Hawaii Useful Information

Which island do you want to go to?

Hawaii consists of eight major islands and more than 100 smaller islands.

Here are the characteristics of each island and how to get there!

Oahu (Oahu)

Oahu is the most famous destination in the state of Hawaii and is dotted with attractions such as Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, and historic Pearl Harbor.

The abundance of shopping, nightlife, dining, and activities is overwhelming,Recommended for beginners in Hawaii.Â

The North Shore offers world-famous big waves.

Hawaii, Big Island

The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest island in the state of Hawaii, with the powerful lava flow of Kilauea, an active volcano, and Mauna Kea, one of the most star-filled mountains in the world,The overwhelming power of natureis attractive.

Volcanoes National Park and Black Sand Beach are also highlights, popular with active nature travelers!

Maui

Known as the "Valley Island," Maui combines resorts and eco-tourism with beautiful beaches and abundant nature.

Haleakala National Park offers a fantastic sunrise experience, and in winterWhale watching is also popularIt is! It has a romantic atmosphere and is recommended for honeymooners and couples♪

Kauai

Kauai, known as the "Garden Island," is home to lush tropical rainforests, beautiful canyons, and waterfalls.

Many spots offer a sense of natural grandeur, such as the cliffs of the Napali Coast and Waimea Canyon,Perfect for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors by hiking or kayaking.It is!

There is also a sense of retreat where you can spend quiet time.

Lanai

The island of Lanai, also known as "The Private Island," is the perfect place for those seeking a relaxing and tranquil getaway. The island's unspoiled nature and exclusive resorts blend together to provide a luxurious stay.

It is recommended for those who want to experience a private atmosphere with relatively few tourists!

Molokai

Molokai, where traditional Hawaiian culture remains strong, has a rustic, non-touristy atmosphere.

With an abundance of pristine beaches and hiking trails, it is perfect for those who want to spend time relaxing and getting to know the locals.Quiet island time as it was and still is.You will be able to enjoy and truly relax.

What to do in Hawaii?

Here are some recommendations from Hawaii's travel professionals on things not to miss in Hawaii!

Hotels & Resorts

Hawaii offers a wide variety of lodging options, from resort hotels to private villas to vacation rentals.

Along Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu, luxury hotels and beach resorts line the beach and offer a wide variety of rooms with spectacular views. Oceanfront hotels are a bit more expensive,Changing to a city view is a plus for a cosy trip♪

If you take full advantage of the lounge, even seemingly expensive hotels can be a cost-effective place to stay.

Play] Experiences and Activities

In Hawaii, marine sports such as snorkeling, diving, and surfing are of course available,Hiking and ziplining are also popular.It is.

Whale watching, exploring Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii, horseback riding, and other activities will surely make your trip a fulfilling one, as you enjoy the unique scenery of Hawaii and encounter living creatures!

There will also be hula dance lessons, lei making, and a traditional luau (Hawaiian-style banquet).Hawaiian Cultural ExperienceYou can also enjoy

Click here to see the ranking of popular Hawaii tours

【View】Sightseeing, Places of Interest, Natural Spots

Hawaii has many famous landmarks and natural spots to visit!
Don't miss Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor on Oahu and Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii Island.

Kauai offers beautiful scenery of the spectacular Napali Coast and Waimea Valley, while Maui offers spectacular views from Mount Haleakala.

Each island has a different landscape, and you will feel the power of nature.

Surrounded by breathtaking views,Special moments you'll want to captureWe hope you will enjoy the

Eating] Restaurants and cafes

Hawaii's food culture is unique, with local ingredients and multinational influences.

Local food such as loco moco and poke, as well as restaurants that use organic ingredients, are on the rise.

On Oahu, you can dine at a beachfront restaurant and enjoy the sunset, while on Maui and Kauai, you can enjoy farm-to-table fresh cuisine.

Reservations are recommended for restaurants.It is.

American restaurant information sites such as "yelp" and "Open Table" are useful! You can also check restaurant information, reviews, and hours of operation.

Shopping] Shopping malls and souvenirs

Hawaii offers a wide variety of shopping spots, from fashionable shopping malls to local stores.

The Ala Moana Shopping Center on Oahu and Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki are popular with tourists, where you can find the latest brands and items unique to Hawaii.

At local markets and farmers markets,Hawaiian coffee, macadamia nuts and handmade souvenirs.is also available for purchase!

For credit card payment, you may be able to choose to pay in Japanese yen or U.S. dollars, but with yen, it may depend on the store's conversion rate,Dollar choice is recommended.It is.

Why not find a special item along with the memories of your trip?

Hawaii Airport Transfers to and from Waikiki

Here are the best ways to get from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (formerly Honolulu International Airport) in Hawaii to Waikiki.

Shuttle buses are recommended if price is important, and Uber if time is important.It is.

1. airport shuttle bus

The shuttle, which requires advance reservations, is a relatively affordable way to get to and from major Waikiki hotels. The fare is around $23 each way, and the trip takes about 30-50 minutes.

Since you will be sharing a car with several passengers, each hotel may be visited in turn.Make a reservation in advance if you want to use it.Let's do it.

2. ride-sharing (Uber, Lyft)

Ride-sharing services, in which cars can be dispatched using a smartphone app, are highly convenient and popular. The fare is about $30 each way plus tip, and the trip takes about 20 minutes.

No in-car payments,Japanese-language display is also available.It is.

3. cab

The ride can be taken directly from the airport cab stand and takes approximately 20 minutes to Waikiki. The fare is approximately $42 one-way, with an additional tip.

If you make a reservationCab companies offering flat ratesThere are also

4. car rental

It is not a cheap means of transportation, but it offers a high degree of freedom and is convenient for touring tourist destinations.Rent for a limited number of days.is also a good idea.

A free shuttle bus also runs from the arrival lobby to the rental car center at the airport.

Island Transportation

The following is a summary of the major modes of transportation and their characteristics within each of the Hawaiian islands.

The Bus

TheBus, a public bus service that covers all of Oahu, is widely used by both local residents and tourists.

It connects major tourist attractions and shopping areas,Only $3 for the ride.This is the cheapest and most popular means of transportation.

How to Ride The Bus

Fares and riding directions are as follows

 Waikiki Trolley

By trolleybus for tourists,Touring major spots around WaikikiThe city is located in the center of the city. Multiple train lines are available, making it convenient for tourists to get around the city efficiently.

The line consists of four lines: pink, blue, green, and red.

Types of Tickets and How to Purchase

The types of tickets and how to purchase them are as follows

Biki (biki), Go-X (Go-X)

Biki, a bicycle-sharing service operating in Honolulu, and Go X, an electric kickboard, are suitable for short distances.

Easily accessible using a smartphone application.

rent-a-car

Car rental is a popular means of transportation with a high degree of freedom.Hotel parking is about $20-$40 per dayIt is. Many popular towns, such as Ala Moana Center, have free parking.

Keep in mind traffic rules in advance, such as driving on the right side of the road and mileage signs.

cab

It is convenient when you have a lot of luggage, are traveling with a large group, or want to save time, as it allows you to travel directly to your destination. However, the fare is higher than other means of transportation.

In addition, there are few cab stands in Hawaii, and cab stands are commonly used.

Uber or flat rate cabs are also recommended.

skyline

The Skyline rail system, which opened on June 30, 2023, is Oahu's newest transportation network.

Future extensions to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and downtown are planned.Use HOLO card for faresThe payment will be made in the form of a lump-sum payment.

Hawaii Weather and Clothing

Hawaii.Warm climate throughout the yearis a feature of this product.

November through April is the rainy season, with brief showers, but the days are warm and pleasant.

May through October is the dry season, with many sunny days, perfect for beaches and outdoor activities.

Event Calendar

Hawaii offers a wide variety of events and festivals throughout the year. When traveling,Check local event informationand enjoy a more fulfilling stay.

Note that if the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the day before or the day after will be a substitute holiday!

Time Difference Calculation

The time difference from Japan is -19 hours. There is no daylight saving time.

Currency, Exchange and Tipping in Hawaii

The currency in Hawaii is the U.S. dollar (USD), which is approximately 160 yen to the dollar. 6 types of bills are available: $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100, and 6 types of coins: 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents, and $1.

Where is the best place to exchange money?

Most accept credit cards, though,Farmer's market and tip only accept cash.Therefore, it is recommended to exchange some money.

Banks and private exchange offices authorized by the state government are recommended with good rates.It is. However, hours of operation are limited.

You can do this at currency exchange offices at airports, hotels, and in major shopping centers, but the fees may be higher. You can also withdraw cash at local ATMs using an international cash card or credit card, but beware of fees and interest charges.

Tipping Rates and Giving Tips

Tipping, a part of American culture, is a way of showing appreciation for service.

Tipping is generally given in cash.

Immigration Flow

Let's also review immigration procedures upon arrival in Hawaii.

Get in line at the Non-resident line and present a valid passport, ESTA authorization notice, and customs declaration form. You may be asked about the purpose and duration of your stay and where you will be staying.

Customs Declaration Forms should be filled out on board.

Entry and Exit Information (Visa/ESTA)

Under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), Japanese citizens visiting Hawaii for tourism do not need a visa for stays of 90 days or less.

However,Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application and approval required prior to travelIt is. Applications can be submitted through the official website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. The application fee is $21. It is recommended that applications be submitted at least 72 hours prior to travel.

If you use an application agency site, the agency fee will be added,Beware of similar sites.Please do so.

If you have traveled to certain countries (e.g., Iran, Iraq, North Korea, etc.) after March 1, 2011, your ESTA status may be restricted. Please check the official website of the U.S. Embassy for details.

In case of illness or trouble

Here is some information you should know in advance in case of sudden illness or injury during your trip.

I'll buy travel insurance overseas.

Hawaii also charges for ambulance service. Medical care in Hawaii is often expensive, so be prepared for any eventuality.Overseas travel insurance is strongly recommended.I will do so.

You can purchase it relatively inexpensively online. Some credit cards come with travel insurance, but be sure to check coverage and eligibility requirements in advance.

Emergency Contacts

There are several hospitals and clinics in Hawaii where Japanese is spoken. For example, there is the Waikiki Urgent Care Clinic and Doctors on Call.

andEmergency services, police, and fire emergency number is 911It is. If you are involved in an accident or theft, contact us.

checkout

Tabiregi- is a distribution service that allows you to check the latest safety information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japanese.

Register your e-mail address and your place of stay to receive the latest safety information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It is a good idea to check frequently before departure!

Beware of high charges for overseas smartphones

Smartphone use abroad carries the risk of high charges due to data roaming. Set your mobile data connection to off before you travel.

After arrival in Hawaii,Buy a local prepaid SIM cardDo you want to,Rent a WiFi routerand use the Internet.

There are many options for WiFi router rentals, including home delivery, airport pickup, and local pickup.

WiFi situation

In Hawaii, many hotels, cafes, and shopping malls offer free WiFi.

Honolulu International Airport is also equipped with free WiFi, which is available immediately upon arrival.

What you should bring from Japan

Most items can be procured locally, but here are some items that are especially safe to bring from Japan.

Lowest price period for airline tickets

The timing of travel and reservations is critical to getting the best value for your airfare to Hawaii.

Although it depends on the season and the airline, in general, the following are the times when the cost of a trip to Hawaii is lower. Plan your trip for the time of year when the cost is lower.

In addition to the time of year, the price fluctuation is also affected by fuel surcharges.