Travel Tips - Fly to Hawaii

One of the most frequently asked questions on my blog is if there is a need for a passport to visit Hawaii. If you are an American citizen then don’t bother, as Hawaii is the 50th American state so there is no requirement of a passport. It is equal to going from Nevada to California except the long flight.

Travelling to Hawaii is a very long trip, so you need to plan well especially with kids along. Timings vary from about 6 hours from Los Angeles or San Francisco, 8 hours from Salt Lake City and 12 hours from New York and a longer 17.5 hours from Britain.

Bring some books or a portable DVD player and a couple DVD's with you to help keep your kids busy. Make sure your DVD player is charged or has new batteries so that it lasts the whole flight. You don’t want people in the neighboring seats to get disturbed so carry a set of headphones! Most flights do have an in-flight theatre too.

If you an infant along make sure your car seat is FAA approved or you won't be able to use it. Have a good supply of diapers, wipers and baby powders too. Carry some dry snacks with you if you’re kids like especially if they are choosy eaters, they may not like the food served on the plane. If you bring fruits and vegetables you can eat them on the plane as you cannot take them off flight in Hawaii. Be prepared to fill the Agricultural form in flight.

It is a good idea to fly the red eye from Las Vegas at 2 am so it is easier to sleep through a six hour flight. Air conditioned long hour flights can be chilly so bring a light jacket, as you may need one during your Hawaii trip anyway.

Once in the flight it is useful to spend time reading activity brochures you may have or to glance through your itinerary to make sure you spend your time well, or just relax and prepare yourself for a slower life of Hawaii!