Hawaii consists of the Hawaiian Islands, with its capital located in Honolulu on Oahu. Thanks to its uniquely advantageous geographical location, Hawaii boasts abundant natural resources and diverse landscapes, including beaches, volcanoes, rainforests, and more. In this travel guide, we’ll take you through Hawaii’s transportation and popular attractions. Let’s dive in！
A Mini Geography Lesson on Hawaii
Hawaii is the 50th state of the United States, comprising up to 137 atolls, coral islands, and reefs. The seven main inhabited islands, ranked from largest to smallest, are the Big Island (Hawaiʻi Island), Maui, Oahu, Kauai (also known as the Garden Isle), Molokai, Lanai, and Niihau. Among these, the first four are also the most popular tourist destinations.
Pre-Trip Tips for Visiting Hawaii
Visa
Holders of Taiwanese chip passports valid for more than six months can apply for ESTA online in advance. Once approved, they can enter the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for tourism stays of up to 90 days.
More details:Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Time Difference
18 hours behind Taiwan
Exchange Rate
1 US Dollar ($) = 30.855 Taiwanese Dollars (as of December 25, 15:11, Bank of Taiwan exchange rate)
*Quick Tip:If you plan to drive, bring extra 25-cent coins—it might make paying for parking more convenient.
Voltage & Plugs
The same as in Taiwan; no transformer or adapter plug is needed, but it’s recommended to bring an extension cord.
Language
The official languages are English and Hawaiian, but English is predominantly spoken.
What’s the Weather Like? What Should I Wear?
Hawaii is located on the edge of the tropics, and with year-round trade winds, temperatures generally range between 21–30°C. Summer clothing is perfect for Hawaii. However, if you plan to visit mountainous areas such as the Big Island or Maui, remember to pack a winter jacket—temperatures at elevations over 3,000 meters can feel like 0–5°C.
How to Get to Hawaii? Are There Direct Flights?
One Taiwanese airline operates two weekly direct flights from Taoyuan (TPE) to Honolulu (HNL). Other routes usually require just one layover to reach Hawaii, so you can choose a flight based on your schedule.
State Tax
Among all U.S. states, Hawaii has the lowest tax rate at just 4%. Many visitors consider Hawaii a shopping paradise！
Transportation
Airplane
From the map above, we can see that Hawaii consists of many islands, which is why inter-island travel mainly relies on airplanes. There are two major airlines in Hawaii: Hawaiian Airlines and Aloha Airlines, both offering flights to various islands.
Generally speaking, if travelers have enough time, they often choose to visit one additional island besides Oahu, making airplanes the best mode of transportation in such cases.
*Pssst... a little tip:If you opt for the first airline, remember to sign up as a member on their official website beforehand—you’ll get discounts on checked baggage.
Self-driving
Each of Hawaii’s islands has ring roads and car rental companies, and with the maximum speed limit being only 55 km/h, the driving environment is very friendly—so self-driving in Hawaii is definitely a great option.
If you decide to drive, it’s recommended to book your vehicle online in advance to avoid the hassle of not finding a rental car when you arrive. Also, renters must be over 25 years old and have a credit card and a valid driver’s license (either an international license ora domestic license). Once all the preparations are done, just show up at the designated rental location on time and start your own island-hopping adventure.
Bus
If you’re only planning to explore Oahu and feel a bit uneasy about driving abroad, then the bus is your best bet. The Bus system on Oahu has even won multiple “Best Transit System” awards from the American Public Transportation Association.
The Bus operates 99 routes, with stops approximately every one to two blocks—very dense coverage. Most routes pass through Kalakaua Avenue, making transfers extremely convenient.
Price:
Adults (17 and older): $2.75/single ride, $5.50/day pass (valid from 12am to 2:59am the next day)
Children (under 5): Free (does not include a seat)
Youth (6–17 years old, students under 19): $1.25/single ride, $2.50/day pass (same validity as adult day pass)
Attractions
When it comes to Hawaii, there are simply too many attractions and activities worth seeing and experiencing—it’s almost overwhelming. After careful selection, we’ve picked out five must-visit spots in Hawaii. Let’s take a look.
#1 | Kualoa Ranch
"Jurassic Park" is a classic movie from the 1990s, and it was filmed at Kualoa Ranch. With its spectacular mountain scenery, the ranch has become a popular filming location for many Hollywood movies.
Kualoa Ranch is a world-renowned private nature reserve where you can enjoy activities such as horseback riding, ATV tours, and ziplining. The ranch offers three types of activity packages for visitors to choose from, so you can select the one that best fits your schedule.
* Opening Hours:7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
* Official Website:Kualoa Ranch
* Transportation:Take Bus No. 55 and get off at Kualoa Ranch
#2 | Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor got its name from the once-abundant pearl oysters found in the area and is a highly famous military historical site from World War II. Nearby is the USS Arizona Memorial, which attracts nearly one million visitors each year. It allows people to learn about this solemn history while fostering a deeper appreciation for today's peaceful life.
* Opening Hours:7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
* Official Website:Pearl Harbor Historic Sites
* Transportation:Take any of the following five buses and get off at the respective bus stops: 20 Airport-Pearlridge, 40 Makaha Beach, 40A Makaha Towers, 42 Ewa Beach, 62 Wahiawa Heights
★ Recommended Attraction: USS Missouri Battleship Memorial
#3 | Hanauma Bay
Thousands of years ago, a volcanic eruption transformed this crater into a crescent-shaped bay, which got its name from the nearby hill that resembles a dinosaur. After ecological restoration, it now features coral reefs and is home to up to 400 species of fish. These unique natural conditions earned Hanauma Bay the top spot in the "Top 10 Beaches in the U.S." list in 2016.
As long as you follow the regulations of the protected area, you can snorkel here — the top-ranked beach — and enjoy being surrounded by schools of fish.
* Opening Hours:6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, extended to 7:00 PM from April to July, closed on Tuesdays
* Official Website:Hanauma Bay State Park
* Transportation:Take Bus No. 22 and get off at Hanauma Bay Nature Park
#4 | Diamond Head
Diamond Head is an extinct volcano located on the southeastern side of Oahu. It earned its name in the 19th century when British sailors mistook the calcite crystals found here for diamonds. The hiking trail to the crater is about 1.1 km long, and the round trip takes just 1 to 2 hours. It’s highly recommended to hike up for a breathtaking view of Waikiki Beach and downtown Honolulu. If you time it right, the sunset from there is absolutely spectacular too!
*Operating Hours:6:00 AM to 4:30 PM
*Official Website:Hawaii State Parks ? Diamond Head State Monument
*Transportation:Take bus numbers 3, 9, 23, or 24 and get off at Diamond Head Rd + 18th Ave
#5 | Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach is a man-made beach, with many hotels nearby that are within walking distance to the shore. Thanks to its calm waters, Waikiki Beach is a famous spot for surfing. After catching some waves, you can relax on the soft white sand. The nearby Kalakaua Avenue is lined with shops, making it a popular destination for those looking to shop. No wonder Waikiki Beach is truly a paradise for vacationers!
*Operating Hours:Open all day
*Transportation:Take buses 2L or 22 and get off at Kalakaua Ave + Opp Seaside Ave
#6 | Other Recommendations
After checking out this carefully curated lazy guide, have you realized that besides beach activities, Hawaii also offers diverse attractions like volcanoes and history? Don’t just daydream—start planning your Hawaiian adventure now!
Text by Aimée.H | Tripresso Travel Cafe Editorial Team