Whether it’s your first time visiting the Aloha State or you have visited a few Hawaiian islands already, it is always wise to prepare yourself before going on vacation. Hawaii has six visitable islands, and each destination has its own unique flavor. The Hawaiian archipelago is full of beauty, and there is something to see and do everywhere you turn. Make sure you plan in advance to make the most of your trip. Here are 4 top tips to help you make your trip to Hawaii perfect.
Don’t Try to Cram Everything In
Unless you have a fair few weeks to spare, it is a good idea to choose just one or two islands to visit during your trip. Most people visit Hawaii for 7 to 10 days, and this just isn’t enough time to hop around all the islands. There is plenty to keep you occupied for weeks on all six of the visitable islands, but you will want to designate at least 7 days to each of the four largest islands, Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. Lanai and Molokai are smaller in size, and you can get a taste of these islands in 3 to 5 days. Although the short distance between destinations might make it tempting to do some island-hopping, you will get a better feel for each island if you take things slow.
Visit Out of Season
It is no surprise that Hawaii is a popular tourist destination and that the prices can soar in peak season. Many people jet off to Hawaii during the holidays due to work and family commitments, which makes them the busiest and most expensive time to visit. If you can help it, try to visit off-season instead. Not only will you save on flights and accommodation, but the weather is also generally pretty good all-year-round, and there are less crowds. Those who can’t get away with visiting off-season can make their trip cheaper by booking flights and accommodation in advance. Whether you’re eyeing up 5 star Maui resorts, Kona hotels, or beach huts in Oahu, reserve a space now to save more later.
Experience a Traditional Luau
No trip to Hawaii is complete without experiencing a traditional Luau. At a luau you will get the chance to feast on local cuisine, listen to live, island music, and watch a cultural dance performance. Luau’s don’t come cheap, but the experience will leave you with a smile on your face and a spring in your step.
Try Local Cuisine
Hawaiian cuisine is much more than shaved ice and spam; although a cold treat can be incredibly refreshing on a hot Hawaiian afternoon, spam musubi can keep you going during a jam-packed day. When in an exotic destination that boasts an abundance of seafood, a fresh poke bowl is a must. This dish is a bit like deconstructed sushi in that it is basically raw, marinated fish with sushi rice and vegetables. You can find a huge variety of poke all over the islands. Other must-try delicacies include kalua pig, poi, and haupia.
