Can I Bring My Pet in Hawaii?

Hawaii is rabies free state.

Hawaii's quarantine law is designed to protect residents and pets from serious health problems associated with the presence and spread of rabies.

Success of quarantine program is dependent on maintaining isolation of your pet from other animals required quarantine period.

Importation of dogs, cats and other carnivores in Hawaii is governed by Chapter 4-29 of the State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture Administrative Rules.

This law says that these animals are required to complete a 120-day confinement in the State Animal Quarantine Station.

If specific pre arrival and post arrival requirement are met, animals may qualify for a 30-day quarantine or a new 5-day-or-less quarantine that became effective on June 30, 2003.

You should check with the Department of Agriculture if you plan to bring less common pets in Hawaii, as they may prohibit certain animals like snakes, rats, hamsters, and lizards.

For state quarantine entry requirements and options, contact:

Hawaii Department of Agriculture

Animal Quarantine Station

66-951 Halawa Valley Street

Aiea, HI 96701-5602

(808) 483-7151

Driving in Hawaii

Although there are public transportation in Oahu, it is not available in all the islands of Hawaii. There's a lot of long distance driving in Hawaii.

You can rent a car with a driver or drive the car yourself. But of course, you have to be aware of the State's traffic laws. If you're going to relocate, keep on reading... There's a lot of information on how to get a driver's license and tips on driving around Hawaii even when you're just visiting.

Driver's licensing in the State of Hawaii requires passing written test and road exams for a "Type 3" license.

A vision test, written test and road test are required for license application.

A road test may exempt for those over 18 and converting their unexpired U.S. or Canadian license without parental consent.

If you have a valid driver's license from another state or Canada, the exams are waived and you may drive in Hawaii until your license expires or is declared invalid.

If you still wish to apply for a Hawaii driver's license, you will be required to relinquish your valid out-of-state license and submit to the exams.

This option is not applicable to out-of-state minors with a valid license.

All minors must obtain a Hawaii license before operating any motor vehicle.

Motorcycle operations require "Type 2" licensing.

The same provisions for "Type 3" apply if you already have a valid out-of-state motorcycle license.

Although mopeds are not motorcycles, they are not considered bicycles or scooter either. Therefore, regulation requires that all moped operators must have a valid driver's license of either type.

Bicycle operation does not require licensing. However, one should cycle with extreme care and follow the rules of the road as if driving a car.

Traffic laws in Hawaii are similar to other mainland states. The speed limit s most often posted are 25 mph for residential/school zones, 35 mph for urban areas, and 45-55 mph for highways.

For new applications, renewals and learning permits, you will need proof of your social security number.

Other I.D. such as military I.D. are accepted. Contact the State of Hawaii Driver Licensing Offices for additional information.

For minors (ages 15-17) and young adults, parental or guardian's consent is required.

State law requires the use of seat belts and child restraint devices.

Do You Know Their Customs?

As a sign of respect, if you are going to Hawaii, it is always good to learn about the people's background and customs. You don't have to walk on eggshells. Feel confident that you are being polite and friendly.

I thought that Hawaiians are descendants of Japanese ancestors because they look like them.
I had this idea when I was watching the show on Disney Channel, "Johnny Kapahala," and I saw his Dad and Grandfather. They look like Japanese to me. Aside from that, I've seen some Hawaiians on TV that look like them too.

This blogging is really giving me a good insight and great knowledge as I try to answer my own questions about Hawaii.

You can't just assume. You have to dig and learn.

Well from my digging, I discovered Hawaii is known as the "Melting Point of the Pacific." Hawaii blends different ethnic groups and cultures from many lands into a culture of it's own.

No single race prevails and the mixed ethnic portion 0f the p0pulation is always growing.

About 32% of the people are Caucasian; 28% are mixed races; 27% are Asian; 12% are Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander.

This ethnic variety is a source of pride for the people of Hawaii. It is t is diversity of backgrounds and cultures that makes Hawaii so special.

Generosity, friendliness, and compassion, the love of music, dance and celebration all play an integral part in the life of an islander.

In the island's climate, tension is abated, rushing is obsolete, and thus the expression of doing things on "Hawaiian Time" is created.

After living in Hawaii for a while, you'll inevitably adopt the habit of removing your shoes when entering a home.

A warm embrace is treasured among friends and relatives upon greeting or departure.

The closeness, the bond, can be referred to as gestures when visiting another's home.

The most cherished gift of all is the gift of aloha. Both men and women enjoy the gifts of aloha for it has no prejudices.

In a local family, one of the most celebrated among special ocassions is a child's first birthday for which the family will bar no expense.

Everyone enjoys the flower lei or the ceremonial haku lei. At parties or gatherings, the host or honored guest will likely be wearing a special flower lei.

Flowers and lei are given to friends or relatives upon arrivals or departures on trips or for any other special ocassion, including birthdays, weddings, proms, anniversaries, graduations, births, promotions, and appointments.

The Aloha Spirit

I always hear the word "Aloha" from the people of Hawaii or even from visitors of Hawaii.
I'm not really sure what it means. I thought it means "Hello" in English. It actually refers to a greeting.

But you know what, I've discovered that there is something more to "Aloha." Yes, it's part of Hawaii's culture and Hawaii laws! It's the "Aloha Spirit."

Aloha Spirit is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others.

In the contemplation and presence of life force, "Aloha," the following unuhi laula loa may be used:

• "akahai," meaning kindness to be expressed with tenderness;
• "lokahi," meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony;
• "olu'olu," meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness;
• "ha'aha'a," meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty;
• "ahonui," meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.

These are traits of character that express the charm, warmth and sincerity of Hawaii's people.

It was the working philosophy of Native Hawaiians and was presented as a gift to the people of Hawaii.

"Aloha" is more than a word of greeting or farewell or a salutation.

Aloha means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return.

Aloha is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence.

Aloha means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen, and toknow the unknowable.

In exercising their power on behalf of the people and in the fulfillment of their responsibilities, obligations and service to the people, the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government many contemplate and reside with the life force and give consideration to the "Aloha Spirit."

Please leave your comments. I want to hear from you. Thank you and Aloha!

The State of Hawaii

The state of Hawaii has a total area of 6,471 square miles. Land area is 6,425 square miles and 46 are inland waters.

It is consist of eight major islands and 124 minor islands. Only seven are inhabited.

The major islands are Oahu, Hawaii (Big Island), Kauai, Niihau, Maui, Lanai, Kahoolawe and Molokai. Each island has its own unique features and cultural flavor.

The state flower is hibiscus. There are various species ranging from miniature to magnificent nine blossoms in different colors - pink, yellow, orange, white and red.

The official state bird is the Nene (pronounced as Nay-nay),or Hawaiian goose.
The Nene has always been quite tame, causing it to come dangerously close to extinction.

Most of the Nenes now live in and around Hawaii Volcanoes and National Park. Breeding efforts on the Big Island have given Nene a chance to repopulate. There are hopeful signs that the bird will be plentiful again in Hawaii.

Hawaiian Language

Hawaiians speak 2 languages: English and Hawaiian. Pure Hawaiian is spoken by minute minority and is still prevalent in music and taught in school as a special language.

There are 12 letters in Hawaiian alphabet: the five vowels A, E, I, O, U pronounced as "ah, ay, ee, oh, oo"; and consonants H, K, L, M, N, P, W having the same sounds as in English, with one exception.

When W is next to the final letter in a word, it is pronounced as a "V." For example, Hurricane Iwa is pronounced "eevah," but Waikiki is pronounced "why-kee-kee" because the W is at the beginning of the word.

The following are the commonly used Hawaiian words and their English equivalents:

Hawaiian Word Meaning
aloha greeting, love
hale house
kamaaina long-time resident
kane man
wahine woman
kapu forbidden, taboo
keiki child
kokua help, assistance
luau feast, celebration
mahalo thank you
makai toward the ocean
malihini newcomer, visitor
mauka toward the mountain
moana ocean, sea
muumuu loose fitting dress
ohana family
ono delicious
pau finished, over
puka hole
pupus appetizers

Important Tips Part 2

Things you need to remember.

• Book flights as early as possible.
• Don’t forget that there is 7.25% room occupancy tax for ever guest.
• All islands are not the same.
• It’s not wise to do island hopping in one day.
• You need to drive long distance in some islands.
• Drive safely and with courtesy.
• Expect that it rains in Hawaii too.
• Learn a few Hawaiian words. Watch out for my next blog for commonly used Hawaiian words.
• Check for kid friendly beaches. Waikiki has calm beach and a good one for beginners in surfing.
• Arrange for surfing lesson if you plan to.
• Bring some heavy clothes for colder weather especially if you’re going up the volcano.
• Don’t go to the water with red flags. It’s a warning for danger.
• Remember it’s not all grass and hula in Hawaii. There are tons of activities so plan ahead. Take your time and get around.

Important Tips: Read Immediately Before You Go to Hawaii

Part One:

You want to read these important tips before you go to Hawaii. It will save you time and money!

Here are some invaluable tips you can definitely use if you're planning to go to Hawaii.

• The best time to travel to Hawaii is Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. It's a lot more hassle if you travel on weekends.
• Don't travel during holiday season. If you really have to. Go there on actual holiday because the prices of tickets are cheaper. Click here for Cheaptickets Lowest Fares of January!
• Check with travel agents for tickets or packages. Travel agents buy tickets in bulk from wholesalers, that's why they can get cheaper prices of air tickets, hotels and packages. Orbitz has great winter getaway deals. Click here Hawaii Packages
• Check hotel if it has a beach. If not, ask how close.
• Research the place first before you go there for vacation so that you can plan your activities, maximize your time and enjoy your vacation!
• Pack light. There are so many shops in Hawaii.
• Pack different types of clothes for different activities. You have more activities other than sunbathing.
• Always use sunblock!
• Public transportations are available in Oahu but don't expect to find them all over Hawaii.
• Shop for car rental rate. Click here to compare CheapTickets Car Rentals Tab
• Rent a car with unlimited mile distance. It's cheaper.
• Check with the Depratment of Agriculture if you can bring your pet in Hawaii.

Simple things you need to know. It's better than not knowing it and regret the whole trip because you didn't have enough time or you encountered so many troubles or it's not what you expected.

Happy Trip!

Hawaii History

Have you ever wonder who are the ancestors of Native Hawaiians?

About 1,500 years ago, Polynesian voyagers settled in Hawaiian Islands.

It was rediscovered by the western world headed by Bristish Captain James Cook.
Captain Cook named the archipelago the Sandwich Islands after his patron The Earl of Sandwich. For so many years, the islands were referred to as Sandwich Islands.

Before the British arrived, the islands were ruled as independent kingdoms by hereditary chiefs. One chief, Kamehameha the Great consolidated his power in a series of battles and united the islands under his rule.

In 1893, the last Hawaiian monarch, Queen Liliuokalani, was overthrown and the provisional government under the leadership of Sanford Ballard Dole was formed.

By joint Resolution of Congress, the islands were officially annexed on August 2, 1898.

President Eisenhower signed into law a bill providing Hawaii's admission into the United States.

In August 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state of the Union.

Related Posts:
The State of Hawaii
The Aloha Spirit
Hawaiian Language
Magical Hawaii

Magical Hawaii?!?

Did you know that there is something magical about Hawaii?

It's not that it's a land of sorcery nor enchantment but it's got something...
Actually it's got a lot of things!

Beach, palm trees, powdery white sands, surfing, big waves, tropical climate, volcanoes, good food, rich culture, friendly people, world class resorts, colorful printed shirts and the list just goes on and on.

Most importantly, even people who hasn't been there said that they want to go there because there is something about Hawaii that seems magical.

It seems like it brings healing and serenity. Perhaps it's prowess and beauty?

No wonder it attracts many people. Even my husband who's been living in the land of cold and ice in Nebraska always dreams about going there!

Whatever it is, I officially set my mission: Discover every bit of Hawaii

So join me in my quest to demystify and discover Hawaii....until the time comes when I will set my feet on it's amazing islands...it will remain magical to me...is it? or is it not?