Hawaii has eight major islands: Oahu, Maui, Big Island of Hawaii (“the Big Island”), Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau and Kahoolawe.

The state of Hawaii has its own time zone (Hawaiian Standard Time) and is one of only three states that does not change with Daylight Savings Time.

In Hawaii, directions are given by landmarks, not compass directions. Here are some tips:

• North: “Mauka” (ma-ow-ka), which means “mountains’ in Hawaiian. On Oahu, there are two mountain ranges. The Koolau Range runs along the eastern side of the island, and the Waianae Range runs parallel to it along the western side. To head “Mauka” means to go in the general direction of the mountains.


• South: “Makai” (ma-kye), which means “beach” in Hawaiian. Some of the most popular beaches on Oahu are located on the south side of the island, including Waikiki and Honolulu. This general shoreline is referred to as the “South Shore.”


• West: “Ewa” (eh-veh). The Ewa area of Oahu is the western side of the island. Remember: You don’t have to be in the eastern part of the island to be heading “Ewa-bound.”


• East: Diamond Head: World-famous Diamond Head is an extinct volcanic crater located near Waikiki. Also known as a popular place to hike, the Diamond Head volcano is the most eastern part of the island and can be easily seen from most places in “Town.”

There are four major highways on the island of Oahu:

• H-1 runs east to west along the southern parts of the island and connects to all three of the other highways through “Town.”


• H-2 runs north and south along the central part of the island. The highway runs from the town of Waipahu through Mililani to the town of Wahiawa in Central Oahu.


• H-3 runs north and south along the central and windward parts of the island. The H-3 starts in Aiea and ends at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe.


• Kamehameha Highway, named after Hawaii’s first king, runs around much of the island. It starts from Pearl Harbor and goes through Central Oahu, around the North Shore and along the Windward coast, ending in the town of Kaneohe.


• Other highways: Pali Highway (Honolulu to Kailua) and the Likelike Highway (Honolulu to Kaneohe).

There are only 12 letters in the Hawaiian alphabet:

• Vowels: A, E, I, O, U


• Consonants: H, K, L, M, N, P, W

Hawaiian Language (PDF)

Hawaiian Place Names (PDF)

Auto Registration: Whether you are shipping your car to the island or are purchasing a car here, you’ll need to know about safety inspections and registration.

• Safety Inspection: Every car is subject to annual safety inspections. Valid vehicle registration and insurance are required to obtain a safety inspection.


• Satellite City Halls: Driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations are available at any one of Honolulu’s Satellite City Halls. Conveniently located across the island, the Satellite City Hall offices are a great resource for you.

TheBus: Honolulu is ranked as the 11th most populated city in the United States, and Oahu is the most densely populated of the Hawaiian Islands. TheBus has routes that cover all parts of the island and is easily accessible and affordable.

Helpful Hint: If you want to relax and enjoy Waikiki, you’ll be pleased to know there is military-rated public parking! The Hale Koa hotel (military hotel) and Fort DeRussey (across from the Hale Koa) are both excellent places to park and just a short walk from the heart of Waikiki.