A lot of thought and care needs to be taken to plan a vacation to Hawaii, especially if you’re bringing the whole family. There are some things to keep in mind as you go into the planning process, then during the trip. So, let’s dive in.
As you’d imagine there are pros for each!
Single island itineraries are easier to plan and can be less hectic, and since all of your time will be spent in one place it will allow for full immersion into all the island has to offer. Also, you won’t have to deal with inter-island flights which can be expensive, time-consuming, or both. On the flip side, hopping can help if you’d like to experience as much of the state as possible in one trip. You can then compare the offerings and vibes on each island.
Think about the way your family vacations. Do you like to wake up late, relax on the beach, and maybe have a nice dinner a short walk away from your hotel? For you, staying put on one island is probably the better choice.
Do you prefer to get up with the sun, and pack as many adventures into a day as possible? A multi-island adventure, particularly if you’re staying longer than a week, will ensure that you create a variety of family memories.
There are eight major islands that makeup Hawaii with the most frequented being Oahu, Maui, Big Island of Hawaii, and Kauai. Each has a unique culture, history, landscape, vibe, and things to do and see. 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 for those who want a tropical paradise with a little of everything – beach, hikes, volcanoes, rainforests, resorts, and nightlife. The 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.
In my opinion, Oahu and Kauai “look” the most like the vision that most people have in their heads of Hawaii – tall mountains, lush rainforests, picturesque beaches. The Big Island and Maui have volcanoes to explore, and if you want to see lava, the Big Island is your best bet (although it is not a guarantee).
For first-time visitors focusing only on one island, I’d choose Oahu for the classic Hawaiian experience.
Your trip will likely have a lot of components – air, hotel, transportation, activities, and food. Keep in mind that Hawaii isn’t exactly cheap either. Try to come into the planning process with a number in mind. A solid budget will help in the recommendation process and the final creation of an itinerary that meets your specific needs.
Hawaii is not an inexpensive destination, but there are some things to consider to help keep costs reasonable. For example, all beaches in Hawaii are legally required to be accessible to the general public. You can save quite a bit of money by staying at a hotel a couple of blocks off the beach instead of directly on it. Similarly, consider a garden- or mountain-view room instead of an oceanview to knock the price down a bit. Finally, some of the best food in Hawaii can be found in grocery stores, roadside stands and food trucks – including the best pineapple you’ve ever had in your life!
The most critical components of a trip to Hawaii (or anywhere, actually) are flight and hotel. Pricing for both is subject to change at any time and is usually based on supply and demand. So, typically, the earlier you book the better. Once your dates are solidified and options selected, place a deposit, or complete the booking! If you’re considering travel during a peak time this is even MORE important.
Families needing larger hotel rooms, suites, or vacation rentals need to be especially careful to plan well in advance. In Waikiki, space is at a premium, and hotel rooms for more than 4 people can be a challenge to find at a reasonable rate. In other parts of Hawaii, a vacation rental may be the best option for five or more people.
Plan activities in advance. Do NOT wait until you’re in Hawaii to book tours, luaus and excursions. Put together your must-do list and purchase. Again, the sooner the better, since space on some activities is limited and can sell out quickly. It will also help in sticking to your budget.
Think about your trip and what it involves. It can help in determining what to pack. For the most part, the vibe in Hawaii is relaxed, but if you have more active things planned (hikes, biking, etc.) you want to pack for that. I am sure that if you have a strenuous hike planned, you don’t want to forget your boots. Flip flops at all other times are perfect, but I am sure you don’t want to hike in them.
Likely a rental car will be recommended, but at the end of the day, it is your call. If the thought of driving in an unknown place, heavy traffic (especially on Oahu), and sometimes expensive parking (even at hotels) don’t appeal to you, we can work around it. Transfers and rideshare options can always be discussed.
We all know that travel during the times of Covid can be a bit challenging. One of the benefits of using a travel agent is that I can keep up with all of the changing regulations and things you need to do before your trip to make departure day go smoothly. Current covid-related restrictions can be viewed here but I’ll walk you through each step of the process before you depart. And if restrictions change, you’ll be the first to know.
UPDATE (3/2/2022): The State of Hawaii has announced that the Hawaii Safe Travels program, which required documentation of vaccination or a recent negative covid test, will end on March 25, 2022!
Hopefully these tidbits were helpful as you consider traveling to Hawaii. I’ll help keep these things top of mind as we go into the planning process and certainly as you’re getting ready for the most exciting part – the trip itself!
Are you ready to get started on planning your Hawaii family vacation? Contact me and we’ll get started right away.