Hawaii, United States - Travel Guide

Hawaii is a tropical paradise known for its stunning natural beauty, including volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and world-renowned beaches. It offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures, rich Polynesian culture, and a relaxed, aloha spirit.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$150/day

Mid-range$300/day

Luxury$1000/day

Known For

MauiOahuKauaiBig IslandHonoluluPacific IslandsAloha State

🇺🇸 Country Information: United States

CapitalWashington

CurrencyUnited States dollar ($)

LanguageEnglish , Spanish,Chinese,French,Tagalog,Vietnamese,Korean,German,Arabic,Russian

Phone Code+1

Electricity120V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is customary for services (restaurants, bars, taxis, hair salons, etc
)
Restaurant waitstaff: 15
20% of the bill
Bar staff: $1
2 per drink or 15
20% of the bill
Taxi drivers: 15
20% of the fare
Hotel housekeepers: $2
5 per day

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards are widely accepted
Bringing cash is a personal preference, but credit/debit cards are sufficient for most transactions
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Casual dress is common, but smart casual is appreciated in upscale settings
Politeness and direct communication are generally valued
Punctuality for appointments is expected
Personal space is generally respected
Shaking hands is a common greeting
Eating customs are diverse, but typically involve using forks, knives, and spoons
It is common to make small talk with strangers
"Bless you" is said when someone sneezes

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights vary by state, but federal protections are in place for marriage equality and some anti-discrimination laws. Public opinion is increasingly supportive.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 21
Marijuana laws vary by state (some states allow recreational or medicinal use, others do not)
Federal law prohibits marijuana use
Drug laws are strict, particularly for illicit substances

Special Laws

It is illegal to jaywalk in many areas
Open container laws for alcohol vary by state and city
Driving laws vary by state

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)

YesYes (YES)

HelloHello (huh-LOH)

PleasePlease (PLEEZ)

Excuse meExcuse me (eks-KYOOS mee)

Thank youThank you (THANk yoo)

Climate

Hawaii's climate varies significantly across islands and within islands due to elevation and trade winds.

Climate Zone: Tropical Savanna

Best Time to Visit

Hurricane season: Jun
Nov

Getting There

Air travel is the most common way to reach Hawaii, with direct flights to major islands like Oahu (Honolulu International Airport
HNL), Maui (Kahului Airport
OGG), and Kauai (Lihue Airport
LIH) from many major US cities
Inter
island flights are frequent and relatively short (30
60 min)

Getting Around

Rental cars are highly recommended for exploring the islands
Ride
sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are available in metropolitan areas
Public transportation (TheBus on Oahu) is limited on other islands
Taxis are also an option

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations are recommended
No specific health requirements beyond standard travel precautions
Consult a doctor for personalized advice
Mosquito
borne illnesses are rare but possible
Sun protection is crucial

Staying Connected

eSIMs are widely available from major US carriers like AT\&T, T
Mobile, and Verizon
Airalo and Nomad eSIMs also work well for travelers

Local Cuisine

Poke must_try

A popular Hawaiian dish of diced raw fish, usually tuna, seasoned with ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, and seaweed. Served as an appetizer or

Shave Ice dessert

A fine, snow-like ice dessert flavored with colorful, often tropical, syrups. It can be customized with toppings like sweet azuki beans, condensed mil

Kalua Pig regional_speciality

Traditional slow-roasted whole pig cooked in an 'imu' (underground oven), resulting in smoky, tender, shredded pork. It is a staple at luaus and is ch

Laulau regional_speciality

Tender pieces of pork, beef, or fish (or a combination) wrapped in taro leaves and then steamed or baked. The taro leaves wilt down and impart a delic

Loco Moco breakfast

A classic comfort dish consisting of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and smothered in brown gravy. It is a hearty, plate-lunch

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Premium Accommodation (Resorts, High-Demand Rentals) Accommodation

Book 6–12 months in advance

Hawaii is a highly sought-after destination, and the best accommodations and preferred dates often sell out far in advance, especially for premium properties.

Rental Cars Transport

Book 3–6 months in advance

Car rentals frequently sell out or become extremely expensive, particularly on islands like Maui and Kauai, due to limited supply.

Haleakalā Sunrise Reservation (Maui) Attraction

Book exactly 60 days in advance

A reservation is mandatory to enter the summit area of Haleakalā National Park between 3:00 AM and 7:00 AM, and tickets sell out instantly.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Road to Hana Reservations (Maui) permit_or_pass

Book 2 weeks–2 months in advance

Timed entry/parking reservations are required for the Hāna side of Waiʻānapanapa State Park, a key stop, and spots fill up quickly.

Pearl Harbor Tickets/Tours (Oahu) Attraction

Book 1 week–2 months in advance

The Arizona Memorial tickets are free but limited, released in two windows, and quickly claimed. Early booking is essential to guarantee access.

High-Demand Luau Reservations Dining

Book 1–6 months in advance

The most popular luau shows (e.g., Old Lahaina, Polynesian Cultural Center shows) have limited seating and often sell out months ahead, especially for preferred/VIP seating.

Fun Facts

1. The Hawaiian Islands archipelago, measuring 1,523 miles long from the Kure Atoll to the Big Island, is the longest island chain in the world.
2. Mauna Kea is considered the world's tallest mountain, measuring over 33,000 feet high when measured from its submarine base, which is more than the height of Mount Everest.
3. Iolani Palace in Honolulu was wired for electricity in 1886, five years before the White House, and is the only official royal palace on American soil.
4. Hawaii is the only U.S. state that commercially grows coffee, as it is the only state with a tropical climate.

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