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What to Bring
For the daytime shorts, tee shirts, sandals and a swimsuit are usually all that is needed.
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When to Visit
Expect premium rates during the winter months, mid-December through March. Family travel is most popular during the summer. Spring and Fall, while considered "low" season, offer great travel values and fewer visitors.
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Hawaiian Time
There's no daylight savings time in Hawaii. During the months when it's not in effect on the U.S. mainland, Hawaii is two hours behind the West Coast, four hours behind the Midwest and five hours behind the East. Add an hour to those differentials during daylight savings time. Hawaii is 19 hours behind Japan time.
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Hawaii Taxes
Hawaii does have a state sales tax on all purchases, including groceries of 4.166%. There is also a road-use tax on car rentals.
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Climate
Weather on all of the Hawaiian islands is very consistent, with only moderate changes in temperature throughout the year. There are only two seasons here: the summer months (called Kau in Hawaiian) that extend from May to October and the winter months (Ho'oilo) that run from November to April. The average day-time summer temperature at sea level is 85 degrees F. (29.4 C) while the average day-time winter temperature is 78 degrees (25.6 C). Night-time temperatures are approximately 10 degrees F. lower.
Beach-goers will be happy to learn that the temperature of Hawaii's near-shore waters stay comfortable throughout the year. The average year round water temperature is 74 degrees F. (23.3 C), with a summer high of 80 degrees F. (26.7 C).
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Bag Screening Procedures
Please prepare and plan accordingly for new baggage procedures. Beginning December 31, 2002, the Aviation and Transportation Security Act passed by Congress, requires "100 percent" baggage screening under standards set by the government. U.S. airlines will be obligated by federal law to screen all checked bags at U.S. airports.
Film should be taken as carry-on luggage, as the x-ray screening of checked-in baggage can damage the film and render it useless. However, the security x-rays before boarding do not affect camera film or other types of magnetic storage.
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Airport Check-In
Heightened security measures have been implemented at U.S. airports. Please note that procedures may change and customers are advised of the following:
- Allow extra time at the airport for increased security checks at baggage screening points and security checkpoints.
- Recommended times for passengers to check in before scheduled departure are as follows:
- Interisland flights: 90 minutes
- U.S. Mainland and international flights: 120 minutes.
- Only passengers holding a receipt of an electronic ticket; an itinerary issued by an airline or travel agency confirming an electronic ticket; a boarding pass; or a paper ticket will be allowed through the security checkpoint to their departure gate.
However, security procedures at the following airports require passengers to check in and obtain their boarding passes prior to proceeding through security checkpoints:
- Oakland, California (OAK) 01/15/03
- Honolulu, Hawaii (HNL) 01/22/03
- Kahului, Maui (OGG) 01/31/03
- Knives and other cutting instruments, clublike items such as baseball bats, golf clubs, pool cues, are prohibited beyond the security checkpoint.
- Hand carried baggage will be limited to (1) one bag plus a personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop.
- All passengers will need to provide a valid state or federal government-issued picture identification at time of check in, and may be required at security checkpoints or boarding gates.
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