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It is never too early for a chocolate mac nut pie. They also have a phenomenal lunch menu but you can beat the crowds by going for breakfast. The road gets windy but it is paved. Go snorkeling in the Honolua Bay , a marine preserve at the end of a 5-minute jungle walk. If the waves are big or snorkeling visibility is poor, go to Nakalele Blowhole that is a few minutes past Honolua Bay. There are public parking lots but arrive by am for a spot or park along the road.
These three bays are well-protected and rich in Hawaii-only-fish and sea turtles. Snorkel on the sides of the bay to find the sea turtles.
Historic Lahaina Town: Head to Lahaina for lunch, sightseeing, and shopping. Lahaina was once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii. The whaling town has kept most of its charm but does come off as touristy and kitschy to many.
Personally, I like this place. It is located on Front St. They have free parking. After lunch and checking out Lahaina, you can go back to your resort for some pool time and relaxation. I also love the Maui food truck scene. There are food truck parks around the resort areas and towns. Check out the articles below for food truck information and happy hour guides. Day 3 of our Hawaii Itinerary is my favorite day. Erica and I love whale watching.
Maui is home to the largest humpback whale migration in the world. You will see calves playfully breaching, groups of males pursuing females in courtship, and whales singing their hearts out. Check out our video for what to expect when whale watching in Maui. Whale watching is a 2-hour tour so if you go in the morning, you will have a lot of the day left for snorkeling and beach-bumming.
This leaves more time for snorkeling or going on a snorkeling cruise. Snorkeling Day: Maui is the best Hawaiian island for snorkeling because you can find great snorkeling from the shore. Our favorite shoreline snorkeling spots are the following. This beach is great for the whole family and is located in central Kihei, a popular place to stay. To find the turtles, head south down the beach till you reach the rocks at the end of the sand. There is a big parking lot with bathroom facilities.
The beach is ideal for lounging all day and then jumping in for snorkeling in the reef located less than a hundred feet from shore. Excellent snorkeling and calm waters.
A snorkeling cruise may be more of an adventure for you. Plus, a boat or sailboat can take you to pristine reefs and Maui landmarks that are more jaw-dropping than the snorkeling, like the Molokini crater. Our favorite snorkeling cruises are Molokini crater, Lanai snorkeling and dolphin watch, and Olowalu Kayak Snorkeling.
Luau: Finally, the time has come for a Hawaiian feast. The luaus feature Hawaiian and Polynesian dancing while you dine on Kalua pig, poi taro plant , and haupia coconut milk-based dessert. Feel free to get dressed up with your best Aloha Shirt or tropical attire. Luaus include interactive events before the festivities like coconut husking, spear throwing, hula lessons, and basket weaving.
Luaus can be found in the resorts or standalone locations. The best luaus on Maui are below. The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Maui. This drive is worth the hype. Swim in waterfalls, eat fresh banana bread, drink from coconuts, walk black sand beaches and through bamboo forests, and so much more.
Head out at am or earlier. The drive is only miles but plan to be on the road for 8 to hours to do the stops you want to do. NPS passes are good for 3-days. They are trying to get home, let them pass you. The road is remote and unpaved in spots so do this at your own risk. Cell coverage is spotty too. The best part of visiting Maui is you have the islands of Lanai and Molokai a few miles away. We recommend taking a day trip to Lanai, the Pineapple Isle.
The island of Lanai was once home to the largest pineapple plantation in the world, by Dole. Today, it is home to 3, permanent residents and two five-star Four Seasons Hotels. Spend the day on one of the best beaches in the world, Hulopoe Beach, with snorkeling and soaking up the sun. Hulopoe Beach is located where the ferry drops you off. Take a taxi or bus to Lanai City from the beach. Grab a coffee at Coffee Works and walk the small town. This is another big day on the road in Maui but worth the driving.
If you reserved a Haleakala sunrise permit, plan on staying in Haleakala for the morning going on hikes and checking out the silversword plants and Nene birds. The other option is to tour Upcountry Maui in the morning and then go to Haleakala in the afternoon and to watch the sunset from the summit. Upcountry Maui: Escape the heat of the Maui coastline. Head up the volcano for the Swiss Alps-like area of Upcountry. Where the cowboys roam and the coffee grows.
You can do the Upcountry activities in the order below as you cruise through Upcountry on route They are quick stops so you can do 3 or 4 plus lunch. Pick your favorite based on when you get hungry during your activities. A good breakfast stop. Erica and I love exploring Hawaii by trail. One can hike in a jungle or a desert. Start the morning with refreshing hikes after driving through Upcountry the day before.
This is more of a scenic outlook than a hike. The 3. This is a fun hike to take in Maui. Beach Day: After a morning of hiking, time to head to the beach.
Relax at one of the local beaches in your area. Check out our shoreline snorkeling spots above for the best beaches. Time to pack your bags and head to another island. You can find great island-hopping flight deals from Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines. Flights are frequent. Princeville is home to the nicest resorts, the beaches have stunning mountain backdrops, and you are close to the cutest town on the island — Hanalei.
The cons of staying in Princeville is it is wetter during the winter and the winter surf makes the beaches not safe for swimming. The next option to stay in the South Shore. South shore also has nice beaches like Poipu Beach. The most affordable area to stay is the populated east shore of Kauai. More budget accommodations are available and it is a convenient location between north and south shore activities.
The itinerary is structured for someone staying in Princeville but it will work regardless of where you stay as Kauai is small. One can almost circumnavigate the island in an hour and 30 minutes. The impassable Na Pali Coast stops a full circumnavigation of Kauai.
Grab your rental car on Kauai. Remember to check out Discount Hawaii Car Rentals for the best deals on the big car rental companies. Drop-off your bags at your resort and then head to Hanalei Bay for lunch.
Hanalei is a charming town on the idyllic Hanalei Bay with waterfalls dotting the 4,foot cliffs towering over the bay. Those are our three favorites in Hanalei. After lunch, you have two options to fill your afternoon. Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Kauai. Option 1. Go for a swim in Hanalei Bay.
Option 2. Hike a 2-mile section of the famous Kalalau Trail. No permit is required to hike from the trailhead to Hanakapiai Beach.
The beach is beautiful but dangerous during the winter with big waves and strong riptide. From the beach, you can take another 2-mile trail to Hanakapiai Falls. Both hikes have steep inclines and are unpaved. After the swim or the hike, soak up the resort or hotel you picked. Today you explore the Garden Isle. Hop in your car for a road trip through paradise. This beach has amazing snorkeling, swimming, bodyboarding, and home to many resting monk seals.
The beach has been voted the best beach in America a few times. Enjoy the golden-sand beach and soak up the late morning sun. Hanapepe Town : As you drive east around the island, stop in Hanapepe. Pick up some taro chips from Taro Ko Farm.
The rustic shack is open, just knock for fresh-made chips. Park the car and walk around the historic town. Check out the Swinging Bridge, art galleries, and shops. If you need another beach stop, drive over to the Salt Pond Beach Park. It is a family-friendly and not crowded beach. The BBQ is outstanding and the location is ideal. Have lunch and walk the beautiful grounds of Waimea Plantation Cottages. From here, it is a quick drive up to Waimea Canyon.
The red-dirt walls are breathtaking. Choose to enjoy the canyon from two lookouts or hike the many trails around the state park. You can have a dinner cruise or drinks only, depending on your operator.
In the mountains above Lihui is an adventure like no other. Don a headlamp, sit in a tube, and flow gently down an engineering marvel. Dug by hand in , you can tube down flumes, canals, and through tunnels of the former Lihue Sugar Cane Plantation. The 3-hour tour comes with lunch. Check out Mountain Tubing Adventure for tickets.
Grab your bags from your hotel, it is time to head home. For those desiring more nightlife, entertainment, and a vast selection of Pacific and Hawaiian regional cuisine then head to Oahu over Kauai for your final 3-days. Erica and I lived on Oahu for two years. We love Oahu and so do most as it is the most visited Hawaiian island.
But one should consider that Oahu is the most populated island, has nasty traffic, and the beaches get crowded. But one can still find quiet places, sea turtles, great snorkeling and surfing, and far more entertainment and cuisine compared to the other Hawaiian islands. Oahu is the Gathering Place for good reason. Another good reason to end your trip to Hawaii in Honolulu is the airport.
Flying home from Oahu may be easier and cheaper compared to going from Kauai back to Maui. For your last 3-days in Hawaii, I recommend you do the following days of our 5-day Oahu itinerary:. Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Oahu. Hawaii is a safe place. These are friendly recommendations to help you get a flavor of the culture and be a curious visitor.
I wish I had this list for my first few visits to Hawaii. We always say to travel with Aloha at the Hawaii Vacation Guide, this list will help you make the most of your Hawaii itinerary. Buy your groceries at Costco if you have a condo. The second cheapest is Target and Walmart. Safeway is the cheapest local grocery store. Read our guide to cheap groceries. It will be the law in January Read Hawaii Reef-Safe Sunscreen for details on what and where to buy reef-safe sunscreen on the mainland and Hawaii.
People drive slow on the islands, so prepare yourself mentally to drive with aloha. You will see the pile of slippers aka, sandals. Leave yours on the pile. Big Island Travel Guide. To fully enjoy your vacation, you probably need to rent a car. You can save on expensive hotel parking fees by just renting a car on days that you want to explore the rest of the island. Rental car companies have offices in Waikiki which makes it convenient to pick up a car and take it out for the day.
We love using Discount Hawaii Car Rental to help us get the best price for a rental car on each island. Set on not getting a car for your entire trip? Here are some creative ways to visit Maui without a rental car. You can read all about how we got that Hawaii trip cost estimate here. But remember this is an initial estimate. Your trip cost will vary based on when you go, what island you visit, and how you want to spend or save your money. Related read: What is the cheapest and most expensive island to visit?
The summer of taught us one big lesson: for the best vacation experience, book early. Visitors were disappointed with the lack of availability of rental cars, completely sold-out tours and luaus, and no restaurant reservation availability.
We recommend booking a rental car when you book a flight. If there is a specific tour or activity that you know you want to do, consider booking it a few months in advance. Luaus and popular tours book up very early, especially during the busier months. There are a number of natural landmarks in Hawaii that require a ticketed entry. But with some advanced planning, you can secure your ticketed entry to some of these beautiful locations.
We layout all the necessary reservation timelines in our island itineraries. They make your planning so much easier. We have been loving your itinerary!!!
We would have paid triple the price for this. If you are hoping to hit up the most popular restaurants in Hawaii, planning ahead is crucial. But how far in advance they accept reservations varies. Always had great places to see and yummy food to eat wherever we went!
While the islands in Hawaii are close together and just a quick minute flight, your island hopping travel day will still cut into your vacation. Between packing up, the airport process, and checking into accommodations on your new island, this can easily take up half a day of your vacation. Related read: Get all the details you need to know about island hopping in Hawaii. Soak up that sunshine and start living that epic vacation life. Geography on the islands is important because it will affect the weather you experience and what you do while on vacation.
One big thing to understand about the geography is that each island has a windward and a leeward side. The windward side of each island faces the tradewinds. The leeward side of each island is more protected from the wind and rain and you will have drier, sunnier weather. Most of the famously beautiful beaches you plan on visiting are located on the leeward side of the island.
The windward side of the island is home to the Road to Hana and a lot of beautiful waterfalls. One of the treats about visiting a new place is the opportunity to try new, local foods that you might not eat back home. Sample straight from the ground.
Check out our favorite farm tours on Maui. The beaches in Hawaii are incredible. Some things you might want to add to your list include:. This was just a taste, but there is so much more. If you want to view the highlights of each island, check out our cheat sheets. Grab them for free and start planning! Before you throw your favorite brand of sunscreen into your bag, stop. Hawaii has rules in place to help protect the reef and sea life that are so important.
One of those rules is around the type of sunscreen you can use. Sunscreens containing chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate are no longer sold in Hawaii. These chemicals have been found to contribute to coral reef bleaching. Living here, we love spending our days in the ocean. There is nothing like diving into the warm, tropical waters and being greeted by colorful fish, turtles, octopi, and more. Snorkeling may look easy, but water conditions, physical conditions, and more come into play.
Hear me out on this one. First, safety. This was apparent when we were trying to teach our preschooler to snorkel. We have sets listed on our recommendations page. Otherwise, renting snorkeling gear is a great option. The shop staff can help you find gear that is the right fit for you. All snorkeling spots are not created equal. Some spots on the island naturally have a more vibrant reef and are home to more fish and sea life.
Other spots may be more affected by ocean swells at various times of the year. On our guide pages we list out the best snorkeling spots on each island. Oahu Travel Guide. Maui Travel Guide. Kauai Travel Guide. While we love snorkeling from the beach and we do it often, going on a snorkeling tour is a really special experience.
We have a full list of our favorite activity providers and tours on each island, but here are a few that are incredibly special:.
Best hawaii vacation plans. Planning a Trip to Hawaii in 2022: 15 essential details
I recommend making reservations for hotels, car hire, restaurants, and tours as far in advance as possible due to high demand. These are my top tips for planning a trip to Hawaii like a pro. Fly to Maui if : beaches, snorkeling, and great resorts are your thing. Next Continue.
Hawaii Vacation Packages | Costco Travel – Rent a Home or Bed & Breakfast on Oahu, and start making memories that will last a lifetime!
This is more of a scenic outlook than a hike. The 3. This is a fun hike to take in Maui. Beach Day: After a morning of hiking, time to head to the beach. Relax at one of the local beaches in your area. Check out our shoreline snorkeling spots above for the best beaches. Time to pack your bags and head to another island. You can find great island-hopping flight deals from Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines. Flights are frequent. Princeville is home to the nicest resorts, the beaches have stunning mountain backdrops, and you are close to the cutest town on the island — Hanalei.
The cons of staying in Princeville is it is wetter during the winter and the winter surf makes the beaches not safe for swimming. The next option to stay in the South Shore. South shore also has nice beaches like Poipu Beach. The most affordable area to stay is the populated east shore of Kauai. More budget accommodations are available and it is a convenient location between north and south shore activities. The itinerary is structured for someone staying in Princeville but it will work regardless of where you stay as Kauai is small.
One can almost circumnavigate the island in an hour and 30 minutes. The impassable Na Pali Coast stops a full circumnavigation of Kauai. Grab your rental car on Kauai. Remember to check out Discount Hawaii Car Rentals for the best deals on the big car rental companies. Drop-off your bags at your resort and then head to Hanalei Bay for lunch. Hanalei is a charming town on the idyllic Hanalei Bay with waterfalls dotting the 4,foot cliffs towering over the bay.
Those are our three favorites in Hanalei. After lunch, you have two options to fill your afternoon. Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Kauai.
Option 1. Go for a swim in Hanalei Bay. Option 2. Hike a 2-mile section of the famous Kalalau Trail. No permit is required to hike from the trailhead to Hanakapiai Beach. The beach is beautiful but dangerous during the winter with big waves and strong riptide. From the beach, you can take another 2-mile trail to Hanakapiai Falls. Both hikes have steep inclines and are unpaved. After the swim or the hike, soak up the resort or hotel you picked. Today you explore the Garden Isle. Hop in your car for a road trip through paradise.
This beach has amazing snorkeling, swimming, bodyboarding, and home to many resting monk seals. The beach has been voted the best beach in America a few times.
Enjoy the golden-sand beach and soak up the late morning sun. Hanapepe Town : As you drive east around the island, stop in Hanapepe. Pick up some taro chips from Taro Ko Farm. The rustic shack is open, just knock for fresh-made chips. Park the car and walk around the historic town. Check out the Swinging Bridge, art galleries, and shops. If you need another beach stop, drive over to the Salt Pond Beach Park. It is a family-friendly and not crowded beach. The BBQ is outstanding and the location is ideal.
Have lunch and walk the beautiful grounds of Waimea Plantation Cottages. From here, it is a quick drive up to Waimea Canyon. The red-dirt walls are breathtaking. Choose to enjoy the canyon from two lookouts or hike the many trails around the state park. You can have a dinner cruise or drinks only, depending on your operator. In the mountains above Lihui is an adventure like no other. Don a headlamp, sit in a tube, and flow gently down an engineering marvel.
Dug by hand in , you can tube down flumes, canals, and through tunnels of the former Lihue Sugar Cane Plantation.
The 3-hour tour comes with lunch. Check out Mountain Tubing Adventure for tickets. Grab your bags from your hotel, it is time to head home. For those desiring more nightlife, entertainment, and a vast selection of Pacific and Hawaiian regional cuisine then head to Oahu over Kauai for your final 3-days. Erica and I lived on Oahu for two years. We love Oahu and so do most as it is the most visited Hawaiian island.
But one should consider that Oahu is the most populated island, has nasty traffic, and the beaches get crowded. But one can still find quiet places, sea turtles, great snorkeling and surfing, and far more entertainment and cuisine compared to the other Hawaiian islands.
Oahu is the Gathering Place for good reason. Another good reason to end your trip to Hawaii in Honolulu is the airport. Flying home from Oahu may be easier and cheaper compared to going from Kauai back to Maui. For your last 3-days in Hawaii, I recommend you do the following days of our 5-day Oahu itinerary:. Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Oahu. Hawaii is a safe place. These are friendly recommendations to help you get a flavor of the culture and be a curious visitor.
I wish I had this list for my first few visits to Hawaii. We always say to travel with Aloha at the Hawaii Vacation Guide, this list will help you make the most of your Hawaii itinerary. Buy your groceries at Costco if you have a condo. The second cheapest is Target and Walmart. Safeway is the cheapest local grocery store. Read our guide to cheap groceries. It will be the law in January Read Hawaii Reef-Safe Sunscreen for details on what and where to buy reef-safe sunscreen on the mainland and Hawaii.
People drive slow on the islands, so prepare yourself mentally to drive with aloha. You will see the pile of slippers aka, sandals. Leave yours on the pile. Use a noodle to stay buoyant. Check closing hours and plan on shopping in the afternoon and having early dinners.
There is so much to do that some visitors get burnt out. Leave yourself time to relax at the beach, a coffee shop, or sit on your board in the ocean. Add extra days to this itinerary or an extra island or remove the extra island. Have some fun with this itinerary as you do more Hawaii vacation planning. Consider booking a luau, whale watching, Haleakala sunrise, and a snorkel or boat trip before you leave for your Hawaii vacation.
These activities fill up during the peak seasons of the winter and summer months. Plus, by booking early you can get the best price and pick of a tour operator.
Luau: You have to go to a traditional Hawaiian party with dancing and music for your first time to Hawaii. We recommend going on Day 3 of our day Hawaii Itinerary. The most popular Luaus in Hawaii fill up fast. If you are visiting during the winter or summer peak seasons, we recommend you book one or two months in advance to play it safe.
Early booking also gets you a good seat for seated luaus. Maui luaus are the best in Hawaii. Book Whale Watching: If you are visiting between December and late March, sign up for a whale-watching cruise. Sign up to get the boat you want at the right price. You can book online so you can do this before you arrive.
Book the sunrise tour or the am tour for they will be less crowded and a lower price. Check out our Maui Whale Watching Guide for tips to save money when booking. Snorkel and Adventure Cruises: Maui offers amazing shoreline snorkeling but for more of an outing, you can go on a snorkeling cruise. These cruises are a way to make a day out of snorkeling by being on the water, being pampered with a meal and snacks, and going to pristine snorkel spots.
Our favorite snorkeling destinations by guided tour are the following. You can find discount tickets on our recommendations page. The popular cruises are catamaran boat cruises and luxury-ish sailboat cruises. They are 5-hours in duration. Haleakala National Park Sunrise Permit : One of the most memorable things you can do on Maui is to see the sunrise or sunset from 10, feet above sea-level. A reservation is required with the National Park Service for a sunrise viewing from the summit.
Reservations can be made 2-months in advance. So set your alarm to book your tickets. Another batch of tickets becomes available 2-days before arrival but they are more competitive. Book your Haleakala sunrise tickets here with the National Park Service. You can also book with tour companies that will pick you up at your hotel, provide breakfast, and your permit. We recommend you get a rental car for any Hawaiian island, not just Maui. From our analysis, a rental car will pay for itself if you do three or more activities during your stay in Hawaii.
But getting a rental car is expensive in Hawaii. Rental cars cost more than the national average. We also give alternatives to renting a car that applies to all the islands. If you choose to rent a car, we always rent through Discount Hawaii Car Rental. Thanks for reading The Hawaii Vacation Guide! I’m the co-founder, with my wife Erica, of the best Hawaii travel website on the internet in our biased opinions. We enjoy traveling throughout Hawaii after living on Maui and Oahu.
We share our adventures, travel tips and resources, and honest reviews so you can easily plan your dream vacation to Hawaii. Editing our videos, teaching the kids how to snorkel, and learning about the ‘aina land and Hawaii culture are my favorite things to do. Have a wonderful trip to the Aloha State. This is the most comprehensive Hawaii vacation planning resource on the internet! Your use of the information provided in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and Services is for your informational purposes only and is subject to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
You voluntarily and freely assume all risks and dangers that may occur pursuant to your access, use, purchase, or participation in any information, activity, good, or service described in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and Services or provided by any Travel Service Providers.
Skip to content. Table of Contents. Free Download! Your best chance for snorkeling with sea turtles are the bays and coves in Maui. The Grand Wailea is one of many four-star resorts in South Maui. Napili Bay Beach in northwest Maui is excellent for snorkeling and a day at the beach. Fried pork belly loco moco from Kusina Ni Jayboy, a Lahaina food truck.
Get The Maui Itinerary The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. Choose Your Itinerary. The family at Kula Country Farms. Henry enjoying the free tour and gardens at MauiWine in Upcountry. Welcome to Kauai! Get The Kauai Itinerary The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights.
GET Your Itinerary. Have lunch and then walk Waimea Plantation Cottages gardens. The Na Pali Coast seen from a sunset cruise. Get The Oahu Itinerary The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. Erica and me on an Olowalu Kayak Snorkeling tour. Post navigation Previous Previous.
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Read about our affiliate policies here. With sparkling waters, stunning sand beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes, and more, Hawaii is an amazing vacation destination.
After living here for over four years and visiting dozens of times before making the move , we have learned a thing or two about planning the perfect vacation. There are two types of requirements: requirements to enter Hawaii and then requirements to know once you arrive.
Beginning March 26, , there are no restrictions for entering Hawaii. The mask mandate for Hawaii has also expired, so there is no state level requirement to wear masks indoors or out. This official Hawaii State site has all the latest and greatest information you need to know. The first and most important step in planning a trip to Hawaii is to pick the island or islands you want to visit.
This video we made will help you pick the perfect island for your trip. Head to Oahu if : you enjoy nightlife, great food, and a cosmopolitan vacation. Fly to Maui if : beaches, snorkeling, and great resorts are your thing. Pack your bags for the Big Island if : volcanoes, adventure, and swimming with manta rays is on your bucket list.
Kick your feet up in Kauai if : you love jagged cliffs, lush landscapes, and a quieter, slower pace. There is truly no bad time to visit Hawaii, but there are some factors that make certain times of the year more optimal than others. When we think of the best time of year to visit Hawaii or the worst we like to break down when to visit based on the best weather, the best cost, and the fewest crowds.
Hawaii is located in the tropics, which means that you will have warm weather year-round. But there are definitely months of higher rainfall. The chart below breaks down the average rainfall by month for each island. Note, rain varies on different sides of each island — we are showing average rainfall for one popular visitor destination on each island. A trip to Hawaii is expensive.
And coming during a peak time, like between Christmas and New Years, can make your trip even more expensive. If you want your travel dollars to go further and get better deals on accommodations and flights, the best time to visit is during May, September, October, and November. Or finding parking at the beach that you want to visit. Just like most vacation destinations, Hawaii has very clear busy periods and slower periods. Whale season runs from mid-December through mid-April, so showing up outside of those months would be a disappointment.
Related read: This is the worst time to visit Hawaii we really try to avoid this period if possible! Getting away for a vacation can be difficult, but you want to stay long enough to make it worth your while.
Hawaii is not a quick trip, even from the west coast. Plan on a 5 hour plane ride and a few hours time difference. So heading to Hawaii for just a few days will make your trip feel rushed and exhausting. We think that the minimum amount of time you should plan for a trip to Hawaii is one week. You can make the most of your time by using one of our step-by-step itineraries.
If you can, stay longer and see more. And if you plan to island hop, your trip needs to be much longer than one week. The first big decision comes down to booking a hotel or a vacation rental. Book a vacation rental if you are traveling with a group, want more space, and would prefer to have a kitchen instead of eating out every meal.
Still on the fence? You can read our full breakdown of whether you should choose a hotel or vacation rental for your Hawaii vacation. Check out our island-specific travel guides:. Big Island Travel Guide. To fully enjoy your vacation, you probably need to rent a car. You can save on expensive hotel parking fees by just renting a car on days that you want to explore the rest of the island.
Rental car companies have offices in Waikiki which makes it convenient to pick up a car and take it out for the day. We love using Discount Hawaii Car Rental to help us get the best price for a rental car on each island. Set on not getting a car for your entire trip? Here are some creative ways to visit Maui without a rental car. You can read all about how we got that Hawaii trip cost estimate here.
But remember this is an initial estimate. Your trip cost will vary based on when you go, what island you visit, and how you want to spend or save your money. Related read: What is the cheapest and most expensive island to visit? The summer of taught us one big lesson: for the best vacation experience, book early. Visitors were disappointed with the lack of availability of rental cars, completely sold-out tours and luaus, and no restaurant reservation availability.
We recommend booking a rental car when you book a flight. If there is a specific tour or activity that you know you want to do, consider booking it a few months in advance. Luaus and popular tours book up very early, especially during the busier months. There are a number of natural landmarks in Hawaii that require a ticketed entry. But with some advanced planning, you can secure your ticketed entry to some of these beautiful locations. We layout all the necessary reservation timelines in our island itineraries.
They make your planning so much easier. We have been loving your itinerary!!! We would have paid triple the price for this. If you are hoping to hit up the most popular restaurants in Hawaii, planning ahead is crucial. But how far in advance they accept reservations varies. Always had great places to see and yummy food to eat wherever we went! While the islands in Hawaii are close together and just a quick minute flight, your island hopping travel day will still cut into your vacation.
Planning a Trip to Hawaii in 15 essential details – The Hawaii Vacation Guide.Planning a Trip to Hawaii: DOs and DON’Ts ()
We love using Discount Hawaii Car Rental to help us get the best price for a rental car on each island. Set on not getting a car for your entire trip? Here are some creative ways to visit Maui without a rental car. You can read all about how we got that Hawaii trip cost estimate here. But remember this is an initial estimate.
Your trip cost will vary based on when you go, what island you visit, and how you want to spend or save your money. Related read: What is the cheapest and most expensive island to visit? The summer of taught us one big lesson: for the best vacation experience, book early.
Visitors were disappointed with the lack of availability of rental cars, completely sold-out tours and luaus, and no restaurant reservation availability.
We recommend booking a rental car when you book a flight. If there is a specific tour or activity that you know you want to do, consider booking it a few months in advance. Luaus and popular tours book up very early, especially during the busier months. There are a number of natural landmarks in Hawaii that require a ticketed entry.
But with some advanced planning, you can secure your ticketed entry to some of these beautiful locations. We layout all the necessary reservation timelines in our island itineraries. They make your planning so much easier. We have been loving your itinerary!!! We would have paid triple the price for this. If you are hoping to hit up the most popular restaurants in Hawaii, planning ahead is crucial.
But how far in advance they accept reservations varies. Always had great places to see and yummy food to eat wherever we went! While the islands in Hawaii are close together and just a quick minute flight, your island hopping travel day will still cut into your vacation. Between packing up, the airport process, and checking into accommodations on your new island, this can easily take up half a day of your vacation. Related read: Get all the details you need to know about island hopping in Hawaii.
Soak up that sunshine and start living that epic vacation life. Geography on the islands is important because it will affect the weather you experience and what you do while on vacation.
One big thing to understand about the geography is that each island has a windward and a leeward side. The windward side of each island faces the tradewinds. The leeward side of each island is more protected from the wind and rain and you will have drier, sunnier weather. Most of the famously beautiful beaches you plan on visiting are located on the leeward side of the island.
The windward side of the island is home to the Road to Hana and a lot of beautiful waterfalls. One of the treats about visiting a new place is the opportunity to try new, local foods that you might not eat back home. Sample straight from the ground. Known for famous beaches and championship golf courses, Maui delivers an experience filled with magic and beauty to visitors.
Witness an awe-inspiring sunrise at Haleakala, snorkel with sea turtles at Molokini, stroll the eclectic shops in Lahaina and witness a ceremonial cliff dive at Black Rock.
Sandwiched between Kauai and Maui is the bustling island of Oahu. The most populated in the chain, Oahu offers a unique blend of modern and ancient influences. Transforming the southern coastline is the city of Honolulu while monster waves rule the northern coast. Reflect on U.
There is indeed an island for every personality. Find your Hawaii, find your paradise. Content provided by Costco Travel experts. All rights reserved. Learn more about the Costco Travel difference. Click here to maximize your rewards. Member reviews become available after at least 5 are received in order to provide you with an accurate picture of this travel product. Pick-Up Date. Drop-Off Date. Yes, I am at least 25 years old.
Coupon Override close. Please Call close. For information and assistance in completing your reservation, please call: Sorry close. We’re unable to find your location. Return to Search. Warning Package not available on dates selected. Please enter alternative dates. Drop-Off at Different Location. I hope this post helps you with how to plan a trip to Hawaii. Let me know if you have any questions and share your Hawaii travel tips in the comments below. Your email address will not be published.
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Learn how your comment data is processed. Skip to primary content. Kauai’s North Shore. Hiking the Pipiwai Trail in Maui. While the main hub is at the Honolulu International Airport, each island offers some inter-island flights. You have to request them really far in advance. That makes it a very popular time to plan a Hawaiian vacation. And Hawaii is flooded with Japanese tourists. This is not the best time to visit Hawaii.
Plus, the prices of hotel rooms seem to skyrocket for vacations to Hawaii that week. Do yourself a favor and check the dates before you book to save yourself some money. The flights to Hawaii can be really expensive from anywhere on the Mainland, even if you travel during shoulder season mid-April to June and September to mid-December. One of my biggest Hawaii tips for saving money is to get an Alaska Airlines credit card.
Alaska Airlines has a ton of direct flights to all the main 4 Hawaiian islands and they offer competitive rates. Our favorite reef-safe sunscreen is the Babyganics sunscreen spray. I started buying it when my oldest was a baby and now our whole family uses it.
Find the best prices here. While some mineral-based sunscreen can leave a chalky white residue, the Babyganics spray sunscreen soaks right in and offers awesome protection. You can be assured that all sunscreen for sale in the Hawaii islands is reef-safe. Unless you are staying in Waikiki, you really do need to rent a car in Hawaii.
And keep in mind that it does cost more to rent a car in Hawaii if you are under 25 years old. Check out the latest rental cars available and more details. All the islands experience horrible traffic in the morning and at night.
