Travel tips · Big Island (Hawaiʻi) · United States
Big Island (Hawaiʻi) travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Hawaii Land Cover Analysis project, NOAA Coastal Services Center, Public domain
Quick answer
Hawaiʻi Island is where Kamehameha I was born and began uniting the islands, and Hawaiian culture remains strong, from hula at the Merrie Monarch Festival to the sacred status of Maunakea and Kīlauea, home of the goddess Pele. Plantation history brought Japanese, Filipino, Portuguese and Chinese communities whose foods and festivals are part of local life.
Key facts
- Language
- English and Hawaiian
- Currency
- USD
- Plugs
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink in towns and resorts; carry plenty when hiking, as…
- Emergency
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
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Things to know
- Treat heiau (temples), petroglyphs and other cultural sites with respect; do not climb on walls or leave offerings.
- Keep at least 3 metres from sea turtles and at least 15 metres from Hawaiian monk seals, as federal wildlife guidelines advise.
- Do not take lava rocks or sand from beaches and parks.
- Drive with aloha: let faster cars pass and wave thanks; honking is considered rude.
- Remove shoes when entering someone's home.
- Book ʻAkaka Falls State Park ahead: Non-residents pay an entry and parking fee; check the state parks website before you go.
- Book Manta ray night snorkel ahead: Tours fill up in peak seasons; book a few days ahead.
- Buy a US national parks annual pass if you are visiting several national parks during the year.
Tipping
Tipping follows US norms: about 18–20% in restaurants, a few dollars per drink at bars, and tips for tour guides, boat crews and hotel staff.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Aloha | Hello, goodbye, love |
| Mahalo | Thank you |
| Ono | Delicious |
| Pau | Finished |
| Makai / mauka | Towards the sea / towards the mountain |
What to wear
Casual resort wear is the norm. Bring a fleece and rain jacket for the volcano and Maunakea, where temperatures can drop near freezing, and sturdy shoes for lava trails.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink in towns and resorts; carry plenty when hiking, as sources on trails are not drinkable.
- Emergency number
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
- Phone and internet
- Mobile coverage is good in towns and resorts but patchy in remote areas such as Kaʻū, Saddle Road and parts of the national park.
- Time zone
- Pacific/Honolulu
The main risks are natural: strong currents and shorebreak, especially in winter; volcanic gases (vog) that can affect people with breathing conditions; altitude sickness on Maunakea; and flash floods in streams after rain. Follow park closures and lifeguard advice, and do not leave valuables in parked cars.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check United States's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
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Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Big Island (Hawaiʻi)?
Tipping follows US norms: about 18–20% in restaurants, a few dollars per drink at bars, and tips for tour guides, boat crews and hotel staff.
+Can you drink the tap water in Big Island (Hawaiʻi)?
Tap water is safe to drink in towns and resorts; carry plenty when hiking, as sources on trails are not drinkable.
+What plugs are used in Big Island (Hawaiʻi)?
Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in Big Island (Hawaiʻi)?
English and Hawaiian.