If you’ve never visited the Hawaiian Islands yet, I definitely recommend putting that destination on your bucket list. Discovering the beauty of Hawaii is definitely something that I know you will love. And you don’t even need a passport! If you’ve never been to Hawaii there are a few things to keep in mind. A trip here is not like a typical all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean! Here are our top 5 tips for planning your first visit to Hawaii.
- Don’t rush your vacation! The flight to Hawaii can often be long and fairly expensive, especially from the East Coast. So make sure to spend enough time in the islands to be able to explore. I recommend at least 7-10 days to get your fill of the Hawaiian culture, and even longer if you plan to visit more than one island.
- Speaking of more than one island, I definitely recommend spending time on more than one of the main Hawaiian Islands. If you’re not familiar with Hawaii, the main islands are Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii (Molokai and Lanai are smaller islands, but definitely worth visiting if you have the time). These islands are so very different from each other, so take some time to explore the different climate and activities each island has to offer. And it’s just an easy and inexpensive flight to travel between the islands. (during COVID, inter-island is a bit more difficult)
- Do all of the “tourist” things in Hawaii, especially on your first visit. You don’t want to travel all the way to Hawaii without going to a luau, or visiting Pearl Harbor, or learning how to hula. These things may seem a little bit overvisited, but they are popular for a reason! I promise you that Pearl Harbor is a moving experience, and you can learn a lot about the Hawaiian culture while enjoying some delicious food at a luau. So be the tourist, especially on your first visit.
- Also take some time to rent a car and explore the out-of-the-way spots on the island. Oahu is the most popular Hawaiian island, but there’s much more to it than Waikiki Beach! Take a day to explore the North Shore, where you can enjoy some of the local fare in Hawaiian food trucks, and finish off your meal with some amazing shaved ice. Or see the magnificent sunrise or sunset from Haleakala in Maui. The popular sites are great, but you won’t see the true beauty of Hawaii unless you go off the beaten path a bit.
- Be prepared for higher prices. Of course Hawaii is part of the United States, but
the prices there are higher than on the mainland, especially for things like food and gas. Almost everything has to be imported to the islands, so the cost is higher. And you should also be aware that almost all of the Hawaiian resorts have daily resort fees and high parking fees that will be added onto your bill when you check out. It’s definitely worth the extra cost to see these beautiful islands, but you should be aware when planning your Hawaiian vacation.
Now who’s ready to go to Hawaii?? I know I am! These islands give you the beauty and variety of different climates on each island, with the opportunity to explore the Polynesian cultures there. Even if you’ve been to Hawaii before, each visit can be just a bit different. Let your Wishes & Dreams Travel Consultant help you discover the heavenly experiences only Hawaii can give you.
