Is this your first time traveling to Hawaii? It's American soil, but if you thought, "Since it's a world-class tourist destination, it must be as free as Southeast Asia," you might be mistaken. For first-time travelers to Hawaii, here's some essential information. If only I'd known this beforehand... Let's get started.
1. Required items for ESTA approval
하와이는 미국 영토에 속해있습니다. 그래서 🔎ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) approval is requiredYou must complete your application at least 72 hours prior to departure. Some people forget to apply the day before they go to the airport, but if it's not approved, you won't be able to board your flight. Be sure to check!
📌Please also check the following items!
- 110V converter adapter (required as the voltage is different from that of Korea)
- Pocket Wi-Fi or local SIM (recently, many people use E-SIM instead of purchasing a separate SIM card.)
👉하와이 E-Usim 가격 확인하러 가기
- International Driving Permit + Domestic Driver's License
- 🔎국제 운전면허증은 따로 신청해야 하며 일주일 정도 소요되니 미리 신청하세요!
- Prepare a copy of your passport and a photo ID (to replace it in case of loss)
2. Rental car? Public transportation? Choose the one that suits your travel style!
Hawaii is truly vast, and each region has its own unique charm. Many licensed drivers dream of renting a car and exploring freely, but with so many coin-operated parking lots, it's essential to have change on hand!
And using a smartphone while driving is strictly prohibited (and in the US, the fines are hefty). Renting a car is not cheap, and even if you rent a car and park at a hotel, you'll incur additional parking fees, so I highly recommend calculating your rental costs carefully.
If the rental car cost or If you are worried about driving in an unfamiliar foreign country, there are other alternatives.There is also.
- Waikiki Trolley (tourist attraction loop bus)
- Biki (unmanned shared bicycle)
- Lyft/Uber (cheaper than a taxi)
- HUI (shared vehicle platform)
✅ 하와이에서 렌터카 여행은 모든 운전자들의 로망이죠?
👉렌터카 이용 전, 🔎초보 여행자를 위한 하와이 자동차여행 꿀팁 글을 꼭 읽고 일정에 도움이 받으세요!
3. When making a hotel reservation, it is essential to check the 'resort fee' and additional costs.
Most Hawaiian hotels charge an additional fee called a "resort fee."This is a bit of a stretch. Even if the difference doesn't seem significant at first, you'll often be surprised to find that the final payment is significantly larger than you expected. Before booking a hotel, be sure to check the following:Please do so.
✅ Resort Fee, Included?
✅ Parking fees apply separately (when using a rental car)
✅ Availability of Ocean View Upgrade (Ocean View is best for leaving a trace)
📌 리조트 피 없는 하와이 가성비 호텔 영상으로 확인하세요. 👉 Watch a video about budget-friendly hotels in Hawaii (Airbnb)
4. Book activities in advance!
Popular activities in Hawaii often fill up at least 2-4 weeks in advance.There are many, especially if you are traveling as a couple or as a family. We recommend booking in advance.
- Kualoa Ranch ATV or UTV
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour
- Be sure to book surfing lessons and other activities in advance.
📌 For your information, ATVs are for one person, so they are difficult and dusty. UTVs are comfortable and safe because they can seat 4 people and have a roof!
👉 클룩(Klook)으로 하와이 액티비티 Check
5. Enjoy shopping and free cultural experiences at 200%!
Hawaii is a shopping paradise, offering American brands and duty-free shopping. Brands like Coach, Polo, and Lacoste are available at much lower prices than in Korea. Waikele Premium Outlets is almost a must-seeno see.
But! It's a shame to only shop! In Hawaii, you can also experience traditional culture for free.
- Hula & Fire show at Kuhio Beach
- Hula Show at Ala Moana Center
Finishing Tip✈️
Hawaii isn't just a simple vacation destination; it's a multi-faceted travel destination offering nature, culture, adventure, relaxation, and shopping. For first-time visitors, I'm confident that simply following the five points I've mentioned will ensure a fulfilling and satisfying trip without any inconveniences.
If you need information about traveling to Hawaii, Check out the Hawaii episode of my channel travel videoPlease do it.
