When visitors come to the Island from the U.S. Mainland or from other countries, many do not take into account the long driving distances involved in driving on the Island. The Island of Hawai'i is the largest island in the United States, it contains no interstate highways, speed limits are never over 55mph (usually only 35-45mph) and traffic can often be backed up during peak travel hours.
Plan Ahead
It is advisable to check public transportation schedules ahead of time and to book car/van rentals well in advance. Some visitors arrive on the Island only to find that all the Island's rental vehicles are already reserved.
Island Time
Visitors will often notice that nothing happens fast on the Island...so slow down and adjust to "Island Time."
Did You Know?
The Flag of the Kingdom of Hawai'i was commissioned by Kamehameha the Great in 1816. Prior to that time, the British "Union Jack" was the unofficial flag of Hawai'i. Kamehameha had been given the British flag by Captain George Vancouver to commemorate an important agreement the two had made.