Hawaii

The most common Hawaii licence plate is white with an arcing rainbow across the centre of the plate. When blurred, you can sometimes see the outline of the rainbow. Front plates are required in Hawaii.

Hawaii is the only state to use its own language, though English is still predominantly used. Most place names are in Hawaiian, so you can spot it on street signs, and other road markers.

• Hawaiian is a vowel-oriented language that only uses eight consonants: H, K, L, M, N, P, W, and (ʻ), called an ʻOkina.

• Every Hawaiian word ends in one of 5 vowels: A, E, I, O, or U. 

• Each vowel can also have a macron over it: Ā, Ē, Ī, Ō, and Ū.

These vowels are often combined to make Diphthongs. I.e. UI, AI, AE, etc...

Hawaii has a fair amount of Generation 2 coverage, compared to other US states. Especially on more rural roads.

NOTE: Generation 2 can be recognized by the lower quality camera, and circular blur above and below the camera.

Hawaii is known for its lush and tropical vegetation, with a variety of plants and trees. However, being a volcanic island chain, Hawaii has a wide range of landscapes, and as such vegetation as well. 

You will often see plenty of ferns, tall grass, or other flowers on the sides of the roads.

Topography on Hawaii is characterised by many sloping volcanoes, rugged cliffs, hills, valleys and craters. Such distinct topography combined with tropical vegetation is a good way to identify Hawaii.

Thick yellow bands can sometimes be seen on poles in Hawaii.

NOTE: Make sure not to confuse this with the 3 stripes found on Californian poles.

A stubby antenna can be seen in most Generation 3 coverage on Hawaii.

NOTE: The antenna is not always visible, so make sure to look out for other clues before guessing.

Raised pavement markers in Hawaii will commonly be placed in a specific pattern: a single reflector, followed by four reflectors put close together and then a single reflector, repeating the pattern.

Generation 2 and 4 coverage can only be found on the islands of Hawaiʻi, Maui and Oʻahu. The other islands only have Generation 3 coverage.

Within Hawaii, a distinct green blur can only be seen on the island of Oʻahu.

Rural roads going through forests within a flat landscape are commonly found south of the city of Hilo, on the island of Hawaiʻi.

NOTE: Mountainous forests are dotted around Hawaii, but if you are in one, and you see red soil with Generation 3, consider guessing in Kauai, the westernmost covered island.

The Lānaʻi island is a niche, yet distinct island. The plane that dominates most of the island has a unique volcano to the north of the plane. You might not be able to see the volcano from Lanai City, but these tall unique trees dominate most of the city.

The infamous “Hawaiian lattice” can be recognized by the volcanic soil and rocks that are abundant in the region. Volcanic vegetation can also be seen lining the roads. Note that the angle of the roads is a big clue for the area, and that this lattice was built on the slope of Mauna Loa.

The Red Hill can easily be recognised by this unique barren, red rocky landscape. Due to the high altitude, clouds are usually visible below you.