Traveling to Hawaii? 18 Game-Changing Apps That Will Make Your Trip a Breeze
We all know that it can be easy to lose track of all the little details in order to make sure a trip is smooth sailing from beginning to end.
Don’t panic! The best travel apps are the ones that save you time, money, and stress.
There’s no denying that smartphones have become a lifeline for many of us and they can be just as helpful on vacation.
From finding where to go for happy hour after a long day in the sun to planning out your itinerary, there are lots of ways that a good app can make your trip easier and more enjoyable.
Here are some of our favorite Hawaii travel apps that will make your next visit to the islands even better.
1. Lyft and Uber
Whether you’re taking a quick jaunt from the beach to your hotel or journeying across the island for a day of sightseeing, ridesharing apps are always there to take you where you need to go.
And the best part is that they’re super affordable – often much cheaper than hailed taxis.
If you’re looking for a cheap, convenient way to get around Hawaii, be sure to download Uber or Lyft on your mobile device before your trip. You’ll be glad you did!
2. Shaka Guide
There’s no better way to explore the Hawaiian islands than by car, and with a rental, you have the freedom to go where you want, when you want.
Take it to the next level and pair your drive with the Shaka Guide app! What is it, you ask?
Shaka offers GPS-activated audio tours of the islands of Oahu, Maui, Big Island, and Kauai, so you can learn about local Hawaiian history and culture while you’re driving around.
The best part is that it’s much cheaper than hiring a tour guide. Just download the app, select the tour you want to take, and off you go!
The app will give you turn-by-turn directions and tell you interesting facts and stories along the way; it’s a great way to explore Hawaii at your own pace.
3. Dabus2
Planning a trip to Oahu and looking to save some money on transportation? Then you’ll want to download DaBus2; an app that makes getting around Oahu a breeze.
This handy app is great for locating nearby bus stops and seeing bus routes and timetables.
Plus, it can track any bus in real-time to give you the best estimate of when the next one will arrive. No more waiting around at the bus stop with no end in sight!
So whether you’re looking to avoid rental car fees or reduce your carbon footprint, DaBus2 is worth a download.
4. Hawaii Revealed
Quickly and easily find out about the best places to visit in each of the Hawaiian Islands by downloading the Hawaii Revealed app.
This app offers unbiased reviews of local beaches, attractions, and hotels, as well as restaurant and dining options, making it easy to find the perfect spot for your vacation.
And with unique filtering options and the ability to compare different options side-by-side, you’ll be sure to find exactly what you’re looking for.
No matter if you’re planning a trip or just dreaming about one, be sure to check out Hawaii Revealed.
Download: Apple
5. Biki Bike Share
If you’re planning a trip to Oahu, you’ll definitely want to check out the Biki app. Biki is Honolulu’s bike-sharing program, and it’s a great way to get around the city.
There are over 130 stations across the city, so it’s easy to find a station near your hotel or rental property. And best of all, it’s extremely affordable.
A single ride costs just $4.5, or you can get a full-day pass for only $12 (limited to 30-minute trips each).
That’s an incredible deal, especially when you consider how much money you would spend on taxis or Uber rides. Plus, riding a bike is a great way to see the sights and get some exercise!
6. Native Stories
If there’s one thing that’s true about Hawaii, it’s that you know that the islands are full of culture and history. And now, there’s a new way to experience it: through the Native Stories app.
Created by a non-profit organization, Native Stories provides access to audio content that tells the stories of local people, places, and cultures.
As you explore the island of Oahu, you can browse the app to find relevant points of interest and then listen to audio tours and stories about those places.
The app is a great way to learn more about the history and culture of Hawaii, providing an immersive experience during your trip.
7. Hawaiian Words – Translation and Dictionary
If you’re looking for a way to quickly and easily translate English words into Hawaiian, then look no further than Hawaiian Words.
This app not only provides accurate translations, but it also gives you pronunciations for each word.
So whether you’re trying to impress your Hawaiian friends or relatives, or you just want to learn a few new words, Hawaiian Words is the perfect solution.
And best of all, it’s free! So there’s no excuse not to download it.
Note: unfortunately, this app is only available on iOS but there’s an excellent Android alternative available.
Download: Apple / Android Alternative
8. TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is a great app for finding local hot spots and hidden gems that you might have overlooked.
It’s a great way to find out where the locals are spending their time, which will give you a more authentic experience while you’re on vacation.
You can search for things to do in your area so you know what’s worth spending time on and what might be better left to skip.
It’s an easy way to plan out your itinerary for the day and make sure you’re having the best vacation possible.
9. Duolingo
While most people think of Hawaii as a tropical paradise, it’s also a place with a rich culture and history.
And if you’re planning a trip to the islands, you’ll want to be prepared to communicate with the locals.
Duolingo is a language learning app that can help you learn Hawaiian words, popular phrases, and slang.
The app is free to download and features interactive lessons that are both fun and educational.
Plus, it’s designed to be used offline so you can keep learning even when you’re not connected to the internet.
Looking to order a Mai Tai or simply say “hello”? Duolingo can help you make the most of your trip to Hawaii.
10. Tip Calculator & Bill Split
Dining out with friends is always a fun time, but it can quickly become awkward when the bill arrives and everyone starts fumbling for their wallets.
Tip Calculator & Bill Splitter is here to help! This app will calculate the gratuity and taxes per person, so all you have to do is enter the total bill amount and the number of people in your group.
No more awkward moments at the table – now you can enjoy your meal and your company without stress!
11. Open Table
Trying to get a reservation at a popular restaurant can often feel like an exercise in futility. You call, only to be told that the wait is two hours or more.
However, there is hope for those who are willing to embrace the power of technology!
The Open Table app allows users to make dinner reservations at restaurants all across the country, including some of the most popular spots in Oahu and Maui.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic spot in Waikiki or a family-friendly place in Lahaina, Open Table can help you secure a reservation without all the hassle.
12. Hawaii News Now Weather App
The sun is almost always shining, and even when it’s raining, you can still enjoy the warmth and tropical feel.
But while the weather is generally consistent, there are still times when it can be helpful to know what’s in store for the day.
That’s where the Hawaii News Now Weather App comes in. This app is free, and it provides 10-day forecasts as well as daily and hourly updates.
You can also opt-in to weather alerts so that you’re only notified of drastic changes in conditions.
That way, you can spend less time checking your phone and more time enjoying your vacation.
13. Hawaii Happy Hours
Searching for a great deal on a Mai Tai or wanting to find the best place to watch the sunset with some munchies? Hawaii Happy Hours is the perfect travel companion.
The app is easy to use and helps you find the best deals in town; get access to exclusive discounts and happy hours at local restaurants, cafes, and activities.
In addition, the app is regularly updated with new offers, so you’ll always have the latest information at your fingertips.
14. MSW Surf Forecast
The MSW Surf Forecast app is a must-have for anyone planning a trip to the beach. Not only does it offer forecasts for surfing locations across the world, but it also provides valuable information for beach-goers.
The app includes tide charts, wave height and wind direction data, as well as advice on the best times to visit each location.
As any avid surfer knows, conditions have to be just right in order to get the perfect ride!
15. Surfline
Another excellent app for surfers, the Surfline app is a must-have for anyone looking to catch some waves.
The app provides detailed surf reports, forecasts and coastal weather information for popular spots such as Waikiki Beach, making it easy to find the perfect conditions for your surfing adventure.
The live video cams are a great way to check current conditions, and the paid version of the app even provides alerts when the waves are pumping.
The Surfline app is an essential tool for anyone looking to ride the waves in Hawaii.
16. Uber Eats
While the islands are full of delicious food, it can be tough to find time to sit down for a meal when you’re busy exploring everything that Hawaii has to offer.
With just a few clicks, you can order delivery from local restaurants and have your food delivered right to your hotel room with Uber Eats.
And after a long day of exploration, nothing beats a good meal to nurse your empty stomachs!
17. AlohaSafe Alert
In the age of COVID-19, planning a trip to Hawaii (or anywhere, for that matter) can be a lot more complicated.
So before you start packing your bags, there’s one more thing you should do: download the AlohaSafe Alert app.
This app sends push alerts to any app user who came in close contact with anyone that tested positive for COVID-19. T
If you’re wondering whether or not you should download the app, the answer is a resounding yes – especially if you’re looking to stay safe while on vacation.
18. Currency Converter Plus
Hawaii is part of the United States, so you’ll be using US dollars – no problem if you’re from America.
But what if you’re from another country? No worries! A currency converter app will help you figure out how much money you’re spending.
Currency Converter Plus uses real-time exchange rates, so you always know how much your money is worth.
And with its simple design and easy-to-understand interface, using this app is a piece of cake! Just enter the amount of money you want to convert, and it does the rest.
