The Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai are some of the most popular destinations in Hawaii.If you prefer to go during the dry or wet season, consider the dates that work for you.Selecting the island you want to go to will help you draft a budget for yourself and other travelers.Booking your flight and accommodations early is the best way to save on flying.It is a good idea to check the weather a day or two before you leave.Kick back and enjoy the natural beauty of Hawaii.
Step 1: You can travel between April and June and September and December to save money.
The slow season is from mid-April through June and September through early December and can mean cheaper airfare, cheaper hotel rates, and fewer crowds.You can find discounted rates year-round if you book early or find a last-minute deal.The peak travel time in Hawaii is December through April because a lot of people are traveling for the holidays or escaping winter weather.
Step 2: The Big Island has active volcanoes, mountains, and beaches.
The Big Island has a variety of outdoor sites and activities.You'll find a lot of adventure, from rainforests and waterfalls to white-sand beaches and snow-capped mountains.The flight from Honolulu to Kona only takes 45 minutes.You can take a helicopter tour of the world's most active volcano.
Step 3: The beach in Maui has whales on it.
If you like a good balance of beach lounging, historical sites, nightlife and whale watching, Maui is a great choice.You'll get an amazing view from the Hana Highway.If that doesn't work for you, you can hop on a flight from Honolulu to any one of the airports on Maui.There is a black sand beach at the state park.
Step 4: You can enjoy shopping, nightlife, surfing, and historical sites in Oahu.
Honolulu is the largest city in Hawaii and will give you the luxury and modernity of a big city along with the natural beauty of its beaches, mountains, and historic sites.If you want to learn how to surf, Waikiki beach and the North Shore are the places to go.If you only have a few days for vacation, staying in Oahu is a great option.
Step 5: You can see stunning waterfalls, beaches, and hiking trails in Kauai.
It is known for its waterfalls, hiking trails and beaches.The "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" is referred to as the island's home.You can take a flight from Honolulu to Lihue.
Step 6: There is a budget for transportation, accommodations, food, and entertainment.
You can start with the biggest expenses like airfare and accommodations and work your way to smaller spending like dining, entertainment, and land transportation.If you plan to shop, take guided tours, or travel to different islands, you should factor in discretionary funds.A 6-day trip for 2 people might look like this: Round-trip airfare: $600 per person, with a total hotel and rental cost of $200 per room x 6 days + $30 hotel tax.
Step 7: You can make a list of all the things you want to do.
Making a loose itinerary will help you maximize your time when you're there.You can use a journal or note-taking app to make a list of sites and activities that interest you.Take a helicopter tour of Kilauea, eat at Duke's Waikiki, and go to the Hale Koa Luau if you want to.Print out a map and circle the places you want to go.Unless you want to, you don't need to schedule your days down to the hour.
Step 8: If you have to, get your passport 4 to 6 weeks before your flight.
If you're not a U.S. citizen, you should apply for a passport at your government embassy at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance.Depending on your country's laws, you can renew your passport online if it is expired.U.S. citizens can simply show their government-issued photo-identification.If you're traveling with teens or children, be sure to check with your country to see if your child is required to have a passport.Pack your passport in a safe place if you lose it on your trip.
Step 9: You can book your airfare early to get the best deals.
If it's the peak travel season, flight costs can go up 2 weeks to 1 month before the date.You should book your flight 2 to 6 months ahead of time if you're traveling internationally.Use a booking site to find flights from cheaper airlines.If you have frequent flyer miles, use them.Flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays is cheaper than flying on other days of the week.
Step 10: You can take a nonstop flight to Oahu, Kauai, or Maui.
There are direct flights from Boston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, Portland, San Diego, and Seattle to Hawaiian Airlines.Less busy flights like Lanai and Molokai are offered by Hawaiian Airlines.Direct flights from the west coast and some major hubs like Chicago and Houston are offered by Alaska Airlines.
Step 11: You can connect to Los Angeles to get the most flight options.
Most major airlines that fly to Hawaii go through Los Angeles.If you don't mind arriving late or in the early morning hours, you can find a cheap red-eye.There is time for a nap on the flight from Los Angeles.The time difference between Hawaii and the west coast is 2 hours, so if you're flying with children, consider the time change.
Step 12: It's a good idea to reserve your accommodations at least a month in advance.
It is best to book early because hotel prices go up the closer you get to the date.If you are going for the holidays or during peak travel season, you may want to book your hotel right after your flight.The lowest average booking rates are usually shown 21 to 28 days before the arrival.
Step 13: There are licensed short-term rental properties online.
Short-term rentals can be found on sites like Vrbo.It is best to make sure the host has a permit because different islands and counties have different rules.If the host or property doesn't meet the rental agreements, a permit can provide financial protection.If you want to avoid tourist traps, a rental property is a great option.If you want to cut down on dining costs, you should look for a rental property with a kitchen.You will gain experience using fresh, local ingredients that you may not be able to find back home.
Step 14: You can save money by booking your accommodations and airfare together.
Cheap airfare and hotel rates can be found on travel packages on websites like Booking.com.If you plan to do a lot of swimming or surfing, you may want to book a hotel near the beach.If you plan to rent a car, you should bundle it into your package for a cheaper rate.
Step 15: If you want a longer vacation, take a cruise to Hawaii.
Cruises leave from a number of ports.The cruises typically take 15 to 16 nights to get to Hawaii, so this is a good option if you want a longer period of rest and relaxation.Depending on the cabin you choose, cruise prices can range from $1,200 to $4,500.You can fly into Honolulu and take a 7-day cruise around the islands.
Step 16: Travel insurance can be purchased to cover medical problems and theft.
If you or someone you travel with has chronic medical conditions, travel insurance can be helpful.Make sure the insurance covers hospital visits and emergency flights by reading the fine print.Travel cancellation and delays are covered by most types of traveler's insurance.
Step 17: It's a good idea to check the weather before you go.
The weather is hot and humid during the dry season from April to October.You might experience some rain and sweater-weather at night if you're going anytime from November to March.It's best to check the forecast as the rainy season can experience some hotter weather.For winter evenings that get down to 65F (18C), pack a few sweaters and pants.If the forecast predicts lots of rain, an umbrella, poncho, and rain boots may be in order.Swimsuits, coverups, and flip-flops are useful year-round.You will need sturdy hiking boots, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and other protective clothing if you are going to go hiking.
Step 18: If you have to, arrange a house or pet sitter.
If you have a lot of things that need tending at home, you should make arrangements so that they are taken care of while you are gone.Ask a friend or family member to take over those duties or search online for professional home and pet sitters.If you want to bring a small dog, you will need to provide proof of an OIE-FAVN blood test 120 days before your arrival date.You and your vet need to complete health-history paperwork for the dog and submit it to your local government's state department.
Step 19: Pack your travel essentials in your carry-on bag.
If your checked bag gets delayed or lost, it is advisable to pack your medication, money, toothbrush, and device chargers in your carry-on.If your bag doesn't get to you until the next day, you might want to pack a change of clothes.Pack a jacket or sweater if you are arriving at the airport at night.Pack snacks and sources of entertainment to keep children busy on the flight.
Step 20: You can lower stress by planning your transportation and activities on your first day.
You don't have to figure it out after the long flight if you take a taxi, rideshare, or shuttle from the airport to your hotel or rental home.You can make your first meal stress-free if you look up restaurants near where you are staying.A taxi from the airport costs $35 to $45 depending on traffic and the distance, while a local shuttle may cost anywhere from $15 to $25 or moredepending on how far away you are.If you are staying in a hotel or resort, they may offer a free shuttle service from the airport to the site.You should check your hotel to see if room service will be available when you arrive.
Step 21: If possible, hop on a plane or ferry.
If you can't decide which island you want to see, spend a day or two hopping between them.You can take a flight from Honolulu to Maui, Kauai, or The Big Island.Take a ferry for a more scenic route.A flight from Honolulu to Kauai only takes 40 minutes.You can take a ferry from Maui to Lanai or Molokai.The ferry only takes 90 minutes and leaves twice a day.The ferry leaves 5 times a day and takes 45 minutes.It's perfect for a full day of whale-watching.
Step 22: Practice hula dancing and learn useful Hawaiian words.
Take a hula class or pick up a few Hawaiian words.If you want to learn hula, some hotels will offer classes.Every island has a Luaus where there is lots of hula dancing, which is a great way to experience true Hawaiian culture."hello" or "goodbye" can be used to say hello.Mahalo means "Thank you," so use it often.
Step 23: It's a good idea to practice basic safety to avoid danger.
If you are spending time in one of the larger metropolitan cities like Honolulu, you should take the same precautions you would take in any other city.Pickpockets are common on beaches and in tourist areas.If you have large amounts of cash in your hotel room, hide it in a rental home.If you choose to get a rental car, don't leave any cash or valuables in it.In case of an emergency, always keep your cell phone charged.If you are staying in a hotel, ask the front desk what parts of town you should avoid at night.There is a list of important numbers.The non-emergency number is also known as the police emergency number.
Step 24: Safety precautions should be followed during outdoor activities.
The ocean is powerful regardless of how good a swimmer you are.Don't go surfing or swimming alone, late at night or during a storm because waves can be swift and unpredictable.If you are going hiking or taking a guided tour, use common sense and follow the instructions of the guide.Before going hiking, surfing, bodyboard, sightsee, or doing anything in nature, check the weather.You know where to find emergency stops and other amenities when you know about hiking trails ahead of time.Know your limits when it comes to climbing, hiking, surfing, and bodyboarding.Take it easy if you are trying a new activity for the first time.If you want to avoid hiking at night, turn back and keep an eye on the clock.
Step 25: The Hawaiian way of doing things.
Learning how to communicate with each other is part of traveling.As a tourist, you should respect Hawaii's rich cultural practices and laid-back culture.If someone places a lei around your neck, you should wear it with pride.If it's itching your neck, don't take it off in front of them.If you meet a new friend and they invite you into their home, take your shoes off before you enter.Black sand and lava rocks are considered disrespectful and are believed to bring bad luck.If you're on a sightseeing drive and want to invade their beach or surf space, be kind and courteous to locals on the beaches.
Step 26: Relax and embrace the spirit.
The law Aloha spirit is a cultural way of life on the islands.It emphasizes kindness, unity, humility, patience, and modesty.People with the name "Aloha spirit" are warm, compassionate, charming, and sincere.In a way, you are saying, "I see you, I respect you and I wish you the best, my friend!" when you say "aloha" as a greeting.