Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Currency
U.S. currency is among the drabbest in the world. It's all the same size, with little variation
in color; those unfamiliar with it should spend some time getting acquainted to avoid
making costly mistakes. Coinage in use is one cent (penny), five cents (nickel), 10 cents
(dime), 25 cents (quarter), 50 cents (half dollar), and $1; paper currency is $1, $2 (uncom-
mon), $5, $10, $20, $50, $100. Bills larger than $100 are not in common use. Since 1996,
new designs have been issued for the $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5 bills, although both the
old and new bills are accepted as valid currency.
Travelers Checks
Travelers checks are accepted throughout Hawai'i at hotels, restaurants, car rental agen-
cies, and in most stores and shops. However, to be readily acceptable, they should be in
U.S. currency. Some larger hotels that frequently have Japanese and Canadian guests will
accept those currencies. Banks accept foreign-currency travelers checks, but it'll mean an
extra trip and inconvenience. It's best to get most of your travelers checks in $20 or $50
denominations; anything larger may be hard to cash in shops and boutiques, although not
in hotels.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are the accepted method for virtually all business transactions in Maui. Al-
most every form of accommodation, shop, restaurant, and amusement takes them, although
a handful of local mom-and-pop shops still only accept cash.
Telephone
The telephone system on the main islands is modern and comparable to any system on the
mainland. For land lines, any phone call to a number on that island is a local call; it's long-
distance when dialing to another island or beyond the state.
Cell (mobile) phone reception is good throughout the state of Hawai'i. However, as
anywhere, you will find pockets where reception is not good or nonexistent.
For directory assistance, dial 1-411 (local), 1-555-1212 (interisland), 1-area code/
555-1212 (mainland), 1-800/555-1212 (toll-free).
The area code for all the islands of Hawai'i is 808.
