At the center of Hawaii’s diverse culture is the aloha spirit. Rooted in the native Hawaiian word, aloha, it is an attitude or way of life characterized by love, respect, warmth and compassion.

The aloha spirit is important in Hawaii, where customs and traditions are drawn from many different cultures. Hawaii’s multiethnic communities are the result of generations of people immigrating to the Hawaiian Islands in the mid-1800s to mid-1900s to work as laborers on sugar plantations. Together with native Hawaiians, they and their offspring have formed Hawaii’s melting pot of cultures.

Visas
All international visitors, regardless of country of origin, must present a valid passport or secure document when entering the United States, including Hawaii. Visit TRAVEL.STATE.GOV for in-depth information on types of visitor visas. For more specific information on entering U.S. borders, review the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY’S website.

International students who have been accepted for enrollment by GCE-participating schools will receive from the school that they are enrolling in an I-20 form, which is required in order to obtain an F-1 Visa from the American Embassy in their country of citizenship.

Currency
Hawaii uses the United States Dollar as its currency. Money can be exchanged at an automated teller machine (ATM) or bank, though it is helpful to exchange some of your currency before you travel to Hawaii.

U.S. paper bills come in $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations. Commonly used U.S. coins include the penny (one cent), nickel (five cents), dime (10 cents) and quarter (25 cents).

Please provide your contact information if you are a student or school interested in learning more about the GCE program.