Hawaii - 100 Frequently Asked Questions（FAQ)

Hawaii is easily accessible year-round, but the most popular months to visit are April through June and September through November, when the weather and crowds are balanced. If you want to enjoy the ocean to the fullest, you may choose to stay closer to summer, and if whale watching is your goal, winter and spring are the most popular times to visit.

Although many days are not as extreme as Japan's midsummer, the sun is quite strong and it is easy to feel the heat during the day. If you are mainly going to the beach or hiking, a hat, sunscreen, and frequent hydration are essential.

On the southern beaches, there are many days when you can enjoy playing in the ocean even in winter. However, on windy days or when the waves are high, the sensation of being in the water drops, so a rash guard or light jacket is recommended. Please note that the waves on the North Shore side tend to be larger in winter.

Generally, the rainy season is from November to March. However, rainfall in Hawaii varies greatly from region to region, and it is not unusual for it to be raining in Waikiki but sunny when you move around.

Even Hawaii can be affected by tropical storms and hurricanes. Hurricane season in the Central Pacific generally runs from June 1 to November 30, and it is a good idea to check weather and airline guides frequently, especially in late summer and fall.

It is enjoyable enough. Shopping at Ala Moana Center, Bishop Museum, Waikiki Aquarium, museums, spas, indoor shows, and many other options are easy to get around even in the rain.

The visibility of the ocean varies considerably depending on the weather, wind, waves, and angle of sunlight as well as the season. In general, on clear days with calm waves, especially from morning to late afternoon, the ocean is more easily seen in beautiful colors.

It is not uncommon to feel windy days due to the trade winds. Although it often feels pleasant, the feeling drops during ocean and boat tours, so it is helpful to have something to wrap yourself in after getting wet.

It is quite strong. Since it is easy to get sunburned even for a short time, it is safe to consider a rash guard, sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen as basic equipment.

Although it is comfortable all year round on the plains, it can feel chilly in the mornings and evenings, in air-conditioned rooms, and on mountain sides and at sea. A light cardigan or parka is useful.

Although informative, there are large regional differences even within the island, and the weather can change in a short period of time. In particular, the weather tends to differ between the mountain side and the sea side, so it is recommended to combine the sky conditions with the latest forecast when you are in the area.

On days when waves and winds are strong, snorkeling and boat tours may be cancelled or changed. In such cases, it is important to confirm the information the day before or on the day of the tour, as the time may be changed or the tour may be transferred to another point.

If this is your first trip centered on Oahu, 3 nights/5 days to 4 nights/6 days is the standard. If you want to visit Waikiki, the beaches, the North Shore, and Kailua, at least 3 nights is sufficient.

Realistically, we do not recommend this. Due to the flight time and time difference, you will want to reserve at least a few nights if you want to enjoy Hawaii's uniqueness.

It is short, but enjoyable enough if you focus on your stay in Waikiki. It is easy to increase your satisfaction if you focus on the beach, shopping, and one optional tour, rather than being greedy and cramming too much into the island.

You can go to the islands. Some people choose to take a day trip or stay an extra night to see the Hawaiian Islands. The Hawaiian Islands are popular with those who want to enjoy attractions that are different from Oahu, such as volcanoes and star gazing.

It is much easier to have around 6 days and 4 nights. It is easy to adjust for time differences, and it is easy to separate days for relaxing at the pool or beach from days for sightseeing, so there is plenty of time to spend with the children.

A popular tour is to combine a relaxing stay in Waikiki with a sunset cruise, a night view of Tantalus Hill, and a half-day excursion to Kailua or Lanikai.

A combination of walking around town in Kakaako and Waikiki, visiting beaches and cafes in the Kailua area, shopping, and visiting photo spots is the standard.

You can fully enjoy yourself. The Waikiki area is easy to get around on foot or by trolley, and there are many tours departing from and arriving at the area, so it is easy to combine sightseeing, shopping, and ocean fun on your own.

The first step is to book airline tickets and hotels, followed by popular activities. In particular, Diamond Head requires reservations for non-Hawaii residents, and Hanauma Bay has its own set of closing dates and reservation rules, so it is best to check ahead of time.

If you want to see beautiful ocean colors, morning to late afternoon is popular. If you are going to the Kailua or North Shore area, leaving early in the morning is also easier to avoid traffic jams.

If this is your first time on Oahu, staying in Waikiki is convenient. On the other hand, if you are combining Hawaii Island with Hawaii Island, it is more efficient to stay on each island separately.

If shopping, dining, and getting around are important, stay in the Waikiki area. If you want a quieter stay, stay at a resort in the suburbs or on a separate island. If it is your first time, Waikiki is the most convenient choice.

Direct flights from Japan to Honolulu are common. When traveling to destinations other than Oahu, it is common to first go through Honolulu for inter-island travel.

The gateway to sightseeing on Oahu is Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Major flights from Japan also basically use this airport.

First, check the airline's information and proceed to make arrangements for a replacement flight and accommodations. It is also important to check insurance and reservation conditions for overseas travel, so it is a good idea to understand the coverage before you travel.

If you are mainly in the Waikiki area, a rental car is not necessary. However, if you want to freely explore the North Shore, Kailua, and the East Coast, a rental car is very convenient.

Sightseeing tours and activities with transfers to and from Waikiki make it easy. There are many types of tours departing from Waikiki, and you can visit major spots efficiently.

It is not jam-packed. If you are staying in Waikiki, you can have a lot of fun on foot, trolley, shuttle, and optional tours. If you organize your transportation ahead of time, you can handle it well.

It is easy to use in Honolulu and Waikiki area. The further out you go in the suburbs, the more difficult it may be to pick up, so it is best to use an app or make arrangements in advance.

It is an option for short trips around Waikiki, but given the hot sun, traffic, and hills, it is somewhat advanced as a main means of sightseeing.

Major areas have them. On long drive days, it is a good idea to refuel early before entering the suburbs.

There are many paid parking lots in the Waikiki area, and hotel parking rates tend to be high. When using a rental car, it is recommended to include parking fees in your budget.

According to Honolulu Airport information, at least 2 hours in advance for international flights and 90 minutes for inter-island flights. If you need to use the airport parking lot or return a rental car, allow an additional 30 minutes.

Traffic around Honolulu can be congested at different times of the day. When traveling to the airport or to popular spots, it is best to plan your trip well in advance rather than at the last minute.

If you are in the Waikiki area, walking or using a car-delivery app is convenient. It is safe to separate the means of transportation from the beginning to avoid drinking and driving on rental car use days.

It is easy to be confused at first by the right-of-way and different signs. It is safe to avoid driving long distances immediately after arrival and start by getting used to the light hours.

If it's your first time on Oahu, Waikiki is the place to be. Convenient access to beaches, shopping, dining, and tour transfers make it easy to move around even for a short stay.

The hotel is close to the ocean and has excellent in-house facilities such as a swimming pool and restaurants. The strength of the hotel is that even on days when you do not go out far, you can fully enjoy yourself inside the hotel.

There are Condominiums with kitchens and laundry facilities are convenient and popular for long-term stays and group travel.

Hotels and condominiums slightly outside the center of Waikiki and travel at different times of the year are relatively easy to target. The better the location, the more expensive it is likely to be, so it is important to set priorities.

This is convenient for those who want to start the morning slowly at the hotel. On the other hand, Hawaii has a rich breakfast culture, so if you want to visit outside cafes, staying overnight with no meal is also possible.

There is. Even if you spend less time in your room, the morning and evening views are very satisfying. It is especially popular for honeymoons and anniversary trips.

Even for longer stays, you will have less trouble if you choose a hotel or condominium with laundry facilities. If you mainly play in the ocean, it is quite convenient to have a laundry environment.

Ease of access to the beach, pool, microwave and laundry facilities, and transportation are important. The Waikiki area is easy to eat, shop, and move around with children.

Convenient. Especially on first-time flights to Hawaii or flights arriving at night, just a smooth transfer from the airport to the hotel is quite reassuring.

Many people move early during the year-end and New Year holidays, spring break, and summer vacation. Popular hotels and rooms with good conditions tend to fill up first, so we recommend that you make arrangements as soon as possible after you have decided on your dates.

It is quite important. Conditions differ for hotels, airfare, and activities, so be sure to check them when you make your reservations so you won't be upset if you have to change your itinerary.

Insects may be seen in areas with a lot of nature. Insect repellent is a good idea, as they can be a concern on mountain sides, in parks, and outdoors at night.

You can enjoy the experience with a guide. Choose a tour for beginners or a point in a calm bay, and you will be able to enjoy the tour with a guide.

You can also enjoy a glass boat ride. Glass boats, sunset cruises, strolling along the ocean, or simply relaxing on the beach is enough to experience Hawaii.

This is a classic viewing spot near Waikiki. The summit offers a panoramic view of Honolulu and the ocean, making it a popular sightseeing spot that is hard to miss even if it is your first time in Hawaii. Non-Hawaii residents must make reservations for admission and parking.

You can explore the area, but because of the distance from Waikiki, it is easier to use tours, rental cars, or transportation with pick-up and drop-off. The area is especially popular for its beautiful ocean colors.

This is one of the most popular snorkeling spots on Oahu. There are admission rules for nature conservation, and the park is usually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Online reservations are generally available two days in advance, so be sure to check the latest information before you go.

It is possible to see them. You may encounter them on snorkeling tours or on certain beaches, but they are wild creatures and it is important not to touch, chase, or feed them. Sea turtles are a protected species in Hawaii, so keep a safe distance when observing them.

The courses are popular among golfers who want to enjoy golf at a resort. Many courses overlooking the ocean are popular among those who want to enjoy resort golf.

This is a classic night view spot overlooking the city of Honolulu. It is easy to get to in a short time and is popular for night tours.

The tide changes. Since the ease of swimming and the scenery varies with the tide level, it is a good idea to watch the tides on the day of snorkeling or playing on the shore.

In the ocean, beware of jellyfish and sea urchins. In addition to the creatures themselves, strong waves, rip currents, and slippery rocks can be more dangerous. It is important to choose a beach with a lifeguard, check warning signs and sea condition advisories, and take it easy.

This popular area on the north side of Oahu is famous for its surfing. The laid-back townscape and oceanfront drive are also attractive.

Although it depends on the location and weather conditions, it is easier to see beautifully on days when the wind is light and the waves are calm. The earlier in the day, the clearer the ocean color often appears.

Shopping, museums, aquariums, spas, indoor shows, and food tours are the standard. Since the weather is changeable, you can also move flexibly to go to the beach if it clears up along the way.

It is safe to choose a beach with calm waves and to check the availability of lifeguards and the use of life jackets. Because of the strong sunlight, heat stroke and sunburn protection are also important.

There are some tours available, but it depends on the content. Walking around town, scenic sightseeing, shopping, and cultural experiences are relatively easy to choose from, while tours involving the sea or heavy turbulence should be confirmed in advance.

Sightseeing tours with transportation, scenic drives, shopping, and walks along the sea are popular. You can spend your time comfortably by choosing a tour that requires little travel burden.

The further away from the city, the easier it is to see. If stargazing is important to you, tours to dark areas as well as night tours and stargazing on the Big Island of Hawaii are also popular.

Because some roads have few streetlights, driving in the suburbs requires more caution than during the day. It is safer to take it easy on roads that are new to you and move at a time when you can afford to do so.

It is one of Oahu's most representative historical spots. It is chosen by those who want to experience the natural as well as the historical aspects of Hawaii.

You can do it. If you choose a beginner's experience tour, it is easy to participate with tools included.

For popular tours and time-sensitive spots, it is recommended that you make your reservation as early as possible when you have decided on your itinerary. During peak season, it is especially difficult to get your wish if it is made at the last minute.

There are, but facilities vary from beach to beach. It is advisable to check in advance whether changing rooms and lockers are available.

Waikiki Beach, Lanikai Beach, Kailua Beach, and Hanauma Bay are the standard. Depending on your purpose, it is hard to miss if you are a laid-back or active person.

Many beaches are free and easy to use, but parking fees, rental fees, and entrance fees for certain facilities may apply.

There are some. However, not all beaches are available, so those with children or who are anxious about swimming may feel safer choosing a supervised location.

The oceanfront on the west side of Waikiki, the Ala Moana area, and sunset cruises are popular. Sunset cruises are especially popular with those who want to see the sunset on the horizon.

The area is densely packed with beaches, shopping, dining, and hotels, making it easy to satisfy even a short stay. It is an area that is easy to get lost in even if it is your first time in Hawaii.

There are some, but hiking and nature observation to enjoy the ocean, canyon, and mountain scenery is more standard in Hawaii. The experiences vary considerably from island to island.

In many cases, there is no significant cost for the passage itself on a typical sightseeing drive. However, parking and entrance fees may be charged separately.

It is a scenic tour along the ocean, connecting observation spots and beaches. This popular route is an easy way to experience the exhilaration typical of Oahu.

This is the point where it is easy to enjoy walking around town, cafes, art, and shopping all in one place. It is popular among those who want to experience a slightly different atmosphere from Waikiki.

You can see it. There are several options to enjoy the night view, including restaurants on the upper floors and tours toward Tantalus Hill.

There are There are many scenic cafes along the coast and in the suburbs, which many people enjoy in combination with driving.

Diamond Head and Tantalus Hill are classic. They are easy to get to in a short time, and the scenery is highly satisfying.

You may fly in some locations, but FAA rules confirmation is required. You may not be allowed to fly around airports, in restricted airspace, or in protected areas, so please check with B4UFLY and others beforehand, and also observe local takeoff and landing rules.

Visibility depends on weather and location, so it is safe not to rely on it for travel planning. Basically, it is easy to understand that inter-island travel should be considered as using airplanes.

Loco moco, garlic shrimp, poke, pancakes, and acai bowls are all staples. There is also a fairly wide range of dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

It is safer to make reservations at popular and scenic restaurants. It can be difficult to get in as requested, especially during the evening view.

Around Waikiki, Ala Moana, and Kaka'ako, there are many choices. As you go to the suburbs, there are more restaurants to drive to and enjoy.

Popular stores tend to be crowded in the morning, and suburban stores may close early. It is a good idea to check the opening hours on the day you want to visit a restaurant.

There are. Daily necessities and snacks are relatively easy to obtain in the Waikiki area.

Most things can be purchased locally. Sunscreen, sandals, drinks, and snacks are easy to find.

It depends on the type. Mangoes, for example, are most likely to be found in the summer, but it is fun to ask about the season at the local market, as it changes depending on the time of year and the island.

The Waikiki area, Ala Moana, and airports are convenient. Many people buy at different places for distribution and for their own use.

The cost of airfare, hotels, food, and activities will vary greatly. Since the overall cost of living in Hawaii is high, it is a good idea to allow a little extra for local food and transportation expenses.

It is easy to move around even if card use is the main focus, but a few small payments and tipping situations are a good idea.

There are some in major areas. You will not have much trouble in the Waikiki area, but on days when you will be out of town for long periods of time, it is a good idea to prepare ahead of time.

It is possible if there is availability, but it may not be possible to obtain the desired conditions. If you have a specific date in mind, it is safer to make a reservation in advance.

We recommend staying at a hotel on days when you want to relax, and dining out on days when you want to enjoy Hawaiian restaurants. If you are staying several nights, you can easily increase your satisfaction by mixing both.

The two most important things to avoid are to overcrowd your schedule and to underestimate the sun, time difference, and travel fatigue. It is best not to overdo it on the first day and only make reservations for spots that need to be booked first.