Nine Things to Keep in Mind When Planning Your Hawaiian Vacation

Planning a Hawaiian vacation requires thoughtfulness, care, and a great deal of planning. As a travel advisor that specializes in Hawaiian vacations, I find that my clients often have quite a few major questions and things to consider when it comes to creating the vacation of their dreams. I thoroughly enjoy helping my clients work through this process and believe that planning for Hawaii is a necessity. As you begin to work through this process, here are nine initial things I encourage my clients to consider.

When do you want to go?

The first major consideration for a Hawaiian vacation is what time of year you’d like to visit. This is especially important if you hope to see wildlife such as whales, or green sea turtles. Also be sure to consider whether you’ll want to enjoy the water by swimming, snorkeling or surfing. Talking through this with a seasoned travel advisor and discussing various activities can be quite informative and make the decision of when to travel much easier.

How long do you want to go for?

Due to lengthy flight times, I strongly suggest planning ample time to visit Hawaii. Flights from the west coast often take at least six hours, meaning that longer flights or layovers are inevitable should you be flying from somewhere further east. Additionally, these flights can be expensive, so you want to make sure you take time to truly enjoy the beauty Hawaii has to offer. Finally, be sure to consider time zone changes and how these impact you personally. If you find that you struggle with jet lag, it may be wise to consider having some extra time to adjust to time changes upon arrival and on your return home.

Visit a Single Island or Island Hop?

One of the most difficult decisions you’ll have to make once you’ve selected dates is whether you’d prefer to visit a single island, or check out several different ones. Each option comes with pros and cons to consider. As with most vacations, I strongly encourage avoiding the “once in a lifetime” mentality as this often sets you up for high expectations and possible disappointments. I’ll briefly cover the benefits and drawbacks of each option so you can decide which feels right for you.

Single Island Versus Island Hopping Itineraries

Opting for a single island itinerary is often less complex than a multi-island itinerary. It allows you to experience far more of the island as it doesn’t require inter-island flights. This is also the less costly option, as inter-island flights can be expensive. However, this does limit you in regard to certain experiences. If you’re interested in experiencing a wide variety of activities and excursions, island hopping might be the best approach.

While hopping between islands can be costly, it offers a truly unique experience. Each island offers its own unique culture and customs, and you may find you’d like to spend more time on one island than another in future trips. The factors that influence your decision will likely be budget, vacation length and activity or excursion priorities.

What Island Fits Your Style?

There are eight major islands that make up Hawaii. Guests most frequently visit Oahu, Maui, Big Island of Hawaii, and Kauai. Because each island offers something different, it can be challenging to choose the right island(s). However, I’m happy to offer suggestions based on your own personal vacation goals. So you can get your mind rolling, here’s a general idea of what you can expect on each island.

Choose Oahu if you are looking for an island with a city vibe that’s near/on a beach. (Honolulu/Waikiki)! Think lively clubs, bars, nightlife, shopping, and dining. Maui is perfect for those who want a tropical paradise with a little of everything – beaches, hiking, volcanoes, rainforests, resorts, and nightlife. Big Island is known for its multiple climates and abundance of natural attractions, including Volcanoes National Park. Kauai is known as “the Garden Isle” and for good reason! Its lush landscapes make it a perfect escape for those looking for a more outdoor and active vibe.

What Is Your Budget?

As with any vacation, developing an overall vacation budget sets you up for success. Vacations like Hawaii include a variety of items that need to be considered when developing a budget. We suggest considering airfare, resort stays, transportation, food and activities as your primary categories. It’s incredibly important to mention that because Hawaii is a series of islands, prices are often significantly higher than what you might expect. This is true for most categories, with food prices often surprising people most. Approaching planning with a ballpark figure is quite important. As your advisor, I can share what is possible and help you adjust your budget as necessary.

Begin the Planning Process Early!

Flights and accommodations are obviously the two essential components of a Hawaiian vacation that must be secured before other itinerary items can be taken care of. Due to its popularity, I strongly advise securing both as early as possible. Pricing is always subject to change and planning early can assist with stretching the budget, while also ensuring you can secure what you’re hoping for. This is especially important if you intend to travel during the height of tourist season.

Another reason to book early is that it allows time for additional savings. If you experience an unexpected bonus, or have extra time to save for your vacation, you may discover you can plan more experiences than you initially thought. Furthermore, spreading payments out over time can reduce stress and allow for upgraded amenities and vacation options.

What Activities Would You Like To Enjoy?

Planning activities early ensures you’re able to secure lower rates. Waiting until you’re in destination, or your dates are rapidly approaching often means certain options will be entirely booked. While luaus and large-scale events may be easier to secure, options like helicopter tours of volcanoes, and snorkeling with dolphins may be far more difficult to find and might not be available. Securing these options early also helps you stick to your budget and use your available funds wisely.

What Should You Pack?

Knowing and understanding what activities you’re doing also helps you pack wisely. If you intend to snorkel often throughout your trip, it might be beneficial to pack your own flippers and mask instead of renting. Hiking or biking also require packing differently than simply packing for a relaxing beach vacation. As your advisor, this is an area where my experience can be beneficial as I’m eager to share expert recommendations and products that I have personally tested and pack in my own luggage.

How Will I Get Around?

Typically, I suggest renting a vehicle during a Hawaiian Vacation. When selecting a rental car, it’s important to also consider the amount of luggage you’ll be bringing with you, as this must also fit in the vehicle. While ride shares and transfers are certainly an option, it’s important to remember that these are often more costly than they are on the mainland, so including the added cost in your budgeting is essential. If opting for a rental car, remember to include gas in your overall budget.

The Importance of Working with a Knowledgeable Travel Advisor

If you’ve never visited Hawaii, there’s a lot to figure out. Working with a travel advisor like myself who specializes in helping clients plan Hawaiian vacations ensures that logistics are handled in an appropriate and seamless manner. As I’ll cover further, each island offers something different, and it’s important for to have a clear understanding of what you hope to see and do on a trip to Hawaii. When you work with me, I can help you gain a clearer understanding of what’s available and make expert suggestions and recommendations based on my professional experience, detailed research, and relationships with suppliers.

While planning a Hawaiian Vacation is an involved process, considering the factors listed above will certainly aide in decision making and planning the perfect Hawaiian vacation. As a travel advisor, I love helping clients make these trips a reality and seeing pictures of all the incredible memories they return home with. What questions do you have about planning the perfect Hawaiian vacation? Send them in an email! I’d love to assist!

Katie Sackewitz

Travel Command Center

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