Hawaii Travel Guide

Very few places on earth can match the natural beauty of Hawaii. Though a state of America, Hawaii is situated in the centre of the Pacific Ocean. With lush rainforests, bright turquoise waters and warm smiles, Hawaii is an island paradise with a 'no worries' attitude. Kick back, relax, and enjoy the tropical island lifestyle.

Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
Language: English
Airport: Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
Population: 1,360,301
Time Zone: UTC -10

Where to Stay

With eight main islands to choose from you are sure to find the perfect place to stay in Hawaii. If you’d like to be where all the action is, Wakiki is where you will find a range of world-class hotels as well as a number of smaller and more affordable accommodation options. The popular Maui has a wide range of resorts and quaint B&Bs. For backpackers and surfing holidays, The Big Island is home to numerous hostels and budget hotels. Browse through our range of Hawaii accommodation deals.

Transport

Driving around Hawaii is relatively easy so if you plan on going further than your hotel pool, book ahead and hire a car to see more of the island. Travel by bus is possible on Maui but is quite limited on other islands such as The Big Island. To see some of Hawaii's more secluded spots take a cruise or a Hawaii island tour.

Flights

A large number of international airlines fly to Honolulu including Hawaiian Airlines and Jetstar. The direct flight from Sydney to Honolulu generally takes around 10 hours. Other flights may include a stopover in Asia or the USA. View the latest cheap flights to Hawaii.

Climate

There's never really a bad time to visit Hawaii. Thanks to their location, the islands experience warm and sunny weather for most of the year. Ocean temperatures are ideal in September and October but swimming is more than possible all year round. While the humidity is quite moderate, heavy rainfall and storms do affect the islands and can occur at any time of year.

Food

Hawaiian food is an exotic mixture of American, Polynesian and Asian cuisine. One of the state’s most popular concoctions is a dish called Poke. Combining salad with small pieces of raw fish, soy sauce and sesame oil, Poke is commonly served as an appetizer. At lunch time, try the local plate dish. Plate dishes often include meat such as ribs or Japanese chicken katsu, served with two scoops of boiled rice.

Insider Tips

Hawaii is the place to learn how to surf. Even if you’ve never gone near a surfboard, let alone stood up on one, the islands are home to a myriad of surf schools that will see you surfing, or at the very least having fun, in no time. The best surfing spots for beginners can be found at Waikiki Beach and Kauai, while experts can test out their skills on the famous waves of Oahu's north shore.