I'm traveling to Hawaii and wondering if my iPad will work? I have wifi on it but do I need to turn it into a wifi hotspot?

If where you are traveling to has free Wi-Fi, all you need to do is search for the network and connect to it (agreeing to any terms and conditions). You cannot turn the iPad into a hotspot but depending on your wireless carrier and what phone you have, you may be able to use your cell phone as a hotspot that the iPad tethers to when there is no Wi-Fi network to connect to. This is called tethering and some carriers may charge extra for it and your phone may or may not support it.

Turning your iPad into a WiFi Hotspot, is only necessary if you are needing to share WiFi with other devices, if your iPad is already connected to WiFi or Cellular etc..

Ask the Hotel where you are staying for their WiFi information for Guests and connect to their WiFi Network in the list that shows up in iPads WiFi Settings.

Joining and troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks

http://www.apple.com/support/ipad/assistant/wifi/

Is your iPad a cellular model? If not, you pretty much have no choice. You will need to find WiFi hotspots. Check the app store for an app called Free WiFi. It will help you locate some in your area.

You do have the possible option (assuming both your phone and carrier support it) of using our phone as a portable WiFi hot spot, but keep in mind data rates will apply, and depending on your plan and roaming, could be rather expensive.

I used it on a trip to Quebec last year. Did the trick.