USA & Hawaii Travel - Adventure Holidays, Backpacker Tours & Overland Safaris

The United States of America is a large country in central and north-western North America. The U.S. also includes several Pacific islands (primarily represented by the state of Hawaii) and an unincorporated Caribbean territory (the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico). One of the most powerful and wealthy nations on earth and third largest in territory and people, its incredible natural beauty will amaze every traveller. Part of the States' appeal is that you can experience so much in one country.

Backpacker Hostel Accommodation & Hotels in the USA & Hawaii

In the USA & 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 the USA & Hawaii

The USA & 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 the USA & 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.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA)

Regions of the USA

New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont) - Home to gabled churches, rustic antiques, and steeped in American history, New England offers beaches, spectacular seafood, rugged mountains, frequent winter snows, and some of the young nation's oldest cities.
Mid-Atlantic (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania) - Ranging from New York in the north to Washington DC, the Mid-Atlantic is home to a number of the nation's most densely populated cities, but also rolling mountains and traditional seaside resorts like Long Island and the Jersey Shore.
The South (Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia) - The slow-going, friendly South is celebrated for its down-home cookin' and its blues, jazz, rock 'n' roll, and country music traditions. This lush, largely subtropical region includes verdant (and refreshingly cool) mountains, stately agricultural plantations, and vast cypress swamps.
Florida - Northern Florida is similar to the rest of the South, but head further south into the resorts of Orlando, retirement communities, tropical Caribbean-influenced Miami, the Everglades swamp, and 1200 miles of sandy beaches.
Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin) - The Midwest is home to rolling farmland, large forests, picturesque towns, and many bustling industrial cities. Many of these states border the Great Lakes, the largest system of freshwater lakes in the world, forming the North Coast of the U.S.
Texas - The second biggest state in the nation. The terrain ranges from south-eastern swamplands to the cattle-ranching South Plains to the miles of sandy beaches of South Texas to the mountains and deserts of West Texas.
Great Plains (North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma) - Travel westward through these "flat" states, from the edge of the eastern forests through the prairies and onto the High Plains.
Rocky Mountains (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming) - The spectacular snow-covered Rockies offer outdoor pursuits such as hiking, rafting, and skiing on some of the greatest snow on Earth. There are also deserts and some large cities.
Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah) - Heavily influenced by Hispanic culture, the arid Southwest is home to some of the nation's most spectacular natural attractions, and a flourishing artistic culture. Although mostly empty, the region's deserts have some of the nation's largest cities.
California - offers world-class cities, deserts, rain forests, snowy mountains, and a famous beach lifestyle. Northern California (centred around the Bay Area) and Southern California (centred around Los Angeles) are culturally very different.
Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon) - The pleasantly mild Pacific Northwest offers outdoor pursuits as well as cosmopolitan cities. The terrain ranges from spectacular rain forests to scenic mountains and volcanoes to sage-covered steppes and interior deserts.
Alaska - One fifth as large as the rest of the United States, Alaska reaches well into the Arctic, and features expansive mountainous wilderness.
Hawaii - A volcanic archipelago in the tropical Pacific, 2,300 miles from California, laid-back Hawaii has long been a vacation paradise.

Climate in the USA

The overall climate is temperate, with notable exceptions.

Alaska has Arctic tundra, while Hawaii and Florida are tropical. The Great Plains are dry, flat and grassy, turning into arid desert in the far West.

North and Mid-Western - Seasons vary dramatically. In winter snow can fall, with bitterly cold temperatures. Summers are typically mild but very humid.
The South - Humidity and high temperatures make warmer months in these states good for sipping iced tea and plunging into cool bodies of water.
The Great Plains & Midwestern - experience tornadoes from the late spring to early fall, earlier in the south and later in the north.
The Rockies - very cold and snowy. Some of the world's most famous ski resorts are located in Colorado and Utah. Even during the summer, temperatures are cool in the mountains, and snow can fall nearly year-round.
The South-western deserts - are extremely arid and hot during the summer. Thunderstorms can be expected in the southwest frequently from July through September because of the summer monsoon that rises from Mexico. Winters in this region are mild.
Northwest - areas such as Seattle or Portland - Cool and damp weather is common. Rain is most frequent in winter and falls almost exclusively from late fall through early spring along the coast, except in Washington, where rain falls year-round.

History of USA

America

was once populated by people who migrated here from northeast Asia. In the

United States

those that remain are known as Native Americans, or American Indians.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, various parts of the region were colonized by several European nations and/or their religious missionaries, including

Spain

France

Great Britain

, the

Netherlands

Sweden

, and

Russia

. By the early 18th century, 13 colonies ranged along the Atlantic coast from

Georgia

to present-day Maine. Their growth drove the displacement the Native American population westward and the extinction of many others, as well as the end of the embryonic Dutch and Swedish footholds. The southern areas, because of a longer growing season, had richer agricultural prospects, especially for cotton and tobacco. Large plantations developed with most of the labour being provided by African slaves, as was typical of most of Central and South America.

In the late 18th century, colonial revolutionaries declared independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776, eventually realized by a bloody Revolutionary War. By the mid-19th century the differences between North and South had become severe. Though slavery was not the only issue between the two, it was an important one. By the 1860s, the Southern states decided to secede from the Union and the American Civil War broke out. It was one of the bloodiest conflicts in history, costing hundreds of thousands of lives. With the victory of the North a single country was maintained. While slavery was abolished, the former slaves by and large remained an economic and social underclass in the South.

Alaska was purchased from the Russians in 1867, and Hawaii was annexed in 1898.

With its entrance into World War I near the end of the conflict, the United States established itself as a world power. At the end of 1941 the United States entered World War II. In Alliance with the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union, the U.S. helped defeat the fascist regimes in Italy, Germany, and Japan. Also at the end of WWII, African Americans, who had long suffered de facto disenfranchisement, demanded equal rights, with widespread demonstrations. This, and the status of women and other "overdue" societal changes that had been contained by the effort of the war, flowered into a virtual revolution. The unpopular war in Vietnam, a by-product of the Cold War, added to the social strife. Taken together these changes led to significant change in the country: the economic and political conditions for African Americans substantially improved; a majority of women entered the workplace, and this had a powerful effect on home life, the workplace and the economy.

Travel to the USA

By plane - Most visitors from outside Canada and Mexico arrive in the United States by plane. While many medium sized inland cities have an international airport, there are limited flights to most of these and most travellers find themselves entering the U.S. at one of the major entry points along the coasts.
By car - Roads from Canada and Mexico are too numerous to mention and travelers should consult maps. Traffic on American roads travels on the right hand side (as it does in Canada and Mexico).

By boat - Entering the U.S. by sea, other than on a registered cruise ship, may be difficult. The most common entry points for private boats are Los Angeles and the surrounding area, Florida, and the Eastern coastal states.
By train - Amtrak offers international service from Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal into the U.S.

Getting around the USA

The size of the U.S. and the distance separating major cities make air the dominant mode of travel for short-term travellers. If you have time, travel by car or rail can be interesting. Car rental - Most rental agencies accept an International Driver's Permit only when presented along with a valid driver's license from your country. Gasoline ("gas") is sold by the gallon.

A taste of things to see and do in the USA

Statue of Liberty and Central Park
The Grand Canyon
Yellowstone National Park
Yosemite National Park
Death Valley
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Drive the Californian Coast line
Visit Mount Rushmore
Visit Disneyland!
See some Jazz in the South
Go see an NBA, NFL or NHL game. The United States is one of the most sports addicted countries and watching a game is amazing.
Independence Day - Celebrates America's independence from England. The day is usually marked by parades, festivals, concerts, and large firework displays. Almost every single town will have some sort of festivity to celebrate the day.
Burning Man Festival - The Burning Man festival in Black Rock City, Nevada is a unique and radical festival of self-expression.
Hit the great outdoors - The large variety of landscapes across the country yields a plethora of opportunities for about any sport you can imagine including skiing, hiking, fishing, hunting, shooting.

Currency in the USA

The official U.S. currency is the United States dollar. Most states have a sales tax, ranging from 2.9% to nearly 10% of the retail price. Sales tax is almost never included in posted prices (except for gasoline), but instead will be calculated and added to the total when you pay. America is the birthplace of the shopping mall, and suburbs in particular have miles and miles of strip malls.

Tipping in America is widely used and expected. The general accepted rate: 15-20%. Bartenders: $1 per drink if inexpensive or 15% of total.

Culture in the USA

Because of its size and because nearly all citizens are descended from diverse immigrants, there is no single universal "American" culture.

The drinking age is 21 throughout the U.S. except in Puerto Rico. Enforcement varies, but if you're under 30 you should definitely be prepared to show photo ID when buying alcohol in a store or entering a bar.

Safety in the USA

Like most things in the US, crime varies greatly depending on the area. Larger cities have higher crime rates. As always, common sense goes a long way: do not go out alone at night, avoid high-crime areas, be wary of strangers, and do not draw attention to yourself.
Street drugs, including marijuana, and prostitution are illegal throughout the U.S.
911 is the emergency phone number

HAWAII

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. 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"

Hawaii has something for everyone. The island of Oahu, the most populous and home to the state capital and largest city of Honolulu, is great for people who wish to experience the islands and still keep the conveniences of a large city. Rainforests and hiking trails are located just minutes from Waikiki Beach, one of the world's best tourist destinations. In the winter, large waves on Oahu's north shore turn the normally sleepy area into the surfing capital of the world.
On the other hand, those who wish to experience Hawaii at a slower pace would do well to visit one of the Neighbour Islands (the other, less populated islands around Oahu). All the neighbour islands offer opportunities to relax and enjoy the sun and scenery. Many of the natural wonders of the Islands are located on the Neighbour Islands, from Waimea Canyon on Kauai, to Haleakala on Maui, to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. Numerous waterfalls and rainforests evoke memories of what the islands might have looked like before major corporations set their sights on Hawaii.

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

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.