Hawaii is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful weather, majestic coasts, and world-class dining and shopping. The state offers a range of attractions, from its famous beaches to its volcanoes and golf courses. With its unique culture, history, and natural wonders, Hawaii has something for everyone, whether they are seeking relaxation or adventure. However, before travelling to Hawaii, it is important to be aware of the entry requirements, including any necessary documentation and customs forms. Additionally, it is worth noting that rental cars are in high demand, so planning ahead is essential.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Time Difference | Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HAST), 10 hours behind UTC |
Average Temperature | 75˚–85˚ F (24˚-29˚ C) |
Seasons | Summer (warmer and drier): April to November; Winter: December to March |
Whale Watching Season | Late December to early May |
Big Wave Surf Season | November to February |
Currency | United States Dollar |
Electricity | 115/120 volts at 60 cycles (60 Hz) per second |
Country Code | 1 |
What You'll Learn
Travel requirements and restrictions
When travelling to Hawai'i, there are a number of requirements and restrictions to be aware of. Firstly, all international visitors, regardless of their country of origin, must present a valid passport or secure document when entering the United States, including Hawai'i. This is a standard requirement for entering the country.
For citizens of Canada, there are specific entry requirements. When arriving by air, all Canadian citizens, including children, must produce a passport or NEXUS card that is valid for the duration of their stay. Temporary passport holders and official passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements, so it is important to check with diplomatic representatives for the most up-to-date information.
For those entering the US by land or water, Canadian citizens aged 16 and over must present one of the following:
- A Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card
- An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EIC) from a province with a US-approved EDL/EIC program
- A Secure Certificate of Indian Status
Canadian citizens aged 15 and under need to provide proof of citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate, or citizenship card. Minors travelling with a school or organised group must also present proof of citizenship.
In addition to passport and visa requirements, there are customs regulations to be aware of when entering Hawai'i. All arriving passengers and crew must complete a Customs Declaration Form, even if they have nothing to declare. Any dutiable goods, food, plant, or animal products must be declared, as well as large amounts of cash or negotiable instruments.
Non-US citizens travelling directly to Hawai'i from Australia or New Zealand must present both a vaccination record and a negative COVID-19 test result (PCR or antigen) within one day of boarding a flight to the US.
It is important to stay informed about the latest travel requirements and restrictions, as they may change over time. Visitors can refer to official government websites for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Transport options
When it comes to transport options for travelling outside the state of Hawaii, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to plan ahead, especially if you intend to rent a car, as they are currently in high demand.
Air Travel
If you're flying into Hawaii, it's worth noting that the state is aligned with federal international requirements. All international visitors, regardless of their country of origin, must present a valid passport or secure document. The Visa Waiver Program allows nationals of 38 countries to enter without a visa for stays of 90 days or less. However, all travellers must have valid authorisation through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).
Inter-Island Travel
Travelling between the islands of Hawaii is relatively quick and convenient. Here are the approximate travel times between some of the major islands:
- Kauaʻi to Oʻahu: 30 minutes
- Oʻahu to Maui: 40 minutes
- Maui to Kauaʻi: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Kauaʻi to Molokaʻi: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Molokaʻi to Island of Hawaiʻi: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Ground Transportation
Once you're in Hawaii, there are various ground transportation options to get around, including rental cars, taxis, and public transportation. It's worth noting that some small stores and fast-food outlets in Hawaii may not accept bills over $20, so it's advisable to have smaller denominations when using taxis or buying tickets for public transportation.
Cruise Ships
Another option for exploring the Hawaiian Islands is by cruise ship. This can be a convenient way to visit multiple islands and enjoy the scenery and activities each one has to offer.
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Health and safety
The State of Hawaii has a number of health and safety requirements and recommendations for travellers, particularly regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the prevention of the spread of disease.
COVID-19
As of March 26, 2022, there are no quarantine requirements for arriving domestic passengers. However, travellers arriving in Hawaii directly from international airports must still comply with U.S. federal requirements. Prior to this date, travellers entering the State had to self-quarantine for 5 days upon arrival unless they met certain criteria. These criteria included:
- Arriving in the State on recreational boats that have been at sea for at least 14 days, with no one on the boat ill or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Travelling to the State to perform critical infrastructure functions, although an exemption should be sought before travelling.
- Participating in the Safe Travels program and having a confirmed negative COVID-19 test from a trusted testing or travel partner taken within 72 hours of departure.
- Participating in the Safe Travels Vaccination Exception Program, which requires proof of vaccination to be uploaded to the Safe Travels site prior to departure.
Other Health and Safety Measures
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture is responsible for inspecting plant material arriving from the U.S. mainland. All agricultural items must be declared on the "Plants and Animals Declaration Form," which is distributed and collected by flight attendants before landing in Hawaii. All agricultural items must also be presented for inspection at the Agricultural Inspection Counter located near the exits in the baggage claim area.
The Hawaii Department of Health recommends avoiding mosquito bites to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses. This includes wearing light-coloured, long-sleeved tops and long pants, using insect repellent, and keeping windows and doors closed or covered with screens. It is also important to prevent standing water from collecting around the home and workplace to stop mosquitos from laying eggs.
If you have travelled to any location experiencing local malarial transmission and are experiencing symptoms of malaria, seek medical attention immediately.
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Currency and costs
The local currency in Hawaii is the US dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are easy to find.
The cost of your trip to Hawaii will depend on a number of factors, including where you stay, how you get around, and where you eat.
Flights
Flight prices will depend on where you are travelling from and when you plan to visit. Peak travel times to Hawaii are usually from June to August, and during December. The cheapest time to visit is outside of these months.
- New York to Honolulu: 800–1000 USD
- London to Honolulu: 1000–1200 GBP
- Sydney to Honolulu: 750–1200 AUD
- Vancouver to Honolulu: 500–900 CAD
Accommodation
Accommodation options in Hawaii include hostels, Airbnbs, hotels, and vacation rentals.
- Hostels: The average price of a hostel is between $35 and $55 per night.
- Airbnbs: A budget Airbnb will cost between $70 and $120 a night.
- Hotels: The average price of a budget hotel ranges from $130 to $165 per night.
- Vacation rentals: The average nightly rate for a vacation home is $170, plus an average tax rate of 18%.
Transport
There are a few ways to get around Hawaii: by air, by land, and by water.
- By air: Inter-island airline services are provided mainly by Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Mokulele Airlines. Flight times can range from 20 minutes to 2.5 hours, depending on the islands you are flying between.
- By land: There are bus services on the larger islands, which are very affordable. A one-way fare ranges from $2 to $2.75, and day passes are between $4 and $5.50.
- By water: There is currently only one inter-island ferry service in Hawaii, the Maui-Lanai Expeditions Ferry, which costs $30 for a one-way ticket.
Food
When it comes to eating out, food prices in Hawaii can be high. A meal in a cheap restaurant will cost between $10 and $15. Maui is the most expensive island for dining out. To save money, you can shop at grocery stores, farmers' markets, and food trucks.
- Laulau (pork wrapped in taro leaves): around $9
- Poke bowl: $6–$10
- Whole pineapple: $5–$8
- Beer: $5–$9 for a pint
- Wine: $10–$17 for a glass
- Cocktail: $15–$20
Attractions
There are some free attractions in Hawaii, such as the beaches and hiking trails. However, there are also some paid attractions, such as National Parks, which charge an entrance fee. For example, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park charges $30 per vehicle, admitting all passengers. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is another popular attraction, which is free to visit, although it is recommended to reserve your ticket online in advance.
Other attractions, such as a Luau (a traditional Hawaiian party with food and entertainment), can be more expensive. This can cost a minimum of $90 to $100 per person, including a buffet dinner and a traditional Polynesian show.
Additional Costs
- Parking: Parking costs can be high, especially at hotels.
- Tips: In Hawaii, servers earn less than the minimum wage, so it is recommended to tip at least 15% for good service.
- Souvenirs: Shopping for souvenirs can be expensive, depending on your budget.
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Things to do
Hawaii is a tropical paradise, offering a plethora of activities for tourists to enjoy. Here is a list of some of the best things to do when visiting this beautiful state:
- Explore Nature: Hawaii is known for its stunning natural scenery, including pristine beaches, volcanic sites, and lush rainforests. Go hiking at Diamond Head State Monument, explore the Waimea Canyon State Park, or visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Don't miss the opportunity to snorkel at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and experience the rich marine life and corals.
- Historical Sites: Immerse yourself in the rich history of Hawaii by visiting the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, which commemorates the events of WWII and the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. Also, check out the Iolani Palace, the former royal residence of Hawaii’s monarchy, with its impressive architecture and restored grandeur.
- Outdoor Adventures: Take advantage of the year-round warm weather and try out thrilling watersports, such as surfing, swimming, and paddleboarding. Go whale watching between December and May, when thousands of humpback whales migrate to Hawaii. If you're feeling adventurous, try a helicopter tour for breathtaking views of the islands.
- Local Culture: Hawaii has a unique culture and language. Learn a few Hawaiian words, such as "mahalo" for thank you. Sample the local cuisine, including dishes like Lomi Lomi Salmon and taro paste (Poi). Attend cultural events such as Lei Day, the King Kamehameha Floral Parade, and the Aloha Festival.
- Shopping and Dining: Honolulu, the capital, offers upscale shopping and dining options. Visit the famous Ala Moana Shopping Center or explore the KCC Farmers' Market for locally sourced goods. Enjoy a meal at one of the hundreds of dining options available throughout the city.
- Beaches: Relax on the world-famous Waikiki Beach, known for its turquoise ocean and views of Diamond Head. For a quieter experience, head to Kailua Beach Park, just a short drive from downtown Honolulu. If you're feeling adventurous, take a trip to the North Shore for surfing and snorkeling among colorful coral reefs.
- Museums: Visit museums such as the Bishop Museum, dedicated to Native Hawaiian and Pacific history and culture, or the Honolulu Museum of Art, with its collection of over 50,000 art pieces.
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Frequently asked questions
All international visitors, regardless of their country of origin, must present a valid passport or secure document when entering the United States, including Hawaii.
Hawaii uses the United States Dollar as its currency.
As of November 8, 2021, the State of Hawaii will welcome all vaccinated international travellers. Non-US citizens travelling directly from Australia and New Zealand must present a vaccination record and a negative COVID-19 test result within one day of boarding a flight to the US.
Hawaii follows Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HAST), which is 10 hours behind the Coordinated Universal Time (UCT-10).
The average temperature in Hawaii ranges between 75˚–85˚ F (24˚-29˚ C). Summer, between April and November, is warmer and drier, while winter, between December and March, is cooler.