How to Plan A Trip To Hawaii: A Guide For First-Timers
Hawaii is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States, and yet, most won’t ever get to go. A trip to Hawaii is special, which is why those going on their first trip usually want to pack in as many activities as they possibly can, because who knows when you’ll get this chance again?
Stina at the Wahiawa Botanical Garden, a 27-acre garden and forested ravine dating back to the 1930s when the land was used by sugar planters as an experimental arboretum in central Oahu in Wahiawa, HI
No. 1
Top Islands to Spend Your Vacation
Oahu, with its beautiful crystalline shores, Waikiki Beach, and the bustling Honolulu metropolis
Maui, with its stunning rainforests, the Road to Hana, and Haleakala sunrises
Kauai, where you’ll find dramatic cliffs, the “canyon of the Pacific” and plenty of laid-back charm to go around
Big Island, where you’ll find active volcanoes, stunning black beaches, and some unbelievable views of the Milky Way from Mauna Kea
No. 2
Save Up Those Vacation Days
If you can, save up those vacation days so that you can take between 10 and 14 days off in one go for your Hawaii vacation. This is how you’ll break out of your old routines and soak in everything there is to offer in Hawaii. Most importantly, it’s how you’ll have time to visit more than one island at once.
No. 3
Book the Big Activities In Advance
From Hana Highway Tours to spa activities and events, these big activities are best booked in advance to help you secure your spot and save through early bird discounts. Try to keep it to one or a maximum of two paid and planned activities per day. The last thing you want is to take all spontaneity out of your trip, and you want to plan in contingency time if you see something amazing on the ground, or just need more relaxation time than you thought you would. If you’re planning two things in one day, you’ll also need to make sure that you have more than enough time between the two, to accommodate unexpected delays, traffic, and so on.
No. 4
What to Look For in Your Accommodation
Your accommodation is a huge part of your experience. This doesn’t mean that you have to splash the cash, but simply that you need to be more mindful of how you can use that hotel room or condo to its fullest.
For example, you can save money, plan for some comfortable downtime, and enjoy more of your stay by choosing from one of the top Maui vacation rentals that have a kitchen. Shop at the local markets, and make cooking an event. Even if all you do is buy pastries and fresh fruit for breakfast, you’ll still get more out of your stay and be able to slow down your trip, so you can soak in all that is around you.
No. 5
Top Activities to Consider for Your Trip
There are so many things that you can do during your Hawaii stay, but since this guide is all about planning, here are the activities you’ll want to consider booking before they sell out:
Maui Adventures and Activities
One of the best things to do in Maui is to drive, specifically on the Road to Hana. Rent a car, and make sure you stop at all the little scenic points and towns along the way. You’ll find rainforests, waterfalls, and charming little towns during your trip (even a few hidden beaches), making this the ultimate mini-road trip for anyone visiting Hawaii. If driving a car isn’t your style, you may instead want to take a horseback ride trail tour or go on a hike.
Oahu Adventures and Activities
Oahu is home to Honolulu, the Polynesian Cultural Centre, Diamond Head Crater, and Waikiki Beach. Try to immerse yourself as much as possible in Polynesian culture and the natural beauty surrounding you, but remember to book ahead. Even a trek up to Diamond Head Crater needs to be booked in advance.
Kauai Adventures and Activities
Adventurers will want to trek or kayak along the legendary Kalalau Trail, which takes you around stunning cliffs and ocean views. Alternatively, you can view the coast from the water on a Na Pali Coast boat tour. Waimea Canyon is another top view you’ll want to see on this island. If you can’t do these activities on foot for any reason, find a tour where you can ride along to see all those once-in-a-lifetime views.
Big Island Adventures and Activities
When you’re on the Big Island, it’s all about the volcanoes. Go visit the Volcanoes National Park and the Thurston Lava Tube, or see the glow of Kilauea’s center at night. Thanks to those volcanoes, you’ll also be able to lounge on black beaches, or even take a boat tour to see lava flow (from a distance).
Takeaways
There is so much to do in Hawaii. With its stunning views of nature, immersive cultural experiences, and endless outdoor excursions, you’ll be looking to plan your next trip just as quickly as your first. The opportunity to explore all of Hawaii’s magnificence is likely within your reach, and with the proper planning, you will get to do everything on your bucket list. So, don’t push it off this year. Plan a trip to Hawaii and discover for yourself why its natural beauty draws millions of people each year.