Hawaii
A Polynesian Paradise of lush rainforests, secluded beaches, dramatic, volcanic scenery – you cannot fail to be captivated by Hawaii’s treasures. Whether you seek peace and tranquillity, history and culture or the buzz of an exciting, busy resort town, there is a Hawaiian island to fit the bill. Palm-fringed beaches, rocky shores, waterfalls, jungles and plantations combine with the easy Polynesian charm which attract so many to the land of Aloha, as the ideal spot to relax and unwind.
The shopping
The best area for shopping is in Honolulu, where designer stores are prolific, with limited opportunities on the other islands, although Maui boasts two upscale shopping areas. The most popular local crafts to buy are Polynesian wood carvings. Clothing and other brand items are usually more expensive than on the mainland, but usually less than in the UK! Don’t forget to buy Kona coffee and Hawaii’s own Macadamia nuts.
The nightlife
Waikiki also has the widest choice of international dining and entertainment and has a very lively night-life. Polynesian culture shows are very popular and available at most resort hotels on all islands. Maui.
In a nutshell...
Having travelled so far, it would be a shame not to see as much as possible. The three main islands can all be reached by reasonably priced inter-island flights and car hire is the best way to get around, especially for Maui and Kauai. Hawaii is casual – leave your DJs and cocktail dresses at home and prepare to relax and unwind! Admire the stunning scenery, beautiful beaches and the easy way of life.
The facts
Geography: Hawaii consists of 132 islands that stretch across 1,600 miles of the Pacific Ocean, only six of which are open to tourism.
Language: English, although the Hawaiian language is now being taught in schools.
Passports: you will need a full British passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond your date of return.
Visa: Most full British passport holders with a machine readable passport may enter the US under the visa waiver scheme. However, anyone who has ever been arrested for or convicted of any offence will require a visa. Non-British passport holders should check with the relevant embassy for documentation requirements. We recommend that you check visa requirements carefully BEFORE making your booking.
Vaccinations: None are compulsory for the USA, but we recommend that you check with your doctor and ensure that standard vaccinations such as tetanus are up to date.
Travelling time: Approximately 21 hours including a stop on the west coast of the USA. Most visitors choose to have a few nights in a US city en route.
Local time: GMT –10 hours
Currency: US dollar.
