Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions
# Is there a bad time to visit Hawai‘i?

Not really. July and August are very humid. To many from colder climes, winter is most desirable, making airfare and hotel rates more expensive during that time of year. For great travel deals year-round, explore our Travel guide.

# What time zone is Hawai‘i in?

Hawai‘i Standard Time. We do not observe daylight savings time. For the current time in Hawai‘i, click here.

# What type of clothes should I bring to Hawai‘i?

Bring swimsuits, shorts, short-sleeve/sleeveless shirts, good walking shoes and a couple of nice outfits for fine dining. Lose the sports coat, tie and pantyhose. Most importantly, remember to bring SUNSCREEN! Hawai‘i is only 19 degrees north of the equator. The sun is very intense.

# What are lei made of? Can I bring them home with me? How can I get one sent to me after I get home?

Most lei are made out of fresh flowers. You can take home lei that are made and inspected by a florist. When you get home, you can order fresh tropical flowers and lei from Hawaii.com’s Marketplace.

# Do they still greet you with leis at the airport?

Only if you have paid for a greeter to do this. Good friends will do this for free.

# Are grass skirts made of real grass?

Grass skirts are actually made out of ti leaves.

# Where is the best surfing?

Depends on the time of year. O‘ahu has some of the best-known breaks in the world, including ‘Ehukai (Banzai Pipeline) and Waimea Bay. For a guide on where to find surf in Hawaii, click here.

# Can I bring my own surfboard/boogie board/scuba gear/snorkel gear?

You bet! Large items like a surfboard or boogie board would have to be checked in as luggage; check with the airline on requirements. You can also rent any of that equipment on any of the islands.

# Can I take Hawaiian food home with me, such as pineapples, coconuts, etc.?

Certain fruits, vegtables and flowers are allowed for export, but it must be the kind that is agriculturally approved. You can find boxed pineapple in tourist shops throughout Hawai’i. Always check with the clerk to make sure it is okay for mailing. You cannot pick fruit from the trees in Hawai‘i and take it home; same goes for flowers.

# Are there nude beaches or clothing-optional beaches?

Sorry, there are no legal clothing-optional beaches in Hawai’i.

# Can I visit the site of the Pearl Harbor bombing?

Yes. The USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor is a popular visitor attraction. See our Attractions section for information about visiting this historical site.

# Where is Pearl Harbor?

It is on the island of O‘ahu, west of Honolulu International Airport.

# Can I bring pets to Hawai‘i?

Yes. However, Hawai‘i is rabies-free and requires that all cats, dogs and other carnivores entering the state be quarantined for 30 to 120 days to screen for rabies. A new law exempts service dogs for the disabled. For information about animal quarantine, click here.

# Where are the black sand beaches?

Most of the black sand beaches are on Hawai‘i, the Big Island. The main black sand beach in east Hawai’i was covered by a lava flow a number of years ago. Check out Beaches.

# Can I see lava flowing from a volcano?

Maybe. Kilauea caldera on the Big Island of Hawai‘i is one of the most active volcanoes on earth, producing mostly underground lava flows. Officials at Volcanoes National Park restrict access to Kilauea’s flow, but if conditions allow, you can take a trail close to the point where lava enters the ocean. Helicopter companies also offer aerial tours. For information about Kilauea, see Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park in our Attractions section.

# What is poi?

Poi — a staple of the traditional Hawaiian diet — is mashed taro root mixed with water. Most authentic lu’au menus include poi.

# How long does it take to cook a pig in a pit?

Depends on the size of the pig. For details on cooking a pig in an imu oven, see our lu’au section.

# Does Hawai‘i get tidal waves?

Yes. The islands are subject to tidal waves generated by land and underwater earthquakes in the Pacific basin. They are called tsunamis. In the event of a tidal wave, civil defense calls for an evacuation, which is carried out by local law enforcement.

# Can I take a commercial boat or ship between the Islands?

No. The only ship is a week-long cruise ship, which stops on the major Islands. For more on water, air and land transportation, see our Transportation guide.