Planning a trip to Hawaii

Getting There

By Plane

Most major U.S. and many international carriers fly to the Daniel K. Inouye International (HNL)—formerly Honolulu International Airport—on Oahu. Some also offer direct flights to Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui, Lihue Airport (LIH) on Kauai, and Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo Airport (ITO) on the Big Island. If you can fly directly to the island of your choice, you’ll be spared a 2-hour layover in Honolulu and another plane ride. If you’re heading to Molokai Airport (MKK) or Lanai Airport (LNY), you’ll have the easiest connections if you fly into Honolulu or Kahului. See island chapters for detailed information on direct flights to each island.

Hawaiian Airlines offers flights from more mainland U.S. gateways than any other airline. Hawaiian’s easy-to-navigate website makes finding the cheapest fares a cinch. Its closest competitor, price-wise, is Virgin America Airlines, which flies nonstop from San Francisco and Los Angeles. Alaska Airlines offers daily nonstop flights from West Coast cities, including Anchorage, Seattle, Portland, and Oakland. New to the market, Southwest Airlines is worth checking out for deals from the West Coast. From points farther east, United, American, Continental, and Delta all fly to Hawaii with nonstop service to Honolulu and most neighbor islands. If you’re having difficulty finding an affordable fare, try routing your flight through Las Vegas. It’s a huge hub for traffic to and from the islands.

For travel from beyond the U.S. mainland, check these airlines: Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Qantas Airways, Japan Air Lines, All Nippon Airways (ANA), the Taiwan-based China Airlines, Korean Air, and Philippine Airlines. Hawaiian Airlines also flies nonstop to Australia, American Samoa, Philippines, Tahiti, South Korea, and Japan.

Arriving at the Airport

IMMIGRATION & CUSTOMS CLEARANCE—International visitors arriving by air should cultivate patience before setting foot on U.S. soil. U.S. airports have considerable security practices in place. Clearing Customs and Immigration can take as long as 2 hours.

AGRICULTURAL SCREENING AT AIRPORTS—At the Honolulu and neighbor-island airports, baggage and passengers bound for the Mainland must be screened by agriculture officials. Officials will confiscate fresh local produce (avocados, bananas, and mangoes) in the name of fruit-fly control. Pineapples, coconuts, and papayas inspected and certified for export; boxed flowers; leis without seeds; and processed foods (macadamia nuts, coffee, jams, dried fruit, and the like) will pass.

Fast Facts

Customs—For details regarding U.S. Customs and Border Protection, consult your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or U.S. Customs (www.cbp.gov). You cannot take home fresh fruit, plants, or seeds (including some leis) unless they are inspected and sealed. You cannot seal and pack them yourself. For information on what you’re allowed to bring home, contact one of the following agencies:

U.S. Citizens: U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP), 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20229 (www.cbp.gov; 877/CBP-5511).

Canadian Citizens: Canada Border Services Agency (www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca; 800/461-9999 in Canada, or 204/983-3500).

U.K. Citizens: HM Customs & Excise (www.hmce.gov.uk; 0845/010-9000 in the U.K., or 020/8929-0152).

Australian Citizens: Australian Customs Service (www.customs.gov.au; 1300/363-263).

New Zealand Citizens: New Zealand Customs, The Customhouse, 17–21 Whitmore St., Box 2218, Wellington (www.customs.govt.nz; 64/9-927-8036 outside of NZ, or 0800/428-786).

Electricity—Like Canada, the United States uses 110 to 120 volts AC (60 cycles), compared to 220 to 240 volts AC (50 cycles) in most of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Downward converters that change 220–240 volts to 110–120 volts are hard to find in the U.S., so bring one with you if you’re traveling to Hawaii from abroad.

Embassies & Consulates—All embassies are in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Some consulates are in major U.S. cities, and most nations have a mission to the United Nations in New York City. If your country isn’t listed below, check www.embassy.org/embassies.

The embassy of Australia is at 1601 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (www.usa.embassy.gov.au; 202/797-3000). Consulates are in New York, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Denver, Atlanta, Chicago, and San Francisco.

The embassy of Canada is at 501 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001 (www.canadianembassy.org; 202/682-1740). Consulates are in Chicago, Detroit, San Diego, and other cities. See website for full listing.

The embassy of Ireland is at 2234 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (www.embassyofireland.org; 202/462-3939). Irish consulates are in Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and other cities. See website for full listing.

The embassy of New Zealand is at 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008 (www.nzembassy.com; 202/328-4800). Consulates are in Los Angeles and Honolulu.

The embassy of the United Kingdom is at 3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (www.gov.uk/government/world/usa; 202/588-6500). Other British consulates are in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Miami.

Mail—At press time, domestic postage rates were 34¢ for a postcard and 49¢ for a letter. For international mail, a first-class postcard or letter up to 1 ounce costs $1.15. For more information go to www.usps.com.

Taxes—The United States has no value-added tax (VAT) or other indirect tax at the national level. Every state, county, and city may levy its own local tax on all purchases, including hotel and restaurant checks and airline tickets. These taxes will not appear on price tags.

Hawaii state general excise tax is 4.166%, which applies to all items purchased (including hotel rooms). The county of Oahu levies an additional 0.546% tax. On top of that, the state's transient Accommodation Tax (TAT) is 10.25%. These taxes, combined with various resort fees, can add up to 17% to 18% of your room rate. Budget accordingly.

Telephones—All calls on-island are local calls; calls from one island to another via a landline are long distance and you must dial 1, then the Hawaii area code (808), and then the phone number. Convenience stores sell prepaid calling cards in denominations up to $50. You are unlikely to see a public pay phone, however. Those at airports now accept American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. Local calls made from most pay phones cost 50¢. Most long-distance and international calls can be dialed directly from any phone. To make calls within the United States and to Canada, dial 1, followed by the area code and the seven-digit number. For other international calls, dial 011, followed by the country code, city code, and the number you are calling.

Calls to area codes 800, 888, 877, and 866 are toll-free. However, calls to area codes 700 and 900 (chat lines, bulletin boards, “dating” services, and so on) can be expensive—charges of 95¢ to $3 or more per minute. Some numbers have minimum charges that can run $15 or more.

For reversed-charge or collect calls, and for person-to-person calls, dial the number 0, then the area code and number; an operator will come on the line, and you should specify whether you are calling collect, person-to-person, or both. If your operator-assisted call is international, ask for the overseas operator.

For directory assistance (“Information”), dial 411 for local numbers and national numbers in the U.S. and Canada. For dedicated long-distance information, dial 1, then the appropriate area code plus 555-1212.

Time—The continental United States is divided into four time zones: Eastern Standard Time (EST), Central Standard Time (CST), Mountain Standard Time (MST), and Pacific Standard Time (PST). Alaska and Hawaii have their own zones. For example, when it’s 7am in Honolulu (HST), it’s 9am in Los Angeles (PST), 10am in Denver (MST), 11am in Chicago (CST), noon in New York City (EST), 5pm in London (GMT), and 2am the next day in Sydney.

Daylight saving time, in effect in most of the United States from 2am on the second Sunday in March to 2am on the first Sunday in November, is not observed in Hawaii, Arizona, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Daylight saving time moves the clock 1 hour ahead of standard time.

Tipping—Tips are a major part of certain workers’ income, and gratuities are the standard way of showing appreciation for services provided. (Tipping is certainly not compulsory if the service is poor!) In hotels, tip bellhops at least $2 per bag ($3–$5 if you have a lot of luggage) and tip the housekeepers $2 per person per day (more if you’ve left a disaster area for them to clean up). Tip the doorman or concierge only if he or she has provided you with some specific service (for example, calling a cab for you or obtaining difficult-to-get theater tickets). Tip the valet-parking attendant $2 to $5 every time you get your car.

In general, tip service staff such as waiters, bartenders, and hairdressers 18% to 20% of the bill. Tip cab drivers 15% of the fare.

Toilets—You won’t find public toilets on the streets in Hawaii, but you can find them in hotel lobbies, restaurants, museums, department stores, service stations, and at most beaches (where you’ll find showers, too). Large hotels and fast-food restaurants are often the best bet for clean facilities. Restaurants and bars in heavily visited areas may reserve their restrooms for patrons.

Visas—The U.S. State Department has a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allowing citizens of numerous nations to enter the United States without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Consult http://usvisas.state.gov for the most up-to-date list of countries in the VWP. Even though a visa isn’t necessary, in an effort to help U.S. officials check travelers against terror watch lists before they arrive at U.S. borders, visitors from VWP countries must register online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding a plane or a boat to the U.S. Travelers must complete an electronic application providing basic personal and travel eligibility information. The Department of Homeland Security recommends filling out the form at least 3 days before traveling. Authorizations will be valid for up to 2 years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first. Currently, there is a US$16 fee for the online application. Note: To enter the U.S. without a visa VWP travelers must present an e-Passport. E-Passports contain computer chips capable of storing biometric information, such as the required digital photograph of the holder. Citizens of these nations also need to present a round-trip air or cruise ticket upon arrival. For more information, go to http://usvisas.state.gov. Under most circumstances, citizens of Canada and Bermuda may enter the United States without a visa but will need to show a passport and proof of residence. See restrictions at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/citizens-of-canada-and-bermuda.html.

Citizens of all other countries must have (1) a valid passport that expires at least 6 months later than the scheduled end of their visit to the U.S., and (2) a tourist visa. For information about U.S. visas, go to http://usvisas.state.gov. Or go to one of the following:

U.S. Embassy Canberra, (Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600; https://au.usembassy.gov 02/6214-5600).

U.S. London Embassy (24 Grosvenor Square, London W1A 2LQ; https://uk.usembassy.gov/ 20/7499-9000).

U.S. Embassy Dublin, (42 Elgin Rd., Ballsbridge, Dublin 4; https://ie.usembassy.gov; 353 1 668-8777).

U.S. Embassy New Zealand (29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington; http://nz.usembassy.gov; 644/462-6000).

Water—Generally the water in your hotel or at public drinking fountains is safe to drink (depending on the island, it may have more chlorine than you like).

Tips on Accommodations

Hawaii offers all kinds of accommodations, from simple rooms in restored plantation homes and quaint cottages on the beach to luxurious oceanview condo units and opulent suites in beachfront resorts. Each type has its pluses and minuses, so before you book, make sure you know what you're getting into.

Hotels

In Hawaii, "hotel" can indicate a wide range of options, from few or no on-site amenities to enough extras to qualify as a miniresort. Generally, a hotel offers daily maid service and has a restaurant, on-site laundry facilities, a pool, and a sundries/convenience-type shop. Top hotels also have activities desks, concierge and valet services, room service, business centers, airport shuttles, bars and/or lounges, and perhaps a few more shops.

The advantages of staying in a hotel are privacy and convenience; the disadvantage is generally noise (either thin walls between rooms or loud music from a lobby lounge late into the night). Hotel locations can range from oceanfront to a short walk from the beach. Be sure to check if this is important to you.

Nickel-and-Dime Charges at High-Priced Hotels -- Several upscale resorts in Hawaii engage in a practice that I find distasteful and dishonest: charging a so-called "resort fee." This daily fee is added to your bill for such "complimentary" items as a daily newspaper, local phone calls, and use of the fitness facilities -- amenities that the resort has been happily providing free to its guests for years. In most cases, you do not have an option to decline the resort fee -- in other words, this is a sneaky way to increase the nightly rate without telling you.

Resorts

In Hawaii, a resort offers everything a hotel does -- and more. You can expect direct beach access, with beach cabanas and lounge chairs; pools and a Jacuzzi; a spa and fitness center; restaurants, bars, and lounges; a 24-hour front desk; concierge, valet, and bellhop services; room service (often 24-hr.); an activities desk; tennis and golf; ocean activities; a business center; kids' programs; and more.

The advantages of a resort are that you have everything you could possibly want in the way of services and things to do; the disadvantage is that the price generally reflects this. And don't be misled by a name -- just because a place is called "ABC Resort" doesn't mean it actually is a resort. Make sure you're getting what you pay for.

Condos

The roominess and convenience of a condo -- which is usually a fully equipped, multiple-bedroom apartment -- makes this a great choice for families. Condominium properties in Hawaii generally consist of several apartments set in either a single high-rise or a cluster of low-rise units. Condos usually have amenities such as some maid service (ranging from daily to weekly; it may or may not be included in your rate), a pool, and an on-site front desk or a live-in property manager. Condos tend to be clustered in resort areas. There are some very high-end condos, but most are quite affordable, especially if you're traveling in a group.

The advantages of a condo are privacy, space, and conveniences -- which usually include a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, a private phone, and more. The downsides are the standard lack of an on-site restaurant and the density of the units (vs. the privacy of a single-unit vacation rental).

Bed & Breakfasts

Hawaii has a wide range of places that call themselves B&Bs: everything from a traditional B&B -- several bedrooms in a home, with breakfast served in the morning -- to what is essentially a vacation rental on an owner's property that comes with fixings for you to make your own breakfast. Make sure that the B&B you're booking matches your own mental picture. Note that laundry facilities and land-line phones are not always available. If you have to share a bathroom, I've spelled it out in the listings; otherwise, you can assume that you will have your own.

The advantages of a traditional B&B are its individual style and congenial atmosphere, with a host who's often happy to act as your own private concierge. In addition, they're usually an affordable way to go. The disadvantages are lack of privacy, usually a set time for breakfast, few amenities, and generally no maid service. Also, B&B owners typically require a minimum stay of 2 or 3 nights, and it's often a drive to the beach.

B&B Etiquette -- In Hawaii, it is traditional and customary to remove your shoes before entering anyone's home. The same is true at most bed-and-breakfast facilities. If this custom is unpleasant to you, a B&B may not be for you.

Hawaii also has a very strict no-smoking law (no smoking in public buildings, restaurants, bars, retail stores, and the like), and more and more hotels, resorts, condos, and vacation rentals generally do not allow smoking in the guest rooms (those hotels that still do allow smoking all have nonsmoking rooms available). The majority of bed-and-breakfast units already forbid smoking in the rooms. Be sure to check the policy of your accommodations before you book.

Vacation Rentals

This is another great choice for families and for long-term stays. "Vacation rental" usually means that there will be no manager on the property where you're staying. The actual accommodations can range from an apartment to an entire fully equipped house. Generally, vacation rentals allow you to settle in and make yourself at home for a while. They have kitchen facilities (at least a kitchenette), on-site laundry facilities, and a phone; some also come with such extras as a TV, VCR or DVD player, and stereo.

The advantages of a vacation rental are complete privacy, your own kitchen (which can save you money on meals), and lots of conveniences. The disadvantages are a lack of an on-site property manager and generally no maid service; often a minimum stay is required (sometimes as much as a week). If you book a vacation rental, be sure that you have a 24-hour contact to call if the toilet won't flush or you can't figure out how to turn on the air-conditioning.

Using a Booking Agency vs. Doing It Yourself

If you don't have the time to call several places yourself to make sure they offer the amenities you'd like, you might consider a booking agency.

A statewide booking agent for B&Bs is Bed & Breakfast Hawaii (www.bandb-hawaii.com; tel. 800/733-1632 or 808/822-7771; fax 808/822-2723), offering a range of accommodations from vacation homes to bed-and-breakfast inns, starting at $65 a night. For vacation rentals, contact Hawaii Beachfront Vacation Homes (www.myhawaiibeachfront.com; tel. 808/247-3637; fax 808/235-2644). Hawaii Condo Exchange (www.hawaii-condo.org; tel. 800/442-0404) acts as a consolidator for condo and vacation-rental properties.

internet or apps for Hawaii Hotel Discounts

Hawaii hotels and resorts know they have a captive audience and high prices reflect that. And while it’s not impossible to get a good deal by calling a hotel, you’re more likely to snag a discount online or with a mobile app. Here are some strategies:

   1.   Browse extreme discounts on sites where you reserve or bid for lodgings without knowing which hotel you’ll get. You’ll find these on Priceline.com and Hotwire.com, and they can be money-savers, particularly if you’re booking within a week of travel (that’s when the hotels get nervous and resort to deep discounts). These feature major chains, so it’s unlikely you’ll book a dump.

   2.   Review discounts on the hotel’s website. Hotels tend to give the lowest rates to those who book through their sites rather than through a third party. But you’ll only find these truly deep discounts in the loyalty section of these sites—so join the club.

   3.   Use the right hotel search engine. They’re not all equal, as we at Frommers.com learned in the spring of 2017 after putting the top 20 sites to the test in 20 destinations around the globe. We discovered that Booking.com listed the lowest rates for hotels in the city center, and in the under $200 range, 16 out of 20 times—the best record, by far, of all the sites we tested. And Booking.com includes all taxes and fees in its initial results (not all do, which can make for a frustrating shopping experience). For top-end properties, again in the city center, both Priceline.com and HotelsCombined.com came up with the best rates, tying at 14 wins each.

Staying Connected

Telephones

All calls on-island are local calls; calls from one island to another via a land line are long distance and you must dial 1; then the Hawaii area code, 808; and then the phone number. Many convenience groceries and packaging services sell prepaid calling cards in denominations up to $50. Many public pay phones at airports now accept American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. Local calls made from most pay phones cost 50¢. Most long-distance and international calls can be dialed directly from any phone. To make calls within the United States and to Canada, dial 1 followed by the area code and the seven-digit number. For other international calls, dial 011 followed by the country code, city code, and the number you are calling.

Calls to area codes 800, 888, 877, and 866 are toll-free. However, calls to area codes 700 and 900 (chat lines, bulletin boards, "dating" services, and so on) can be expensive -- charges of 95¢ to $3 or more per minute. Some numbers have minimum charges that can run $15 or more.

For reversed-charge or collect calls, and for person-to-person calls, dial the number 0 then the area code and number; an operator will come on the line, and you should specify whether you are calling collect, person-to-person, or both. If your operator-assisted call is international, ask for the overseas operator.

For directory assistance ("Information"), dial 411 for local numbers and national numbers in the U.S. and Canada. For dedicated long-distance information, dial 1, then the appropriate area code plus 555-1212.

Mobile Phones—Cellphone coverage is decent throughout Hawaii but can be inconsistent in the more remote and mountainous regions of the Islands. AT&T and Verizon tend to get the best reception.

If you are traveling from outside of the U.S., you may want to purchase an international SIM card for your cellphone or buy a prepaid cellphone with local service.

Do not use your cellphone while you are driving. Strict laws and heavy fines ($297 and up) are diligently enforced.

Internet & Wi-Fi—On every island, branches of the Hawaii State Public Library System have free computers with Internet access. To find your closest library, check www.librarieshawaii.org/sitemap.htm. There is no charge for use of the computers, but you must have a Hawaii library card, which is free to Hawaii residents and members of the military. Visitors can visit any branch to purchase a $10 visitor card that is good for 3 months.

If you have your own laptop, every Starbucks in Hawaii has Wi-Fi. For a list of locations, go to www.starbucks.com/retail/find/default.aspx. Many, if not most, hotel lobbies also have free Wi-Fi. Whole Foods is another reliable option. Copy shops like FedEx Office offer computer stations with software (as well as Wi-Fi).

Most interisland airports provide basic Wi-Fi access for a per-minute fee. The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (http://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl) provides Internet service for a fee through Shaka Net.

When to Go

Most visitors come to Hawaii when the weather is lousy elsewhere. Thus, the high season—when prices are up and resorts are often booked to capacity—is generally from mid-December to March or mid-April. In particular, the last two weeks of December and first week of January are prime time for travel to Hawaii. Spring break is also jam-packed with families taking advantage of the school holiday.

If you’re planning a trip during peak season, make hotel and rental car reservations as early as possible, expect crowds, and prepare to pay top dollar. The winter months tend to be a little rainier and cooler. But there’s a perk to traveling during this time: Hawaiian humpback whales are here, too.

The off season, when the best rates are available and the islands are less crowded, is late spring (mid-April to early June) and fall (September to mid-December).

If you plan to travel in summer (June–August), don’t expect to see the fantastic bargains of spring and fall—this is prime time for family travel. But you’ll still find much better deals on packages, airfare, and accommodations than in the winter months.

Climate

Because Hawaii lies at the edge of the tropical zone, it technically has only two seasons, both of them warm. There’s a dry season that corresponds to summer (April–October) and a rainy season in winter (November–March). It rains every day somewhere in the islands at any time of the year, but the rainy season can bring enough gray weather to spoil your sunbathing opportunities. Fortunately, it seldom rains in one spot for more than 3 days straight.

The year-round temperature doesn’t vary much. At the beach, the average daytime high in summer is 85°F (29°C), while the average daytime high in winter is 78°F (26°C); nighttime lows are usually about 10° cooler. But how warm it is on any given day really depends on where you are on the island.

Each island has a leeward side (the side sheltered from the wind) and a windward side (the side that gets the wind’s full force). The leeward sides (the west and south) are usually hot and dry, while the windward sides (east and north) are generally cooler and moist. When you want arid, sunbaked, desert-like weather, go leeward. When you want lush, wet, rainforest weather, go windward.

Hawaii also has a wide range of microclimates, thanks to interior valleys, coastal plains, and mountain peaks. Kauai’s Mount Waialeale is one of the wettest spots on earth, yet Waimea Canyon, just a few miles away, is almost a desert. On the Big Island, Hilo ranks among the wettest cities in the nation, with 180 inches of rainfall a year. At Puako, only 60 miles away, it rains less than 6 inches a year. The summits of Mauna Kea on the Big Island and Haleakala on Maui often see snow in winter—even when the sun is blazing down at the beach. The locals say if you don’t like the weather, just drive a few miles down the road—it’s sure to be different.

Holidays

When Hawaii observes holidays (especially those over a long weekend), travel between the islands increases, interisland airline seats are fully booked, rental cars are at a premium, and hotels and restaurants are busier.

Federal, state, and county government offices are closed on all federal holidays. Federal holidays include:

• New Year’s Day, January 1

• Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, third monday in January

• Presidents’ Day, third Monday in February

• Memorial Day, last monday in May

• Independence Day, July 4

• Labor Day, first Monday in September

• Columbus Day, second Monday in October

• Veterans Day, November 11

• Thanksgiving, fourth Thursday in November

• Christmas, December 25

State and county offices are also closed on local holidays. These include:

• Prince Kuhio Day, March 26, honoring the birthday of Hawaii’s first delegate to the U.S. Congress

• King Kamehameha Day, June 11, a statewide holiday commemorating Kamehameha the Great, who united the islands and ruled from 1795 to 1819

• Admission Day, observed on the third Friday in August to mark the admittance of Hawaii as the 50th state on August 21, 1959

Sustainable Travel & Ecotourism

If there is one place on the planet that seems ideally suited for eco-tourism and sustainable travel, it's Hawaii, a place people visit because of the ecology -- the ocean, the beach, the mountains, and the overall beauty of the place. It seems only natural that the maintenance of its environment would be a concern, both to the people who live there and the visitors who come to enjoy all that its ecosystem has to offer.

In fact, Hawaii has a long history of environmental stewardship. The ancient Hawaiians not only knew about sustainability, but also practiced it in their daily lives. They had to! When the ancient Hawaiians occupied the islands, they did not have the luxury of "importing" goods from anywhere else. They had the land under their feet and the ocean to gain subsistence from, and those resources had to last not only for their own lifetime, but also for the lifetimes of generations to come. So these ancient people lived in harmony with the land and sea, and had a complex social structure that managed resources and forbade the taking of various resources during certain times of the year, to allow those resources to replenish themselves.

Now fast-forward to the 21st century. Today we, the current stewards of the islands of Hawaii, are just beginning to appreciate how wise and advanced the ancient Hawaiians were. In some ways, the state of Hawaii is a pioneer when it comes to the various ways it protects and saves its natural resources (for example, Hawaii is second only to California in the number of marine reserves in the National System of Marine Protected Areas). And yet in other ways, modern Hawaii still falls short of the ancient Hawaiians, whose unique system sustained, without imports, the entire population.

Transportation Concerns

Rental Cars -- Most visitors coming to Hawaii seem to think "convertible" when they think of renting a car, or they think "SUV" for off-road adventures. If you're thinking "hybrid," you'll have to check your budget, because hybrids from car-rental agencies are not only hard to find, but also extremely expensive in Hawaii. Car-rental agencies do have a variety of cars to rent, though, and you can make a point of selecting a car that gets the best gas mileage. Also, ask for a white car, because they use less energy to air-condition than a dark-colored car.

Interisland Transportation -- Now that the interisland ferry, Superferry, has declared bankruptcy, the only option for interisland travel between most islands is via air. There are two exceptions, however. If you're traveling between Maui and Lanai, you may want to consider taking the passenger-only Lanai Ferry. If you're traveling between Maui and Molokai, you can take the passenger-only Molokai Princess. Not only are these ferries cheaper than air travel, but their impact on the environment is less, especially when you consider that most airlines will route you from Maui to Honolulu, then from Honolulu on to either Molokai or Lanai.

Ongoing Environmental Initiatives

The State of Hawaii has several excellent stewardship programs to preserve the ocean environment and its resources, such as Marine Life Conservation Districts (an ocean version of parks; Kealakekua, on the Big Island of Hawaii, and Hanauma Bay, on Oahu, are two examples), Fishery Management Areas (where what you can take from the ocean is restricted), Fishery Replenishment Areas, and Estuarine Reserves. On land, there are corresponding programs to protect the environment, from the Soil and Water Conservation District to Watershed Reserves.

In the visitor industry, the majority of hotels have adopted green practices, not only to save the environment, but also to save them money. Nearly every hotel in the state will have a card in your room asking you to really consider if you need a new towel or if you can hang it up and use it one more day. Various statewide organizations have programs recognizing hotels which are helping the environment, such as the Green Business Awards Program, which recently recognized the Grand Hyatt Kauai for reducing their annual electricity consumption by over 1.5 million kilowatt hours through the use of the resort's new 18,500-square-foot photovoltaic system.

Every island has recycling centers (varying from collection of recyclable bottles only to places that take everything). For a list of recycling centers close to where you will be staying, visit the website of the Hawaii State Department of Health (www.hi5deposit.com/redcenters.html).

Restaurants across the state are using more local products and more produce than ever. Many proudly tell you that all of their products were grown, grazed, or caught within 100 miles of their restaurant. You can support this effort by ordering local (drink Kona coffee, not a coffee from Central America; eat local fish, not imported seafood). Ask the restaurant which items on its menu are grown or raised on the island, and then order the local items.

Below are some helpful hints travelers to Hawaii might want to keep in mind during their adventure to the islands so that their ecological footprint on Hawaii will be minimal.

What Visitors Can Do in & Around the Ocean

1. Do not touch anything in the ocean. In fact, unless you are standing on the sandy bottom where the waves roll into shore, try not to walk or stand on the ocean floor. The no-touch rule of thumb is not only for your protection -- there are plenty of stinging, stabbing things out there that could turn your vacation into a nightmare -- but also for the protection of the marine environment. Coral is composed of living things, which take years to grow, and a careless brush of your hand or foot could destroy them. Fragile habitats for marine critters can be damaged forever by your heavy foot.

2. Do not feed the fish, or any other marine creature. They have their own food and diet, and they can be irreparably harmed by your good intentions if you feed them "people food" or, even worse, some "fish food" you have purchased.

3. Leave the ocean and beach area cleaner than you found it. If you see trash in the ocean (plastic bags, bottles, and so on), remove it. You may have saved the life of a fish, turtle, marine mammal, or even seabird by removing that trash, which kills hundreds of marine inhabitants every year. The same thing is true of the beach: Pick up trash, even if it's not yours.

4. The beach is not an ashtray. Do not use the sand for your cigarette butts. How would you like someone using your living room carpet as his ashtray?

5. Look at, but don't approach, turtles or Hawaiian monk seals resting on the shoreline. The good news is that the number of turtles and Hawaiian monk seals on the main Hawaiian Islands is increasing. But while visitors may not know it, both are protected by law. You must stay 100 feet away from them. So take photos, but do not attempt to get close to the resting sea creatures (and no, they are not dead or injured, just resting).

6. If you plan to go fishing, practice catch and release. Let the fish live another day. Ask your charter-boat captain if they practice catch and release; if they say no, book with someone else.

7. If you are environmentally conscious, I do not recommend that you rent jet skis, which have a significant environmental impact.

What Visitors Can Do on Land

1. Don't litter (this includes throwing a cigarette butt out of your car).

2. Before you go hiking, scrub your hiking shoes (especially the soles) to get rid of seeds and soil.

3. When hiking, carry a garbage bag so you can carry out everything you carried in, including your litter (and if you see other garbage on the trail, carry it out, too).

4. Stay on the trail. Not only is wandering off a trail dangerous to you (you can get lost, fall off overgrown cliffs, or get injured by stepping into a hidden hole), but you could also carry invasive species into the native forests.

5. Do not pick flowers or plants along your hike. Just leave the environment the way you found it.

Tips for Families

Family Travel—With beaches to build castles on, water to splash in, and amazing sights to see, Hawaii is paradise for children. Take a look at “The Best of Hawaii for Kids”.

The larger hotels and resorts offer supervised programs for children and can refer you to qualified babysitters. By state law, hotels can accept only children ages 5 to 12 in supervised activities programs but can often accommodate younger kids by hiring babysitters to watch over them. Contact People Attentive to Children (PATCH) for referrals to babysitters who have taken a training course in childcare. On Oahu, call 808/839-1988; on the Big Island, call 808/322-3500 in Kona or 808/961-3169 in Hilo; on Maui, call 808/242-9232; on Kauai, call 808/246-0622; on Molokai and Lanai, call 800/498-4145; or visit www.patchhawaii.org. The Nanny Connection (www.thenannyconnection.com; 808/875-4777) on Maui is a reputable business that sends Mary Poppins–esque nannies to resorts and beaches to watch children ($15 per hour and up, with a 3-hour minimum and a $25 booking fee). Tutoring services are also available.

Baby’s Away (www.babysaway.com) rents cribs, strollers, highchairs, playpens, infant seats, and the like on Oahu (800/496-6386 or 808/729-4214), Maui (800/942-9030 or 808/269-4939 and Hawaii Island (800/996-9030 or 808/747-9667). The staff will deliver whatever you need to wherever you’re staying and pick it up when you’re done.

The best of Hawaii for Kids

* Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawaii (Oahu): Disney built this high-rise hotel and spa (with timeshare condos) on 21 acres on the beach, about an hour’s drive from Waikiki. It’s a great destination for families, with a full children’s program, plus areas and activities for teens and tweens. Mickey, Minnie, and other Disney characters walk the resort and stop to take photos with kids.

* Polynesian Cultural Center (Oahu): Experience the songs, dance, and costumes of six Pacific islands and archipelagos at the Disneyland version of Polynesia. There are plenty of activities to engage kids, such as spear-throwing competitions and Maori games that test hand-eye coordination.

* Build Sandcastles on Kailua Beach (Oahu): This gorgeous beach is kid-friendly, with sand that slopes gently into the water. The waves vary in spots—perfect for the young ones to splash around and older kids to boogie board. The broad stretch of sand is also great for building castles.

* Slumber Party at the Aquarium (Maui): Kids can book a sleepover in the Maui Ocean Center, staying up into the wee hours to watch glowing jellyfish and other nocturnal animals.

* Snorkel in Kealakekua Bay (Big Island): Everyone can enjoy the dazzling display of marine life here on a Fair Wind cruise (www.fair-wind.com; 800/677-9461 or 808/322-2788), which offers inner tubes and underwater viewing boxes for little ones (or older ones) who don’t want to get their faces wet. Two water slides and a spacious boat with a friendly crew add to the fun.

* Play at Lydgate Park (Kauai): If kids tire of snorkeling in the protected swimming area of Lydgate Beach, a giant wooden fantasy play structure and bridge to the dunes await, along with grassy fields and several miles of biking trails.

* Ride a Sugarcane Train (Kauai): At Kilohana Plantation, families can enjoy an inexpensive, narrated train ride through fields, forest, and orchards, with a stop to feed goats and wild pigs.

* Frolic in a Playful Garden (Kauai): The “Under the Rainbow” children’s garden at Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Park offers a hedge maze, treehouse, mini railroad and wading pool, among other delights.

Getting Around

Interisland Flights

Hawaii has one major interisland carrier, Hawaiian Airlines (www.hawaiianair.com; 800/367-5320), and a commuter airline Mokulele Airlines (www.mokuleleairlines.com; 866/260-7070). The commuter flights service the neighbor islands’ more remote airports and tend to be on small planes; you’ll board from the tarmac and weight restrictions apply. Check-in at least 90 minutes before your flight—especially Oahu or during holidays. You can get by with 60 minutes at the neighbor-island airports.

A Weeklong Cruise Through the Islands

If you’re looking for a taste of several islands in 7 days, consider Norwegian Cruise Line (www.ncl.com; 866/234-7350), the only cruise line that operates year-round in Hawaii. NCL’s 2,186-passenger ship Pride of America circles Hawaii, stopping on four islands: the Big Island, Maui, Kauai, and Oahu.

By Shuttle

Roberts Hawaii Express Shuttle (www.robertshawaii.com; 800/831-5541 or 808/539-9400), offers curb-to-curb shuttle service to and from the airports on Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai. Booking is a breeze (and 15% cheaper) on their website. SpeediShuttle (www.speedishuttle.com; 877/242-5777) services all of the major airports plus the cruise terminal. For an extra fee, you can request a fresh flower lei greeting.

By Bus

Public transit is spotty—Oahu has adequate bus service, but even so, it’s set up for residents, not tourists carrying suitcases or beach toys (all carry-ons must fit on your lap or under the bus seat). TheBus (www.thebus.org; 808/848-5555) delivers you to destinations around the island for $2.50. If you’re traveling on a shoestring and have the patience of a saint, this could be a transportation option for you. Bus nos. 19 and 20 travel regularly between the airport and Waikiki; the trip takes about an hour.

The neighbor-island buses are even less visitor-friendly. One-way rides cost $2. The Kauai Bus (www.kauai.gov/bus; 808/246-8110) stops at Lihue Airport twice every hour, but connections to towns outside of Lihue are few and far between. On the Valley Isle, the Maui Bus (www.mauicounty.gov—hover over the “Services” option and then choose “Bus Service Information”; 📞 808/871-4838) picks up at Kahului Airport every 90 minutes and delivers riders to a transfer station at Queen Kaahumanu Mall. The Hele-On Bus (www.heleonbus.org; 808/961-8744) on Hawaii Island visits the Hilo Airport every 90 minutes and Kona Airport once a day.

By Car

Bottom line: Rent a car. You will need your own wheels to get around the islands, especially if you plan to explore outside your resort—and you absolutely should. As discussed above, public transit is unreliable, and taxis are obscenely expensive.

That said, Hawaii has some of the priciest car-rental rates in the country. The most expensive is the island of Lanai, where four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles cost a small fortune. Rental cars are often at a premium on Kauai, Molokai, and Lanai and may be sold out on any island over holiday weekends, so be sure to book well ahead. In fact, we recommend reserving your car as soon as you book your airfare.

To rent a car in Hawaii, you must be at least 25 years of age and have a valid driver’s license and credit card. Note: If you’re visiting from abroad and plan to rent a car in the United States, keep in mind that foreign driver’s licenses are usually recognized in the U.S., but you should get an international one if your home license is not in English.

At the Honolulu and most neighbor-island airports, you’ll find many major car-rental agencies, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. Most of the islands have independent rental companies that operate outside of the airport, often for cheaper rates; check individual island chapters. If you’re traveling with windsurfing or other sports gear on Maui, check out Aloha Rent a Car (877/5452-5642 or 808/877-4477; www.aloharentacar.com). We highly recommend AutoSlash.com over other online car rental services. It applies every available coupon on the market to the booking, yielding surprisingly low daily rates. And if the cost of a rental drops, it automatically rebooks renters, again lowering the price.

Gasoline—Gas prices in Hawaii, always much higher than on the U.S. mainland, vary from island to island. Expect to pay around $4 a gallon, and as much as $5 a gallon on Lanai and Molokai. Check www.gasbuddy.com to find the cheapest gas in your area.

Insurance—Hawaii is a no-fault state, which means that if you don’t have collision-damage insurance, you are required to pay for all damages before you leave the state, whether or not the accident was your fault. Your personal car insurance may provide rental-car coverage; check before you leave home. Bring your insurance identification card if you decline the optional insurance, which usually costs from $9 to $45 a day. Obtain the name of your company’s local claim representative before you go. Some credit card companies also provide collision-damage insurance for their customers; check with yours before you rent.

Driving Rules—Hawaii state law mandates that all car passengers must wear a seat belt and all infants must be strapped into a car seat. You’ll pay a $92 fine if you don’t buckle up. Pedestrians always have the right of way, even if they’re not in the crosswalk. You can turn right on red after a full and complete stop, unless otherwise posted. Hand-held electronic devices are prohibited while driving.

Road Maps—The best and most detailed maps for activities are published by Franko Maps (www.frankosmaps.com); they feature a host of island maps, plus a terrific “Hawaiian Reef Creatures Guide” for snorkelers curious about those fish they spot underwater. Free road maps are published by This Week magazine, a visitor publication available on Oahu, the Big Island, Maui, and Kauai.

Another good source is the University of Hawaii Press maps, which include a detailed network of island roads, large-scale insets of towns, historical and contemporary points of interest, parks, beaches, and hiking trails. If you can’t find them in a bookstore near you, contact University of Hawaii Press, 2840 Kolowalu St., Honolulu, HI 96822 (www.uhpress.hawaii.edu; 888/UH-PRESS [847-7377]). For topographic maps of the islands, go to the U.S. Geological Survey site (https://pubs.er.usgs.gov).

Stay Off the Cellphone

Talking on a cellphone while driving in Hawaii is a big no-no. Fines start at $297 and increase in school or construction zones. Save yourself the money; if you have to take a photo of that rainbow, pull over.

Special-Interest Vacations

This section presents an overview of special-interest trips, tours, and outdoor excursions in Hawaii. See individual island sections for detailed information on the best local outfitters and tour-guide operators—as well as tips for exploring on your own. Each separate section discusses the best spots to set out on your own, from the top offshore snorkel and dive spots to great daylong hikes, as well as the federal, state, and county agencies that can help you with hikes on public property. We also list references for spotting birds, plants, and sea life. Always use the resources available to inquire about weather, trail, or surf conditions; water availability; and other conditions before you take off on your adventure.

Air Tours

Nothing beats getting a bird’s-eye view of Hawaii. Some of the islands’ most stunning scenery can’t be seen any other way. You’ll have your choice of aircraft here: helicopter, small fixed-wing plane, or, on Oahu, seaplane. For wide-open spaces such as the lava fields of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a fixed-wing plane is the safest and most affordable option. But for exploring tight canyons and valleys, helicopters have an advantage: They can hover. Only a helicopter can bring you face to face with waterfalls in remote places like Mount Waialeale on Kauai and Maui’s little-known Wall of Tears, up near the summit of Puu Kukui.

Today’s pilots are part historian, part DJ, part amusement-ride operator, and part tour guide, sharing anecdotes about Hawaii’s flora, fauna, history, and culture. Top trips include:

* Napali Coast, Kauai, where you soar over the painted landscape of Waimea Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and visit the cascading falls of Mount Waialeale, one of the wettest spots on Earth.

* Haleakala National Park and West Maui, where you skirt the edges of Haleakala’s otherworldly crater before plunging into the deep, pristine valleys of the West Maui Mountains.

* Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, where you stare into the molten core of a live volcano and watch lava spill into the sea.

Farm Tours

Overalls and garden spades might not fit your image of a Hawaii vacation, but a tour of a lush and bountiful island farm should be on your itinerary. Agritourism has become an important new income stream for Hawaii farmers, who often struggle with the rising costs of doing business in paradise. Farm tours benefit everyone: The farmer gets extra cash, visitors gain an intimate understanding of where and how their food is produced, and fertile farmlands stay in production—preserving Hawaii’s rural heritage. There are so many diverse and inspiring farms to choose from: 100-year-old Kona coffee farms, bean-to-bar chocolate plantations, orchid nurseries, an award-winning goat dairy, and even a vodka farm!

With its massive cattle ranches, tropical flower nurseries, and coffee-covered hillsides, the Big Island is the agricultural heart of Hawaii. But each of the islands has farms worth visiting. Many agri-tours include sumptuous tasting sessions, fascinating historical accounts, and tips for growing your own food at home. See each island’s “Exploring” section for details on visiting local farms.

On the Big Island, Hawaii Forest & Trail (www.hawaii-forest.com; 808/331-8505) visits tropical fruit and coffee farms as part of their whole-day tours. Individual coffee growers open their orchards up as well.

Maui Country Farm Tours (www.mauicountryfarmtours.com; 808/283-9131) offers a gorgeous overview of agriculture on the Valley Isle, traveling through working coffee and pineapple plantations and stopping at a lavender farm, a goat dairy, and a vodka distillery.

National Parks

Hawaii boasts some of the oldest national parks in the system—and the only one with an erupting volcano. The National Park Service manages eight sites on four islands: the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument on Oahu, Haleakala National Park on Maui, Kalaupapa National Historic Park on Molokai, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park, Puu o Honaunau Historic Park, and the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail on the island of Hawaii. Plans to open the Honouliuli National Monument commemorating the losses of Japanese citizens interned during WWII are underway.

Volunteer Vacations & Ecotourism

If you’re looking to swap sunbathing for something more memorable on your next trip to Hawaii, consider volunteering while on vacation. Rewards include new friends and access to spectacular wilderness areas that are otherwise off-limits.

If you’re looking for eco-friendly tour operators, the Hawaii Ecotourism Association website (www.hawaiiecotourism.org; 808/235-5431) is a good place to start. The owners of Hale Hookipa Inn on Maui maintain a great list of places to volunteer on the Valley Isle. Check it out at http://volunteer-on-vacation-hawaii.com.

The Surfrider Foundation organizes beach and reef cleanups and has several active chapters throughout the islands: Oahu (https://oahu.surfrider.org); Maui (https://maui.surfrider.org); Kauai (https://kauai.surfrider.org); and, on the Big Island, Kona (https://kona.surfrider.org) and Hilo (https://hilo.surfrider.org). And what could be more exciting than keeping watch over nesting sea turtles? Contact the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program (808/956-7031) and the Hawaii Wildlife Fund (www.wildhawaii.org; 808/280-8124) to see if they need help monitoring marine life.

For a truly novel experience, sign up on the waitlist to volunteer with Kahoolawe Island Restoration Commission (www.kahoolawe.hawaii.gov/volunteer.shtml; 808/243-5020). You’ll travel by boat from Maui to Kahoolawe, an uninhabited island that the U.S. military used as target practice for decades. Plant by plant, volunteers bring life back to the barren island, once a significant site for Hawaiian navigators. A week here is a cultural immersion unlike any other.

A great alternative to hiring a private guide is taking a trip with the Nature Conservancy or the Sierra Club. Both organizations offer guided hikes in preserves and special areas during the year, as well as day- to week-long volunteer work trips to restore habitats and trails, and root out invasive plants. It’s a chance to see the “real” Hawaii—including wilderness areas that are ordinarily off-limits.

The Sierra Club offers half- or all-day hikes to beautiful, remote spots on Oahu, Kauai, the Big Island, and Maui. Knowledgeable volunteers lead the trips and share a wealth of cultural and botanical information. Hikes are classified as easy, moderate, or strenuous; some (but not all) incorporate a few hours of volunteer work. Donations of $3 for Sierra Club members and $5 for nonmembers (bring exact change) are recommended. Contact the Hawaii Chapter of the Sierra Club (www.sierraclubhawaii.com; 808/538-6616 on Oahu).

All Nature Conservancy hikes and work trips are free (donations appreciated). However, you must reserve a spot. Hikes are offered once a month on Maui and Molokai, and occasionally on Oahu. Contact the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii (www.nature.org/hawaii; 808/537-4508 on Oahu; 808/572-7849 on Maui; 808/553-5236 on Molokai; and 808/587-6257 on Kauai).

Watersports Excursions

The same Pacific Ocean surrounds all of the Hawaiian Islands, but the varying topography of each shoreline makes certain spots superior for watersports. If surfing is your passion, head to Oahu. You’ll find gentle waves at Waikiki and adrenaline-laced action on the famed North Shore. Maui has plenty of surf breaks, too; plus, it’s the birthplace of windsurfing and a top kitesurfing destination. Beginners and pros alike will find perfect conditions for catching air off of Maui’s swells.

Kayaking is excellent statewide, particularly on Kauai, where you can take the adventurous Napali Coast challenge, and on Molokai, where you can lazily paddle downwind past ancient fishponds.

Sport fishing fans should head to the Big Island’s Kona Coast where billfish tournaments have reeled in monster Pacific blue marlins.

The deep blue Kona waters are also home to giant manta rays, and scuba diving among these gentle creatures is a magical experience. Scuba diving is also spectacular off Lanai, where ethereal caverns have formed in the reefs, and on Maui, on the back wall of Molokini Crater.

All of the islands have great snorkeling spots, but Maui’s two small boat harbors offer the widest range of snorkel and dive tours. Book a half-day cruise out to Molokini or an all-day adventure over to Lanai.

During the winter months, from November to April, whale-watching tours launch from every island, but the marine mammals seem to favor Maui’s Maalaea Bay. Dolphin-spotting is most reliable on Lanai at Manele Bay and on Hawaii at Kealakekua Bay, where the charismatic spinner dolphins come to rest.

Go to each island’s “Watersports” sections for detailed information on watersports outfitters and tour providers.

Tips for Travelers with Disabilities

Travelers with disabilities are made to feel very welcome in Hawaii. There are more than 2,000 ramped curbs in Oahu alone, many hotels are equipped with wheelchair-accessible rooms and pools, and tour companies provide many special services. Beach wheelchairs are available at one beach on Maui (Kamaole I; ask lifeguard) and six beaches on Oahu. Contact the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (https://www.honolulu.gov/parks/beach-parks/beach-wheelchair-access.html; 808/768-3027) for locations.

For tips on accessible travel in Hawaii, go to the Hawaii Tourism Authority website (www.travelsmarthawaii.com/en/practical-travel-info/before-traveling/travelers-with-special-needs/). The Statewide Independent Living Council of Hawaii, 841 Bishop St., Honolulu, HI 96813 (www.hisilc.org; 808/585-7452), can provide additional resources about accessibility throughout the Islands.

Access Aloha Travel (www.accessalohatravel.com; 800/480-1143) specializes in accommodating travelers with disabilities. Agents book cruises, tours, rental vans (available on Maui and Oahu only), accommodations, and airfare (as part of a package only). On Maui and Kauai, Gammie Homecare (www.gammie.com; Maui: 808/877-4032; Kauai: 808/632-2333) rents everything from motorized scooters to shower chairs.

Travelers with disabilities who wish to do their own driving can rent hand-controlled cars from Avis (www.avis.com; 800/331-1212) and Hertz (www.hertz.com; 800/654-3131). The number of hand-controlled cars in Hawaii is limited, so be sure to book well in advance. Hawaii recognizes other states’ windshield placards indicating that the driver of the car is disabled, so be sure to bring yours with you. Vision-impaired travelers who use a Seeing Eye dog need to present documentation that the dog is a trained Seeing Eye dog and has had rabies shots. For more information, contact the Animal Quarantine Facility (http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/animal-quarantine-information-page; 808/483-7151).

Money

Frommer’s lists exact prices in the local currency. The currency conversions quoted below were correct at press time. However, rates fluctuate, so before departing, consult a currency exchange website such as www.oanda.com or www.xe.com/currencyconverter to check up-to-the-minute rates.

What Things Cost in Hawaii US$

Hamburger 6.00–22.00

Movie ticket (adult/child)12.00/9.00

Taxi from Honolulu airport to Waikiki 40.00–45.00

Entry to Bishop Museum (adult/child) 23.00/15.00

Entry to Wet ’n’ Wild (adult/child) 50.00/38.00

Entry to Honolulu Zoo (adult/child) 14.00/6.00

Entry to Maui Ocean Center (adult/child) 30.00/20.00

Old Lahaina Luau (adult/child) 115.00/78.00

Entry to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (car) 25.00

Moderately priced three-course dinner without alcohol 70.00 per person

20-ounce soft drink at convenience store 2.50

16-ounce apple juice 3.50

Cup of coffee 3.00

Moderately priced Waikiki hotel room (double) 165.00–225.00

ATMs (cashpoints) are everywhere in Hawaii—at banks, supermarkets, Long’s Drugs, and Honolulu International Airport, as well as in some resorts and shopping centers.

Note: Many banks impose a fee every time you use a card at another bank’s ATM, and that fee is often higher for international transactions (up to $5 or more) than for domestic ones (rarely more than $2.50). In addition, the bank from which you withdraw cash is likely to charge its own fee. Visitors from outside the U.S. should also find out whether their bank assesses a 1 to 3% fee on charges incurred abroad.

Credit cards are accepted everywhere except on the public buses, most taxicabs (all islands), and some small restaurants and B&B accommodations.

Getting Married

Hawaii is a great place for a wedding. The islands exude romance and natural beauty, and after the ceremony, you're already on your honeymoon. And the members of your wedding party will most likely be delighted, since you've given them the perfect excuse for their own island vacation.

More than 20,000 marriages are performed annually on the islands, mostly on Oahu; nearly half are for couples from somewhere else. The booming wedding business has spawned more than 70 companies that can help you organize a long-distance event and stage an unforgettable wedding, Hawaiian style or your style. However, you can also plan your own island wedding, even from afar, and not spend a fortune doing it.

The Paperwork

The state of Hawaii has some very minimal procedures for obtaining a marriage license. The first thing you should do is contact the Honolulu Marriage License Office, State Department of Health Building, 1250 Punchbowl St., Honolulu, HI 96813 (www.hawaii.gov; tel. 808/586-4545), which is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm. The office will no longer mail you the brochure Getting Married; you can download it from the website or contact a marriage-licensing agent closest to where you'll be staying in Hawaii (also listed on the website).

Once in Hawaii, the prospective bride and groom must go together to the marriage-licensing agent to get the license, which costs $60 and is good for 30 days. Both parties must be 15 years of age or older (couples 15-17 years old must have proof of age, written consent of both parents, and written approval of the judge of the family court) and not more closely related than first cousins. That's it.

As of January 1, 2012, gay couples can get a license for a "civil union" ceremony. It's not a marriage license, which only heterosexual couples can obtain.

Planning the Wedding

Doing It Yourself -- The marriage-licensing agents, who range from employees of the governor's satellite office in Kona to private individuals, are usually friendly, helpful people who can steer you to a nondenominational minister or marriage performer who's licensed by the state of Hawaii. These marriage performers are great sources of information for budget weddings. They usually know wonderful places to have the ceremony for free or for a nominal fee. For the names and addresses of marriage-licensing agents on the Big Island, call tel. 808/974-6008; on Maui, tel. 808/984-8210; on Molokai, tel. 808/553-3200; on Lanai, tel. 808/984-8210 (Maui); and on Kauai, tel. 808/241-3498.

If you don't want to use a wedding planner , but you do want to make arrangements before you arrive in Hawaii, my best advice is to get a copy of the daily newspapers on the island where you want to have the wedding. People willing and qualified to conduct weddings advertise in the classifieds. They're great sources of information, as they know the best places to have the ceremony and can recommend caterers, florists, and everything else you'll need. If you want to have your wedding on the Kona/Waimea side of the Big Island, get West Hawaii Today, P.O. Box 789, Kailua-Kona, HI 96745 (www.westhawaiitoday.com; tel. 808/329-9311); for the Hilo/Puna side, try the Hawaii Tribune Herald, P.O. Box 767, Hilo, HI 96720 (www.hilohawaiitribune.com; tel. 808/935-6621). On Maui, get the Maui News, P.O. Box 550, Wailuku, HI 96793 (www.mauinews.com; tel. 808/244-3981). On Kauai, try the Garden Island, 3137 Kuhio Hwy., Lihue, HI 96766 (www.kauaiworld.com; tel. 808/245-3681). And on Oahu, check out the StarAdvertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 7-500, Honolulu, HI 96813 (www.staradvertiser.com; tel. 808/525-8000); and MidWeek, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 7-527, Honolulu, HI 96813 (www.midweek.com; tel. 808/235-5881).

Using a Wedding Planner -- Wedding planners -- many of whom are marriage-licensing agents as well -- can arrange everything for you, from a small, private outdoor affair to a full-blown formal ceremony in a tropical setting. They charge anywhere from $95 to a small fortune -- it all depends on what you want. On the Big Island, contact Paradise Weddings Hawaii (www.paradiseweddingshawaii.com; tel. 800/428-5844 or 808/883-9067); on Maui, The Maui Wedding Planner (www.mauiweddingplanner.com; tel. 808/891-8765); on Kauai, try Coconut Coast Weddings & Honeymoons (www.kauaiwedding.com; tel. 800/585-5595); on Oahu, contact Rev. Toni Baran and Rev. Jerry Le Lesch at Love Hawaii (www.lovehawaii.com; tel. 808/235-6966), which offers wedding services starting at $95. The Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau, Waikiki Business Plaza, 2270 Kalakaua Ave., Ste. 801, Honolulu, HI 96815 (www.gohawaii.com; tel. 800/GO-HAWAII [464-2924] or 808/923-1811), can provide contact information for other wedding coordinators, and many of the big resorts have their own coordinators on staff as well.

Calendar of Events

Please note that, as with any schedule of upcoming events, the following information is subject to change; always confirm the details before you plan your trip around an event.

January

Waimea Ocean Film Festival, Waimea and the Kohala Coast, Big Island. Several days of films featuring the ocean, ranging from surfing and Hawaiian canoe paddling to ecological issues. Go to www.waimeaoceanfilm.org or call 808/854-6095. First weekend after New Year’s Day.

PGA Tournament of Champions, Kapalua Resort, Maui. Top PGA golfers compete for a multimillion-dollar purse. Go to www.pgatour.com/toc or call 808/665-9160. January.

Waikiki Artfest, Kapiolani Park, Honolulu, Oahu. This weekend fest features more than 75 artists and crafters, entertainment, food, and demonstrations. Free admission. Mid-January.

Ka Molokai Makahiki, Kaunakakai Town Baseball Park, Mitchell Pauole Center, Kaunakakai, Molokai. Makahiki, a traditional time of peace in ancient Hawaii, is re-created with performances by Hawaiian music groups and halau (hula schools), sporting competitions, crafts, and food. It’s a wonderful chance to experience ancient Hawaii. Ceremonial games start at 7:30am. Go to www.visitmolokai.com/wp/events-molokai-events-calendar or call 800/800-6367 or 808/553-3876. Late January.

February

Kauai Quilt Show, Lihue, Kauai. Quilting became an important creative outlet in the islands after the arrival of Western missionaries. Learn about Hawaii’s unique style of applique quilting and view modern takes on this lovely art. Go to www.kauaifestivals.com or call 808/652-2261. Throughout February.

Maui Whale Festival, Kalama Park, Kihei, Maui. A month-long celebration of Hawaii’s massive marine visitors, with a film festival, benefit gala, harbor party, whale-watches with experts, and the “great whale count.” Go to www.mauiwhalefestival.org or call 808/249-8811. Throughout February.

Waimea Town Celebration, Waimea, Kauai. This annual weeklong party on Kauai’s west side celebrates the Hawaiian and multiethnic history of the town where Captain Cook first landed. This is the island’s biggest event, drawing some 10,000 people. Top Hawaiian entertainers, sporting events, rodeo, and ice cream eating and hat lei contests are just a few of the draws. Get details at www.waimeatowncelebration.com or call 808/651-5744. Around Presidents’ Day weekend.

Sand Castle Esquisse, Kailua Beach Park, Oahu. Pull up a beach chair and watch University of Hawaii School of Architecture students compete against professional architects to see who can build the best, most unusual, and most outrageous sand sculpture. The building takes place 9am to noon; judging is noon to 1pm. Visit http://aias-hawaii.squarespace.com or call 808/956-7225. Mid-February.

Chinese New Year, most islands. Every year, lion dancers snake their way around the state at the start of the Chinese New Year (usually in January or February, according to the lunar calendar). On Oahu, Honolulu’s Chinatown rolls out the red carpet for this fiery celebration with parades, pageants, and street festivals. Visit www.chinesechamber.com or call 808/533-3181. On Maui, lion dancers perform at the historic Wo Hing Temple on Front Street (http://visitlahaina.com). Call 888/310-1117 or 808/667-9175.

Narcissus Festival, Honolulu, Oahu. Taking place around the Chinese New Year, this cultural festival includes a queen pageant, cooking demonstrations, and a cultural fair. Visit www.chinesechamber.com or call 808/533-3181.

Punahou School Carnival, Punahou School, Honolulu, Oahu. This 2-day event has everything you can imagine in a school carnival, from high-speed rides to homemade jellies. All proceeds go to scholarship funds for Hawaii’s most prestigious private high school. Go to www.punahou.edu or call 808/944-5711. Early to mid-February.

Buffalo’s Big Board Surfing Classic, Makaha Beach, Oahu. Now in its fourth decade, this thrilling contest features classic Hawaiian-style surfing, with longboard, tandem, and canoe surfing heats over several days. Go to www.buffalosurfingclassic.com or call 808/668-9712. Mid-February or early March.

March

Whale & Ocean Arts Festival, Lahaina, Maui. The entire town of Lahaina celebrates the annual migration of Pacific humpback whales with this weekend festival in Banyan Tree Park. Artists offer their best ocean-themed art for sale, while Hawaiian musicians and hula troupes entertain. Enjoy marine-related activities, games, and a touch-pool exhibit for kids. Get details at http://visitlahaina.com or call 888/310-1117 or 808/667-9175. Early March.

Kona Brewers Festival, King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel Lūau Grounds, Kailua-Kona, Big Island. This annual event features microbreweries from around the world, with beer tastings, food, and entertainment. Visit http://konabrewersfestival.com or call 808/987-9196. Mid-March.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Waikiki (Fort DeRussy to Kapiolani Park), Oahu. Bagpipers, bands, clowns, and marching groups parade through the heart of Waikiki, with lots of Irish-style celebrating all day. Visit www.fosphawaii.ning.com/page/parade or call 808/926-1777 (Kelley O’Neil’s Pub). March 17.

Prince Kuhio Day Celebrations, all islands. On this state holiday, various festivals throughout Hawaii celebrate the birth of Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, who was born on March 26, 1871, and elected to Congress in 1902. Kauai, his birthplace, stages weeklong festivities at various locations around the island; visit www.kauaifestivals.com for details. Week of March 26.

Celebration of the Arts, Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Kapalua Resort, Maui. Contemporary and traditional Hawaiian artists give free hands-on lessons during this 3-day festival, which also features song contests and rousing debates on what it means to be Hawaiian. Go to www.celebrationofthearts.org or call 808/669-6200. Easter weekend.

April

Buddha Day, Lahaina Jodo Mission, Lahaina, Maui. Each spring, this historic mission holds a flower festival pageant honoring the birth of Buddha. Call 808/661-4304. First Sunday in April.

Easter Sunrise Service, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl Crater, Honolulu, Oahu. For a century, people have gathered at this famous cemetery for Easter sunrise services. Call 808/532-3720.

Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, Hilo, Big Island. Hawaii’s biggest, most prestigious hula festival features a week of modern (auana) and ancient (kahiko) dance competition in honor of King David Kalakaua, the “Merrie Monarch” who revived the dance. Tickets sell out by January, so book early. Go to www.merriemonarch.com or call 808/935-9168.

East Maui Taro Festival, Hana, Maui. Taro, a Hawaiian staple food, is celebrated through music, hula, arts, crafts, and, of course, taro-inspired feasts. Go to www.tarofestival.org or call 808/264-1553. Last weekend in April.

Big Island Chocolate Festival, Kona, Big Island. This celebration of chocolate (cacao) grown and produced in Hawaii features symposiums, candy-making workshops, and gala tasting events. Go to www.bigislandchocolatefestival.com or call 808/329-0833. Late April–early May.

“I Love Kailua” Town Party. This 27-year-old neighborhood party fills Kailua Road with local crafts and specialty food booths, live music, jumping castles, and free health screenings. It’s a fundraiser for the local Outdoor Circle chapter, which uses the proceeds to preserve trees and natural spaces in Kailua and Lanikai. Visit https://www.lkoc.org/town-party.html. Last Sunday in April.

May

Outrigger Canoe Season, all islands. From May to September, canoe paddlers across the state participate in outrigger canoe races nearly every weekend. Go to www.ocpaddler.com for this year’s schedule of events.

Lei Day Celebrations, Waikiki, Oahu. May Day (May 1) is Lei Day in Hawaii, celebrated with lei-making contests, pageantry, arts, and crafts. On Oahu, the real highlight is the live concert from 9am to 5:30pm at the Queen Kapiolani Regional Park Bandstand. Go to www.facebook.com/leidaycelebration or call 808/768-3041. May 1.

Maui County Ag Fest, Waikapū, Maui. Maui celebrates its farmers and their fresh bounty at this well-attended event. Kids enjoy barnyard games while parents duck into the Grand Taste tent to sample top chefs’ collaborations with local farmers. Go to www.mauicountyfarmbureau.org/maui-county-agricultural-festival-2 or call 808/243-2290. May/June.

World Fire-Knife Dance Championships & Samoa Festival, Polynesian Cultural Center, Laie, Oahu. Junior and adult fire-knife dancers from around the world converge on the center for one of the most amazing performances you’ll ever see. Authentic Samoan food and cultural festivities round out the fun. Go to www.worldfireknife.com or call 800/367-7060. Mid-May.

Lantern Floating Hawaii, Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu, Oahu. Some 40,000 people gather at Shinnyo-en Temple’s annual Memorial Day lantern ceremony, a beautiful appeal for peace and harmony. At sunset, hundreds of glowing lanterns are set adrift. Hula and music follow. Go to www.lanternfloatinghawaii.com or call 808/947-2814. Last Monday in May.

Memorial Day, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl Crater, Honolulu, Oahu. The armed forces hold a ceremony recognizing those who died for their country, beginning at 10am. Call 808/532-3720. Last Monday in May.

Maui Windsurfing Race Series, Kanaha Beach Park, Kahului. This annual windsurfing slalom race takes place at Kanaha Beach Park, west of Kahului Airport in central Maui. Go to https://www.mauislalomnationals.com/ or call Hi-Tech Surf Sports at 808/877-2111. Late May through June.

June

50th State Fair, Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Oahu. The annual state fair is a great one, with displays of Hawaiian agricultural products (including dazzling orchids), educational and cultural exhibits, entertainment, and local food. Go to www.ekfernandez.com/events/50th.asp or call 808/682-5767. Late May through June.

Obon Season, all islands. This colorful Buddhist ceremony honoring the souls of the dead kicks off in June. Synchronized dancers circle a tower where Taiko drummers play, and food booths sell Japanese treats late into the night. Each weekend a different Buddhist temple hosts the Bon Dance. Go to www.gohawaii.com for a statewide schedule.

Molokai Ka Hula Piko Festival, Mitchell Pauole Center, Kaunakakai, Molokai. This 3-day hula celebration occurs on the island where the Hawaiian dance was born and features performances by hula schools, musicians, and singers from across Hawaii, as well as local food and Hawaiian crafts: quilting, woodworking, and featherwork. Go to www.kahulapiko.com or call 800/800-6367 or 808/553-3876. Early June.

Honolulu Pride Parade & Celebration, Waikiki, Oahu. Since 1990, Hawaii’s capital has celebrated diversity. This annual rainbow-splashed parade features a gay military color guard, roller derby, and high-energy floats. Kapiolani Park hosts daylong festivities. Go to http://hawaiilgbtlegacyfoundation.com or follow @honolulupride on Twitter. Early June.

King Kamehameha Celebration, all islands. This state holiday (officially June 11, but celebrated on different dates on each island) features a massive floral parade, ho‘olaulea (party), and much more. Oahu: 808/586-0333. Kauai: 808/651-6419. Big Island: www.konaparade.org 808/322-9944. Maui: http://visitlahaina.com or 808/667-9194. Molokai: 808/553-3876.

Maui Film Festival, Wailea Resort, Maui. Sundance, Cannes, Tribeca and… Maui! Hawaii is home to a major film festival, where movies are screened under the stars at a posh Wailea golf course. Five days of premiere screenings, celebrity awards, and lavish parties. Go to www.mauifilmfestival.com or call 808/579-9244. Early or mid-June.

King Kamehameha Hula Competition, Neal S. Blaisdell Center, Honolulu, Oahu. This daylong hula competition features dancers from as far away as Japan, Canada, and Mexico. Go to www.blaisdellcenter.com or call 808/768-5252. Third weekend in June.

Kapalua Wine & Food Festival, Kapalua Resort, Maui. Big-time oenophiles and food experts gather at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua for 4 days of formal tastings, panel discussions, and samplings of new releases. The seafood finale ranks among the state’s best feasts. Go to http://kapaluawineandfoodfestival.com or call 800/KAPALUA (527-2582). Mid-June.

Lanai Pineapple Festival, Lanai City, Lanai. The local pineapple is long gone, but this 2-day festival celebrates the island’s plantation legacy, including a pineapple-eating contest, a pineapple-cooking contest, arts and crafts, food, music, and fireworks. Go to www.lanaipineapplefestival.com or call 808/565-7600. Late June/early July.

July

Ala Moana Fourth of July Spectacular, Ala Moana Center, Waikiki, Oahu. The 15-minute fireworks display is among the largest in the country. People gather on the Ewa parking deck at 4pm for the best view. A concert at 5pm is followed by fireworks at 8:30pm. Shoppers enjoy a 20% discount all week. Go to www.alamoanacenter.com/Events or call 808/955-9517. July 3–6.

Makawao Parade & Rodeo, Makawao, Maui. The annual parade and rodeo has been taking place in this upcountry cowboy town for 60 years. Good fun! https://www.makawaorodeo.net/i or call 808/572-9565. Early July.

Parker Ranch Rodeo, Waimea, Big Island. Head to the heart of cowboy country for a hot competition between local paniolo (cowboys). The arena accommodates 2,000 people and professional caterers supply food. Go to http://parkerranch.com or call 808/885-7311. July 4.

Ukulele Festival, Kapiolani Park Bandstand, Waikiki, Oahu. Now in its 47th year, this free concert features a ukulele orchestra of some 800 students, ages 4 to 92. Hawaii’s top musicians pitch in. Get the details at www.ukulelefestivalhawaii.org. Mid-July.

Molokai 2 Oahu Paddleboard World Championships, starts on Molokai and finishes on Oahu. Some 200 international participants journey to Molokai to compete in this 32-mile race, considered to be the world championship of long-distance paddleboarding. The race begins at Kaluakoi Beach on Molokai at 7:30am and finishes at Maunaloa Bay on Oahu around 12:30pm. Go to www.molokai2oahu.com or call 760/944-3854. Late July.

Queen Liliuokalani Keiki Hula Competition, Neal S. Blaisdell Center, Honolulu, Oahu. More than 500 keiki (children) representing 22 halau (hula schools) from the islands compete in this dance fest. The event is broadcast a week later on KITV-TV. Go to www.keikihula.org or call 808/521-6905. Mid- to late July.

August

Neil Pryde Hawaii State Championship, Kanaha Beach Park, Kahului, Maui. Top windsurfers compete in the final race of the series. Go to www.facebook.com/Maui-Race-Series-600081173346035 or call Hi-Tech Maui at 808/877-2111. Late July or early August.

Mango Festival, Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa, Kailua-Kona, Big Island. Few fruits rival a ripe mango for flavor. Sample multiple varieties, taste mango-laden recipes, and learn how to grow your own at this annual celebration of the golden fruit. Go to www.facebook.com/MangoFestivals or call 808/936-5233. Early August.

Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site Anniversary Celebration, Kawaihae, Big Island. This homage to authentic Hawaiian culture begins at 6am at Puukohola Heiau. It’s a rugged, beautiful site where attendees make leis, weave lauhala mats, pound poi, and dance ancient hula. Bring refreshments and sunscreen. Go to www.nps.gov/puhe or call 808/882-7218. Mid-August.

Duke’s OceanFest Hoolaulea, Waikiki, Oahu. Nine days of water-oriented competitions and festivities celebrate the life of Duke Kahanamoku. Events include longboard surfing, paddleboard racing, swimming, tandem surfing, surf polo, beach volleyball, stand-up paddling, and a luau. Visit www.dukesoceanfest.com. Mid- to late August.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Cultural Festival, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii. During this all-day, hands-on celebration, you can practice making lei or traditional Hawaiian musical instruments, watch hula dancers, and learn about rare native plants in the rainforests surrounding Kilauea volcano. See www.nps.gov/havo or call 808/985-6000. Late August

September

Aloha Festivals, various locations on all islands. Parades and other events celebrate Hawaiian culture and friendliness throughout the state. The parades with flower-decked horses are particularly eye-catching. Go to www.alohafestivals.com or call 808/923-2030. Throughout September.

Na Wahine O Ke Kai, Hale o Lono Harbor, Molokai to Waikiki, Oahu. The finale to the outrigger canoe season, this exciting race starts at sunrise on the remote shore of Molokai and travels 40 miles across the channel to end in triumphant festivities at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. For details, visit www.nawahineokekai.com. Late September.

Waikiki Roughwater Swim, Waikiki, Oahu. This popular 2.5-mile, open-ocean swim traces Sans Souci (Kaimana) Beach between the Natatorium and the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel in Waikiki. Early registration is encouraged, but last-minute entries on race day are allowed. Go to www.wrswim.com. Saturday, Labor Day weekend.

Queen Liliuokalani Canoe Race, Kailua-Kona to Honaunau, Big Island. Thousands of paddlers compete in the world’s largest long-distance canoe race. Go to www.kaiopua.org or call 808/938-8577. Labor Day weekend.

Kapalua Open, Kapalua, Maui. This USTA–sanctioned event features the largest tennis purse for a tournament in the state. Registration includes a tennis tourney, dinner, raffle, and T-shirt (and trophy if you’re lucky!). Go to www.golfatkapalua.com/KapaluaTennisEvents.html or call 808/662-7730. Labor Day weekend.

October

Emalani Festival, Kokee State Park, Kaua’i. This culturally rich festival honors Queen Emma, an inveterate gardener and Hawaii’s first environmental queen, who made a forest trek to Kokee with 100 friends in 1871. Go to http://www.kokee.org/index.php?festivals-emalani or call 808/335-9975. Second Saturday in October.

Maui County Fair, War Memorial Complex, Wailuku, Maui. Now in its 96th year, the oldest county fair in Hawaii features a parade, amusement rides, live entertainment, and exhibits. Go to www.mauifair.com or call 808/280-6889. Early October.

Hawaii Chocolate Festival, Honolulu, Oahu. Indulge your sweet tooth at this celebration of Hawaiian-grown cacao. Dozens of local vendors share their gourmet creations—everything from truffles and crepes to chocolate-scented soap. Go to http://hawaiichocolatefestival.com. Mid-October.

Ironman Triathlon World Championship, Kailua-Kona, Big Island. Some 1,500-plus world-class athletes run a full marathon, swim 2.5 miles, and bike 112 miles on the Kona-Kohala Coast of the Big Island. Spectators watch the action along the route for free. The best place to see the 7am start is along the Alii Drive seawall, facing Kailua Bay; arrive before 5:30am to get a seat. (Alii Dr. closes to traffic; park on a side street and walk down.) To watch finishers come in, line up along Alii Drive from Holualoa Street to Palani Road. The first finisher can arrive as early as 2:30pm. Go to www.ironmanworldchampionship.com or call 808/329-0063. Saturday closest to the full moon in October.

Hana Hoohiwahiwa O Kaiulani, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, Waikiki, Oahu. This hotel commemorates the birthday of its namesake, Princess Victoria Kaiulani, with a week of complimentary hula lessons, lei making, ukulele lessons, and more. The crowning touch is the Princess Kaiulani Keiki Hula Festival, which showcases performances by more than 200 keiki (children) from halau (schools) on the island of Oahu. Go to www.princess-kaiulani.com or call 808/922-5811. Mid-October.

Xterra World Championship, Kapalua, Maui. Hundreds of gonzo athletes plunge into the Pacific, jump on mountain bikes, and race through the rainforest to be crowned Xterra world champion (and win $105,000). After the race, athletes and friends celebrate at an awards dinner and adrenaline-fueled Halloween party. Go to https://www.xterraplanet.com/worldchampionship or call 877/751-8880. Late October.

Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, multiple locations on Oahu, Hawaii, and Maui. Cofounded by Alan Wong and Roy Yamaguchi (two of the state’s most celebrated chefs), this 2-week gourmet bonanza includes wine and spirit tastings, cooking demos, field trips, and glitzy galas. See www.hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com or call 808/738-6245. Mid-October to early November.

November

Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, Kauai Beach Resort, Lihue, Kauai. The best of Hawaii’s folk music (slack key guitar) performed by the best musicians in Hawaii. It’s 6 hours long and just $10. Go to www.kauaifestivals.com or call 808/226-2697. Mid-November.

Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, Kailua-Kona, Big Island. Celebrate the coffee harvest with a bean-picking contest, lei contests, song and dance, and the Miss Kona Coffee Pageant. Go to http://konacoffeefest.com or call 808/326-7820. Events throughout November.

Hawaii International Film Festival, various locations throughout the state. This cinema festival with a cross-cultural spin features filmmakers from Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the United States. Go to www.hiff.org or call 808/792-1577. Mid-November.

Na Mele O Maui, Maui. A traditional Hawaiian song competition for children in kindergarten through 12th grade, sponsored by the Kaanapali Resort and held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Free admission. Go to www.mauiarts.org or call 808/242-7469. Late November or early December.

Maui Jim Maui Invitational Basketball Tournament, Lahaina Civic Center, Lahaina. Elite college teams battle for the ball in this intimate annual preseason tournament. Go to www.mauiinvitational.com. Thanksgiving weekend.

Invitational Wreath Exhibit, Volcano Art Center, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island. Thirty-plus artists, including painters, sculptors, glass artists, fiber artists, and potters, produce both whimsical and traditional “wreaths” for this exhibit. Park entrance fees apply. Go to www.volcanoartcenter.org or call 808/967-7565. Mid-November to early January.

Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, North Shore, Oahu. The world’s top professional surfers compete in thrilling surf events for more than $1 million in prize money. Go to www.vanstriplecrownofsurfing.com. Held between mid-November and mid-December, depending on the surf.

December

Kona Surf Film Festival, Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, Big Island. An outdoor screening of independent films focusing on waves and wave riders. Go to www.konasurffilmfestival.org or call 808/936-0089. Early December.

Festival of Lights, all islands. On Oahu, the mayor throws the switch to light up the 40-foot-tall Norfolk pine and other trees in front of Honolulu Hale, while on Maui, kids can play in a “snow zone” and make holiday crafts beneath the Lahaina Banyan tree, glowing with thousands of twinkle lights. Molokai celebrates with a host of activities in Kaunakakai; on Kauai, the lighting ceremony takes place in front of the former county building on Rice Street in Lihue. Call 808/768-6622 on Oahu; 808/667-9175 on Maui; 808/553-4482 on Molokai; or 808/639-6571 on Kauai. Early December.

Honolulu Marathon, Honolulu, Oahu. More than 30,000 racers compete in this oceanfront marathon, one of the largest in the world, and receive medals and fresh malasadas (hole-less doughnuts) as a reward. Check it out at www.honolulumarathon.org or call 808/734-7200. Second Sunday of December.

Hawaii Bowl, Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Oahu. A Pac 10 team plays a Big 12 team in this nationally televised collegiate football classic. Go to www.thehawaiibowl.com or call 808/523-3688. Usually December 24.

Daylight Saving Time

Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers

The number of gay- or lesbian-specific accommodations on the islands is limited, but Hawaii welcomes all people with aloha. Since 1990, the state’s capital has hosted the Honolulu Pride Parade and Celebration. Register to participate at www.honolulupride.org.

Pride Guide Hawaii (www.gogayhawaii.com) features gay and lesbian news, blogs, business recommendations, and other information for the entire state. Also check out the website for Out in Hawaii (www.outinhawaii.com), which calls itself “Queer Resources and Information for the State of Hawaii,” with vacation ideas, a calendar of events, information on Hawaii, and even a chat room.

Entry Requirements & Customs

Passports—Virtually every air traveler entering the U.S. is required to show a passport. Children 15 and under may continue entering with only a U.S. birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship. Bring a photocopy of your passport with you and store it separately. If your passport is lost or stolen, the copy will facilitate the reissuing process at your consulate.

Australia—Australian Passport Information Service (www.passports.gov.au; 131-232 in Australia).

Canada—Passport Office, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G3 (www.canada.ca; 800/567-6868).

Ireland—Passport Office, Setanta Centre, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 (www.foreignaffairs.gov.ie; 01/671-1633).

New Zealand—Passports Office, Department of Internal Affairs, 47 Boulcott St., Wellington, 6011 (www.passports.govt.nz; 0800/225-050 in New Zealand or 04/474-8100).

United Kingdom—Visit your nearest passport office, major post office, or travel agency, or contact the Identity and Passport Service (IPS), 89 Eccleston Sq., London, SW1V 1PN (www.ips.gov.uk; 0300/222-0000).

United States—To find your regional passport office, check the U.S. State Department website (http://travel.state.gov) or call the National Passport Information Center (877/487-2778) for automated information.

Medical Requirements

Unless you're arriving from an area known to be suffering from an epidemic (particularly cholera or yellow fever), inoculations or vaccinations are not required for entry into the United States.

Tips for Senior Travelers

Getting older pays off! Discounts for seniors are available at almost all of Hawaii’s major attractions and occasionally at hotels and restaurants. The Outrigger hotel chain, for instance, offers travelers ages 50 and older a 20% discount on regular published rates—and an additional 5% off for members of AARP. Always ask when making hotel reservations or buying tickets and carry proof of your age with you—it can really pay off. Most major domestic airlines offer senior discounts. Members of AARP (www.aarp.org; 800/424-3410 or 202/434-2277) are usually eligible for extra discounts. AARP also puts together organized tour packages at moderate rates. Some great, low-cost trips to Hawaii are offered to people 55 and older through Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostel) (11 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, MA 02111; www.roadscholar.org; 800/454-5768), a nonprofit group that arranges travel and study programs around the world. Write to the address above for a catalog of offerings.

If you’re planning to visit Hawaii Volcanoes or Haleakala National Park, you can save sightseeing dollars if you’re 62 or older by picking up a Senior Pass from any national park, recreation area, or monument. This lifetime pass has a one-time fee of $80 and provides free admission to all of the parks in the system, plus a 50% savings on camping and recreation fees.

Visitor Information

For information about traveling in Hawaii, contact the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau (HVCB), Waikiki Business Plaza, 2270 Kalakaua Ave., Suite 801, Honolulu, HI 96815 (tel. 800/GO-HAWAII or 808/923-1811; www.gohawaii.com). The bureau publishes the helpful Accommodations and Car Rental Guide and supplies free brochures, maps, and Islands of Aloha magazine, the official HVCB magazine. For information about working and living in Hawaii, contact the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, 1132 Bishop St., Suite 402, Honolulu, HI 96813 (tel. 808/545-4300; www.cochawaii.com).

Information on Hawaii's Parks

Hawaii has several national parks and historical sites -- four on the Big Island and one each on Maui, Oahu, and Molokai. The following offices can supply you with hiking and camping information (or check online at www.nps.gov):

• On the Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, P.O. Box 52, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718 (tel. 808/985-6000); Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, P.O. Box 129, Honaunau, HI 96726 (tel. 808/328-2326); Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site, P.O. Box 44340, Kawaihae, HI 96743 (tel. 808/882-7218); and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, 72-4786 Kanalani St., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (tel. 808/329-6881).

• On Maui: Haleakala National Park, P.O. Box 369, Makawao, HI 96768 (tel. 808/572-9306).

• On Molokai: Kalaupapa National Historical Park, P.O. Box 2222, Kalaupapa, HI 96742 (tel. 808/567-6802).

• On Oahu: USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor (tel. 808/422-0561).

To find out more about Hawaii's state parks, contact the Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources, 1151 Punchbowl St., No. 130, Honolulu, HI 96813 (tel. 808/587-0300; www.hawaii.gov). The office can provide you with information on hiking and camping at the parks and will send you free topographic trail maps.

What to Pack

Hawaii is very informal. Shorts, T-shirts, and sandals will get you by at most restaurants and attractions; a casual dress or a polo shirt and long pants are fine even in the most expensive places. (Restaurants in the Halekulani on Oahu and the Big Island’s Mauna Kea Beach Hotel require men to wear long-sleeved collared shirts.) Aloha wear is acceptable everywhere, so you may want to plan on buying an aloha shirt or a Hawaiian-style dress while you’re in the islands. If you plan on hiking, horseback riding, or ziplining, bring close-toed shoes; they’re required.

The tropical sun poses the greatest threat to anyone who ventures into the great outdoors, so pack sun protection: a good pair of sunglasses, strong sunscreen, a light hat, and a water bottle. Dehydration is common in the tropics.

One last thing: It can get really cold in Hawaii. If you plan to see the sunrise from the top of Maui’s Haleakala Crater, venture into the Big Island’s Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, or spend time in Kokee State Park on Kauai, bring a warm jacket. Temperatures “upcountry” (higher up the mountain) can sink to 40°F (4°C), even in summer when it’s 80°F (27°C) at the beach. Bring a windbreaker, sweater, or light jacket. And if you’ll be in Hawaii between November and March, toss some rain gear into your suitcase, too.

Safety

Burglaries of tourists’ rental cars in hotel parking structures and at beach or hiking parking lots have become more common. Park in well-lit and well-traveled areas, if possible. Never leave any packages or valuables visible in the car. If someone attempts to rob you or steal your car, do not try to resist the thief or carjacker—report the incident to the police department immediately. Ask your rental car agent about specific spots to avoid on each island, and get written directions or a map with the route to your destination clearly marked.

Smoking—Smokers will be hard-pressed to find places to light up. It’s against the law to smoke in public buildings (including airports, malls, stores, buses, movie theaters, banks, convention facilities, and all government buildings and facilities). There is no smoking in restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Neither can you smoke at public beaches or parks. Essentially, you’ll be relegated to the tiny smoking section on the edge of your hotel property. More hotels and resorts are becoming nonsmoking, even in public areas, and most B&Bs prohibit smoking indoors. Smoking is prohibited within 20 feet of a doorway, window, or ventilation intake (so no hanging around outside a bar to smoke—you must go 20 ft. away). Smoking marijuana is illegal; if you attempt to buy it or light up, you can be arrested.

Staying Healthy

Mosquitoes—Mosquito-borne diseases are rare in Hawaii, though an outbreak of dengue fever did affect Hawaii Island in 2016. The Hawaii State Health Department recommends travelers a) choose lodging with screens or sleep under a mosquito net; b) cover up in long sleeves and pants; and c) use EPA-registered insect repellent. For more info, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/features/StopMosquitoes.

Centipedes, Scorpions & Other Critters—Although insects can get a little close for comfort in Hawaii (expect to see ants, cockroaches, and other critters indoors, even in posh hotels), few cause serious trouble. Giant centipedes—as long as 8 inches—are occasionally seen; scorpions are rare. Around Hilo on the Big Island, little red fire ants can rain down from trees and sting unsuspecting passersby. If you're stung or bitten by an insect and experience extreme pain, swelling, nausea, or any other severe reaction, seek medical help immediately. Geckos—the little lizards circling your porch light—are harmless and considered good luck in Hawaiian homes. Yes, even inside homes.

Hiking Safety—Before you set out on a hike, let someone know where you’re heading and when you plan to return; too many hikers spend cold nights in the wilderness because they don’t take this simple precaution. It’s always a good idea to hike with a pal. Select your route based on your own fitness level. Check weather conditions with the National Weather Service (www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl; 808/973-5286 on Oahu), even if it looks sunny: The weather here ranges from blistering hot to freezing cold and can change in a matter of hours or miles. Do not hike if rain or a storm is predicted; flash floods are common in Hawaii and have resulted in many preventable deaths. Plan to finish your hike at least an hour before sunset; because Hawaii is so close to the equator, it does not have a twilight period, and thus it gets dark quickly after the sun sets. Wear sturdy shoes, a hat, clothes to protect you from the sun and from getting scratches, and high-SPF sunscreen on all exposed areas. Take plenty of water, basic first aid, a snack, and a bag to pack out what you pack in. Watch your step. Loose lava rocks are famous for twisting ankles. Don’t rely on cellphones; service isn’t available in many remote places.

Vog—When molten lava from Kilauea pours into the ocean, gases are released, resulting in a brownish, volcanic haze that hovers at the horizon. Some people claim that exposure to the smog-like air causes headaches and bronchial ailments. To date, there’s no evidence that vog causes lingering damage to healthy individuals. Vog primarily affects the Big Island—Kona, in particular—but is often felt as far away as Maui and Oahu. You can minimize the effects of vog by closing your windows and using an air conditioner indoors. The University of Hawaii recommends draping a floor fan with a wet cloth saturated in a thin paste of baking soda and water, which captures and neutralizes the sulfur compounds. Cleansing your sinuses with a neti pot and saltwater also helps. Word of caution: If you’re pregnant or have heart or breathing problems, avoid exposure to the sulfuric fumes in and around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Ocean Safety—The range of watersports available here is astounding—this is a prime water playground with conditions for every age and ability. But the ocean is also an untamed wilderness; don’t expect a calm swimming pool. Many people who visit Hawaii underestimate the power of the ocean. With just a few precautions, your Pacific experience can be a safe and happy one. Before jumping in, familiarize yourself with your equipment. If you’re snorkeling, make sure you feel at ease breathing and clearing water from the snorkel. Take a moment to watch where others are swimming. Observe weather conditions, swells, and possible riptides. If you get caught in big surf, dive underneath each wave until the swell subsides. Never turn your back to the ocean; rogue waves catch even experienced water folk unaware. Be realistic about your fitness—more than one visitor has ended his or her vacation with a heart attack in the water. Don’t go out alone, or during a storm.

Note that sharks are not a big problem in Hawaii; in fact, local divers look forward to seeing them. Only 2 of the 40 shark species present in Hawaiian waters are known to bite humans, and then usually it’s by accident. But here are the general rules for avoiding sharks: Don’t swim at dusk or in murky water—sharks may mistake you for one of their usual meals. It should be obvious not to swim where there are bloody fish in the water, as sharks become aggressive around blood.

Seasickness—The waters in Hawaii range from calm as glass (off the Kona Coast on the Big Island) to downright turbulent (in storm conditions) and usually fall somewhere in between. In general, expect rougher conditions in winter than in summer and on windward coastlines versus calm, leeward coastlines. If you’ve never been out on a boat, or if you’ve been seasick in the past, you might want to heed the following suggestions:

* The day before you go out on the boat, avoid alcohol, caffeine, citrus and other acidic juices, and greasy, spicy, or hard-to-digest foods.

* Get a good night’s sleep the night before.

* Take or use whatever seasickness prevention works best for you—medication, an acupressure wristband, ginger tea or capsules, or any combination. But do it before you board; once you set sail, it’s generally too late.

* While you’re on the boat, stay as low and as near the center of the boat as possible. Avoid the fumes (especially if it’s a diesel boat); stay out in the fresh air and watch the horizon. Do not read.

* If you start to feel queasy, drink clear fluids like water, and eat something bland, such as a soda cracker.

Stings—The most common stings in Hawaii come from jellyfish, particularly Portuguese man-of-war and box jellyfish. Since the poisons they inject are very different, you’ll need to treat each type of sting differently.

A bluish-purple floating bubble with a long tail, the Portuguese man-of-war is responsible for some 6,500 stings a year on Oahu alone. Although painful and a nuisance, these stings are rarely harmful; fewer than 1 in 1,000 requires medical treatment. The best prevention is to watch for these floating bubbles as you snorkel (look for the hanging tentacles below the surface). Get out of the water if anyone near you spots these jellyfish. Reactions to stings range from mild burning and reddening to severe welts and blisters. Most jellyfish stings disappear by themselves within 15 to 20 minutes if you do nothing at all to treat them. All Stings Considered: First Aid and Medical Treatment of Hawaii’s Marine Injuries, by Craig Thomas, M.D., and Susan Scott (University of Hawaii Press, 1997), recommends the following treatment: First, pick off any visible tentacles with a gloved hand or a stick; then, rinse the sting with salt- or fresh water, and apply ice to prevent swelling. Avoid applying vinegar, baking soda, or urine to the wound, which may actually cause further damage. See a doctor if pain persists or a rash or other symptoms develop.

Transparent, square-shaped box jellyfish are nearly impossible to see in the water. Fortunately, they seem to follow a monthly cycle: 8 to 10 days after the full moon, they appear in the waters on the leeward side of each island and hang around for about 3 days. Also, they seem to sting more in the morning, when they’re on or near the surface. The stings from a box jellyfish can cause hive-like welts, blisters, and pain lasting from 10 minutes to 8 hours. All Stings Considered recommends the following treatment: First, pour regular household vinegar on the sting; this will stop additional burning. Do not rub the area. Pick off any vinegar-soaked tentacles with a stick and apply an ice pack. Seek medical treatment if you experience shortness of breath, weakness, palpitations, or any other severe symptoms.

Punctures—Most sea-related punctures come from stepping on or brushing against the needle-like spines of sea urchins (known locally as wana). Be careful when you’re in the water; don’t put your foot down (even if you are wearing booties or fins) if you can’t clearly see the bottom. Waves can push you into wana in a surge zone in shallow water. The spines can even puncture a wet suit. A sea urchin puncture can result in burning, aching, swelling, and discoloration (black or purple) around the area where the spines entered your skin. The best thing to do is to pull out any protruding spines. The body will absorb the spines within 24 hours to 3 weeks, or the remainder of the spines will work themselves out. Again, contrary to popular thought, urinating or pouring vinegar on the embedded spines will not help.

Cuts—Stay out of the ocean if you have an open cut, wound, or new tattoo. The high level of bacteria present in the water means that even small wounds can become infected. Staphylococcus, or “staph,” infections start out as swollen, pinkish skin tissue around the wound that spreads and grows rather than dries and heals. Scrub any cuts well with fresh water and avoid the ocean until they heal. Consult a doctor if your wound shows signs of infection.

Also see “Fast Facts” in the individual island chapters for listings of local doctors, dentists, hospitals, and emergency numbers.