We have put this list of questions together to make planning your holiday to Hawaii easier. These are questions that are asked all the time by our members. A lot of these questions & answers relate to international travelers who require more for their trips than regular American travelers. 

Q - Do I need to be Covid vaccinated to travel to Hawaii from an international destination? 

A – All travellers 18 years & old are required to double vaccinated with a vaccine that has been approved by the World Health Organization. Anyone under 18 isn’t required to be vaccinated. Children under 18 are not require to test every few days like it says on some websites. Unfortunately, some government websites haven’t been updated so it makes it difficult to know what’s correct. 

Q – Do I need to have a Covid test to enter the US & Hawaii?

A – You are no longer required to have a Covid test when entering the US. You will have to check with your own country to see if you require one on the way home.

Q – Do I require a visa to enter the US?

A – The US has a visa waiver program for people from 40 countries around the world. If you’re not from one of those countries, you will need to apply for a different visa.

When adding your name add your first, middle (if you have one) & last. You need to add everything that is on your passport, it all needs to match. 

The ESTA lasts for 2 years so you can come & go for 90 days at a time with your tourist visa. You need to have at least 6 months left on your passport. If you get a new passport in that two-year period, you will need to reapply as the passport number will be different. 

Please only use the website provided, it is the correct government website & only pay US$21. There are multiple scam websites that will change you a lot more & you will lose your money.

Please be very careful when you’re filling out your ESTA, if you make a mistake most of the time it can’t be fixed. We have had multiple members over the years who have made a mistake & they weren’t allowed to travel. If it’s your first time applying its best to do them at least two weeks before your trip. 

Q - Do I need travel insurance when travelling to the US?

A - It’s not a requirement to travel to the US but it is strongly advised that you buy it. You wouldn’t want to be stuck in the US needing medical care. It is one of the most expensive places in the world for healthcare can cost you tens of thousands of dollars. It is best to buy your travel insurance the same day as when you buy your flights. It means you are covered from that moment until you return home. 

Q - Do you need an international driver’s license to hire or drive a car?

A - If you come from an English speaking country then you don't require one. But if you come from a country where your license is in another language then it’s best to get one. Just be aware that you need to have your actual physical license, they won’t except a digital copy of any kind.

Q - When is the best time to visit Hawaii?

A - It’s always a good time to go to Hawaii.

Q - How many islands are there?

A - There are 4 main islands - Oahu, Maui, Kauai & Hawaii which you know as the Big Island. There are also 2 other smaller less populated islands Molokai & Lanai.

Q - What is the weather like?

A - Hawaii's weather is warm all year round with daytime high temperatures ranging from 25C/78F in the “colder” months to 33C/88F in the hotter months. Hawaii's proximity to the equator means that its weather is tropically warm and consistent throughout the year. There are micro climates so don’t always rely on weather apps as some parts of the islands are different to others. 

Q - Is there a ferry service to runs between islands? Or a bridge between them? 

A - No there aren't any ferries & there are no bridges. The only way to get from island to island is by air. 

Q - Should I pre book car hire?

A - It is recommended that you do. It means you will get the car that you want for the days & times that you need it for. 

Q - Should I prebook tours & activities? 

A - Yes. A lot of tours book out weeks sometimes months in advance so to avoid missing out do it before you leave. It also means you can do it on the day you choose. Check out some great tours here Hawaii Travel Advice 

 

A - Yes wifi is available all over the islands

Q - Will my phone work there? 

A - If you are coming from the US & Canada you don't need to do anything. If you’re coming from other parts of the world you will need international roaming, or you can buy a US SIM card cheaply before you arrive, so you're connected as soon as you land in paradise.

Q - Do I need a passport? 

A - If you are a US citizen you do not need a passport as Hawaii is the 50th state of America. If you’re coming from any other country you will need a passport to enter the country.

Q - Can I drink the water?

A - Yes it is perfectly safe to drink the water, it is some of the best in the world.

If you have any other questions you can always send us a message & will try our best to answer it for you