Hawaii
The CouchSurfing Wiki, an informal workspace which anyone can edit.
| United States | US wiki pages | Places | Other links |
|
New York City • San Francisco • Los Angeles • Seattle • Chicago • New Orleans • Nashville • Portland • Detroit • Tucson • Philadelphia • Orlando • Las Vegas • Salt Lake City • Houston • Austin • Boston • Hawaii • Washington, D.C. • Miami |
Aloha and Welcome to Hawaii! Yes it is a part of the United States, has been since 1959. We are comprised of many islands, with Oahu, Hawaii, Maui and Kauai being the more populated and visited, Lanai & Molokai getting their share of tourism, and all sorts of other little islands floating around out there. There are no ferries [yet]....so flying is the only way to get from Island to Island.
People frequently fly into Honolulu (HNL), located on the island of Oahu, and then take Interisland flights on one of several Hawaii based airlines out to the other Islands. Direct flights from many large cities on the mainland are also available into every major Hawaiian islands, especially Kona (KOA) and Kahului, Maui (OGG) so check prices for direct flights as well.
To bring: Most of these things you will need, except shoes, are easier to get in Hawaii than they are wherever you are coming from. So you can safely expect to buy sunscreen and snorkels once you are here.
a recommended site for gathering some information: Your Guide to the Path Less Traveled
Comprehensive Hawaii information and guide can be found at : Hawaii Vacation Travel
Travel Within the State of Hawaii Most people travel by air between the islands. There is also a ferry with service between some of the island. To get the best fares you usually need to check each carrier's website directly, they are:
Airlines:
http://www.hawaiianair.com
http://www.mokulele.com
http://www.iflygo.com
http://www.islandair.com
http://www.pacificwings.com
The ferry:
http://www.hawaiisuperferry.com The Superferry has gone out of business and no longer travels between the islands.
On each island there is usually some kind of mass-transit though only Oahu has a comprehensive bus system. Most other islands are highly dependent on cars so rent-a-cars, hitchiking, or pre-arranging rides are the typical modes of transportation. For neighbor islands try checking the mass-transit web pages before arriving to see if it will be adequate, they are improving every year.
| Links: | CS Group | Wikipedia | Wikitravel |
Contents |
Hawaii "The Big Island"
In land area the Big Island is larger than all the other Hawaiian Islands put together. It is also very rural so transportation can be a little difficult. The climate ranges from drenching rain forest, to hot desert, to snow covered mountains so clothing is also a little more difficult. Active volcanos are located on the East side in the Upper Puna District. The Puna district has many great things - of course active lava flows, black sand clothing optional beaches, farmer's markets, and surfing. Hilo Town is really a great little town and well worth a stop over in East Hawaii...farmer's market, Rainbow Falls, snorkel beaches just outside town [some with body boarding and surfing waves] and gateway to the fabulous Observatories on Mauna Kea. Daily bus service all around the Island is free but infrequent, click here for the schedule. The famous white sand beaches are all in West Hawaii and Kailua-Kona has a pier for boat trips to see the whales and dolphins. Kayaks and dive equipment are all available to rent. The drive along the East side Hamakua Coast is spectacular as is the drive through South side Ka'u going up to Volcano....going through many little villages along the way. There's coffee country above Kona....ranches in Kohala and Waimea...too many great adventures to compress into a wiki.
It is possible to ski on the mountains when there is snow. Ideal conditions occur several times each year but only last a day or two. There's no way to schedule it in advance but if you are flexible and ready to drop everything you can get some great skiing. The Mauna Kea road is usually closed while the snow is falling. You can watch the road condition report to know when it opens to the public:
http://mkwc.ifa.hawaii.edu/current/road-conditions
You can also watch these webcams at the summit can give you an idea of how good the snow base is:
http://www.cfht.hawaii.edu/webcams
| Links: | CS Group | Wikipedia | Wikitravel |
Oahu "The Gathering Place"
This is the center of government and commerce in the islands. Here you can find museums, nightlife, and the widest assortment of culture and food. If you are looking to party, this is the Island! Oahu has an excellent bus system, so getting around is easy. For Summer, Winter, and Spring Break, make your Couch Surfing arrangements far in advance, since this is the destination island for most of the Couch Surfers. The North Shore is the location for the famous Triple Crown surfing event, with big waves running from mid-November through the new year.
Additional information about Oahu can be found at: Oahu Hawaii
Some great options for those coming to Oahu & those already here, check out O'ahu - Michelle's Seven On a Budget
| Links: | CS Group | Wikipedia | Wikitravel |
Kauai "The Garden Isle"
This is the island of lush green beauty and endless beaches with few people. You will find peace and healing on this island. The famous Napali Coast is spectacular to view and Kalalau Valley is like the garden of Eden, complete with abundant food for gathering and clothless naturalists abound. Waimea Canyon Road is a favorite of those not opting for an adventure, but who still want to enjoy breath taking views of Waimea Canyon and the island of Niihau. The drive finishes at Kokee State Park where cool, lush, abundant hiking and camping can be found. PLEASE BE WARNED for all of Kauai's beauty, the ocean's can be extremely dangerous. Please heed all beach signs.
| Links: | CS Group | Wikipedia | Wikitravel |
Maui "The Valley Isle"
| Links: | CS Group | Wikipedia | Wikitravel |
Molokai "The Friendly Isle"
| Links: | Wikipedia | Wikitravel |
