Are you planning a trip to Hawaii and want to know a few travel apps that might help while you’re over there? Keep scrolling to find out the best Hawaii travel apps worth downloading.
This list of the best Hawaii travel apps was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Planning a Hawaii trip and wondering which apps are actually worth downloading?
As a professional tourist who’s visited Hawaii over 40 times, I’ve tested tons of travel apps. Here are the ones that consistently make my Hawaii trips easier and more fun.
Your smartphone is basically your best travel companion in Hawaii. From GPS audio tours that work without cell service to surf forecasts that help you pick the perfect beach day, the right apps can save you time, money, and frustration.
Let me share the Hawaii travel apps I use on every single trip.
Shaka Guide
This is hands-down my favorite Hawaii app. My family has used Shaka Guide on the Road to Hana and at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and my kids absolutely loved it.
Instead of just driving in silence, we learned about Hawaiian history, heard fun facts, and even listened to Hawaiian music between stops. It felt like having a super knowledgeable friend in the car with us.
Shaka Guide works on all the major islands (Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Big Island).
The app uses GPS to automatically play audio as you drive, so you don’t have to fumble with your phone. It’ll give you turn-by-turn directions, tell you about points of interest, and even warn you about narrow bridges or tricky parking situations.
The best part? Everything downloads to your phone ahead of time, so it works perfectly even in areas with zero cell service.
At around $20-30 per tour, it’s way cheaper than booking a traditional guided tour, and you can go at your own pace. Want to spend an extra 20 minutes at a waterfall? No problem. Need to skip a stop because the kids are melting down? You’re in control.
If you’re planning a driving tour in Hawaii, get this app. You won’t regret it.
Hawaii Revealed App
The Hawaii Revealed app is super popular with Hawaii visitors, and I can see why. It has GPS features that work without WiFi, tons of reviews on beaches and restaurants, and detailed maps.
The app is based on their award-winning guidebooks, which have been helping people discover hidden Hawaii gems for years.
However, I need to be honest with you. Some people have raised concerns that the app occasionally directs visitors to private property. Hawaii locals have nicknamed it “Maui Reviled” for this reason.
So if you use it, please be respectful. If you see “kapu” or “no trespassing” signs, don’t go there, even if the app suggests it. Respecting private property and Hawaiian culture is way more important than seeing every single spot.
That said, the app does have useful features like filtering options for beaches and restaurants, and it can help you discover some really cool places. Just use common sense and respect boundaries.
DaBus2 (Oahu’s Bus App)
If you’re visiting Oahu and want to skip the rental car, DaBus2 is essential. This free app shows you bus routes, real-time arrival times, and helps you figure out which bus to take to get where you’re going.
TheBus is honestly the most affordable way to get around Oahu. Many of the buses have GPS tracking, so the app can tell you exactly when your bus will arrive.
No more standing at a bus stop wondering if you missed it. You can bookmark your favorite stops, explore different routes, and even take a virtual ride to preview your trip.
If you’re staying in Waikiki without a car, download this before you arrive. It’ll save you a fortune on Uber rides and taxis.
Surfline
Want to know if the waves are good before you head to the beach? Surfline is the app surfers rely on, but it’s useful for everyone.
Even if you’re just planning a beach day with the kids, checking the surf conditions helps you pick the right spot.
Surfline shows you wave heights, wind conditions, water temperature, and even has live webcams at hundreds of beaches around the world.
You can see real-time footage of Hawaii beaches before you leave your hotel, which is super helpful for deciding if it’s a good day for boogie boarding or if you should stick to the pool.
The app has both free and premium options. The free version gives you enough info for basic beach planning. If you’re serious about surfing, the premium features like 16-day forecasts and cam rewind (so you can watch yourself surf later) might be worth it.
Hawaii News Now Weather App
Hawaii’s weather is wild. You can have sunshine in Waikiki and pouring rain in Manoa, just 10 minutes away. The Hawaii News Now Weather app helps you navigate those microclimates.
This free app gives you 10-day forecasts, hourly updates, and real-time radar. You can set up weather alerts so you’re only notified about major changes. Want to know if that hike you planned is going to be a muddy mess? Check this app first.
The radar feature is especially helpful in Hawaii. You can actually see where the rain is moving, which helps you decide if you should wait 20 minutes for it to pass or change your plans entirely.
Other Websites Worth Considering
Expedia – I use this for booking hotels in Hawaii. You can compare prices, read reviews, and book everything in one place.
Viator and GetYourGuide – Both apps are great for booking tours and activities. I’ve used both many times to book snorkel trips, luaus, and helicopter tours.
Discount Hawaii Car Rental – If you need a rental car, check out Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They compare prices across all the major companies to find you the best deal.
Making the Most of Your Hawaii Trip
The right apps can genuinely make your Hawaii vacation easier. But here’s the thing – don’t spend your whole trip staring at your phone.
Use these apps to make smart decisions about where to go and what to do, then put your phone away and actually enjoy the moment.
Want more help planning your Hawaii trip? I’ve created detailed travel guides for Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island that include detailed itineraries, kid-friendly activities, and all my insider tips.
Not sure which island to visit? My Island Hopping Guide walks you through the pros and cons of each island and helps you plan the perfect multi-island adventure.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed about planning your trip, I offer personalized Hawaii travel consultations where I’ll help you create a custom itinerary based on your family’s interests and budget.
As a certified Hawaii Destination Specialist and Hawaii travel expert who’s been visiting the islands for decades, I love helping families plan unforgettable Hawaii vacations.
You can also check out my podcast, Hawaii Travel Made Easy, where I share even more Hawaii travel tips and answer listener questions.
Ready to start planning? Sign up for my free 5-day email course on How to Travel to Hawaii Like a Pro and learn my best strategies for making your Hawaii trip amazing from start to finish.
Want more Hawaii planning resources? Find out how to rent a car in Hawaii, best ways to visit Hawaii on a budget, get answers to your Hawaii questions, and get my Hawaii packing list for families.
