Quick Guide

December – April, June – August

These are peak months to travel to the islands, with higher prices and bigger crowds, particularly during holidays and spring break.

May – September

Shoulder season means fewer crowds, lower prices and warm, mostly sunny days.

October – November

Off-season months bring the lowest airfare and accommodation prices, and hotter temps.

Visas

Travelers from outside the United States will need a valid passport, as well as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) eligibility or a full visa.

Money

Currency is U.S. dollars and ATMs are widely available.

 

Getting Here

Most major airlines fly to Daniel K. Inouye International (HNL) on Oahu. If you’re traveling to another island, you’ll take a connecting flight from here. Some airlines fly direct to Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui, Lihue Airport (LIH) on Kauai, and Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo Airport (ITO) on the Big Island.

Getting Around

Private shuttles can get you from the airport to your hotel, but your best bet for traversing the islands is to rent a car, ideally with four-wheel drive. Taxis are pricey and public transport is spotty.

Local Lingo

English and Hawaiian are the official languages of Hawaii. Learn a few Hawaiian phrases before you go. Aloha: Hello or goodbye. Mahalo: Thank you. ‘Ono: Tasty. Grindz: Food or a meal. Keiki: Children. Slippahs: Sandals or flip flops.

Insider Tips

Bring your appetite and dig into Hawaii’s must-eat foods, like the plate lunch, poke, shave ice, Spam musubi and malasadas.

December – April, June – August

These are peak months to travel to the islands, with higher prices and bigger crowds, particularly during holidays and spring break.

May – September

Shoulder season means fewer crowds, lower prices and warm, mostly sunny days.

October – November

Off-season months bring the lowest airfare and accommodation prices, and hotter temps.

Visas

Travelers from outside the United States will need a valid passport, as well as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) eligibility or a full visa.

Money

Currency is U.S. dollars and ATMs are widely available.

 

Getting Here

Most major airlines fly to Daniel K. Inouye International (HNL) on Oahu. If you’re traveling to another island, you’ll take a connecting flight from here. Some airlines fly direct to Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui, Lihue Airport (LIH) on Kauai, and Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo Airport (ITO) on the Big Island.

Getting Around

Private shuttles can get you from the airport to your hotel, but your best bet for traversing the islands is to rent a car, ideally with four-wheel drive. Taxis are pricey and public transport is spotty.

Local Lingo

English and Hawaiian are the official languages of Hawaii. Learn a few Hawaiian phrases before you go. Aloha: Hello or goodbye. Mahalo: Thank you. ‘Ono: Tasty. Grindz: Food or a meal. Keiki: Children. Slippahs: Sandals or flip flops.

Insider Tips

Bring your appetite and dig into Hawaii’s must-eat foods, like the plate lunch, poke, shave ice, Spam musubi and malasadas.