Planning a trip to Oahu

Entry Requirements & Customs

Passports

Virtually every air traveler entering the U.S. is required to show a passport. All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport. Note: U.S. and Canadian citizens entering the U. S. at land and sea ports of entry from within the western hemisphere must now also present a passport or other documents compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI; visit www.getyouhome.gov for details). Children 15 and under may continue entering with only a U.S. birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship.

Residents of Australia can pick up an application from your local post office or any branch of Passports Australia, but you must schedule an interview at the passport office to present your application materials. Call the Australian Passport Information Service at tel. 131-232, or visit the government website at www.passports.gov.au.

Passport applications for residents of Canada are available at travel agencies throughout Canada or from the central Passport Office, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G3 (tel. 800/567-6868; www.ppt.gc.ca). Note: Canadian children who travel must have their own passports. However, if you hold a valid Canadian passport issued before December 11, 2001, that bears the name of your child, the passport remains valid for you and your child until it expires.

Residents of Ireland can apply for a 10-year passport at the Passport Office, Setanta Centre, Molesworth St., Dublin 2 (tel. 353/1-671-1633; www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx). Those under age 18 and over 65 must apply for a 3-year passport. You can also apply at 1A South Mall, Cork (tel. 353/21-494-4700) or at most main post offices.

Residents of New Zealand can pick up a passport application at any New Zealand Passports Office or download it from their website. Contact the Passports Office at tel. 0800/225-050 in New Zealand, or 04/474-8100; or log on to www.passports.govt.nz.

Residents of the United Kingdom can pick up an application for a standard 10-year passport (5-year passport for children under 16) at your nearest passport office, major post office, or travel agency; or contact the United Kingdom Passport Service (tel. 0300/222-0000; www.ukpa.gov.uk).

Visas

The U.S. State Department has a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allowing citizens of the following countries to enter the United States without a visa for stays of up to 90 days: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. (Note: This list was accurate at press time; for the most up-to-date list of countries in the VWP, consult http://travel.state.gov/visa.)

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 one $14 fee for the online application. Existing ESTA registrations remain valid through their expiration dates. Note: Any passport issued on or after October 26, 2006, by a VWP country must be an e-Passport for VWP travelers to be eligible to enter the U.S. without a visa. Citizens of these nations also need to present a round-trip air or cruise ticket upon arrival. E-Passports contain computer chips capable of storing biometric information, such as the required digital photograph of the holder. If your passport doesn't have this feature, you can still travel without a visa if the valid passport was issued before October 26, 2005, and includes a machine-readable zone; or if the valid passport was issued between October 26, 2005, and October 25, 2006, and includes a digital photograph. For more information, go to http://travel.state.gov/visa. Canadian citizens may enter the United States without visas, but will need to show passports and proof of residence.

Citizens of all other countries must have a valid passport that expires at least 6 months later than the scheduled end of their visit to the U.S., and a tourist visa.

For information about U.S. Visas go to http://travel.state.gov and click on "Visas." Or go to one of the following websites:

Australian citizens can obtain up-to-date visa information from the U.S. Embassy Canberra, Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600 (tel. 02/6214-5600); or by checking the U.S. Diplomatic Mission's website at http://canberra.usembassy.gov/visas.html.

British subjects can obtain up-to-date visa information by calling the U.S. Embassy Visa Information Line (tel. 09042/450-100) or by visiting the "Visas to the U.S." section of the American Embassy London's website at www.usembassy.org.uk.

Irish citizens can obtain up-to-date visa information through the Embassy of the USA Dublin, 42 Elgin Rd., Dublin 4, Ireland (tel. 1580/47-8472) or by checking the "Consular Services" section of the website at http://dublin.usembassy.gov.

Citizens of New Zealand can obtain up-to-date visa information by contacting the U.S. Embassy New Zealand, 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington (tel. 0900 878 472; http://wellington.usembassy.gov).

Customs

Every visitor older than 21 years of age may bring in, free of duty, the following: 1 liter of wine or hard liquor; 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars (but not from Cuba), or 3 pounds of smoking tobacco; and $100 worth of gifts. These exemptions are offered to travelers who spend at least 72 hours in the United States and who have not claimed them within the preceding 6 months. It is forbidden to bring into the country almost any meat products (including canned, fresh, and dried meat products such as bullion, soup mixes, and so on). Generally, condiments including vinegars, oils, spices, coffee, tea, and some cheeses and baked goods are permitted. Avoid rice products, as rice can often harbor insects. Bringing fruits and vegetables is not advised, though not prohibited. Customs will allow produce depending on where you got it and where you're going after you arrive in the U.S. International visitors may carry in or out up to $10,000 in U.S. or foreign currency with no formalities; larger sums must be declared to U.S. Customs on entering or leaving, which includes filing form CM 4790. For details regarding U.S. Customs and Border Protection, consult your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or U.S. Customs (www.customs.gov).

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 (tel. 877/287-8667; www.cbp.gov).

Canadian Citizens: Canada Border Services Agency (tel. 800/622-6232 in Canada, or 204/983-3500; www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca).

U.K. Citizens: HM Customs & Excise at tel. 0845/010-9000 (from outside the U.K., 020/8929-0152), or consult their website at www.hmce.gov.uk.

Australian Citizens: Australian Customs Service at tel. 1300/363-263, or log on to www.customs.gov.au.

New Zealand Citizens: New Zealand Customs, The Customhouse, 17-21 Whitmore St., Box 2218, Wellington (tel. 04/473-6099 or 0800/428-786; www.customs.govt.nz).

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 Families

Hawaii is paradise for children: beaches to run on, water to splash in, and unusual sights to see. To locate accommodations, restaurants, and attractions that are particularly child-friendly, refer to the Kids icon throughout this guide. And look for Frommer's Hawaii with 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 they often accommodate younger kids by simply hiring babysitters to watch over them. You can also contact People Attentive to Children (PATCH), which can refer you to babysitters who have taken a training course on child care. On Oahu, call tel. 808/839-1988 or visit www.patchhawaii.org.

Baby's Away (tel. 800/496-6386 or 808/497-2009; www.babysaway.com) rents cribs, strollers, highchairs, playpens, infant seats, and the like on Oahu. The staff will deliver whatever you need to wherever you're staying and pick it up when you're done.

Recommended family-travel websites include Family Travel Forum (www.familytravelforum.com), a comprehensive site that offers customized trip planning; Family Travel Network (www.familytravelnetwork.com), an online magazine providing travel tips; and TravelWithYourKids.com (www.travelwithyourkids.com), a comprehensive site written by parents for parents offering sound advice for long-distance and international travel with children. For a list of more family-friendly travel resources, turn to the experts at www.frommers.com.

Sustainable Travel & Ecotourism

If there is one place on the planet that seems ideally suited for ecotourism and sustainable travel, it's Hawaii, a place people visit because of the ecology -- the ocean, the beach, the mountains, and 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 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 forbid 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 just 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.

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), 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 organization have numerous programs recognizing hotels which are helping the environment, such as the Green Business Awards Program, which recently recognized the Hyatt Regency Waikiki for its Environmental Management System in 1,229 rooms, which installed 6,000 LED bulbs and fixtures throughout the hotel, re-lamping every guest room with CFL bulbs, creating a 1,428,325 kWh reduction in electricity use as well as a 4.5 million gallon reduction in water usage. Over the past 5 years, the Hyatt estimates a 20% reduction in their electricity, gas, and water usage.

Also recognized were the J. W. Marriott Ihilani at Ko Olina and the Kahala Hotel and Resort. The J. W. Marriott Ihilani has implemented green measures such as lighting retrofits and recycling, keeping?62 tons out of the landfill. The Kahala Hotel & Resort put the property's air-conditioning systems on an energy management program and installed ceiling fans in all guestrooms, which can be used as an alternative for A/C. The property also uses deep water wells to cool the refrigeration systems, saving them 380,000 kWh of electricity and 4.5 million gallons of water annually. Their CFL-bulb retrofit in all guestrooms resulted in an estimated reduction of 180,000 kWh per year. With the installation of high-efficiency water aerators and fixtures, the Kahala Hotel has estimated a 40% to 50% reduction in water usage.

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 (http://hi5deposit.com/redcenters.html).

Restaurants across the state are using more local products and 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 asking the restaurant which items on its menu are grown or raised on the island, then ordering those (Kona coffee instead of coffee from Central America; local fish instead of imported seafood, and so on).

Below are some more helpful hints for travelers to Hawaii; keep these in mind during your adventure to the islands, so that your 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 clearer than you found it. If you see trash in the ocean (plastic bags, bottles, and so on) remove it. You may save the life of a fish, turtle, marine mammal, or even a 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 lounging.)

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, we do not recommend that you rent jet skies, 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. Wandering off a trail is not only dangerous to you (you can get lost, fall off overgrown cliffs, or get injured by stepping into a hidden hole), but you could possibly carry invasive species into our native forests.

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

Transportation Concerns

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 extremely expensive in Hawaii. Car-rental agencies do have a variety of cars to rent, though, and you can make a point of selecting the car that gets the best gas mileage. Also, ask for a white car, as it will use less energy to air-condition than a dark-colored car.

Questions to Ponder

One of the toughest questions in Hawaii is "What is the carrying capacity of the islands?" How much can be built before Hawaii becomes overbuilt, or unable to support the increased infrastructure and increased population? How many people can Hawaii hold, and how many visitors, before the beaches are too crowded, the lifestyle is corrupted, and the islands have more concrete than open green spaces?

Along those same lines, the people of Hawaii are constantly debating cultural issues versus social issues. For example, current laws regarding ancient burial sites can stop, reroute, or delay construction projects ranging from building roads to shopping centers. How much do we protect and preserve versus how much do we allow new infrastructure or buildings to be built to meet modern wants and needs?

Visitor Information

The Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau (HVCB), 2270 Kalakaua Ave., Suite 801, Honolulu, HI 96815 (www.gohawaii.com or www.hvcb.org; 800/GO-HAWAII), supplies free brochures, maps, and accommodations guides.

A number of free publications, such as This Week Oahu, are packed with money-saving coupons and good regional maps; look for them on racks at the airport and around town. Another tip: Snag one of the Japanese magazines scattered around Waikiki. Even if you can’t read Japanese, you’ll find out about the latest, trendiest, or best restaurants and shops around the island.

Daylight Saving Time

Since 1966, most of the United States has observed daylight saving time from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October. In 2007, these dates changed, and now daylight saving time lasts from 2am on the second Sunday in March to 2am on the first Sunday in November. Note that Hawaii does not observe daylight saving time. So when daylight saving time is in effect in most of the U.S., Hawaii is 3 hours behind the West Coast and 6 hours behind the East Coast. When the U.S. reverts to standard time in November, Hawaii is 2 hours behind the West Coast and 5 hours behind the East Coast.

Getting There

Arriving

Even though more and more transpacific flights are going directly to the neighbor islands these days, chances are still good that you’ll touch down on Oahu first and Honolulu will be your gateway to the Hawaiian Islands. Honolulu International Airport sits on the South Shore of Oahu, west of downtown Honolulu and Waikiki near Pearl Harbor. Many major American and international carriers fly to Honolulu from the Mainland; for a list of airlines, see “Planning Your Trip to Hawaii.”

Landing at Honolulu International Airport

You can walk or take the free airport shuttle from your arrival gate to the main terminal and baggage claim on the ground level. Unless you’re connecting to an inter-island flight immediately, you’ll exit to the palm-lined street where uniformed attendants can either flag down a taxi or direct you to TheBus (www.thebus.org; see “By Bus,” below). For Waikiki shuttles and rental-car vans, cross the street to the median and wait at the designated stop.

Passengers connecting to neighbor-island flights take the free shuttle or walk to the large inter-island terminal serving Hawaiian Airlines or to the more distant commuter terminal, which serves smaller carriers such as Island Air and Mokulele Airlines. (For details on inter-island flights, see “Getting Around Hawaii”).

Getting to & from the Airport

By Rental Car—All major car-rental companies have vehicles available at the airport. Rental-agency vans will pick you up curbside at the center island outside baggage claim and take you to their off-site lots. It’s about a 20-minute drive from the airport to downtown Honolulu.

By Taxi—Taxis are abundant at the airport, and an attendant will be happy to flag one down for you. The fare is about $25 from Honolulu International to downtown Honolulu and around $35 to $40 to Waikiki. If you need to call a taxi, see “Getting Around” for a list of cab companies.

By Airport Shuttle—SpeediShuttle (www.speedishuttle.com; 877/242-5777) offers transportation in air-conditioned vans from the airport to Waikiki hotels; a trip from the airport to Waikiki is $15 per person. You’ll find the shuttle at street level outside baggage claim on the median. You can board with two pieces of luggage and a carry-on at no extra charge. Tips are welcome. For advance purchase of group tickets, call the number above or book online.

By Bus—TheBus (www.thebus.org; 808/848-5555) is a good option if you aren’t carrying a lot of luggage. TheBus nos. 19 and 20 (Waikiki Beach and hotels) run from the airport to downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. The first bus from Waikiki to the airport leaves at 4:46am Monday through Friday and 5:27am Saturday and Sunday; the last bus departs the airport for Waikiki at 1:22am Monday through Friday, 1:24am Saturday and Sunday; buses arrive approximately every 15 minutes. There are two bus stops on the main terminal’s upper level; a third is on the second level of the inter-island terminal. Note: You can board TheBus with a carry-on or small suitcase, as long as it fits under the seat and doesn’t disrupt other passengers; otherwise, you’ll have to take a shuttle or taxi. The travel time to Waikiki is approximately 1 hour. The one-way fare is $2.50 and $1.25 for children 6 to 17; exact change only. For more on TheBus, see “Getting Around”.

Orientation

Main Streets & Highways

Navigating around Oahu is actually easy as there are relatively few roads -- some circle the perimeter of the island and a handful cut across the island.

To & From the Airport -- The main thoroughfare that runs from the airport to Honolulu and Waikiki is the H-1 Freeway. The H-1 also runs in the opposite direction to Pearl Harbor and Ewa. The artery that runs from the airport to Honolulu and Waikiki is Nimitz Highway (which has stoplights). In downtown Honolulu, Nimitz Highway becomes Ala Moana Boulevard.

In Honolulu-- The myriad of one-way streets in Honolulu can be confusing and frustrating. If you want to travel in the Diamond Head direction, King Street is one-way going toward Diamond Head. Beretania Street is one-way in the opposite direction, toward Ewa. Punchbowl and Bishop streets run toward the ocean (in the makai direction, as locals say), and Alakea and Bethel streets run toward the mountains (in the mauka direction).

There are three parallel main streets in Waikiki: Kalakaua Avenue (which is one-way going toward Diamond Head and eventually fronts Waikiki Beach), Kuhio Avenue (1 block mauka of Kalakaua Ave., which has two-way traffic), and Ala Wai Boulevard (which fronts the Ala Wai Canal and runs one-way in the Ewa direction).

Around Oahu -- From Waikiki, Highway 72 (the Kalanianaole Hwy.) takes you around Makapuu Point into Kailua and Kaneohe. From Kailua and Kaneohe, Highway 83 (the Kamehameha Hwy.) traverses the North Shore to Haleiwa, where it is still called the Kamehameha Highway, but the number of the highway changes to 99, and the highway then cuts through mid-Oahu past Schofield Barracks and Wahiawa, and swings out to Pearl City.

On the leeward coast, H-1 Freeway becomes two-lane Highway 93 (the Farrington Hwy.); after Makaha, the number changes to Highway 930, but it is still called Farrington Highway all the way out to Kaena Point. Although you cannot drive around Kaena Point, Farrington Highway (still called Hwy. 930) picks up on the north side of the point and goes through Mokuleia and Waialua.

Across Oahu -- Highways that cut across the island are Highway 99 , the Likelike Highway (also called Hwy. 63, which goes from Honolulu to Kaneohe), and the Pali Highway (also called Hwy. 61, which goes from Honolulu to Kailua). The H-3 Freeway, which starts at Pearl Harbor, is the fastest way to get to Kaneohe and Kailua.

Maps

One of the best general maps of the island is the Map of Oahu, cartography by James A. Bier, published by the University of Hawaii Press, available at bookstores or online at www.uhpress.hawaii.edu.

The best street map we have found is TMK Maps: Oahu Streets and Condos, published by Hawaii TMK Service, Inc. (tel. 808/536-0867).

The best and most detailed maps for activities are published by Franko's Maps (www.frankosmaps.com); they feature a host of island maps, plus a terrific "Hawaiian Reef Creatures Guide," for snorkelers curious about what fish they spotted underwater. Free road maps are published by This Week Magazine, a free visitor publication available on Oahu, the Big Island, Maui, and Kauai.

For topographic and other maps of the islands, go to the Hawaii Geographic Society, 49 S. Hotel St., Honolulu; or hawaiigeographicsociety@gmail.com (tel. 800/538-3950 or 808/538-3952).

Money

Frommer's lists exact prices in the local currency. However, rates fluctuate, so before departing consult a currency exchange website such as www.oanda.com/currency/converter to check up-to-the-minute rates. You can also get help with currency conversions, tip calculations, and more from Frommer's convenient Travel Tools app for your mobile device. Go to www.frommers.com/go/mobile and click on the Travel Tools icon.

Probably the only cities more expensive than Honolulu are New York City, London, and Tokyo. Honolulu is expensive -- very expensive. Visitors are always shocked at how much things cost. Think about it: Hawaii is among the most isolated set of islands in the world. It's some 2,500 miles to the nearest continent and nearly everything is shipped in; and if it's not shipped, then it's flown at an even greater cost.

Hotel rooms in Waikiki are second in price to New York City. If you would like to stay on Waikiki Beach, you are looking at rack rates in the $350 and up range (a deal on the Internet can put you in around $250). Hotels off the beach are still expensive; expect to pay $200-plus per day. Then factor in tax (13.93%), plus (very expensive) parking of $18 to $25 a night.

It's always advisable to bring money in a variety of forms on a vacation: a mix of cash, credit cards, and traveler's checks. You should also exchange enough petty cash to cover airport incidentals, tipping, and transportation to your hotel before you leave home, or withdraw money upon arrival at an airport ATM.

The easiest and best way to get cash away from home is from an ATM (automated teller machine), sometimes referred to as a "cash machine," or "cashpoint." The Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787; www.mastercard.com) and PLUS (tel. 800/843-7587; www.visa.com) networks span Oahu: ATMs are everywhere in Hawaii -- at banks, supermarkets, Longs Drugs, and Honolulu International Airport, and in some resorts and shopping centers. Check your bank's website for exact locations.

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 (where they're rarely more than $2). In addition, the bank from which you withdraw cash may charge its own fee. To compare banks' ATM fees within the U.S., use www.bankrate.com. 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 the most widely used form of payment in the United States and include Visa (Barclaycard in Britain), MasterCard (EuroCard in Europe, Access in Britain, Chargex in Canada), American Express, Diners Club, and Discover. They also provide a convenient record of all your expenses and offer relatively good exchange rates. You can withdraw cash advances from your credit cards at banks or ATMs, but high fees make credit card cash advances a pricey way to get cash.

It's highly recommended that you travel with at least one major credit card. You must have a credit card to rent a car, and hotels and airlines usually require a credit card imprint as a deposit against expenses.

ATM cards with major credit card backing, known as debit cards, are now a commonly acceptable form of payment in most stores and restaurants. Debit cards draw money directly from your checking account. Some stores enable you to receive cash back on your debit-card purchases as well. The same is true at most U.S. post offices.

Beware of hidden credit-card fees while traveling. Check with your credit or debit card issuer to see what fees, if any, will be charged for overseas transactions. Recent reform legislation in the U.S., for example, has curbed some exploitative lending practices. But many banks have responded by increasing fees in other areas, including fees for customers who use credit and debit cards while out of the country -- even if those charges were made in U.S. dollars. Fees can amount to 3% or more of the purchase price. Check with your bank before departing to avoid any surprise charges on your statement.

Though credit cards and debit cards are more often used, traveler's checks are still widely accepted in the U.S. Foreign visitors should make sure that traveler's checks are denominated in U.S. dollars; foreign-currency checks are often difficult to exchange.

You can buy traveler's checks at most banks. Most are offered in denominations of $20, $50, $100, $500, and sometimes $1,000. Generally, you'll pay a service charge ranging from 1% to 4%.

The most popular traveler's checks are offered by American Express (tel. 800/221-7282 for card holders -- this number accepts collect calls, offers service in several foreign languages, and exempts Amex gold and platinum cardholders from the fee).

Be sure to keep a copy of the traveler's checks' serial numbers separate from your checks in the event that they are stolen or lost. You'll get a refund faster if you know the numbers.

Another option is the new prepaid traveler's check cards, reloadable cards that work much like debit cards but aren't linked to your checking account. The American Express Travelers Cheque Card, for example, requires a minimum deposit ($25), sets a maximum balance ($2,500), can be used to withdraw money from an ATM ($1.50 per transaction, not including bank fees), and can be purchased in dollars, euros, or pounds. If you lose the card, your card will be replaced, but they can't mail it out of the country.

Visa also sells a pre-paid "debit" card, locations can be found at http://usa.visa.com/locators/travelmoney-locations.jsp.

Why Oahu Is More Expensive -- No, it's not your imagination -- Oahu is more expensive than the other Hawaiian islands. That's the result of the Hawaii State Legislature passing a bill allowing the City and County of Honolulu (which is the entire island of Oahu) to add an additional .5% tax on to the state general excise tax of 4%. Everything you buy on Oahu will have this tax, and so will your hotel bill. The funds from this additional tax are earmarked for mass transit for Oahu.

What Things Cost in Honolulu US$

Hamburger at Kua Aina 6.00

Movie ticket (adult) 10.75

Movie ticket (child) 7.50

Entry to Bishop Museum (adult) 17.95

Entry to Bishop Museum (child) 14.95

Entry to Hawaiian Water Adventure Park (adult) 42.00

Entry to Hawaiian Water Adventure Park (child) 32.00

Entry to Honolulu Zoo (adult) 12.00

Entry to Honolulu Zoo (child) 3.00

20-ounce soft drink at drug or convenience store 2.50

16-ounce apple juice 3.50

Cup of coffee 3.00

Taxi from Honolulu Airport to Waikiki 35.00

1 gallon of premium gas 4.95

Bus fare (adult) 2.50

Moderate three-course dinner without alcohol 50.00

Moderately priced double-room in Waikiki 125.00-175.00

Staying Connected

Telephones

Many convenience groceries and packaging services sell prepaid calling cards in denominations up to $50. Some public pay phones 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.

Generally, hotel surcharges on long-distance and local calls are astronomical, so you're better off using your cellphone or a public pay telephone.

Mobile Phones

Just because your cellphone works at home doesn't mean it'll work everywhere on Oahu. It's a good bet that your phone will work in Honolulu and Waikiki, but take a look at your wireless company's coverage map on its website before heading out. If you need to stay in touch, consider renting a phone from InTouch USA (tel. 800/872-7626; www.intouchglobal.com).

Internet & Wi-Fi

If you do not have your computer with you, find a cybercafe close to where you are staying: check www.cybercaptive.com and www.cybercafe.com. If your hotel doesn't have Web access, head to Web Site Story Café, 2555 Cartwright Rd. (in the Hotel Waikiki), Waikiki (tel. 808/922-1677). It's open daily from 7am to 11pm and serves drinks. Or, go to www.shaka.net for locations of their Internet kiosks.

Aside from formal cybercafes, all public libraries on Oahu offer free access if you have a library card, which you can purchase for a $10 fee. The closest library is the Waikiki-Kapahulu Library, 400 Kapahulu St. (across from the Ala Wai Golf Course; tel. 808/733-8488). Most hotels in Waikiki have business centers where you can rent computers and get on line access for a fee. If you have your computer with you most hotels (and even small B&Bs) on Oahu have in-room Wi-Fi connection, but the charges can be exorbitant ($11-$14 per day).

ShakaNet (www.shaka.net), Hawaii's largest wireless provider, has completed the first phase of its free Wireless Waikiki network. Phase I covers a significant portion of Waikiki and includes an estimated 1,000 hotel rooms, portions of the Honolulu Zoo, Kapiolani Park, Queens Beach, Kuhio Beach, and the adjacent shoreline. The boundaries of Phase I are on their website.

Remember to bring a connection kit of the right power adapters, or find out whether your hotel supplies them to guests.

Health & Safety

Like any tropical climate, Hawaii is home to lots of bugs. Most of them won't harm you. However, watch out for mosquitoes, centipedes, and scorpions, which do sting and may cause anything from mild annoyance to severe swelling and pain.

Mosquitoes are not native to Hawaii but arrived as larvae stowed away in water barrels on the ship Wellington in 1826, when it anchored in Lahaina. There's not a whole lot you can do about them, except to apply commercial repellent, which you can pick up at any drugstore.

Centipedes, those segmented bugs with a jillion legs, come in two varieties: 6- to 8-inch-long brown ones and 2- to 3-inch-long blue guys. Both can really pack a wallop with their sting. Centipedes are generally found in damp, wet places, such as under wood piles or compost heaps; wearing closed-toe shoes can help prevent stings. If you're stung, apply ice at once to prevent swelling. See a doctor if you experience extreme pain, swelling, nausea, or any other severe reaction.

Rarely seen, scorpions are found in arid, warm regions; their stings can be serious. Campers in dry areas should always check their boots before putting them on and shake out sleeping bags and bed rolls. Symptoms of a scorpion sting include shortness of breath, hives, swelling, and nausea. In the unlikely event that you're stung, apply diluted household ammonia and cold compresses to the area of the sting and seek medical help immediately.

In addition to taking the appropriate precautions regarding Hawaii's bug population, hikers should always let someone know where they're heading, when they're going, and when they plan to return; too many hikers get lost in Hawaii because they don't let others know their basic plans.

Before you head out, always check weather conditions with the National Weather Service (tel. 808/973-4380 on Oahu; www.weather.gov). Hike with a pal, never alone. Wear hiking boots, a sun hat, clothes to protect you from the sun and from getting scratches, and high-SPF sunscreen on all exposed areas of skin. Take water. Stay on the trail. Watch your step. It's easy to slip off precipitous trails and into steep canyons. Many experienced hikers and boaters today pack a cellphone in case of emergency; just dial tel. 911.

The volcanic haze dubbed vog is caused by gases released when molten lava -- from the continuous eruption of Kilauea volcano on the Big Island -- pours into the ocean. Some people claim that long-term exposure to the hazy, smoglike air has caused bronchial ailments, but it's highly unlikely to cause you any harm in the course of your visit.

There actually is a vog season in Hawaii: the fall and winter months, when the trade winds that blow the fumes out to sea die down. The vog is felt not only on the Big Island, but also as far away as Oahu.

Because most people coming to Hawaii are unfamiliar with the ocean environment, they're often unaware of the natural hazards it holds. With just a few precautions, your ocean experience can be a safe and happy one. An excellent book is All Stings Considered: First Aid and Medical Treatment of Hawaii's Marine Injuries, by Craig Thomas and Susan Scott (1997).

Note that sharks are not a big problem in Hawaii; in fact, they appear so infrequently that locals look forward to seeing them. Since records have been kept, starting in 1779, there have been only about 100 shark attacks in Hawaii, of which 40% have been fatal. Most attacks occurred after someone fell into the ocean from the shore or from a boat; in these cases, the sharks probably attacked after the person was dead. But general rules for avoiding sharks are: Don't swim at sunrise, at sunset, or where the water is murky due to stream runoff -- sharks may mistake you for one of their usual meals. And don't swim where there are bloody fish in the water, as sharks become aggressive around blood.

The waters in Hawaii can range from as calm as glass to downright frightening (in storm conditions); they usually fall somewhere in between. In general, expect rougher conditions in winter than in summer. Some 90% of the population tends toward seasickness. If you've never been out on a boat, or if you've had seasickness 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, gingerroot 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 such clear fluids as water, and eat something bland, such as a soda cracker.

The most common stings in Hawaii come from jellyfish, particularly Portuguese man-of-war and box jellyfish. Because the poisons they inject are very different, you 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. These stings, although painful and a nuisance, 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. All Stings Considered recommends the following treatment: First, pick off any visible tentacles with a gloved hand, a stick, or anything handy; then rinse the sting with salt- or fresh water, and apply ice to prevent swelling and to help control pain. Avoid folk remedies, such as vinegar, baking soda, or urinating on the wound, which may actually cause further damage. Most Portuguese man-of-war stings will disappear by themselves within 15 to 20 minutes if you do nothing at all to treat them. Still, be sure to 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 hours, when they're on or near the surface.

The stings can cause anything from no visible marks to hivelike 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. For pain, apply an ice pack. Seek additional medical treatment if you experience shortness of breath, weakness, palpitations, muscle cramps, or any other severe symptoms. Most box jellyfish stings disappear by themselves without any treatment.

Most sea-related punctures come from stepping on or brushing against the needlelike 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 have booties or fins on) 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 any protruding spines out. 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 wisdom, do not urinate or pour vinegar on the embedded spines -- this will not help.

All cuts obtained in the marine environment must be taken seriously because the high level of bacteria present in the water can quickly cause the cut to become infected. The best way to prevent cuts is to wear a wet suit, gloves, and reef shoes. Never touch coral; not only can you get cut, but you can also damage a living organism that took decades to grow.

The symptoms of a coral cut can range from a slight scratch to severe welts and blisters. All Stings Considered recommends gently pulling the edges of the skin open and removing any embedded coral or grains of sand with tweezers. Next, scrub the cut well with fresh water. If pressing a clean cloth against the wound doesn't stop the bleeding, or the edges of the injury are jagged or gaping, seek medical treatment.

Enjoying the Ocean & Avoiding Mishaps

The Pacific Whale Foundation has a free brochure called Enjoying Maui's Unique Ocean Environment that introduces visitors to Hawaii's ocean, beaches, tide pools, and reefs. Although written for Maui (with maps showing Maui's beaches), it's a great general resource on how to stay safe around the ocean, with hints on how to assess weather before you jump into the water and the best ways to view marine wildlife. To get the brochure, call tel. 808/856-8316 or visit www.pacificwhale.org.

Everything You've Always Wanted to Know About Sharks -- The Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources has launched a website, www.hawaiisharks.com, that covers the biology, history, and culture of these carnivores. It also provides safety information and data on shark bites in Hawaii.

Don't Get Burned: Smart Tanning Tips

Hawaii's Caucasian population has the highest incidence of malignant melanoma (deadly skin cancer) in the world. And nobody is completely safe from the sun's harmful rays: All skin types and races can burn. To ensure that your vacation won't be ruined by a painful sunburn, be sure to wear a strong sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays at all times (look for zinc oxide, benzophenone, oxybenzone, sulisobenzone, titanium dioxide, or avobenzone in the list of ingredients). Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Keep infants under 6 months out of the sun completely, and slather older babies and children with strong sunscreen frequently.

If you do get a burn, aloe vera, cool compresses, cold baths, and benzocaine can help with the pain. Stay out of the sun until the burn is completely gone.

General Safety

Although tourist areas are generally safe, visitors should always stay alert, even in laid-back Hawaii (and especially in Waikiki). It's wise to ask the island tourist office if you're in doubt about which neighborhoods are safe. Avoid deserted areas, especially at night. Don't go into any city park at night unless there's an event that attracts crowds -- for example, the Waikiki Shell concerts in Kapiolani Park. Generally speaking, you can feel safe in areas where there are many people and open establishments.

Avoid carrying valuables with you on the street, and don't display expensive cameras or electronic equipment. Hold on to your pocketbook, and place your billfold in an inside pocket. In theaters, restaurants, and other public places, keep your possessions in sight.

Oahu has seen a series of purse-snatching incidents, in which thieves in slow-moving cars or on foot have snatched handbags from female pedestrians. The Honolulu police department advises women to carry purses on the shoulder away from the street or, better yet, to wear the strap across the chest instead of on one shoulder. Women with clutch bags should hold them close to their chest. Muggings have also been recently reported at bus stops on the North Shore, so you may want to rent a car rather than take the bus if visiting that area.

Remember also that hotels are open to the public and that in a large property, security may not be able to screen everyone entering. Always lock your room door -- don't assume that once inside your hotel, you're automatically safe.

Burglaries of tourists' rental cars in hotel parking structures and at beach parking lots have become more common. Park in well-lighted 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 agency about personal safety, and get written directions or a map with the route to your destination clearly marked.

Generally, Hawaii has the same laws as the mainland United States. Nudity is illegal in Hawaii. There are no legal nude beaches (despite what you may have read). If you are nude on a beach (or anywhere) in Hawaii, you can be arrested.

Smoking marijuana also is illegal. Yes, there are lots of "stories" claiming that marijuana is grown in Hawaii, but the drug is illegal; if you attempt to buy it or light up, you can be arrested.

When to Go

Most visitors don't come to Hawaii when the weather's best in the islands; rather, they come when it's at its worst everywhere else. Thus, the high season -- when prices are up and resorts are often booked to capacity -- is generally from mid-December through March or mid-April. The last 2 weeks of December, in particular, are the prime time for travel to Hawaii. If you're planning a holiday trip, make your reservations as early as possible, expect crowds, and prepare to pay top dollar for accommodations, car rentals, and airfare.

The off-season, when the best rates are available and the islands are less crowded, is spring (mid-Apr to mid-June) and fall (Sept to mid-Dec) -- a paradox because these are the best seasons to be in Hawaii, in terms of reliably great weather. If you're looking to save money, or if you just want to avoid the crowds, this is the time to visit. Hotel rates and airfares tend to be significantly lower, and good packages are often available.

Note: If you plan to come to Hawaii between the last week in April and early May, be sure you book your accommodations, interisland air reservations, and car rentals in advance. In Japan, the last week of April is called Golden Week because three Japanese holidays take place one after the other. Waikiki is especially busy with Japanese tourists during this time, but the neighboring islands also see dramatic increases.

Due to the large number of families traveling in summer (June-Aug), you won't get the fantastic bargains of spring and fall. However, you'll still do much better on packages, airfare, and accommodations than you will 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 (Apr-Oct) and a rainy season in winter (Nov-Mar). It rains every day somewhere in the islands any time of the year, but the rainy season sometimes brings enough gray weather to spoil your tanning 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°F 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, desertlike weather, go leeward. When you want lush, wet, junglelike weather, go windward.

Hawaii is also full of microclimates, thanks to its interior valleys, coastal plains, and mountain peaks. So if the weather doesn't suit you, just go to the other side of the island -- or head into the hills.

On rare occasions, the weather can be disastrous, as when Hurricane Iniki crushed Kauai in September 1992 with 225 mph winds. Tsunamis have swept Hilo and the south shore of Oahu. But those are extreme exceptions. Mostly, one day follows another here in glorious, sunny procession, each quite like the other.

Sun All the Time -- Your best bets for total year-round sun are Waikiki Beach and the Ko Olina (southwest) coast of Oahu.

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.

State and county offices are also closed on local holidays, including Prince Kuhio Day (Mar 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; and Admissions Day (third Fri in Aug), which honors the admittance of Hawaii as the 50th state on August 21, 1959.

Other special days celebrated in Hawaii by many people but which involve no closing of federal, state, and county offices are the Chinese New Year (which can fall in Jan or Feb; in 2012, it's Jan 23 and the year of the Dragon; in 2013, it's Feb 10 and the year of the Snake), Girls' Day (Mar 3), Buddha's Birthday (Apr 8), Father Damien's Day (Apr 15), Boys' Day (May 5), Samoan Flag Day (in Aug), Aloha Festivals (Sept-Oct), and Pearl Harbor Day (Dec 7).

Tips for Travelers with Disabilities

Most disabilities shouldn't stop anyone from traveling to Hawaii. Thanks to provisions in the Americans with Disabilities Act, most public places are required to comply with disability-friendly regulations. There are more options and resources out there than ever before.

Travelers with disabilities are made to feel very welcome in Hawaii. There are more than 2,000 ramped curbs in Oahu alone, hotels are usually equipped with wheelchair-accessible rooms, and tour companies provide many special services. The Hawaii Center for Independent Living, 414 Kauwili St., Ste. 102, Honolulu, HI 96817 (tel. 808/522-5400; fax 808/586-8129; www.hawaii-cil.org), can provide information.

The only travel agency in Hawaii specializing in needs for travelers with disabilities is Access Aloha Travel (tel. 800/480-1143; www.accessalohatravel.com), which can book anything, including rental vans, accommodations, tours, cruises, airfare, and anything else you can think of.

The America the Beautiful -- National Park and Federal Recreational Lands Pass -- Access Pass (formerly the Golden Access Passport) gives visually impaired or permanently disabled persons (regardless of age) free lifetime entrance to federal recreation sites administered by the National Park Service, including the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Reclamation. This may include national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges.

The America the Beautiful Access Pass can be obtained only in person at any NPS facility that charges an entrance fee. You need to show proof of medically determined disability. Besides free entry, the pass offers a 50% discount on some federal-use fees charged for such facilities as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and tours. For more information, go to www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm or call the United States Geological Survey (USGS), which issues the passes, at tel. 888/275-8747. For more on organizations that offer resources to disabled travelers, go to frommers.com.

Tips on Accommodations

Hawaii offers everything 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 has its pluses and minuses, so before you book, make sure you know what you're getting into.

Types of Accommodations

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 have activities desks, concierge and valet service, room service, business centers, airport shuttles, bars and/or lounges, and perhaps a few more shops.

The advantages of a hotel stay 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). Hotels are often a short walk from the beach rather than right on the beachfront (although there are exceptions).

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 round-the-clock); 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. Some are very high-end, 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, and a private phone. Downsides are the lack of an on-site restaurant and the density of the units.

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 private phones are not always available. If you have to share a bathroom, we'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 usually require a minimum stay of 2 or 3 nights, and it's often a drive to the beach.

Vacation Rentals -- This is another great choice for families and for long-term stays. "Vacation rental" usually means that there will be no one 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 phone; some come with such extras as a TV, VCR, 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.

Bargaining on Prices

Rates can sometimes be bargained down, but it depends on the place. The best bargaining can be had at hotels and resorts. If business is slow and you book directly, both places may give you at least part of the commission they'd normally pay a travel agent. Most hotels and resorts also have local rates for islanders, which they may extend to visitors during slow periods. It never hurts to ask about discounted or local rates; a host of special rates are available for the military, seniors, members of the travel industry, families, corporate travelers, and long-term stays. Also ask about package deals, which might include a car rental or free breakfast for the same price as a room by itself. Hotels and resorts offer packages for everyone: golfers, tennis players, families, honeymooners, and more. We've found that it's worth the extra few cents to make a local call to the hotel; sometimes the local reservations person knows about package deals that the toll-free operators are unaware of. If all else fails, try to get the hotel or resort to upgrade you to a better room for the same price as a budget room, or waive the parking fee or extra fees for children. Persistence and polite inquiries can pay off.

It's harder to bargain at bed-and-breakfasts. You may be able to negotiate down the minimum stay or get a discount if you're staying a week or longer. But generally, a B&B owner has only a few rooms and has already priced the property at a competitive rate; expect to pay what's asked.

You have somewhat more leeway to negotiate at vacation rentals and condos. In addition to asking for a discount on a multinight stay, ask if they can throw in a rental car to sweeten the deal; believe it or not, they often will.

Booking with an Agency vs. Doing It Yourself

If you don't have the time to call places yourself, you might consider a booking agency.

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

In the past we have gotten letters from our readers asking about the website Vacation Rentals by Owner (www.vrbo.com). It is a great website, but we do not recommend it because several of the owners do not have property managers on site or someone on call -- in case the plumbing goes out at 3am or you cannot figure out how to get the television to work. If you decide to use this site, be sure to contact the owner and ask if they have someone on call if there is a problem. If they do have someone on call, find out the details of how quickly that person will respond: Is the handyman or manager on some kind of retainer so he'll respond immediately, or will you be just another customer in line and he'll get to you when he gets to you? This is a small point but it could ruin your vacation.

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.

For an exhaustive list of events beyond those listed here, check http://events.frommers.com, where you'll find a searchable, up-to-the-minute roster of what's happening in cities all over the world.

January

Volcom Pipeline Pro, Banzai Pipeline, North Shore. Competition is judged on the best wave selection and maneuvers on the wave. Call tel. 760/722-7777 (www.surftransworld.net). January or February.

Sony Open, Waialae Country Club. A $1.2-million PGA golf event featuring the top men in golf. Call tel. 808/792-9300. Early to mid-January.

Pacific Islands Arts Festival at Thomas Square, across from Honolulu Academy of Arts, Honolulu. More than 100 artists and handicraft artisans, entertainment, food, and demonstrations fill the day. Admission is free. Call tel. 808/696-6717. Mid-January.

February

Narcissus Festival, Honolulu. Taking place around the Chinese New Year, this cultural festival includes a queen pageant, cooking demonstrations, and a cultural fair. Call tel. 808/533-3181.

Sand Castle Building Contest, Kailua Beach Park. Students from the University of Hawaii School of Architecture compete against professional architects to see who can build the best, most unusual, and most outrageous sand sculpture. Call tel. 808/956-7225.

Punahou School Carnival, Punahou School, Honolulu. This 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 high school. Call tel. 808/944-5753. Early to mid-February.

Buffalo's Big Board Classic, Makaha Beach. This contest involves traditional Hawaiian surfing, long boarding, and canoe-surfing. Call tel. 808/951-7877. Depending on surf conditions, it can be held in February or March.

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. Call tel. 808/536-4138 (O'Toole's Pub). March 17.

Prince Kuhio Day Celebrations. 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. Call tel. 808/240-6369. March 26.

April

Easter Sunrise Service, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl Crater, Honolulu. For a century, people have gathered at this famous cemetery for Easter sunrise services. Call tel. 808/532-3720. April 8, 2012.

May

Outrigger Canoe Season. From May to September, canoe paddlers across the state participate in outrigger canoe races nearly every weekend. Call tel. 808/383-7798, or go to www.y2kanu.com for this year's schedule of events.

Lei Day Celebrations, various locations. May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii, celebrated with lei-making contests, pageantry, arts and crafts. Call tel. 808/768-3041 or go to www.honolulu.gov/parks/programs/leiday for Oahu events. May 1.

World Fire-Knife Dance Championships & Samoa Festival, Polynesian Cultural Center, Laie. 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. Call tel. 808/293-3333 or go to www.polynesianculturalcenter.com. Mid-May.

Lantern Floating Hawaii, Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu. The Shinnyo-en Temple's ceremonial floating of some 700 lanterns takes place at sunset, representing an appeal for peace and harmony. Hula and music follow the ceremony. Call tel. 808/942-1848 or go to www.lanternfloatinghawaii.com. Memorial Day weekend.

Memorial Day, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl Crater, Honolulu. The armed forces hold a ceremony recognizing those who died for their country, beginning at 9am. Call tel. 808/532-3720. Last Monday in May.

June

King Kamehameha Celebration. This state holiday (officially June 11, but celebrated on weekend closest to June 11) features a massive floral parade, hoolaulea (party), and much more. Call tel. 808/586-0333 or go to www.kamehamehadaycelebration.org. Most events in 2012 will be held June 9 to 10.

King Kamehameha Hula Competition, Neal Blaisdell Center, Honolulu. This is one of the top hula competitions in the world, with dancers from as far away as Japan. It's held the third weekend in June. Call tel. 808/586-0333 or go to www.hulacomp.com. Mid- to late June.

July

Fourth of July Fireworks, Desiderio and Sills Field, Schofield Barracks. A free daylong celebration, with entertainment, food, and games, ends with a spectacular fireworks show. Call tel. 808/655-0110. July 4.

Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race, starts on Molokai and finishes on Oahu. Some 70 participants, from an international field, journey to Molokai to compete in this 32-mile race, considered to be the world championship of long-distance paddleboard racing. The race begins at Kepuhi Beach on Molokai at 7am and finishes at Maunaloa Bay on Oahu around 12:30pm. Call tel. 808/638-8208. Mid- to late July.

Ukulele Festival, Kapiolani Park Bandstand, Waikiki. This free concert features a ukulele orchestra of some 600 students, ages 4 to 92. Hawaii's top musicians all pitch in. Call tel. 808/732-3739 or go to www.roysakuma.net. Late July.

Queen Liliuokalani Keiki Hula Competition, Neal Blaisdell Center, Honolulu. 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. Call tel. 808/521-6905. Late July.

Hawaii State Farm Fair, Bishop Museum, Honolulu. The annual state fair is a great one: It features displays of Hawaii agricultural products (including orchids), educational and cultural exhibits, entertainment, and local-style food. Call tel. 808/847-3511 or go to www.bishopmuseum.org. Late July or early August.

Transpac Yacht Race. This international yacht race is held during July in odd-numbered years only (2013, 2015, and so on). Sailors from the United States, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and Hawaii race from Long Beach to Honolulu. They then participate in a series of races around the state. Call tel. 808/944-9666 or go to www.transpacrace.com.

August

Duke's OceanFest Hoolaulea, Waikiki. Nine days of water-oriented competitions and festivities celebrate the life of Duke Kahanamoku. Events include the Hawaii Paddleboard Championship, the Pro Surf Longboard Contest, the International Tandem Surfing Championship, the Corona Extra Duke Volleyball Classic, a Surf Polo Tournament, and a Hawaiian luau (the luau is $60 at the door). Call tel. 808/545-4880 or go to www.dukefoundation.org. Mid-August.

Admissions Day. Hawaii became the 50th state on August 21, 1959. On the third Friday in August, the state takes a holiday (all state-related facilities are closed).

Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar Festival Gabby Style, Queen Kapiolani Park Bandstand, Waikiki. The best of Hawaii's folk music -- slack-key guitar -- performed by the best musicians in Hawaii. It takes place from noon to 6pm and is absolutely free. Call tel. 808/226-2697 or go to www.slackkeyfestival.com. Third Sunday in August.

September

Aloha Festivals, various locations. Parades and other events celebrate Hawaiian culture and friendliness throughout the state. Call tel. 808/589-1771 or go to www.alohafestivals.com.

October

Hana Hoohiwahiwa O Kaiulani, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, Waikiki. This hotel commemorates the birthday of its namesake, Princess Victoria Kaiulani, with a week of special activities: 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 from halau on the island of Oahu. Admission is free. Call tel. 808/922-5811. Late October.

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. Call tel. 808/550-8457 or go to www.hiff.org. First 2 weeks in November.

November

Triple Crown of Surfing, North Shore. The world's top professional surfers compete in events for more than $1 million in prize money. Go to www.triplecrownofsurfing.com. Held between mid-November and mid-December, whenever conditions are best.

December

Festival of Lights, Honolulu Hale, Honolulu. The mayor throws the switch to light up the 40-foot-tall Norfolk pine and other trees in front of Honolulu Hale. Call tel. 808/768-4385 or go to www.hawaiiforvisitors.com. Early December.

Honolulu Marathon, Honolulu. This is one of the largest marathons in the world, with more than 30,000 competitors. Call tel. 808/734-7200 or go to www.honolulumarathon.org. Second Sunday in December.

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, Aloha Stadium, Honolulu. A Pac 10 team plays a Big 12 team in this nationally televised collegiate football classic. Call tel. 808/483-2500. Christmas Eve day.

Wedding Information

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, as 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 (tel. 808/586-4545; www.state.hi.us/doh/records/vr_marri.html), which is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm. The office no longer will 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.

Gay couples cannot marry in Hawaii. After a protracted legal battle, and much discussion in the state legislature, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that the state will not issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Planning the Wedding

Doing It Yourself-- The marriage-licensing agents, who range from state employees 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, addresses, and telephone numbers of marriage agents in the rural and suburban areas of Oahu, call tel. 808/586-4544.

If you don't want to use a wedding planner , but you do want to make arrangements before you arrive in Hawaii, our 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 and know the best ceremony sites, caterers, florists, and so on. Check out the Honolulu Star Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd. #7-210, Honolulu, HI 96813 (tel. 808/529-4747; www.staradvertiser.com); and MidWeek, 45-525 Luluku Rd., Kaneohe, HI 96744 (tel. 808/235-5881; www.midweek.com).

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. The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (tel. 800/GO-HAWAII [464-2924] or 808/923-1811; www.gohawaii.com) can supply contact information on wedding coordinators.

If you want to get married at sea, call Capt. Ken Middleton, of Tradewind Charters, based in Honolulu (tel. 800/829-4899 or 808/973-0311; www.tradewindcharters.com), for a private wedding and reception on the ocean waves.

If you fantasize about being wed in an exotic setting, such as near a waterfall, on the beach, or in a garden chapel, AAA Above Heaven's Gate (tel. 800/800-2WED [800-2933] or 808/259-5900; www.hawaiiweddings.com) can arrange it. The company has garnered rave reviews for their attention to detail in putting together the perfect Hawaii wedding.

Other wedding planners include: Love Hawaii (contact Rev. Toni Baran and Rev. Jerry Le Lesch at tel. 808/235-6966; www.lovehawaii.com); Affordable Weddings of Hawaii (tel. 800/942-4554 or 808/923-4876; www.wedhawaii.com); and Aloha Wedding Planners (tel. 800/288-8309 or 808/943-2711; www.alohaweddingplanners.com).

Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers

Hawaii is known for its acceptance of all groups. The number of gay- or lesbian-specific accommodations on the islands is limited, but most properties welcome gays and lesbians like any other travelers. Out in Honolulu (www.outinhonolulu.com) is a website with gay and lesbian news, a list of gay bars and clubs, recommended restaurants and accommodations, plus blogs, features, shopping, classified and other info. For more gay and lesbian travel resources, visit www.frommers.com.

Special-Interest Vacations

Volunteering on Vacation

If you are looking for a different type of experience during your next vacation to Hawaii, you might want to consider becoming a volunteer and leaving the islands a little nicer than when you arrived. People interested in volunteering at beach and ocean cleanups can contact the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program (tel. 808/397-2651, ext. 256) or Hawaii Wildlife Fund (www.wildhawaii.org). For ecovolunteering on land, contact Malama Hawaii (http://malamahawaii.org/blog/category/volunteer), a statewide organization dedicated to malama (taking care) of the culture and environment of Hawaii. At this site you will find a range of opportunities on various islands, such as weeding gardens and potting plants in botanical gardens, restoring taro patches, cleaning up mountain streams, bird watching, and even hanging out at Waikiki Beach helping with a reef project.

Tips for Senior Travelers

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 off regular published rates -- and an additional 5% off for members of AARP. Always ask when making hotel reservations or buying tickets. And always carry identification with proof of your age -- it can really pay off.

The U.S. National Park Service offers an America the Beautiful -- National Park and Federal Recreational Lands Pass -- Senior Pass (formerly the Golden Age Passport), which gives seniors 62 years or older lifetime entrance to all properties administered by the National Park Service -- national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges -- for a one-time processing fee of $10. The pass must be purchased in person at any NPS facility that charges an entrance fee. Besides free entry, the America the Beautiful Senior Pass offers a 50% discount on some federal-use fees charged for such facilities as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and tours. For more information, go to www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm or call the United States Geological Survey (USGS), which issues the passes, at tel. 888/275-8747. Frommers.com offers more information and resources on travel for seniors.

Fast Facts

Dentists—If you need dental attention while on Oahu, find a dentist near you through the website of the Hawaii Dental Association (www.hawaiidentalassociation.net).

Doctors—Straub Clinic & Hospital’s Doctors on Call (www.straubhealth.org; 808/971-6000) can dispatch a van if you need help getting to the main clinic or its clinics at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and the Sheraton Waikiki.

Emergencies—Call 911 for police, fire, or ambulance. If you need to call the Poison Control Center (800/222-1222), you will automatically be directed to the Poison Control Center for the area code of the phone you are calling from; all are available 24/7 and very helpful.

Hospitals—Hospitals offering 24-hour emergency care include Queen’s Medical Center, 1301 Punchbowl St. (808/538-9011); Kuakini Medical Center, 347 Kuakini St. (808/536-2236); Straub Clinic & Hospital, 888 S. King St. (808/522-4000); Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, 3288 Moanalua Rd. (808/432-0000; note that the emergency room is open to Kaiser members only); Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children, 1319 Punahou St. (808/983-8633); and Kapiolani Medical Center at Pali Momi, 98-1079 Moanalua Rd. (808/486-6000). Central Oahu has Wahiawa General Hospital, 128 Lehua St. (808/621-8411). On the windward side is Castle Medical Center, 640 Ulukahiki St., Kailua (808/263-5500).

Internet Access—Outside of your hotel, Starbucks is your best bet for Internet access. The Royal Hawaiian Center shopping mall and International Marketplace also have free Wi-Fi.

Newspapers—Oahu’s only daily paper is the Honolulu Star Advertiser.

Post Office—To find the location nearest you, call 800/275-8777. The downtown location is in the old U.S. Post Office, Customs, and Court House Building (referred to as the Old Federal Building) at 335 Merchant St., across from Iolani Palace and next to the Kamehameha Statue (bus: 20, E, or 19). Other branch offices can be found in Waikiki at 330 Saratoga Ave. (Diamond Head side of Fort DeRussy; bus: 19 or 20) and in the Ala Moana Center (bus: 8, 19, or 20).

Safety—Be aware of car break-ins in touristed areas and beach parks; make sure to keep valuables out of sight.

Weather—For National Weather Service recorded forecasts for Oahu, call 808/973-4380.

Getting Around

By Car—Oahu residents own more than 686,000 registered vehicles, but they have only 1,500 miles of mostly two-lane roads to use. That’s 450 cars for every mile—a fact that becomes abundantly clear during morning and evening rush hours. You can (mostly) avoid the gridlock by driving between 9am and 2pm or after 7pm.

All of the major car-rental firms have agencies on Oahu at the airport and in Waikiki. For listings, see chapter 10. For tips on insurance and driving rules in Hawaii, see “Getting Around Hawaii”).

By Bus—One of the best deals anywhere, TheBus will take you around the whole island for $2.50 ($1.25 for children age 6–17)—if you have the time. To get to the North Shore and back takes 4 hours, twice as long as if you travel by car. But for shorter distances, TheBus is great, and it goes almost everywhere almost all the time. If you’re planning on sticking to the Waikiki–Ala Moana–Downtown region, TheBus will save you a lot of car hassle and expense. The most popular route is no. 8, which arrives every 10 minutes or so to shuttle people between Waikiki and Ala Moana Center (the ride takes 15–20 min.). The no. 19 (Airport/Hickam), no. 20 (Airport/Halawa Gate), and no. 40 (Waipahu/Ala Moana) cover the same stretch. Waikiki service begins daily at 5am and runs until midnight; most buses run about every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes in the evening.

The Circle Island–North Shore route is no. 52 (Wahiawa/Circle Island); the Circle Island–South Shore route is no. 55 (Kaneohe/Circle Island). Both routes leave Ala Moana Center every 30 minutes and take about 4 1/2 hours to circle the island. Be aware that at Turtle Bay Resort, just outside Kahuku, the 52 becomes the 55 and returns to Honolulu via the coast, and the 55 becomes the 52 and returns to Honolulu on the inland route. (Translation: You’ll have to get off and switch buses to complete your island tour.) There are express buses available to some areas (for example, no. 54 to Pearl City, no. 85 to Kailua and to Kaneohe).

For more information on routes and schedules, call TheBus (808/848-5555 or 808/296-1818 for recorded information) or check out www.thebus.org, which provides timetables and maps for all routes, plus directions to many local attractions and a list of upcoming events. Taking TheBus is often easier than parking your car.

By Taxi—Oahu’s major cab companies offer 24-hour, islandwide, radio-dispatched service, with multilingual drivers and air-conditioned cars, limos, and vans, including vehicles equipped with wheelchair lifts (there’s a $9 charge for wheelchairs). Fares are standard for all taxi firms. From the airport, expect to pay about $35 to $40 to Waikiki, about $25 to $35 to downtown, $60 and up to Kailua, about $60-plus to Hawaii Kai, and about $90 to $125 to the North Shore (plus tip). Plus there may be a $4.75 fee per piece of luggage.

Uber, the taxi-hailing app, has arrived in Honolulu. Use it on your phone to summon and pay for a ride in a private vehicle (standard taxi meter rates, plus a $1 surcharge; gratuity automatically added). If you prefer to go the old-fashioned route, try The Cab (www.thecabhawaii.com; 808/422-2222) or EcoCab (www.ecocabhawaii.com; 808/979-1010), an all-hybrid taxi fleet.