FAQ

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling to Hawaiʻi from within the United States, you do not need a passport or visa. You only need a valid government photo ID, such as a state driver’s license. However, starting on May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require state driver’s licenses to be REAL ID compliant. REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star or the word “enhanced” at the top of the card.

For international travelers, a passport is required for entry into the United States, including Hawaiʻi. All international visitors, regardless of country of origin, must present a passport or secure document when entering the United States. In some cases, a visa may also be required depending on your country of origin.

Shark attacks in Hawaii are quite infrequent, with incidents of sharks biting people occurring on average at a rate of about three or four per year. This is even though there are about forty species of sharks in Hawaiian waters and eight of these species are somewhat commonly found in nearshore waters.

Fatal shark bites are extremely rare, especially considering the number of people that frequent Hawaii’s waters. It’s important to remember that the ocean is a wilderness where humans are visitors in a world that belongs to the sharks. While the risk of injury caused by sharks is extremely small, it is a risk accepted by anyone who enters the shark world.

The most common and convenient way to travel between the Hawaiian islands is by air. Several airlines, such as Southwest Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Mokulele Airlines, operate regular inter-island flights, with the majority of Hawaiian Airlines’ inter-island flights routing through Oahu’s Honolulu International Airport.

While air travel is the primary mode of transportation for island hopping in Hawaii, there are also ferry services available for certain routes. However, these are more limited.

For instance, a ferry operates between Maui and Lanai, with the journey taking about an hour. Regardless of the method chosen, traveling between the islands is a routine part of life for residents, and is also a popular choice for visitors wanting to experience the unique characteristics of each island.

Hawaii consists of eight main islands. Here’s a brief description of each:

• Hawaii: Also known as the Big Island, it is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is home to Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in the world when measured from its base at the seafloor. The Big Island features diverse climates, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts.
• Maui: Known as the Valley Isle, Maui is famous for its beautiful beaches, the sacred Iao Valley, and the impressive Haleakala Volcano. It’s a popular destination for water sports and whale watching.
• Kauai: The Garden Isle is known for its lush vegetation, dramatic cliffs, and stunning waterfalls. The Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon are among its most notable features.
• Oahu: Often called the Gathering Place, Oahu is the most populous island and hosts Honolulu, the state capital. It’s well-known for iconic landmarks like Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor.
• Molokai: The Friendly Isle is the fifth largest island and retains a strong connection to its historical roots, with much of the population being of Native Hawaiian descent. It’s less developed than some of the other islands, offering a more tranquil experience.
• Lanai: Known as the Pineapple Isle due to its past as a pineapple plantation, Lanai is now known for its luxury resorts and golf courses. Despite this, it maintains a quiet, laid-back atmosphere.
• Niihau: The Forbidden Isle is privately owned by the Robinson family and is mostly closed to visitors. The island is home to a small native population who live in a way that maintains many traditional Hawaiian customs.
• Kahoolawe: This island is uninhabited and was used as a bombing range by the U.S. Navy during World War II. Nowadays, it’s the subject of extensive restoration efforts.

In addition to these main islands, numerous smaller islands, atolls, and islets form the Hawaiian archipelago. However, the eight listed above are the most significant and are the ones most commonly associated with Hawaii.

Hawaii is home to 15 volcanoes, which form a part of a larger chain of more than 129 volcanoes that stretch across the North Pacific. These 15 volcanoes are responsible for creating the eight main Hawaiian Islands, each contributing to the unique geological makeup of this tropical paradise. The age of these volcanoes systematically decreases from northwest to southeast, indicating the movement of the Pacific Plate over a stationary hotspot deep within the Earth’s mantle.

Among these, Kaua‘i Island’s volcano is the oldest, with its volcanic activity ceasing about 3.8 million years ago. Meanwhile, the Island of Hawai‘i, being the youngest of the main Hawaiian Islands, hosts two of the most active volcanoes – Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

Both of these volcanoes have a history of frequent eruptions. The youngest volcano in the Hawaiian Ridge, named Kama‘ehuakanaloa (formerly Lō‘ihi), is a submarine volcano located off the southeastern shore of the Island of Hawai‘i.

Yes, there is a ferry service operating between the Hawaiian islands, but it’s limited to just one route currently. The ferry runs between Maui and Lanai, offering a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these two islands without having to book a flight. The trip takes about 45 minutes and is operated by Expeditions Lanai, a trusted company with a longstanding history of providing reliable transportation in Hawaii.

It’s important to note that there used to be a ferry service between Maui and Molokai, but this was discontinued in 2016. So, for the time being, if you’re planning to hop across other islands, you’ll likely have to rely on inter-island flights offered by various airlines.

Hawaii consists of 137 islands, with only 7 of the 8 largest islands being populated. The major Hawaiian islands include Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (Big Island), Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, and Niihau. While Kahaoolawe ranks as the 8th largest Hawaiian island, visiting is prohibited unless participating in valid volunteer work.

The average temperature in Hawaii fluctuates according to the season. In the summer months, which are from May to October, the average daytime temperature at sea level is around 85°F (29.4°C). This period is referred to as “kau” in the Hawaiian language.

Conversely, during the winter months, known as “hoʻoilo,” spanning from November to April, the average daytime temperature drops slightly to 78°F (25.6°C). It’s also noteworthy that the nighttime temperatures in both seasons are usually about 10°F lower than the daytime temperatures.

Located on the south shore of Oahu, Honolulu serves as the capital of Hawaii and the entryway to the U.S. island chain. At the heart of the city lies the vibrant Waikiki neighborhood, renowned for its dining, nightlife, and shopping scene. With its picturesque crescent beach fringed by palm trees and towering hotels, Waikiki is a sight to behold.

In the distance, the imposing Diamond Head crater adds to the breathtaking landscape. Noteworthy attractions linked to the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor include the memorial dedicated to the USS Arizona.

The main airport of Hawaii is the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), formerly known as Honolulu International Airport. This airport is the largest in the state of Hawaii and is located in Honolulu on the island of O’ahu.

From the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, you have the option to travel to neighboring island airports, such as Kahului Airport, Kapalua Airport, and Hana Airport on Maui.

Additionally, you can fly to Lihu’e Airport on Kaua’i, Kona International Airport at Keahole, Hilo International Airport, and Waimea-Kohala Airport on the island of Hawai’i.

Other destinations include Lana’i Airport on Lana’i, as well as Molokai Airport and Kalaupapa Airport on Molokai.

The primary language spoken in Hawaii is English, owing to its status as a state of the United States. However, Hawaiian, which is an Austronesian language, is also recognized as an official state language. It’s primarily spoken by those learning the language and by some of Hawaii’s older residents.

Additionally, a creole language known as Hawaiian Pidgin, developed among Hawaii’s multiethnic immigrant plantation workers, is widely spoken across the islands. It’s a blend of English, Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, and Portuguese languages.

Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time – Hawaii observes Hawaii Standard Time all year. There are no Daylight Saving Time clock changes.

Hawaii officially became a state on August 21, 1959. This event was the culmination of a long process that began with the United States annexation of Hawaii in 1898, extending U.S. territory into the Pacific and marking the country’s rise as a Pacific power. The annexation was encouraged by President Benjamin Harrison and was largely driven by economic interests, particularly the sugar cane industry.

Hawaii’s path to statehood was a lengthy one. After being annexed, it became a U.S. territory in 1900. However, due to racial attitudes and party politics, Hawaii’s statehood was delayed for decades. It was not until a bipartisan compromise tied Hawaii’s status to Alaska’s that both territories became states in 1959. Alaska was admitted earlier in the year, and Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States in August.

Hurricane season in Hawaii typically begins on June 1 and ends on November 30. This period is when the Hawaiian Islands are most susceptible to the formation of hurricanes, a phenomenon prompted by the warm ocean temperatures prevalent during these months. Both residents and visitors must be aware of this timeline, as it can significantly impact travel plans and necessitate the implementation of safety protocols.

Maui is often recognized for having some of the best beaches in Hawaii. Beaches such as Kaanapali Beach, Wailea Beach, and Kapalua Bay are frequently mentioned as top choices among visitors and locals alike.

Oahu is also noted for its accessible beaches and world-famous Waikiki Beach.

The Big Island offers diversity with its range of beaches, including Punaluu Black Sand Beach, while Kauai’s Hanalei Bay and Po’ipū Beach are also highly recommended.

However, the ‘best’ beach can often depend on individual preferences, including factors like accessibility, water conditions, scenery, and available amenities.

The beauty of the Hawaiian islands is subjective and depends on personal preferences.

However, many sources suggest that Kauai, also known as the ‘Garden Isle’, is often considered the most beautiful island due to its lush greenery, stunning natural views, waterfalls, and hiking trails. It is the most rural of the four major islands and its natural beauty is largely unspoiled, offering visitors a chance to truly immerse themselves in Hawaii’s scenic landscapes.

On the other hand, Oahu, home to Honolulu and often called the “Gathering Place,” is highly cherished for its striking scenery including pristine white sand beaches, volcanic craters, and lush tropical rainforests.

Maui is also another top contender, especially known for its fabulous coastlines of Ka’anapali Beach and Wailea Beach. Ultimately, each Hawaiian island has its unique charm and beauty, and choosing the ‘most beautiful’ is a pleasantly difficult one.

Based on data from The Hawaii Tourism Authority and Kayak.com, the most affordable Hawaiian island to visit is Oahu. The total average cost for a one-week trip for two people, including airfare, hotel, and rental car, amounts to approximately $2,625. This affordability can be attributed to the availability of more flight options to Honolulu, more developed accommodations, and various budget-friendly activities.

However, it’s important to note that these costs are averages and the actual expenses may vary depending on factors such as the time of year, specific travel dates, and personal preferences. Despite this, Oahu consistently ranks as the most budget-friendly option among the Hawaiian islands, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking to experience Hawaii’s unique culture and natural beauty without breaking the bank.