Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu is Hawaii’s major airport, serving as the entry point for most of Hawaii’s many visitors. All major domestic carriers and many international carriers go through Oahu, so you can get here from just about anywhere. There are also direct flights from the U.S. mainland to Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island, but for the most part, you may need to connect through Oahu to get to the neighbor islands, including Lanai and Molokai. There are also daily ferry services from Lahaina Harbor in Maui to both Manele Bay in Lanai and Kaunakakai Harbor in Molokai.

Flight times from Honolulu International Airport (HNL) to:

Lihue Airport (LIH), Kauai: 30 minutes
Kahului Airport (OGG), Maui: 30 minutes
Kapalua-West Maui Airport (JHM), Maui: 30 minutes
Molokai Airport (MKK), Molokai: 20 minutes
Lanai Airport (LNY), Lanai: 25 minutes
Hilo International Airport (ITO), Hawaii’s Big Island: 50 minutes
Kona International Airport (KOA), Hawaii’s Big Island: 45 minutes

Anytime of the year is a good time to visit Hawaii. Summer, between April and November, is warmer and drier (average temperature is 75˚-88˚ F) while winter, between December and March, is a bit cooler (68˚-80˚ F). Trade winds keep things comfortable year-round.

To really experience all that Hawaii offers, you should consider renting a car. Reserve your rental vehicles in advance because quantities can be limited on some islands. Many visitors also enjoy taking bus tours to conveniently explore the Islands. Shuttles, taxis and public transport are available on most islands.

The natural beauty of Hawaii’s fragile environment comes from its geographical isolation from other ecosystems. Bringing plants, produce or animals can introduce pests and non-endemic species that could be destructive to Hawaii’s environment. The Department of Agriculture enforces strict rules regarding the exportation of uninspected plants and animals and requires a declaration form for each person arriving in Hawaii. When departing, your luggage must pass a pre-flight screening for uninspected fruits and plants. You are welcome to take inspected fresh flowers and fruits home. Items purchased at the airport or mailed home from local vendors are inspected for you.

Other tips for helping conserve Hawaii’s beautiful ecosystem when traveling there include:

1. Clean your gear before and after hiking in order to prevent any foreign soil, seeds, or other organics from mixing with any of the local vegetation; such as ohia, the most abundant tree in the state. They are being killed off very quickly by a fungal disease called Rapid Ohia Death.

2. Please don’t leave trash behind after hiking or hanging out at the beach.

3. Refrain from geo-tagging special areas on social media.

4. Respect the boundaries of set paths and trails by not going “off the beaten track”. This could result in costly erosion and destruction of the vegetation.

5. Make sure your bug repellant is environmentally safe.

6. Do not feed the local wildlife.

7. Refrain from smoking on beaches except for designated areas nearby.

8. Try to not use single-use plastics; such as plastic bags, styrofoam containers, one-time use beach toys, water bottles and cups.

9. The coral reefs here, like many others around the world, are under serious threat of permanent destruction. Some of the benefits of reefs include food, natural products, coastal protection from storms, and biodiversity. People standing in or around them can cause significant damage. Chemicals found in many sunscreens, such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, or nanoparticles are causing much more damage. In2019, Hawaii became the first state to ban the sale, offer of sale, or distribution of any SPF sunscreen protection personal care product that contains these chemicals without a licensed prescription.

10. Support local businesses by choosing places that source from local suppliers and choose sustainable certified operators.

11. Before entering the ocean, it would be wise to ask the local lifeguards about potential hazards particular to the area like rip currents, hidden rocks and shorebreaks. 

Useful Phone Numbers

Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau: (808) 923-1811
Marriage License and Civil Unions: (808) 586-4545
Honolulu International Airport Visitor Information: (808) 836-6413
Agriculture Inspection: (808) 861-8490
Camping Permits (State Parks): (808) 587-0300