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Traveling to Hawaii & Inter-Island Travel
Hawaii is about five hours flying time from the US west coast. Each  island chapter details the airlines and services to/from that island and the US mainland. The main gateway to the Hawaiian Islands is, of course, Honolulu. It has the greatest number of direct flights to/from the US mainland. However, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii have direct US mainland flights as well, although not as many. Most inter-island flights are about 30 minutes. Hilo to Honolulu is the longest route and takes 40-45 minutes.
For the romantics who yearn for a slower more leisurely mode of transport, there is a section on cruise ships that sail to Hawaii and inter-island.
Hawaii's Visitor Seasons
With a continuous mild climate, Hawaii is a year-round destination. The islands have two separate peak visitor seasons during the year when demand for flights, hotels, restaurants, rental cars and tours is heaviest. The first is during the winter months, roughly from mid-November through the end of March. The other busy season is during the summer months, from June through the end of August. The rest of the year is generally slower and quieter. The months of April and May or September and October are great times to visit Hawaii because the crowds are gone and the weather is pleasant.
Climate & Weather
As the old cliche about the weather goes, if you stick around long enough it'll change. That's pretty much true of the islands as well. Hawaii is blessed with generally mild temperatures and moderate humidity the year around. The temperature variation from day to night and season to season is relatively small. Weather conditions and temperatures vary by elevation and area of the island.
Hawaii basically has two seasons. Summer is May to October, when the sun is close to directly overhead. The weather during this period is warmer and drier than the rest of the year and the northeast tradewinds (which cool and temper the islands) blow more regularly.
The winter months are November to March. During this time, the sun is farther to the south and the weather, both day and night, is noticeably cooler. The northeast tradewind pattern is often interrupted and 'kona' (south) winds, cloudy periods and rainstorms rumble through the islands.
Rainfall
Rainfall varies greatly between the islands and within each individual island. The eastern, windward sides of the islands generally receive the greatest amount of rainfall because the prevailing northeast tradewinds (at least in the summer) bring the rainclouds over the eastern coasts. The clouds are then carried up and over the interior mountains and the rain is released. That's why the windward sides of the islands are so lush and green with rain forests and dense vegetation. The western or leeward sides of all the islands tend to be much drier, with considerably less vegetation and more desert-like conditions.
Rainfall varies by elevation and location but along the windward coastal areas it can be 50-130 inches or more annually. Hana on Maui's east coast averages about 70 inches annually, while Hilo on Hawaii's east coast averages 130 inches per year. Higher elevation areas generally receive much higher annual rainfalls. By contrast, Lahaina on Maui's leeward coast averages just 14 inches annually while the Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii averages less than 10 inches per year and is recognized as the driest region in the islands. Rainfall is equally distributed throughout the year, with no real wet and dry season.
Temperatures
Average daytime temperatures in summer range from the upper 70s to low 80s in most areas of the islands. In winter, daytime temperatures range from the upper 60s to lower 70s. However, temperatures can vary more significantly at higher elevations throughout the islands, particularly in high mountain areas.
Clothing & Gear
For most occasions, dress in the islands is casual. For men, an Aloha shirt (made from that colorful, flowery art print fabric) and slacks are appropriate for almost any occasion. For women, the same can be said of a muumuu (a full-length dress made from that same Aloha fabric). Comfort and fit should be important guidelines in selecting what clothing to bring. Generally, lightweight cotton and blend materials, and permanent press wash-and-wear clothes are the most versatile. The emphasis should be on keeping cool and comfortable in the tropics. Jeans or shorts and tee shirts are the daily wear here.
The only time men might need a more formal coat and tie and ladies an evening dress would be for that special night out at one of the more plush resorts or fine-dining restaurants. But many of the better restaurants that used to require jackets for men have rescinded the rule and have gone more casual.
Beachwear, swimsuits and the like are appropriate for the beach and pool areas, but most resorts require coverups for the lobby, public areas, shops and restaurants, so plan accordingly.
You will need warm clothes if you plan to visit higher-elevation national parks, ranches or rain forests. And on the mountain summits of Haleakala on Maui or Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island freezing temperatures and snow are not unusual. Warm water-repellent jackets would also be useful for rainy days and cool temperatures.
Comfortable walking or hiking shoes are definitely a must for hiking. Any other special clothing and/or gear necessary for activities you plan to participate in should be brought with you. Most tour operators or outfitters will provide any special clothing or gear necessary for their activity.
Driving & Road Conditions
There is a comprehensive highway, road and street system linking all regions of each major island. The highways essentially encircle the islands. Roads and highways are maintained by either the island county or the State of Hawaii. Honolulu on Oahu is the only area with a multi-lane freeway system, but it is limited mostly to the densely populated central island region. The major highways and roads on all the islands are paved.
Driving on island highways and roads is no different than driving elsewhere. Just remember to drive defensively and with caution. Some roads, especially in rugged coastal areas, gulches and valleys, tend to be narrow, winding and steep in places, often with little or no shoulder margin.
Also, in some places with steep cliffsides along coastal areas or in gulches, heavy rainfall can cause landslides and road closures. Some low-lying places near stream beds and natural drainages are subject to flooding in heavy rain. So be aware of the route you are taking and the weather conditions. Heed any hazard warnings or posted signs. If you are unsure, make inquiries about local road and weather conditions. In each major island chapter, the Information Sources section lists the telephone contact for the National Weather Service office on that island. A call will provide the current weather conditions and immediate area forecast.
Adventure Island-Style On Foot
The islands have an amazing diversity of hiking trails and adventures and this book lists a number of the most popular walks and hikes for each island as well as a few of the lesser known backcountry trails and treks. While it's impossible to list them all, there is a good cross-section of hiking adventures included with something for everyone, from novice, to experienced hiker, to the challenging backpacker who relishes remote overnight campouts in the wilderness.
In Hawai`i or any other area you don't know well, use common sense before striking out on a trail. Get a trail map and study it, consult with the local island visitors' bureau office, resort destination office, your hotel concierge, or park service rangers for information on the area or specific trail you plan to hike. While some walks and trails may appear easy and short, there may be special conditions such as freak rainstorms that could make them downright dangerous. Find out about any special weather factors that could affect your planned hike, what sort of gear you might need, how much water and food to carry. And if you're thinking of going it alone, think twice.
Some island trails are fraught with danger because of the terrain, climate and other conditions. Trails across open lava fields often have cracks and deep chasms into which hikers can fall and get severely injured. Some trails are susceptible to foggy, cloudy conditions during storms, causing hikers to lose their way. Some mountain ridge trails are narrow, steep and winding, with sharp vertical dropoffs. If a hiker steps off the trail, a fall would surely cause injury and the thick rain forest vegetation can hide and muffle any sounds made by an injured hiker, even though rescuers may be only a few feet away.
Hiking Tips
- Use common sense and be prepared. Realize that help and rescue can be hours away, especially on a remote difficult trail.
- Learn about the conditions to be expected on the trail you're hiking before you depart.
- Begin hiking early, allowing plenty of time to reach your destination and return, or to set up camp for the night.
- It's always best to hike with a companion. Be sure to let someone know where you're going, what trail you're taking and how long you expect to be gone.
- Know your limits and capabilities. Don't challenge yourself and your physical condition beyond them.
- Know that some of Hawai`i's backcountry trails are used by local fishermen and hunters, sometimes traveling with horses and/or mules. Be cautious and do nothing to frighten or spook the animals, especially on dangerous cliffside or ridge trails. Get off the trail if you do encounter horses or mules and give them the right of way.
- Take plenty of water with you. The heat, humidity and physical exertion of hiking Hawai`i can be punishing. Don't drink water from streams and ponds because Hawai`i's watersheds have high levels of foreign bacteria. Stream and pond water must be boiled first or have purification tablets added to make it safe to drink.
- Take lots of snacks and food along, in case you're gone longer than expected.
- Use good judgement and enjoy Hawai`i's many fantastic hiking trails and adventures.
- Use common sense and be prepared. Realize that help and rescue can be hours away, especially on a remote difficult trail.
- Learn about the conditions to be expected on the trail you're hiking before you depart.
- Begin hiking early, allowing plenty of time to reach your destination and return, or to set up camp for the night.
- It's always best to hike with a companion. Be sure to let someone know where you're going, what trail you're taking and how long you expect to be gone.
- Know your limits and capabilities. Don't challenge yourself and your physical condition beyond them.
- Know that some of Hawai`i's backcountry trails are used by local fishermen and hunters, sometimes traveling with horses and/or mules. Be cautious and do nothing to frighten or spook the animals, especially on dangerous cliffside or ridge trails. Get off the trail if you do encounter horses or mules and give them the right of way.
- Take plenty of water with you. The heat, humidity and physical exertion of hiking Hawai`i can be punishing. Don't drink water from streams and ponds because Hawai`i's watersheds have high levels of foreign bacteria. Stream and pond water must be boiled first or have purification tablets added to make it safe to drink.
- Take lots of snacks and food along, in case you're gone longer than expected.
- Use good judgement and enjoy Hawai`i's many fantastic hiking trails and adventures.
In addition to details on hiking, each chapter's On Foot section also covers activities like golf and tennis plus more sedate pursuits like shopping, museums and touring historic sites. For some, these are adventures in themselves.
You will find many adventures on wheels in the islands, including bus or van tours, individual rental cars, off-road 4WD sport utility vehicles, motorcycles, motorscooters and mopeds, bicycles and even a few horse-drawn wagon rides.
Each island chapter lists the tour operators and details the itineraries offered. There are also listings of rental agencies for cars, motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles and others. Some of the car rental agencies have off-road 4WD vehicles available for backcountry trails and roads. A few have exotic luxury and sports cars available for those whose definition of an adventure is cruising the islands in a Corvette or a Ferrari.
Biking, on the streets and off-road, has become increasingly popular in the islands. More and more visitors are opting for bicycle adventures, through organized group excursions offered by tour operators or as individual outings. Some serious bikers even bring their own bikes with them, shipping them as part of their baggage on the airlines. Bike lanes on Hawai`i's streets and highways are becoming more common. But some island roads still pose problems for bikers in that they can be narrow, winding and steep. So bikers need to be aware of vehicle traffic and use special caution to stay out of vehicle lanes as much as possible.
Each island chapter has a section on bicycle rentals and shops plus a descriptive listing of trails suitable for bikers. It's impossible to list all the biking trails but this book's listings by island are a good cross-section. Some of the more rugged backcountry trails are a special challenge and will appeal to mountain bikers. Most trails open to hikers are open to bikers, but there are exceptions. And restrictions vary from time to time, being enforced and then rescinded by local governing authorities. So, as much as possible, check ahead to see what restrictions, if any, apply to trails you plan on biking.
Trails for hiking and biking vary widely throughout the islands from easy to difficult, flat to hilly, hard-packed dirt to slippery mud in rainy conditions. Trails listed in this book are open to the public but some may cross private land and may be marked with a "Kapu" sign, meaning no trespassing. Check ahead to see if you need a permit or permission to follow a specific trail.
The tour operators listed for each island run a variety of itineraries, taking advantage of each island's attractions and geophysical attributes. The tours offered are usually comprehensive and include the bike and all necessary equipment, helmet, raingear, water, snacks and/or lunch, etc. The bike shops and others listed can also provide additional information on biking the islands, so don't hesitate to call on them.
The rules that govern hiking trails can generally be applied to biking trails as well. Common sense prevails.
Biking Tips
Keep to the trails and don't venture off on your own into unknown territory, especially in deep forests, valleys, gulches and lava fields. Respect private property and requirements for permits and/or obtaining permission. Realize that some national and state park trails may be off-limits to bikers. Keep to the trails and don't venture off on your own into unknown territory, especially in deep forests, valleys, gulches and lava fields. Respect private property and requirements for permits and/or obtaining permission. Realize that some national and state park trails may be off-limits to bikers.
Avoid marring or damaging trail surfaces. Avoid loosening rocks, soil, roots, stairs. Leave nothing behind; take only pictures.
- Be aware of trail conditions, ride responsibly and avoid actions that cause danger or harm to hikers and others riding with you.
- Yield to hikers; don't come upon them by surprise. Share the trail and the joy of being outdoors with others.
- Know that some of Hawai`i's backcountry trails are used by local fishermen and hunters, sometimes traveling with horses and/or mules. Be cautious and do nothing to frighten the animals, especially on dangerous cliffside or ridge trails. Give animals the right of way.
- Be prepared. Know your bike and equipment and keep all in good working condition so there is no hazard to you or others.
On Water
One of Hawai`i's biggest recreational resources is, of course, the ocean. Both visitors and residents flock to the beaches and coastlines, protected bays and coves. The On Water section of each chapter details all the many types of activities available. Included are listings of beaches by region on each island, cruises, sailing and rafting excursions, kayaking, parasailing and jet ski adventures, scuba diving and snorkeling cruises, whale watching cruises, surfing and windsurfing, and deep sea fishing charters.
On Water Tips
- An old Hawaiian saying states: "Never turn your back to the sea." Many have been knocked over by unexpectedly large and powerful waves. Some survive but many drown. Always be on guard when at the coast or beach.
- Not all Hawai`i beaches have lifeguards. And nowhere are they on duty all the time. Try to choose one that does have a lifeguard on duty.
- Ask lifeguards or local folks about surf conditions. Ask about currents, riptides and undertows. Study the waves, their frequency and size. Look for signs of currents and riptides. Pay attention to warning signs of heavy surf or other hazardous conditions. Read and heed signs about large waves, undertows, slippery rocks, jellyfish or other unsafe conditions.
- Use the buddy system and never swim or snorkel alone.
- If you're unsure of your ability in the ocean, use a flotation device that you wear rather than an air mattress or other device from which you may become separated.
- Use extreme caution with small children as well. Put a flotation device on them. Don't let them wander into rough water or near breaking surf.
- Tidal pools and shallow reef areas are great places to explore and observe marinelife, but always wear protective footwear and keep an eye on any high surf action. Avoid the sharp rocks and corals of the reef as cuts can be dangerous and very painful. Also keep in mind that some marine animals have natural defenses like sharp spines, stingers, or poisons. Don't stick your fingers or hands into crevices in the reef where creatures may lurk.
- Respect the sea and its power. Don't take unnecessary risks like getting close to a blowhole or posing for pictures near a big surf breaking in the background.
- An old Hawaiian saying states: "Never turn your back to the sea." Many have been knocked over by unexpectedly large and powerful waves. Some survive but many drown. Always be on guard when at the coast or beach.
- Not all Hawai`i beaches have lifeguards. And nowhere are they on duty all the time. Try to choose one that does have a lifeguard on duty.
- Ask lifeguards or local folks about surf conditions. Ask about currents, riptides and undertows. Study the waves, their frequency and size. Look for signs of currents and riptides. Pay attention to warning signs of heavy surf or other hazardous conditions. Read and heed signs about large waves, undertows, slippery rocks, jellyfish or other unsafe conditions.
- Use the buddy system and never swim or snorkel alone.
- If you're unsure of your ability in the ocean, use a flotation device that you wear rather than an air mattress or other device from which you may become separated.
- Use extreme caution with small children as well. Put a flotation device on them. Don't let them wander into rough water or near breaking surf.
- Tidal pools and shallow reef areas are great places to explore and observe marinelife, but always wear protective footwear and keep an eye on any high surf action. Avoid the sharp rocks and corals of the reef as cuts can be dangerous and very painful. Also keep in mind that some marine animals have natural defenses like sharp spines, stingers, or poisons. Don't stick your fingers or hands into crevices in the reef where creatures may lurk.
- Respect the sea and its power. Don't take unnecessary risks like getting close to a blowhole or posing for pictures near a big surf breaking in the background.
Hawai`i's sun emits powerful ultra-violet rays that can cause serious damage to unprotected skin. This is true whether you're swimming at the beach, lounging around the hotel pool, or hiking through the lavafields. Many folks learn the hard way that Hawai`i's sun can bake and burn in a very short time. Always use a good sunscreen or sunblock, hat and light coverup clothing where possible. An after-sun product is also helpful.
In the Air
Beautiful to behold from the ground, the Islands of Aloha are something else again from the air. Magnificent is almost too tame a description. Suffice it to say that the green-clad mountains, deep lush valleys and sheer plunging cliffs make for some truly awesome viewing experiences. Each island chapter lists a number of scenic air tour and helicopter flightseeing adventures.
Eco/Cultural Excursions
There are a considerable number of eco/cultural activities throughout the islands. Each island chapter lists activities, with details, location and full contact information. Included are river cruises, botanical gardens, fruit farms, coffee farms, wineries, historic old towns, aquariums and marinelife parks, zoos, historic churches and heiau (temples), cultural centers, nature centers, historic parks and fish market auctions. Many of these provide a special perspective on Hawai`i's unique history, multi-cultural heritage or environment. |
