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Open your eyes wide as you embark on a journey to the islands of paradise! Smell the beautiful deep blue ocean and witness the vibrant tropical vegetation firsthand.
Beaches, volcanoes, sun, sand, spirit, and local hospitality are just a few of the highlights to expect on the Islands of Hawaii. As the 50th state of America, these islands offer many spectacular excursions to their visitors. The island of Oahu is just one of many Hawaiian Islands, but is home of the famous Waikiki Beach and city of Honolulu. Whether you are anticipating adventure, relaxation, or authentic island spirit, there is something for every heart’s delight.
Honolulu is Hawaii’s largest city and is similar to any American metropolitan area; some even compare it to Los Angeles West. Unlike other American cities, however, Honolulu alsoconsists of rainforests, canyons, waterfalls, mountains, gold-sand beaches, and more.
The city center is about 12 miles wide and 26 miles long. Most of the residents live in the city proper, but there are a number of surrounding suburbs that also serve as residential neighborhoods.
Waikiki is the urban beach with over 170 high-rise hotels, hundreds of bars and restaurants, crowded streets, and constant action. This beach is the heart of it all.
Ala Moana is known for its famous shopping mall and beach. The mall has over 200 shops and attracts over 50 million customers a year.
Downtown is a small area that makes the financial and business sector of Honolulu. Within the span of a few blocks visitors can get the true history of the city from venders selling papayas. Joggers, fancy cars, Methodist churches that look like Asian temples, and businessmen on their way to million-dollar executive meetings dressed in aloha shirts all indicate a city unlike any other.
Manoa Valley was one of the first areas inhabited by non-native settlers. Vintage houses, beautiful botanical gardens, the gushing Manoa Falls, and the University of Hawaii with 50,000 students make this area unique.
Kahala is nothing but luxurious estates, affluent restaurants, and premier hotels. Home to the world’s topmost millionaires, this eastern area is not typically interesting to visitors.
Hawaii only has two seasons, dry and rainy, both of which are warm. The year-round temperature varies no more than 10°F. On the leeward side, most of Honolulu and Waikiki, it is usually hot and dry, but on the windward side, Haleiwa and Waimanalo, it is cooler and moist.
To visit the United States you will need:
Tourist visas can be obtained within 24 hours (but can take longer) by completing and submitting an application form with a square photo to your local U.S. consulate or embassy. However, citizens of certain countries are allowed to enter the United States without a visa for stays of up to 90 days under the U.S. State Department’s Visa Waiver Program. Check to see if your country applies.
Visa applications and further information can be obtained online at www.travel.state.gov.
The United States does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. Make sure you have health insurance to pay your medical costs before you leave for the United States.
Once you arrive:
A custom’s officer will ask you a few short questions when you arrive. To make this go quickly, keep your passport with you and not in your luggage.
The officer will stamp your passport or advise you how long you may stay in the United States. Feel free to ask questions if you are unsure about anything.
For further assistance regarding customs information refer to www.customs.ustreas.gov or call (202) 927-1770.
The Honolulu International Airport is on the south shore of Oahu, just west of downtown Honolulu and Waikiki, near Pearl Harbor. While the airport is large, it is very simple to navigate and once on the ground level taxis, shuttles, and car rental services are easy to access.
http://www.hawaii.gov/dot/airports/hnl/hnl_ground_trans.htm
The U.S. monetary system includes denominations of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills. There are also four common denominations of coins: 1¢ (1 cent or a penny), 5¢ (a nickel), 10¢ (a dime), 25¢ (a quarter). Two less-common types of coins are worth 50¢ and $1.
Currency exchange bureaus can be found in many banks throughout the Oahu area. The Honolulu International Airport, A-1 Foreign Exchange (808) 922-3327, and Pacific Money Exchange (808) 924-9318 are all in the Waikiki area and offer currency exchange services. Hotels also offer currency exchange services, but the exchange rate is not as good as those offered at banks. It is also wise to check for currency exchange services through American Express (800) 525-7623 or www.americanexpress.com or visit travel.americanexpress.com additionally the Thomas Cook Currency Services are available and can be found at www.us.thomascook.com or by calling (800) 287-7362.
Traveler’s checks are widely accepted and used as well as credit cards and ATMs. The most used credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, and Carte Blanche. Some Hawaii venders may accept international cards like enRoute, Eurocard, and JCB. ATMs (automated teller machines) are plentiful in Waikiki, located on almost every block downtown.
The United States has no value-added tax or other indirect tax at the national level. Sales tax in Hawaii is 4.17% on meals, most goods, clothing, and services. Hotel room tax is 7.25%, making a combined total hotel tax of 11.42%.
Hawaii has some of the lowest rental car rates in all of America. Most agencies can be found at the Honolulu International Airport. It is state law that all passengers wear a seat belt and infants must be strapped into car seats. Below is a list of major car rental agencies:
| Alamo | (800) 327-9633 |
| Avis | 800) 321-3712 |
| Budget | (800) 935-6878 |
| Dollar | (800) 800-4000 |
| Enterprise | (800) 325-8007 |
| Hertz | (800) 654-3011 |
| National | (800) 227-7368 |
| Thrifty | (800) 367-2277 |
The Bus is one of the best deals, with 68 lines and 4,000 bus stops; the system will take you around the entire island for $1.75. There are Visitors Passes that can be purchased for $20 good for unlimited rides anywhere in Oahu for a four-day period.
The Waikiki Trolley is an open-air ride that circles around Waikiki and Honolulu. It stops every forty minutes at twelve hot spots. An adult day pass costs $20 and discounted prices are available for children. Call (800) 824-8804 or (800) 593-2822 for more information.
Taxi services are available 24-hours a day throughout Oahu. Standard fares exist from the airport to certain destinations. For example, one can expect to pay about $25-$30 to Waikiki and about $18 to downtown. The following is a list of reliable taxi services in the area.
| Aloha State Cab | (808) 847-3566 |
| Charley’s Taxi & Tours | (808) 531-1333 |
| City Taxi | (808) 524-2121 |
| Royal Taxi & Tour | (808) 944-5513 |
| Sida Taxi & Tours | (808) 836-0011 |
| Star Taxi | (808) 942-7827 |
| TheCab | (808) 422-2222 |
Official Hawaii Tourism website: http://www.gohawaii.com/.
Photos of Oahu: http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/photos/hawaii/.
Oahu has over 130 unique and beautiful beaches. There are plenty of warm sunny spots for everyone to enjoy. Below are descriptions of just a few of the many beaches that are ready to be explored.
Ala Moana Beach Park – This is perhaps America’s most talked-about urban beach. The beach stretches for more than a mile with gold sand, palms, and fresh air. Because the beach attracts more than 4 million visitors a year, it is well equipped with a lagoon, yacht harbor, pavilion, bathhouses, picnic tables, plenty of parking, and lots of space.
Waikiki Beach – Waikiki Beach is actually a string of beaches known throughout the globe. Only a mile and a half long, sitting at the foot of several high-rise hotels, more than five million people frequent it every year. This beach is excellent for swimming, surfing, canoeing, sailing, snorkeling, pole fishing, and more. The number of water activities available are endless.
Hanauma Bay – Located in East Oahu, this spot is most popular for snorkeling. A volcanic crater with a broken sea wall allows for a shallow bay and plenty of marine life. This beach is also popular for sun-bathing and people watching. The Marine Education Center was recently built with exhibits, a snack bar, training rooms, volleyball courts, picnic tables, and a motorized tram to conveniently transport people to and from the beach, the Center, and the parking lots.
Sandy Beach – This beach is for the experienced body surfers. This site is one of the most dangerous shores with wild waves and strong backwash. Lifeguards make more rescues here than any other beach. Bring the family to watch the adventurous surfers tackle the dangerous water, but limit the trip to this only.
Lanikai Beach – Located in the windward coast, this beach is picture perfect. This is the ideal spot for walking along the gold-sand or swimming in the crystal-clear water alongside the tropical fish and sea turtles. There are no main facilities on the beach, except parking, but it is a nice, quiet place to enjoy the sun, sand, and salt water.
Captain Bob’s Adventure Cruises – This cruise is an all-day event, beginning with a sail through the Kaneohe Bay, continuing to snorkel spots, and adventuring beyond. You will enjoy a relaxing day filled with beautiful landscapes and colorful sea life. Tickets cost about $69 for adults and less for children. For more information call (808) 942-5077.
Dream Cruises – This cruise line offers many different cruise options, including the dolphin-watching and whale-watching options. Other cruises include snorkeling, lunch, dinner and dancing options. Tickets vary in pricing. For more information call (800) 400-7300.
Honolulu Sailing Co. – This company offers many sailing options. Enjoy a snorkeling trip, whale watching, dolphins, sea turtles, and more. For more information call (800) 829-0114.
Navatek I – This cruise is caters to the weak-stomached, or those who get sea-sick easily. Navatek I is actually not a boat at all, but a SWATH, or small waterplane area twin hull, making it a very safe, seasick-free sailing option. Navatek I is actually the only cruise ship certified to travel beyond Diamond Head. Make plans to embark on a sunset dinner cruise or other great options. (808) 973-1311
Waikiki Beach, Kailua Beach, and Bellows Field Beach Park are the spots to be for this outdoor sport.
Kayaking is a popular sport with rentals starting at $10 an hour or $40 a day. Check out Prime Time Sports (808) 949-8952, Kailua Sailboards & Kayaks (808) 262-2555, Waimea Falls Park (888) 973-9200, or Kailua Sailboards & Kayaks (808) 262-2555 for more information. Kailua Sailboards & Kayaks is geared toward the beginners and provides guided tours and more helpful features.
For diving excursions there are both wreck and nonwreck diving spots to experience. The following businesses offer scuba diving services:
| Aaron’s Dive Shop | (808) 262-2333 |
| South Sea Aquatics | (808) 922-0852 |
| Surf-N-Sea | (808) 637-9887 |
Some of the best snorkeling is at the Hanauma Bay State Underwater Park with inner and outer reefs and warm, calm waters. Shark’s Cove is a spot for more experienced snorkelers, but there are also companies that offer safe lessons and snorkel tours. Contact the following for more information:
| Surf-N-Sea | (808) 637-9887 |
| Haleiwa Surf Center | (808) 637-5051 |
| Aloha Dive Shop | (808) 395-5922 |
Sportfishing charters can be booked in Oahu. The best option is to contact Sportfish Hawaii at (877) 388-1376 or (808) 396-2607 or by visiting www.sportfishhawaii.com. Prices range from $700-$900 for a private party full-day excursion or about $150 for a shared excursion.
Emergencies, Fire, Police, Ambulance: 911
Time: (808) 983-3211
Temperature: (808) 973-4380