Travel Tips for your Hawaiian Vacation
Planning a trip to Hawaii is on most people’s bucket list. We have listed our useful travel tips that will help you plan your Hawaiian Vacation.
Pre Departure
Pre Departure Information for your trip
There are no longer any COVID-related requirements for arriving domestic passengers. Additionally, as of June 12, 2022, the U.S. federal government no longer requires a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test result or recovery from COVID-19 documentation.
Covid information can be found at https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/
Travel Documents
Passports & Visas
Hawaii is the 50th State of the United States of America. If you are traveling from Australia and New Zealand to Hawaii, you must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months, from the date you plan to enter the USA. In addition to your passport, you will need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) to gain entry under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). You must complete the ESTA application at least 72 hours before your departure date.
If you are a Canadian Citizen you are not required to obtain an ESTA, as you are from a Visa free Country. Complete your visa application via the link below.
What to Pack
Packing List
On my first ever trip to Hawaii, I packed way to many clothes and I only wore a handful. The weather in Hawaii is warm so pack your summer attire and a light jacket for the evenings.
I recommend packing light and here are some essential items you will need to pack. Swimsuit, T-Shirts, Tank Tops, shorts, a couple of Dresses, casual pants and shorts for men, Tennis Shoes, Slippers (Thongs), sandals, jeans, a light jacket and don’t forget a hat. If you forget to bring something along, there are plenty of bargains for you to buy at shops like Marshalls, Ross Dress for Less & TJ Maxx so bring one suitcase and then you can buy another one to fit all your shopping.
Tipping
What I need to know
The currency in Hawaii is the US dollar. Its best to have a combination of both cash and credit card. I also advise that you carry at least $10 worth of $1 notes and a few $5 notes. The small notes are especially useful for tipping the concierge at your hotel, riding the Pink Line Trolley to Ala Moana Center ($5.00 per person, day pass) and riding The Bus ($2.75 per ride or $5.50 for an all day ticket).
ATM’s can be found outside most banks, in hotels, shopping centers and in grocery stores. Just be aware that ATMs can charge you anywhere from $3.00 to $5.00 to withdraw cash.
If you travel regularly to Hawaii, you may like to open a local bank account at First Hawaiian Bank or any of the other banks on the island. All you need is your Passport.
Weather
Weather in Hawaii
Hawaii’s weather is warm all year round, so anytime would be a great time to visit.
Temperatures range from 85° F (29.4° C), in the summer to 78° (25.6° C) in the winter. The water temperature averages around 74° F (23.3° C), throughout the year.
December, January, and February are the cooler months, July, August, and September are the warmer months. Hawaii’s rainy season is from November through to March, however showers can pretty much fall at any time and mostly on the windward side of the island.
Hurricane season in the Central Pacific region runs from June 1 to November 30 but these tropical cyclones can occur at any time of the year.
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Discounts
Where to get them
Safeway offer a free membership card which gives you access to weekly discounts.
Foodland offer Maikai membership. All you need to do is provide your phone number at checkout and the operator will sign you up. As a Maika'i member you will earn one Maika'i point for every dollar you spend. Once you have accumulated 250 points, you'll receive a My Rewards certificate good for 5% off a future grocery purchase, free or specially priced product, or 200 Hawaiian Miles.
Longs Drugs have a program where you can sign up and receive coupons and discounts.
Macy's - The Macy’s International Visitor Savings Card entitles you to a 10% off certain departments and must be redeemed in person. The pass is valid for up to 30 days from date of issue. Please check pass for department exclusions.
Bloomingdales
Offer a 10% savings pass to all out-of-town guests. Some exclusions apply. See store associates for restrictions and details.
Located at the main floor Concierge Desk
Waikele Premium Outlets - Here is the link to the Prime Outlets VIP program: https://www.premiumoutlets.com/vip/
The site also has a list of online-only coupons so it's worth printing those out before you leave or at the hotel.
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