Banks: 08:30 to 15:00 Monday to Thursday; 08:30 to 18:00 Fridays; some banks have morning hours on Saturdays
Post Offices: 09:00 to 14:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 21:00, Monday to Friday; 10:00 to 17:30 Saturdays; 12:00 to 18:00 Sundays
Museums: 09:00 to 17:00, daily
Business Offices: 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday

Unfortunately, Oahu has a well-documented crime problem. Popular tourist areas like Waikiki, the North Shore, Pearl Harbor and downtown Honolulu are hot spots for theft so exercise all your common sense when visiting these sites. Don’t leave anything of value in your rental car, as these are regularly broken into and pilfered. When lounging on the beaches, don’t leave anything unattended or it may go walking. The best strategy when visiting Honolulu is to leave all your valuables in the hotel safe.

Violent crimes are another blight on this otherwise idyllic destination. Tourists and resident non-Hawaiians alike are often on the receiving end of beatings by local thugs, especially at the more remote beaches and after dark. Ask your hotel about the trouble spots and avoid them. If you have any problems, dial 911 and the police will help.

There are also a few natural cautions to keep in mind when enjoying the sand and surf of Oahu. While all of the beaches are wonderfully soft and clean, the sea is usually turbulent and dangerous. Rip tides, undertows, and big waves that crash onto shallow razor-sharp reefs are very serious safety concerns. Only strong swimmers should venture out into the waters at certain beaches. There are several protected bays, however, that are well-known swimming spots so ask your hotel where the calmest beaches are found.

The sun can wreak havoc on your skin if you stay out in it too long. The constant breezes on Oahu can lull you into overlooking the fact that your skin is turning lobster red. Use plenty of sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself and prolong your time at the beach. Drink plenty of water as well, because dehydration sets in quickly when you’re out and about.

Police: 911

110V AC, 60Hz; standard outlets take two-prong plugs with flat blades.

Unlike Europe, the US does not offer free medical care to anyone. Minor illnesses can be handled by a visit to the local pharmacy, but anything serious will have to be treated at a hospital. Keep in mind that even the simplest medical treatment at an American hospital will cost you. It is highly suggested that all visitors buy travel insurance before going to Hawaii to help cover the costs of any medical emergencies.

English is the main language spoken in Honolulu. Thanks to the huge tourism industry in Hawaii, many of the locals are multilingual. Asian languages such as Japanese are particularly in high demand.

America uses the US dollar (US$) as its official currency. There are 100 cents in a dollar. Notes come in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins come in denominations of 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent.

Honolulu is one of the planet’s most expensive places to visit so be sure and bring plenty of cash, credit cards and traveller’s cheques. Currency exchange offices can be found at the airport and most banks in the city and on Waikiki Beach. ATMs are ubiquitous around Oahu, and many of them accept international debit cards with the PLUS or Cirrus logos. Keep in mind that most ATMs charge a rather high transaction fee for each international transaction.

Credit cards can be used for just about everything in Honolulu, even a soft drink at the convenience store. A credit card is required for renting a car and booking a hotel room, so it is suggested you bring at least one piece of plastic. Traveller’s cheques are a safe way to carry large amounts of money if you don’t want to rely on ATM withdrawals. Make sure you get them in US dollars so that you can cash them in stores, restaurants and hotels.

Every visitor over 21 years can bring 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars or 3 pounds of tobacco, 1 litre of spirits or wine, and US$100 worth of gifts. You may not bring any plant or food of any kind, even canned goods. Visitors are allowed to bring US$10,000 cash in and out of Hawaii, but larger amounts of cash must be declared to customs officials.

The most distinctive element of Hawaiian etiquette is the gift of a lei around your neck as a form of welcome. These beautiful, fragrant flower necklaces are a charming part of Hawaiian culture and can be bought all over Honolulu. In general, Hawaiians follow the same social rules as the rest of the Western world. Many true Hawaiians have a tremendous amount of pride in their cultural heritage, so try to be sensitive to the fact that they were essentially colonised by the Americans.

Non-native whites are often referred to as haoles, which simply means Caucasian. Don’t take it personally unless the tone is obviously meant to be derogatory. At any rate, you won’t want to get into a fight with a stout Hawaiian. The locals have great respect for their land, so treat it with care. Never leave your rubbish on the beach, and don’t disturb the sea life or coral reefs.

Dress is very casual on Oahu, so feel free to enjoy the relaxed island atmosphere. Most locals remove their shoes before entering a house so check at the door before entering a private home or bed and breakfast. A gift is always welcome when visiting someone’s home. Food or flowers work well.

Dining Etiquette
Eating out is generally a very casual affair in Honolulu. You’ll only need to dress smart if dining at one of the island’s top restaurants. Table manners are the same as in the rest of the Western world, so most visitors should have no problem fitting in. Tipping is the norm in Hawaii, so be prepared to leave a tip between 15 and 20 per cent of the bill.

European Union nationals need to fill out a form requesting a visa at least 72 hours before they plan to travel to the US. You may need to show evidence of funds and an onward ticket. Canadians also require a passport to enter the US.

The official Hawaii tourism office has a wealth of useful brochures, transportation information and maps free for visitors. 

Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Suite 801, Waikiki Business Plaza
2270 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: +1 808 923 1811