even seasoned travelers know that when visiting a new destination, it helps to have a little inside knowledge prior to departing. Part of traveling is the unknown, but it is helpful to know what to expect, especially when it comes to the tiny details that you may not consider when planning your trip. Though there are so many things to know about Hawaii, we’ll cover just a few to help you with the planning, and give you an idea of what to expect when you finally arrive.
Things to know about Hawaii:
Daylight Savings
In the spirit of springing our clocks forward, it is important to know that Hawaii does not observe daylight savings, so a little math is always involved when figuring out what time it is back home. This always causes a bit of confusion right after the time changes so be sure to keep that in mind.
The Sun
Being so close to the equator, the sun feels a little bit more intense throughout Hawaii. Yes, this causes us to have an endless summer, but we also have to take precautions. Be sure to apply plenty of sunblock when you are heading out. Sunburns can happen quickly so be careful and take the steps necessary to avoid this unfortunate event.
Travel Documents
A common misconception for travelers making the trip from the continental United States is that you need a passport, which is not the case. Visitors from abroad are required to travel with their passport but domestic visitors only need a state issued ID.
Hawaiian Language
There are many languages spoken throughout Hawaii, with American English being the most commonly used. However, the Hawaiian language remains a vital part of the islands and it has seamlessly been woven into everyday conversation. Expect to hear common words like Aloha, mahalo, kokua (help), ono (tasty, delicious), Ohana (family), keiki (children), and pau hana (end of work day, commonly used to refer to happy hour).
Enjoy It
The biggest piece of advice that you need to know prior to heading to Hawaii is that you have to take time to just look around and soak it all in. It sounds very cliché, but it's the truth. The islands are stunning and filled with natural beauty so make sure you are enjoying everything they have to offer.
Due to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year round, our Oahu tours and Oahu activities sell out quickly. In many cases, tours sell out weeks or months in advance, especially our top seller Sea Life Park Luau. To ensure your spots on tour, we recommend reserving your tours today. Call our office or book online to take advantage of our low price guarantee today.