Hawai’i Travel
Planning Services

MAKE YOUR NEXT TRIP A HAWAIIAN ADVENTURE

Dreaming of sun, surf, poke, a legit luau, and some homegrown local music? Well, Hawaii will most certainly deliver. But also? This state is home to some of the best outdoor adventures in the United States. There is rich Polynesian culture and history to uncover and a seriously impressive community of local makers. It’s where you can start the day catching waves, sip quality craft cocktails at happy hour to the tune of slack-key guitar then slide into a meal of award-winning food at a local restaurant.

UNIQUE HAWAII TRAVEL ITINERARIES

Yes, you can set up at a beachfront resort and clock in r&r while in Hawaii. And there’s no shame in that. But that would be missing out on all the unique adventures the Aloha State has to offer. We regularly craft curated travel experiences throughout the Aloha State, including cocktail crawls on Oahu, visiting volcanoes on Big Island, going to flower farms on Maui, or swimming with the dolphins on Kauai. We arrange travel on every major Hawaiian island, including:

• Oahu | Honolulu, Waikiki, & North Shore

• Island of Hawaii (aka Big Island) | Hilo, Kona, Waimea, & Volcanoes National Park

• Kauai | Hanalei, Kapa'a, Poipu, Napali Coast, & Waimea Canyon

• Maui & Lanai | Kapalua, Lahaina, Paia, Wailea-Makena, Haleakala, and Road To Hana

What Past Guests Have To Say About Our Hawaii Travel Planning Services

FREE HAWAII TRAVEL TIPS

Need some travel advice? Enter your email below for access to our Hawai’i travel tips freebie that includes unique itineraries, a bucket list, and our clients’ favorite travel resources. 

MORE Hawaii Travel Tips

ISO of some additional inspiration before you plan you travel to Hawaii?
Check out a selection of a few of our most popular articles on Hawaii:

Hawaii Travel FAQs

Below you’ll find answers to the most frequent questions we receive about travel to Hawaii. For questions on a specific island of Hawaii, please email us at travel@saltandwind.com.

• GENERAL HAWAII TRAVEL INFORMATION

• HAWAII TRAVEL ETIQUETTE

• MONEY MATTERS

• HEALTH & SAFETY

• GENERAL TRAVEL SAFETY

How do I start planning a trip to Hawai’i?

Well, the path of least resistance would be to contact us and have us plan your trip for you. If you want to do some research before that or plan it yourself, you’ll want to check out our Hawaii travel guide.

What are the best apps for traveling to Hawaii?

Here are a few of our go-to apps when we travel to Hawaii:

• All Trails If you’re hiking in Hawaii, download this app so you have the trail details at the ready. 

• DarkSky We swear by this app for up-to-the-minute weather forecasts.

• Google Maps Use the “offline” function to navigate without using up your data plan.

• Uber This is the primary rideshare service available in Hawaii. It is widely available in Honolulu but is not available everywhere outside of that.

• XE Currency Converter Use this app to keep track of the exchange rate.

When is the best time to travel to Hawaii?
Hawaii is an archipelago made up six main islands that are visited by travelers (Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and the Island Of Hawaii) as well as several smaller atolls. The islands vary quite a bit from each other and within each island thanks to a ton of geographic and topographic diversity. In general, every island has a dry and wet side so you will always want to be prepared for both scenarios.

The most popular time of year to travel to the state of Hawaii is the summer but we find it to be really hot then while winter can bring relatively colder temperatures and a lot more rain. We prefer traveling to Hawaii in the Spring and Fall when the days are largely sunny, there are a few light afternoon rain showers, and the trade winds keep things temperate.

Do I need a passport to travel to Hawaii?

Foreign travelers going in and out of Hawaii must have a valid passport and any necessary visas.

Do I need travel insurance to travel to Hawaii?

It’s not required by law but we recommend you have travel insurance anytime you travel. There are a variety of services for providing trip insurance and note that many credit cards (such as Chase Sapphire and AmEx) include travel insurance as part of a trip purchase. Check with your credit card to confirm.

What is the time zone in Hawaii?

The whole state of Hawaii is in the Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time Zone in the United States meaning it is 3 hours behind the west coast and 6 hours behind the east coast. From March to October, a large part of the United States follows Daylight savings but Hawaii does not. During that times, the time difference is 2 hours and 4 hours, respectively . Also the 12-hour clock is used throughout the United States so we use both AM and PM for times.

What are the electrical outlets in Hawaii?

Voltages and frequencies are the same in Hawaii as they are across the United States (110 volts). You'll need a three-prong plug and to use a power adapter if coming from almost anywhere outside North America.

So long as you read our essential Hawaii travel tips and sustainable travel tips and conduct yourself with respect and kindness, you should be good to go. Here are some more specific tips:

Dos and Don’ts

• Do learn some English as many locals speak English or Hawaiian.

• Do always have a valid driver’s license and insurance if you plan to drive a car.

• Do always carry a valid I.D. on you (a photo of your passport is adequate)

• Do be careful when crossing the street as crosswalks are often ignored by motorists.

• Do greet people and smile — the locals are very hospitable and you should be too!

• Do take your shoes off before you enter someone’s house or rental.

• Do read all the signs at the beach — the water can be dangerous and there may not be lifeguards.

• Do practice sustainable travel: Please pack in, pack out any trash when you hike or go to the beach.

• Do use reef-safe sunscreen: It is the law to use reef-safe sunscreen. Please go here for more specifics.

• Don’t call everyone Hawaiian: Please note the term “Hawaiian” is used for people who have indigenous Hawaiian ancestry. All other people are called “residents of Hawaii” or something similar. 

• Don’t be a jerk. Do drugs. Start fights. Drink in public. Urinate in public. Climb on monuments. Litter. You get it.

Don’t forget to tip. In the United States we tip even if we don’t love the service!

How does a trip to Hawaii cost?

That depends on the type of trip you’re doing (budget or luxury or adventure or lounging around). However, we suggest budgeting at least $4,000 for a solo traveler looking to do a week-long midlevel trip as follows: $1000 for flights, $300/day for lodging, $700 for meals for the week, $500 for a rental car for the week, and a few hundred dollars for activities or tours. Of course, these prices will increase or decrease depending on if you’re sharing lodging and what sort of meals and activities you plan.

What is the currency in Hawaii?

The standard unit of currency in the United States is the U.S. Dollar. For the most up-to-date exchange rate, visit www.xe.com (Universal Currency Converter). You'll want to bring along money and credit cards for any extra purchases on your trip — see tips on ATMs and credit cards below.

Do I need cash when I travel in Hawaii?

More and more businesses are going cashless in the United States and opting to use solutions including credit cards, Apple Pay, Venmo, and more. Even so we always recommend you travel with a bit of cash on you (say US$50 or less) in case you need it to tip or come across a business that prefers cash.

Can I use credit cards in Hawaii?

Yes, in fact, most businesses in Hawaii prefer credit card or debit cards these days. The most widely accepted credit card tends to be VISA but American Express is also widely accepted. Also, as opposed to places like Europe and Mexico where they charge your credit card tableside, it is common practice in the United States for a server to take your credit card away from the table to charge it.

How much should I tip in Hawaii?


In general, tips are always recommended when traveling to Hawaii. When you pay a bill by credit card, they will present you with a slip where you can often add in the tip after your credit card is charged. While you don’t need to tip for every last interaction, there are times when it is expected.

• Cafes and Bars: It is common to tip US$1 for every drink you order.

• Hotels: Throughout the United States, it is common to tip the porter if they have helped with your luggage and the cleaning staff. We recommend US$1 per bag (a max of US$10) and to tip the cleaning staff at least US$2 per day of your stay ( more like US$5 per day for luxury hotels). If you ask for any other services at the hotel such as room service, spa services, etc, you will also be expected to leave a tip of 10% or higher.

• Restaurants: Most often tip is not automatically added to your restaurant bill and you can add it after your credit card has been charged. However, for larger groups (often 6 or more), you might find that a tip is included. We tend to leave 15 to 20% tip at most restaurants. If you have lackluster service, it is still expected that you leave a tip but it can be significantly less.

• Taxis And Ride Shares: Tipping is always expected when you use a taxi or ride share service in Hawaii.

• Valets: When you pick up a car at a valet at a restaurant or other venue, is it expected that you leave a tip of a dollar or two. If you are staying at a hotel, you can either tip the valets a dollar or two each time they help you or give them one large tip before you depart.

Is environmental pollution an issue in Hawaii?

In general, no, environmental pollution is not an issue in Hawaii. The constant trade winds that blow across the state keep the climate temperate and the air clean. That said we recommend you check the air quality before your trip so you can pack any allergy medicines as needed.

Does Hawaii have earthquakes?

Yes, very much so. Hawaii has one of the biggest faults in the United States and it is located near two tectonic plates so earthquakes are very much a thing. We recommend that you keep your hotel or apartment keys, wallet, phone charger, and a pair of shoes near your door so that, in case of emergency, you can easily leave.

 Also, be sure to pack any specific medications (prescription or OTC) you may need.

Is the coronavirus an issue in Hawaii?

The state of Hawaii was rigorous about their COVID measures and had one of the lowest case counts in the U.S. as a result. As of March 2022, you no longer need a negative test to enter Hawaii. However, we still recommend you have a medical-grade (at last KN 95) mask and a photo of your CDC-issued vaccine card (with your most up-to-date vaccine info) on you at all times. Go here for the most updated information about COVID in Hawaii. Please email us at travel@saltandwind.com with any specific questions.

Is it safe to travel in Hawaii?

All in all, yes, Hawaii is a safe state to visit. As you would in any big city, do your best to stay aware of your wallets, cell phones, pockets, and bags when you’re in crowded areas in Honolulu. 

And, when traveling, there is always a possibility of theft. While you're enjoying the sights, remember to stay alert and always be aware of your immediate surroundings, especially in crowded locations and tourist areas.  

The biggest issues in Hawaii are the occasional pickpocket in busy areas like Waikiki or the occasional car break-in, especially if you leave valuables readily visible.

 The best rule of thumb is to carry only the cash you need for the day, along with your I.D., and leave the rest in a locked safe in your room.

Any personal safety tips?

More often than crime, the main issue our travelers face in Hawaii is a risk of personal safety during the many adventurous activities.  

Please note that Hawaii is closer to the equator than the rest of the United States so the sun can be particularly strong. Wear layers, rash guards, and stay out of the sun in midday. 

When doing watersports, you may encounter rocks or coral reefs so be careful as they can result in serious cuts. The waves are notoriously strong in Hawaii (especially in spots like Oahu’s North Shore in the winter). If you are in doubt, don’t go out. And there can be sharks in the water so be aware of your surroundings. 

When hiking or going into waterfalls, there are often lots of slippery surfaces so be sure to wear a shoe or sandal with adequate tread and to move cautiously. Also, depending on where you are hiking, there may be wild boar or venison hunters. Please pay attention to all signs and be aware so that you aren’t caught off guard.
Can I travel alone in Hawaii?

Yes! Hawaii is a great place to go on a solo travel adventure. The Salt & Wind Travel team is majority women and we often work and travel throughout the state on our own. Of course, we think it best for you to keep your wits about you and to be particularly diligent at night. For more specific tips on traveling solo as a woman, check out this article.

Can I drive in Hawaii?

It’s very easy to drive in Hawaii. Locals tend to drive slower than the rest of the U.S. and they’re very patient so you rarely come across rude drivers. Do know that Honolulu has rush hour traffic like any big city so you’ll want to plan accordingly.

Does Hawaii suffer from overtourism?

Overtourism is a growing concern for the residents of Hawaii, especially as visitor numbers continue to rise. As a traveler, we ask that you travel there responsibly and respectfully. A few ways to do so are to stay in legal accommodations, take tours with local operators, enjoy beaches with lifeguards, stay on marked trails, and be aware of historic and culturally significant sites.

How do I reach authorities in case of emergency when I’m in Hawaii?

Dial 9-1-1 for emergencies.

Have any additional questions?

Contact us at travel@saltandwind.com