HAWAII TRAVEL GUIDE

GENERAL INFORMATION

GETTING THERE: For the most part, your options are pretty limited on how you get to Hawaii. You can come by boat or by air, and that’s just about it. Either method of transportation is fine, but we personally prefer to arrive by air – and that’s an understatement! A long cruise can spoil the joys of arriving on Hawaii’s shores, as the journey simply takes too long. There is something to be said about that built-up anticipation of just waiting to step foot on the island, and a flight is the best way to do just that.

EACH ISLAND HAS AN AIRPORT(S): Oahu (HNL), Maui (OGG), Kauai (LIH), Kona on the Big Island (KOA), Hilo on the Big Island (ITO)

HIGH SEASON: Most of the year is quite busy and popular. With steady average temperatures, and so many events, the Hawaiian Islands are in constant demand. It's also easily accessible, as no passports are required, and the islands typically have the same testing requirements as the mainland. Due to high demand and low supply, it is ideal to book 10 months in advance. The highest season is mid-December to mid-March/April, with peak travel around the winter holidays, from Christmas through the New Year.

LOW SEASON: April through mid-June, and September through mid-December see the fewest tourist. During these times you will experience a wider variety of options when it comes to accommodations and attractions.

LANGUAGE: English, although, the Hawaiian language, ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, came to the shores along with the first people to arrive from the ancestral homelands of Polynesia. The language evolved alongside the culture into the nuanced, multi-layered ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i we know today.

TIME ZONE: Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (6 hours behind US East Coast)

CLIMATE: Weather in The Hawaiian Islands is very consistent, with only minor changes in temperature throughout the year. There are really only two seasons in Hawaii: summer (kau) from May to October and winter (hooilo) from November to April. The average daytime summer temperature at sea level is 85° F (29.4° C), while the average daytime winter temperature is 78° F (25.6° C). Temperatures at night are approximately 10° F lower than the daytime.

MONEY/CURRENCY (CREDIT CARDS, DEBIT CARDS, TIPPING, ATMS): The main currency is the United States Dollar with all restaurants, stores, and resort hotels accepting credit cards, debit cards, and cash. While ATMs are readily available throughout the resorts, they do charge a fee for each withdrawal. Tipping for servers, custodial staff, and the bell desk is customary. For servers, it’s recommended to tip at least 18%.

1. Hawaii has 11 of the world’s 13 climate zones.

2. Hawaii has the two tallest mountains on earth. When measured from their base off the ocean floor, both Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa rise over 31,000 feet high.

3. Vog is the local term for “volcanic fog”, and it describes the hazy air pollution that occasionally hangs over the islands. Vog is caused when sulfur dioxide and other gasses from Kilauea’s Halemaumau Crater (on the island of Hawaii) mix with moisture in the air and sunlight.

4. The average water temperature is 74° F (23.3° C), with a summer high of 80° F (26.7° C). Wave action varies dramatically between island coasts and seasons. Summer waters are typically gentle on all beaches. During the winter on many north shore beaches, Pacific storms drive ocean swells to- wards the islands, creating The Hawai- ian Islands’ legendary big waves.

5. Average rainfall on the island varies dramatically. The Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii averages around 10 inches per year whereas the island of Kauai averages 450 inches per year.

WHAT TO PACK

In Hawaii, every day feels like Aloha Friday. Clothing is casual, and except for one or two upscale restaurants, jackets are not required for dinner. Men in Hawaii have it easy because aloha shirts (casual button-down or collared shirts) are appropriate for just about any occasion. Hawaii’s year-round tropical climate ranges from bikini weather during the day to a light sweater or jacket in the evening. Comfortable shoes or sandals are fine for most occasions.

If you will be hiking or will require specialty clothing/equipment, consider buying your gear before you arrive, as the selection can be limited on some islands. A light jacket is recommended for wind and rain. This is especially important if you will be spending lengthy amounts of time on the summits of Haleakala on Maui or Maunakea on the island of Hawaii, or camping in higher elevations like Upcountry Maui or Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Hawaii’s proximity to the sun makes for gorgeous tans and nasty sunburns, even on cloudy days. If you want that golden glow, tan slowly with a high-SPF sunscreen. Bring reef-safe sunscreen to help prevent the bleaching of coral and other damage to the islands’ ocean habitat. Also, protect yourself with a brimmed hat and sunglasses.

SPLIT ISLAND SAMPLE ITINERARY 

DAY 1

Fly into Honolulu on Oahu, airport code HNL. If possible, try to arrive as early in the day. It is suggested that you rent a car since you’ll be exploring other parts of the island during your time here (be sure to check out the parking rates at your hotel in advance). Make your way to your hotel, park the car, and get settled. When ready head out and spend the rest of the day exploring Waikiki. If you can, tackle on foot (it’s not too large) otherwise a hop-on/off bus is available. Grab dinner, drinks, and live music at one of the beach’s hotels to end the night!

DAY 2

Grab a quick and light breakfast in or around the hotel. Hit the road and head to the other side of the island. Take your time and explore the laid-back North Shore. This could include Haleiwa (great little shops), one of the many beaches to watch surfers, see the turtles, or catch the sunset (Banzai Pipeline, “Turtle Beach” and Sunset Beach). At lunch take a break – shrimp truck and shave ice! If time allows check out the Polynesian Cultural Center – a favorite of many. Return to your hotel and hit the beach or pool. End the night with dinner and live music or other entertainment.

DAY 3

The morning and early afternoon will be spent at Pearl Harbor. Try to get there as early as possible – afternoons can get VERY crowded. If taking an organized tour (ensure it includes the USS Arizona), follow the instructions on where to meet and enjoy! If traveling there by car, leave ample time for the drive and traffic and to secure tickets to The Arizona. You’ll likely be there until around lunch. Return to your hotel and grab some food or a snack and spend some time on the beach or at the pool. Plan on going to a luau tonight. Most include dinner and the show, and we highly recommend you book in advance. Before calling it a night, pack, and prep for departure tomorrow.

DAY 4

Grab and go for breakfast before heading to the airport. Ensure you leave enough time to account for the drive, rental return, and check-in. Relax and enjoy your quick island-hopper flight to Maui (OGG). Again, a car rental is recommended. Check into the hotel and spend the rest of the day getting settled and at the beach! If you’re feeling up for it, head to Lahaina in the evening – enjoy the local shops, galleries, bars, and restaurants, where you’ll grab dinner.

DAY 5

Today you have options and it’ll likely be an early day, so grab breakfast quick. If you’re traveling during whale season, arrange a watching tour. If not, consider a visit to Haleakala Crater or drive the Road to Hana. Whale watching should be done in the morning and will be about two hours. That will leave time in the afternoon for the beach! If visiting Haleakala, we recommend doing so at sunrise (reservations required or the afternoon is a fine backup with no reservation needed) with plenty of beach time later in the day. The Road to Hana must be explored early as well. Allocate eight to 12 hours and incorporate stops at the many waterfalls and beaches, and snacks! Banana bread! Spend the evening in or around the hotel where you can grab dinner and drinks.

DAY 6

Spend the day at leisure at your resort. Have a late breakfast, spend some time at the pool, and hit the beach. If you’re up for it and would like to explore some more, incorporate one of the recommendations from Day 5. Spend a chill evening at or around the resort. Enjoy dinner, drinks, and local entertainment.

DAY 7

Spend the day at leisure at your resort. Have a late breakfast, spend some time at the pool, and hit the beach. If you’re up for it and would like to explore some more, incorporate one of the recommendations from Day 5. Spend a chill evening at or around the resort. Enjoy dinner, drinks, and local entertainment.

DAY 8

Fly home. If time allows, grab a leisurely sit-down breakfast in or around the hotel before heading to the airport. Remember to leave ample time for the drive, traffic, rental return, and check-in.

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