Home : Planning Your Trip : FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
GETTING TO OAHU
FAST FACTS
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
RULES & REGULATIONS
Do I need a passport to travel to O‘ahu?
For U.S. visitors, Hawaii is the 50th state, so you won't need to bring your passport. For international visitors, including Canadian and Mexican visitors, a passport is required. For some international visitors, a visitor visa may also be required please check with your country’s U.S. embassy or visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/ for more information on tourist visas for the U.S.
What’s the Time Difference?
Daylight savings occurs at 2am on the first Sunday in April and ends on the last Sunday in October at 2am. Hawaii does not observe daylight savings time.
April – October (Spring Forward)
Eastern Standard Time (EST): Hawaii is six (6) hours behind
Central Standard Time (CST): Hawaii is five (5) hours behind.
Mountain Standard Time (MST): Hawaii is four (4) hours behind.
Pacific Standard Time (PST): Hawaii is three (3) hours behind.
October – April (Fall Back)
Eastern Standard Time (EST): Hawaii is five (5) hours behind
Central Standard Time (CST): Hawaii is four (4) hours behind.
Mountain Standard Time (MST): Hawaii is three (3) hours behind.
Pacific Standard Time (PST): Hawaii is two (2) hours behind.
For international time zone information, please go to www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/
What’s the weather like when I’m coming?
For a weekly forecast, go to the National Weather Service website http://www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/
Is there a website regarding information on airport security, screening and luggage procedures?
Please visit the Transportation Security Administration website at www.tsa.gov/
What should I bring?
Pack for summer all year-round. Shorts, t-shirts, don’t forget a light jacket (just in case), comfortable walking shoes. Flip-flops are great if you have them, otherwise you can purchase on Oahu along with sunscreen and other beach items.
How many days should I stay?
Figuring out how many days to spend on O‘ahu is challenging considering there’s so much to see and do here. Start with how many days you have and leave the planning to us.
What are the different areas of Oahu?
There are five major “areas” of O‘ahu (Honolulu, Waikiki, North Shore, Windward and East Shore, and Central and West).
Honolulu, the capital city of the State of Hawaii is located on Oahu. The seat of State government and seat of the City & County of Honolulu government are located in Downtown Honolulu. Downtown Honolulu is also the financial district of Oahu.
Waikiki, a resort and residential area of Honolulu is by far the largest of three major resort areas on Oahu. Waikiki is home to approximately 40,000 rooms and is about 1 square mile in size. Waikiki is a metropolitan area with world class shopping, dining and accommodations along a stretch of beach perfect for swimming and surfing.
North Shore – Home to the world famous Sunset Beach, Banzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay, O‘ahu’s rustic North Shore is famed for big wave surfing during the winter months but offers calm, swimming beaches in the summer. About a one-hour drive from Waikiki, the North Shore countryside is a beautiful, laid back area of Oahu with cool surf shops, local art stores and great eateries.
East Shore and Windward Coast – O‘ahu’s east shore is home to iconic Diamond Head Crater and offers a mix of city, resort as well as a natural adventure. Bordering famous Waikiki, the east shore is made up mostly of quiet suburban neighborhoods makes for a beautiful, scenic coastal drive toward lush Windward Oahu. Sleepy towns are wedged between the 3000 + foot Ko`olau Mountain Range and miles of white, pristine beaches. Windward Oahu is perfect for water adventures such as swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling.
Central and West Oahu – Between bustling Honolulu and wide, green countryside of the North Shore, come discover the charming historic towns and wide sandy beaches of Central and West Oahu. This rural area of Oahu encompasses historic Pearl Harbor, Dole Plantation and Maze, Aloha Stadium and Ko‘olina.
How far is it from the Airport to Waikiki? From Waikiki to the North Shore?
From the Airport to Waikiki 9 miles / 30 minutes
From Waikiki to the Arizona Memorial 11 miles / 30 minutes
From Waikiki to Downtown Honolulu 4 miles / 15 minutes
From Waikiki to Polynesian Cultural Center 35 miles / 75 minutes
From Waikiki to Hale‘iwa Town (North Shore) 32 miles / 60 minutes
From Waikiki to Pali Lookout 11 miles / 30 minutes
From Waikiki to Ko Olina 26 miles / 45 minutes
Do you have information on Special Needs travel to Oahu?
For Accessibility Information on traveling to Oahu, please visit the State of Hawaii Disability and Communication Access Board Website http://www.hawaii.gov/health/dcab/travel/ and for information on free beach access wheelchairs http://www.honolulu.gov/parks/programs/beach/
What hotels are recommended? Which properties are for the more budget minded? How far in advance should I book my hotel accommodations? Can you give me a list of the b&b's? I'm planning to stay at this property...can you tell me if this is a reputable company?
We are not allowed to give any recommendation because we are a membership organization and cannot recommend one business over another. For questions dealing with prices and reservations, please call the specific property. To find out if a particular company has had any problems, check the Better Business Bureau of Hawaii www.hawaii.bbb.org/ or the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Office of Consumer Protection www.hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/ocp/
What kinds of transportation are available on Oahu?
Renting a Car is a great option for visitors who really want to explore the entire island, make their own plans and have flexibility with their schedules. Oahu has four major areas which are very different and unique. All the major car rental companies are at the Honolulu International Airport.
Riding the bus is an inexpensive option of touring the island. Routes are extensive and go to most major attractions, and there are visitor passes available for purchase. Popular attraction route and fare information is on their website, www.thebus.org
For many major attractions and shopping centers outside of Waikiki, there may be a free shuttle to and from the attraction to your hotel. Check with the attraction reservations/customer service department for availability and pick-up times.
Taxis are great for shorter distances when you don’t have much time and may be a great option for groups who can share the cost.
I want to get married on Oahu. How do I obtain a marriage license?
In order to get married in the State of Hawaii you must first obtain a marriage license.
- The legal age 18 years old.
- No are no state residence or U.S. citizenship requirements
- Proof of age is required
- Blood tests are not required.
- The marriage license application must be filled out (can be downloaded from the website) and filed in person by both the bride and groom. Applications are not accepted via postal mail or email.
- The marriage license is issued at the time of application and is valid for 30 days and only in the State of Hawaii.
For complete and the most up to date information regarding obtaining a marriage license, please visit the Hawaii State Department of Health website, popular links, Getting a Marriage License http://www.hawaii.gov/health/
The website also has information on Marriage agents or you can call (808) 586-4544.
Where can I get a camping permit?
Camping Permits can be obtained at Satellite City Halls www.honolulu.gov/csd/satellite/
For general O‘ahu Camping Information, visit the Department of Parks and Recreation website, www.honolulu.gov/parks/permits.htm
Is there a website where I can find the current ocean conditions?
For updated information concerning Oahu's beaches, surf forecasts and beach safety tips, visit the City & County of Honolulu's Ocean safety website hawaiibeachsafety.org
Are there any nude beaches on Oahu?
There are no legal nude beaches on Oahu or in the State of Hawai'i. The Honolulu Police Department does cite those in violation of the law.
Are there smoking regulations in Hawaii?
The State of Hawaii has enacted The Smoke Free Hawaii law, designed to protect the health and wellbeing of the people who do not want to be subjected to secondhand smoke. It is not a ban. Smokers may still purchase and use smoke-producing tobacco products in areas other than those designated as smoke-free under the law. This law becomes effective on Nov. 16, 2006. For more information please visit www.hawaiismokefree.com.
