Hawaii Travel Apps
There’s a lot to know before visiting paradise. Where you should eat, what activities you should do, what the weather will be like, how bad the traffic and crowds will be, and how to get around on the island can make packing for your trip a confusing ordeal.
But the one thing you’ll never forget to pack: your phone. That’s why you should equip your phone with apps that make it easy to explore everything Hawaii has to offer.
Here are the apps you need to plan a trip to Hawaii that will leave no lava rock unturned.
1. Hawaii Revealed App
Pretty much everything you need to plan out your vacation beforehand is in this app. It’s from the author of the best-selling Maui Revealed, Big Island Revealed, Kauai Revealed and Oahu Revealed Guidebooks and has information on restaurants, resorts, and activities all reviewed anonymously. You can filter through the reviews based on location, kid-friendly amenities, and more, to plan your ideal trip. The app also includes weather updates and custom maps that can be downloaded for use offline. No other Hawaii travel apps feature both an interactive map and reviews of local spots and hidden places on the islands.
You can download Hawaii Revealed iOS app or Android app.
2. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
This app lets you read the paper but save the trees. Hawaii’s only print newspaper has an app where you can read each page right on your phone. Stay up to date on what’s happening across the island with breaking news, weather, traffic, as well as features on local establishments. Premium content such as articles with multimedia and videos is marked with a blue star.
Contains ads, free to download on Google Play Store and the App Store.
3. Discount Hawaii Car Rental
Having the right vehicle is essential on Hawaii. No matter which island you’re on, your vehicle should be prepped for all kinds of adventure. Find the car you need on the Discount Hawaii Car Rental app. They offer vehicles from several car rental companies and require no prepayments. The best part is you’re able to cancel your rental at any time.
Free to download on Google Play and the App Store.
4. Hawaii Traffic Cameras
See what traffic is like from your bed! You can search major highways to see how things are moving along before you make your way. The app also has cameras on beaches so you can see the crowds. You can even place your most-checked cameras on your home screen using their widgets. The camera feeds come from Honolulu’s government website and Maui’s windsurfing website.
Contains ads, only available on Google Play.
5. Ready Hawaii
Stay safe during your stay with instructions on what to do in a tsunami, hurricane or any threats that may be approaching the islands. Hawaii’s Department of Emergency Management came out with an app for the public on how to prepare for disasters. The app features maps with evacuation routes and nearby shelters, as well as a checklist for emergency supplies. You can also receive public health alerts and learn more about Hawaii’s disaster history.
Free to download on Google Play and the App Store.
6. English Hawaiian Dictionary
Hawaii is the only U.S. state with two official languages, Hawaiian and English. To help you quickly translate words and better understand the culture, you can download the English Hawaiian Dictionary. This app works offline and stores words you have previously translated so you can easily go back and look them up again. If you are connected to WiFi, you can use the text to speech mode as well.
Contains ads, free to download on Google Play and the App Store.
7. Surf News Network
Surf’s up! Get the latest updates on surf reports in Hawaii from one app. Surf News Network gathers information from the National Weather Service on tides, forecasts, and buoys. You’ll be able to ride the waves in no time with a quick check on your phone. Although Surf News Network is only available on Android devices, iPhone users can download the free apps MSW Surf Forecast or Surfline, or download Hawaii Surf Reports for $0.99.
Free to download on Google Play.
8. GreatLife Hawaii
The GreatLife Hawaii app has general information on places to eat, recreation and entertainment venues, and sports facilities. The app also has real-time movie listings from Sharkey Theater as well as notifications for any closures or special events. You can get GPS directions to the facilities and add upcoming events to your phone’s calendar.
Free to download on Google Play and the App Store.
9. Happy Hour Hawaii
It’s Happy Hour somewhere in Hawaii! This app helps you find the best happy hour deals and shows you the restaurant’s menu, location, and business hours. You can also filter by happy hour start time, and the app will automatically show you the restaurants closest to you. You can even buy tickets to events and receive special deals right from the app. Save your favorite happy hour locations and share with friends!
Contains ads, free to download on Google Play and the App Store.
10. Libraries Hawaii
If all you want to do is relax on the beach with a good book, then this app is for you. The Hawaii State Public Library System has an app where you can browse books in nearby libraries, place a hold and see your checked-out items. See details such as reviews and availability for books, movies, and other items in the library. The app also lists events taking place at each library.
Free to download on Google Play and the App Store.
With these apps, you can cut the time you spend planning a trip to Hawaii in half! Whether you’re looking for the essentials such as weather and traffic updates, or information related to activities such as surfing or happy hours, these apps cover them all. Let us know if you’ve used any of these apps before or if there are others you love. Enjoy your trip to paradise!