Hawaii is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, approximately a three hour flight from South of San Francisco. The world’s most active volcanoes and the world’s tallest sea mountain. Birthplace of surfing and the hula. Former seat of a royal kingdom. Hawaii is one of the youngest geological formations in the world and the youngest state of the union. But perhaps Hawaii’s most unique feature is its Aloha Spirit, the warmth of the people of Hawaii that wonderfully complements the Islands’ perfect temperatures.
There are primarily six major islands to visit in Hawaii: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii’s Big Island. You’ll find each island has its own distinct personality and offers its own adventures, activities, and sightseeing opportunities. Its is unique island experience.
State Name:
Hawaii
State Nickname:
The Aloha State
Capital City:
Honolulu
Population:
1,262,840
Clothing:
Dress casually. Bring a light jacket for nights. Bring semi-casual dress clothes or resort wear for restaurants and nightlife. Suits and ties are rarely worn.
Getting to Hawaii
Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu is Hawaii's major airport, serving as the entry point for most of Hawaii's visitors. All twenty-three major domestic carriers and sixteen international carriers serve Oahu, so you can get here from just about anywhere.
There are also direct flights from the mainland to Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii's Big Island, but for the most part, you may need to connect through Oahu to get to the neighbor islands.
Staying in Hawaii
Finding accommodations is easy in Hawaii. You'll find everything here from historic hotels and boutiques, to bed and breakfasts, rental condos, and luxury resorts. You'll find more than 30,000 hotel rooms on Oahu alone.
What is the time difference from the mainland?
Hawaii follows Hawaii Standard Time (GMT-10 hours), which is 5 hours behind Eastern Standard Time and 2 hours behind Pacific Standard Time. Hawaii does not observe Daylight Savings Time so add one extra hour to the time difference during this period (March through November).
Transportation in Hawaii?
Transportation options vary from island to island, but to really experience Hawaii, you should consider renting a car. Many visitors also enjoy taking bus tours to conveniently explore the Islands. For most islands you can also get around by shuttle, taxi, or public transportation system.
When is a good time to visit Hawaii?
Anytime of year is a good time to visit Hawaii. Summer, between April and November is warmer and drier (average temperature is 75˚-88˚ F) while winter, between December and March, is more temperate (68˚-80˚ F). Trade winds keep things comfortable year-round.
What is the language spoken in Hawaii?
English is spoken throughout the islands, but Hawaiian is also an official language of the state of Hawaii. Pidgin English, a form of local slang, is also spoken in casual conversation.