informed traveler

City Population390,738

Elevation21 ft.

Sales TaxHawai‘i has an excise tax of 4 percent (4.712 percent in Honolulu) on most goods and services. Honolulu has a lodging tax of 10.25 percent; rental cars are subject to state tax and a road tax of approximately $5 per day.

Emergency911

Police (non-emergency)(808) 529-3111

Temperature(808) 973-4380

HospitalsKaiser Permanente-Moanalua Medical Center & Clinic, (808) 432-0000; The Queen's Medical Center, (808) 691-1000; Straub Medical Center, (808) 522-4000.

Visitor Information Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau 2270 Kalākaua Ave. Suite 801 Honolulu, HI 96815. Phone:(808)923-1811 or (800)464-2924The bureau offers visitor information, brochures and maps Mon.-Fri. 8-4:30, except holidays.

Spotlight and This Week magazines print tourism-oriented information that is helpful to visitors looking for fun things to do. These free publications are available at most concierge desks and in magazine racks along the street.

Air Travel Busy Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is the gateway to the state. Just across Keehi Lagoon off H-1, next to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the airport is served by most domestic and many foreign passenger carriers, as well as interisland and commuter lines.

Cab fare from the airport to Waikīkī is $40-$45; limousines average about $175.

Rental CarsHertz, (800) 654-3080, offers discounts to AAA members and has several area locations: the airport, (808) 837-7100; Kahala Hotel & Resort, (808) 735-8983; Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Beach Resort & Spa, (808) 971-3535; Imperial Hotel, (808) 922-3331; and Pagoda Hotel, (808) 942-5626.

TaxisThe largest companies serving the island are TheCAB, (808) 422-2222; and Charley's Taxi & Tours, (808) 233-3333.

Prices may be calculated from a base fare of $3.50 with an additional charge of 45c per additional eighth of a mile. There may be an additional charge of $5 per oversize item (e.g., surfboard or bicycle).

“TheBus” offers transportation around the island. The base fare is $2.75; $1.25 (ages 6-17); $1 (ages 65+ and the physically impaired). Exact change is required. A 1-day pass, which provides unlimited rides, is $5.50 and may be purchased from the bus operator.

Phone (808) 848-5555 for route and schedule information. A free time schedule usually is available at the headquarters, at libraries or at any City Hall. Guides for sightseeing via TheBus are sold at most area stores, but visitors should phone ahead to verify information.