Before you go · Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi essentials
The practical things worth knowing before you arrive, checked against official sources on 1 November 2026. Rules and reservations change: always check before you travel.
Updated November 2026
Entering the United States
Hawaiʻi is part of the United States, and US entry rules apply. Travellers from Visa Waiver Programme countries, including the UK, need an approved ESTA before they fly, applied for on the official US Customs and Border Protection site, esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Others need a visa. Check GOV.UK or your own government’s advice before you travel.
The places you must reserve
Diamond Head State Monument: entry and parking reservations for non-residents (Hawaiʻi State Parks). Hanauma Bay: online reservations through the City and County of Honolulu. The USS Arizona Memorial: recreation.gov, or the standby line (National Park Service). Hāʻena State Park and the first miles of the Nāpali Coast on Kauaʻi: entry and parking reservations (Hawaiʻi State Parks). The Haleakalā sunrise on Maui: a reservation (National Park Service).
Ocean safety
Swim at beaches with lifeguards, read the warning signs and never turn your back on the sea. On the north shores the winter surf is for experts only. Give wildlife its space: the Hawaiian monk seal is one of the most endangered seal species in the world (NOAA Fisheries).
Sacred places and the land
Many places in Hawaiʻi are sacred to Native Hawaiians: stay on marked trails, leave rocks, sand and offerings where they are, and keep out of closed areas. At Pearl Harbor’s memorials, dress and behave as you would at a war grave.
Getting around
On Oʻahu, TheBus and the Skyline railway share the HOLO card, whose fares cap at the price of a day or month pass (HOLO). On the neighbour islands, hire a car. Flights between the islands are short; book them with your car.
Emergency number
Call 911 for police, fire, ambulance or ocean rescue. Travel with insurance that covers medical treatment; see our health page for hospitals in Honolulu.
Questions and answers
Do I need a visa to visit Hawaii?
Hawaiʻi follows US entry rules: travellers from Visa Waiver Programme countries need an approved ESTA (esta.cbp.dhs.gov); others need a visa. Check your own government’s advice.
What is the emergency number in Hawaii?
911, for police, fire, ambulance and ocean rescue.
Do I need to book Diamond Head?
Yes, if you are not a Hawaiʻi resident: entry and parking reservations are required (Hawaiʻi State Parks).
When can you see humpback whales in Hawaii?
From November through April, from shore and at sea (Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary).
Entry rules and reservations change. Check the official sources before you travel.