We have answers to your questions:

1) General FAQs

• What does Hawaii vacation package include?
• How early should I book?
• What are the advantages of booking with Hawaii Travel Bureau?
• What honeymoon specials do you offer?
• What senior specials do you offer?
• If I like the quote you emailed to me, how can I make a reservation?
• What are my payment options?
• Is any type of cancellation insurance available?
• What is the cancellation policy?
• Are there any additional senior/AAA/military discounts?
• Do you offer cruises to Hawaii?
• What documents do I need to travel to Hawaii?

2) Airfare FAQs

• How can I get the lowest airfare?
• What airlines do you use?
• Are taxes included in your airfare prices?
• Do your offer airfares from non-US airports?
• Can I earn frequent flyer miles from my flights to Hawaii?
• Can I reserve seat assignments?

3) Hotel FAQs

• Can I get a nonsmoking room?
• Are hotel taxes included in your rates?
• Are there any all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii?
• Do you offer any B&Bs?

4) Car Rental FAQs

• Do I need a car in Hawaii?
• Are taxes included in your car rental rates?
• What fees are not included in your rates?
• Can I rent a car if I am under 25?

5) Hawaiian Islands FAQs

• Where can I find more information about each island?
• How can I do island-hopping?
• What kind of weather should I expect?
• Is there a rainy season?
• How can I see the whales? What is the best time and place?
• Where can I swim with dolphins?
• Where can I see a black sand beach?
• What is a "luau"? Are there any luaus that you recommend?
• What should I pack?
• What does "Mahalo" mean?

6) Honeymoon and Wedding FAQs

• What is the best island for honeymooners?
• What kind of honeymoon packages do you offer?
• Can you arrange my wedding ceremony?
• How do I get a wedding license in Hawaii?

1) General FAQs:

Q: What kind of vacation packages do you offer?
A: We offer custom vacation packages that include airfare, accommodations, and car rental on one or more Hawaiian islands. We have our own contracts with 7 major airlines, over 100 hotels, resorts and condos, and other travel providers. Our rates are 10-65% lower than published rates, and less than Travelocity, Orbitz and Expedia.

   If you would like to receive a quote, you can fill out our quick and easy Hawaii Vacation Package Request.

Q: How early should I book?
A: Hawaii is one of the most popular US destinations, and books out very early. Airfares usually become available 11 months in advance, and the best time to book is 9-10 months in advance, especially if you are planning a summer or Christmas vacation. The longer you wait, the more you will be paying - let's look at some examples. A round-trip flight from New York JFK to Honolulu booked 3 months in advance costs $808 including all taxes and fees. The same flight booked 5 months in advance costs $759. If you book 10 months in advance, the price is even lower - $689.

Q: What are the advantages of booking with Hawaii Travel Bureau?
A: There are several things we would like to emphasize to our prospective customers:

• Reliability
     Hawaii Travel Bureau is a member of BBB with perfection reputation, and a member of Hawaii Visitors' and Convention Bureau. All of our consultants have extensive travel planning experience and can recommend travel arrangements to match your needs as close as possible. Learn more about Hawaii Travel Bureau.

• Extremely competitive rates
     Our Marketing Department is continuosly researching the industry to ensure that we always offers the best possible rates for airfare, accommodations, car rentals and tours on all Hawaiian islands.

• High-quality personal service
     When you contact us, you will be assigned a personal consultant who will help you plan and book your trip to Hawaii, and continue helping you with any questions until the moment you depart for your dream vacation!

• Many extras
     We offer various extras like food credit, free breakfast, space available room upgrade at select hotels, and much more. When you request a quote, we will include all applicable specials in your vacation package.

Q: What honeymoon specials do you offer?
A: Depending on the hotel you choose, honeymoon specials may include complimentary champagne upon arrival, box of chocolates, fruit basket, or space available room upgrade. For more information about honeymoon specials at a specific hotel, please contact your Hawaii Travel Bureau consultant.

Q: What senior specials do you offer?
A: We do offer senior specials at some hotels, such as complimentary bottle of wine, or free space available room upgrade. The cut-off age is usually 50 or 55 years old.

Q: If I like the quote you emailed to me, how can I make a reservation?
A: We will need exact first and last names for all travelers, and ages of any children under 18. You will receive the final itinerary by email, along with the reservation terms and conditions. Usually, the payment is due within 5 days of booking, unless it is a last-minute reservation. You can pay by Visa, Discover, Mastercard, American Express, check or money order.

Q: What are my payment options?
A: There are 2 payment options available:

- Pay everything in full (guarantees space and price)
- Put down $50.00 per person deposit and pay the balance due 45 days prior to departure (guarantees space and hotel and car prices, but not the airfare price which may increase before paid in full). For Christmas travel, the deposit is $100.00 per person, final payment due 60 days before departure.

   You can pay by Visa, Discover, MC, Amex, money order, cashier's check, or personal check.

Q: Is any type of cancellation insurance available?
A: We offer excellent trip protection insurance (the cancellation/change penalty waiver). The price is $54 per person for a package with airfare, or $44 per person for land-only reservation (hotel and/or car). It allows you to cancel or change anything for any reason up to the last business day before the departure and receive full refund for your air and land reservations. Please note that waiver must be purchased with the initial payment and for the entire party.

Q: What is the cancellation policy?
A: Here is a link to our change/cancellation policy.

Q: Are there any additional senior/AAA/military discounts?
A: No, because the rates that we offer are already the lowest discounted rates possible, and our travel partners (airlines, hotels, etc.) do not allow any additional discounts.

Q: Do you offer cruises to Hawaii?
A: No, we do not offer any cruises. In fact, very few companies offer cruises to Hawaiian islands because those are not very popular. Most travelers feel that they get a much better opportunity to explore the islands if they fly in, stay at a hotel, rent a car and follow their own itinerary. This will give you much more freedom and flexibility.

Q: What documents do I need to travel to Hawaii?
A: You will need the same documents that you use for travel within continental US - driver's license or another form of government-issued ID. You do not need a passport.

2) Airfare FAQs:

Q: How can I get the lowest airfare?
A: Your airfare price will be the lowest if you depart and come back on a weekday (Mon, Tue, Wed or Thu). Airfares also may be significantly lower if you travel during low season (Jan-May, Sep-early Dec) and avoid any major holiday periods (Valentine's Day, Easter, Spring Break, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, etc.).

Q: What airlines do you offer?
A: Hawaii Travel Bureau offers our own discounted airfares on 7 major airlines - Aloha, American, Continental, Delta, Hawaiian, Northwest and United Airlines. When you request an airfare quote, we check all airlines, and quote you the lowest fare available.

Q: Are taxes included in your airfare prices?
A: Yes, our airfare prices include all applicable taxes, airport fees and security surcharges. There are no additional fees.

Q: Do your offer airfares from non-US airports?
A: At this time, we offer flights from US cities only. Most of our international customers prefer to find their own flight to a major US airport (like Los Angeles, New York, etc.), and then we can get you a great deal for the over-the-water flight from that airport to Hawaii.

Q: Can I earn frequent flyer miles?
A: Yes, you can earn frequent flyer miles from all flights booked through Hawaii Travel Bureau, except inter-island flights. Please give the frequent flyer account number to us at the time of booking, and we'll take care of everything.

Q: Can I reserve seat assignments?
A: Seats can be reserved in advance for most flights. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have a seating preference (aisle, window, front of the plane, etc.). Please note that seats in the emergency exit row are normally assigned at the airport on the day of the flight and cannot be reserved in advance.

3) Hotel FAQs:

Q: Can I get a nonsmoking room?
A: Yes, we can request a nonsmoking or smoking room for you, or put in any other requests, such as king or double beds, high or low floor, etc. If you have any special requests, please let us know at the time of booking.

   Please note that all the request are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed - that's the policy of any hotel. Don't worry, in most cases, the hotel will easily accommodate your requests.

Q: Are the hotel taxes included in your rates?
A: Yes, 11.416% room tax is included in all of Hawaii Travel Bureau room rates. There are no additional taxes, but some hotels do charge resort fee to cover the use of facilities, tea/coffee service, parking, etc. Resort fees normally range $10-$15 per day and are billed directly to your room by the hotel. If your hotel charges the resort fee, we will advise you about it in your quote.

Q: Are there any all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii?
A: There are no all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii because quite frankly, there is no need for them. Hawaiian islands offer such a great variety of cuisine and places to eat, you can find anything from McDonald's to charming local-style cafes to upscale world-class restaurants. Many of those places will be just a short drive away from your hotel! That is why most travelers prefer to book accommodations without any meals included, and take full advantage of the dining options available to add to their vacation experience. There are only 2 hotels in Hawaii that offer all-inclusive packages (with breakfast and dinner included):

   Maui - Royal Lahaina Resort (3 stars)
   Big Island - Royal Kona Resort (3 stars)

Q: Do you offer any B&Bs?
A: No, we do not offer any B&B's, vacation rentals or private accommodations. We only offer hotels and condo resorts where we feel confident about the quality, value and level of service offered to the guests.

4) Car Rental FAQs:

Q: Do I need a car in Hawaii?
A: Yes, we highly recommend renting a car on all islands except for Oahu (Honolulu). A car rental is the best way to explore Maui, Kauai, Big Island, or Molokai because those islands have no public transportation. Honolulu is the only place that has a very convenient bus system, so we recommend booking round-trip airport transfers instead of a car rental.

Q: Are taxes included in your car rental rates?
A: Yes, all taxes and regular fees for car rentals are included. Those are:
    - 4.17% state tax
    - 8.1% airpor concession fee (on Oahu - 11.416%)
    - $3 daily state surcharge
    - $0.17-$0.50 daily licensing and registration fees (vary depending on type of vehicle)

Q: What fees are NOT included?
A: - Car rental insurance - It is completely optional and can be purchased at extra cost when you pick up the car. Before you decide to do that, we recommend checking with your current car insurance provider, as well as your credit card company, because many of them offer free car rental insurance for their customers.

    - Young driver fee - Drivers between ages of 21 and 25 are subject to additional fee of $25+tax per day, payable directly to the car rental company.

    - Overtime charges - Each rental day is a 24 hour period. After 24 hours, overtime charges apply. Overtime charges are: car rental rate - 1/3 of the daily base rate per hour or fraction of the hour late, not to exceed the daily rate; insurance and surcharges - full daily rate for any portion of overtime.

    - Additional driver - $6+tax per day for each additional driver.

    - Child seat - Required for children under 4 years of age. You can bring your own, or rent one for $6+tax per day.

    - Change of location - If you pick up the car in one location but return it to another, the following one-time charge will be added:
      - OAHU: Honolulu Airport to Wakiki (or reverse) - $20.00
      - MAUI: Kahului Airport to Kaanapali (or reverse) - $40.00
        Hana to Kahului Airport/Kaanapali (or reverse) - $100.00
      - BIG ISLAND: Hilo to Kona (or reverse) - $65.00

   Please note that all fees are subject to change without notice.

Q: Can I rent a car if I am under 25?
A: Yes, you can rent a car if you are between 21 and 25 years old. Young Driver Fee is $20.00+tax per day. It is not included in any of our car rates, and will be payable directly to Dollar-Rent-a-Car when you pick up your car.

5) Hawaiian Islands FAQs:

Q: Where can I find more information about each island?
A: We offer detailed online travel guides for All Islands, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island of Hawaii, Molokai and Lanai.

Q: How can I do island-hopping?
A: You can travel from one island to another by a short 30-minute inter-island flight. We recommend that you plan to stay at least 4-5 days on each island - otherwise, you could spend much of your precious vacation time in airports, waiting for your flights and luggage, and checking in and out of hotels. You can visit two, three, four, five, or even all six Hawaiian islands. We can create a custom inter-island vacation package for you that will include inter-island flights, accommodations, and car rental.

Q: What kind of weather should I expect?
A: Hawaiian Islands enjoy consistently pleasant weather year-round (there are 2 seasons: winter, when it's warm, and summer, when it's warmer). Average temperatures are 75-85 degrees. The tradewinds make air soft and balmy. Lots of sunshine, most rains are just passing showers (although it does rain slightly more fom November until April on the North Shore of any island). Hawaii does not have a hurricane season.

Q: Is there a rainy season?
A: There is no officially recognized "rain season" in Hawaii. From November until March, the amount of rainfall slightly increases, especially on the North Shore of any island - that's why those areas boast lush flora and numerous waterfalls. No matter what the weather is at the moment, you can almost always find a sunny spot within a short drive. If you are trying to avoid rain all together, choose accommodations on the South Shore (sunny side) of the islands.

Q: How can I see the whales? What is the best time and place?
A: Humpack whales come to Hawaii's sheltered waters from Alaska every year from mid-December unti mid-May. There are many whale-watching cruises that run Dec-Apr on Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Big Island. The whales' favorite spot is the Kaanapali Shore on Maui.

Q: Where can I swim with dolphins?
A: There are 2 hotels in Hawaii that offer dolphin interaction programs (for hotel guests only):

   1) Kahala Mandarin Oriental (Oahu)
   Kanala Mandarin Oriental features a 26,000 sq ft natural lagoon that is home to 4 Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. Dolphin Encounter program is offered daily for children (ages 5-12), as well as adults.Guests get into the water with the dolphins for an up-close encounter, and a supervised swim. Early space reservation is strongly recommended. This program is available only to guests of the Kahala Mandarin Oriental.

   2) Hilton Waikoloa Village (Big Island of Hawaii)
   Similar program where guests, lead by marine mammal experts, come face to face with the dolphins and learn about their fascinating abilities. Reservations are recommended 2 months in advance, fees vary. This program is available only to guests of the Hilton Waikoloa.

   3) Sea Life Park (Oahu)
   Sea Life Park on Oahu offers Dolphine Adventure and Splash U programs open to anyone interested! Participants will enter the dolphin's environment during a deep water encounter and learn about dolphin anatomy, physiology, training and conservation. Experience a personal training lesson with Sea Life Park trainers and have a chance to view the dolphins underwater and up close with their "dive masks!" Rates are appr. $70-$160 per person. For more information, please call (808) 365-7446.

Q: Where can I see a black sand beach?
A: Black sand can be found on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is formed when hot lava runs into the ocean. The "most black" beach is the Punaluu Beach, located on the south shore of the Big Island.

Q: What is a "luau"? Are there any luaus that you recommend?
A: Luau is a Polynesian party featuring traditional Hawaiian cuisine and entertainment. It usually starts with a royal court procession, followed by the traditional imu ceremony during which a roasted pig is uncovered from the underground oven. Dinner buffet may include such delicious specialties as lomi lomi (salmon), teriyaki chicken, poi (taro root), and haupia (coconut desert). During the spectacular show, hula dancers take you on a journey through the islands of Hawai'i, Tonga, Samoa and Tahiti. A must-do selebration of Aloha!

   Hawaii Travel Bureau's favorite luaus are:
- On Oahu: Germaine's Luau
- On Maui: Old Lahaina Luau

Q: How long is the flight to Hawaii?
A: Here are some approximate times:

• Los Angeles - 5.75 hrs
• San Francisco - 5.5 hrs
• Seattle - 5.75 hrs
• Phoenix - 8.25 hrs
• Salt Lake City - 8 hrs
• Chicago - 9 hrs
• New York - 12.5 hrs

Q: What should I pack?
A: Hawaii is a casual place. You should pack light and favor tropical attire, and add a light jacket or sweater for the evening. Expect to buy at least one Aloha Shirt or a mu'umu'i (long, loose dress) when you get there. Only very upscale restaurant require dinner jackets. If you will be visiting Maui and plan to go up to the Haleakala Crater, you should bring warmer clothes because early morning temperatures drop down to 30's.

Q: What does "Mahalo" mean?
A: "Thank you!"

6) Honeymoon and Wedding FAQs:

Q: What is the best island for honeymooners?
A: Well, as you have probably already heard, each island is unique in its own way. In our experience, Maui is the most popular honeymoon destination, because it is an "all-in-one" island, offering many activities on land and sea, 80 beaches, variety of resorts and hotels, historical and cultural sites, cutting edge cuisine and tropical weather year-round. If you are looking for more quiet, relaxed, non-touristy location, we would recommend the island of Kauai.

   How to choose the best Hawaiian island for your honeymoon .

Q: What kind of honeymoon packages do you offer?
A: We offer custom packages that include airfare, accommodations, car rental, and our honeymoon specials (such as complimentary champagne, box of chocolates, or space available room upgrade - depending on the hotel you choose). Our rates are 10-65% lower than published rates, and less than Travelocity, Orbitz and Expedia.

   There are many options available and our consultans will work with you to match your preferences as close as possible. Click here to receive a quick Hawaii Honeymoon Package Quote.

Q: Can you arrange my wedding ceremony?
A: No, but we can refer you to several trusted wedding coordinators on each island who will be glad to help you with your wedding planning.

Q: How do I get a marriage license in Hawaii?
A: Hawaii has very simpe requirements for a marriage license. You must be 18; have a valid driver's license / passport / state ID, and pay $60 in cash for your license. Blood test or US citizenship are not required. There is no waiting period, and the license is valid for 30 days.

   You or your wedding coordinator must arrange an appointment with a marriage license agent on the island where you will get married. Keep in mind that marriage license offices are open Mon-Fri only, so if you would like to have a ceremony on Saturday or Sunday, you should fly in on or before Thursday, and make an appointment for Friday. You can download the marriage license application (PDF).