I'm embarrassed to ask this, but if you live in the Continental U.S. do you need a passport for HI? Are ATM's the same and what are usual fees? I know I can ask the bank but I knew all you world travelers would know. Landing at Honolulu airport. And is there any other important facts I should know, 1st trip to HI, Thank you.

Hawaii is one of the United States of America. No passport necessary. It's much like many states except for being a tropical paradise. Good public health, good roads, good security, good medical services on Oahu; not top notch on the other islands.

No passport needed for Hawaii if you are a US resident - same with Alaska, but Texas you do (as it is a foreign state).

Hmm Nanabee, I am waiting for more responses like yours!!

Good one nanabee, although I admit to a certain fondness for parts of Texas plus love Tex Mex and their BBQ.

Joy there are also many mainland stores there like Walmart, KMart, Macy's, Safeway supermarket, etc. What island(s) are you visiting and for how long?

You don't need a passport but the ATMs are very different.
You give your card to a small monkey who scampers up a cocoanut tree and returns with your cash.

And banks are all local, no megabanks from the mainland (but plenty ATMs for PLUS and Cirrus).

I always travel with my passport, I just feel more secure than going "overseas" (yes I know Hawaii is technically the good ole USA) with only my drivers license. But no it is not required.

I have never found ATMs that work well for me in Waikiki (Bank of America) so take most of my cash with me, use a charge card, or sometimes can get small amounts of "cash back" when I make a purchase using my debit card.