Hawai‘i

Sometimes confusing for the first-time visitor, Hawai‘i is both a state and an island. Hawai‘i is the 50th state, admitted to the union on August 20, 1959. The island of Hawai‘i, often referred to by its nickname “The Big Island,” is the largest of all the Hawaiian islands at more than 4,000 square miles and growing. It is twice the combined size of all other Hawaiian islands.

There are eight islands, six of which you can visit: Hawai‘i, Maui, O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, Lana‘i, and Moloka‘i. Each has its own personality and beauty, each represents an important part of the “Aloha State.”.
 

Oahu

Known as the “gathering place,” O‘ahu is the third largest island and is home to the capitol city of Honolulu and world-famous Waikiki.
 

What You Need to Know

Time
Hawai‘i Standard Time (HST). Hawai‘i remains on HST throughout the year and does not observe U.S. Daylight Savings Time. It is five to six hours behind Eastern Standard Time; four to five hours behind Central Standard Time; and two to three hours behind Pacific Standard Time. HST is 19 hours behind Japan.

Currency
U.S. dollar. Major credit cards are accepted as well as traveler’s checks.

Area Code and Cell Phones
Area code for all of Hawai‘i is (808). Cell phone coverage is readily available if you’re coming from the U.S. mainland. Check your carrier and calling plan for details.

Internet Access
Readily available on most islands and many hotels.

Temperature
77 F/ 25 C is the average year-round temperature. Between April – November temperatures range from 75-88 F while between December – March, it’s a bit cooler at 68-80 F.

Dress
Aloha business attire. For men, the norm is slacks and an “aloha shirt” or short sleeved dress shirt. For women, slacks and skirts in lightweight material with a blouse is fine. Suits and ties are rarely worn here, but bring a light jacket or sweater for nights. Casual dress clothes or resort wear are appropriate if you plan on experiencing Hawai‘i’s restaurants and nightlife. You can always buy an aloha shirt and flip-flops (we call them “slippers”) at one of the many retail stores here.

Helpful Hawaiian Words and Phrases

Aloha Means love, but is also used as a greeting (hello/goodbye, welcome/farewell)
Mahalo (mah-HAH-low) Thank you, gratitude
Mauka (MOW-ka) toward the mountains (a directional term)
Makai (mah-kigh) toward the ocean (a directional term)
‘Ohana (oh-HAH-nah) Family
Kane (KAH-knee) Man or boy
Wahine (wah-HEE-neh) Woman or lady
Keiki (KAY-key) Child/children
Kama‘aina (Kah-ma-EYE-na) A long time resident of Hawai‘i
A Hui Hou (Ah Hoo-ee Ho) Until we meet again
E Komo Mai (Ay Koh-moh My-ee) Welcome, enter
Hana Hou (Hana Ho) Encore (when you enjoy something very much)
Kokua (koh-KOO-ah) Help or give assistance (“Please kokua” as in please be considerate)
Ono (OH-no) delicious or tasty, also a large mackerel type of fish