Plan Ahead

• Book flights early—prices rise around peak holidays.

• Make activity reservations for hikes (like Diamond Head), luaus, and boat tours.

Pack Wisely

• Reef-safe sunscreen (banned oxybenzone & octinoxate).

• Lightweight, breathable clothing + a jacket for chilly evenings.

• Reusable water bottle, tote bags, and slippers (flip flops).

• Water shoes and dry bags for hikes and ocean outings.

Learn Key Basics

• Oʻahu is 3 hours behind the West Coast (PST) and 6 behind EST.

• Average sunrise: 5:50–6:10 AM | Sunset: 6:50–7:15 PM (in July).

• No tipping required for ride shares, but 15–20% is common at restaurants.

Ocean Safety Best Practices

• Never turn your back to the ocean—rogue waves are real.

• Swim at lifeguarded beaches. Check conditions at hawaiibeachsafety.com.

• Avoid touching coral or sea turtles. It's illegal and harmful.

• Only use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.

✔️ Trash & Environmental Awareness

• Always pack out your trash—even fruit peels.

• Bring reusable containers—plastic bags are banned.

• Stay on marked trails and never pick native plants or flowers.

Transportation Options

• TheBus: Reliable and extensive public bus service ($3 one-way, $7.50 day pass).

• Biki Bikes: Bike-share system with over 100 stations in Honolulu.

• Hui Car Share: Good for North Shore and scenic drives—book early.

• Ride Shares: Uber, Lyft, and Holoholo are available island-wide.

• Trolley Tours: Hop-on hop-off sightseeing in Waikīkī.

Drive Etiquette

• Locals are patient. Don’t honk unless necessary.

• Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and chickens!

• Use turnouts to let faster cars pass on scenic routes.

Best Day Trips

• North Shore: Surf, shrimp trucks, Haleʻiwa town.

• Windward Side: Lanikai Beach, Kailua, Byodo-In Temple.

• Leeward Coast: Ko Olina lagoons, snorkeling, sunset sails.

Show Respect (Aloha Spirit)

• Greet with a smile, be kind and patient.

• "Aloha" = hello/love/goodbye; "Mahalo" = thank you.

• Remove shoes when entering someone’s home.

✔️ Learn Local Terms

• “Pau” = done, “keiki” = child, “mauka” = toward the mountains, “makai” = toward the sea.

• “Kapu” = sacred/restricted. Do not enter marked areas.

✔️ Support Local

• Eat local foods like poke, laulau, loco moco, and shave ice.

• Shop at farmers’ markets and Native Hawaiian-owned businesses.

• Attend cultural events like hula shows or lei-making workshops.