TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
All Canadian citizens travelling by air to the United States must have a valid passport with 1 blank page. It is recommended your passport is valid for 6 months after the scheduled return date, however not mandatory. These requirements apply to all Canadian citizens, including children.
For your convenience in preparing all necessary documents before your journey, we've provided the following helpful links:
Canadian Passports
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports.html
If you are not a Canadian or an American citizen, it is important to reconfirm the entry requirements to ensure you have the proper documentation.
Important notice
International Customs and Immigration have significantly tightened their entrance criteria. Individuals with either major or minor criminal offenses should verify with Immigration, as you might face denial of entry during the airport check-in process.
On departure you will clear US customs at your last point of departure from Canada.
You will undergo customs clearance at your first point of entry to Canada. You must declare all items acquired during your absence, whether purchased for personal use or received as gifts, including goods bought from duty-free stores. It's advisable to retain your original receipts in case of inspection.
If you have been outside Canada for 48 hours or longer, you are allowed to bring back goods valued up to $800.00 CDN without incurring any duty or taxes. These goods may include alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
For further information please refer to the Government of Canada Travel.
In Hawaii, the official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Accessing funds is straightforward with the use of credit cards or ATMs (automated teller machines), although it's advisable to exchange some currency before your trip to have cash available.
Please be aware that certain small shops and fast-food establishments in Hawaii may not accept bills exceeding $20.
Please be advise the following are only approximate exchange rates and will continually fluctuate.
United States Dollar (USD)
1.00 CAD = 0.74 USD
1.36 USD = 1.00 CAD
For updated estimates of currency refer to www.xe.com.
If it is 11:00 am in Hawaii in January/February it is:
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1:00 pm in Vancouver
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2:00 pm in Calgary/Edmonton
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3:00 pm in Saskatoon/Winnipeg
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4:00 pm in Toronto
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Many prominent Canadian cellphone carriers offer service in Hawaii. It's advisable to contact your provider prior to travel, as certain plans may incur roaming charges, associated fees, device compatibility, and international calling fees. Keep in mind that while exploring the islands, cellphone coverage may be unavailable in some areas due to the diverse terrain, including beaches, mountains, and valleys.
Clothing
In Hawaii, the spirit of Aloha permeates every day. Attire is typically casual, and with the exception of a few upscale dining establishments, jackets are not necessary for dinner. Men find it particularly effortless as Aloha shirts (informal button-down or collared shirts) are suitable for nearly any occasion. The year-round tropical climate in Hawaii varies from bikini weather during the day to a light sweater or jacket in the evening. Comfortable shoes or sandals are suitable for most outings.
Sun Protection
The sun's proximity to Hawaii ensures both beautiful tans and potential sunburns, even when the sky is overcast. Opt for reef-safe sunscreen to minimize coral bleaching and other harm to the ocean ecosystem. Additionally, safeguard yourself by wearing a brimmed hat and sunglasses.
Outdoor Wear
If you plan to hike or need specialized clothing/equipment, it's advisable to purchase your gear beforehand, as the options may be limited. A lightweight jacket is recommended for protection against wind and rain, particularly if you'll be spending extended periods at the summits of Maunakea on the Big Island, or in elevated areas like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Golf Attire
The majority of golf courses in Hawaii, whether public, resort, or private, enforce a dress code of "proper golf attire," typically consisting of a collared shirt and dress shorts or slacks. Denim, cargo shorts, or sports shorts are typically not permitted.
The weather in The Hawaiian Islands remains remarkably consistent, with minimal fluctuations in temperature year-round. Essentially, Hawaii experiences two distinct seasons: summer (kau), spanning from May to October, and winter (hoʻoilo), covering November through April. Winter daytime temperatures average around 27 degrees Celsius, with nighttime temperatures typically dropping by about 5 to 8 degrees Celsius compared to daytime temperatures.
The islands showcase an extraordinary array of diverse micro-environments, each boasting its own distinct weather patterns, flora, and fauna. Thanks to the protective barrier of volcanic mountains and the variations in weather across different elevations, visitors can encounter tropical rainforests, refreshing alpine zones, arid deserts, and sun-drenched beaches—all within just a few miles' distance. The area the hotel is located in is one of the dryest areas on the island.
Surf and Water Conditions
The near-shore water temperatures around the Hawaiian Islands remain consistently pleasant throughout the year. The average water temperature hovers around 23.3°C during the winter months. In winter, many north shore beaches are exposed to Pacific storms, resulting in the iconic big waves for which Hawaii is renowned.
Wave conditions are often highly localized, so if the waves are too large at your chosen beach, you can typically find calmer waters at a more sheltered location nearby. It's important to note that strong currents can pose a safety risk at any beach, particularly during the winter months. Prior to heading out, it's advisable to consult with your hotel staff, a lifeguard, or check for warning flags and posted beach conditions.
Cancellation, Travel and Emergency Medical Insurance outside the country is not part of the trip package. Please ensure you have out of country medical insurance. Please review your company's group insurance medical coverage to confirm that both you and your travel companion are sufficiently covered for the entirety of your trip or plan to purchase additional insurance.
English and Hawaiian are the official languages of Hawaii, although English is predominant. Additionally, Pidgin, a unique island language blend, is widely used throughout Hawaii.
Interesting Fact
A fascinating aspect of the Hawaiian language is its limited set of traditional letters, comprising only 13 characters: A, E, I, O, U, H, K, L, M, N, P, W and ‘. This unique feature places it among the world's shortest alphabets.
Common Words and Phrases
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Aloha – Hello, goodbye; also love, affection. You will usually hear it used as a greeting.
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Pehea oe – How are you?
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Maikai no au – I am fine
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Mahalo – Thank you
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Mahalo nui loa – Thank you very much
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Ohana – Family
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Wahine – Woman, female
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Kane – Man, male
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Okole Maluna – Bottoms up! (A toast)
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Pupu – Snacks, appetizers
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Ono – Delicious (also a type of fish)
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Luau – Hawaiian feast
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Hula – Traditional Hawaiian dance
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Moana – Ocean
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