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Ocean Safety The range of watersports available here is astounding—this is a prime water playground with conditions for every age and ability. But the ocean is also an untamed wilderness; don’t expect a calm swimming pool. Many people who visit Hawaii underestimate the power of the ocean. With just a few precautions, your Pacific experience can be a safe and happy one. Before jumping in, familiarize yourself with your equipment. If you’re snorkeling, make sure you feel at ease breathing and clearing water from the snorkel. Take a moment to watch where others are swimming. Observe weather conditions, swells, and possible riptides. If you get caught in big surf, dive underneath each wave until the swell subsides. Never turn your back to the ocean; rogue waves catch even experienced water folk unaware. Be realistic about your fitness—more than one visitor has ended his or her vacation with a heart attack in the water. Don’t go out alone, or during a storm.
Note that sharks are not a big problem in Hawaii; in fact, local divers look forward to seeing them. Only 2 of the 40 shark species present in Hawaiian waters are known to bite humans, and then usually it’s by accident. But here are the general rules for avoiding sharks: Don’t swim at dusk or in murky water—sharks may mistake you for one of their usual meals. It should be obvious not to swim where there are bloody fish in the water, as sharks become aggressive around blood.
Seasickness The waters in Hawaii range from calm as glass (off the Kona Coast on the Big Island) to downright turbulent (in storm conditions) and usually fall somewhere in between. In general, expect rougher conditions in winter than in summer and on windward coastlines versus calm, leeward coastlines. If you’ve never been out on a boat, or if you’ve been seasick in the past, you might want to heed the following suggestions:
The day before you go out on the boat, avoid alcohol, caffeine, citrus and other acidic juices, and greasy, spicy, or hard-to-digest foods.
Get a good night’s sleep the night before.
Take or use whatever seasickness prevention works best for you—medication, an acupressure wristband, ginger tea or capsules, or any combination. But do it before you board; once you set sail, it’s generally too late.
While you’re on the boat, stay as low and as near the center of the boat as possible. Avoid the fumes (especially if it’s a diesel boat); stay out in the fresh air and watch the horizon. Do not read.
If you start to feel queasy, drink clear fluids like water, and eat something bland, such as a soda cracker.
Stings The most common stings in Hawaii come from jellyfish, particularly Portuguese man-of-war and box jellyfish. Since the poisons they inject are very different, you’ll need to treat each type of sting differently.
A bluish-purple floating bubble with a long tail, the Portuguese man-of-war is responsible for some 6,500 stings a year on Oahu alone. Although painful and a nuisance, these stings are rarely harmful; fewer than 1 in 1,000 requires medical treatment. The best prevention is to watch for these floating bubbles as you snorkel (look for the hanging tentacles below the surface). Get out of the water if anyone near you spots these jellyfish. Reactions to stings range from mild burning and reddening to severe welts and blisters. Most jellyfish stings disappear by themselves within 15 to 20 minutes if you do nothing at all to treat them. All Stings Considered: First Aid and Medical Treatment of Hawaii’s Marine Injuries, by Craig Thomas, M.D., and Susan Scott (University of Hawaii Press, 1997), recommends the following treatment: First, pick off any visible tentacles with a gloved hand or a stick; then, rinse the sting with salt- or fresh water, and apply ice to prevent swelling. Avoid applying vinegar, baking soda, or urine to the wound, which may actually cause further damage. See a doctor if pain persists or a rash or other symptoms develop.
Transparent, square-shaped box jellyfish are nearly impossible to see in the water. Fortunately, they seem to follow a monthly cycle: 8 to 10 days after the full moon, they appear in the waters on the leeward side of each island and hang around for about 3 days. Also, they seem to sting more in the morning, when they’re on or near the surface. The stings from a box jellyfish can cause hive-like welts, blisters, and pain lasting from 10 minutes to 8 hours. All Stings Considered recommends the following treatment: First, pour regular household vinegar on the sting; this will stop additional burning. Do not rub the area. Pick off any vinegar-soaked tentacles with a stick and apply an ice pack. Seek medical treatment if you experience shortness of breath, weakness, palpitations, or any other severe symptoms.
Punctures Most sea-related punctures come from stepping on or brushing against the needle-like spines of sea urchins (known locally as wana). Be careful when you’re in the water; don’t put your foot down (even if you are wearing booties or fins) if you can’t clearly see the bottom. Waves can push you into wana in a surge zone in shallow water. The spines can even puncture a wet suit. A sea urchin puncture can result in burning, aching, swelling, and discoloration (black or purple) around the area where the spines entered your skin. The best thing to do is to pull out any protruding spines. The body will absorb the spines within 24 hours to 3 weeks, or the remainder of the spines will work themselves out. Again, contrary to popular thought, urinating or pouring vinegar on the embedded spines will not help.
Cuts Stay out of the ocean if you have an open cut, wound, or new tattoo. The high level of bacteria present in the water means that even small wounds can become infected. Staphylococcus, or “staph,” infections start out as swollen, pinkish skin tissue around the wound that spreads and grows rather than dries and heals. Scrub any cuts well with fresh water and avoid the ocean until they heal. Consult a doctor if your wound shows signs of infection.
Also see “Fast Facts” in the individual island chapters for listings of local doctors, dentists, hospitals, and emergency numbers.
Internet & Wi-Fi On every island, branches of the Hawaii State Public Library System have free computers with Internet access. To find your closest library, check www.librarieshawaii.org/sitemap.htm. There is no charge for use of the computers, but you must have a Hawaii library card, which is free to Hawaii residents and members of the military. Visitors can visit any branch to purchase a $10 visitor card that is good for 3 months.
If you have your own laptop, every Starbucks in Hawaii has Wi-Fi. For a list of locations, go to www.starbucks.com/retail/find/default.aspx. Many, if not most, hotel lobbies also have free Wi-Fi. Whole Foods is another reliable option. Copy shops like FedEx Office offer computer stations with software (as well as Wi-Fi).
Most interisland airports provide basic Wi-Fi access for a per-minute fee. The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (http://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl) provides Internet service for a fee through Shaka Net.
| The Value of the US$ vs. Other Popular Currencies | |||||
| US$ | Can$ | UK£ | Euro (€) | Aus$ | NZ$ |
| $1 | C$1.30 | £.69 | €.92 | A$1.31 | NZ$1.36 |
Mail At press time, domestic postage rates were 34¢ for a postcard and 49¢ for a letter. For international mail, a first-class postcard or letter up to 1 ounce costs $1.15. For more information go to www.usps.com.
If you aren’t sure what your address will be in the United States, mail can be sent to you, in your name, c/o General Delivery at the main post office of the city or region where you expect to be. (Call 800/275-8777 for information on the nearest post office.) The addressee must pick up mail in person and must produce proof of identity (driver’s license, passport, and the like). Most post offices will hold mail for up to 1 month and are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm, and Saturday from 9am to noon.
Always include zip codes when mailing items in the U.S. If you don’t know your zip code, visit www.usps.com/zip4.
Medical Requirements Unless you’re arriving from an area known to be suffering from an epidemic (particularly cholera or yellow fever), inoculations or vaccinations are not required for entry into the United States.
Mobile Phones Cellphone coverage is decent throughout Hawaii but can be inconsistent in the more remote and mountainous regions of the Islands. AT&T and Verizon tend to get the best reception.
If you are traveling from outside of the U.S., you may want to purchase an international SIM card for your cellphone or buy a prepaid cellphone with local service.
Do not use your cellphone while you are driving. Strict laws and heavy fines ($297 and up) are diligently enforced.
Money & Costs Frommer’s lists exact prices in the local currency. The currency conversions quoted below were correct at press time. However, rates fluctuate, so before departing, consult a currency exchange website such as www.oanda.com or www.xe.com/currencyconverter to check up-to-the-minute rates.
ATMs (cashpoints) are everywhere in Hawaii—at banks, supermarkets, Long’s Drugs, and Honolulu International Airport, as well as in some resorts and shopping centers.
Note: Many banks impose a fee every time you use a card at another bank’s ATM, and that fee is often higher for international transactions (up to $5 or more) than for domestic ones (rarely more than $2.50). In addition, the bank from which you withdraw cash is likely to charge its own fee. Visitors from outside the U.S. should also find out whether their bank assesses a 1 to 3% fee on charges incurred abroad.
Credit cards are accepted everywhere except on the public buses, most taxicabs (all islands), and some small restaurants and B&B accommodations.
Packing Tips Hawaii is very informal. Shorts, T-shirts, and sandals will get you by at most restaurants and attractions; a casual dress or a polo shirt and long pants are fine even in the most expensive places. (Restaurants in the Halekulani on Oahu and the Big Island’s Mauna Kea Beach Hotel require men to wear long-sleeved collared shirts.) Aloha wear is acceptable everywhere, so you may want to plan on buying an aloha shirt or a Hawaiian-style dress while you’re in the islands. If you plan on hiking, horseback riding, or ziplining, bring close-toed shoes; they’re required.
The tropical sun poses the greatest threat to anyone who ventures into the great outdoors, so pack sun protection: a good pair of sunglasses, strong sunscreen, a light hat, and a water bottle. Dehydration is common in the tropics.
One last thing: It can get really cold in Hawaii. If you plan to see the sunrise from the top of Maui’s Haleakala Crater, venture into the Big Island’s Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, or spend time in Kokee State Park on Kauai, bring a warm jacket. Temperatures “upcountry” (higher up the mountain) can sink to 40°F (4°C), even in summer when it’s 80°F (27°C) at the beach. Bring a windbreaker, sweater, or light jacket. And if you’ll be in Hawaii between November and March, toss some rain gear into your suitcase, too.
Passports Virtually every air traveler entering the U.S. is required to show a passport. Children 15 and under may continue entering with only a U.S. birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship. Bring a photocopy of your passport with you and store it separately. If your passport is lost or stolen, the copy will facilitate the reissuing process at your consulate.
Australia Australian Passport Information Service (www.passports.gov.au; 131-232 in Australia).
Canada Passport Office, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G3 (www.canada.ca; 800/567-6868).
Ireland Passport Office, Setanta Centre, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 (www.foreignaffairs.gov.ie; 01/671-1633).
New Zealand Passports Office, Department of Internal Affairs, 47 Boulcott St., Wellington, 6011 (www.passports.govt.nz; 0800/225-050 in New Zealand or 04/474-8100).
United Kingdom Visit your nearest passport office, major post office, or travel agency, or contact the Identity and Passport Service (IPS), 89 Eccleston Sq., London, SW1V 1PN (www.ips.gov.uk; 0300/222-0000).
United States To find your regional passport office, check the U.S. State Department website (http://travel.state.gov) or call the National Passport Information Center ( 877/487-2778) for automated information.
Safety Although tourist areas are generally safe, visitors should always stay alert, even in laidback Hawaii (and especially in Waikiki). If you’re in doubt about which neighborhoods are safe, the island tourist office can advise you. Avoid deserted areas, especially at night. Don’t go into any city park at night unless there’s an event that attracts crowds—for example, the Waikiki Shell concerts in Kapiolani Park. Generally speaking, you can feel safe in areas where there are many people and lots of open establishments.
Avoid carrying valuables with you on the street, and don’t display expensive cameras or electronic equipment. Hold on to your purse, and place your billfold in an inside pocket. In theaters, restaurants, and other public places, keep your possessions in sight. Remember also that hotels are open to the public and that security may not be able to screen everyone entering, particularly in large properties. Always lock your room door—don’t assume that once inside your hotel you’re automatically safe.
Burglaries of tourists’ rental cars in hotel parking structures and at beach or hiking parking lots have become more common. Park in well-lit and well-traveled areas, if possible. Never leave any packages or valuables visible in the car. If someone attempts to rob you or steal your car, do not try to resist the thief or carjacker—report the incident to the police department immediately. Ask your rental car agent about specific spots to avoid on each island, and get written directions or a map with the route to your destination clearly marked.
Senior Travel Getting older pays off! Discounts for seniors are available at almost all of Hawaii’s major attractions and occasionally at hotels and restaurants. The Outrigger hotel chain, for instance, offers travelers ages 50 and older a 20% discount on regular published rates—and an additional 5% off for members of AARP. Always ask when making hotel reservations or buying tickets and carry proof of your age with you—it can really pay off. Most major domestic airlines offer senior discounts. Members of AARP (www.aarp.org; 800/424-3410 or 202/434-2277) are usually eligible for extra discounts. AARP also puts together organized tour packages at moderate rates. Some great, low-cost trips to Hawaii are offered to people 55 and older through Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostel; 11 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, MA 02111; www.roadscholar.org; 800/454-5768), a nonprofit group that arranges travel and study programs around the world. Write to the address above for a catalog of offerings.
If you’re planning to visit Hawaii Volcanoes or Haleakala National Park, you can save sightseeing dollars if you’re 62 or older by picking up a Senior Pass from any national park, recreation area, or monument. This lifetime pass has a one-time fee of $80 and provides free admission to all of the parks in the system, plus a 50% savings on camping and recreation fees.
Smoking Smokers will be hard-pressed to find places to light up. It’s against the law to smoke in public buildings (including airports, malls, stores, buses, movie theaters, banks, convention facilities, and all government buildings and facilities). There is no smoking in restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Neither can you smoke at public beaches or parks. Essentially, you’ll be relegated to the tiny smoking section on the edge of your hotel property. More hotels and resorts are becoming nonsmoking, even in public areas, and most B&Bs prohibit smoking indoors. Smoking is prohibited within 20 feet of a doorway, window, or ventilation intake (so no hanging around outside a bar to smoke—you must go 20 ft. away). Smoking marijuana is illegal; if you attempt to buy it or light up, you can be arrested.
Taxes The United States has no value-added tax (VAT) or other indirect tax at the national level. Every state, county, and city may levy its own local tax on all purchases, including hotel and restaurant checks and airline tickets. These taxes will not appear on price tags.
Hawaii state general excise tax is 4.166%, which applies to all items purchased (including hotel rooms). The county of Oahu levies an additional 0.546% tax. On top of that, the state’s transient Accommodation Tax (TAT) is 10.25%. These taxes, combined with various resort fees, can add up to 17% to 18% of your room rate. Budget accordingly.
Telephones All calls on-island are local calls; calls from one island to another via a landline are long distance and you must dial 1, then the Hawaii area code (808), and then the phone number. Convenience stores sell prepaid calling cards in denominations up to $50. You are unlikely to see a public pay phone, however. Those at airports now accept American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. Local calls made from most pay phones cost 50¢. Most long-distance and international calls can be dialed directly from any phone. To make calls within the United States and to Canada, dial 1, followed by the area code and the seven-digit number. For other international calls, dial 011, followed by the country code, city code, and the number you are calling.
Calls to area codes 800, 888, 877, and 866 are toll-free. However, calls to area codes 700 and 900 (chat lines, bulletin boards, “dating” services, and so on) can be expensive—charges of 95¢ to $3 or more per minute. Some numbers have minimum charges that can run $15 or more.
For reversed-charge or collect calls, and for person-to-person calls, dial the number 0, then the area code and number; an operator will come on the line, and you should specify whether you are calling collect, person-to-person, or both. If your operator-assisted call is international, ask for the overseas operator.
For directory assistance (“Information”), dial 411 for local numbers and national numbers in the U.S. and Canada. For dedicated long-distance information, dial 1, then the appropriate area code plus 555-1212.
Time The continental United States is divided into four time zones: Eastern Standard Time (EST), Central Standard Time (CST), Mountain Standard Time (MST), and Pacific Standard Time (PST). Alaska and Hawaii have their own zones. For example, when it’s 7am in Honolulu (HST), it’s 9am in Los Angeles (PST), 10am in Denver (MST), 11am in Chicago (CST), noon in New York City (EST), 5pm in London (GMT), and 2am the next day in Sydney.
Daylight saving time, in effect in most of the United States from 2am on the second Sunday in March to 2am on the first Sunday in November, is not observed in Hawaii, Arizona, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Daylight saving time moves the clock 1 hour ahead of standard time.
Tipping Tips are a major part of certain workers’ income, and gratuities are the standard way of showing appreciation for services provided. (Tipping is certainly not compulsory if the service is poor!) In hotels, tip bellhops at least $2 per bag ($3–$5 if you have a lot of luggage) and tip the housekeepers $2 per person per day (more if you’ve left a disaster area for them to clean up). Tip the doorman or concierge only if he or she has provided you with some specific service (for example, calling a cab for you or obtaining difficult-to-get theater tickets). Tip the valet-parking attendant $2 to $5 every time you get your car.
In general, tip service staff such waiters, bartenders, and hairdressers 18% to 20% of the bill. Tip cab drivers 15% of the fare.
Toilets You won’t find public toilets on the streets in Hawaii, but you can find them in hotel lobbies, restaurants, museums, department stores, service stations, and at most beaches (where you’ll find showers, too). Large hotels and fast-food restaurants are often the best bet for clean facilities. Restaurants and bars in heavily visited areas may reserve their restrooms for patrons.
Travelers with Disabilities Travelers with disabilities are made to feel very welcome in Hawaii. There are more than 2,000 ramped curbs in Oahu alone, many hotels are equipped with wheelchair-accessible rooms and pools, and tour companies provide many special services. Beach wheelchairs are available at one beach on Maui (Kamaole I; ask lifeguard) and six beaches on Oahu. Contact the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (https://www.honolulu.gov/parks/beach-parks/beach-wheelchair-access.html; 808/768-3027) for locations.
For tips on accessible travel in Hawaii, go to the Hawaii Tourism Authority website (www.travelsmarthawaii.com/en/practical-travel-info/before-traveling/travelers-with-special-needs/). The Statewide Independent Living Council of Hawaii, 841 Bishop St., Honolulu, HI 96813 (www.hisilc.org; 808/585-7452), can provide additional resources about accessibility throughout the Islands.
Access Aloha Travel (www.accessalohatravel.com; 800/480-1143) specializes in accommodating travelers with disabilities. Agents book cruises, tours, rental vans (available on Maui and Oahu only), accommodations, and airfare (as part of a package only). On Maui and Kauai, Gammie Homecare (www.gammie.com; Maui: 808/877-4032; Kauai: 808/632-2333) rents everything from motorized scooters to shower chairs.
Travelers with disabilities who wish to do their own driving can rent hand-controlled cars from Avis (www.avis.com; 800/331-1212) and Hertz (www.hertz.com; 800/654-3131). The number of hand-controlled cars in Hawaii is limited, so be sure to book well in advance. Hawaii recognizes other states’ windshield placards indicating that the driver of the car is disabled, so be sure to bring yours with you. Vision-impaired travelers who use a Seeing Eye dog need to present documentation that the dog is a trained Seeing Eye dog and has had rabies shots. For more information, contact the Animal Quarantine Facility (http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/animal-quarantine-information-page; 808/483-7151).
Visas The U.S. State Department has a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allowing citizens of numerous nations to enter the United States without a visa for stays of up to 90 days., Consult http://usvisas.state.gov for the most up-to-date list of countries in the VWP. Even though a visa isn’t necessary, in an effort to help U.S. officials check travelers against terror watch lists before they arrive at U.S. borders, visitors from VWP countries must register online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding a plane or a boat to the U.S. Travelers must complete an electronic application providing basic personal and travel eligibility information. The Department of Homeland Security recommends filling out the form at least 3 days before traveling. Authorizations will be valid for up to 2 years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first. Currently, there is a US$16 fee for the online application. Note: To enter the U.S. without a visa VWP travelers must present an e-Passport. E-Passports contain computer chips capable of storing biometric information, such as the required digital photograph of the holder. Citizens of these nations also need to present a round-trip air or cruise ticket upon arrival. For more information, go to http://usvisas.state.gov. Under most circumstances, citizens of Canada and Bermuda may enter the United States without a visa but will need to show a passport and proof of residence. See restrictions at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/citizens-of-canada-and-bermuda.html.
Citizens of all other countries must have (1) a valid passport that expires at least 6 months later than the scheduled end of their visit to the U.S., and (2) a tourist visa. For information about U.S. visas, go to http://usvisas.state.gov. Or go to one of the following:
U.S. Embassy Canberra (Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600; https://au.usembassy.gov; ( 02/6214-5600).
U.S. London Embassy (24 Grosvenor Square, London W1A 2LQ; https://uk.usembassy.gov; )20/7499-9000).
U.S. Embassy Dublin (42 Elgin Rd., Ballsbridge, Dublin 4; https://ie.usembassy.gov; 353 1 668-8777).
U.S. Embassy New Zealand (29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington; http://nz.usembassy.gov; 644/462-6000).
Water Generally the water in your hotel or at public drinking fountains is safe to drink (depending on the island, it may have more chlorine than you like).
