Hawaii Travel FAQs and Tips
Are you planning a visit to the islands? Let Avis be your guide! Our Hawaii travel guide will provide you with great information to help you plan your upcoming vacation—including must-dos in Hawaii, rules about what to pack, must-knows about Hawaii’s weather and climate, and more.
Avis provides you with more savings and vehicle options on Hawaii rental cars. Learn more about our convenient locations throughout the islands and start your reservation today.
Stuff Everyone Should Know When Visiting Hawaii
Hawaii Weather and Climate
- Hawaii consists of seven islands with enviable tropical climates that have often been described as “perfect weather.”
- All the Hawaiian islands have both beaches and mountains, and each island’s weather can vary widely based on your elevation and which side of the island you’re on.
- Hawaii is humid, but in a way that most visitors find pleasant. The humid air can feel a bit muggy when daytime temperatures occasionally reach the 90s.
- Although it sits in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii rarely experiences hurricanes thanks to the path of the trade winds and the deep ocean waters that surround its islands.
Hawaii Travel Recommendations
- Tours are an excellent way to see Hawaii’s best sights and attractions, and gratuities are generally expected. We recommend tipping a minimum of $10 per person for smaller, half-day tours. For tours that last four or more hours, we recommend $20 per person.
- There is no shortage of things to do in Hawaii. Still, we recommend must-dos like visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, snorkeling or scuba diving, a trip to the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, walking the green and black sand beaches, taking a boat tour, and driving through the Waimea Canyon.
- Hawaii has great weather year-round. However, if you want to enjoy the beach or be out on the water, March through September has the highest temperatures and lowest amount of rainfall.
- Want to say thank you as the locals do? Just say, “Mahalo” (muh-haa-low).
Driving in Hawaii
- Hawaii is a series of islands, so you can’t drive to the state. Instead, you’ll need to fly or come in by boat.
- When driving within city limits, expect to see speed limits between 25–45 mph, with reduced speeds for school zones. Highway speed limits are typically between 45–60 mph with long stretches of one-lane roads. You’re required to pull over and let vehicles behind you pass if you’re traveling below the speed limit.
- GPS technology isn’t great at pronouncing, well, anything in Hawaii. So while the attempts grow more comical the more complex a street name is, be sure to be on the lookout for turn-offs you need—without relying too much on GPS pronunciation.
Which island is the best for first-time visitors?
Most first-time visitors choose Oahu for their first trip to Hawaii. However, as your Hawaii travel guide, we recommend considering everything you’d like to see during your trip when choosing an island to visit.
O‘ahu Island
O‘ahu draws many visitors because it’s home to:
- Honolulu and nearby Waikiki Beach
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial
- The world-famous beaches and surf waters of the North Shore
- Hanauma Bay and its ideal snorkeling spots
Big Island of Hawai'i
The Big Island includes must-dos in Hawaii, such as:
- Stargazing at Mauna Kea’s observatory
- Night snorkeling with manta rays
- Walking black and green sand beaches
- Visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Visiting historic sites, including the birthplace of King Kamehameha
Maui Island
Maui has a reputation for being the best island in Hawaii, thanks to the presence of:
- Hana and the narrow, twisty highways that lead to this isolated and beautiful community
- Miles of rewarding mountain hikes in Haleakala National Park
- Opportunities for whale watching or snorkeling with turtles
Kauai Island
Kauai also has many charms, including:
- Beaches galore, thanks to Kauai’s status as the oldest of the Hawaiian islands
- Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific
- A rural, even more laid-back feel than any other Hawaiian island
Common Hawaii Travel FAQs
Yes, a rental car is the best way to get around and explore Hawaii. A rental vehicle will help you visit major attractions and sightseeing opportunities at your own pace, helping you fit everything on your must list into your vacation. Plus, you’ll be able to avoid additional transportation expenses.
It’s impossible to give a single price for a rental car in Hawaii. Rental car prices vary by location, rental dates, vehicle options, the length of your rental, and more.
Fortunately for you, Avis works diligently to provide the best deals on Hawaii rental cars. The easiest way to review your rental costs and savings is by starting an Avis reservation at your preferred pickup location. Of course, these prices and vehicle availability may change as your travel dates draw closer…so book ahead of time for more savings!
There are plenty of ways to measure what’s number one, so this is a matter of opinion. But if you’re looking for ideas on what to do in Hawaii, visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The park features some of the most unique and diverse landscapes in the world and is home to Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes. While visiting the national park, you can explore lava tubes, hike through the rainforest, watch eruptions, and learn more about Hawaii’s captivating history.