Travel Insurance for Hawaii

With six populated islands to choose from, Hawaii is a dream tropical destination offering a myriad of activities and adventures. Whether you are interested in surfing, diving, coffee plantations, or just a relaxing holiday swimming with dolphins, you’ll find your expectations exceeded by what Hawaii offers. But being a dream destination doesn’t mean nothing can go wrong. And if things do go wrong, having travel insurance can help prevent your dream holiday from becoming a living nightmare.

How long is the flight from Sydney to Hawaii?

Travel time for flights from Sydney to Hawaii vary from just under 10-hours, to almost 24-hours. These times are influenced by your final destination in Hawaii, and whether or not you are on a direct flight. Hawaii is made up of eight main islands, but only four international airports, so some destinations in Hawaii will require additional connecting flights, or other forms of transport. Flying from Perth or Melbourne will add three to five hours to the total flying time.

When is the best time to go to Hawaii?

Hawaii is a tropical island, and quite close to the equator, which means you can expect daytime temperatures in the mid-20s and up all year round. The wet season runs from November through to March, while high-season is mid-December through to the middle of April. The fact that the high-season happens during the wet season should give you some idea of how you shouldn’t be too concerned about rainy weather affecting your holiday in any way.

However, if you’re after more moderate daytime temperatures, and cheaper accommodation, you may want to schedule your trip during the April and May, or September and October. If you are interested in a Pacific Ocean cruise that includes stops in Hawaii, you’ll find that many of them only depart during April. Even though this is before the start of the Pacific Ocean tropical storm season, cruise travel insurance will protect you against any unforeseen changes to your plans, and the cost of on-board medical treatment, which is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance.

Do I need a visa for Hawaii?

The current official travel advice for the US, including Hawaii, is for travellers to exercise normal safety precautions. Always check the Smartraveller website for the latest travel advice. There is a heightened threat of terrorist attacks throughout the US, and gun crimes, including mass shootings, continue to make headlines. These should not deter you from travelling – unless specifically advised – but should be factored in for awareness. Kilauea volcano on the Big Island has been particularly active since May 2018, but doesn’t currently present a risk to visits and stays on the rest of the island.

Comprehensive travel insurance is always advisable since it usually includes benefits for cancelled travel arrangements, emergency evacuations, and the loss or theft of your personal property. If any part of your trip includes a cruise, check that your travel insurance benefits cover this since it isn’t always included by default.

How do you travel between islands in Hawaii?

There are daily flights between the six populated main islands of Hawaii, running from early morning into the early part of the evening. Flights range from 25 to 50-minutes long, and are operated by a number of airlines. Travelling by ferry is only possible between Maui and Lanai.

Do I need to rent a car in Hawaii?

Regardless of which island you will be staying on in Hawaii, renting a car is always advisable. Although Honolulu is well-developed with many tour operators and other forms of transport to help you get around and explore the island, a rental car will allow you to do this at your own pace. The resorts on Lanai all offer a shuttle service, dispensing with the need for a rental car, but you should consider renting a Jeep for a day to explore the parts of Lanai only accessible with a 4-wheel drive. You will be able to rent a car and drive around Hawaii, using your Australian driver’s license, up to a maximum of 28-days. If you are going to be renting a car, make sure your travel insurance includes a benefit for car rental excess, and that you are also aware of any conditions and requirements of your travel insurance relating to driving in a foreign country.

We also offer insurance for other destinations such as India