First-time visitors to Hawaii often have lots of questions. Trust me, before we moved to Hawaii, I had so many questions!
It’s an expensive place to visit and a LONG flight to get here, so you want to be sure you’re armed with all the best information to plan your trip.
Here’s a round-up of some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting Hawaii.
How do you get to Hawaii?
The most common way to reach Hawaii is by flying into Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) on the island of Oahu. It’s Hawaii’s largest airport (by a mile!) and home to a wide variety of flight options from around the world.
But if Oahu’s not on your itinerary, don’t worry. Many major airlines also offer direct flights from the mainland to the other airports around the Hawaiian Islands:
- Kauai – Lihue Airport (LIH)
- Maui – Kahului Airport (OGG)
- Big Island – Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO)
It’s also possible to take a cruise ship to Hawaii (just be prepared to spend a LOT of time at sea!).
Do I need a passport to visit Hawaii?
It seems like a silly question, but it’s one of the most common questions for first-time visitors. If you’re an American citizen traveling from within the United States, no, you do not need a passport to visit Hawaii (it’s part of the United States). However, if you are traveling from outside the United States, then yes, you will need a valid passport.
When is the best time to visit Hawaii?
There aren’t many truly year-round destinations around the world, but Hawaii is one of them. I live here, and even I sometimes forget that we technically have seasons. Daytime temps rarely venture out of the 80’s, regardless of the time of year. And nighttime temps don’t go much below the 70’s.
So the best time to visit is totally up to you! But there are a few things to consider.
Hawaii is a popular destination for families, so anytime the kids are out of school, expect it to be busy. The summer months and Christmas holidays are peak seasons across Hawaii.
The Spring and Fall months generally offer the best combination of great weather and fewer crowds.
Summers are predictably warm and sunny. The winter months do see more rain across the islands. And now and then, we do get a rare stretch of several rainy days in a row.
Read More: Rainy Day in Honolulu? Don’t Panic. Here Are 12 Fun Things to Do When it Rains on Oahu🌧️🌈
But despite the higher risk of rain, there is one very good reason to visit Hawaii in the winter months. Which brings me to…
When is whale season in Hawaii?
During the winter months, North Pacific humpback whales migrate by the thousands from their summer feeding grounds in Alaska to the warm Hawaiian waters of the islands.
While in Hawaii, the whales mate, nurse their newborn calves, and thrill locals and tourists alike with their playfulness and acrobatics.
Humpback whale season begins roughly in November and ends in May. Whale season peaks in January and February, and if you visit during these peak season months, a whale-watching trip is a must!
Maui and Kauai are the two best islands for whale-watching; here’s more info:
👉 The Everything Guide to the Best Maui Whale Watching Tours
👉 Ultimate Guide to the Best Kauai Whale Watching Tours
Which island should I visit in Hawaii?
This is an important question to consider before you book. Each of the four main islands is a little different, and most frequent Hawaii visitors have a favorite.
To help you decide, I break down all the pros and cons of each island here:
👉 What’s the Best Hawaiian Island to Visit? It Depends. Here’s How to Decide!
And if you want to choose your island based on the top things to do, this post can help:
👉 Bucket List Hawaii: 40 Incredible Things to See & Do in Your Lifetime 🌈
Oahu is the most-visited island in Hawaii. It’s home to iconic Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and amazing beaches. Even if you decide to spend your vacation on one of the other islands, I always recommend adding at least two full days on Oahu before or after.
Maui is a honeymoon paradise known for 5-star resorts, golden beaches, and Hawaii’s most famous drive, the impossibly curvy Road to Hana.
The Big Island (Hawaii Island) is, by far, the largest of the islands. If you want to see it all, you’ll spend a lot of time in the car. From Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to one of the world’s only green sand beaches, there’s a reason people return to the Big Island year after year.
Kauai is the smallest and most laid-back of the four main islands. It’s famous for natural beauty, including the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon.
Here’s a little more info to help you decide between islands:
Oahu is Awesome, Maui is, Too. How to Decide Which Island is Perfect for You!🌺🐳
Maui or Kauai: Which Island is Perfect for Your Hawaii Vacation?
What should I pack for a trip to Hawaii?
Pack lightweight and breathable clothing, swimsuits, reef-safe sunscreen (it’s the law!), a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes. The dress code in Hawaii is what we like to call “Aloha casual.”
Women can trade the high heels for cute sandals and a brightly colored sundress. And men can skip the coat and tie entirely in favor of a quality Aloha shirt. That’s all you need, even for the finest restaurants.
If you plan to hike or explore natural areas, pack appropriate gear and clothing, and insect repellent. Water shoes are handy for kayaking trips and snorkeling spots.
What are the must-visit attractions in Hawaii?
Some popular attractions in Hawaii include visiting Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial on Oahu, driving the Road to Hana on Maui, exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, and cruising the Na Pali Coast on Kauai.
However, there are numerous other attractions to discover on each island; here are some highlights:
The Top 5 Fun Things to Do on Kauai (#1 is a must!)
First Trip to Maui? Here Are 10 Things You Don’t Want to Miss!
The 7 Absolute Best Things to Do on Oahu (if time is short!)
10 Incredible Things to Do on Hawaii’s Brilliant Big Island
Is it easy to island hop in Hawaii?
Yes! 100% yes. In fact, it’s so easy, we often take weekend day trips to other islands.
Flights between islands are quick, frequent, and affordable. From Honolulu, you’ll find hourly flights from early morning til late evening to Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island. Flights take just 30-40 minutes and can often be found for under $100 round trip.
Both Hawaiian Airlines (now Alaska Airlines) and Southwest Airlines offer island-hopping flights.
Are there ferries between islands in Hawaii?
There are no ferries connecting the main islands in Hawaii. However, there is passenger ferry service (no cars) between Maui and Lanai. If you’re visiting Maui, a day trip on the ferry to Lanai is one of my favorite things to do!
Can I drive around the islands?
Yes, you can rent a car and drive around each island. Each island has its own road network, but be aware that traffic can be heavy in more populated areas. For example, Honolulu during rush hour.
Aside from that, you won’t find many traffic jams in the Hawaiian Islands. For most parts of the islands, a Jeep or 4WD isn’t necessary. However, if you want to drive off-road in Lanai or visit Kauai’s Polihale Beach, you’ll need one.
Do I need a rental car in Hawaii?
Probably. Renting a car provides flexibility and convenience, especially if you plan to explore beyond the resort areas. However, public transportation options such as buses and shuttles are available on the main islands. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are a great option within the Honolulu area, but are far more limited outside the city.
The easiest way to explore the islands is to rent a car. For the best rates on rental cars in Hawaii, I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental.
Discount Hawaii Car Rental
For rental cars in Hawaii, go to the local experts. They’ll find you the best rate among all the major companies with no booking fees. And their customer support is top-notch.
What is the local culture like in Hawaii?
Hawaii is so much more than just a beach destination. And unfortunately, some visitors miss that.
The islands have a rich cultural heritage influenced by Polynesian, Asian, and Western traditions. Respect for the land, nature, and the local community is essential when you visit. Take the time to learn about Hawaiian culture, participate in local traditions, and show respect for cultural sites and customs.
Attend a luau, visit Iolani Palace, or spend some time at the excellent Bishop Museum to learn more about Hawaiian culture and heritage. And remember, the “Aloha” spirit is not just a tourism slogan; it’s an integral part of everyday life.
Read More: America’s Only Royal Palace is a Must-See on Your Oahu Vacation👑
What common mistakes do visitors make?
There are quite a few mistakes I see first-time visitors to Hawaii make. From underbudgeting to getting too close to protected wildlife, here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Read More: Headed to Hawaii? Don’t Let These 10 Common Mistakes Ruin Your Trip!
What’s the best reef-safe sunscreen?
Several years ago, Hawaii banned certain types of sunscreen to protect marine life. All sunscreen sold in Hawaii is certified reef-safe. So if you’re not sure if your sunscreen makes the cut, leave it behind and buy some when you arrive.
I have fair skin, and I have tried ALL the reef-safe sunscreens. Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen Spray is my hands-down favorite.
Are there any fun festivals in Hawaii?
You bet there are!
Terrific festivals can be found all across the Hawaiian Islands. But Waikiki is home to lots of fun festivals year-round. When festivals happen, Waikiki’s Kalakaua Avenue is often closed to traffic and lined with food tents, music, and local crafts.
Read More: 15 Fabulous Festivals Found Only in Hawaii (Yes, #3 is a real thing) 🤙🌺
Can you visit Lanai and Molokai?
Yes, you absolutely can visit both islands in Hawaii.
You can reach Lanai by ferry from Maui, or with a short flight from Honolulu. It’s a small island and makes a terrific day trip if you’re visiting Maui or Oahu. The incredible Lanai Cat Sanctuary is worth the trip alone!
There are also a few hotels (like the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Lanai) if you decide to stay longer.
Read More: How to Plan a PURRfect Day Trip from Maui to Lanai ⛴️🍍🐈
Read More: How to Plan an Awesome Day Trip from Oahu to the Charming Island of Lanai✈️🐈🏖️
When it comes to Molokai, yes, you can visit. But it’s a little more complicated. Molokai doesn’t necessarily encourage tourism. With that said, I’ve visited twice and always felt very welcome. The residents are kind and friendly; they just have no interest in the type of mass tourism found on the other islands.
If you decide to visit, do so respectfully and understand that the island doesn’t really cater to visitors.
Read More: Oahu to Molokai: How to Spend a Brilliant Day Exploring Hawaii’s Least Visited Island ✈️🌺
Now let’s start planning your trip!
That covers most of the common questions first-time visitors ask.
Now it’s time for the fun part. Let’s get to know the islands and start planning your itinerary. So, the only question that remains is…
Where to Next?
