Kapiolani Park, Waikiki
Oahu FAQs
What is the time difference from Australia?
Hawaii is at GMT-10 hours, the same as French Polynesia. Sydney, Australia is at GMT+10 hours.
So 12 noon on Monday in Sydney is 3 pm Sunday in Hawaii. Hawaii does not observe Daylight
Savings Time so add +1 hour during this period each summer.
Where is the main airport on Oahu?
Oahu’s main airport is Honolulu International Airport (HNL). HNL is also Hawaii’s major airport,
serving as the entry point for most of Hawaii’s visitors.
Do I need a car to get around Oahu?
If you’re planning to stay in Waikiki, you can get around by shuttle, tour bus, taxi, or Hawaii’s
excellent public transport system. But to really experience Oahu outside of Waikiki, you should
consider renting a car at Honolulu International Airport. Make reservations in advance.
Where are the major hotel and resort areas on Oahu?
Most Oahu resorts and hotels can be found in Waikiki. You can also find one luxury resort in east
Honolulu (The Kahala Hotel & Resort), one on the North Shore (Turtle Bay Resort) and one on the
Leeward Coast in the Ko Olina Resort area (J.W. Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa).
Do I need my passport to get to Oahu?
You will need a passport to get to Hawaii, unless you are a US citizen (Hawaii is the 50th state of
the United States). Learn more about entry requirements here.
What should I pack on my trip to Oahu?
It’s warm on Oahu, so pack your summer attire. You may want to bring a light jacket or jumper
for the evenings. Suits and ties are rarely worn here. Bring some casual dress clothes or resort
wear if you plan on experiencing Oahu’s nightlife. You can buy an Aloha Shirt and thongs (or
slippers, as the locals call them) when you get here.
What currency does Hawaii use?
Hawaii's currency is the US dollar. Travellers cheques and major credit cards are widely accepted
and ATM machines are plentiful. Don't worry if you forget something. Hawaii's retail stores and
shopping centres have everything you need, including plenty of sunscreen.
© 2017 Hawaii Tourism Authority
When is a good time to visit Oahu?
Any time of year is a good time to visit Oahu. Summer, between April and November, is warmer
and drier (average temperature is 24˚-31˚ C) while winter, between December and March, is a bit
cooler (20˚-27˚ C). Trade winds keep things comfortable year-round. Winter is big wave surf
season on Oahu’s North Shore with major competitions in November and December. Whale
watching season begins in December and ends in May. Peak whale watching months are between
January and early April.
What language do they speak in Hawaii?
The official languages of Hawaii are English and Hawaiian, although Hawaiian is not commonly
spoken. Major resort areas often have customer service representatives who speak Japanese.
What are Hawaii’s tipping rates?
US standards on tipping apply:
Restaurants: 15-20%. Check to see if “gratuity” is included for large parties.
Bar: $0.50-$1 US per drink
Housekeeping: $1 US per bed, per night
Luggage porters: $1 US per bag
Doorman: $1 US for calling a taxi
Room Service: 10-15% of the total bill
Taxi: 15% of fare
What is the US area code for Hawaii?
The area code for the state of Hawaii is (808).
How can I make international calls?
You can use phone calling cards or credit cards to make international calls. International calling
cards are sold in local convenience stores.
Is there Internet access in Hawaii?
Internet access is readily available in Hawaii. Most resorts and hotels have Internet access.
What is the electrical voltage in Hawaii?
Electricity in the US is 115/120 volts at 60 cycles (60 Hz) per second. If your device does not
accept this voltage, you may need to purchase a voltage converter.
How far is it from Waikiki to Oahu’s attractions?
From
From
From
From
From
From
From
Honolulu International Airport to Waikiki 9 miles / 30 minutes
Waikiki to Pearl Harbor 11 miles / 30 minutes
Waikiki to Downtown Honolulu 4 miles / 15 minutes
Waikiki to Polynesian Cultural Center 35 miles / 75 minutes
Waikiki to Haleiwa Town (North Shore) 32 miles / 60 minutes
Waikiki to Nuuanu Pali Lookout 11 miles / 30 minutes
Waikiki to Ko Olina 26 miles / 45 minutes
© 2017 Hawaii Tourism Authority