Everything You Need to Know for the Perfect Trip to Hawaii
Hawaii is the epitome of an ideal vacation paradise. There’s beautiful beaches, breathtaking mountains, and enough waterfalls to satisfy any Instagram model. Plus it’s one of the furthest places you can go to get away from the US without a passport. Of course each of the Hawaiian Islands vary significantly so everyone’s journey will be different depending on preferences. This guide will provide you with everything you’ll need to plan your own perfect trip to Hawaii!
A Brief History of Hawaii
Long before the fantasies of the postcard dream resort vacation, Hawaii was a sovereign kingdom with its own monarchy. Polynesian navigators arrived over a 1,000 years ago, guided by stars to this distant archipelago in the middle of the Pacific Ocean; Over 2,000 miles southwest of the Mainland USA! They built a complex society rooted in harmony with the land, oral traditions, and deep spiritual connection to nature.
Then in typical colonizer fashion, waves of missionaries, traders, and corrupt corporations started appearing and brought dramatic change. In 1893 Queen Liliสปuokalani was overthrown by corrupt American businessmen led by Sanford B. Dole (The banana company!?). Despite strong opposition from Native Hawaiians, the islands were annexed by the United States in 1898 and became the 50th state in 1959.The audacious theft of land while nothing new, remains a disturbing blemish on the government’s track record.
The Hawaiian Islands
While there are over 130 islands, islets, and atolls in the Hawaiian archipelago, The following 8 islands are considered the main destinations.
- Hawaiสปi – The Big Island, also known as Kona, is the youngest and largest in the archipelago. There are tons of active volcanoes, lush rainforests, towering waterfalls, and black sand beaches. Big Island is also renowned for its coffee farms.
- Maui – Nicknamed the Valley Isle, Maui is home to the mighty Haleakalฤ volcano and the notorious Road to Hana scenic highway. It is known for its lush rainforests and chill vibe.
- Kahoสปolawe – Nicknamed the Target Isle (due to US American bombing drills) is a culturally sacred, uninhabited island undergoing ecological restoration and is accessible only for permitted volunteer and cultural activities.
- Lฤnaสปi – Nicknamed the Pineapple Isle, Lฤnaสปi offers a quiet, upscale escape with rugged terrain, secluded beaches, and a strong sense of solitude.
- Molokaสปi – Nicknamed the Friendly Isle, Molokaสปi remains deeply rooted in Hawaiian tradition, known for its rural character, dramatic sea cliffs, and minimal tourism. It is also considered the Most Hawaiian Island due to its large native population and can be visited from Maui.
- Oสปahu – Nicknamed the Gathering Place, is the most Populus island with the state’s capital Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, and Pearl Harbor. The Southern coast has a downtown city vibe while the North Shore has beaches renowned for its epic surfing.
- Kauaสปi – Nicknamed the Garden Isle, Kauai is Hawaii’s oldest and smallest of the major islands. It has mountainous landscapes like Waimea Canyon and the Napali Coast.
- Niสปihau – Nicknamed the Forbidden Isle, Niสปihau is a privately owned island with limited access where Hawaiian language and traditions are carefully preserved.
Best Time to Visit Hawaii
There’s never a bad time to visit Hawaii. Basically Hawaii has one season, with minimal temperature fluctuations from Summer to Winter (typically from 78~85ยฐF). The best time to visit is between April & June or September & December for the cheapest flights, less crowds, and balanced weather. Winter time is great for surfing massive waves and whale watching. Summer has excellent weather with little rainfall, but prices are much higher and there’s a lot more crowds. We went in late October, and although it rained a few days, it was hot enough to swim and prices were relatively cheap.
Transportation to & around the Islands
Surprisingly, flights to Hawaii are not as expensive as you’d think. Round-trip tickets from Washington DC were around $500 USD and only 10hours away. Once You arrive on the islands, the best way to travel between them is by flights on Hawaiian airlines. Flights are relatively cheap (around $50-80USD) and are usually only 20 – 50mins air time. Although there are ferries and cruises between the islands, it is often not recommended due to much longer (and turbulent) transit times and being more expensive. A car is pretty much essential for traveling around each island’s iconic landmarks. The only exception is for Oahu, where you can easily navigate the urban area without a rental car.
Best experiences in Hawaii
Here’s a few of the most unforgettable experiences to have while in Hawaii:
- Surfing Lessons in Oahu
- Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays on the Big Island
- Helicopter tour over Kauai
- Zodiac boat ride around the Napali Coast in Kauai
- Drive the entire road to Hana on Maui
- Watch the sunrise from the top of a volcano in Maui
- Feast on Hawaiian food & learn about Polynesian history at a Luau
- Snorkel at beautiful coral reefs by a sunken crater in Maui
- Pay your respects at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Oahu
- Go on a Whale Watching tour in Oahu
How expensive is a trip to Hawaii?
Alright there’s no sugar coating it, Hawaii ain’t cheap. Depending on how many islands and activities you wish to experience, budget can reach up to a few thousand dollars. A 10 day vacation to 4 of the main islands while staying in moderately nice hotels with lots of activities costs about $5,000 USD for 2 people. Despite relatively affordable flights, food and experiences are ridiculously expensive. Maybe even less affordable than Iceland... We recommend booking everything super far in advance to get the best rates possible.
Hawaii 10 Day Itinerary
Most people would probably just choose one or two islands to enjoy a relaxing vacation. However, we have a special itinerary for the unhinged adventure travelers to experience the most of Hawaiian culture possible in what definitely is not enough time.
- Fly into Hawaii Big Island
- Day 1: Historic Kailua Village, Kona Coffee Farm tour, Manta Ray night Snorkel
- Day 2: Papakolea Green Sand Beach, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hilo Town, Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls
- Fly into Maui
- Day 3: Old Lahaina Luau
- Day 4: Drive the infamous Road to Hana
- Day 5: Snorkel in Molokini Crater, Ulua Beach, Wailea Beach
- Fly into Oahu
- Day 6: Surfing Lessons, Watch the sunset from Waikiki Beach
- Day 7: Byodo-in Temple, Dole Plantation, Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, Waimea Bay, Toa Luau
- Day 8: Sunrise at Diamond Head State Monument, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu City, Iolani Palace
- Fly into Kauai
- Day 9: Napali Coast Zodiac Raft Expedition, Waimea Canyon
- Day 10: Watch sea turtles at Poipu Beach Park, Wailua Falls look out point
- Fly back home from Kauai
Despite being forced against its will, Hawaii is the best state in America. It has a unique culture, beautiful natural scenery, and delicious food and should be at the top of everyone’s bucket list. Its the perfect place for thrilling adventure or relaxing on serene beaches. A few of the ubiquitous experiences in Hawaii include surfing, laying out on black sand beaches, eating at a luau, swimming in waterfalls, eating poke bowls, hiking volcanoes, and snorkeling. With so much to do, we recommend staying at least 2 or 3 weeks if your wallet can endure it. The island vibes and sounds of the coqui at night remind me of Puerto Rico. Stay tuned for more of our epic adventures through the Hawaiian islands. Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
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