Aloha!
Hawaii is a tropical paradise. The Hawaiian islands are well-known for their breathtaking natural beauty and laid-back culture. It is the place where "aloha time" reigns, and time seems to move slowly. In other words, perfect for your next travel destination!
Knowing the time zone differences is essential when it comes to practical issues. Meetings, arranging tasks, or keeping up with the kids at home... let's prepare!
We will explore Hawaii's time zone in this post, so that the jetlag doesn't hit you TOO hard...
(quick side-note... as an artist living on Kauai.. I would love for you to check out my art prints and tapestries! Would you please visit my storefront at www.soulofhawaii.com and take a look around if this article helped you out?)
Let's Dive In...
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding Hawaii's timezone...
What time zone in Hawaii in?
The Hawaiian Islands observe Hawaii Standard Time (HST) throughout the year. This time zone is 10 hours BEHIND “Coordinated Universal Time”.
How does daylight savings time effect the timezone?
You might be jealous of this one! Hawaii doesn't practice daylight saving time. This means that the time is constant all year long. HOORAH! But... this creates a little bit of a complication for tourists. Hawaii time, in relation to your time zone, will look different depending on WHEN you travel.
What are the time differences in relation to Mainland U.S.?
Short-and-simple, let's break it down:
During Daylight Savings time... (March to November)
Pacific Standard Time (PST) is 3 hours ahead of Hawaiian time.
Mountain Standard Time (MST) is 4 hours ahead of Hawaiian time.
Central Standard Time (CST) is 5 hours ahead of Hawaiian time.
Eastern Standard Time (EST) is 6 hours ahead of Hawaiian time.
**When the mainland ends daylight saving time, these differences change by an hour**
So, during November to March the schedule looks more like...
Pacific Standard Time (PST) is 2 hours ahead of Hawaiian time.
Mountain Standard Time (MST) is 3 hours ahead of Hawaiian time.
Central Standard Time (CST) is 4 hours ahead of Hawaiian time.
Eastern Standard Time (EST) is 5 hours ahead of Hawaiian time.
What about traveling inter-island?
The Hawaiian Islands are all on the Hawaiian time zone. Traveling inter-island (for example, from Big Island to Kauai) does not have a time effect.
What IS “Island Time?”
Locals in Hawaii use the terms "Hawaiian Time" or "Island Time” or even “Aloha Time”.
These phrases refer to the culture's loose and laid-back attitude toward maintaining time. While it can be frustrating in some respects, it can also be seen as an opportunity to learn how to slow down!
... Except for when your favorite cafe randomly closes at 2pm because the owner decided they were “Pau” (finished).. but I digress!
Try giving yourself freedom to relax and savor the aloha spirit by embracing the slower pace.
IN CONCLUSION…
The islands await! The jet-lag, planning, and scheduling are all a part of the island experience! With some forethought, it isn't as bad as it may seem. When you're taking in the magnificent sunsets on a Hawaiian beach, it will all be worth it! l
Aloha!
(quick side-note... as an artist living on Kauai.. I would love for you to check out my art prints and tapestries! Would you please visit my storefront at www.soulofhawaii.com and take a look around if this article helped you out?)