FAMILIES
The Hawaiian Islands are perfect for children. With English being the primary language there are no communication problems. Excellent healthcare is accessible, with safe food and water readily available and most resorts can recommend professional babysitting services. In addition to this many resorts offer family bonuses and kids clubs to help you relax whilst your children enjoy their holiday too!
HONEYMOONERS
Hawaii tops the list as the World’s Best Honeymoon Spot! With superb beaches, romantic beachside restaurants, golf, fishing and shopping. Many of our resorts offer special Honeymoon or Anniversary bonus champagne and upgrades – please make sure you advise your agent if you are celebrating a special occasion.
SINGLES
Waikiki and Maui are definitely the places to go if you are looking for great night life. Dance all night and sleep on the beach all day - perfect!
SENIORS
With comfortable hotel facilities, easy access, great air-conditioned shopping malls and recognisable cuisine, you can enjoy the comforts of home and yet experience one of the most beautiful island chains in the world. Look out for our seniors bonuses available at many hotels.
TIME DIFFERENCE
Compared to New Zealand, Hawaii is one day behind (date wise) and 1-2 hours ahead (hours-wise) depending on daylight saving.
CLIMATE
Hawaii has a wonderful all year round temperate climate - no monsoon season! Summer: April-November (average temperature between 24-32 °C). Winter: December-March (average temperature between 18-25 °C). Rain is more common in winter with most showers occurring during the late afternoon/night.
INTER ISLAND TRANSPORT
Island hopping is quick and easy, with both Aloha and Hawaiian Airlines offering daily services with, on average, a 20 - 30 minute flight time between islands. International flight time from Auckland is approximately 8 hours (direct).
CURRENCY / BANKS
US Dollars is the local currency, credit cards (except Diners) are widely accepted. Banks are open Monday to Friday 9am-3pm, most hotels will accept/exchange travellers cheques and some will change currency.
ELECTRICITY
110-120 volts, on a flat two pin plug. We recommend buying an adaptor before you leave NZ if you plan to use any NZ appliances in Hawaii.
MEDICAL
No vaccinations are required for travel to Hawaii, however medical travel insurance is recommended as medical treatment can be expensive.
LEGAL DRINKING AGE
The legal age for drinking is 21 and is strictly enforced. Current photo ID should be carried with you even if you are much older.
TIPPING
Most employees in the USA are on low retainers, the extra they receive in tips is viewed as part of their salary. As a general rule tipping should be between 15 - 20% of restaurant bills, approximately US$1 per bag for porters and guides and US$1 per day for house maids. As the US bills can look the same, it is often a good idea to put a few singles ($1 bills) in a separate compartment in your wallet or purse, making sure you don’t hastily grab a $20!
DRESS
Casual is the key word on the islands. Dress for comfort, and remember to take sunglasses, hat and sunscreen. A jacket or sweater may be handy in the evenings and for day trips to the higher landmarks. PRICING
Accommodation pricing is charged on a nightly basis, at the season in which it falls for all hotels except Outrigger, Ohana, and Miramar, when the arrival night determines the price for the entire stay. Accommodation must be consecutive to qualify for free nights. Upgrades and free late check outs are subject to availability; many hotels offer a courtesy room for up to 2 hours for clients to shower/ change instead of a late check out, and offer free baggage storage. Offers cannot be combined with each other (unless stated).
Where facilities are an additional cost we have noted this with $, however this is subject to change and should be checked at time of check-in with the hotel. |