travel information on hawaii

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 History
• 4.2 Climate
• 4.3 Best times to go
• 4.4 Holidays
• 4.5 Visitor information
• 6.1 By plane
• 6.2 By boat
• 7.1 By plane
• 7.2 By boat
• 7.5 By moped, scooter or motorcycle
• 7.6 By bicycle
• 10.1 Clothing
• 10.2 Made in Hawaii
• 16.1 Civil defense sirens
• 16.2 Natural disasters
• 17 Stay healthy
• 20.2 Internet

Hawaii ( Hawaiian : Hawaiʻi , sometimes pronounced ha-VAI-ee by locals) is the 50th state of the United States of America . Situated nearly at the center of the north Pacific Ocean, Hawaii marks the northeast corner of Polynesia . While it was once a major hub for the whaling, sugar and pineapple industries, it is now economically dependent on tourism and the U.S. military. The natural beauty of the islands continues to be one of Hawaii's greatest assets. Honolulu is the state's capital, largest city, and cultural hub. Hawaiian and English are the official languages of Hawaii.

Islands [ edit ]

Hawaii is an archipelago of over 19 volcanic islands spread over a geological "hot spot" in the Central Pacific. The Pacific plate on which the islands ride moves to the northwest, so in general the islands are older and smaller (due to erosion) as you move from southeast to northwest. There are eight major islands, six of which are open to tourism.

Cities [ edit ]

The term "cities" is used here in a broad sense. Hawaii has no organized government below the county level. All communities that would be thought of as cities, towns, and the like in the rest of the US are merely "census-designated places", statistical entities established by the United States Census Bureau.

• 21.3 -157.816667 1 Honolulu – state capital and most-populous community
• 21.680278 -157.950278 2 Kahuku – on Oahu
• 21.3975 -157.739444 3 Kailua – on Oahu
• 21.974722 -159.365556 4 Lihue (Hawaiian: Līhuʻe ) – on Kauai
• 20.886111 -156.674722 5 Lahaina (Hawaiian: Lāhainā ) – on Maui
• 20.881667 -156.4675 6 Kahului – on Maui
• 20.891923 -156.502177 7 Wailuku – on Maui
• 19.705556 -155.085833 8 Hilo – largest community on the Big Island
• 19.65 -155.994167 9 Kailua-Kona – on the Big Island

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 18.911111 -155.681111 1 Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail on the Big Island.
• 20.716667 -156.166667 2 Haleakala National Park on Maui
• 19.383333 -155.2 3 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island
• 21.189444 -156.981667 4 Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Moloka‘i
• 19.421944 -155.910278 5 Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park on the Big Island
• 21.365 -157.95 6 USS Arizona National Memorial on O‘ahu
• 20.020278 -155.667778 7 Waimea Canyon on Kaua‘i
• 21.2752 -157.8312 8 Waikiki on O‘ahu

Understand [ edit ]

Where tourism is concerned, Hawaii has something for everyone. The island of Oahu, the most populous and home to the state capital and largest city of Honolulu, is great for people who wish to experience the islands and still keep the conveniences of a large city. Rainforests and hiking trails are minutes from Waikiki Beach, one of the world's best tourist destinations. In the winter, large waves on Oahu's north shore turn the normally sleepy area into the surfing capital of the world.

On the other hand, those who wish to experience Hawaii at a slower pace would do well to visit one of the Neighbor Islands (the other, less populated islands around Oahu). All the Neighbor Islands offer opportunities to relax and enjoy the sun and scenery. Many of the natural wonders of the islands are on the Neighbor Islands, from Waimea Canyon on Kauai, to Haleakala on Maui, to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. Numerous waterfalls and rainforests evoke memories of what the islands might have looked like before major corporations set their sights on Hawaii. The road to Hana is one of the most scenic on Maui, as you manipulate many turns overlooking the Eastern coast of the island. It leads you over bridges and past beautiful waterfalls. You can end up at the Oheo Gulch Pools (which are not sacred and there are more than seven), where the hiking is quite the experience.

History [ edit ]

Polynesians migrated to, and established communities on, the islands of Hawaii around 800 CE, part of the great expansion of Austronesian peoples that also populated most other Pacific islands.

Captain James Cook was the first European visitor to the islands, arriving in 1778. At that time, each island was a separate kingdom. With the support of Western advisors and weapons, Kamehameha I of the island of Hawaii conquered all the islands except Kauai, which acquiesced to his rule in 1810.

After Kamehameha II abolished the kapu (taboo) system, American missionaries came to the islands to spread Christianity. As the Native Hawaiians did not have any concept of owning land, the missionaries became official land owners of many of the islands. Their children became successful businessmen in the Islands and still own entire islands to this day. Pineapple and sugar cane plantations were established, and workers from other countries (in particular Japan, the Philippines, China, Korea and Portugal) were imported as contract laborers. Their descendants also became established as successful professionals.

The Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893 by a group of American businessmen. While the U.S. administration at the time refused to annex the former sovereign nation, in 1898 the United States did annex the islands, which became a territory in 1900, and a state of the United States in 1959.

Hawaii also became an important outpost for the U.S. military through the 20th century, and Pearl Harbor was the site of the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941, that resulted in the U.S. joining World War II (see Pacific War ). Today, the military maintains its presence here, with several major military bases on the island of Oahu alone; Pearl Harbor remains the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Over the years, many major retail chains have expanded their presence in Hawaii, making the Islands look more and more like the continental United States, often at the expense of local businesses. Nevertheless, Hawaii remains culturally vibrant. Its population, descended from the Native Hawaiians, the original plantation workers, and more recent arrivals, and in which no one group has a majority, is often cited as an example of multiculturalism at its best. There is a strong commitment to perpetuating Native Hawaiian cultural traditions, and the cultural heritage of Hawaii's many immigrant communities from the Pacific, Asia and Europe. And certainly the environment is conducive to longevity. Hawaii has the longest predicted life expectancies of any U.S. state.

Climate [ edit ]

Depending on where you are in Hawaii, the weather can be very different over even short distances. On the same day, on Oahu you might find sun over the beaches in Waikiki and rain only a few miles away in Manoa Valley.

Although the islands receive abundant amounts of both sunshine and rain, rain is more likely on the north and east sides of the islands, which face the prevailing northeasterly tradewinds (the "windward" side of the island), as well as the mountain peaks and valleys. The moist tropical air carried by the tradewinds is forced upward by the mountains, resulting in clouds and rain. Rain is less likely on the coastal areas of the "leeward" sides (the south and west sides) of the islands.

Although there are no true "seasons" in the islands in the same sense as the rest of the U.S., the climate does go through annual cycles based on rainfall. The "wet" season in Hawaii (cooler temperatures and more rainfall) runs roughly from October to March, and the "dry" season (warmer temperatures and less rainfall) from April to September. There is therefore a higher probability of rain if you visit during the peak of tourist season in late December or January.

Hurricane season in the islands runs from June to November. Although Hawaii's relative isolation means that it is affected only rarely by tropical cyclones, one of the storms or its remnants does hit or skirt the Islands every couple of years, such as Hurricanes Iwa and Iniki hitting Kauai in 1982 and 1992 respectively.

Overall, Hawaii is warm and balmy — when you step out of the plane you'll immediately notice that the air is soft and humid — and during the summer months the tradewinds provide a pleasant breeze. Daytime temperatures generally range from the low 70s (21°C) in "winter" to the mid 80s (27°C) in "summer". Very rarely does the air temperature exceed 90°F (32°C) even in the hottest part of summer; however, the humidity will make it feel as if it were a few degrees hotter. Ocean temperatures range between 73°F (23°C) degrees in the winter to 78°F (25.5°C) in the summer. There is usually no more than a 20°F (12°C) difference between daytime high and nighttime low temperatures.

Consequently, besides your driver's license, credit card, camera, binoculars, and other essentials, it's best to keep your clothes to a minimum... one or two pair of washable slacks/shorts, light shirts, walking shoes, sandals and swim gear. A light jacket or sweater may be necessary depending on when and where you go, but heavy clothing is not normally necessary in most areas. Sunscreen is essential since Hawaii's close proximity to the Equator translates into very strong sun radiation. The suitcase space you save can be used to fill up on island purchases.

Although the above is true for most of the Islands, you will find exceptions. A good rule to remember is the higher the elevation, the cooler it will be. Upcountry areas of Kauai, Maui and the Big Island will be cooler during the day, in the 60s F, and much colder at night, in the 40s F. At the highest elevations on Maui and the Big Island, temperatures can drop to near freezing in places like Haleakala National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Mauna Kea. On the Big Island, both of the largest mountains, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, can receive snowfall year around, mostly in the winter, and can even experience blizzard conditions.

There is more of a difference from the day-to-night temperatures in Hawaii than there is summer-to-winter. Given that, there can be more of a difference from lower elevations to higher elevations than either of those, depending on where you are visiting. It's important to research the areas you plan to visit and bring clothing suitable for those conditions.

Best times to go [ edit ]

Hawaii's tropical weather tends to be most attractive to tourists when the weather is frightfully cold at home. It's not surprising, then, that the peak tourist season in Hawaii is the Northern Hemisphere winter (mid-December to mid-April). The highest prices tend to be during the Christmas and New Year's season, with a second peak around spring break in March and April. Hawaii's weather is at its best (not too hot and not too cold, with not so much rain) in April, May, September, and October — as it happens, this is also the period when some of the best deals can be had.

Holidays [ edit ]

Hawaii observes all the federal holidays , except Columbus Day. It adds Prince Kuhio Day on March 26th, Good Friday (two days before Western Easter), King Kamehameha Day on June 11, Statehood Day on the 3rd Friday in August, and Election Day (in even-numbered years only, always on a Tuesday, from November 2nd to 8th). Also, some cities and towns that have a large population of federal workers or military personnel might observe Columbus Day anyway.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• Go Hawaii website

Talk [ edit ]

Hawaiian and English are the official languages of Hawaii, albeit with English being the predominant language. However, if you encounter someone fluent in Hawaiian or learning the language and speak a few words of Hawaiian you'll instantly find yourself much more appreciated than the average tourist. Japanese is common in the tourism industry due to the large number of Japanese tourists who visit, as well as the large Japanese-American community in the state. There are also many communities that speak Mandarin , Cantonese, Tagalog, Ilocano, Vietnamese, Korean and Samoan.

Hawaiian Pidgin English , usually just called Pidgin , is a creole that many locals grew up speaking which incorporates bits of Hawaiian, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Portuguese and many other languages, in addition to its own unique idioms. It has a unique sound and feel. You will most likely hear Pidgin spoken on the street by Islanders in informal situations; it is Hawaii's language of everyday life.

There are some subtle differences in English usage in Hawaii. Learning a few words of Hawaiian can be fun and useful. Some signs in Hawaii use Hawaiian words, and most street signs use Hawaiian names. Some useful words include:

Shaka [ edit ]

The shaka sign is a hand gesture often used in Hawaii and adopted by surfers. To make a shaka, make a fist with your hand, and extend the thumb and smallest finger. Many people emphasize it by rotating their hand back and forth (along the arm, as if turning a doorknob).

There's not an exact meaning to the shaka, but it generally conveys "aloha spirit". Drivers frequently sign the shaka to say "thank you" to another driver.

Get in [ edit ]

Foreign travelers entering Hawaii directly from another country are subject to the same entry requirements as for the United States in general. See the Get in section of the United States article.

As Hawaii is one of the 50 United States, flights between Hawaii and other states are considered domestic flights. Therefore, you never need to show a passport or other documentation when arriving in Hawaii from the U.S. Mainland. When leaving Hawaii on a domestic flight, you only need to show approved picture ID , which for foreign visitors would typically be a passport.

Hawaii has requirements to control the flow of plants and animals. The islands have unique plant and animal life found nowhere else. They also have diseases and pests not found on the U.S. Mainland, and are free of other diseases and pests that are commonly found elsewhere. Because of this, Hawaii is an agricultural quarantine zone . For travelers, this means three things:

• You are required by the Hawaii State Department of Agriculture to fill out a written agricultural declaration while aboard your flight to Hawaii. One declaration form is required per family; the forms will be collected before landing. Any fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and the like must be declared and inspected by Department of Agriculture personnel at your port of arrival; some items may be prohibited from entering Hawaii. Penalties for non-compliance are stiff. To avoid delays and hassles, avoid bringing such items with you. (On the reverse side of this declaration is a Hawaii Tourism Authority questionnaire that asks for information about your stay. You are encouraged but not required to complete this questionnaire.)
• When leaving Hawaii for the U.S. Mainland, all baggage (checked and carry-on) must be inspected by U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors at the airport. With the exception of pineapples and treated papayas (pawpaw), any fresh fruits (grown in Hawaii or elsewhere) are prohibited from leaving Hawaii to control the spread of fruit flies. Consult the U.S. Department of Agriculture for more details. Depending on the airport you leave from and the airline, be prepared to submit to as many as three X-ray checkpoints on the way to your Mainland flight: having your checked bags X-rayed in the ticket lobby, the TSA security checkpoint, and perhaps a separate agricultural inspection for your carry-on bags on the way to your gate. That last checkpoint will probably have a sign that says, "Yes, you have to do this again...."
• As Hawaii is rabies-free, pets such as dogs and cats are subject to complex and strict quarantine requirements . The least restrictive provisions (direct airport release or 5-day maximum quarantine) require at least two rabies vaccinations at least thirty days apart and at least 90 days before arrival, the latest of which must be current; microchip implantation; and a negative rabies blood test within the last three years, but at least 120 days before arrival. Pets failing to meet these requirements will be subject to quarantine for up to 120 days.

Hawaii does not observe Daylight Saving Time, which means that the time difference between Hawaii and most of North America varies by the time of year. Hawaii is two time zones behind the U.S. West Coast, thereby accounting for a three -hour time difference during DST for most states.

Travelers from Asia, Australia, and New Zealand should keep the International Date Line in mind when doing time conversions and flight reservations. Hawaii is 19 hours behind Japan, making it five hours ahead of Japan by the clock, but a day behind on the calendar. Most flights to Hawaii that leave Asia in the evening will arrive in the morning of the same day, and return flights that leave Hawaii in the morning will arrive in the early afternoon of the next day.

By plane [ edit ]

Most flights from the mainland U.S. and almost all international flights land in Honolulu on the island of Oahu . From here, passengers destined for a neighbor island will connect to an interisland flight (see By Plane in Get Around below). Nonstop service from the mainland is also available to Kahului on Maui , Kona and Hilo on the Big Island , and Lihue on Kauai . Kona also serves a limited number of non-stop flights from Japan, and seasonal service from Canada.

Depending on the airline, nonstop flights to Honolulu leave from most major gateway airports on the West Coast (as well as some smaller ones), as well as many major airports in the Midwest and East Coast. The flight from Los Angeles or San Francisco takes about 5 hours, which is comparable to a flight between the West and East Coasts of the contiguous United States. Thus, a flight from New York will take about 10½ hours.

Jetstar is a budget Australian airline that connects Honolulu to several cities in Australia . From Southeast Asia, there are also low-cost airlines from Kuala Lumpur , Singapore and Manila with AirAsia X .

By boat [ edit ]

There are a few trans-Pacific cruises to Hawaii that leave from ports on the West Coast. On an 18-day, 5,000 miles (8,000 km) round-trip cruise between Hawaii and the West Coast, about 12 of those days will be at sea, with nothing on the horizon and nothing to do except what is on the ship. Even if you are an avid cruiser, you may get more Hawaii bang from your cruise buck by flying to Honolulu and taking a seven-day interisland cruise that starts and leaves from there. Pacific Ocean cruises to and from California depart for the most part from mid-fall to mid-spring. (See Get around: By boat for more info on the regular cruises from the Mainland.)

There are a few freighter services , but if you are an American citizen embarking in the USA and wishing to travel to Hawaii then you cannot travel this way on a foreign-flagged ship due to the U.S. Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886. Instead, try cruises from Ensenada, Baja California or Vancouver, British Columbia .

It is also worthwhile to troll marinas on the West Coast of the contiguous United States, leaving your contact info and posting to online discussion boards for people planning to spend around a month sailing from the mainland. Ensure that any expectation of compensation including work duties, food, supplies, and damaged equipment is covered in writing so everything is clear. Storms and days stuck becalmed are to be expected.

Get around [ edit ]

Air travel is, by and large, compulsory for traveling within the state. Travelers can choose from either a scheduled or unscheduled air carrier.

Three scheduled inter-island air carriers, Hawaiian Airlines , Mokulele Airlines , and Southwest Airlines , provide set scheduled flights between the islands. You can save money and time by planning "triangle routes" that arrive in Hawaii on one island and leave on another, avoiding the cost of a return inter-island flight.

Scheduled flight times run anywhere from 20 minutes to one hour, and can usually be purchased a day or two before departure, although this may increase the cost of traveling.

Visitors wanting to fly according to their own demand (as opposed to scheduled times) should consider flying on an unscheduled air carrier also known as air taxi service. Contact the air carrier directly and arrange a time and place for pick up. Iolani Air and Big Island Air are two such air carriers.

The Hawaiian islands are populated with airstrips that scheduled carriers do not service. In these instances air taxi companies may be the only means of traveling.

Hunters and campers with cumbersome gear planning trips to remote island regions, as well as visitors wishing to "island hop", should consider air taxi service.

In general ferry services between the islands are few and far between and many are not a practical means of transportation.

Charter boats sail and motor between some islands, especially the Maui - Molokai - Lanai area. Crossing the channels between islands can be extremely rough going. A few charter companies specialize in having boats delivered interisland and can meet you at your destination. A company offering ferries is Expeditions (Maui–Lana'i $30 one way for adults and $20 for children).

Norwegian Cruise Lines operates a cruise ship , Pride of America , between the islands, embarking and disembarking in Honolulu .

Inquire at nearby marinas about joining the crew of a local sailboat or yacht out for a cruise.

By bus [ edit ]

On Oahu there is an excellent public transportation system on TheBus for bus travel between Honolulu, Waikiki, Kaneohe, and the surrounding suburban and rural areas of Oahu. You can buy a booklet called "TheBus" at a local ABC Store giving route information on how to get around the island or online on TheBus.org or download "DaBus2" app on a mobile device. Public transportation is limited on the neighboring islands, so renting a car makes sense. There are some bus services available within and between populated areas on the other islands. They are:

• Hele-On [dead link] (Hilo, Kona, Waimea and around the big island of Hawai'i)
• Kaua'i Bus (Kauai)
• Maui Bus (Kahului, Wailuku, Lahaina, and other places in western Maui. No service to the Haleakala NP in the eastern part of the island).

No regular bus services on Molokai or Lanai.

Information on transit can be found here .

By car [ edit ]

If you want to take your car to Hawaii, it will either need to be amphibious or freighted by ship with very high cost, making this infeasible unless you plan a long-term stay in Hawaii. However, Hawaii is the only state that honors all other U.S. state vehicle licenses until they expire, provided you apply for a permit within 10 days of the car's arrival. (Incidentally, Hawaii is also the only state that does not require intended residents to exchange their out-of-state driver's licenses.)

Car rentals should be booked as soon as possible since, as elsewhere in the US, the price charged is based on a supply/demand basis. The exception is Waikiki where you will not need a car on a permanent basis so just rent a car the day before you want one. Some hotels may charge you for car parking; check with your hotel for parking fees before you book your car.

Gasoline, while nowhere near the prices charged in Europe, is more expensive in Hawaii than in many areas of the Mainland. There was a time when gas prices in Hawaii were much more expensive than other states. Nowadays, however, average prices are comparable to San Francisco and Los Angeles, and are sometimes below those cities. Expect to pay about 20-25% more than the average price on the Mainland for gasoline in Honolulu. Neighbor Island prices can be as much as 10-15% above that.

The major highways are referred to by number (H-1, H-2, and H-3; they're never called "I-H-1" etc.), but most locals refer to other roads not by number but by name, and will likely not understand if you ask for a road by number. For example, you would never hear someone refer to Kalanianaole Highway as "route 72" or "highway 72."

If you ask for directions, they will likely not be given in terms of compass direction. Instead you will probably receive relative directions based on landmarks. Common landmarks include mauka (toward the mountains), makai (toward the ocean), and on Oahu, ʻEwa (toward Ewa Beach, roughly west) and Diamond Head (toward Diamond Head, roughly east). So a query for a grocery store might be met with "go two blocks makai , turn right on King and it's half a mile up on the mauka side of the street."

By moped, scooter or motorcycle [ edit ]

Scooters are also an excellent alternative to getting around the islands. Rental rates are fairly cheap: about $50/day, or $135 for three days, which you can sometimes haggle down. The scooters are also fun to ride and are cheap on gas (typical mileage is 60–100 mpg, or 2.3–3.9 L/100 km). You can ride them anywhere except on limited-access highways (of which there aren't many in Hawaii, and there's always a surface street that's probably more scenic).

Scooters only require a valid license for driving a car, not a motorcycle license. The driver must be over 15 (legally out-of-state license aren't acceptable unless the driver is 18, but this is rarely enforced). It's illegal for two or more persons to ride a moped, although this may not be enforced in more remote areas such as Big Island . Helmets are not mandatory, but if you want one (which is always a good idea) you should be able to rent one with your scooter, possibly for free. When you get your scooter, inspect it first, as some are in bad repair: make sure the headlights and turn signals are working, and insist on taking it for a quick spin around the block to check that the acceleration, transmission, brakes, and steering are okay. If anything is amiss, insist on a replacement scooter, or walk away from the deal and find another rental company.

Scooters that can go over 30 mph or have an engine larger than 49 cc are classified the same as motorcycles, so you need a motorcycle license . Motorcycle rentals are easy to find. On most islands, you can also rent out Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

By bicycle [ edit ]

Depending on where you travel a bicycle can be a great form of transportation if you keep a few things in mind. Some roads are very narrow and winding which may create a hazard when sharing the road with cars. There are also some steep hills as Hawaii is a series of mountains erupting from the sea; without a topo map an apparent shortcut may require a challenging hill while a long loop may be flat and avoid large terrain getting you there quicker. If you stay near the beach there is the salty sea air and rain which will eventually rust a bicycle which is kept outside, keep on top of chain and part maintenance and cleaning to prevent damage. Honolulu has a bicycle registration law [dead link] requiring a tag for $15, and bicycles without registration can be impounded by police. The law and common sense require a white front and red rear light when operating a bicycle during twilight and night. Many airlines charge an oversized luggage fee for most full size bikes even when boxed; some tour-capable folding bikes can be fit inside a standard suitcase, but most public transportation does not allow bicycles at all.

See [ edit ]

Do [ edit ].

The Hawaiian islands offer a vast number of activities. Hiking and eco tours are popular on most islands, with opportunities for horseback riding, ATV, air tours, and other methods of exploring the landscape. Museums and historical sites such as Pearl Harbor are also to be found throughout the islands. Cultural activities such as the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu also make for interesting day-long activities.

Oahu is famous for Pearl Harbor tours, but also popular are shark dives in cages, Waikiki snorkel tours as well as around Oahu Tours where you will see all the major highlights of Oahu including Diamond Head, the North Shore and Dole Plantation where you can sample menu items made from fresh picked pineapples.

Maui is the location for humpback whale watching from December 15 to April 15 each year as the massive humpbacks migrate to Hawaii's warm waters to bear their calves. Also famous from Maui is the Molokini Crater which is a partially submerged volcano crater that you can snorkel at.

Kauai is untamed and beautiful. It has been featured in many major motion pictures over the past two decades ( Jurassic Park , Tropic Thunder , The Descendants , Avatar , and many more). See this island by land or by air to take in the true beauty of this island. Oh and just be ready to see the roaming Roosters that inhabit the island.

You can take a land tour or fly over the incredible huge volcano on a helicopter tour of the Big Island. Doors-off flights allow you to feel the heat from the volcano, an amazingly unique experience. Also on the Big Island you have the rare opportunity to swim with wild dolphins , not captive ones.

Hawaii is best known for its beaches and water activities . Surfing is practically a religion in Hawaii, and scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities exist nearly everywhere. In addition, jet skiing, parasailing and kayaking are available in tourist areas.

Since many of the islands' tours and excursions are interacting with nature in some way, it's important to look into each and make sure they are respecting the islands. There are many endangered animals and plants, and because of this there are many laws protecting them. An example would be tour boats that have been fined for chasing dolphins or whales in order to please the tourists, which is illegal and highly disrespectful. Govern yourself the same way while you visit and remember to "kokua na `aina," or respect the land.

Buy [ edit ]

As in the rest of the United States, U.S. dollars are the local currency. There are plenty of banks, ATMs, and money change offices in all cities. However, none of the major American and foreign banks have branches in Hawaii, so the banking sector is served exclusively by local banks, the largest of which are Bank of Hawaii, First Hawaiian Bank, and American Savings Bank. ATMs are scarcer on the North Shore of Oahu and other rural areas. Because Hawaii is an island state and transporting goods to Hawaii is more difficult, the prices for most goods are more expensive.

Hawaii has a 4.166% general sales tax. The City and County of Honolulu adds an additional tax, making the sales tax rate on Oahu 4.712%.

Clothing [ edit ]

Other than the stereotypical grass skirt (which is not generally worn in Hawaii except by hula dancers), no pieces of clothing are more associated with the Islands than the aloha shirt and the muʻumuʻu .

The ever-present aloha shirt comes in a wide variety of designs. On one end, there are the brightly colored, tourist-oriented, polyester aloha shirts that many tourist-oriented stores throughout the Islands carry. On the other end of the spectrum are reverse print aloha shirts, which have become standard business attire among businessmen in Hawaii, in the same way that the business suit is on the mainland. These aloha shirts are usually cotton-polyester blend with the design printed on the inside of the shirt, resulting in muted colors that are considered businesslike in Hawaii. This kind of aloha shirt can be found in department stores.

For women, the muʻumuʻu (English: "muumuu") is a long Hawaiian dress, usually made of cotton, that hangs loosely from the shoulder.

A special note on shoes: the lightweight sandal commonly referred to on the Mainland as a "flip-flop" or "thong" is known as a "slipper" or "slippa" in Hawaii. Using the mainland term will get you a quizzical look from locals. Call them by their island name and they will instantly know what you are talking about.

Made in Hawaii [ edit ]

Locally made bath & body products are popular souvenirs. The islands feature some of the most refreshing fragrances, which are featured in Hawaiian shampoos, body lotions, soaps, oils, incense and floating candles.

Eat [ edit ]

Contemporary food in Hawaii, like the language and popular culture, is a medley of traditional Hawaiian, Portuguese, American, and Asia-Pacific flavors. Pacific "fusion" cuisine was largely invented in Hawaii. Well-known local chefs include Sam Choy, Alan Wong, Russell Siu, Roy Yamaguchi, and George "Chef Mavro" Mavrothalassitis. Seafood is, of course, fresh and tasty. Local beef comes from ranches on Maui and coffee is grown on the Big Island and Kauai . Tropical fruits such as pineapple, mango, bananas, guavas, and papaya, as well as fresh sugar cane, can be bought in most corner stores (although you may be surprised to learn that many of those fruits are now imported from distant locales such as the Philippines and Brazil ).

One of the most common ways that local food is served is in the form of plate lunch , usually meat or fish with two scoops of rice and macaroni salad. It's always a good deal at any lunch wagon, mall, or outside food court. L&L Drive Inn and Zippy's are probably the most widely distributed chain of plate lunch spots in the Hawaiian islands. Branches of L&L are in some locations on the Mainland as well (as L&L Hawaiian Barbecue).

Another way of enjoying local food when roaming around the island is to keep an eye out for the converted trucks or vans that are parked in their regular spots in gas station parking lots, some parks and a variety of places on the island. These lunch wagons offer plate lunches, are popular with the locals and provide great meals (on plastic plates) at very reasonable prices. There is no reason to fear them; they are very common and popular. Food carts provide other kinds of cuisine besides the standard plate lunch.

You may be surprised to find that even the McDonald's menu is different. Saimin , a Hawaiian noodle soup inspired by Chinese noodle soups, is a permanent menu item, and was the first regional food to be served in a McDonald's. Another favorite is the breakfast platter at Hawaiian McD's, which features Portuguese sausage, Spam, eggs, and steamed rice, sometimes with fresh pineapple. (Contrary to its poor reputation on the mainland, Spam has traditionally been very popular in Hawaii and is even used in various adapted ethnic dishes.) Also, red fruit punch is a non-carbonated fruit-flavored alternative to Coke or Sprite at the soda fountain.

Perhaps the best setting for tourists to enjoy traditional Hawaiian food is at a luau ( lū‘au ), a traditional Hawaiian feast. Tourists can find luaus at various locations in the Islands, including many of the major resort hotels. At a modern luau, traditional Hawaiian favorites are served as a pūpū (buffet of appetizers and small main dishes, similar in size to Spanish tapas , which gave its name to the American Chinese "pupu platter"), along with Hawaiian music, hula, and other Polynesian entertainment. The downside is that prices vary in the expensive range; expect to pay between $50 and $90 per adult and about half that per child.

Dishes that are often found at luaus include:

• Lomi salmon , salted salmon hand-mixed ( lomi-lomi means "to massage") with tomatoes, onions, and pepper; like an island salsa
• Kālua pig , pork wrapped in banana leaves and steamed inside an imu (ground boiler); similar to pulled pork
• Pipi kāula , Hawaiian style beef jerky
• Poi , ground and boiled taro root paste
• Laulau , pork and butterfish (black cod) wrapped in ti plant leaves then steamed
• Lū‘au , taro leaves baked with coconut cream and usually octopus (this dish inspired the modern name of the Hawaiian feast)
• Haupia , a gelatin-like dessert prepared from thickened coconut milk; famous for being a very mild laxative

Other local dishes include favorites such as the following:

• Poke , chopped and seasoned raw fish (like a tartare), eaten by itself or over sushi rice.
• ʻAhi , yellowfin tuna, excellent as sashimi (Japanese style sliced raw fish) or as poke .
• Mahimahi , dolphin fish, served as a steak, sandwich, or in almost-raw thin strips.
• Ono , a type of fish also known as wahoo. Not coincidentally, the name resembles the Hawaiian word for "delicious," ʻono .
• Shave ice , an island version of snow cones made from finely shaved ice, comes in lots of ʻono flavors. Order your shave ice with azuki beans and/or a scoop of ice cream.
• Saimin , Hawaii's version of a Chinese noodle soup.
• Malasada , fried bread rolled in plenty of sugar, a sort of Portuguese donut. Often sold at special events.
• Manapua , local name for a popular type of Chinese dim sum otherwise known as char siu bao . Cured sweet pork wrapped in soft white bread.
• Spam musubi , an unorthodox variant of Japanese riceballs ( musubi ), composed of salted rice formed into a rectangular shape and topped with spam, wrapped in seaweed. Popular enough to be sold in every Hawaiian 7-Eleven.
• Chicken/pork adobo , Filipino dish widely offered and appreciated in Hawaii, where the meat is marinated and then cooked in vinegar and soy sauce.
• Loco moco , a local specialty consisting of a hamburger patty on rice, topped with over easy egg and gravy. Excellent with tabasco sauce. Can be eaten for breakfast or lunch.
• Chicken katsu , fried chicken cutlet with savory sauce. Usually served with rice and mac salad.

If you are roaming the island away from tourist areas, you may find restaurants are scarce. Many of the numerous golf courses have dining rooms open to the public that offer great meals. They seem to welcome the non-golfer. For specific places at which to eat, see the individual island or city articles. Be sure to check the coupon books that are available at display stands for meal specials.

Popular local snacks are also heavily influenced by the large mix of cultures present in Hawaii, primarily the Chinese and Japanese. Since many of these snacks are unique to Hawaii and cannot be found anywhere else, consider purchasing a few bags from any grocery store to bring on your travels. A large portion of local snacks fall under the category known as "Crack Seed" which refers to a variety of pickled, candied, and dehydrated fruit snacks of Chinese origin.

The most popular iterations of Crack Seed snacks are:

• Li hing mui - Salted dried plums that are especially popular with the younger locals. Li Hing Mui is known for its unique sweet, salty, and sour flavor. It is commercially sold either with the plum seed intact or seedless and also in a powdered form that can be sprinkled onto arare, fruits, gummy bears,and many other snacks.
• Pickled or dried fruits - Mangoes are usually dehydrated for a sweet snack or kept wet and flavored with Li Hing Mui powder. Lemon and orange peels are also salted and dried for a salty/sour snack.

Other popular local snacks include:

• Arare - Japanese rice crackers flavored with soy sauce that come in many different shapes and sizes. Arare is commonly paired with dried seaweed, li hing mui powder, or popcorn. Also commonly referred to as "Kaki Mochi" or "Mochi Crunch".
• Dried Seafood - Dried cuttlefish and octopus strips, known by their Japanese names "Ika" and "Tako", are very popular snacks. Tuna, or "Ahi", is also dried and made into Ahi Jerky.
• Macadamia nuts - Originally brought over from Australia , where they are a part of Aboriginal cuisine, but first grown commercially in Hawaii. Dry roasted macadamia nuts are commercially sold plain, with flavoring, or in chocolate. Macadamia nuts in snack form are more popular with tourists than with locals and are usually given as gifts.

If you would rather catch your own, fishing in the ocean or gathering in tidepools is free and requires no permit. Fresh-water fishing, however, does require a license.

Drink [ edit ]

Beer : there are a number of excellent local brewpubs in Hawaii. Mehana, Sam Choy's, Honu, Waimea Brewing Company, Liz's Pub, Keoki's and Kona Brewing Company all brew beer in Hawaii or brew it on the mainland and ship it to the islands. The largest of the group is Kona Brewing, which has won several national awards and runs two brew pub restaurants in the islands (one in Kailua Kona, the other in Hawaii Kai on Oahu). Cocktails : The mai tai is said to have been invented in California, but it's long since been adopted by Hawaii and is well worth trying there.

Sleep [ edit ]

Learn [ edit ].

Tourists who want to get a taste of Hawaiian culture can sign up for classes in hula, surfing and lei-making at most tourist destinations.

There are also a number of cultural and historical centers on Oahu well worth your time, such as the Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace .

If you have the money, the time and the inclination, the Polynesian Cultural Center provides a window into Polynesian culture. As its name implies, the Polynesian Cultural Center covers not just Hawaii but also the cultures of Tahiti, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Easter Island and the Maori people of New Zealand.

The outer islands also have destinations such as Maui Center for Culture and the Arts and the Big Island has the Hilo Art Museum. the Lyman House Museum and the Pacific Tsunami Museum as well as the University of Hawaii's ʻImiloa Astronomy Center and Kula Kai Caverns.

For those on a budget, there are many activities you can do on any island that are free. All state parks are free to visit and even some National Parks. When the National Parks are not free, most find them very affordable. Hiking, beaches, snorkeling and other like activities are always free when on public land and there are no private beaches. On the Big Island there are many free ranger programs at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical park and other locations. At the Visitor Information Station on Mauna Kea, you can stay any night of the year between 6PM and 10PM and enjoy a free astronomy tour including large and small telescopes for you to look through. Some hiking and other activities are in National Parks, like Volcanoes so they are at cost, of course.

Work [ edit ]

The unemployment rate in Hawaii is generally below the average unemployment rate for the country as a whole in Mar 2019, 2.8% vs 3.8%). Hawaii is not an easy place to legally find casual work for non-US work permit holders. To apply for a local government job, by law you must be a Hawaii resident. This is changing though, and police officer applicants do not have to be residents.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Theft is a big problem in cities as well as beaches and parks. If you are camping on a beach, keep bags locked in a car (but don't assume that they are safe in the trunk, especially if you are driving a rental) and keep valuables in a hidden money belt. Although Hawaii is generally considered relatively safe, it does have some violent crime. Consequently, women should not walk alone in unlit areas. Although Honolulu has one of the lowest violent crime rates of metro areas in the U.S., use your common sense. Stay smart and act as if you were in your own home city: lock doors, lock cars, and don't leave valuables lying around. Some campgrounds now require a permit (this has the effect of moving homeless people away from tourist areas). Be sure to apply for a reserved area and have your permit even in free camping areas especially around Honolulu.

Any of the beaches are vulnerable to pickpockets and thieves who break into cars. If you are using a rental car, it is advised you buy a bumper sticker or two to make it seem like you are a local. Paradoxically, keeping the car windows open will prevent break-ins and car damage, as the locals will think there is nothing of worth in the car. As a rule of thumb, do not bring anything to the beach you do not plan on using. If you must bring money, bring a friend to keep it safe.

If you are planning a hike in the mountains, monitor local weather reports carefully and use extreme caution in case of rain. Rain is more likely in the mountains, and flash flooding can occur near stream beds with little or no warning. Unsuspecting hikers can drown and be swept downstream.

Civil defense sirens [ edit ]

Although it is rather rare, the threat of a natural disaster can occur at any time in Hawaii, sometimes with little or no warning. Besides the occasional destructive lava flow on the Big Island and occasionally destructive hurricanes (see Weather in Understand above), Hawaii can also experience tsunamis and earthquakes . In 1960 the Great Chilean Earthquake (magnitude 9.5) generated a destructive tsunami that devastated Hilo on the Big Island, killing 61 people. In 1992, Hurricane Iniki made a direct hit on Kauai, killing six and causing $1.8 billion in damage. In 2006, most of the state was affected by a magnitude 6.7 quake off Kailua-Kona. No casualties were reported, but it caused extensive property damage and power outages of up to 14 hours on Oahu.

Reintroduced to the mix of potential disasters is the possibility of an enemy attack by nuclear missile, especially with events in 2017 involving North Korean missile tests.

Hawaii has a highly developed civil defense system. High-pitched civil defense sirens are tested statewide at 11:45AM on the first working day of each month. Two tones are tested: a steady alert siren used in the event of imminent natural disaster such as a tsunami, and a wailing tone that oscillates in pitch from high to low, to be used in the event of confirmed, imminent enemy attack.

If you hear the steady tone siren go off at any other time, turn on the nearest radio or television set for emergency information. In the unlikely event you hear the wailing tone go off at any time other than the first of the month, seek shelter immediately and stay there, and stay tuned to radio or TV for further instructions.

Natural disasters [ edit ]

If a hurricane or tropical storm is expected, you will usually have at least several days' notice, and local media will pass on advisories, watches, and warnings from the National Weather Service. Your hotel will likely have emergency plans; check with them for advice and stay indoors during the high winds and rain that accompany a tropical cyclone.

If a tsunami is expected, you will only have several hours' notice. Either evacuate coastal areas subject to inundation (this includes most of Waikiki), or failing that, find the nearest concrete high-rise hotel and go to the third story or above. Follow the instructions of police and first responders at all times. If ordered to evacuate an area, do so quickly.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Hospitals in Hawaii meet U.S. standards for care, and can be found in the urban areas of each island. The hospitals in Honolulu are larger and have the most advanced equipment; the hospitals on the neighbor islands provide general care. There is a shortage of specialists on the Neighbor Islands. Depending on where you are and how serious your condition is, you may have to be medically evacuated to Honolulu for treatment. All tourists, including U.S. citizens, should have travel insurance with medi-evac coverage, which can get you back home, if needed.

The main tourist areas of each island have walk-in urgent care clinics where you can receive non-emergency treatment for whatever ails you. Some clinics even make hotel room calls. Check with the local phone book or your hotel. In Waikiki, try Doctors on Call (+1 808-971-6000). The clinic is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Pharmacies can also be found in most major shopping areas. Mainland customers of CVS who need assistance with prescriptions should look for the nearest branch of Longs Drugs (the former pharmacy chain had such high brand recognition in Hawaii that CVS chose to retain the brand on its Hawaii locations). Walgreens has opened numerous locations.

If you go hiking in the backcountry or go swimming in freshwater pools in Hawaii, you risk catching leptospirosis. Leptospirosis generally causes flu-like symptoms; in rare cases it can be fatal; the incubation period can be from 2-30 days after exposure. Do not swim in freshwater pools if you have open sores; see a doctor if you develop flu-like symptoms after hiking or swimming. If you do not have open sores and swim in these areas, the best way to avoid Leptospirosis or any bacteria is to never drink any natural water, no matter how clean it looks. If you are backpacking and this is a must, remember to bring the needed water filters and/or iodine pills to treat your water.

Be sure to have travel health insurance . If you are a U.S. resident with private health insurance, you should consult your insurance carrier to determine what co-payments apply and to what extent your insurance is accepted in Hawaii by doctors and hospitals in the event you need health care while on your trip. However, if you get a job in Hawaii - even a part-time job - you will receive health insurance by state law (presuming that you are a U.S. citizen or have a green card and are therefore legally eligible to work). See Stay healthy in United States of America for more information.

If you have respiratory problems, be aware of volcanic smog (also known as vog) . Vog is formed when sulfur dioxide gas from Kilauea mixes with sunlight, water, and dust particles to form a haze made up primarily of sulfur compounds. Normally the northeasterly trade winds blow vog away from the rest of the islands. Southeasterly winds (also known as Kona winds in Hawaii), however, can blow vog toward the other islands. Vog can be a nearly constant presence on the Big Island. While many people in Hawaii can experience symptoms related to vog, it can especially affect those with asthma or other chronic respiratory illness. If you have a respiratory condition and plan to visit the Big Island, consult your doctor for advice.

When going to the beach or swimming, always wear sunscreen lotion or sun guard to protect your skin from burns, as well as hats, covers and sunglasses. The islands are far closer to the equator than most tourists understand, so even if the weather is cooler, the sun's power is still more intense.

Cope [ edit ]

Dress [ edit ].

Hawaii's laid-back reputation extends to dress: with ideal weather year-round in most places, shorts are always appropriate around the islands. Long pants are fine, too, and you will still be quite comfortable. You do normally need to wear a shirt in public; going bare-chested is for the beach, although businesses near the beach are tolerant of it, particularly outside of the city. Sandals and flip-flops are always fine for casual wear, but they're always called slippers or slippa by locals. Going barefoot off the beach is not common in the cities, but again, businesses tolerate it to some extent.

Hawaii has many of the Earth's climates on each small island. Research the locations you plan to visit and dress accordingly, as some areas like Volcanoes National Park or Mauna Kea on the Big Island, or Haleakala National Park on Maui will leave you miserable in shorts and tank tops, as they may have below freezing weather, drenching rain and even snow.

For the beach or pool, boardshorts or swimming trunks for men are the most popular, though with so many visitors from Asia, speedos are welcome too. Female toplessness is legal in Hawaii, if uncommon. Swimming nude is illegal, although there are a few isolated beaches on each island where people risk it. Unless you're spending the day trekking from beach to beach, save beachwear for the beach and wear regular clothes.

Businessmen in Hawaii forgo suits and wear slacks with muted aloha shirts. As a visitor, you would be overdressed in a suit; a dress shirt (with or without a tie) and slacks would be fine. If you do wear an aloha shirt for business, pair it with khaki pants or slacks, socks, and dress shoes or loafers, and button all but the top button while at the office. Normally aloha shirts are worn untucked and without an undershirt, but those aspects are up to you.

The business aloha shirt extends also to dressing up for fine dining, entertainment, and even church; some preachers wear business aloha shirts for church services. As a visitor, just put on a collared shirt, shoes (such as casual loafers), and, depending on the restaurant you're going to, either shorts or slacks. Ties and jackets will never be necessary.

Respect [ edit ]

In general, American standards of etiquette (see Respect in United States of America ) apply in Hawaii. Hawaii does however have certain cultural differences, owing to the Native Hawaiians and the large population of Asians and people of Asian descent.

• As is the custom in many Asian countries, always remove your footwear when entering the home of an island resident, if so invited. Shoes and sandals are generally left on the front porch or just inside the front door.
• Hawaiian culture should be respected and travellers should be sensitive to the state's rich cultural heritage and diversity — and the fact that the tourist experience of Hawaiian culture may only scratch the surface. For instance, there are many heiau (temples) in the Islands, where the ancient Hawaiian religion was practiced. Some of these have become tourist attractions in their own right, but visitors should nevertheless treat these places with the same level of respect one would show at a place of worship. To show respect, do not horseplay, rearrange or move any item, and never, ever take any item, including rocks and sand, with you.
• If you visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you will no doubt hear about Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes. An urban legend has it that people who have taken volcanic rock from Hawai'i, not just the park, have suffered various misfortunes; it is believed that it is the wrath of Pele. In any case, it is illegal to take rocks or other material from a national park. It is also unethical and looked down upon to take any rocks, sand or other natural items from the islands, for religious, moral and environmental reasons alike. Take only pictures, leave only footprints.
• Native Hawaiians do not identify as Native Americans , as they are culturally and historically distinct from people indigenous to the continental United States. Just stick to the term "Native Hawaiian".
• The status of Native Hawaiians vis-a-vis the U.S. federal government has become a hot topic, with some Native Hawaiian groups seeking a degree of sovereignty for the Hawaiian people as redress for the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and U.S. annexation in the 1890s. (Honolulu is home to the only royal palace on U.S. soil.) There is no consensus among Native Hawaiians on what form this sovereignty should take, with some preferring the status quo of ordinary citizenship, some seeking a status similar to that of Native Americans, and some wanting complete independence and secession from the Union. In addition, private and government programs that benefit Native Hawaiians have been called into question via a series of lawsuits that have received extensive coverage in local media. Discussions of Hawaiian sovereignty and programs can arouse a variety of strong opinions (both in support and in opposition) among Hawaii residents of all ethnicities, and the uninitiated visitor would be wise to avoid bringing up these topics in casual conversation.

With that in mind, there are some subtle differences in English word usage. When talking with Hawaii residents, be aware of the following differences in word usage to avoid miscommunications.

• Always refer to the continental United States as "the Mainland" rather than "the States." Hawaii has been one of "the States" since 1959, and the Hawaiian sovereignty movement notwithstanding (see above), most Hawaii residents are proud to be part of the United States. This is especially true for Japanese-Americans, many of whose relatives served in the celebrated 100th/442nd unit in World War II. Using the term "the States" (implying that Hawaii is somehow foreign) may be seen as naive at best and condescending at worst. However, don't be surprised if some local people are condescending towards you because you are from the mainland. The "local" vs. "mainland" difference is something local people are only too happy to point out.
• Residents of Hawaii do not necessarily consider themselves "Hawaiian." For instance, when asking a Hawaii resident, "Are you a native Hawaiian?" don't be surprised if his reply is "No, I'm Japanese." (Ask instead, "Were you born and raised in Hawaii?") On the Mainland, for example, "Californian" means any person who lives in (or has ties to) California. However, in Hawaii, the terms "Hawaiian" or "native Hawaiian" are reserved to mean someone who is descended from the indigenous people of Hawaii. This definition even appears in state laws. Because Hawaii is made of people of various ethnicities, someone whose family may have lived in Hawaii for generations may still not be Hawaiian by the above definition. To avoid misunderstanding, it is best to refer to Hawaii residents as such: "Islanders", "locals", or " kamaʻaina ", unless you know for a fact that they are of native Hawaiian descent.

Some Native Hawaiians may attribute accidents caused by nature (such as a landslide at Sacred Falls that killed several people) to the Menehune punishing tourists disrespecting the land. Menehune or not, Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places in the world and its sites deserve our respect. Bottom line: respect the land and the people; there may be more there than meets the eye.

Connect [ edit ]

Post [ edit ].

Hawaii uses the U.S. Postal Service with zip codes 96701-96898 and a state code of "HI". Postage in Hawaii uses the same rates as the mainland, and is considered domestic for all postal purposes. First class and priority mail do not experience delays, but ground shipments can be much slower. Private companies FedEx and UPS are present in Hawaii, express shipment times are the same, but add 2-3 days for ground shipments.

Internet [ edit ]

Free Wi-Fi is widely available, and can easily be found in most cafes and shopping centers. All major hotels offer free Wi-Fi for guests, and it is available at most airports. Public computers are available at public libraries for library cardholders; visitors may purchase a 3-month library card for $10.

Phone [ edit ]

Hawaii's area code is 808 . All 10 digits must be dialed when making local calls. When dialing any off-island telephone number, dial 1 + area code + phone number. You must include the 808 area code when calling another island. Long distance charges to the mainland, if any, are usually the same standard domestic rates as it would be if calling within the 48 contiguous states. Check with your phone/long distance company to be sure.

Go next [ edit ]

As Hawaii is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the state has few nearby neighbors.

• California - The point of departure for many visitors from the continental United States. San Francisco is over 150 miles closer than Los Angeles because it's much further west. A few other California cities also have non-stop flights as well.
• Oceania - Hawaii can be a stepping off point to explore the many islands of the Pacific as well as the countries of Australia and New Zealand .

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Big Island of Hawaii

Visitor information on where to stay, best things to do, and more....

Big Island of Hawaii Travel Guide

Visitor info & top things to do on the big island, essential tips for the ultimate big island vacation experience.

The Big Island of Hawaii seems determined to break the norm; the stereotype of the average tropical island, that is. Here you'll find the ongoing battle between green forests, black lava fields, the ocean, and the rain almost incomprehensible; the diversity is simply stunning . You may find yourself wondering, "Is this an ancient landscape or a future one?"

We say the Big Island is ‘big’ - and we mean it! It is an island of such proportions that all of the other islands in the main Hawaiian chain could fit inside it nearly twice ! Sitting in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the landmass of the Big Island is approximately the same size as the state of Connecticut, about 4,050 square miles, and is still growing regularly thanks to Kilauea Volcano on the eastern coast of the island.

— article continued below —

Pololu Valley - Kohala

FREE Hawaii Island Summary Guidesheet

Updated with a new summary map of the  Big Island  with estimated driving times from popular starting points.

Includes the top must-see & do Big Island attractions, best times to visit , where to stay briefing, Big Island  airports detail , a monthly weather summary , and where to find the most noteworthy local ono 'grindz' (best eats) on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Download Guidesheet Now

On the Big Island, it's always best to expect the unexpected. Even the  beaches  don't follow the rules here. It's almost easier to find a black sand beach than a white one, and if you're adventurous enough, you can even sink your toes into one of the world's few  green sand beaches .

Snorkeling with Manta Rays * in the Kona area and touring the island's volcanoes are just a few of the tops things you should look into while visiting the Big Island of Hawaii. Ultimately, we'll help you discover all that the Big Island of Hawaii has to offer.

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Everything you need to know about the Big Island of Hawaii is here in one convenient place:

• Determine the best time to visit the Big Island
• Discover the perfect Hawaii accommodations or explore our variety of Big Island tours
• Read our Big Island travel tips & advice
• Explore all of the Big Island attractions

Kilauea Iki Trail - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Summary of Big Island topics covered on this page.

• Big Island Blog, recent news, and current events
• Current Weather, Climate, & Forecast
• Where to Stay on the Big Island - accommodations guide
• Big Island of Hawaii Map Packet
• Best Time to Visit the Big Island  - which month is best?
• Big Island Regions & Destinations Guide
• Top 10 Big Island Attractions to See & Do
• Big Island Trip Itineraries for Planning 1-7 Day Trips
• Top Big Island Sights
• Top Big Island Beaches
• Top Big Island Hiking Trails
• Big Island Popular Tours & Activities
• Big Island Visitor Information & Articles

When to Visit the Big Island?

The best months to visit.

Knowing when to visit the Big Island of Hawaii is essential when planning your Big Island trip or vacation. Honestly, there's not a wrong time to visit the island - it has an incredibly wide diversity and geography that suits almost any type of traveler- from outdoor adventurer to poolside fixture.

But, that said, some months are still better when considering things like the weather and your budget.  The  best times  to visit  the Big Island of Hawaii, taking into consideration the weather, how crowded or not the island is, and the demand for accommodations, are the month(s) of April, May, August, September, and October.  Some call these Hawaii Island's 'off-season periods' or the 'shoulder months.'

There's more to cover on this topic before you make a final decision. In this article, we'll cover visitor arrivals, the Big Island's weather and climate, accommodations, rates, and what to expect on a visit during each season on the Big Island.

When to Visit the Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island Estimated Visitor Arrivals (click to enlarge)

Where to Stay on the Big Island

Knowing where to stay on the Big Island is essential. The island is large (twice the size of all the other islands combined) and diverse. Many visitors find it challenging to decide upon an island accommodation. To assist the process, choose a location on the island that you will enjoy. Our guide will list some essential considerations to help you choose wisely.

Where Do You Stay on The Big Island?

Consider a location that affords you enough time to visit all of the most popular attractions. A week might cut it on smaller islands like Kauai, Maui, or Oahu. But the size of the Big Island requires more time to see all the worthwhile attractions. We suggest one week as a minimum, but two or three weeks are ideal. Plan to divide your time between the two primary halves of the island: the West Side and the East Side.

How to Maximize Your Stay From the West to the East of the Big Island 

We suggest splitting your stay between Kailua-Kona on the west side and Hilo (or Volcano) on the east side during your trip. This will ease a lot of extra driving and allow you to experience both sides of the island. If you have only allocated a week to visit the island, four nights in Hilo and three in Kailua-Kona will suffice. Use that same ratio for more extended visits. Most visitors spend longer periods in Kailua-Kona since most hotels, upscale resorts, vacation rentals, and Big Island motels are here. The north of Kailua-Kona on the Kohala 'Gold' Coast hosts lodging options. Yet, since most of the Big Island's best attractions & sights are closer to Hilo, visitors should attempt to book accommodations in Hilo for at least half of their stay on the island.

In this detailed article, we'll look at the pros and cons of each area we've briefly discussed above.

Where to Stay on the Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island Accommodation Rates (click to enlarge)

Big Island Weather

Weather & climate on the big island.

Weather on the Big Island of Hawaii changes as rapidly as the terrain around it. No other island has the same diversity as the Big Island; not even by a long shot!

In some areas, rainfall can be absolutely zero; not a drop falls all year long, and the terrain reflects this- it's dry and barren. In other areas, it can be rainy every day of the year (as in Hilo or Puna), creating a lush paradise for visitors who enjoy that environment.

For the most part, the Big Island is warm and tropical year-round. In winter and summer, the average temperatures near the major resort areas (coastline) range from 75-85°F (23°C-29°C). At higher elevations like Volcano and Waimea, temperatures are often much cooler, especially during the night. Hilo can also have lower temperatures depending on how far mauka (inland) you travel. And, of course, the summit of Mauna Kea and flanks of Mauna Loa or Hualalai can be quite chilly, if not downright frigid. Plan for snow if you'll be visiting those areas.

Our Big Island of Hawaii Weather article has much more to cover.

Big Island of Hawaii Weather

*Climate Notes: Weather and Climate numbers are aggregated from trusted weather sources providing the monthly temperature and precipitation figures for the Big Island's primary airports in Kailua-Kona and Hilo. These climate summaries, specific to the airport location, should therefore not be taken as a "whole-island" forecast. Weather conditions can change dramatically on the Big Island due to the diverse topography, changes in elevation, the trade winds, and other unique island conditions. Temperatures are provided in Fahrenheit and Precipitation in Inches.

Big Island Average Monthly Temperatures

Big Island Average Precipitation

Big Island Weather Forecast

Kailua-kona town and hilo town forecasts.

Halemaumau Crater - Kilauea in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

2024 Big Island Visitor Guides

Download your copy of one of our  Big Island Visitor Guides  today  and take advantage of our  destination expert's Big Island of Hawaii insights . We've just updated and released our latest Big Island Essential & Highlights Guides for 2024.

These updated Big Island packets contain nearly  20 visual pages   (in the Intro/Highlights Guide)   and almost  45 visual pages   (in the Essentials Guide)  of pertinent Hawaii travel information  to assist in planning your perfect Hawaii trip. There's lots of good Big Island information + maps, weather charts, hotel pricing graphics, and more - ideal for those who are just getting started planning their trip to the Big Island of Hawaii.

There are also  NO advertisements  or paid product placements within these packets.

Hawaii Island Regions

Popular destinations on the big island.

The Big Island of Hawaii, of course, is the  largest landmass  in the Hawaiian island chain- which consists of  eight major islands  and 124 islets. The archipelago is made up of numerous volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean stretching in a 1,500-mile crescent from Kure Island in the northwest to the Big Island of Hawaii in the east, encompassing an area of 6,459 square miles. The eight major islands at the eastern end of the chain are, from west to east, Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and the  Big Island of Hawaii .

With so many different climate zones and vastly different landscapes to explore, it can be hard to decide which part of the island to visit. Browse the Big Island of Hawaii regions below and learn about the many things to do, what to expect, and the diverse attractions of the island.

Kailua-Kona Region | Kohala Region | North Hamakua Region | Hilo Region | Puna Region | Volcano Region | South Kau Region | Saddle Rd Region

Kona (West) Side Big Island Destinations

Kona coast region, kailua-kona town, kealakekua, captain cook, honaunau, and more.

If you're heading to the Big Island there's certainly one area you cannot miss... the  Kona (West) Coast . This warm and sunny leeward area has become the resort hotspot of the island. In total, the Kona Coast stretches some 40 miles along the rugged west coast of the Big Island.

You'll find a vast array of ocean-side restaurants, grocery stores, shops, and activity huts promoting various water activities in the nearby Kailua Bay. Accommodations in Kailua-Kona are generally less expensive than along the Kohala gold coast (Waikoloa), and many resorts/condos are located along Ali'i Drive.

Many historical sites, beautiful beaches (some well-hidden), pristine bays, and lava fields (with prominent petroglyphs) criss-cross and line the coast of this area. North Kona has some of the most gorgeous white sand beaches on the island, like  Makalawena Beach  and Mahai'ula Beach located at  Kekaha Kai / Kona Coast State Park .

Kailua-Kona

Kohala 'Gold Coast' Region

Including waikoloa, waimea, and hawi.

On the far northwest tip of the Big Island is  Kohala , one of the most diverse areas on the island. This part of the Big Island started forming around 460,000 years ago and today includes the Kohala Mountains and the Kohala Ridge Road which straddles the mountain as it makes its way northwestward. Here you'll also discover the towns of  Waimea   (Kamuela) and   Hawi.

The distinction between the windward (wet) side of the island and the leeward (dry) side couldn't be more clear here. Northeast Kohala is green and lush, while the southwest side of the peninsula is dry and sometimes even barren. At one time this part of the Kohala Coast, fittingly called 'North Kohala,' was a area of flourishing sugar cane plantations. Today it has become dominated by one of North America's largest privately owned ranches - the  Parker Ranch .

The Kohala Coast region also includes an area called Waikoloa in 'South Kohala.' Some call this area the  gold coast  because of the many luxury resorts that have been engraved into ancient lava flows in this area. One of the most beautiful beaches on the island,  Hapuna Beach , is also located along this stretch.

Kohala Region

North coast & east big island destinations, north hamakua region, including waipi'o, honoka'a, laupahoehoe, and honomu.

On the  North Coast of the Big Island  lies the  Hamakua coast , one of the most beautiful stretches on the entire island. The North (Hamakua) Coast begins at the entrance to  Waipio Valley , at the end of the Kohala region, a once flourishing indigenous Hawaiian community, and ends at the outskirts of the Hilo region on the east side of the island.

Rainwater from the northern flanks of Mauna Kea along with snow from the summit of the great mountain flows down in countless streams along this part of the Big Island. The result is a mecca of stunning waterfalls and valleys. One such amazing falls are  Akaka Falls  and its surrounding State Park.

The main belt Highway (Highway 19) runs along the coast as the fastest route between Hilo and Kailua-Kona. Highway 19 often flirts with its predecessor, the Old Mamalahoa Highway, on which some amazing places and views can be found. The popular  Four Mile Scenic Route  is one such route off the main highway.

Hilo Region

The most notable location on the northeast side of the Big Island of Hawai'i is undoubtedly Hilo town. Hilo is the island's largest city (second largest in the state - population-wise) and also takes the title for the wettest city in the United States (70+ inches yearly).

Hilo is an especially lush city with several gorgeous orchid gardens, interesting parks (the most prominent being  Liliu'okalani Garden ), museums, and other various attractions. Hilo borders a beautiful bay and is often cooled by sea breezes and tradewind showers.

Hilo town remains the 'back door' of sorts for access to the central part of the island and its famous  Saddle Road .  Rainbow Falls State Park  and  Wailuku River State Park , featuring the Boiling Pots area and  Pe'epe'e Falls , are some of the larger natural attractions in town. Both parks are located on the same river just a few miles separate from one another.

Puna Region

Including Kea'au & Pahoa

East and south of Hilo is the  Puna district  and the funky little town of Pahoa (often called Hawai'i's outlaw town). This region is a diverse area of rain forests, lava fields, and rugged coastline.

One of the major attractions in Puna is the  Lava Tree State Park . In 1790 a lava flow passed through a forest of ohia trees, and today the molds of these trees are all that remain; it's a unique attraction to visit. In 2018, several other attractions in this region were destroyed by one of Kilauea's most recent eruptions.

Volcano Region

Including hawaii volcanoes national park, volcano village, and mountain view.

If there's one single hot-spot on the island (no pun intended) for visitors then it's definitely the Volcano area. The area, is of course, most famous for  Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park  (HVNP).

The most commonly asked question is always... "Will I get to see lava?" You might and you might not, it's really just the luck of the draw. Most of the lava traverses from Kilauea into the ocean via underground lava tubes (see  Nahuku Thurston Lava tube  for a look into an ancient tube). When surface flows do break out, you can usually get pretty close to them, safety permitting.

We honestly believe one of the biggest mistakes visitors make is that they do not devote enough time to the HVNP area. We highly encourage you to allow at least two whole days to this area, preferably starting from Hilo or another nearby town (like Volcano Village) each day.

South Coast Big Island Destinations

South Kau Region

Including Pahala, Punalu'u, South Point, and more

South Hawai'i is one of the quietest areas of the Big Island. Here you'll find no large hotels or resorts, no major golf courses, and no real push for tourism. It's wild country out here. So what makes it worth exploring? How about some unique beaches for starters.

The southern portion of the Big Island is home to two of the most unique beaches in the state,  Papakolea (Green Sand) Beach  to the northeast of  South Point , and  Punalu'u (Black Sand) Beach Park  off the Hawai'i Belt Road (Highway 11).

Central Big Island Destinations

Saddle road region guide, including mauna kea & mauna loa access.

A visit from the Hilo region to the Kona region (or Kona to Hilo) of the Big Island is a must on your visit. To do so you must drive the Saddle, a road that connects the east and west sides of the island passing between the island's two largest mountains, Mauna Loa (13,680 feet) and Mauna Kea (13,796 feet). The past few years there have been tremendous improvements to this entire area.

Today Saddle Road provides the only access to the Army Base, residential areas of Waikiki Ranch, Mauna Kea State Recreation Area, portions of Parker Ranch (mostly located in the Kohala Region), Kilohana Girl Scout Camp, Kaumana City, and Kaumana Caves County Park.

Saddle Road Region

Makalawena Beach

Big Island Travel Map Packet

Updated to include beaches map.

Updated Hawaii Island Travel Map Packet

Updated with a new high-resolution printable map of the Big Island. Includes most major attractions, all major routes, airports, and a chart with estimated driving times.

PDF packet now additionally includes a Beaches Map.

-File is a print-ready PDF document

Big Island Blog & Travel News

Timely big island headlines, events, and announcements.

Akaka Falls State Park

Big Island Top Attractions

Top 10 big island of hawaii things to do.

All of the Big Island of Hawaii is fascinating and worth a visit. However, some Big Island attractions are significantly more popular because they offer an experience that truly captures the magical essence of the state's largest island. Most Inspirational, Must-See, Top Picks, Best of the Big Island... no matter what you label them, you absolutely must witness these attractions for yourself.

Top 10 Attractions on the Big Island

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park including Kilauea Volcano
• Akaka Falls State Park - North Hamakua Coast
• Pololu Valley Overlook - North Kohala
• Pu'uhonua o Honaunau - South Kona
• Makalawena Beach - North Kona
• Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden - North Hamakua Coast
• Hapuna Beach State Park - Kohala
• Manini'owali Beach at Kua Bay - North Kona
• Waipio Valley Overlook - Kohala & North Hamakua Coast
• Kilauea Iki Trail - Volcano area

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

#1 Rated in Sights to See on the Big Island

Originally founded in 1916, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) is a living, breathing testament to the awesome power of Mother Nature. HVNP is located 30 miles southwest of Hilo and 96 miles southeast of Kona. It's open year-round, 24 hours a day. 

HVNP is home to Kilauea Volcano, the most continuously active volcano in the world, and the park offers the unique experience of walking on land that is younger than you are. In recognition of its outstanding natural values, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park has been honored as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site.

The park encompasses 333,000 acres of natural wonders and is situated at 4,000 feet above sea level. With its wealth of trails, drives, and activities you will likely need at least two days to fully experience all the park has to offer.

#2 Rated in Sights to See on the Big Island

Akaka Falls State Park, along the northeastern Hamakua Coast, is home to two gorgeous waterfalls and an abundance of lush tropical greenery to delight visitors.

The stroll to reach Akaka Falls is almost as beautiful as the falls itself. After taking a short set of stairs, turn left and follow the paved pathway through amazing greenery and small waterfalls flowing into babbling streams.

You will hear the dull roar of the waterfall before you see it. Just as you round a corner, you'll catch a glimpse of Akaka Falls free-falling 442 ft. through a green-lined gorge.

Pololu Valley Overlook

#3 Rated in Sights to See on the Big Island

As you pass the 28-mile marker on Highway 270 past Hawi, the coast will open up and you will suddenly be treated to a breathtaking view of the lovely Pololu Valley.

On a sunny day, you will see the vibrant blue and green ocean crashing into the rugged sea cliffs and the deep green carpet of vegetation lining the sides of the valley.

A short walk to the lookout reveals the many folds and creases of the inner part of the valley which drop into a rich, green floor. Lines of ironwood trees divide the lush valley from the grainy black sand beach that meets the ocean.

Puuhonua o Honaunau Historical Park

Kailua-Kona Region

#4 rated in sights to see on the big island.

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau (poo-oo-ho-noo-ah o hoe-now-now), formerly known as Place of Refuge at Honaunau, is an incredibly beautiful and educational experience that no trip to the Big Island should be without.

After paying your vehicle entrance fee and walking past the educational displays, you round a corner and are transplanted into the world of the ancient Hawaiians. On this scorched land of sand and lava rock, the ali'i (ruling class) of Hawaii made their home. 

Visitors can explore how the Hawaiians worked and played underneath the shade of Honaunau's stately palms. Great snorkeling is available nearby at  Two Step  at Keone'ele Cove.

#1 Rated Beach on the Big Island

Like anything worthwhile, Makalawena, or Mak, Beach makes you work a little bit to enjoy it. It's about a 20-minute walk across the lava to the beach, but don't worry, the path is well worn through the a'a flow.

This secluded white sand beach is a crescent broken up by rocky lumps of lava. Palms and other trees rim the dunes near the northern end where you are greeted with picnic tables and some wild chickens.

It's not likely that you will run into many people here and thus you'll likely be able to enjoy the most scenic beach on the island in solitude.

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

#5 rated in sights to see on the big island.

This isn't a free attraction, but we still encourage all visitors to make some time and stop at one of the most beautiful botanical gardens you'll find anywhere: the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.

This stunning rainforest preserve is touted as one of the most beautiful locations in Hawaii; a distinction it well deserves. With the aid of the map provided by the garden, you will easily spend several hours ambling through the various sections of this magical lush wonderland. Every twist and turn leads to a new plant or tree.

Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Botanical Garden

Hapuna Beach State Park

#2 Rated Beach on the Big Island

This is an extremely popular beach for both locals and visitors. Conde Nast Traveler magazine has often ranked it as one of the top beaches in the US. It is hard to argue with this half-mile stretch of pristine golden sand and crystal blue water.

There are several covered pavilions to enjoy an afternoon picnic and restrooms, albeit rather pitiful ones, are available. There is occasionally a lifeguard on duty...despite the "no lifeguard on duty" sign.

Don't expect a lot of shade on this beach. Consequently, the golden sand heats to an unbearable temperature on a sunny day. During the summer months, the sand reaches 200 feet wide, so unless you want steaming toes wear sandals or water shoes. In the summer, the water is generally calm, but in the winter the surf can be treacherous. Be sure to monitor conditions carefully before entering. For snorkelers, the south end of the beach provides a variety of fish and coral.

Manini'owali Beach at Kua Bay

#3 rated beach on the big island.

Kua Bay, also called Manini'owali Beach, is a lovely little pocket of sand that used to be very difficult to access, but since a multi-million dollar road has been paved right through the lava- it's a snap to enjoy this Big Island gem.

Kua Bay beach has full facilities including restrooms and showers, water, barbecues and picnic tables. It is very popular on the weekends, not to mention parking can be a nightmare, so you might want to aim for the weekdays.

When the water is calm, swimming is great here - some of the best in Kona. However, if the waves are going strong and the surf is up, stay out because it can be extremely dangerous.

Manini'owali Beach in Kua Bay

Waipio Valley Overlook

Kohala & north hamakua region, #6 rated in sights to see on the big island.

Located along the Hamakua Coast on the northeastern coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i, Waipi'o Valley is the largest and southernmost of the seven valleys on the windward side of the Kohala Mountains.

Time and nature's elements have carved an unimaginably massive valley filled with deep green-encrusted cliffs cut by plunging waterfalls. Its floor is carpeted with forests and neatly formed taro patches interspersed with the homes of its few residents.

At the mouth of the valley, the ocean licks the mile-long black sand beach which is sliced in half by the river that is partially fed by the 1,200 ft. free-falling  Hi'ilawe Falls  which resides deep in the valley.

Waipio Valley

Kilauea Iki Trail

#1 Rated Hike on the Big Island

As you stand at the  Kilauea Iki overlook inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you can see a lightly-etched trail stretching across the crater floor. From your 400 ft high vantage point you might be able to see little specks walking the path: those are people!

Kilauea Iki is an approximately four-mile loop that takes 2-3 hours. It skirts the rim of the crater, dips down and across the floor and back up to the overlook. The portion of Crater Rim Trail that runs along the rim is a dense high-elevation jungle populated with flowering ohia trees and graceful ferns.

Awini Trail beyond Pololu Valley

Big Island of Hawaii Itinerary Suggestions

Orchid island itineraries.

The  Big Island  garnered its name from being the largest island in Hawaii. It has vast and transparent blue waters, spectacular beaches, hidden natural reserves, and an abundance of regions to travel to. If you are seeking trails to explore or sights to see in a day, three days, or however long you anticipate, the Big Island has ample amounts of activities. 

Ultimately, we've designed our itineraries around a set number of on-island days: offering  one ,  two ,  three ,  four ,  five ,  six ,  seven , and in now,  ten days  for exploring the island, soaking in the best sights, and ensuring your precious time on the island is utilized wisely. We've tried to balance our itineraries between those who seek adventure and those who are looking to find a good beach and relax. Overall, we want your experience to be exactly what you've dreamed of when planning your Big Island of Hawaii trip.

For each island we've attempted to split up the itinerary days by sorting attractions according to their geographic proximity; i.e; on Volcanoes National Park day, you'd explore the best of the Big Island's HVNP attractions, and activities. Our itineraries are not meant to necessarily be followed consecutively, which would probably be exhausting, but instead as a  grab-and-go resource  for 'mapping' your trip - think of us as a  Wayfinder's guide to the Big Island of Hawaii .

For nearly 20 years now, we've been visiting the Big Island and making detailed notes about what the island's highlights are and what visitors like yourself simply must-see based on the limited time you've allocated for each Hawaiian Island.

It isn't easy and can even be overwhelming to start planning a trip to Hawaii. One quick look on our website, and you'll soon discover there are hundreds of possibilities; a variety of sights to see, a plethora of beautiful beaches to choose from, and a diverse set of incredible trails that criss-cross each of the islands. Honestly, you could spend months on the island and not see and do it all. Having a reliable guide, that's key. We'd genuinely love to be your guide to the Big Island of Hawaii during your stay, and we hope you find our itineraries resourceful while planning your trip.

View Our Big Island Itineraries

Big island tours & activities, popular tours & activities on hawaii island.

For many visitors, a Big Island of Hawaii tour may be the perfect way to experience parts of the island that you'd never get to see.  We've hand-selected these top-4 Big Island tours  below due to their popularity and high ratings with visitors like yourself!

Morning Kealakekua Snorkel Tour

Starting at $159/person

The tour begins in Keauhou Bay, where Hawaii’s longest-reigning monarch King Kamehameha III was born, and the tour provider, Fair Wind, will share with you stories of old Hawai’i as they travel towards Kealakekua Bay .

Learn about the last battle stand at the Kuamo’o Battlefield and view the Royal Holua Slide, the best and largest of its kind in the state!

Inside of Kealakekua Bay, the Captain Cook Monument stands tall as a way to commemorate the site in which the celebrated circumnavigator, Captain James Cook, perished in 1779.

Guests are served a light, plant-based tropical breakfast with a fresh island fruit bowl, traditional muesli, homemade banana bread, herbal tea, and 100% Kona Coffee grown on the Fair Wind family farm. 

Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour

Starting at $129/person

Join Fair Wind aboard their Hula Kai vessel, for one of the most exhilarating experiences in Hawaii, Kona’s First-Class Manta Adventure! Mantas are very gentle – no teeth, stingers, or barbs.

They are simply big and beautiful with wingspans that can exceed 15-feet in width!  These “Gentle Giants” visit us nightly to feed on the plankton attracted by Hula Kai’s bright lighting.

Enjoy a short and comfortable five-minute boat ride to Manta Village – located near the Sheraton Keauhou. Once at the site, just after sunset, Fair Wind's professional guides will assist you in the water for an experience of a lifetime! You will witness the mantas up close as they grace the waters and feed on plankton.

Big Island Experience Helicopter Tour

Starting at $629.00/person

See Kilauea & More on Our Big Island Helicopter Tour

The full island VIP adventure tour is for those who want it all! All of our Big Island helicopter tours rolled into one, plus an active volcano!

Helicopter Tour Highlights:

• Fly over the most active volcano in the world, Kilauea, which has been continuously flowing for over 30 years and inspires awe every day.
• While on the east side of the island, you are treated to views of Hawai’i Island’s largest city, Hilo.
• Your private journey continues along the Hamakua Coastline with wave-swept shorelines, tropical rainforests, and hundreds of waterfalls.
• Upon reaching the Kohala Coast, several majestic and sacred valleys exist to explore.
• Deep in the back of the valleys, where only helicopters can reach, are over 2000-foot waterfalls that you can hover right next to as you gaze at their power and beauty.
• Crossing over Kohala Mountain, you cruise over the Gold Coast.

Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Adventure

Starting at $255/person

Our journey from sea level to the nearly 14,000-foot summit of Maunakea reveals the wonders and world-class clarity of the Hawaiian night sky.

Maunakea Summit & Stars Highlights:

• Enjoy a warm picnic dinner and learn about Hawaiian star navigation.
• Learn about the historical accounts of early travelers through the mountain regions
• Delight in the awe-inspiring Hawaiian sunset at the top of Maunakea, the highest point in the Pacific
• Descend to a lower elevation after the sun sets and sip hot chocolate during a private star show with our 11” Celestron telescope

Best Beaches on the Big Island

Big island beach guide.

The Big Island offers up not only some of the loveliest beaches in the state but also some of the most varied. Though the Big Island may be the newest island in the chain and has the fewest major beaches, the island still has some of the best beaches in the world.

Here you'll find everything from enchanting green sand and black sand beaches, family-friendly beach spots, and rugged and remote beaches for the adventurous types.

In our Big Island Beaches Guide , we'll go over the top 10 beaches on the Big Island, and also include links where you can explore every beach on the island by region.

Big Island Beaches

Best Things to See on the Big Island

To say the Big Island is bursting with some of the best and most popular sights and attractions in Hawaii is certainly an understatement.

Tour otherworldly volcanic landscapes; marvel at the beautiful waterfalls, lovely parks, and botanical gardens; or stop by the museums and cultural centers.

You can even commune with the stars on the world's tallest mountain (measuring from the seafloor to summit).  In our Big Island Things to See Guide , we'll show you the best landmarks and natural wonders the Big island has to offer, starting with our top 10.

Things to See on the Big Island

Best Hikes on the Big Island

Big island hiking trails guide.

Green sand beaches, gardens, rainforests, waterfalls, volcanoes, petroglyphs- this and so much more awaits you on the Big Island's incredible trails. 

The Big Island has some of the best hiking trails in all of Hawaii; whether you're a hard-core trekker or just want to stroll and admire the scenery.

Included in our Big Island Hiking Guide are a few of our favorite Big Island excursions, sorted by the top hikes and additionally by region, to get you started. 

Big Island Hikes

Big Island Visitor Information

Travel tips for hawaii's big island.

The Big Island of Hawaii is the third most popular Hawaiian island among visitors, hosting over 1.5 to 1.7 million travelers annually . Often called the "Big Island" to help distinguish it from the 1,500-mile-long archipelago with which it shares its name, Hawaii, the Big Island has certainly earned its nickname.

Sitting in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the landmass of the Big Island is approximately the same size as the state of Connecticut, about 4,050 sq. miles, and still growing regularly thanks to Kilauea Volcano on the eastern coast of the island.

Composed of five major volcanoes, the island is the youngest in the Hawaiian chain with origins dating back some 800,000 years to the present day.

Popular Big Island Travel Articles

Big island of hawaii vacation guide, explore hawaii's big island by topic.

Often called the "Big Island" (or "Big I") to help distinguish it from the 1,500-mile-long archipelago with which it shares its name- Hawaii- the Big Island has undoubtedly earned its moniker. The Big Island offers visitors an incredible, diverse, and expansive variety of things to both see and do.

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Visitor Information

By Hawaii.com Team

Aloha! For some, visiting Hawaii is a once in a lifetime dream come true experience. For others, Hawaii is a home away from home destination. Regardless of whether you visit Hawaii for the holidays every year, travel to Hawaii for a special occasion like a wedding or honeymoon, or are planning your dream getaway, we hope you will find the resources you need to make your visit to Hawaii all that you are hoping for.

Below we’ve included visitor information to provide you with a comprehensive overview for getting here and making the most of your time here.

Pick Your Island(s)

With six major islands to explore, you’ll enjoy learning the unique characteristics and personalities of each one to determine which destination you wish to experience. Each Island of Aloha offers distinct travel adventures and discovering which slice of paradise is ideal for you is all part of the fun!

Best Time to Visit Hawaii – Choose Your Travel Dates

When is the best time to visit Hawaii? Well anytime of course, but depending upon your budget and what you would like to experience during your visit, it’s a good idea to be familiar with what each season offers in terms of weather, cost, activities, and water conditions.

Read about what Hawaii is like during the different seasons of the year.

Book Your Air Fare

For most, airfare will be the largest single cost of the trip. For those on a budget, we offer tips for booking cheap flights to Hawaii and other ways to save on travel. Planning ahead and avoiding the peak seasons will pay off.

If comfort is more of a concern than cost, we recommend booking a first class seat. Flight times to Hawaii are about 5 hours at minimum.

Can’t imagine spending 5 hours on a plane? Visiting Hawaii by cruise ship is a great alternative to flying.

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I went to Hawaii for the first time. My trip would've been better if I'd known these 5 things before I left.

• I visited Hawaii for the first time, and there are things I wish I'd known before the trip. 
• Figuring out that there's more than one Leonard's Bakery on Oahu would've saved me some stress.
• I also wish I'd known how easy it would be to get around the island — I could've explored even more.

Well over 1 million people have already visited the Hawaiian Islands this year, and I was lucky enough to be one of them.

I went on a nine-day trip to Oahu that included a stay at Disney's Aulani Resort in Ko Olina.

Because this was my first time visiting Hawaii, I tried to do as much research as possible before my trip. But after arriving, I still wished I'd known a few things.

I thought it would be much harder to get around the island.

Before leaving for Oahu, I'd heard from friends and read on social-media groups that getting around could be difficult. My fears of sitting in traffic for the whole week set in before I even stepped foot off the plane.

In reality, my family and I never got stuck in gridlocked traffic over our six days on the island.

A hotel worker we met said no matter what part of the island you were on, the big secret was to head out after 9 a.m. and try to make your way back either before 3 p.m. or after 6 p.m.

My family and I followed this rule every day of our trip and never had much traffic to deal with while we traveled from Ko Olina to Pearl Harbor and Ko Olina to the North Shore.

We also found the drivers to be much more courteous than we're used to back in Florida. No one weaved in and out of the cars around us.

The kind of sunscreen you pack matters.

My packing list for Hawaii was long, but one of the most important items was sunscreen. Hawaii is close to the equator, so the UV rays are even stronger on the islands.

But I wished I'd known more about the islands' rules around reef-safe sunscreen before I started packing.

Hawaii passed a law banning the sale of sunscreens with the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate that went into effect in 2021. And some counties allow only mineral-based sunscreens.

I ended up using Sun Bum sunscreen throughout my stay, and now that I know more, I'll continue to use it in Florida to help protect coral reefs.

I wish I'd known there's more than one Leonard’s Bakery on the island.

One of the most talked about spots on Oahu is Leonard's Bakery , known for its Portuguese-style doughnuts named malasadas.

The main store is near Honolulu, which was about a 40-minute drive from where we were staying. I'd pretty much accepted that we'd have to budget a few hours one day to try the sugary treats.

But once we landed on Oahu, we noticed a Leonard's Bakery food truck — lovingly named Malasadamobiles — about 10 minutes from the resort.

The truck dished out hot malasadas to order, but it didn't offer the main bakery's extended menu. That was the only real trade-off for us, but it was worth it to save on driving time.

The weather can change depending on what side of the island you’re on.

The weather can be drastically different around Oahu. For instance, when my family left Ko Olina on the western side of the island to drive to the North Shore, the sun was out, and it was very warm.

About an hour into our drive, we passed by Kualoa Ranch (a filming location for "Jurassic Park"), and it was suddenly cooler and cloudy.

Once we got to the North Shore, the sun was back out, and we were able to enjoy our day of beach hopping.

Learning a few key Hawaiian phrases goes a long way with locals.

Knowing some key sayings and phrases in a native language goes a long way with locals, no matter where you're traveling. I knew some basic Hawaiian words — such as "aloha" (hello) and "mahalo" (thank you) — but I wish I'd learned a few more.

While I was there, one new phrase I learned that came in handy was "a hui hou," which means "until we meet again."

We stayed in some spots for a few days, so it was nice to say that to the people we'd connected with on our way out.

• Main content

Who are the Chase transfer partners? Everything to know

Ultimate Rewards points are the currency of most Chase-branded credit cards. You can earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points for everyday spending and then redeem them for a wide range of rewards.

Despite increasing competition from American Express Membership Rewards points , Citi ThankYou Rewards points and Capital One miles , Chase Ultimate Rewards points have maintained their place as one of the most valuable and useful points currencies — especially with valuable products like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card .

Transferring Ultimate Rewards to travel partners is often the most valuable way to redeem your hard-earned points. With 14 different transfer partners, you have plenty of options, since you can keep your Chase points in your Ultimate Rewards account until you can transfer them.

Related: The best Chase credit cards

Here is everything to know about Chase Ultimate Rewards' transfer partners.

What are the Chase transfer partners?

You can transfer Ultimate Rewards points to 11 airline programs:

• Aer Lingus AerClub
• Air Canada Aeroplan
• Air France-KLM Flying Blue
• British Airways Executive Club
• Emirates Skywards
• Iberia Plus
• JetBlue TrueBlue
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
• Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
• United Airlines MileagePlus
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Chase also partners with three hotel programs:

• IHG One Rewards
• Marriott Bonvoy
• World of Hyatt

All transfer ratios are 1:1 (though there are occasional transfer bonuses ), and you must transfer points in 1,000-point increments.

How long do Ultimate Rewards transfers take?

Most transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards to its partner programs are instantaneous , with two exceptions. In our testing, transfers to both Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and Marriott Bonvoy can take up to two business days.

We've heard anecdotal stories of delays with other programs, but as long as the name on your Ultimate Rewards account matches that on your loyalty program account, these should process immediately.

Note that transfer bonuses can also be inconsistent. For example, when TPG's Nick Ewen recently transferred points to Aeroplan to take advantage of a 20% bonus, the base points arrived immediately, but it took three days for the bonus points to post.

How do I transfer Chase points to partners?

You can easily transfer Chase points online. First, log in to your Chase account and navigate to the Ultimate Rewards portal. Under the Travel drop-down, select "Transfer to Travel Partners" to access the main transfer page.

You will then see the list of transfer partners. Any current transfer bonuses will also be shown (note that the screen shot below may show outdated offers). Select your desired transfer partner, link your external account if you have not already done so, select the number of Ultimate Rewards points you wish to transfer and then submit the transfer.

Remember, Ultimate Rewards transfers cannot be reversed, so it's best to wait until you have a specific use before transferring them.

What are the best Chase transfer partners?

Given the low award chart rates of the World of Hyatt program, many TPG staffers believe Hyatt is the best hotel transfer option for Ultimate Rewards points.

If you would prefer to transfer to one of the 11 different airline program partners, the best option may depend on which airlines fly to and from the destinations you wish to travel, who the program partners with and which airlines you like to travel with.

There are sweet spots to be found in most airline transfer options, especially those programs that have retained award charts .

Here are some of our favorite Ultimate Rewards sweet spots .

Top-tier Hyatt hotels

The World of Hyatt award chart has two appealing factors. First, its mere existence is notable, given most other hotel programs (including IHG One Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy, the other Chase hotel partners) have shifted to dynamic pricing .

Beyond that, Hyatt award rates can be incredibly low compared to some competitors. You can book some of the fanciest Park Hyatt properties in the entire portfolio, including the Park Hyatt New York and Park Hyatt Sydney , for just 35,000 points per night during off-peak dates. TPG values Hyatt points at 1.7 cents each, so 35,000 points are worth $595.

That's a great deal for hotels that sell for close to $1,000 per night, even when demand is low.

There's also great value at the lower end of the Hyatt award chart. Category 1 hotels range from 3,500 to 6,500 points per night, depending on whether you travel on peak, standard or off-peak dates.

Iberia flights to Madrid

Round-trip, off-peak flights from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Spain's capital will only set you back 34,000 Avios in economy, 51,000 in premium economy or 68,000 in business when you transfer your Chase points to Iberia Plus. Considering that most airlines charge at least 60,000 miles for a one-way business-class award to Europe, you're essentially getting a 50% discount.

Related: 7 of the best airline award chart sweet spots

Flights to Hawaii with Alaska and American

By transferring your Ultimate Rewards to British Airways, you can book awards with Oneworld partners American Airlines and Alaska Airlines . As long as your nonstop flight distance is under 3,000 miles each way (and saver-level award space is available), you can leverage British Airways' distance-based award chart to fly from any West Coast gateway to Hawaii for only 32,000 Avios round-trip — after a December 2023 devaluation that saw prices increase by up to 32%.

ANA flights booked through Virgin Atlantic

For just 145,000 miles, you can fly round-trip in All Nippon Airways first class between the West Coast and Tokyo. Flights from other U.S. gateways only cost an extra 25,000 miles (170,000 miles round-trip). Business-class redemptions are an even better deal, costing just 90,000-95,000 miles round-trip, depending on your U.S. departure airport. If possible, you'll want to route through New York-JFK and fly ANA's new industry-leading "The Room" business class , which is only available on select routes.

However, availability can be difficult to come by.

Short-haul flights to Canada

Aeroplan stuck to an award chart for partner redemptions but added dynamic pricing for Air Canada flights. As a result, you can often find super-cheap short-haul tickets from the U.S. to Canada. For example, New York to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) can be booked for under 6,000 miles one-way on many dates.

However, you can also find very reasonable award rates on Star Alliance partners through Aeroplan — including Lufthansa, Swiss and EVA Airways.

Related: Your complete guide to Star Alliance benefits

What are Chase Ultimate Rewards points worth?

TPG values Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents apiece in our monthly valuations, and we believe you will receive the best value by transferring the points to partners.

However, you'll get varying values for Chase points if you pursue other redemption opportunities. For example, Ultimate Rewards points are worth 1.5 cents apiece through the Chase travel portal for Sapphire Reserve cardholders or 1.25 cents for those with the Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred . You'll also have access to Chase Pay Yourself Back as a cardholder of any of the above cards, and there are occasionally offers to use Chase points for Apple products or gift cards at an enhanced value.

Finally, Chase points are worth 1 cent apiece if used for simple cash back.

How do I earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points?

There are many ways to earn Chase points at 1-10 points per dollar spent, depending on the specific Chase credit card you carry.

The first three cards below earn fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points by themselves, while the remaining four are technically billed as cash-back credit cards .

However, if you have an Ultimate Rewards-earning card, you can effectively convert your cash-back rewards into Ultimate Rewards points. For this reason, having more than one Chase card can make sense to maximize your earning and redeeming potential.

Here are the cards that allow you to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Welcome bonus: 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening

Why you want it: This is a fantastic all-around travel credit card . It earns points at the following rates:

• 5 points per dollar on Lyft (through March 2025)
• 5 points per dollar on all travel purchased through Chase Travel
• 3 points per dollar on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out
• 3 points per dollar on select streaming services
• 3 points per dollar on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
• 2 points per dollar on all other travel
• 1 point per dollar on all other purchases

The Sapphire Preferred has no foreign transaction fees and has many travel perks , including delayed baggage insurance, trip interruption/cancellation insurance and primary car rental insurance .

Annual fee: $95

Application link: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Welcome bonus: 75,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening

Why you want it: The Sapphire Reserve offers earning power paired with travel perks that can easily cover the annual fee. It earns points at the following rates:

• 10 points per dollar on Lyft (through March 2025)
• 10 points per dollar on Chase Dining booked through Ultimate Rewards
• 10 points per dollar on hotel and car rental purchases through the Chase Travel
• 5 points per dollar on airline travel booked through Chase Travel
• 3 points per dollar on travel not booked through Chase
• 3 points per dollar on other dining purchases
• 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases

Other perks include an easy-to-use $300 annual travel credit , a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (up to $100 once every four years) and Priority Pass Select lounge access as well as the growing list of new Sapphire lounges . This is one of the few cards that allow you to use your Priority Pass membership for discounted meals in airport restaurants . Cardholders also get primary car rental coverage , trip interruption/cancellation insurance and other protections .

Annual fee: $550

Application link: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Welcome bonus: 100,000 points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening

Why you want it: This is one of the best credit cards for small-business owners , earning 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, internet, cable and phone services, advertising made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. You earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases, and points don't expire as long as your account is open.

Application link: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Cash-back Chase credit cards

Four Chase credit cards are technically billed as cash-back products. However, suppose you have one of the three cards noted above. In that case, you can combine your points in a single account, converting these cash-back rewards into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points.

Even better? None of these cards charge an annual fee.

Here are the four cards that offer this functionality:

• Chase Freedom Flex : Earn $200 after you spend $500 in the first three months of account opening. Earn 5% back on select bonus categories, which rotate every quarter and apply on up to $1,500 in combined spending (activation required). Plus, earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel , 3% on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services) and 3% on drugstore purchases.
• Chase Freedom Unlimited : Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year), worth up to $300 cash back. Plus, earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel , 3% on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services) and 3% on drugstore purchases. Earn 1.5% on all other purchases.
• Ink Business Cash Credit Card : Earn up to $750: $350 bonus cash back after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months, and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening. Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year (then 1%). Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year (then 1%).
• Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card : Earn $750 cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Earn unlimited 1.5% cash-back rewards on every purchase.

Note that Chase also issues the Ink Business Premier® Credit Card . However, the earnings on this card can't be combined with others in the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem.

Read more: Your guide to the Chase Ink Business credit cards

Bottom line

If you value the flexibility of choosing from 11 airline partners and three hotel partners, Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of our favorite credit card programs at TPG.

In the age of no-notice devaluations by some loyalty programs, it is smart to earn Ultimate Rewards via the range of credit card welcome bonuses, category bonuses and everyday spending, and then keep your Ultimate Rewards points until you are ready to transfer and book with an airline or hotel partner.