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About Hawaii...
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 Information
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Hawaii is the 50th state of the United States of America. Situated nearly at the centre of the north Pacific Ocean, Hawaii marks the northeast corner of Polynesia. While it was once a major hub for the whaling, sugar and pineapple industries, it is now economically dependent on tourism and the U.S. military. The natural beauty of the islands continues to be one of Hawaii's greatest assets. Hawaii is an archipelago of over nineteen distinct volcanic islands located over a geological "hot spot" in the Pacific.
- Hawaii - "The Big Island"
- Oahu - "The Gathering Place"
- Maui - "The Valley Isle"
- Kauai - "The Garden Isle"
- Molokai - "The Friendly Isle"
- Lanai
Backpacker Hostel Accommodation & Hotels in Hawaii
In Hawaii there is a number of Backpacker Hostels and Hotels where we can pre - book your accommodation. If you are looking for a budget hostel bed the click here or if you are looking for more luxurious accommodation then click here.
Security in Hawaii
Hawaii is a very safe place to travel with 1,000's of visitors touring through every year. This is a popular destination for sailing enthusiasts, sunlovers, families and backpackers. To check any foreign office information on Hawaii you can click here.
Discounted Travel Insurance Adventure Travel offers a range of Backpacker Insurance policies at heavily discounted rates. We understand that you are on a budget and prefer to save your money to backpack around the world.
Islands of HawaiiThe Big Island - The island of Hawaii, also known as "the Big Island" to avoid confusion with the state of Hawaii, is the largest island, and lends its name to the whole island chain. Larger than all the other islands combined and still expanding in land area thanks to the active volcanoes on its south-eastern coast, it is home to the major resort area of Kona, two of the world's largest mountains, and the world's most active volcano.
Oahu - nicknamed "the Gathering Place," is the most populous and developed island. Its southern shore is home to the city of Honolulu. It is the governmental and commercial centre of the state, and Waikiki Beach is arguably the best known tourist destination in Hawaii. Outside the city are pineapple fields, and the North Shore of Oahu, which is known each winter as the home of some of the largest waves in the world. The USS Arizona National Memorial at Pearl Harbour is also very popular visitor destination.
Maui - is the second largest island in the chain and is home to 10,023 foot (3,055 m) tall volcanic mountain crater of Haleakala. It is nicknamed "the Valley Isle" for the narrow plain between Haleakala and the West Maui mountains. On the west side of the island are the resort areas of Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kihei, and Wailea. On the east side is the tiny village of Hana, reached by one of the most winding and beautiful roads in the world.
Kauai - the "Garden Isle," is home to several natural wonders, such as the Wailua River, Waimea Canyon, and the Na Pali Coast. Mount Waialeale is known as one of the rainiest spots in the world.
Molokai - the "Friendly Isle," is one of the least developed islands in the chain. It is home to Kalaupapa, the leper colony on Molokai's north shore that was the home of Father Damien.
Lanai – has the privacy you can only find on "Hawaii's Most Enticing Island." Discover two luxurious resorts, two championship golf courses, and outdoor adventures unique to Lanai's distinctive landscapes.
History of Hawaii Polynesians migrated to, and established communities on, the islands of Hawaii before the arrival of Captain James Cook in 1778, who is widely credited as the first European visitor to the islands. At that time, each island was a separate kingdom. With the support of western advisors and weapons, Kamehameha I of the island of Hawaii conquered all the islands except Kauai, which acquiesced to his rule in 1810.
After Kamehameha II abolished the kapu (taboo) system, American missionaries came to the islands to spread Christianity. Pineapple and sugar cane plantations were established, and workers from other countries were imported as contract labourers.
The Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893 by a group of American businessmen. While the U.S. administration at the time refused to annex the former sovereign nation, in 1898 the United States did annex the islands, which became a territory in 1900, and a state of the United States in 1959.
Climate in Hawaii
Depending on where you're located in Hawaii, the weather can be very different over even short distances. On the same day, on Oahu you might find sun over the beaches in Waikiki and rain only a few miles away in Manoa Valley. The "wet" season in Hawaii (cooler temperatures and more rainfall) runs roughly from October to March, and the "dry" season (warmer temperatures and less rainfall) from April to September. Hurricane season in the islands runs from June to November.
Travel to Hawaii
- By plane - Domestic and international flights land in Honolulu on the island of Oahu.
- By boat - While the days where everyone arrived in Hawaii by boat are long gone, there are limited numbers of trans-Pacific cruises to Hawaii that leave from ports on the West Coast. However, one fascinating way to experience Hawaii is by taking a cruise ship between the islands.
Getting around Hawaii
- By plane - Five inter-island airlines, Aloha Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Island Air and Pacific Wings provide virtually all flights between the islands. Flight times run anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes. Flights can usually be purchased a day or two before departure, although this may increase the cost of travelling.
- By boat - There are ferries between Oahu, Maui and Kauai daily. Charter boats sail and motor between some islands, especially the Maui-Molokai-Lanai area. Crossing the channels between islands can be extremely rough going. Because of this, a few charter companies specialize in having boats delivered inter island and can meet you at your destination.
- By bus - On Oahu there is an excellent public transportation system. Public transportation systems are less developed on the Neighbour Islands.
- By car - Car rentals should be booked as soon as possible as the price charged is based on a supply/demand basis. Scooters are also an excellent alternative to getting around the islands. Rental rates are fairly cheap and scooters are also fun to ride and are cheap on gas! Both car and scooter rentals are a great way to see and experience all the Hawaii has to offer at your own leisure.
Currency in Hawaii As in the rest of the United States, U.S. dollars are the local currency. There are plenty of banks, ATMs, and money change offices in all cities. ATMs are scarcer on the North Shore of Oahu and other rural areas.
Things to do and see in Hawaii
On the Big Island
- See molten lava flow at Kilauea volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Play in the snow atop Mauna Kea, the world's tallest mountain (measured from the ocean floor)
- Hike through Waipio Valley, the "Valley of the Kings"
- Explore Puukohola Heiau, the largest restored ancient Hawaiian religious temple
- Enjoy the entertainment, culture, and cuisine in Hilo and Kailua-Kona
On Oahu
- Take a surfing lesson on Waikiki Beach
- Watch world-class surfers charge the big waves on the North Shore
- Pay your respects at the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor
- Marvel at the American Florentine architecture of Iolani Palace
- Dress up and experience downtown nightlife and art galleries
On Maui
- Watch the sunrise atop the 10,000-foot Haleakala Crater
- Spot a humpback whale on a whale watching excursion
- Drive up the scenic, 53-mile Hana highway
- Snap a picture of striking Iao Needle in Iao Valley
- Spend a day browsing the museums, shops, and restaurants of Lahaina
On Kauai
- Hike up Waimea Canyon for stunning views of the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific"
- Take a helicopter ride along the 3000-foot cliffs of the Napali coast
- Kayak down the Wailua River. Kauai has the only navigable rivers in Hawaii.
On Molokai
- Hike through the breathtaking Halawa Valley
- Take a memorable mule ride through Kalaupapa National Historical Park and learn about the selfless acts of Father Damien
- Boat out to see the world's tallest sea cliffs (3600 feet) along the North Shore
On Lanai
- Four-wheel drive to the lunar landscapes of Keahiakawelo, the "Garden of the Gods"
- See the spinner dolphins in Hulopoe Bay
- Tee up at two championship golf courses: The Challenge at Manele and The Experience at Koele
- Hike up to Munro Trail for views of neighbouring islands Maui, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, and Hawaii's Big island
Hawaiian Culture Learning a few words of Hawaiian can be fun and useful.
Hello - Aloha. (ah-LOH-hah)
Goodbye - Aloha. (ah-LOH-hah)
Thank you - Mahalo. (mah-HAH-loh)
Help - kokua (koh-KOO-ah)
Woman - wahine (wah-HEE-nay)
Man - kane (kah-nay)
Child - keiki (KAY-kee)
Respect in Hawaii Hawaiian culture should be respected and travellers should be sensitive to the state's rich cultural heritage and diversity. There are many heiau (temples) in the Islands, where the ancient Hawaiian religion was practiced. Some of these have become tourist attractions in their own right, but visitors should nevertheless treat these places with the same level of respect one would show at a place of worship.
If you visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you will no doubt hear about Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes. An urban legend has it that people who have taken volcanic rock from the slopes of Mauna Loa or Kilauea have suffered various misfortunes; it is believed that it is the wrath of Pele. In any case, it is illegal to take rocks or other material from a national park.
Overall respect the land and the people.
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