Weather

Since the Hawaiian Islands are in the tropics, the climate hardly varies from winter to summer, with little difference in temperature and a constantly high level of annual sunshine. Light trade winds provide natural air-conditioning, keeping the air balmy and pleasant.

There tends to be two distinct climates on the islands - the wetter windward side and the dry sunny side. The months of December to March see slightly more rain than the rest of the year, though showers can strike at any time of the year. Don't let that put you off though, as they are usually short and the temperatures are so good, they certainly won't spoil your holiday.

The average temperature is around the 25 degree Celsius (or around 80 degree Fahrenheit) mark, and that's all year round. The months of July, August and September can climb ten degrees higher, but it's still very pleasant indeed.

Time

Local time in Hawaii is ten hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, and two hours behind California.

Currency

The legal currency of the Hawaiian Islands is the US Dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted at most shops, restaurants and hotels.

No Vaccinations

Unlike many other tropical destinations, you are not required to have any immunisations to travel to Hawaii.

What to Wear

You will find that casual dress is the norm - light cotton clothing is ideal. Although you may like to wear something more formal in the evening, this is by no means essential. We should point out however, that beachwear is really not suitable for eating out in the evening.

Eating Out

Like other American states, Hawaii offers a huge variety of inexpensive food and convenient places to eat out, including an excellent range of restaurants and hotels.

A word of warning however. Most restaurants close at around 10 p.m., and on many of the islands, this can be as early as 9 p.m. Our suggestion, if you are going to see an evening show, is to eat first!