 Hawaii Pacific Ocean United StatesHawaii Pacific Ocean United States
  Hawaii / Hawaiian is the newest of the 50 U.S. states (August 21, 1959), and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands.
Hawaii is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of Australia. Hawaii’s natural beauty, warm tropical climate, inviting waters and waves, and active volcanoes make
Hawaii a popular destination for tourists, surfers, biologists, and volcanologists alike. Due to
Hawaiis mid-Pacific location, Hawaii has many North American and Asian influences along with its own vibrant native culture. Hawaii has over a million permanent residents along with many visitors and U.S. military personnel.
Hawaiis
capital is Honolulu on the island of Oahu.
Hawaii Population: 1,360,301
The state encompasses nearly the entire volcanic Hawaiian Island chain, which comprises hundreds of islands spread over 1,500 miles (2,400 km). At the southeastern end of the archipelago, the eight "main islands" are (from the northwest to southeast) Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lānai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and Hawaii. The last is by far the largest and is often called "The Big Island" to avoid confusion with the state as a whole. The archipelago is physiographically and ethnologically part of the Polynesian subregion of
Oceania.
Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu is Hawaii's major airport, serving as the entry point for most of Hawaii's visitors. All major domestic carriers and many international carriers serve Oahu, so you can get
Hawaii from just about anywhere. There are also direct flights from the continental US to Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii's Big Island.
 Do I need a car to get around on Hawaii?
Transportation options vary from island to island, but to really experience Hawaii, you should consider renting a car. Many visitors also enjoy taking bus tours to conveniently explore the Islands. For most islands you can also get around by shuttle, taxi or public transportation.
 Do I need my passport to get to
Hawaii ?
Since Hawaii is the 50th state, you won’t need to bring your passport unless you’re visiting from outside the United States or traveling to another country after Hawaii.
What should I pack on my trip to Hawaii ?
It's warm in Hawaii, so pack your summer attire. You may want to bring a jacket or sweater for the evenings. Bring warmer clothes if you plan on visiting higher elevations like Haleakala National Park in Maui. Suits and ties are very rarely worn here. Bring some casual dress clothes or resort wear if you plan on experiencing Hawaii's nightlife. You can buy an aloha shirt and flip-flops (or slippers, as the locals call them) when you get here.
Hawaii's currency is the US dollar. Traveler's checks aren't necessary since credit cards are widely accepted and ATM machines are plentiful. Don't worry if you forget something. Hawaii's retail stores and malls have everything you need, including plenty of sunscreen.
When is a good time to visit Hawaii ?
Anytime of year is a good time to visit Hawaii. The average temperature here is between 75˚-85˚ F. Summer, between April and November is warmer and drier while winter, between December and March, is a bit cooler. Trade winds keep things comfortable year-round.
Whale watching season begins in late December and ends in early May. Peak whale watching months are between January and early April. November through Feburary is big wave surf season on Hawaii’s north shores.
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