| Its often said that travellers enjoy their holidays much more if they find out about the country or place they are visiting before they embark on their travel. If you are an overseas visitor planning a trip to Hawaii or, you've just arrived, Totaltravel Travel Advice is for you. |
Hawaiian Travel Info & Advice
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Size: 4,425 Square Miles Capital: Honolulu Population: 1.2m Language: Hawaii’s two official languages are Hawaiian and English. The Hawaiian language is a Polynesian dialect and only has 12 letters in its alphabet. Currency: US dollar. Climate: Hawaii boasts it is never too hot and never too cold. The Islands enjoy a balmy and warm climate throughout the year with little variation in temperatures – a mere 10°F drop in the ‘winter’ or cooler months from December to March; a period which also tends to see heavier rainfall, although mostly at night time. The driest months are May to November. Coastal daytime temperatures typically reach highs of about 83°F and lows of around 68°F. Health & Safety: Visitors require no mandatory vaccinations to visit Hawaii. |
| Restaurants: Known as the Pacific Rim Cuisine, the flavours of the Pacific Islands blend with those of the Orient, Europe and the American south-west to produce some mouth-watering flavours. As well as restaurants specialising in Hawaiian cuisine, there are plenty dedicated to French, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Mexican and American food. Drinking: The legal age for alcohol consumption is 21. ID may be required to enter bars and pubs or to buy alcoholic drinks Tipping: 15% is the generally accepted amount for most services where gratuities have not already been included in the bill. Shop Hours: Open hours are generally 9am – 9pm but do vary. Most shops are open every day of the year except Christmas day. Mobile phones: Mobile phones must be tri-band/global roam to work in the USA Government: Republican - Hawaii is the 50th State in the USA Electricity: 110V AC. All plugs are two-pronged and require a travel adapter. Accommodation: There is a huge variety of accommodation including hotels, resorts, bed and breakfast, camping, hostels, condominiums and cruise ships. Culture and History: It’s no doubt that the Hawaiian culture has left an indelible mark in history. From the skilful, innovative ways of Polynesian sea voyaging to the ancient traditions of the Hawaiian ohana (family), we continuously learn from our ancestors. The Hawaiian language is now being taught throughout Hawaii schools and the legacy of the Hawaiian monarchy is still revered today. The revitalization of the Hawaiian culture continues to remind us that the past clearly defines the present. There are many ways to connect with both contemporary and historical cultural activities throughout each island. |
| The islands of Aloha are bursting with colour and culture, all set amongst some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. Famed for its year round tropical sun, surfing traditions and hula dancers, Hawaii has so much more to offer and prides itself on its wealth of adventure activities. Whether you visit this idyllic archipelago to honeymoon, relax on a palm-fringed beach, surf its waves, watch humpback whales, trek its mountains, dive with dolphins, cruise around, kayak through rainforests, tee off on one of its 80 golf courses, cycle up or ski down a volcano, enjoy a festival or get pampered in a luxury spa before hitting the town, Hawaii’s diverse island charms cater for every holiday style and budget. Rich in history, heritage and culture, few destinations can offer its magical combination of lush rainforests, active volcanoes, plunging cliffs, snow-capped mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, rugged valleys, hidden canyons, palm-fringed sandy beaches, turquoise clear waters and tantalizing coral reef. However, the six main islands are uniquely different in their own right, making it the perfect destination for island-hopping. As the most isolated landmass in the world, where better to escape from the stresses of everyday life? Its combination of spectacular beaches and wondrous scenery has inspired many top filmmakers to fall under its spell so you may already know the archipelago better than you think! From Raiders of the Lost Ark to Elvis’ Blue Hawaii and from Jurassic Park to the recent blockbuster, 50 First Dates, Hawaii’s incredible variety of worlds will ensure it plays a starring role in your best ever holiday list. No trip to Oahu would be complete without the chance to enjoy the attractions of Waikiki’s famous two-mile beach and the opportunity to make the most of the strong pound as you indulge in some serious shopping. However, with five other islands to choose from and both Maui and the Big Island also offering daily connecting flights to the US West Coast, you may prefer to explore some of the lesser known islands. Hawaii’s Big Island is the youngest and largest of the six and, thanks to its on-going volcanic activity and opportunity to watch lava flows in action, is still growing! Here the clarity of its night skies has led to their mountain summits becoming home to 14 of the world’s astronomical observatories. Kauai, meanwhile, is the oldest island and has a legacy of paradise to uphold – perfect for those seeking a truly laid-back holiday, yet eager to explore its natural wonders. Lanai, boasting just two luxury properties, proved the idyllic romantic hideaway for Bill Gates when he chose to say “I do” and attracts those looking for seclusion with a decadent touch. Just across the waters, meanwhile, Molokai makes the perfect day trip for those staying on the Magic Isle of Maui, famed for its whale-watching season, kite-surfing facilities and sublime upcountry ranchlands. Wherever you go and whatever your choice of holiday, the untamed natural beauty and warmth of the Hawaiian people is certain to take your breath away. |
O'ahu is the most visited of the Hawaiian Islands, home to the vibrant city of Waikiki Beach with its fantastic dining, shopping & nightlife, North Shore's banzai pipeline, snorkelling at Hanauma Bay, and an impressive arts and culture scene. Read more ...
