SEVENSEAS Marine Conservation & Travel Issue 19, December 2016 | Page 69

Weather

Honolulu in the southwest enjoys a tropical climate, moderated by the California Current. Average daily highs are 27 °C in January and 31 °C in July. Temperatures rarely exceed 32 °C. The southwest has only between 20 and 50 mm of rain during most of the year, more so from November to February. It is quite unusual for to have the wettest time of year coincide with the slightly cooler months. Oddly enough, the possibility of a tropical storm or even a hurricane is higher from May to November, opposite to the wetter months. Still, such storms are less frequent compared to for example the Caribbean or west Pacific. The northeastern part of the island, although comparable regarding temperatures, is much wetter.

Getting To/from the airport

TheBus (Honolulu) routes 19, 20, and 31 stop on the upper (departure) level of the airport. Routes 19 and 20 connect the airport to Pearlridge Center (20 only), Hickam AFB (19 only), Downtown Honolulu, Ala Moana Center, and Waikiki. Route 31 connects the airport to Tripler Army Medical Center, via Kalihi Transit Center. Routes 9, 40, 40A, 42, and 62 run on Nimitz Highway within walking distance of the airport.

Taxis, limousine services, (hotel) shuttles and rental cars are all widely available, some of them requiring advance reservations. Uber works great as well, you just might need to hail one a block or two away from Arrivals

Getting Around By Car

Many international rental companies have a wide selection of rental cars and these include Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Thrifty, Enterprise, Budget and Alamo/National. Most companies will require you are at least 25 years of age, although younger people might be able to rent cars at slightly higher rates and with some insurance differences as well. A national driver's license is usually enough, but an additional international one is recommended.

If you want to book a car, it is recommended that you book your car before arriving. This is almost always [much] cheaper compared to just showing up.

Getting Around By Bus

The Oahu bus system, officially called TheBus, runs between almost all towns on the island and to most tourist destinations. One-way fare is $2.50 adults, $1.25 youth, with exact change required. There is also a 4-day tourist pass available from Waikiki ABC Stores for $35; also available from ABC Stores and other Waikiki-area shops is a very handy guide to TheBus for $2.95.

December 2016 - Feature Destination

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