E-reader devices vary in their ability to show our maps. To get the most out of the maps in this guide, use the zoom function on your device. Or, visit http://media.lonelyplanet.com/ebookmaps and grab a PDF download or print out all the maps in this guide.
This map was taken from our country guide. If you want to discover more about the locations highlighted here, head to our website to buy books, download PDFs or find out about our full eBook offerings. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ebooks
CURRENCY
US dollars ($)
LANGUAGE
English
MONEY
ATMs widely available. Credit cards widely accepted; required for reservations (eg hotels, car rentals). Travelers checks (US dollars) sometimes accepted. Tipping customary.
VISAS
Generally not required for citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries with ESTA approval (apply online at least 72 hours in advance).
CELL PHONES
Cell-phone coverage can be spotty in non-urban areas. The only foreign phones that will work are GSM multiband models; buy prepaid SIM cards locally.
DRIVING
Drive on the right; steering wheel is on the left side of the car; seatbelts required. Avoid weekday rush hours (usually 7am to 9:30am and 3:30pm to 6:30pm).
Your Daily Budget
BUDGET LESS THAN $100
Dorm beds: $2030
Farmers markets and plate lunches for cheap eats
Hit the beaches and use public transportation instead of renting a car
MIDRANGE $100$250
Double room in a midrange hotel or B&B: $120200
Rental car from $35/150 per day/week, excluding insurance and gas
TOP END OVER $250
Resort hotel room or one-bedroom condo rental: over $200
Three-course meal with a cocktail in top restaurant: $75
When to Go
HIGH SEASON (DECAPR & JUNAUG)
Accommodation prices up 50100%
Christmas to New Years, and Easter are more expensive and busier
Winter is slightly wetter (prime time for whale watching); summer is hotter
SHOULDER (MAY & SEP)
Crowds and prices drop slightly between schools spring break and summer vacation
Temperatures remain mild, with mostly sunny cloudless days, some scattered showers
LOW SEASON (OCTNOV)
Fewest crowds, accommodation rates drop statewide (except possibly Waikiki)
Weather is dry, hot and extremely humid
Websites
Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau ( www.gohawaii.com ) Official tourist site; multilingual planning guides.
Honolulu Star-Advertiser ( www.staradvertiser.com ) States biggest daily newspaper.
Lonely Planet ( www.lonelyplanet.com/hawaii ) Destination info, hotel bookings, travelers forums and more.
Hawaii on TV ( http://hawaiiontv.com ) Award-winning travel videos.
Hawaii Magazine ( www.hawaiimagazine.com ) All-islands news, fun features, travel tips and deals.
Exchange Rates
Australia | A$1 | $0.99 |
---|
Canada | C$1 | $1.02 |
China | Y10 | $1.52 |
Euro zone | | $1.40 |
Japan | | $1.23 |
New Zealand | NZ$1 | $0.73 |
UK | | $1.61 |
For current exchange rates see www.xe.com .
Important Numbers
Hawaii has only one area code: 808, which is not used when making local calls, but must be used when calling between islands. For toll-free numbers all 10 digits must be dialled; dial 1 before any long-distance or toll-free call.
Country code | |
---|
International dialing code | |
Operator | |
Emergency(ambulance, fire & police) | |
Directory assistance | |
Arriving in Hawaii
Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
Car 25 to 45 minutes drive to Waikiki via Nimitz Hwy or H-1 Fwy
Taxis Metered, usually $35 to $45 to Waikiki (more during rush hour), plus 35 per bag
Door-to-door shuttles $9/15 one way/round-trip to Waikiki hotels; operate 24 hours (every 20 to 60 minutes)
Buses TheBus 19 or 20 to Waikiki ($2.50) every 20 minutes from 6am to 11pm daily (large baggage prohibited)
Local Transportation
The majority of interisland travel is by plane, although a limited number of boats connect Maui with Lanai and Molokai. Renting a car is usually necessary if you want the freedom to really explore; on Hawaii the Big Island and Lanai, a 4WD vehicle may come in handy for off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Public buses run around the four largest main islands: Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai, but often infrequent bus schedules and routes are designed to serve commuters, not tourists. Youll find it time-consuming and difficult to get around relying only on public transportation, except on Oahu, where TheBus route network is extensive.
Kauai
Includes
Why Go?
On Kauai, aina (land) reigns supreme. While even a short stopover can offer a taste of aggressively lush landscape amongst which to cruise or frolic about, an extended stay may suddenly metamorphose into a course-study of nirvana evading reality, leaving you spending your return flight home debating immediate relocation if you go home, that is.
Or, you may just get sunburnt and have loads of fun. Redefining mellow, the pace of life on the least populated of the major Hawaiian Islands is forever in first gear, with nobody in too much of a rush to do anything. Though, if action is whats desired, rest assured that limitless potential for adventure is forever fixed into each square mile of this 5-million-year-old dormant volcanos gaping chasms, hanging valleys and velvety emerald flora. With a little willingness, thrill is just a snorkel, a pair of hiking boots, or a paddle stroke away.
When to Go
JunSep Sunshine abounds, a calmer ocean, longer days and paint-splattering sunsets.