Hawaii Travel Guide

Discover Hawaii, an archipelago where stunning beaches, majestic volcanoes, and tropical forests meet. From Oahu and Maui to the Big Island and Kauai, experience the Aloha Spirit through surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, scenic hikes, and local delights like Mai Tais and loco moco. Set out on an inspiring island adventure in the heart of the Pacific.

Useful information

Official language(s)

Hawaii has two official languages: English and Hawaiian. 

English is spoken everywhere and is the most commonly used language, but Hawaiian words such as alohamahalo, and ʻohana are used in everyday life. 

Flight duration

Direct flight: No direct flights to Hawaii from Quebec. 
Connecting flight: 13 to 15 hours (depending on connection times) 

Time zone difference

Hawaii time zone: UTC-10 
5h behind of Quebec (EST) 
6h behind of Quebec (EDT) 

Currency

US dollar (USD) 

The US dollar is the currency used throughout Hawaii. Credit cards are widely accepted. 

Tips

In Hawaii, tipping is customary as it is an important part of employees’ income. In restaurants, a tip of 15%–20% of the total bill is recommended if service is not already included. For taxis, shuttles, drivers, or tour guides, a tip of 10%–15% is customary. 

Safety

Although Hawaii is considered a safe destination, travellers should remain vigilant. Pickpocketing, theft on beaches, and car break-ins can occur. It is recommended not to leave valuables in vehicles, to keep personal belongings under watch, and to use the hotel safe whenever possible. 

Before any foreign trip, visit the Government of Canada’s United-States Travel Advice page to find out about the current situation in the country. 

  • A top destination for adventure seekers. 
  • Breathtaking and diverse landscapes. 
  • Unique wildlife and vegetation found nowhere else in the world. 
  • Home to the world’s largest open-air shopping centre in Honolulu. 

Keep in mind

  • The Hawaiian archipelago is heavily Americanized—Honolulu can feel like Miami—making it a bit challenging to experience truly authentic Hawaiian culture. 
  • Because of its geographic isolation, Hawaii is one of the most expensive states in the US. Costs for food and accommodations are often 30%–50% higher than on the mainland. 

Hawaiian Salmon Poké

Our exclusive Hawaiian salmon poké recipe features cubes of marinated fish served over black rice and topped with a vibrant array of condiments, fruits, and vegetables. (Video in French only)

Good to know

  • Distances between the islands are significant, so flying is required to travel from one to another.
  • In Honolulu, people drive on the right, and traffic can be heavy.
  • Protecting the natural environment is very important in Hawaii. Collecting sand or coral is strictly prohibited.

Frequently asked questions

Hawaii is a pleasant destination year-round. 

From April to October, the dry season brings sunny, warm weather (27–30 °C), little rainfall, and calm seas. From November to March, the wet season brings more rain, but temperatures remain warm and landscapes turn greener and lusher. This is also peak season for big surf waves. 

From April to mid-December, the islands are generally less crowded, and prices are more affordable. 

The best way to get around Hawaii is by combining interisland flights with car rentals. Flights are frequent and take between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Renting a car offers greater freedom to explore remote areas and to transport surfboards. Some islands have bus networks, but routes are limited and surfboards are not allowed. 

5 to 7 days per island. 

This time frame allows travellers to enjoy the beaches, go on hikes, and participate in ocean excursions or volcano adventures. 

  • Aloha Festivals: In September, across all Hawaiian islands, this series of cultural celebrations brings together a wide range of festivities and activities, including block parties, floral parades, music, crafts, and the Aloha Spirit. The goal is to preserve and share traditional Hawaiian culture. 
  • Honolulu Festival: For three days in March, Honolulu comes alive with dance performances, traditional music, parades, artisan exhibits, and a fireworks show over Waikiki Beach. 
  • Merrie Monarch Festival: In April on the island of Hilo, this iconic hula festival features a week of competitions, performances, and celebrations honoring the guardian of Hawaiian arts. Attending a competition night or the grand closing parade is an unforgettable experience.