Hawaii Travel FAQs
Everything an Australian traveller needs to know before booking Hawaii — flights and ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), resort fees and accommodation taxes, island-hopping, what to pack and the events worth planning a trip around.
Hawaii is one of the most spectacular destinations in the Pacific — a chain of volcanic islands set in the North Pacific Ocean, roughly ten hours’ flying from Australia’s east coast. The Hawaiian archipelago is made up of 137 islands, but travellers focus on six — Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island (the Big Island), Kauai, Lanai and Molokai. Together they pack world-class surf, live volcanoes, rainforest and waterfalls, glossy resort coasts and a warm, wholehearted Hawaiian culture into one easy long-haul holiday.
These are the questions our Australian travellers ask us most about Hawaii — on flights, ESTA, island-hopping, resort fees, packing and the events worth planning a trip around. For the full island-by-island picture, start with our Hawaii Travel Guide.
Why Visit Hawaii?
Hawaii pairs extraordinary natural beauty with a deep, living Polynesian culture. In a single trip you can learn to surf where the sport was born, hike a volcanic crater, snorkel a coral reef, watch humpback whales offshore and still be back on the sand for sunset. The islands are famous for their beaches, their food and their aloha spirit — an unhurried warmth that sets the tempo of the whole holiday.
For Australians, Hawaii is also refreshingly easy. English is spoken everywhere, direct flights land at Honolulu, and the islands run on the US dollar with the tourism infrastructure to match. From families and first-timers to honeymooners and adventurers, Hawaii offers something unforgettable for every kind of traveller.
Quick Facts About Hawaii
| Location | North Pacific Ocean, roughly ten hours’ flying from Australia’s east coast |
| Number of islands | 137 in the archipelago; 6 visited by travellers |
| Main islands | Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island (Big Island), Kauai, Lanai, Molokai |
| State capital | Honolulu, on the island of Oahu |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Language | English and Hawaiian |
| Entry for Australians | ESTA required, no visa for stays up to 90 days |
| Best time to visit | Year-round; driest April–October |
| Time zone | Hawaii Standard Time (UTC−10), no daylight saving |
| Climate | Tropical, warm year-round |
| Power | 120V, Type A and B plugs |
| Driving | Right-hand side, Australian licence accepted |
ETIQUETTE
Travelling respectfully in Hawaii
A few things worth knowing before you go.
When you’re invited into someone’s home, take your shoes off at the door. It’s a simple sign of respect and it’s noticed.
Leave the landscape where it is. Don’t take rocks from volcanic areas, and don’t carry sand or stones home from the beach — local belief holds that it brings bad luck, and the sentiment behind it is real.
Accept a lei graciously when one is offered. Learn a couple of words — aloha for hello and goodbye, mahalo for thank you. Hawaiians notice visitors who show care for the place, and you’ll feel the difference in how you’re welcomed.
Six main islands
Oahu
Known as “The Gathering Place,” Oahu is where most Australians land. Home to Honolulu, Waikiki Beach and the legendary surf of the North Shore, it’s the island where a real city meets world-famous waves.
Maui
Maui, “The Valley Isle,” is the polished all-rounder — resort glamour along Kaanapali and Wailea on one coast, and the sunrise summit of Haleakala and the Road to Hana on the other.
Hawaii Island (the Big Island)
Hawaii Island is adventure on an epic scale and larger than all the other islands combined. This is the home of the living volcanoes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the coffee farms of the Kona Coast.
Kauai
Kauai, “The Garden Isle,” is the greenest and most dramatic island — home to the sea cliffs of the Napali Coast and the red walls of Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
Lanai
Lanai is Hawaii’s luxury hideaway — a small, uncrowded island reached by a short flight or ferry from Maui, with exclusive resorts above the golden crescent of Hulopoe Bay.
Molokai
Molokai, “The Friendly Isle,” is the most authentically Hawaiian island of them all — no traffic lights, no high-rises, and the culture and pace of old Hawaii still intact.
Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit?
| Island | Known for | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Oahu | City, Waikiki and world-famous surf | First-timers, families and surfers |
| Maui | Resort coasts, whales and the Road to Hana | Couples and easy luxury with adventure |
| Hawaii Island | Volcanoes, coffee farms and open space | Active travellers and road-trippers |
| Kauai | Napali Coast, canyons and waterfalls | Scenery, hiking and quiet escapes |
| Lanai | Exclusive resorts and empty beaches | Luxury and privacy |
| Molokai | Authentic, old-Hawaii pace | Culture and true off-the-grid quiet |
Top Things to Do in Hawaii
- Learn to surf at Waikiki, where the sport was born, on Oahu
- Watch the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala on Maui
- Stand before the living volcanoes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island
- Snorkel coral reefs and swim with tropical fish across all the islands
- Cruise or fly the Napali Coast on Kauai
- Watch for humpback whales off Maui between December and April
- Learn the culture at a luau, and taste Kona coffee, poke and shave ice
Best Time to Visit Hawaii
Hawaii is warm year-round, shaped by two seasons. Summer — kau — runs May to October and averages around 29°C with long, sunny days. Winter — hoʻoilo — runs November to April and settles into a mild, pleasant 25°C. For Australians that makes almost any time a good time, and the May-to-October window lines up neatly with our autumn and winter.
The wettest months are November to March, when downpours are brief, frequent and highly localised — usually falling in the lush mountain country rather than on the beaches.
The islands hold a remarkable range of micro-climates, from volcanic highlands and rainforest to arid plains and sun-soaked coast, so conditions shift noticeably from one region to the next. If you’re heading to higher elevations, pack for genuinely cooler temperatures than you’ll find at sea level.
For whales, the humpback season off Maui runs December to April. For big surf on Oʻahu’s North Shore, the same winter window.
Hawaii Travel FAQs
Where is Hawaii located?
Hawaii is a US state in the North Pacific Ocean, roughly ten hours’ flying north-east of Australia’s east coast. It is an archipelago of 137 islands, of which six are visited by travellers — Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island (the Big Island), Kauai, Lanai and Molokai.
How many islands does Hawaii have?
The Hawaiian archipelago is made up of 137 islands and atolls. Eight are considered the main islands, and six of those — Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, Kauai, Lanai and Molokai — welcome visitors.
How big is the Big Island of Hawaii?
The Island of Hawaii, known as the Big Island, is about 10,451 square kilometres (4,035 square miles), making it by far the largest Hawaiian island. It is bigger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined, and it is still growing as Kīlauea adds new land. That sheer size is why it holds so much variety — living volcanoes, a stargazing summit, rainforest, black-sand beaches and Kona coffee country, all on one island.
What are the Hawaiian islands from largest to smallest?
By land area the Hawaiian islands rank Hawaii (the Big Island, about 10,451 km²), Maui (about 1,901 km²), Oahu (about 1,598 km²), Kauai (about 1,445 km²), Molokai (about 684 km²), Lanai (about 365 km²), Niihau (about 189 km²) and Kahoolawe (about 117 km²). Six are visitor islands — Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, Kauai, Lanai and Molokai — while Niihau is privately owned and Kahoolawe is uninhabited and access-restricted.
Do Australians need a visa for Hawaii?
Australian passport holders do not need a visa for a Hawaii holiday, but they must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before they fly. The ESTA is granted under the US Visa Waiver Program, allows stays of up to 90 days, requires an electronic (chipped) passport, and is typically valid for two years or until the passport expires. Apply only through the official US government website.
What currency is used in Hawaii?
Hawaii uses the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, and it is worth carrying a small amount of cash for tipping.
Do you tip in Hawaii?
Yes. Tipping is part of the culture in Hawaii, as it is across the United States. As a guide, tip around 18–20% in restaurants, US$1–2 per bag for porters, US$5 a day for housekeeping, and 15–20% for taxis and tours. Many Australians find this the biggest adjustment, so it is worth budgeting for. Check the bill first, as some venues add a gratuity automatically.
What is the best time of year to visit Hawaii?
Hawaii is warm and tropical year-round, so there is no bad time to go. The driest months are April to October — ideal timing for Australians escaping autumn and winter. December to April is the season for humpback whales off Maui and big surf on Oahu’s North Shore.
How do you travel between the Hawaiian Islands?
Island-hopping in Hawaii is done mostly by air. Short flights of around 30–50 minutes connect the main islands, operated by carriers including Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines. There is no inter-island ferry network between most islands, the main exception being the passenger ferry between Maui and Lanai.
Do you drive on the left or right in Hawaii?
In Hawaii you drive on the right-hand side of the road. Visitors from Australia can drive on a full Australian driver’s licence for the length of a tourist stay. A hire car is worthwhile on the neighbour islands, though on Oahu many travellers get by on Waikiki’s walkable streets, trolleys and buses.
Planning Hawaii Holidays from Australia
Hawaii Accommodation — What Australians Need to Know
Hawaii prices and sells accommodation differently to Fiji or the Cook Islands, and a few of those differences catch Australian travellers out at the front desk. Here is what to know before you book.
How long is the flight from Australia to Hawaii?
Direct flights from Sydney to Honolulu take around 9 hours 50 minutes. Flying times from Melbourne and Brisbane are similar on direct services, or a little longer with an east-coast connection.
Can you fly direct to Hawaii from Australia?
Yes. Honolulu (HNL) on Oahu is the main gateway, with direct services from Sydney and seasonal or year-round direct flights from Melbourne, depending on the airline and season. Brisbane travellers often connect through Sydney. Airlines serving the route include Qantas, Hawaiian Airlines, Jetstar and Alaska Airlines. Confirm current schedules when you book, as frequencies shift seasonally.
How long should a Hawaii holiday be?
Most Australians spend 7–10 days in Hawaii. That is enough to settle into one island properly, or to split the trip across two — commonly Oahu plus a neighbour island such as Maui or the Big Island.
Is Hawaii safe to visit?
Hawaii is generally considered a safe and welcoming destination with well-developed tourism infrastructure. As anywhere, take normal care with belongings — do not leave valuables in a parked hire car — and always respect ocean-safety signage, as surf and currents can be powerful.
Do you need a car in Hawaii?
It depends on the island. On Oahu, many travellers staying in Waikiki manage without a car, using the walkable beachfront, trolleys, buses and rideshare. On Maui, the Big Island, Kauai, Lanai and Molokai a hire car is the best way to explore, as attractions are spread out and public transport is limited.
What power adapter do you need in Hawaii?
Hawaii runs on 120V at 60Hz, against Australia’s 230V, and uses Type A and B plugs. An adapter is essential for all Australian appliances, and a plug adapter with voltage converter is required for anything you need to charge. Cars are left-hand drive too — the opposite of home — so you’ll be driving on the right..
Do I need travel insurance for Hawaii?
Strongly recommended. Healthcare in the United States is expensive and there is no reciprocal arrangement with Medicare, so an uninsured medical event can be financially serious. Island Escapes can arrange travel insurance with your booking.
What to Pack for Hawaii
What is a resort fee in Hawaii? Why is my resort bill higher than the advertised rate?
Two reasons, and neither is unusual in the United States. The first is tax. A Hawaii room carries about 18 to 19% in combined accommodation tax, county surcharge and general excise tax. The second is the resort charge — a mandatory daily amount most Hawaii hotels apply on top of the room rate. Across the resorts Island Escapes sells it runs from about US$35 to US$60 per room per night. It usually bundles Wi-Fi, pool and gym access, beach gear or cultural activities, whether you use them or not, and it is rarely shown in the headline price online. A small number of properties charge nothing at all. Ask your Island Escapes Specialist which ones — it can make a real difference across a week. Island Escapes builds tax and resort charges into your quote up front, so the number you’re given is the number you pay.What taxes are added to Hawaii hotel bills?
Two, and neither is usually included in an advertised rate. The statewide Transient Accommodations Tax rose to 11% on 1 January 2026, each county adds its own 3% accommodation tax, and the General Excise Tax applies on top at 4.712% on Oahu. Combined that puts the tax line near 18.7% of the room rate before any resort fee or parking. On a US$400 room that is roughly US$75 a night. Island Escapes quotes are priced with these included, so what we quote is what you pay.
What is the Hawaii Green Fee?
The Green Fee is Hawaii’s climate impact fee, the first of its kind in the United States. Rather than appearing as a separate line, it was folded into the Transient Accommodations Tax as an extra 0.75%, lifting the statewide rate from 10.25% to 11% on 1 January 2026. On a US$400 room it works out at about US$3 a night. Revenue funds environmental protection, climate resilience and beach and reef restoration across the islands.
Do Hawaii hotels charge for parking?
Yes, almost always, and it is billed separately from the resort fee. In Waikiki expect roughly US$50 to US$70 per night depending on the property, valet or self-park, and some hotels offer valet only. If you are hiring a car for island touring, factor parking into the daily cost. It is often cheaper to hire a car for the days you actually need it rather than for the whole stay.
Are all Waikiki hotels on the beach?
No, and this is the single most common misunderstanding. Waikiki is a dense urban neighbourhood, and many properties described as beachfront are in fact a short walk from the sand. Genuinely beachfront properties are a minority and are priced accordingly. Ask your Island Escapes Specialist to confirm whether a property is on the sand or a few minutes from it.
How are Hawaii hotel rooms categorised?
By view, far more than by size. A Partial Ocean View and an Oceanfront room at the same property are often identical in floor area and layout, with the price difference reflecting only what you see from the lanai. Suites are frequently named for their outlook too, so read the room description rather than assuming a name implies more space.
What is a lanai?
A lanai is a Hawaiian balcony or veranda. Not every room has one, and at some properties it is available on selected categories only, so check before booking if outdoor space matters to you.
Do Hawaii resorts have kids clubs?
Fewer than you would expect. Kids clubs are common across Fiji and the Cook Islands but are the exception in Hawaii, and several major Waikiki properties have none at all. Where they do exist they are usually charged separately rather than included. Tell your Specialist if a kids club matters and we will steer you to the properties that have one.
What are Hawaii check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is generally from 3pm and check-out is 11am or midday. Given most Australian flights land in Honolulu in the early morning, you will often arrive well before your room is ready. Some properties offer a hospitality suite with showers and lockers for early arrivals, and guaranteed early check-in usually means paying for the previous night.
Do I need reef-safe sunscreen in Hawaii?
Yes, and it is the law. Hawaii banned the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, and most Australian supermarket sunscreens contain one or both. Bring a mineral-based zinc or titanium dioxide sunscreen, or buy reef-safe locally on arrival. It is worth checking the label before you pack.
What should I pack for a Hawaii holiday?
Warm days and cool summits are the thing to plan for. Hawaii sits at a similar latitude to Cairns, so daytime dressing is straightforward, but the elevation and the trade winds change the picture quickly.
- Reef-safe sunscreen — legally required, and the one thing most Australians get wrong
- Light layers and a warm jacket if you are going up Haleakala on Maui or Maunakea on Hawaii Island. Summit temperatures can approach freezing before dawn, and there is often snow on Maunakea in winter
- A light rain jacket for the windward and Hilo sides, where showers are frequent and brief
- Reef shoes or sturdy sandals for rocky entries and lava-rock coastline
- Smart casual for dining — Hawaii is relaxed, but the better restaurants expect a collared shirt and closed shoes, and a few have a jacket preference
- A US power adapter — Type A and B plugs, 120V. Australian appliances need a voltage converter unless they are dual-voltage
- Insect repellent for rainforest walks and waterfall hikes
- Hiking shoes if Diamond Head, the Napali Coast or the Road to Hana are on your list
Island Escapes tip — leave room in the case. Ala Moana Center in Honolulu is one of the largest open-air shopping centres in the world, and most Australians fly home heavier than they arrived.
Hawaii Events Calendar
Hawaii runs a full calendar of cultural festivals, sporting events and seasonal happenings. Some are worth planning a trip around, and a few will affect accommodation availability and pricing, so it is worth knowing what is on. Dates below recur annually but shift year to year, so check exact dates with your Island Escapes Specialist before booking flights.
| When | Event | Where | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| December to May | Humpback whale season | All islands, best off Maui | Peak January to March. Whale-watching cruises book out |
| January | Sony Open in Hawaii | Waialae, Oahu | PGA Tour event |
| March | Honolulu Festival | Waikiki, Oahu | Pacific-rim cultural festival with a parade and fireworks |
| Easter week | Merrie Monarch Festival | Hilo, Hawaii Island | The most prestigious hula competition in the world. Hilo accommodation sells out a year ahead |
| 1 May | Lei Day | All islands | Statewide celebration of the lei |
| 11 June | King Kamehameha Day | All islands | State holiday, floral parades and hoolaulea |
| July | Prince Lot Hula Festival | Oahu | The largest non-competitive hula event |
| August to September | Aloha Festivals | Oahu, then statewide | Hawaii’s largest cultural celebration, block party and floral parade |
| October | IRONMAN World Championship | Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Island | Kona accommodation books out months ahead |
| October to November | Hawaii Food & Wine Festival | Multiple islands | Chef-led events across Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island |
| November to December | Vans Triple Crown of Surfing | North Shore, Oahu | The biggest event in surfing. North Shore traffic is heavy on contest days |
| December | Honolulu Marathon | Oahu | One of the largest marathons in the world, popular with Australian runners |
| December | Honolulu City Lights | Downtown Honolulu | Christmas lights and displays through the month |
Island Escapes tip — the Merrie Monarch Festival and the IRONMAN World Championship both fill their host towns completely. If you are travelling near either, book early or base yourself on another island.
More Hawaii Questions
Is Hawaii expensive for Australian travellers?
Hawaii is more expensive than Fiji or Bali, and closer to a mainland US city in cost. Budget for the resort fee, roughly 18.7% in accommodation taxes, parking, and tipping at 15 to 20% in restaurants. Dining and groceries cost more than at home because almost everything is shipped in. The offset is that flights from Australia are short and often well priced, and package rates through Island Escapes bundle the extras that catch people out.
How much should I tip in Hawaii?
Tipping is expected and forms part of many workers’ income. Allow 15 to 20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, US$1 to US$2 per bag for porters, US$5 a day for housekeeping, and 15 to 20% for taxis and rideshare. Check your bill first, as some venues add a gratuity automatically.
Can you drink the tap water in Hawaii?
Yes. Tap water across the Hawaiian Islands is safe to drink and generally excellent. Bring a refillable bottle.
What language do they speak in Hawaii?
English and Hawaiian are both official languages. You will hear Hawaiian words throughout daily life — aloha for hello and goodbye, mahalo for thank you — and place names carry meaning worth learning. A few words go a long way.
Is Hawaii good for families?
Yes, particularly Oahu and Maui. Calm swimming beaches, short flying times from Australia, familiar food, and attractions like the Polynesian Cultural Center and Pearl Harbor. Note that kids clubs are less common than in Fiji, and family suites book out early in the Australian school holidays.
What is the time difference between Australia and Hawaii?
Hawaii runs on Hawaii Standard Time, UTC minus 10, and does not observe daylight saving. Hawaii sits behind Australia’s east coast by 20 hours in Australian winter and 21 hours in summer, and you cross the International Date Line on the way, so you arrive in Hawaii on the day before you left.
What should you not do in Hawaii?
Do not touch or stand on coral, and keep a respectful distance from monk seals and sea turtles, both of which are protected. Do not take lava rock or sand home. Never ignore beach warning signs, as currents can be dangerous even where the water looks calm. And treat sacred sites, or heiau, as places of worship rather than photo stops.
Explore the Hawaiian Islands
Understanding where the islands sit in relation to each other makes planning a Hawaii holiday far easier. From Oahu and its capital city of Honolulu to the volcanoes of the Big Island and the green cliffs of Kauai, our Hawaii Travel Guide covers each island in turn — what it is known for, who it suits and how the short hops between them work.
A Selection of our Hawaii Resorts
From the beachfront resorts of Waikiki on Oahu to the golden sands of Kaanapali on Maui and the Kohala Coast of the Big Island, Island Escapes has a hand-picked collection of Hawaii resorts and accommodation to suit every holiday. Here are a few to start with.
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
Right on the sand at the quieter end of Waikiki, on Oahu, this is beachfront Hawaii with heart — nightly live Hawaiian music, daily culture at the Aʻo Cultural Center, Monkeypod dining by Merriman and a calm, wellness-focused pool deck. See this resort »
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
The perfect base for everything you come to Oahu for — surfing, shopping and island adventures, right on Waikiki Beach. Fun, a little fancy, and go, go, go. See this resort »
Halekulani
Waikiki’s quiet grande dame, on the sand at the calm end of the beach — no resort fee, La Mer and Orchids for dining, and House Without A Key for the best sunset in Honolulu. See this resort »
Ready to book Hawaii? Let’s go!
From choosing your islands to flights, resorts and the little details, our team plans it all. Get a tailored Hawaii quote today.
Go Hawaii!