Travel Advice for Hawai’i

Whatever you can imagine, Hawai’i can deliver! Brimming with nature’s greatest gifts, and a plethora of culture, shopping, and entertainment, you’ll love Hawai’i for more than its beautiful beaches. Looking forward to travelling to Hawai’i but want to ensure you’re prepared? We hope to answer all your questions here on travelling to and around Hawai’i.

Frequently Asked Questions

Travellers need a valid passport to enter the United States. The traveller’s passport must remain valid throughout the traveller’s stay in the United States. The passport must have at least one blank page.

My Hawaii holiday packages include direct flights from most major Australian airports. The flights are direct to Honolulu International Airport in O’ahu. If you’re staying on the Island of Hawai’i, Maui or Kauai, domestic transfer flights will take you from O’ahu to your destination. Flight times vary depending on which capital city you depart from.

  • Direct flights from Brisbane to Honolulu take 9 hours and 15 minutes.
  • Direct flights from Sydney take 9 hours and 45 minutes.
  • Direct flights from Melbourne take 10 hours and 30 minutes.

The US Dollar is the official currency used in Hawai’i. Major credit cards are widely accepted, plus there are plenty of ATMs and currency exchange stores at the resorts and shopping centres.

Yes, American tipping rates apply in Hawai’i except at nationally owned takeaway chains. While this may seem unusual for Australian travellers, it is essential for the livelihood of Hawai’ians working in the service industry. There is no definite rule, but etiquette implies 15% for taxis, restaurants, and bars; US$1 per bag for shuttles; US$2 per day for housekeeping; US$1-3 for parking attendants; US$2-3 for food trucks and US$5-25 for tour providers.

You can easily explore all of Hawaii’s islands with guided bus tours, shuttles, and taxis. Travellers who want a bit more independence might also choose to hire a car. Your Australian driver’s license is adequate.

Travellers going to the United States for tourism, business, or transit require an ESTA. You can stay in the US for 90 days or less. An ESTA is valid for two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If you already hold a valid United States visa or a Green Card, then you do not need an ESTA. You can apply for an ESTA here.

You do not require vaccination to travel to Hawai’i. Please check the latest updates on Sherpa /Smartraveller.

 

Your booking can be amended to new dates or placed into credit. Refer to terms and conditions for more detail.

We highly recommend getting travel insurance for your holiday.

Refer to Sherpa /Smartraveller.

No, children under 18 are not required to be vaccinated. Refer to Sherpa /Smartraveller.