Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hawaii Currents?
Hawaii Currents is a go-to resource for locals and visitors alike. Our curated suggestions help you make the most out of your Hawai'i experience.
What are some of the best beaches?
Some favorites are listed here, but if you only have time to see one beach, make it the white sand beauty, Kailua Beach on O‘ahu. If you’re looking for a black sand beach, you’ll need is island hop and visit Maui or the Big Island.
What are the top activities to do in Hawaii?
There is so much beauty to take in from the towering palms, fragrant plumeria, lush mountains, and ocean views.
Some especially fun things to do around Honolulu include visiting Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, hiking Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail, checking out Art on the Zoo Fence, and buying the incredible Honey Cream Pineapples, which are exclusively grown at Frankie’s Nursery.
What is the dress code in Hawaii?
Leave the formal wear at home. Choose outfits that can be worn from the beach to dinner. And remember, in Hawai'i, the only respectful way to refer to sandals and flip-flops is to call them slippers!
What is the food like in Hawaii?
A cornucopia of delicious options! Local favorites include poke, plate lunch, and poi. Also, know that soy sauce is called shoyu, and passionfruit is called lilikoi.
Do I need a rental car in Hawaii?
Yes, a rental car is recommended unless you plan to stay at your resort.
The exception is if you are staying on Oʻahu, where it’s possible to rely on convenient alternatives like ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft, TheBus, or the Biki bikes rental platform.
Are there any cultural customs I should be aware of in Hawaii?
Don’t honk in traffic.
Don’t feed the wild chickens.
Don’t disturb the monk seals or sea turtles.
Don’t wear sunscreen that isn’t reef-safe.
When is the best time to visit Hawaii?
Hawai'i is a year-round destination, but April to October offers drier weather.
What is the weather like in Hawaii?
There are micro-climates, with some areas experiencing more wind and rain than others.
Generally, the weather in Honolulu ranges from a low of 68°F (20°C) to a high of 88° (31°C).
Which Hawaiian island should I visit?
Each Hawaiian island offers unique experiences, from O'ahu's bustling city center to Kauai's lush landscapes, the Big Island's diverse climate zones, and Maui's tropical paradise.
Oahu: The Gathering Place. Home to Hawaii's capital, Honolulu, O‘ahu offers a mix of stunning nature and an urban city center. With a world-class food scene, turquoise waters, and accessible rainforest trails, this island is an easy choice for many visitors.
Kauai: The Garden Island. Kauai lives up to its nickname with its lush green mountains and valleys and rich biodiversity. A single one-lane road traverses the island, making it the perfect destination for immersing yourself in beautiful landscapes. For those with a strong stomach, a helicopter tour of Kauai is an unforgettable experience to soak up views of the Waimea Canyon and the stunning Na Pali Coast.
Hawaii Island: The Big Island. The Big Island is several times the size of any other Hawaiian island and boasts eight climate zones, ranging from black sand beaches to snow-covered volcanoes.
Maui: The Valley Isle. Popular with honeymooners, Maui offers a low-key tropical paradise with lush, waterfall-filled jungles, beautiful beaches, and towering mountains. The intense driving path known as the “Road to Hana” is world-famous for the natural beauty of its landscapes and scenary.
Lanai and Molokai are Maui's sister islands and are less frequented. Lanai once produced 75% of the world’s exported pineapples, but has since modernized. The island is principally controlled by Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle and one of the world’s richest people. Lanai has luxurious accomodations and an adventure park; Molokai only has one hotel.
Niihau and Kahoolawe are essentially off-limits for vacations. Niihau is restricted to residents and invited guests, while Kahoolawe can only be accessed through volunteer work with the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission.
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