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Planning a visit to Hawaii is one thing many individuals dream of. With its gorgeous seashores, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and plush inexperienced hills, it’s one of the crucial stunning locations we’ve visited but in addition the most costly.
While we do suppose the islands are definitely worth the excessive worth, to take advantage of your keep, it’s important to plan upfront.
In this publish, we share our prime Hawaii journey tricks to present you tips on how to plan a visit to Hawaii that’s excellent for you.
We’ll cowl what number of days you want in Hawaii, which island to go to, the place to remain, the highest actions, what it’s essential to ebook upfront, and all the pieces else that you must know.
Contents
No, since March 2022, the Safe Travels program has ended and there at the moment are no necessities for coming into Hawaii.
Domestic US guests to Hawaii not must fill out a web-based type or present proof of vaccination or a destructive check.
Masks at the moment are non-obligatory, however some companies could require them. Please be respectful.
I like to recommend making reservations for motels, automobile rent, eating places, and excursions as far upfront as attainable on account of excessive demand. Make positive you enable loads of time at airports as safety strains are lengthy.
International Visitors to Hawaii
All non-US residents should nonetheless present proof of vaccination to enter the US.
Since June 2022, most worldwide guests not must take a Covid check to enter the nation.
The exception as of January 2023 is guests over 2 years outdated travelling to the US from China, Hong Kong, and Macau—a destructive check taken inside two days of departure is required.
Travel insurance coverage is all the time very important for visiting the US, the place healthcare is so costly, but it surely’s much more vital proper now.
funds coverage that we’ve used is SafetyWing. It’s out there worldwide, covers COVID-19, and is great worth for households as two kids underneath 10 are free.
If you want cancellation cowl, Heymondo is one other nice choice that insured our final US journey.
How Long to Stay in Hawaii
The common keep in Hawaii is about 7 days. I believe it is a good minimal time for a visit, though 10-14 days is best if you wish to go to a number of islands.
Some guests do go to Hawaii for 4-5 days, but it surely’s a great distance from the US mainland (or wherever!) for a brief journey, and also you’ll spend the primary few days adjusting to the time zone change. That mentioned, if it’s all you possibly can handle, it’s higher than no time in Hawaii!
If you might have per week in your Hawaii trip, I like to recommend selecting only one island to go to. See under to search out one of the best Hawaiian island for you.
If you might have 10 days in Hawaii, I like to recommend beginning with 3 days in Oahu after which visiting Maui or Kauai for per week.
Best Island to Visit in Hawaii
Choosing one of the best island to go to is among the most difficult components of planning a visit to Hawaii. They are all numerous with tons to supply, so it simply relies upon what you’re in search of.
Most guests to Hawaii go to one in all these 4 islands:
Oahu
Oahu is by far probably the most visited and developed Hawaiian island. It’s dwelling to the big metropolis of Honolulu, which incorporates the well-known and really crowded Waikiki Beach (the place most customer lodging is positioned).
Oahu presents probably the most selection of procuring, eating, and nightlife, so if you wish to mix metropolis and seaside life, that is one of the best island for you.
It’s additionally by far the simplest place to handle with out renting a automobile (though I nonetheless suggest it). If you keep in Waikiki, you possibly can stroll to the seaside and plenty of retailers, eating places, and actions.
You also can take excursions, Ubers, or the Trolley Bus to close by sights together with the Pearl Harbour memorial.
Oahu’s North Shore presents a way more relaxed vibe with stunning seashores and large waves for browsing within the winter.
Oahu is simple to suit into Hawaii holidays as Honolulu International Airport presents probably the most flights from the mainland US and worldwide locations.
Our favorite actions in Oahu are:
- Taking a helicopter journey across the island for gorgeous views. We suggest the one hour doorways off tour with Rainbow Helicopters from Honolulu.
- Snorkelling at Hanauma Bay.
- Relaxing on the Windward Coast seashores particularly Waimānalo and Kailua.
See our 7 Day Oahu itinerary for a lot of extra suggestions.
Where to remain in Oahu: Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore is our favorite place we’ve stayed in all of Hawaii! It is significantly dreamy with unbelievable ocean views, remoted seashores (with turtles!), trendy rooms, and lots to do. It feels a world away from Waikiki.
Maui
Maui is the second most visited island and is a well-liked honeymoon vacation spot.
It has beautiful seashores, world-class whale watching, and the Road to Hana drive the place you possibly can see waterfalls, bamboo forest, and black sand seashores.
You also can watch the solar rise above a volcanic crater and go to wineries and lavender farms in Upcountry.
There’s a variety of resorts, eating, procuring, and actions in addition to pure sights.
Our favorite actions in Maui are:
- Staying in a single day in Hana (we love Hana Kai Condos) to discover common sights like Waianapanapa with out the crowds.
- Whale watching from Lahaina. We noticed an unbelievable quantity of humpbacks on our small group boat journey with Makai Adventures.
- Relaxing on the seashores of West Maui (with turtle sightings!).
See our Maui itinerary for extra suggestions.
Where to remain in Maui: Kahana Reef has reasonably priced, oceanfront condos on the west coast. We noticed whales, turtles, and unbelievable sunsets from our lanai.
Big Island
The Big Island (formally referred to as Hawaii) is the youngest Hawaiian island, so it’s not as inexperienced as the opposite islands and has extra lava landscapes.
If you need to see an lively volcano, that is the island to go to.
It’s the most important island with numerous landscapes from white sand seashores to snow-capped volcanoes.
Our favorite actions on the Big Island are:
- Night snorkel with manta rays. We obtained extremely shut to those magnificent and large creatures on our manta journey with Sea Quest.
- Snorkelling at Kealakekua Bay and Two Step.
- Kilauea Iki Trail – Hiking right into a volcanic caldera in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
See our information to the finest issues to do on the Big Island for extra suggestions.
Where to Stay on the Big Island: You’ll need to divide your time between the west and east on this huge island. Our favorite space was Volcano, the place we adored this peaceable cabin within the rainforest. It’s very totally different from the remainder of Hawaii.
Kauai
Known as The Garden Isle, Kauai is probably the most lush and inexperienced of the islands.
Kauai has grow to be extra common, but it surely isn’t as developed as Maui or Oahu.
The jagged inexperienced cliffs of the gorgeous Napali Coast are the massive draw, however there are additionally beautiful seashores, waterfalls, mountain climbing trails, and multi-coloured canyons.
Our favorite actions in Kauai are:
- Admiring Kauai from above – Our Kauai doorways off helicopter journey was spectacular.
- Sailing the Napali Coast – The huge sea cliffs are gorgeous and we noticed whales, dolphins and turtles on the best way.
- Seeing turtles and seals on Poipu Beach.
See our publish on the finest issues to do on Kauai for a lot of extra.
Where to remain in Kauai: We beloved our apartment at Kiahuna Plantation on a lovely seaside in Poipu.
Less Visited Hawaiian Islands
If you want to get off the crushed observe, you possibly can think about visiting one in all these smaller, a lot much less visited islands:
- Molokai – Known as The Friendly Isle, on Molokai you’ll discover a sluggish tempo of life and extra native Hawaiians, however much less selection of lodging and actions. It’s additionally dwelling to the leper colony of Kalaupapa, which I turned fascinated with after studying a few these Hawaii books.
- Lanai – For a few years Lanai was a pineapple plantation and it’s now dwelling to a couple luxurious resorts. If you need to benefit from the secluded seashores with out the excessive price ticket, the ferry from Lahaina on Maui solely takes an hour, so you possibly can go to on a day journey.
Which Side of the Island?
The character of every island additionally is dependent upon which half you go to.
All the islands have a wet aspect the place the surroundings is lush and inexperienced and a dry aspect the place you’ll often get extra solar.
They are each value visiting, which is why we break up our island stays between two or three places.
Where We Visited in Hawaii
We had 3.5 weeks on our first Hawaiian trip and divided our time between Kauai and Maui, with one evening in Honolulu earlier than our onward flight.
There’s a lot to do on every island that we’re glad we didn’t attempt to add in an additional island.
On our second 3 week Hawaii journey, we spent per week on Oahu (however may have stayed longer) and two weeks on the Big Island.
We love all 4 of the main Hawaii islands, however our private favorite is Kauai.
Planning a Trip to Hawaii: Before You Arrive
- Save up – Hawaii is pricey and also you’ll get pleasure from it extra in case you aren’t worrying about each penny. We spent $267 per individual per day (travelling as a pair), together with all the pieces besides flights from the mainland US. You may spend much less by travelling within the low season, selecting non-beachfront lodging, and skipping expensive excursions. You may additionally spend much more by staying in luxurious resorts and consuming out for each meal.
- Visit within the winter to see humpback whales – We have been astounded by what number of we noticed in Maui in February. January to March are one of the best months, however you would possibly see a number of from November to May. Winter climate could be cooler and rainier, however we nonetheless had largely sunny days and the ocean is swimmable 12 months spherical.
- Visit within the low season to economize – In the spring (April and May) and autumn (September to mid-November), the islands are much less crowded, costs are decrease, and the climate is usually good. It could be very wet on Kauai in April, although. We discovered snorkelling higher in October than in February, because the water was clearer and hotter.
- Book your lodging far upfront – Especially in case you are travelling within the excessive season, need an ocean view, or are travelling to locations like Hana or Upcountry on Maui the place lodging is restricted. You can seek for resorts and motels on Booking and trip leases on Vrbo.
- Consider a apartment reasonably than a resort – For households, stays of per week or extra, and for these on a funds, renting a apartment with a kitchen is an effective way to economize. There are many to select from and a few have resort amenities like swimming pools and beachfront places. We largely keep in condos and Kiahuna Plantation on Poipu Beach in Kauai is one in all our favourites. Vrbo is an effective way to search out condos.
- Split your keep – If you need the traditional Hawaiian resort expertise however can’t afford it in your entire journey, divide your time between a apartment and a resort. We did this in Oahu—staying in a apartment in Waikiki for 4 nights whereas we explored the south, then stress-free at beautiful Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore for the final 3 nights.
- Camp in case you are on a decent funds – It’s not for everybody, however in case you don’t thoughts roughing it, tenting is the most affordable method to expertise Hawaii. There are some stunning campsites at seashores and state parks, though you often must get permits upfront. See this information to tenting in Hawaii for extra suggestions.
- Search on Kiwi or Skyscanner for one of the best flight offers – You must get on a airplane to succeed in Hawaii. The most cost-effective charges can be from Los Angeles or different West Coast USA cities. Southwest now flies to Hawaii at low charges. You also can get reasonably priced flights from Canada and Japan to Honolulu.
- Fly out and in of various islands – Maximise your time on the islands by flying into one island (equivalent to Kauai) and out of one other (equivalent to Maui). I used to be stunned by what number of reasonably priced direct flights there are from the US mainland to locations apart from Honolulu.
- Rent a automobile – It’s one of the best ways to see Hawaii and sometimes there’s no different method to attain components of the islands. At busy occasions rental vehicles can run out, so ebook far upfront. We use Rental Cars to search out one of the best deal and simply ebook the most affordable economic system automobile.
- Travel between islands by airplane – There aren’t any ferries between islands (besides from Maui to Lanai) so that you’ll must hop on an interisland flight. Most are operated by Hawaiian Airlines and are reasonably priced and quick (20 to 50 minutes).
- Consider splitting your time between two or three places on every island – If you need to do plenty of exploring, this can assist keep away from lengthy drives to sights. We’ve finished this on all 4 essential islands and it labored out effectively.
- Book Haleakala dawn upfront – If you need to see Maui’s hottest dawn, it’s essential to ebook as much as 60 days upfront. If you miss out, attempt once more two days earlier than when extra tickets are launched.
- Make reservations for some state parks – Non-Hawaii residents must ebook upfront for sure parks and pay an entrance and parking payment. These embody Haena State Park in Kauai, Waianapanapa State Park on the Road to Hana in Maui, and Diamond Head in Oahu. Time slots are launched 30 days upfront. Book as quickly as attainable as they do promote out.
- Pack a sweater – While more often than not you’ll solely want summer time garments, it could get chilly on morning boat journeys or in case you go to greater elevations (like Upcountry in Maui or Waimea Canyon on Kauai) particularly within the winter. Sunrise at Haleakala, Maui and sundown at Mauna Kea on the Big Island are freezing and also you’ll recognize as many layers as attainable. See the tip of this publish for extra recommendations on what to pack for Hawaii.
- Learn a number of Hawaiian phrases – Even if it’s simply Aloha (whats up and goodbye but in addition love and compassion) and Mahalo (thanks). I picked up vocabulary by studying the astounding novel Shark Dialogues by Kiana Davenport (which I extremely suggest each customer reads).
- Book eating places upfront – Upscale eating places do replenish, so make reservations for wherever you undoubtedly need to eat (together with at resorts). A number of weeks upfront needs to be effective however locations like Duke’s on Waikiki Beach ebook up months forward. People are inclined to eat early in Hawaii (round 6pm) so it’s simpler to get later reservations.
- Bring money for tipping – While you possibly can add a tip to your bank card in eating places, it’s vital to have money for tour guides, valets, and resort employees. If you’re not American, familiarise your self with tipping etiquette. We tipped 20% in eating places and sit down bars, $10-20 per individual for excursions (together with for helicopter pilots), $5 for valet attendants (when the automobile was returned), and round $2-3 a day for lodge housekeeping.
- Plan to go to a couple of island per week – You’ll spend an excessive amount of of your treasured Hawaii trip time travelling and there’s a lot to do on every island. While interisland flight occasions are quick, airport safety queues could be lengthy (particularly out of Honolulu) or flights delayed.
- Forget hidden charges – The listed worth for motels and resorts is never what you’ll truly pay. You’ll have so as to add tax and sometimes a resort payment, cleansing payment (for condos), and parking cost. Check the ultimate complete worth when evaluating lodging choices.
- Visit throughout holidays – Try to keep away from the busiest occasions of 12 months, particularly Christmas and New Year when crowds and costs soar. Thanksgiving week is one other busy interval. Avoid particular occasions like Iron Man on the Big Island in October. If it’s essential to go to then, ebook far upfront.
- Stay on the seaside (perhaps) – If you’re on a decent funds, you’ll save by staying a brief stroll or drive from the seaside. That mentioned, we regularly splurge on beachfront lodging and like it.
When You Are In Hawaii
- Read novels set in Hawaii – Learn extra about Hawaii’s fascinating tradition and turbulent historical past by studying one in all these books about Hawaii when you chill out on the seaside.
- Schedule your most vital actions early – Weather can change and cancel actions like boat journeys and helicopter rides, so be sure you’ll have time to reschedule.
- Book Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve on Oahu two days upfront – If you need to snorkel at this common seaside, it’s essential to make a reservation right here at precisely 7am Hawaii Standard Time two days earlier than your go to. Slots promote out in minutes. Tickets are $25. It’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen – Hawaii has banned the sale of sunscreen that makes use of coral-harming chemical compounds (oxybenzone and octinoxate). You want a product that makes use of zinc oxide as a substitute, like this Ethical Zinc sunscreen. Honestly, it’s a ache to use, but it surely’s surprisingly water-resistant, and it’s value it to guard the reefs. Longs Drugs and ABC Stores are good locations to select up all of your seaside provides.
- Wear a rashguard – Even higher than sunscreen is to guard your pores and skin by sporting a rashguard within the water, particularly when snorkelling.
- Sign as much as the Snorkel Report on Maui – You’ll get an e mail each morning with recommendations on one of the best seashores to go to that day. They additionally lease cheap snorkelling and seaside gear.
- Check the Hawaii Beach Safety web site – To discover out which seashores are protected for swimming or finest for browsing.
- Go whale watching – It was one in all our favorite experiences in Hawaii. We selected a small boat journey with Makai Adventures from Lahaina in Maui and beloved it a lot we went twice. You can see whales on many of the islands—seek for whale watching journeys in Hawaii right here.
- Hike – All the islands have stunning trails from simple coastal walks to difficult multi-day treks. It’s an amazing free method to get pleasure from the great thing about the islands.
- Rent a Tommy Bahama seaside chair and umbrella – Our condos got here with these, however you possibly can lease them on the islands inexpensively. They have backpack straps for straightforward carrying and make seaside hopping rather more comfy.
- Bring or lease snorkel gear – If you might have area in your baggage, carry your personal snorkel and masks. If not, lease it for the size of your keep from a service like Snorkel Bob’s (as we did on the Big Island). I appreciated having the ability to try the reef each time we went to the seaside.
- Visit a farmer’s market – The recent produce is often cheaper and higher high quality than the supermarkets and there are many tasty treats and foodie souvenirs to get pleasure from.
- Cool off with shave ice – This scrumptious icy deal with is so significantly better than we anticipated. Add a scoop of macadamia ice cream on the underside for optimum tastiness. Our favourites are Waikomo Shave Ice on Kauai and Original Big Island Shave Ice Co on the Big Island.
- Enjoy a Mai Tai on the seaside – Touristy sure, but it surely’s a traditional Hawaii expertise and these tasty rum cocktails are available cool Tiki glasses.
- Try Li Hing Mui – This dried plum is good, salty, and bitter. It’s very fashionable in Hawaii (originating from China), and you’ll find them entire for snacking (a bit a lot for me) or as a flavour for a lot of treats. It’s my new favorite shave ice flavour (particularly mixed with lilikoi/passionfruit and pineapple).
- Drive the Road to Hana on Maui – Most individuals do that in sooner or later, however we beloved spending a number of nights in Hana to discover with out the crowds.
- Eat in eating places for each meal – Restaurants are costly and by self-catering in our apartment we saved an enormous amount of cash. Even in case you don’t have a kitchen, you possibly can choose up a pre-made picnic lunch from a grocery store and luxuriate in it on the seaside. Some of our tastiest meals have been from meals vans that are far cheaper than eating places. Hana in Maui and Hanalei in Kauai had one of the best choice of vans.
- Underestimate the ocean – Conditions could be harmful and alter rapidly and drownings do occur. If you’re unsure it’s protected, don’t swim.
- Turn your again on the ocean – Huge waves can come out of nowhere if you find yourself swimming and even strolling alongside the shore.
- Fight a rip present – If you get caught in a present, hold calm, float, and wave for assist. Go with the present and preserve your vitality.
- Touch sea turtles or monk seals – You are more likely to come throughout wildlife on the seashores, but it surely’s unlawful to get too shut or contact them.
- Feed fish or different wild animals.
- Trespass – Please respect non-public property. While all seashores are open to the general public, they don’t all have public entry routes.
- Litter – Don’t go away something behind on seashores or mountain climbing trails.
- Park illegally – Respect “no parking” indicators and don’t cease on the aspect of the highway. This has grow to be an actual downside on the Road to Hana in Maui particularly.
- Steal any rocks or sand.
- Touch or step on coral – Be aware of the place your fins are when snorkelling.
- Leave valuables in your automobile – And hold any baggage hidden out of sight within the trunk. Rent a mid-size automobile reasonably than a compact one (we discovered these didn’t have an enclosed trunk).
- Laugh on the hula – It’s not only a dance for vacationers, however a severe a part of native tradition.
- Refuse a lei (flower garland) – It’s an emblem of affection and Aloha so put on it with gratitude and don’t take it off in entrance of the one that gave it to you.
- Wear footwear into somebody’s home.
- Rush – Don’t really feel the strain to do all the pieces. Make positive you enable time simply to chill out by the pool or on the seaside. Slow down and luxuriate in these stunning islands.
Clothes
The climate is heat year-round in Hawaii so pack light-weight summer time garments—shorts, t-shirts, clothes, a few bathing fits, and a seaside cover-up.
I’m a giant fan of PrAna for summer time clothes and swimwear.
There’s no must pack formal garments as Hawaii may be very informal.
I do suggest packing one set of hotter garments for visiting locations at greater elevations or boat journeys in winter. A pair of denims or leggings plus a light-weight fleece or sweater needs to be effective.
If you’re planning on dawn at Haleakala in Maui or stargazing at Mauna Kea on the Big Island, it may be freezing, so add extra layers and maybe a packable down jacket you probably have one.
Shoes
We spend most of our time in Hawaii sporting mountain climbing sandals—they’re excellent for seashores and hikes. Many seashores have tough entry trails so that you’ll recognize one thing greater than flip-flops.
We each love Teva sandals that are very comfy for mountain climbing and most fashions are waterproof so are nice for kayaking. Simon likes the Teva Fi Lite sandals and I’ve the Teva Verra sandals.
I additionally had a pair of ballet flats for a dressier choice for the evenings. My present favourites are the tremendous cozy Allbirds Tree Breezers—see my Allbirds flats assessment for particulars.
For working, I put on the sunshine, breathable Allbirds Tree Dashers.
Other Useful Items
- Reef-safe sunscreen – Avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate which have been banned in Hawaii.
- Reusable procuring luggage – Plastic luggage are banned on the islands.
- Spices – If you’re self-catering, you’ll get monetary savings by bringing a small quantity of spices with you. We purchased some on the bulk-buy part of a grocery store on the mainland.
- Water bottle – Avoid creating plastic waste by packing a reusable water bottle. We just like the Vapur water bottle because it’s gentle and packs flat when empty.
- Packable daypack – These backpacks slot in your baggage on the journey over and are helpful for hikes and exploring.
- Packing cubes – We swear by these as they hold your garments organised and straightforward to search out in your baggage.
- Quick-dry seaside towel – These light-weight towels dry sooner than conventional towels and sand shakes off them extra simply.
- Compact binoculars – There’s a lot wildlife to see in Hawaii together with whales, dolphins, seals, turtles, and birds. The tiny Olympus 8 x 21 RCII waterproof binoculars have been supreme for getting a more in-depth look.
Is Hawaii Worth it?
Yes, I believe Hawaii is effectively value visiting! While it’s costly and could be crowded, there’s one thing about that gorgeous surroundings and stress-free vibe that entices many people to go to many times.
I hope this weblog publish helps you with tips on how to plan a visit to Hawaii. Let me know you probably have any questions and share your Hawaii journey suggestions within the feedback under.
We share extra of our Hawaii suggestions in these posts:
Oahu
Maui
Kauai
Big Island
General
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