Travel Guide Hawaii
Turquoise waters, white sand, coconut trees, ukulele, flower necklaces, exceptional climate... How not to find happiness in this destination as sublime as multiple! In the middle of the North Pacific, it is a volcanic Polynesian archipelago with 8 main islands and a hundred islets. Six of them can be visited, the others being private or uninhabited. Each one has its own identity, its nickname. Oahu, "the most popular" and the most famous, offers the urban madness of the very American Honolulu but also the sweetness of life of Haleiwa, capital of surfers, without forgetting Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach. And it is also the birthplace of Barack Obama, the former president of the United States. As for Maui, "the island of the valley", between its dormant volcano and its enchanting Hana Road, it is an open-air tropical garden. The island of Hawaii, the largest of all, has the highest peak in the Pacific and one of the most active volcanoes in the world. More peaceful, Kauai, "the garden island", is a festival of colors where the emerald of the Napali Coast rubs shoulders with the ochre of Waimea Canyon. Lanai, "the enchanting one", and Molokai , "the authentic one", of more modest size, remain unmissable wild pearls. By following the advice of a Hawaii travel guide, you will discover the prodigious diversity of the archipelago, but also the kindness of its inhabitants in this state of the United States. Hawaii is a real dream destination that we invite you to discover urgently.
What to visit Hawaii?
Suggested addresses Hawaii
When to go to Hawaii?
Depending on the activities you want to practice during your vacations, you should choose winter or summer. In winter, the sea is rather rough, and it is the surfing season for the pros. In the summer, the sea is much calmer, suitable for swimming, surfing lessons for beginners, snorkeling and kayaking. Here are some tips on when to go to Hawaii.
Hawaii has two peak tourist seasons : winter and summer. These two periods correspond in fact to the school vacations in the United States, hence the peaks of frequentation. These are the most expensive seasons at all levels (flights, accommodation, restaurants, tours...).
Winter is very popular with water sports professionals because it is the period when the waves are of a good level for their practice. But it is necessary to have a good experience in the matter because in certain corners, the rollers reach 10 m high! This is why the world surfing championship, "Triple Crown of Surfing", which takes place on the North Shore of Oahu, is held in winter. In the summer, the waters of the archipelago are calmer and perfect for swimming, lounging or snorkeling.
Low tourist season: spring and fall. These off-seasons are still very pleasant, as the Hawaiian climate is mild all year round. This is the best time to enjoy the calm of the islands and their paradisiacal setting. Many honeymoons take place during this period.
Weather at the moment
Temperatures are mild all year round in Hawaii, but it is customary to distinguish 2 seasons: winter, with an average of 25°C and some showers, and summer, which is hotter and drier, with about 30°C. Note that the climate can vary considerably depending on which coast you are on. The rule is always the same: the northern coast, known as "windward", is quite humid (due to the rain-bearing trade winds), while the western and southern coast, known as "leeward", is sunny and dry.
The cost of living is a little higher than on the American continent because of transportation costs. For food, the prices are generally the same as in the United States, but the more you eat locally, the cheaper it is. If you book in advance, you can find rooms around 100 US$. A cocktail costs between 8-10 US$, a sandwich 4-8 US$, a bus ticket 2,50 US$, a car rental for the day 30-40 US$, a place for a luau (Hawaiian dinner-show) 80-120 US$
French tourists need an ESTA authorization for any stay in Hawaii and the United States of less than 90 days. It can be obtained on the official ESTA website (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov). You just have to fill in an online form and a confirmation will be sent to you by email within 24 hours. The authorization is valid for two years, within the validity of your passport. This authorization costs US$ 14 and must be completed by a passport valid for 6 months after the date of departure and a return flight ticket. The rule is the same for Luxembourg, Belgium and Switzerland. Canadians do not need authorization. For more information on the type of visa to apply for and the steps to follow, consult the website of the U.S. Embassy in France.
Apart from perhaps some problems with adapting to climate and food, it is unlikely that you will experience serious health problems during your trip to Hawaii. However, you should be wary of mosquitoes and always have a repellent bomb with you - especially in wetlands - because a dengue epidemic struck the archipelago in 2001... The other risks concern mainly the strong currents of some beaches, which can cause drowning or propel you onto very sharp coral reefs. Always check with lifeguards at supervised beaches before going into the water and avoid swimming alone on unsupervised beaches. In addition, in this guide we give you information on beaches for swimming, and we specify whether they are dangerous or not. To find out about the country's health situation and receive advice, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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How to go to Hawaii? Our advice & tips
To Hawaii, you will find mainly agencies offering customized trips or combining them with a tour in the United States. It is up to you to build your stay according to your desires and your pace. It can be interesting to opt for a package tour if you wish to visit several islands in a short time because you will not have to deal with transfers between each island.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationAs in the rest of the United States, it is very easy to travel alone in Hawaii. The only thing that may seem complex is the transportation from island to island, with car rentals, airport pick-ups and drop-offs, and hotel changes. But, if you are used to traveling around, it will seem like a piece of cake as the infrastructure is adapted to international tourists.
If you plan to visit several islands, it is advisable to book your long-haul flight at the same time as your inter-island flights in order to get the best prices. In general, flights are much more expensive in the morning and evening. The cheapest solution is to use public transportation. No streetcar or train, but bus lines in most of the islands. Generally speaking, a rental car is undoubtedly the best way to visit each of the islands.
