Pre-Arrival
What to pack: Dress in Hawaii is generally casual. Everyone on the Islands owns at least one pair of thong sandals -locally known as "slippas." In the daytime, you’ll be fine with shorts, sandals or some good walking shoes, short sleeve shirts, hat, sunglasses and a swimsuit for the beach. In the evening, casual pants and shirts for both men and women, dresses for women, sport coat (if you plan to visit a fine dining restaurant) and a light jacket or sweater in case the weather cools down. If you plan on fine dining, many restaurants prohibit men wearing tank tops or "slippas". Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen as the hot Hawaiian sun can put a damper on your perfect vacation. Credit cards are accepted freely on all of the islands, but be sure to have some cash on hand if you plan to wander off the beaten path.
What you can’t bring in: Many plants and animals from elsewhere in the world can be harmful to Hawaii’s unique environment, agriculture, and communities. Aboard your flight you will be required by state law to fill out an agriculture declaration form and items may be inspected. If you are traveling with animals, you must declare them and all animals must be turned in to the airport’s Animal Quarantine Holding Facility by the airline. Quarantine usually lasts at least six weeks, so it’s a smart idea to leave your pets at home.
Packing tips: Avoid wearing shoes, clothing, and jewelry that contain metal. Refrain from bringing wrapped presents. Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film. Carry-on baggage is limited to one carry on bag plus one personal item. Personal items include laptops, purses, small backpacks, briefcases, or camera cases. Checked baggage is limited to two per passenger. Do not over pack. Each checked bag may weigh 50 pounds if you are traveling domestically and 70 pounds if traveling internationally without incurring additional fees.
Security screening tips: You will be asked to show the agent your boarding pass and identification card prior to divesting to the security screening process. Put all metal objects in your carry on bag or in the bin provided at the security checkpoint. Remove all coats and place them in the x-ray. If your bag is selected for secondary screening, it may be opened and examined on a table in your presence. Passengers are not required to take off their shoes before going through metal detectors, however if your shoes set off the metal detector, you will have to go through secondary screening.
While in Transit
During your flight: Chew on gum, yawn or suck on hard candies to help relieve the pressure that builds in your ears. Drink plenty of water. Do light stretching exercises. The relatively low humidity in the cabin can increase allergy or asthma symptoms. Take preventative measures as necessary.
To combat jet lag: Reset your watch to the destinations time as soon as you get on the plane. Eat before you get on the plane so hunger does not prevent you from sleeping on the flight. If you’re using a blanket, buckle your seat belt over the blanket. That way, a flight attendant checking seat belts won’t awaken you. If it’s daytime when you arrive but nighttime at home, don’t sleep. Instead, try doing some light exercise, like walking, to help revive your body and stop it from producing sleep-inducing hormones.
Flying during pregnancy: It is generally recommended that women not fly at all during their last six weeks of pregnancy. Some airlines require pregnant passengers to provide a doctor’s statement and women should always consult their obstetricians before traveling.
Traveling with children: Consider a red-eye flight. This increases the chance that your youngster will be able to sleep through the majority of the trip. While any child under two is not required to have their own seat, they may be happier if they do. If you do use a car seat, make sure it has been certified for air travel. Bring toys the children have never used, the newness will hold their attention longer. Bring plenty of juice. Finger foods are a great distraction. When traveling with your baby, give him or her a bottle or pacifier to suck on during takeoff and landing. This will help normalize pressure on the ears and keep your baby comfortable.
Travelers with special needs: Please advise your airline in advance to arrange any special services to ensure assistance. Most airlines transport personal wheelchairs including folding, collapsible or non-folding manual wheelchairs, and electric/battery powered wheelchairs and electric powered carts.
Post Arrival
Baggage claim: The baggage claim area of the Honolulu International Airport is located on the lower level of the Main Terminal. You can get there on the free Wiki-Wiki (Hawaiian word for speedy) Shuttle, or by walking and following the signs. It’s less then a 10-minute stroll if you want to stretch your legs. For other islands directions to baggage claim areas are clearly posted. To get to the inter-island or commuter terminal at Honolulu International Airport the free Wiki-Wiki Shuttle will take you otherwise it is a ten to fifteen minute walk.
Returning Home
What you can’t take back with you: All baggage from Hawaii to the U.S. Mainland is subject to pre-flight inspection by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Restrictions on fruits, plants, and other items from Hawaii to the Mainland are enforced to prevent the spread of fruit flies and other hazardous plant insects and diseases. Non-certified fruits, vegetables, flowers or plants cannot be taken in your checked or carry-on baggage. Non-inspected agricultural items will be confiscated. Once you have checked in for your flight you will be required to go through a security screening process. Keep your boarding pass and picture identification card readily accessible.
Getting to the airport: Allow plenty of time. Taxis and shuttles are available from most hotels. If you’re driving a rental car, be sure to leave yourself enough time to fill the gas tank, get the car turned in and transit to the departure terminal. Plan to arrive at the airport at least 1-hour prior to departure for inter-island flights and two hours prior to flights to the U.S. Mainland.
** Information provided by the Hawaii Tourism Authority **
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