HAWAII
Fun Facts From Globus Tours
- Due to volcanic activity, Hawaii is the only state in the Union that continues to grow in mass
- The hoary bat and the monk seal are they only two types of mammals native to Hawaii
- Hawaii has an exclusive time zone and does not participate in Daylight Savings Time
Hawaii is a destination to “take in” that provides visitors with many ways to do so – from overhead in a helicopter, snorkeling with sea turtles in crystal waters, or hiking up volcanoes. It is a place of unsurpassed beauty, friendly culture, and adventure! The vivid colors of wildlife and vegetation coupled with fresh air and expansive ocean shores, make it the perfect destination to relax and enjoy life. Though it’s likely to rain while vacationing there, it is a welcome event because the rainbows produced are stunning – iconic images of
Hawaii’s natural beauty. The mentality the natives possess is, “No rain…no rainbows” – a take-it-in-stride attitude that describes the pace of life there.
The “big island” of Hawaii is home to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – a wonderland of steaming fire pits, lava tubes, and fern forests. On the Island of Oahu, visitors can also see the USS Arizona Memorial, a powerful and educational reminder of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the start of WWII. Oahu also features one of the most famous beaches in the world – Waikiki Beach. The stunning colors and waterfalls of Waimea Canyon on the Island of Kauai have been named “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific” – it is an experience of unparalleled beauty. On the Island of Maui, Haleakala National Park is not to be missed. In 1980, it was designated an International Biosphere reserve in order to protect the extraordinary features of the Haleakala Crater and the delicate native ecosystem there. Another highlight is the lush ‘Iao Valley, containing the spectacular ’Iao Needle – a natural volcanic spire.
Part of the Hawaiian experience is certainly the culture! There are countless performances of Polynesianstyle dancing and music. The food is unique and lively, not to mention fresh! Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii enjoys an abundance of fresh fish. Also known for its delicious coffee, some of the islands feature the opportunity to learn about this state’s coffee beans and the pride they take in growing them. Taking part in a Luau is a great way to experience the food & culture of Hawaii. Everything about Hawaii suggests that life slows down a little there – the gorgeous landscape, colors, cuisine, and entertainment allow visitors to escape for a while and experience life off the mainland.
CURRENCY
For the most current exchange rates, please go to our website at Globusjourneys.com/Currency.
Although credit cards are widely accepted in the United States and Canada, we recommend our passengers carry some cash (~$50) to use in circumstances when credit cards are not accepted or in destinations where ATMs are not readily available.
BUDGETING AND SHOPPING
When budgeting for your trip, keep in mind that the cost of goods, including food, drinks, and souvenirs, may differ significantly from what you’re used to at home, especially when dining in hotels.
The following budget guidelines are just approximate values or starting values for meals and are per person. Actual prices will vary widely by restaurant and city but below are some averages as provided by our experienced personnel.
The approximate cost of a soft drink/mineral water/coffee is $3 – 4.
An average lunch consisting of a salad or sandwich and a soda or water starts at approximately $20.
A dinner at a mid-range restaurant with dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage starts at approximately $35-50.
Shopping
Great items to bring back from Hawaii are Hawaiian shirts, Kona coffee, macadamia nuts, Hawaiian heirloom jewelry, fresh island fruit, flowers, and leis. You’ll find jewelry everywhere crafted from a multitude of ocean shells and stones. In Waikiki, stroll along Kalakaua Avenue for upscale designer shops or Ala Moana with stores, movie theaters, and restaurants. In Maui, visit the Shops at Wailea, home to many stores and restaurants, or perhaps Lahaina, which has a variety of shops from souvenir to art galleries and upscale designer wear. Kauai offers the shops at Poipu Beach for a variety of galleries, boutiques, jewelry, and tropical fashion styles.
TEMPERATURES
Hawaii, on average, has a stable and predictable climate. The warm island location is accompanied by humidity but the stifling effects tend to be diluted by the constant ocean breeze. We recommend checking local weather in each of your destinations prior to travel to ensure you are adequately prepared for the conditions. Please note that a sweater or jacket is needed if visiting Haleakala National Park or Volcanoes National Park To help you plan, below are average low and high temperatures for Hawaii.
To convert to Celsius, subtract 30, then divide by 2. While not exact, this simple formula will give a close estimation.
FOOD SPECIALTIES
Often known as Pacific Rim cuisine, Hawaii’s cuisine is a fusion of many cultures, including American, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Polynesian. Enjoy fresh seafood, tropical fruits, roasted pork, poi, and Kona coffee. Try a “plate lunch” consisting of an entree of meat or seafood, two scoops of rice, and macaroni salad. You may be surprised to also find a lot of Spam as Hawaiians consume the second largest amount of the product after Guam.
CUSTOMS AND CULTURE
While Hawaii is a smoke-free state like many other states across the U.S., its anti-smoking laws also prohibit smoking in all state parks and some county beaches and parks.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE COUNTRY INFORMATION
Additional country-specific information for US citizens can be found on the US Government’s website www.travel.state.gov. Here, you can find the most up-to-date information about destination descriptions, passports/visas, safety and security, transportation, travel local laws, alerts/warnings, vaccinations, and more. For citizens of other nations, we recommend you consult your local consulate for travel information, regulations, and requirements.
