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Hawaii Vacation Packages

We are proud to offer exclusive vacation packages, most with rates under $1,000. These packages include airfare, car rental, and hotel stay for six to eight days. Visiting different islands, or "island-hopping" as we call it, is highly recommended because each island has its own distinct "personality."

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Tips on Finding Hawaii Vacation Deals

Save time and money by booking your rental car, hotel room, and airfare together and make planning your vacation easier.

How to Find the Cheapest Vacation Packages

Understanding Hawaii’s travel seasons will make it easy for you to book an affordable trip to the Rainbow State. With summer and winter being peak travel times for the islands, you can find vacation deals by booking during the “shoulder” seasons—spring and fall. Fortunately, Hawaii is just as beautiful and magnificent during fall and spring as it is in summer and winter, so aside from the cost of travel, nothing will change about your trip to Hawaii.

Should You Book an All-Inclusive Package?

Planning a trip is, what we call in Hawaii slang “humbug.” It’s a bother, a nuisance—even stressful. But it doesn’t have to be. By booking an all-inclusive vacation package, the hard work is done for you. Cars are rented, hotel rooms are booked and it can be cheaper to book a package versus booking everything ala carte.

Best Areas to Stay on Each Island

While there are no bad choices for places to stay in the islands—you are in Hawaii after all—there are some areas that are very well suited for travelers. Waikiki on Oahu has a variety of accommodations, malls and restaurants all dotting the golden shores of Waikiki Beach. On Kauai, Hanalei and Poipu are perfect for visitors who want to be close to the beach during their island stay—and in a similar vein, Kaanapali on Maui is a perfect blend of resort luxury and island living that will truly make visitors feel like they’re in paradise. On Hawaii Island, also referred to as the Big Island, both Kona and Hilo will provide travelers with convenient accommodations, activities and dining options.

The Top 3 Hotels and Resorts on Each Island

• Hilton Hawaiian Village
• Turtle Bay Resort
• Grand Wailea
• Kaanapali Beach Hotel
• Fairmont Kea Lani
• 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
• Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
• Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
• Fairmont Orchid
• Hilton Waikoloa Village

On Oahu, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Turtle Bay Resort and the Halekulani reign supreme. Maui’s Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, Kaanapali Beach Hotel and Fairmont Kea Lani are popular choices amongst travelers. For Kauai, the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, The ISO and the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa are stunning accommodations that will make it hard to even leave your room—while on the Big Island you can’t go wrong staying at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection, Fairmont Orchid and Hilton Waikoloa Village.

Which Hawaii Island is Best for You?

Kauai’s picturesque Na Pali Coast.

For nature lovers and those who seek adventure, Kauai is a primordial playground full of epic hikes, stunning beaches and botanical gardens—it is the Garden Isle after all.

Sunrise over Na Mokulua islands from Lanikai Beach on Oahu.

Oahu has a great mix of everything a visitor could want and is perfect for families with young children as there are more keiki (kid) friendly activities on the island.

Waianapanapa State Park, Maui.

Maui & the Big Island

Both Maui and the Big Island are great places for travelers looking to escape from their worldly distractions. Instead of waking up to traffic and city noise, on these islands, the soft sounds of birdsong and crashing waves will serve as your natural alarm clock.

Hawaii Travel Tips

You’ll want to hit the ground running—presumably to the beach!—once you’ve landed. Also be sure to pack a few jackets or hoodies along with your beachwear, as the islands typically has “passing showers” from time to time due to its tropical climate. Another major travel tip to remember is that, unless you’re staying on Oahu, you will absolutely need to rent a car to fully enjoy the best of each island, as public transportation options are limited on the out islands.

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Vacation Packages

The aloha state, a family of islands with distinct personalities offers their unique version of paradise. find your ideal island, find your hawaii..

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Featured Deals

Kauai: grand hyatt kauai resort & spa limited-time package.

Stay 5 / Pay 4, $300 Resort Credit Daily Buffet Breakfast Waived Mandatory Resort Fee

Included Extras Valued at $1,140

Oahu: AULANI, A Disney Resort & Spa Package

Digital Costco Shop Card No Daily Resort Fee Pools, Lazy River and Lagoon

Maui: The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali Package

Stay 5 / Pay 4, $125 - $250 Resort Credit Daily Breakfast for Two $100 Hana Hou Game Card

Included Extras Valued at $475

Oahu: Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa Package

$200 Resort Credit Digital Costco Shop Card Daily Resort Fee Included

Maui: Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort Package

$300 Resort Credit $250 Spa Credit, Daily Breakfast for Two Book by 6/16/24

Hawaii Island: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection Package

$400 Resort Credit, Complimentary Parking Waived Daily Resort Fee Digital Costco Shop Card

Maui: Napili Kai Beach Resort Package

Stay 5 / Pay 4 $250 Food and Beverage Credit Digital Costco Shop Card

Oahu: Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa Package

One 50-Minute Massage Digital Costco Shop Card Daily Resort Fee Included

Kauai: Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Package

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Maui on a budget: 5 things to do for free, natural hawaii, oahu on a budget: 5 things to do for free, more about hawaii.

Discover the differences between these majestic islands and choose your paradise.

Hawaii Island is the largest of the islands and sits at the southernmost part of the chain. A temperamental youngest sibling of the family, this island is full of drama, adventure, and natural beauty. Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, tour a local coffee plantation, stroll seaside villages, travel back in time at Puukoholo Heiau National Historic Site, and stand at the southernmost point of the United States where nothing but ocean separates you from Antarctica.

Kauai is the oldest of the islands and keeps watch over the others from the northernmost point of the chain. With age comes beauty and the dramatic landscape of Kauai reflects this sentiment. Hike Waimea Canyon and gaze at the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, trek the Koloa Heritage Trail for a glimpse of the past, visit local botanical gardens for their tropical treasures, tour cascading waterfalls, and helicopter out to the Na Pali coastline for the ultimate vantage point.

Maui is the second-largest island and just to the north of Hawaii Island. Known for famous beaches and championship golf courses, Maui delivers an experience filled with magic and beauty to visitors. Witness an awe-inspiring sunrise at Haleakala, snorkel with sea turtles at Molokini, stroll the eclectic shops in Lahaina and witness a ceremonial cliff dive at Black Rock.

Sandwiched between Kauai and Maui is the bustling island of Oahu. The most populated in the chain, Oahu offers a unique blend of modern and ancient influences. Transforming the southern coastline is the city of Honolulu while monster waves rule the northern coast. Reflect on U.S. history at Pearl Harbor, stroll through the pineapple maze at the Dole Plantation, hike the Diamond Head crater for unobstructed views of Waikiki Beach, visit the new International Market Place, and watch big wave surfers tackle the Banzai Pipeline.

There is indeed an island for every personality. Find your Hawaii, find your paradise.

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Before You Go

• To make it easier to replace your passport if it’s lost or stolen, in addition to your passport, take a photocopy of your passport information page (keeping it separate from your actual passport).
• Carry only a limited amount of cash, just enough for gratuities and incidental purchases. Major credit cards are widely accepted and can be replaced if lost or stolen.
• Always lock your hotel room door (including patio and balcony door on any level of the building) and use the peephole before opening the door.
• Store your valuables (such as cash, credit cards and airline tickets) in the hotel’s in-room safe or front desk safety deposit box.
• If you must carry valuables on your person, do so in a pouch or money belt concealed under your clothing. Purses and backpacks can be easy targets for thieves.
• For complete and current safety and security information, including travelers' tips, public announcements, travel advisories and more, please visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov.
• December through February: 76° to 75° (Winter)
• March through May: 76° to 78° (Spring)
• June through August: 80° to 82° (Summer)
• September through November: 82° to 78° (Autumn)

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Find cheap flights to Hawaii from $86

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united states to hawaii departing on 9/18. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to hawaii.

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Best Hawaii Flight Deals

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know

Faqs - booking hawaii flights, i’m traveling to big island. which airport should i choose when booking flights to hawaii.

The best airport for passengers traveling to Big Island will probably depend on the reason for your trip. If you’re going mainly for the resorts and beaches on the West Kona side, then the best airport is Kona International Airport. If you’re going for the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, then the best airport is Hilo International Airport.

I want to hike in Hawaii. Which island should I travel to?

Kauai, Big Island, Molokai, Oahu, and Maui are the best islands in Hawaii for hiking. Big Island, Oahu, and Maui are all served by major international airports with nonstop flights from the continent. Kauai and Molokai also have airports, but travelers from the States will need to travel to Honolulu (in Oahu) first, and then take an inter-island flight to their final destination.

How can I travel from the Honolulu airport to Waikiki beach?

Waikiki Beach is less than 20 min from the Honolulu Airport. You can travel by private shuttle ($18 per person on average), taxi ($30 per ride on average), or you can use a rideshare service ($23-30 per ride on average). If you’re planning on exploring the island beyond Waikiki, you can rent a car at the airport. You’ll find offices for Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, and Enterprise at the baggage claim area.

Which airports in Hawaii are closer to the beach?

The airports in Hawaii closest to the beach are Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu on Oahu island (13 min to Ala Moana Beach Park), Kona International Airport on Big Island (7 min to Wawaloli Beach Park), and Kahului Airport on Maui island (6 min to Kanaha Beach Park).

How long is the flight to Hawaii?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to Hawaii takes 7h 42m, covering a distance of 3332 miles. The most popular route is Los Angeles - Honolulu with an average flight time of 5h 34m.

What is the cheapest flight to Hawaii?

The cheapest ticket to Hawaii from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $25 one-way, and $175 round-trip. The most popular route is from Los Angeles to Honolulu and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $175.

Which airlines fly to Hawaii?

United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines & Korean Air fly the most frequently from the United States to Hawaii.

What are the most popular destinations in Hawaii?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Honolulu (58% of total searches to Hawaii). The next most popular destinations are Kahului (17%) and Kailua-Kona (11%). Searches for flights to Lihue (11%), to Hilo (1%) and to Kapalua (0.8%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Hawaii

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Hawaii flight deals.
• If you’re looking for beach- and family-friendly destinations when booking your flights to Hawaii, look for flights into the islands of Kauai, Big Island, Maui, and Oahu. They are served by Lihue Airport (LIH), Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO), Kahului Airport (OGG), and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), respectively.
• If you want to take your time exploring the islands, you can fly from the mainland into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu on Oahu island, and then take domestic flights to the other islands. Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest are two of the companies that operate inter-island flights.
• Most first-time travelers to Hawaii choose Maui as their destination, but keep in mind that there are fewer nonstop flights from the continental US landing at Maui’s Kahului Airport. Most flights from the mainland connect via the Honolulu airport on Oahu island.
• If you’re planning to go on whale-watching tours, look for flights to Hawaii on the island of Kauai. Although practically every island is excellent for whale-watching activities, Kauai has a greater range of possible spotting locations.
• For golfers, Hawaii means golf courses that are as gorgeous as they are high-quality. If you don’t know where to start, consider traveling to the airport of Oahu. With 37 golf clubs, it’s the island with the most golf courses in America’s 50th state.

Top 5 airlines flying to Hawaii

Overall fine but both ways for this trip was delayed.

Flight was delayed by almost 5 hours. Suitcase was not loaded despite the flight being near empty (my colleagues’ suitcases did reach JFK, unlike mine). Had to argue on phone to get JetBlue to deliver the case to my hotel. Never again

The flight was excellent. The crew was welcoming and attentive.

Great! I love Jet Blue. My favorite airline! Very efficient, clean and timely.

Run out of snack choices. Why are the seats not padded for your butt? Are we sitting on blocks of wood or metal for $250-300 a pop? This ain’t spirit. Let’s get it together people

We were told that our flight would be delayed for 90+ minutes because of weather, so we went to get something to eat only to have them randomly start boarding 15 minutes after the announcement, with no warning.

Entertainment... No earphones passed out. Many including me couldn't use the TV. Legroom was good. Crew was indifferent and a bit surly. Free wifi was a nice convenience. Check in desk location was unknown. Gate number on the boarding passes was wrong.

Going through JFK’s security is a mess. The TSA security said no shoes on the bins. So, we place our shoes in the belt and they came out all over the belt. Boarding was delayed and Flight as well.

Safe and on time were the positives. The plane wasn't cleaned before boarding, there was garbage and food on the floor and in the seat pocket. The TV screen was small and the picture fuzzy, audio quality was poor. Seatbelt was fraying and seat did not recline properly. No charging ports near the seats,

Confusing. Delay updates were out of whack At one point it said my flight was 25 hours. Three gate changes and two delays only to change back to original departure time. Gate announcer and on board flight attendant (Alejandro) making the announcements was impossible to understand due to accent and speed of speech. After beverage service the rear flight attendants sat back there on their phones. No refills no checking in, one sweep through for trash collection. Very impersonal. Bring back Coke products

The flight and boarding were easy peasy. I was traveling with my 4-year-old, so a smooth boarding experience was especially appreciated. My only piece of feedback is really about where our gate was in O'Hare. They've shoved four gates into a tiny corner of the B terminal and there isn't early enough room or seating for everyone. Not United's problem, but did dent the overall experience.

Dinner was okay but the breakfast was not eatable on the flight San Francisco to Zurich.

There was no screens on board AND the WiFi didn’t work. My seat was broken and couldn’t recline so I couldn’t even sleep. The flight attendants didn’t offer anything to make it more comfortable. It was such an old cramped plane, when the person in front of me reclined I couldn’t even open my tray table. All the United ads talk about guaranteeing everyone gets a screen!

The Wi-Fi was unavailable on this flight for some reason.

On time take off…US cabins look tired and need of refresh!

Fantastic. Smooth boarding with an infant. Never experienced it with any other carriers.

This was a Lufthansa flight, not United. The CSA at the counter, Ashley, was not only incompetent, but quite rude. Me and two other PAX waited over 7 minutes standing in front of her and another CSA and they ignored us. We joked that we must have accidently taken invisibility pills. She could have at least said "I'll be with you in a moment, I'm currently....". I could go on about how rude she and the other CSAs were (whispering, not communicating with me, blaming the situation on others, etc.). She would not work for me. Then, she gave me literally the worst seat on the plane. the worst. My seat kept getting bumped (rammed twice by the crew with their carts and about every 5 minutes by someone using the bathroom), listening to the bathroom all night, crowded seat, etc.

My seat was broken. WiFi didn’t work. Gate crew at HOU were rude and condescending. Treated all the passengers badly. Bad experience, United.

First flight of the day… MINIMUM FUEL! 15 minute landing delay at HOU due to fog turned into a 2+ hour delay! Rather than circle, they had to divert to another city to refuel! Sat on tarmac at Austin to refuel. We ALL missed our connections! The crew, including pilots, were clueless. Crew was really a mess. At HOU, Untied employees were exceedingly rude to all. It was pitiful.

An hour and a half late is UNACCEPTABLE. The negative impact to our family is unconscionable. And for the price we were forced to pay...

The boarding process and flight were great. However, I waited about 40 minutes for my luggage. It did not come up on the designated belt. Instead, everyone’s bags were on a cart. Not sure what the issue was, but we were not informed until another passenger went looking for her bags and found them.

There were delays on both ends. It made it less than excellent. This plane was great though

AA1537 the AC was not working properly. It was very hot and uncomfortable.

Worst experience flying American Airlines. I fly with them often, so I was super disappointed in the service I received at gate 30 in LGA on May 24, mid-day. The flight was delayed twice. I was patiently waiting in the American Airlines lounge when I received the notice on my app that the plane was boarding 45 minutes before its newly re-scheduled take off of 4 pm (from the orginal 1:45 pm then 3:00 pm). It took me 5 min to travel from the lounge to the gate and when I arrived there at 3:20 flight gate attendant told me the flight had closed and that they announced for passengers multiple times. I showed them the notification on my app and they were really rude and unempathetic. The person who rescheduled my flight at customer service wasn't any happier but was at least helpful in getting me on the next flight.

Flight was 1/2 hour delayed leaving Phoenix. Otherwise it was an average flight. Flight crew on this trip was very nice.

Everything was great except for the wifi was junk. Crew was super friendly and helpful

Was lucky to have a employee at the AA checkin counter that had compassion and understood they ordeal that we went through with our original flight being diverted, needing to stay in the aircraft and then flying to the original destination; adding hours to the trip and forcing us to miss our connection and our rebooked connection. She was able to get up on standby on the highest priority on the next flight to the closest airport we need to be at and it all worked out despite being many hours late.

Delayed so that missed connecting flight. Connecting flight was also delayed on the tarmac but they closed the gate before the rescheduled time.

Attendants were rude. Scowling. Seats were miserable and we paid extra.

Took off over an hour late with multiple mechanical issues. Gate agent in Dallas was lazy and was slow as molasses. Had a line 10 people long. Spirit bad..

This was the smoothest flight I have had in awhile. I was also offered an exit row seat for a great upgrade cost and was able to sleep almost thr whole flight due to comfort and a smooth flight. We left on time and arrived on time.

No food not even water offered unless you buy it and no usb in the seat but other than that everything was good

Because our flight from marsh Harbor to Fort Lauderdale was over three hours delayed it caused us to miss our flight in Fort Lauderdale. Because we missed that flight, it cost us nearly $100 apiece for four different travelers which totaled nearly $400. We are seeking a reimbursement for the flight that we missed in Fort Lauderdale Florida.

Flight expected to leave at 6:40 pm ended leaving at 8:00 am the following day. I slept in a cold airport. Never again Spirit for me…

The flight was on time and nice as always for me with spirit but the cabin crew were not good. They left the lights on on a red eye for the entire flight.

This was the return leg of my journey with Spirit Airlines. Despite its reputation, I found no issues as it got me from point A to B safely and without delay, especially with no mechanical delays, which is fantastic in my book! The staff, from ground crew to cabin crew, were all pleasant and hassle-free. The flight was smooth from takeoff to landing. I have absolutely no complaints about this no-frills airline!

I got a one-way, last-minute nonstop flight from PDX to BWI for only $125. Yes, I got nicked $79 more for a checked suitcase and $89 more for the BIG SEAT option, but it was worth it, even with $4.50 for coffee and $10 for a snack (the latter no different than any other airline). The grand total was still less flying on any other airline.

It was the worst ever, i will be filing a lawsuit to get a refund. Our flight was delayed 4 hours so we would miss our connecting flight, we were not rebooked to our destination the same day, we were not offered any options to get home on the same day despite being clear that we absolutely cannot get stranded at night due to family, we were forced to book our own flights on a different airline to get home, and spririt is refusing a refund because our flight wasn't cancelled, only delayed. oh yeah, and they lost our luggage on the first part of the trip and you cannot get a hold of customer service when anything goes wrong, on hold for 30+ minutes. and their app breaks so you can't use that either.

This recognisable no-frills airline gets me from point-A to point-B. I was able to get to Chicago without stress. The checked baggage collection and reclaim could be improved.

The crew was the best and very accommodating I know you don't offer any complimentary items but water and coffee will not break the bank !!

It was delayed 9 hours for operational reasons, despite the plane arriving to the airport on time.

I am very disappointed with Frontier Airlines. They cancelled our flight because they couldn't find a crew member, and then didn't get us to our connecting flight. We had to cancel our whole vacation. We were promised flight and hotel vouchers, but they never sent them.

9hrs delay and didn’t provided anything until after flight landed $75 voucher for fiuture travel no meals or anything.

It was ridiculously hard to check in for the flight, and Frontier charged us a LOT of money to have a carry on suitcase, and then told everyone we could not carry on bags and had to check them through at the gate, and didn't refund the extra money we paid to have the suitcase as carry on.

I had a terrible experience with Frontier. I arrived before the 60 minute cut off and was told that Frontier has a two hour window for bags. I was then told the next available flight wasn’t until the end of the day (I had booked a 6am flight). I took a look around and saw other people being told that they could not board their flights or that they had to pay additional fees. I opted to rebook on American Airlines. There’s absolutely no straightforward way to contact Frontier, so this ticket was a complete waste of money. Oh - and the kicker is that the lady lied about the two hour cut off.

Frontier won’t help you at the airport without paying $25. Carry on was $75. Then you get on the plain and every beverage or snack is also a charge. Seats are hard and real packed in. I would never fly them again.

Worst experience I have seen. The flight was cancelled without any reason.

My experience with frontier staff at the Denver airport was absolutely horrible. The manager on duty was even worst if was the worst experience I have ever had, I have never been treated so poorly as a customer in my life! The staff was extremely rude, eye rolls and attitude and then refusal to help me at all. I wish I could never fly frontier again that’s how horrible it was!

The Frontier app wasn’t working. So I could not pay for a carry on the week prior to flying. They charged me 99$ at the gate to carry on a duffle bag.

Good for the price. My only complaint is that the pilot should keep the air flowing while passengers are waiting to getting out of airplane.

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First Timers Guide to Hawaii: Plan Your Trip Like A Pro

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here .

You’ve made the excellent decision to take your first trip to Hawaii. Congratulations! Now it’s time to figure out how to plan your trip. While it can feel daunting because there are so many options to choose from and it’s a BIG vacation, we’ve got you covered. We cover all the need-to-know planning advice for your first trip. After reading this guide, you’ll feel much more confident in planning your dream vacation. 

FAQs About Planning Your First Trip to Hawaii

Have some quick questions about your trip? Get them answered here before we dive into the decisions you need to make.

What island is the best for first-time visitors?

All of the islands offer something a little different and special, so picking the right island for your first trip takes a little research to understand just what is unique to each island. 

Our favorite Hawaiian island to suggest to first-time visitors is Maui. Maui has a bit of something for everyone: from beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling, a wide range of accommodations, and the best whale watching. We give you our 9 reasons why Maui is the best for first time visitors . 

But it’s not the right island for everyone. Here are some reasons why you might want to pick another island: 

• Oahu: Head to Oahu if you’re looking for more of a cosmopolitan feel. You’ll find nightlife, museums, and plenty of history.
• Kauai: Visit Kauai if you’re looking for a quieter trip, a lush landscape (with a bit more rain), and amazing hiking.
• Big Island: Plan a trip to the Big Island if you’re a volcano enthusiast (Volcanoes National Park is amazing), you want a laid back vibe, or you want to snorkel or dive with manta rays .

Want to see a little more about what makes each island special for first time visitors? We’ve created a video to help you out: 

How much will a trip to Hawaii cost?

Going to Hawaii is not a cheap vacation. While there are ways you can save, food, accommodations, rental cars, and activities are all very expensive. In fact, all four of the main Hawaiian islands rank in the top 10 for most expensive average hotel room cost in the world . Maui hotel rooms are the second most expensive in the world, after the Maldives.

So, a trip is going to be expensive. 

To help you get started calculating your own vacation estimate, we went through the work of calculating the cost of a trip for a family of four. The total for 10 days? $12,000. You can check out the full Hawaii vacation cost calculation as well as places you can save and splurge . 

How many days should you spend on your first trip to Hawaii?

We recommend not rushing any trip to Hawaii, so the more time you can spend, the better! Despite it seeming like an easy domestic trip, it still takes nearly six hours to fly there from the west coast. And you’ll likely have a little jet lag to deal with, as Hawaii is two or three hours behind pacific time (they don’t have daylight savings time so in the winter it’s a 2 hour time difference and in the summer it’s a 3 hour time difference). 

If you plan on visiting one island, we recommend a trip of at least 7 days. This will give you time to get settled, explore, and do some amazing activities, and have downtime to relax. If you plan on visiting two islands, plan for at least 10 days. 

We recommend this itinerary combo as part of our first-time to Hawaii itinerary . 

If you know what island you want to visit, you can dive into more details about exactly how many days you should spend: 

• How many days do you need on Oahu?
• How many days do you need on Maui?
• How many days do you need on Kauai?
• How many days do you need on the Big Island?

A good rule of thumb is if you start speaking Hawaiian Pidgin , you have stayed too long.

Do you need to rent a car in Hawaii?

You’ll most likely want to rent a car in Hawaii to maximize how much you can see. If you’re planning a trip to Oahu and you’re staying in Waikiki, there may be days where your rental car is never used. There’s a lot to do within that 2-mile strip! You can save on expensive hotel parking fees by just renting a car on days that you want to explore the rest of the island. Rental car companies have offices in Waikiki which makes it convenient to pick up a car and take it out for the day. 

If you want to get out and explore Oahu without renting a car, you can join a group circle island tour or book your own private island tour . 

There is also a car share company, Drive Hui, that is available in Waikiki.

On the other islands, it’s a bit trickier to go without a car. To see and explore, you’ll probably want to book one. Public transportation isn’t easy and getting a cab or uber can add up and be inconvenient. We love using Discount Hawaii Car Rental to help us get the best price for a rental car on each island.

Is it easy to island hop?

If you’re hoping to visit one or more Hawaiian island on your trip, you’re in luck! Island hopping is easy. While there are no ferries between islands (aside from a ferry between Maui and Lanai), you can fly between the islands using Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, or Mokulele Airlines. 

While the islands in Hawaii are close together and just a quick 30-45 minute flight, your island hopping travel day will still cut into your vacation. Between packing up, the airport process, and checking into accommodations on your new island, this can easily take up half a day of your vacation.

Related read: Get all the details you need to know about island hopping in Hawaii.  

What is the best time of year to go to Hawaii?

There is truly no bad time to visit Hawaii. With temperatures that are warm year-round, you’ll be in tank tops and shorts 12 months out of the year. But while there is no bad time to visit, we think Hawaii is best experienced during the shoulder seasons: in April/May and September/October. That’s when we find the optimal mix of good costs, good weather, and the smallest crowds. 

Let’s dive into that a bit more or see our Best Time to Visit Hawaii article for details.

Weather: 

While we did say that the temperatures are warm year-round, Hawaii does still get rain. And while you are heading to a beach destination, you probably want to minimize your chances of rain. As you can see from the chart below, Hawaii experiences peak rain from November through March. Though to be fair, rain varies on different sides of each island — we are showing average rainfall for one popular visitor destination on each island.

Visiting when there are fewer crowds can make for a more enjoyable vacation. Boat tours aren’t sold out days or weeks in advance and beach parking is much easier to come by.  Trying to find a time when fewer people visit (or the off season) isn’t difficult to do. The Hawaii Tourism Authority does a wonderful job of tracking visitor arrivals to Hawaii . 

From their data, it’s clear that the peak times for crowds are November – January, March,  and June – August. So if you want to visit while there are fewer people on the islands, plan a trip in February, April , May, September, or October. 

Cost: 

Traveling during the shoulder period could mean the difference between getting a hotel room for $800 or getting that same room for $400. Costs fluctuate widely depending on when you’re going. If you want your travel dollars to stretch as far as possible, avoid the summer, spring break period, and the holiday period (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year). 

Related read: This is the worst time to visit Hawaii (we really try to avoid this period if possible!)

Do you need a travel agent to help you plan your first trip to Hawaii?

We sometimes love enlisting the help of a travel agent for our adventures. But to be honest, we haven’t found great travel agents for Hawaii vacations. Most travel agents don’t specialize in Hawaii (but we do). They have some basic recommendations, but can’t speak in depth about different accommodation options, activity operators, and restaurants. So we don’t recommend using a travel agent and you definitely don’t need one to book your dream vacation. 

If you’re not sure where to start, check out our island guides. They walk you through all the need to know information for each island:

Oahu Guide Maui Guide Big Island Guide Kauai Guide

And if you want even more in-depth information on how to plan your days to sightsee, check out our itineraries :

“I purchased the Kauai itinerary and it is awesome! I had no idea how much work and information you guys really put into it and I am so excited for our trip now!!” – Kayla R.

Are there any special entry requirements to enter Hawaii?

There are no special requirements to enter Hawaii. If you are coming from outside of the US, you will need to show your passport to enter the USA and Hawaii. If you are traveling from within the US (the mainland) you won’t need to show a passport to enter Hawaii.

Currently, there are no COVID restrictions or entry requirements for Hawaii . 

How far in advance should you plan your trip to Hawaii?

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, the earlier you plan, the better. While there always might be last-minute deals that pop up, they are few and far between. Booking in advance means you can shop around for the best hotel or vacation rental price. 

We suggest planning six months in advance for your trip. You can usually secure great accommodations at a great price and a good rental car price. And a tip: if you book with Discount Hawaii Car Rental , you can always cancel your reservation and rebook if prices drop. 

When you’re planning activities and restaurant reservations, try to make them a couple of months in advance, so you can book exactly what you want. Be sure to check out our favorite tours and activities to help you narrow down your search .

Is a trip to Hawaii worth it? 

Whether a trip is worth it is certainly up to personal preference, but we think a trip to Hawaii is worth it! With year-round good weather and amazing sights, this isn’t an ordinary trip. Whether you’re coming to experience the year-round humpback whale migration, hike to the top of a volcano, snorkel with Manta Rays, or swim in a waterfall, there is truly so much to do here. 

And learning about Hawaiian culture and history makes this so much more than a beautiful beach vacation. 

First Time to Hawaii Planning Timeline

Now that you’ve gotten some first time to Hawaii FAQs answered, it’s time to dive into booking your trip. Here are the steps to walk through as you’re making your decision:

1. Decide when you’ll go

We love the shoulder season of April/May and September/October for fewer clouds, crows, and cheaper costs. But remember that really anytime is great. So find a time when you can book a long enough chunk of time for your trip and move onto step 2!

2. Decide how long to go for

We meet travelers all the time who are on vacation and frantically trying to figure out how to extend their trip. So if you can swing a few extra days, do it! Plan to spend at least 7 days if you’re visiting one island or at least 10 days if you want to visit two islands. There is so much to see and it’s a long trip out.

3. Choose your island(s)

Now onto the biggest hurdle for most first time visitors: picking the right island for you. This is a big decision and while all of the islands offer something special you need to decide what type of vacation you really want to have. Going to Oahu is going to end up being a very different vacation than a trip to Kauai. 

If you’re struggling to choose an island, see our tips earlier on in the article. 

4. Book your flights

Start your search for flights. All of the major airlines fly to Hawaii, so you should have plenty of options to choose from. The airports (and airport codes) on each island are:

• Oahu: Honolulu Airport (HNL)
• Maui: Kahului Airport (OGG) and Kapalua Airport (JHM), used for inter-island trips
• Island of Hawai’i (Big Island: Hilo International Airport (ITO) and Kona International Airport (KOA)
• Kauai: Lihue Airport (LIH)

If you’re visiting more than one island, check out our inter-island travel article for tips on how to island hop seamlessly.

Consider being greeted upon arrival with a traditional Hawaii lei greeting. It is a fun way to start your Hawaii vacation.

5. Pick a place to stay

Once you’ve picked an island, there are so many options for accommodations. The first decision to make: do you want a vacation rental or a hotel? There are pros and cons to both options. If you’re planning to eat in a lot, a vacation rental can save you money with a kitchen. But you’re likely going to miss out on a great resort pool. 

Check out all of our pros and cons with our Airbnb vs Hotel article . 

6. Figure out whether you want to rent a car

For most vacations, you will probably want to rent a car. If you’re hoping to see a lot of the island that you visit, a car is necessary. Public transportation options aren’t usually very convenient and getting a cab or uber can add up to be quite expensive. 

The exception to this is Oahu. If you’re staying in Waikiki, there are plenty of things to keep you busy for days in a row so renting a car for your entire trip isn’t necessary. And when you do want to head out and explore, there are car rental options available right from Waikiki. 

When you’re ready to book a car, we recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental . We’ve saved thousands of dollars using them for our car rentals. They work with major carriers and don’t require pre-payment, so it’s a flexible and ideal way to save on your car rental. 

7. Choose some of your can’t-miss activities

There is truly so much to do on each island, and even if you were staying for a month, you wouldn’t be able to do it all. So making a list is important. 

Are you excited to hike a volcano? Snorkel from a boat? Zipline above a canopy of trees? Get an up-close view of humpback whales?

Our Tours & Activities section will help you find our favorite activities on each island. 

To help you get started our cheat sheets will give you a few of the ca n’t-miss experiences on each island. 

Additional Hawaii resources:

• 40 Things to Do on Oahu
• 5 Can’t-Miss Big Island Activities
• 68 Things to Do on Maui with Kids
• 21 Things to Do on Lanai

8. Make some fun dinner reservations

If you’re coming during the peak season, getting a few dinner reservations on the books is important. And even if you’re not, if there’s any place you feel like you need to eat, getting your reservation made early ensures you won’t miss out. Our cheat sheets offer some dining recommendations and our itinerary has a Quick Hits section with all of our favorite restaurants . 

9. Get packing

You don’t need to bring much with you on your beach vacation. But make sure you have the essentials by using our packing list. Yes, you’ll want to pack reef-safe sunscreen and a jacket!

Check out our full packing list here . 

And our favorite item to pack? Our itineraries ! They make your trip planning and experience so much easier. With excursion days to take you around the island and a list of our favorite restaurants and beaches, this is one thing you’ll definitely want with you. 

“I can’t tell you how much we have appreciated your effort with the guidebook.  We saw things this past week we would never have known to look for.  These hidden gems were amazing from the black sand beach all the way up to Pololu lookout and all the small shops along the way.  We leave tomorrow and I wanted to say how much we used and enjoyed your book.  Thank you so much.” – Chris P.

First-Time Visitors Tips While in Hawaii

Once you’ve made it to Hawaii (hooray!) we have some tips to help make your time in the islands even more memorable. 

Understand the geography

While getting to know the geography of the islands might seem a little ridiculous for your vacation, it’s important because it will affect the weather you experience and what you do while on vacation. 

The main thing to know is that each island has a windward and a leeward side. The windward side of each island faces the tradewinds. You’ll get more rain and wind, but you’ll also get lush landscapes (thanks to all of that rain!). On Maui, Hana is a famous spot on the windward side. The landscape is lush and the waterfalls are beautiful. But it also rains a lot and the ocean currents are very strong. 

The leeward side of each island is more protected from the wind and rain and you will have drier, sunnier weather. Most of the famously beautiful beaches you plan on visiting are located on the leeward side of the island.

For example, on Maui, the leeward side of the island includes some great beaches, like Wailea Beach and Ka’anapali Beach. 

When you understand the island’s geography, you can better prepare for what to expect. If you’re looking for a lush, jungle experience, with waterfalls and greenery head east to the windward side. If you’re looking to beat the rain and get some sun, the west or leeward side is your best bet.

Get out and explore

The beaches in Hawaii are incredible. But there’s a lot more to explore on each of the islands. Some things you might want to add to your list include:

• Night snorkeling or diving with Manta Rays on the Big Island
• Seeing the sunrise or sunset from Haleakala Crater on Maui
• Watching the big wave surfers on the north shore of Oahu
• Viewing the stunning cliffs of the NaPali coast on Kauai
• Hanging out with humpback whales during their annual migration to Hawaii

This was just a taste, but there is so much more. If you want to view the highlights of each island, check out our cheat sheets .

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Not only do these island cheat sheets highlight the top 4 can’t miss sights and activities on each island, you’ll also get tips on where to stay, a map of the island with the main sights, towns, and airport locations, the top places for food on each island, and more.

They’re designed to make kicking off your trip planning even easier. Grab them for free and start planning !

Try the local food

One of the treats about visiting a new place is the opportunity to try new, local foods that you might not eat back home. There are a few things you should consider trying while you’re here:

• Fresh, locally caught fish: If you’re a seafood fan, don’t miss out on the fresh fish. You can enjoy it at either a restaurant or from a fish market. You’ll see options like Mahi Mahi, Ono, Opah, Ahi, and more.
• Locally grown produce: Enjoy dragon fruit, coconut, lilikoi, pineapples, locally produced honey and more. We love doing farm tours, but if that’s not part of your vacation itinerary, try a farm-to-table restaurant. You’ll get to sample some island flavors while supporting the agriculture industry here.
• Traditional Hawaiian food: You don’t need to go to a luau to sample some traditional Hawaiian dishes. Look for dishes like poi (taro that has been pounded into a paste), laulau (meat wrapped and cooked in taro leaves), kalua pig (slow-roasted pork cooked in an underground oven), and poke (diced, raw fish that is wonderfully flavored). If you are looking to try traditional Hawaiian food at a luau, check out our list of the best luaus in Hawaii . 
• Shave ice: Not shaved ice. You may think that this is like a snowcone, but it couldn’t be further from it. Soft fluffy ice shavings that are flavored with different syrups and creative flavor combinations. You might also have the add-on of fruit and ice cream. It’s so, so good. Don’t forget to check out our five favorite shave ice spots on Kauai . 

Snorkel (safely!)

Living here, we love spending our days in the ocean. There is nothing like diving into the warm, tropical waters and being greeted by colorful fish, turtles, octopi, and more. But if it’s your first time snorkeling in Hawaii, there are some essential details you should know.

Understand safety risks

Snorkeling may look easy, but water conditions, physical conditions, and more come into play. It’s not always as safe as it looks — drowning is the number one cause of visitor death in Hawaii . Before you go out, review the safety tips to make sure you’re doing what you can to keep yourself safe.

There are a couple ways to check the ocean conditions daily. You can check Hawaii Beach Safety for daily ocean conditions for select beaches on all four main islands. 

If you’re headed to Maui, we love the daily Snorkel Reports from the Snorkel Store. It helps us to see what areas have the best snorkeling conditions for the day and also gives us warnings about large swells that are coming in and affecting safety and visibility. 

Use good gear

Hear me out on this one. You’ll find a number of blogs telling you to pick up a cheap set of fins and a mask from an ABC store or Target once you arrive. There are a few reasons we don’t suggest that.

First, safety. Well fitting gear (fins that stay on and a mask that doesn’t leak) is important to keep you safe.

Second, it’s a significantly more enjoyable experience to snorkel in gear that fits well and is easy to use. This was apparent when we were trying to teach our preschooler to snorkel. The cheap gear didn’t cut it but once we got him in a good mask, he was off!

Third, buying cheap gear just adds to the already full landfill here.

That’s not to say you need to shell out and buy expensive gear. If you plan to snorkel many times, even after this trip to Hawaii, it’s worth it to buy good snorkeling gear. We have sets listed on our recommendations page .

Otherwise, renting snorkeling gear is a great option. The shop staff can help you find gear that is the right fit for you. And if you find that it doesn’t work right, pop in and switch it out for a different rental set.

Go to the best places

All snorkeling spots are not created equal. Some spots on the island naturally have a more vibrant reef and are home to more fish and sea life. Other spots may be more affected by ocean swells at various times of the year.

On our guide pages we list out the best snorkeling spots on each island. You’ll want to check these pages out before hopping in the water:

Oahu Travel Guide Maui Travel Guide Big Island Travel Guide Kauai Travel Guide

And if you’re looking for the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii by month , we have you covered.

Take a snorkeling tour

While we love snorkeling from the beach and we do it often, going on a snorkeling tour is a really special experience. On a good snorkeling tour, you’ll learn about the ocean, the sea life, and be taken to some cool spots that aren’t easily accessible from the beach. Plus, you’ll be able to see the islands from the water, giving you a different perspective and appreciation for their beauty.

We have a full list of our favorite activity providers and tours on each island, but here are a few that are incredibly special:

• Molokini Sunrise Snorkel with Kai Kanani : beat the crowds to Molokini with this special sunrise snorkeling tour leaving directly from the beach in Makena/Wailea.
• Na Pali Coast Snorkeling with Holo Holo Charters : Cruise up the coast of Kaua’i and off the island of Niihau for a full day of snorkeling.
• Power Raft snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay with Captain Zodiac : Head to Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook monument for the best snorkeling on the island.

Only use reef-safe sunscreen

Before you throw your favorite brand of sunscreen into your bag, stop. Hawaii has rules in place to help protect the reef and sea life that are so important. One of those rules is around the type of sunscreen you can use. Sunscreens containing chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate are no longer sold in Hawaii. These chemicals have been found to contribute to coral reef bleaching.

You can check out a full list of our favorite reef-safe sunscreens and make sure you’re only using legal sunscreen in Hawaii.

Understand the rules protecting sea life

When you’re snorkeling and enjoying the crystal clear water, it’s important to keep in mind that you want to make as little impact on sea life as possible. Stay at least 10 feet away from turtles while snorkeling. You’re required to stay at least 50 feet away from Monk Seals. And if you see spinner dolphins, you’ll need to give them 50 yards of space.

Learn about the culture

Hawaii is a unique US state for many reasons but one thing that is important to understand is that Hawaii had a long and rich history before becoming part of the US. Learning a little about the culture and the history will enhance your stay and give you new appreciation for these amazing islands.

There are plenty of ways to learn more about Hawai’i while you’re here. Consider visiting museums. On Oahu we love visiting the Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace.

You can also visit heritage sites like Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park on the Big Island. You can find a list of heritage sites to visit on the Hawaii Tourism Authority website .

Let us Help you Visit Hawaii for the First Time

We’ve helped thousands of people plan and experience their best vacation to Hawaii. Make your trip planning that much easier and let us help you have the trip you’ve been dreaming about. 

“My husband and I recently took our very first trip to Hawaii (and first trip without our 3 young children) to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. We stayed in Maui and used your Maui Classic Itinerary. It made planning our trip so easy! We never had to worry about driving directions, finding bathrooms or parking lots, where we were going to eat a meal, the best spots to spend our day, or even details like when to leave to make the Haleakala sunrise and what trails to hit afterwards. Every single day of our trip was just about perfect, and your guide was a big determining factor for that. We even used it up until the last hour of our trip to find a good beach and great food in Paia Town before we had to be at the airport! So we just wanted to say THANK YOU for helping make this a very special trip that we will remember for the rest of our lives!” – Adam and Alyssa

Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary

Maui wayfinder itinerary, kauai wayfinder itinerary.

Cruising Hawaii Guide

Big island wayfinder itinerary.

I'm the co-founder, with my husband Jordan, of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. We have lived on Maui and Oahu and continue to travel, experience, and learn about the Hawaiian Islands. We travel with our kids, Henry and Edith. I am a planner! I love to plan trips from the mainland and island-hopping adventures, excursion days, and everything in-between. I spend a lot of my time in Hawai'i on a SUP and my favorite time of year in Hawai'i is whale season!

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What is an all-inclusive resort?

Hawaii all-inclusive resorts provide you more for your money and reduce your planning stress. While their exact offerings will vary, you can usually expect meals and drinks to be included with your room rate, often with unlimited options. That’s what we call a relaxing vacation!

Many resorts also include activities, plus evening entertainment options such as live shows or theme parties. Tips and gratuities are usually included too (though still welcome).

Does all-inclusive include alcohol?

Most all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii will include alcohol in their all-inclusive rates. However, they may charge extra for things like premium or imported spirits. Always check the details of your resort before booking, as there are some that do not include alcoholic beverages.

Does “all-inclusive” include flights to Hawaii?

All-inclusive resort rates typically do not include flights. Your room rate includes only what you need once you’ve landed, like food, drinks, and entertainment. That’s where Travelocity’s all-inclusive packages come in. You can bundle your all-inclusive accommodation and your flight to Hawaii to get you the best rate—and peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of.

Are all-inclusive trips to Hawaii worth it?

All-inclusive vacations to Hawaii are well worth the up-front cost. Once you’ve booked your Hawaii resort, you don’t have to think about the word “budget” again. Everything you need is nearby, from delicious restaurants to daily activities, and night-time entertainment. There’s no limit to your fun, and you never have to watch your spending, because it’s all included.

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One-Week Itinerary

One Week in Hawaii: The Ultimate Itinerary

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When it comes to planning the perfect holiday, there aren’t many locations that can surpass the allure and quality of the Hawaiian Islands . With practically year-round warm weather, an abundance of delicious restaurants to choose from, and activities for any preference and budget, Hawaii pretty much has it all when it comes to vacationing.

Seeing the best parts of the state in one week is tricky, but it isn’t impossible. While you shouldn’t expect to experience everything Hawaii has to offer in a mere seven days, a week is certainly enough time to fit in some amazing highlights.

Day 1: Oahu (Honolulu)

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Starting your trip off on Oahu (aka: “the gathering place”) is a no brainer. The Daniel K. Inouye Airport in Honolulu is the largest and most convenient gateway to the islands by far, with 50,000 passengers coming through every day and the most flights options for both international and domestic.

Waikiki is typically the most advantageous area to stay in if you’re just visiting Oahu for a few days. There are plenty of great accommodations to choose from for almost every budget, and no shortage of things to do. Spend today getting to know Waikiki and the surrounding beaches. If you’re looking for a more social experience close to the hustle and bustle and near the best oceanside bars, stay closer to the main Waikiki Beach in front of the legendary Moana Surfrider. If you’re looking for a quieter area with more space, head either west to Kahanamoku Beach, Fort Derussy, and Ala Moana, or southeast to Kaimana Beach near the Waikiki Aquarium and Honolulu Zoo.

Have lunch somewhere in town, or if you haven’t had enough beach time, then opt for a meal to-go at Tucker & Bevvy . The grab-and-go spot is known for their healthy picnic-friendly sandwiches, salads, acai bowls, and smoothies, perfect for the beach. Be sure to hang out to catch the sunset on the beach before dinner.

Day 2: Oahu (Roadtrip to North Shore)

Hit the road for an island road trip on your second day in Hawaii. Start in Waikiki and head east on the H1 Highway (this will turn into Kalanianaole Highway) past Aina Haina and Hawaii Kai. Stop at Hanauma Bay for some snorkeling or simply to take in the view; just a bit further down you can check out the Halona Blowhole from the lookout off the highway as well. Continue up past Sandy’s Beach, Makapuu, and Waimanalo, stopping along the way if you want to get in the water. Follow the signs to the HI-83 North to beautiful Kualoa Ranch where you can take a tour of the grounds on horseback or by jeep.

With the towering green cliffs to your left and the turquoise ocean water to your right, the drive from Kualoa Ranch to the northernmost tip of the island is simply breathtaking. Stop in Kahuku for some of the area’s famous garlic shrimp from Romy’s or Fumi’s , or curb your sweet tooth at Ted’s Bakery . Continue towards Waimea Valley for a quick hike among the historic botanical gardens and Haleiwa Town for a bit of shopping, before heading back down through the center of the island past the Dole Pineapple Plantation and Pearl Harbor .

Day 3: Oahu (Pearl Harbor & Luau)

 TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Your third day on Oahu is best spent experiencing some of the history and culture that this exciting island has to offer. There’s a reason why Pearl Harbor is the number one most-visited attraction in the state of Hawaii; the area is steeped with events that bore great significance to the history of the islands. Because of its popularity, there are plenty of ways to get there . Choose from a number of highly-rated organized tours if you want to get the most out of your visit to Pearl Harbor, or simply take the Waikiki Trolly and even the public bus to visit on a budget. While the larger attractions within Pearl Harbor such as the USS Missouri Battleship and the USS Bowfin Submarine will cost extra to enter, the USS Arizona , the visitor center, and parking are all free.

In the evening, take your pick from one of Oahu’s many different luaus . If you’re driving, consider one near the west side of the island such as Chief’s or Paradise Cove. If you’re sticking close to Waikiki, the Diamond Head Luau (on the grounds of the Waikiki Aquarium) and Waikiki Starlight are excellent choices as well. Don’t forget to book tickets in advance, as some of the more popular luaus have been known to sell out on the weekends during the busy season .

Day 4: Maui (Paia)

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Just a few short miles from Kahului Airport , the artsy surfing town of Paia is the perfect introduction to Maui. Catch an early flight to Kahului (about 30-45 minutes in the air from Honolulu) and grab a rental car from there. There are a couple of options for accommodations in Paia, from vacation rentals to the chic Paia Inn . Check out Baldwin Beach Park—one of the largest and most gorgeous beaches in the region—or Lower Paia Park for some surfing or turtle watching (tip: Baldwin’s is great for romantic, evening sunset strolls). Paia has a truly relaxed vibe around it, with cute boutique shops and casual eateries that take full advantage of the area’s incredible access to seafood. This is also the location of one of the most iconic restaurants in the state, Mama’s Fish House .

If you’re up for it, drive south from Paia to visit Upcountry Maui . Go wine tasting at Maui Wines or explore the famous lavender fields in Kula. The tropical botanical gardens in this region are located on the slopes of the dormant volcano Haleakala, and contain hundreds of different special native plants.

Day 5: Maui (Road to Hana)

Wake up early to set out on one of Maui’s most famous and notorious-windy roads. Along the Hana Highway on the Road to Hana you can stop at some of the island’s most beautiful highlights such as Twin Falls, Garden of Eden, Upper Waikani Falls, and the black sand beaches as Waianapanapa State Park.

Don’t feel pressured to drive all the way to Hana, this trip is about the journey not the destination. If you’re strapped for time, just pick one or two highlights to see and spend a little extra time at each one before heading back. Keep in mind that although the map says the distance to Hana is just over 50 miles, the drive itself is full of twists, turns, and switchbacks (not to mention the time it will take to pull over and see the sights along the way), so try to allot much more time than you’d expect to complete the trip.

After you’ve made it back to Paia or Kahului, head west towards Lahaina . This part of the island is great for travelers as it contains a wide variety of accommodations and restaurants for any type of budget. If you’re not too tired from all the driving, take a walk down Front Street in Lahaina once the sun goes down , you’ll find all the best restaurants and shops there.

Day 6: Lanai Day Trip

Today you’ll be getting a taste of old Hawaii with a day trip to Lanai, nicknamed the “Pineapple Isle.” Take the ferry from Lahaina Harbor (don’t forget a return ticket) in the morning, the company can even help you rent a jeep once you reach the Lanai harbor to take you around the small island to see the highlights. If you don’t want to shell out the extra cash for a rental, there is a fantastic beach right within walking distance from the boat harbor once you arrive. Hulopoʻe Beach Park is hardly ever crowded and has some of the best snorkeling on the island thanks to the calm surf and protected reef. Bring a pack lunch to enjoy on the beach or get fancy with a snack at the nearby Four Seasons. Either way, make sure to take the short hike up to Sweetheart Rock on the left side of the beach to access the spectacular views, or spend some time exploring the pristine tidepools instead.

If you do decide to rent a car, drive towards Lanai City, the largest town on the island and home to most of the approximately 3,000 residents who live there. There are a couple of local shops and small cafes to choose from (we recommend family-owned Blue Ginger Cafe ) if you want to grab a bite. Take some time to drive around the island and explore its highlights, including Shipwreck Beach where you can see an abandoned WWII ship floating nearby, the unique rock formations at Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods), or the Lanai Cat Sanctuary .

Once it's time to head back to Maui with your return ticket, be on the lookout for migrating Humpback Whales during the Winter mating season—the channel between the two islands is one of their favorite places.

Day 7: Maui (Lahaina)

Take advantage of your last chance to relax and enjoy the island on your final day in Hawaii. Start the morning with a hike up the Kapalua Coastal Trail, where the volcanic rock formations meet the sea just about 20-minutes from Lahaina. Spend the rest of the day lounging at the beach and wandering around Whalers Village.

Rent some snorkels at one of the beachside resorts and head to Black Rock Beach in Kaanapali — it has some of the best snorkeling on the island with frequent visits by Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles as well. Have lunch at Leilani’s on the Beach overlooking the ocean or grab one of Monekypod’s famous Mai Tais.

In the evening, why not cap the trip off with a night on the water? A sunset dinner cruise on the Trilogy catamaran, departing Wednesday-Mondays, comes with a four-course meal and a beautiful view.

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Kohala Canopy Adventure offers an unforgettable treetop adventure in nature's paradise - book now to experience it for yourself.

Zip Line $ --> $225.00

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The Myths of Maui oceanfront luau features a sumptuous all-you-care-to-eat buffet, complimentary cocktails and a beautiful celebration of ...

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Oahu’s top luau with an award-winning production and show, unlike anything else!

Luaus $ --> $119.00

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Snorkel the most popular and beautiful spot in all of Hawai’i, Kealakekua Bay.

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2024 hawaii budget calculator & cheapest times to visit.

The first step toward planning a great vacation is to budget for it. That way, you can ensure that you have enough to spend to make the vacation worthwhile and possibly save some money in the process. There are many things to budget for any vacation, and Hawaii is no different.

You will have to budget everything from airfare to food costs for a Hawaii vacation. There are also some essential things that you will need to budget for, such as attractions and where you will stay.

The following article is a detailed description of everything you need to know when budgeting for a trip to Hawaii. It covers everything from when you leave for the airport the morning of the trip to returning home once it is over.

— article continued below —

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Hawaii Trip Costs Summary

This article has the general expenses for planning a trip to the Hawaiian islands. It also has a calculator to help you with an estimated total cost amount.

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How Much Airport Expenses Cost

How much accommodation expenses cost, how much vacation activities cost.

• Hawaii Budget Calculator - Trip Cost Estimator

Airport expenses can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what airline you choose and if you purchase any snacks or meals. There are also parking fees and baggage fees to consider.

Airport expenses are one of the most expensive things to budget for on a trip to Hawaii, aside from the hotel or vacation home you decide to stay at. Since there are multiple airlines to choose from, it’s difficult to pinpoint precisely how much airport expenses will cost.

The main things to consider when budgeting for the airport are:

• The plane tickets
• The baggage fees
• Any snacks or meals
• Parking fees

There are also ways to save money on each of these expenses.

Plane Tickets

The average forecasted prices for flights to Hawaii in 2023 are:

• $925 for the East Coast 
• $490 for the West Coast
• $810 for the Midwest
• $1,120 for international flights

However, ticket prices can still vary depending on multiple factors.

When planning a trip to Hawaii, the first thing you should purchase is airplane tickets. Purchasing them two or three months in advance will save you a significant amount of money and ensure you have a flight when you plan to go.

If you are traveling from anywhere on the East Coast of the United States, tickets usually cost about $925 per person for a round-trip flight. If you are traveling from the West Coast or the Midwest, they are slightly less expensive. Flying from the West Coast costs about $490 per person round trip, while Midwest flights cost about $810 per person round trip.

Landing an Inexpensive Flight

The highest flight prices are for those traveling internationally to Hawaii. If you are traveling to Hawaii from somewhere outside of the United States, then the average cost of round-trip airfare is about $1,120 per person. However, ticket prices can fluctuate depending on two main things, the airline you purchase from and when you purchase the tickets.

The majority of inexpensive flights to Hawaii land in Honolulu or Maui. As for which cities have the most affordable flights heading toward Hawaii, California, and other West Coast states, they are the ones to go for. If you want to save money, you could drive to California and fly to Honolulu or Maui. It’s also recommended to search multiple airline websites for ticket prices to find those that fit your budget.

The other main factor that can help you save money on plane tickets is the time you buy them. It is recommended to buy them at least two months before you plan to leave, but there are also certain times of the year that are better for a Hawaii vacation than others. The worst and most expensive times to go to Hawaii are during its peak seasons during the summer months and major United States holidays.

Everything is much more expensive during the peak seasons, not just airfare tickets. To save money and time, the best times to fly to Hawaii include the following:

• Late summer
• After the winter holidays
• Before Thanksgiving

Not only will you have a higher chance of booking a flight for a reasonable price, but you will also be able to save money and time on other vacation expenses.

Baggage Fees

The average cost of airport baggage fees is around $50 per bag. These fees must be paid if you have bags that exceed a specific weight limit or have more than two bags. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid paying this fee or save money on the cost if you need extra bags.

If you have a bag over a specific weight limit or more than two bags, you will need to pay an airport baggage fee. The average cost of airport baggage fees is about $50, but it can vary depending on how heavy your bag is or how many you have.

The best way to avoid paying this fee is to pack light. Having a personal item with you at your seat and a small carry-on bag that can fit in the overhead compartment is the best way to ensure you don’t have to pay for baggage fees. You can also include more items in your bag to avoid having to check a bag if it’s over a certain weight.

If you need to check a bag, there are a few ways to make it less expensive. One way is to check the bag at the airport gate rather than check in for your flight. The airline might offer a free bag check to ensure everyone’s luggage gets on if your flight is full. This method isn’t guaranteed, but it’s worth a shot as long as your bag fits the weight requirements instituted by the airline.

Another way to avoid paying the full baggage fee is to get a discount. Whether a military discount or a discount through elite flight status, any deal can make a considerable cost difference in the long run.

Meals and Drinks

The price of snacks and meals at the airport varies depending on how much you purchase. The average price of snacks and meals is around ten dollars, which can add up fast if you buy a significant amount.

Snacks, meals, and drinks from the airport usually cost about ten dollars. Some airlines offer free snacks on flights, but you still have to pay for meals, drinks, and snack packs. The cost of meals and snacks can rack up fast. Fortunately, there are ways to save money at the airport.

The primary way to avoid buying meals and drinks at the airport is to bring your food. Most small snacks can get past security, such as fruits and vegetables, and having small snacks available will make you less tempted to purchase snacks from the airport and save you money.

Another great way to stay full and save money on snacks is to eat lots of protein-filled snacks, such as protein bars. Protein will help you feel full for an extended time, lessening your chances of getting hungry and buying food at the airport. If you need to stop at a layover, it’s recommended to pack snacks that can keep over time. The most popular snacks include nutrition bars and trail mix since they are filling and can last for days in a backpack.

Parking Fees

Parking at an airport isn’t ideal if you’re on a budget, but it’s doable with a few money-saving tips. The average cost for parking at an airport is anywhere from $42 to $273 for one week, and the prices vary depending on the airport and how long you want to park your car there.

It’s recommended that someone drive you to the airport or take a taxi to avoid airport parking fees altogether. But if you do need to park your car at the airport, you can expect to pay around $42 to $273 for one week of parking. The prices might be a little more or less expensive depending on the airport and how long you park there, but there are ways to save money on parking for any circumstance.

The best ways to save money on airport parking are to book parking in advance and look for coupons. Reserving a long-term parking spot a month or so before your flight can save you significant money. You should contact the airport you plan to fly from to check advanced scheduling versus drive-up rates.

Another way to save money on airport parking is to look online for coupons. Even a Google search with the name of the airline you plan to park at and the word “coupons” after it can turn up some unexpected finds.

When you get to Hawaii after your flight, the next step is to find somewhere to stay. Hotels and vacation rentals are popular, but you also have to determine which one works best for your budget when including parking and food costs.

Getting to Hawaii is half the battle, but booking accommodations for when you get there is also essential for budgeting your stay. The primary things that need to be budgeted for accommodations include the following:

• Hotels or Resorts and/or Vacation rentals
• Parking and rental car expenses

There are multiple ways to configure accommodations that can work for your budget.

Hotels and Resorts

Hotel and resort prices vary depending on how many stars they are rated. The average cost of a three-star hotel is about $350 a night, while a four-star resort is about $455 a night. Lastly, most bed-and-breakfast inns are about $190 a night.

Hawaii is famous for having beautiful hotels and resorts that are steps away from beaches and other island attractions. However, their price varies depending on their star ratings and how much they offer their guests. For example, the average cost of a room at a four-star resort is about $455 a night, but you will also likely be right next to a beach and other attractions.

A three-star hotel in Hawaii may also be near a beach and is less expensive at $350 a night. However, you might not have access to other attractions or amenities. If you decide to stay at a standard bed and breakfast inn, this is the least expensive option at $190 a night. But a traditional inn likely won’t be near a beach, and you’ll only have access to a room and one meal.

For budgeting purposes - the average statewide cost of a hotel room in Hawaii is roughly $375/night  as of this writing. Each island has a price modifier to help further estimate costs by island. The price modifiers are as follows:

• Oahu - Price is approximately 68.55% of the statewide average 
• Maui - Price is approximately 163.22% of the statewide average
• Kauai - Price is approximately 98.63% of the statewide average
• Big Island - Price is approximately 105.90% of the statewide average

 These modifiers are based on average hotel rates in Hawaii, so they might differ if you park and stay at a rental home.

Hawaii Statewide Hotel & Vacation Rental prices in 2022

Vacation Rental Homes

Renting a vacation home has become trendy over the last few years. The average rent per night for a Hawaii vacation home is $170, and there is also an average tax rate of 18% on rental houses.

Renting a vacation home can be a great way to save money on accommodations. But the prices fluctuate depending on where the rental home is located and which type of home you select. If you choose an average rental home, the average rate is about $170 a night, much less expensive than a hotel or resort room. But if you rent a luxury home, the price can increase to over $1,000 per night.

It’s also important to note that the average tax rate is about 18% on rental homes in Hawaii, so it’s recommended to factor that in when choosing which one to stay at.

If you’re still undecided on where to stay during your vacation, you can expect a statewide average of about $335 in shelter costs. The island modifiers we discussed above are also applicable to vacation rentals.

Parking and Rental Car Fees

You will likely have to rent a car to get around the island, and parking and gas fees come with that additional accommodation cost. The average is about $30 per night for rental car parking.

The best way to get around the island is to purchase a rental car. In addition to how much you pay for the rental car, there are also parking and gas fees to worry about. The first step is to determine what kind of rental car you want. The average rental car prices in Hawaii include the following:

• $70 per day for a regular car
• $110 per day for an SUV
• $125 per day for a convertible
• $150 per day for a luxury car

Once you know which car you want, you must figure out parking and gas fees. The average cost of gas in Hawaii is about $4.95 - $5.15 per gallon, so you can expect to spend about $75-$100 on gas alone. Your rental vehicle's fuel efficiency and the total miles driven during your visit will determine the total amount.

Even if you're staying somewhere with restaurants close by or accessible continental breakfasts, you will likely have to purchase and cook most of your food. The average cost for ​​breakfast is $15 per person, lunch is $25 per person, and dinner is $45 per person.

Food in Hawaii is expensive, even if you don’t go to a restaurant for each meal. The average cost of food per person per day is about $61, but it can fluctuate depending on where you eat and how many people you go with. Fortunately, there are also some ways to save money on food costs during your vacation.

Planning your meals ahead of time and how much they will cost can give you a good idea of what to buy and cook and which restaurants you want to visit. It can help you plan out which ingredients to use in multiple meals and is the most cost-effective way to try everything the island offers. You can also bring any spices or pantry staples you already have to avoid buying them there.

For anything you need to buy fresh there, such as fruit or vegetables, it’s recommended to shop at local stands. They are usually much less expensive than supermarkets or chain stores, and you also get to experience Hawaiian culture while at it.

The last piece of budgeting for your Hawaii vacation is figuring out fun activities while you’re there. There are so many different activities for you, ranging from island tours to exploring local souvenir shops.

While the beach is part of an excellent Hawaiian vacation, you can do plenty of other activities while you’re there. Each island has beautiful tours and excursion experiences, not to mention all of the local shops and attractions you can explore. The average price for attraction fees is about $45 per person, but it fluctuates depending on what attractions you do.

Guided Tours and Excursions

The average cost for guided tours and excursions is about $50 to $100 per person, and the price fluctuates depending on what is included in the tour or excursion. If you want to explore state or national parks on your own, you can expect to pay about $35 per person.

Hawaii offers a wide variety of tours and excursions for you to choose from. Tours usually include a guided tour of the island's most beautiful and historical parts. You can ride on a bus or other mode of transportation and listen as a guide tells you about the stories behind different island sites.

On the other hand, you can do excursions while exploring the island. They usually include scuba diving, hiking, and other activities that explore the island, along with a guide. The islands also have state and national parks that you can explore independently. Each of these activities is optional, but it’s highly recommended to budget for a few so you can experience everything Hawaii offers.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Shopping and souvenirs are also optional, but it’s highly recommended to budget for them just in case. The price of shopping and souvenirs depends on how much you’re willing to spend, so deciding on a number that’s comfortable for you is the best practice.

There are multiple places to shop for souvenirs and other keepsakes on any Hawaiian island. Since their price highly depends on the shop and how much you’re willing to spend, it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how much shopping and souvenirs will cost.

The best practice is to come up with a number you’re comfortable with plus a little extra. This will give you some breathing room when deciding how much to spend.

Attraction Parking Fees

The majority of Hawaiian attractions also have parking fees. They vary depending on the attraction, but the average cost of attraction parking is about $3. Fortunately, there are usually a few free parking areas near the attraction, but you’ll have to walk a bit and get there early.

Parking lots close to any attraction usually have a fee of about $3, allowing you to park there for a full day. However, a quick google search about any free parking lots near the attraction can save you from paying any fee. The only downside is that you’ll likely have to walk a bit from the parking lot to the attraction. On the plus side, you might get to see more of the island by walking than if you did while driving.

It’s recommended to look up any parking fees the attraction has before you book it to be sure that you’re prepared. Some excursion attractions even have an option where a shuttle or bus will pick you up from your hotel or rental home and then drive you back at the end of the day. This option can be beneficial if you’re trying to avoid car and parking costs altogether.

Final Thoughts

There is a lot to budget for when planning a Hawaiian vacation. But planning out everything you can in advance can make the entire experience much less stressful and help you make the most of an incredible trip.

2024 Hawaii Budget Calculator

Estimate the cost of your hawaii vacation.

Aloha, guest readers can calculate five (5) trip cost estimates for Hawaii each day. Rates included within this calculator are based on projected 2024 rates aggregated from current OTA pricing. Rates will be updated regularly.

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Calculator overview.

This calculator is designed to provide both a comprehensive and regularly updated budget estimate for planning a trip to Hawaii. Currently, rates are applicable for 2024. Generally, these rates should provide a good estimate for any time period between 2024 and early 2025.

This budget tool considers all of the following:

• Hawaii Flight Costs including airfare from various destinations, baggage fees, etc.
• Hawaii Accommodation Costs including different lodging types, Hawaii's now roughly 18% accommodation tax, parking fees (if applicable), which island you're staying on, etc.
• Hawaii Vehicle Rental Costs including various types of vehicles, fuel costs, and number of miles driven daily.
• Additional Costs including dining + gratuity, visitor fees to parks, etc., and Hawaii Tours and Activity costs.

Hawaii Flight Costs

First, consider your flight costs to Hawaii. Select your departure location, update the number of travelers (if applicable), and check whether you expect to pay baggage fees, below.

Hawaii Accommodation Costs

Next, let us know which island you'll be visiting (select the primary island if you're visiting more than one), select a lodging type/classification, update the number of nights (default is set to a week), update the number or rooms (if applicable), and check whether you expect to pay parking fees (common in more densely populated areas on Oahu and/or Maui).

Statewide Rate : 18%

Hawaii Car Rental Costs

Now, let's consider your vehicle rental costs (if applicable). If you're not renting a car, select 'No Car,' but for most visitors, we highly recommend a rental. Update the number of days (which will default to +1 day more than you selected in accommodation nights) and choose an estimate for your mileage each day. If you're not sure, we recommend you leave the default option selected.

If you select 'No Car' this will be zeroed out by default!

Other Hawaii Costs

Finally, consider a few last potential costs and fees for your trip. There's dining (we've included gratuity in the estimates), and we've selected all three meal options by default. Then, there are potential fees for parks and other attractions, which are a relatively new factor to now consider when estimating a Hawaii budget; select the applicable options below. Finally, select the amount, if any, you expect to spend on Hawaii Tours and/or commercial Activities. Be sure to update the number of people dining and people the fees/tours apply to if applicable; these numbers will default to the same number of people you selected previously for this trip estimate.

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If you're visiting another island, please let us know below. This will not affect the estimate or rate you're provided. This is for research and calculator improvement purposes only. Mahalo!

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Hawaii is often on the short list of dream destinations for a relaxing beach holiday. But a potential trip to paradise doesn’t happen without first asking the critical question: How much is a trip to Hawaii?

The answer varies depending on where you stay and when you travel. We’ve crunched the numbers to give you an idea of how much you can expect to spend so you’re better prepared to budget for a vacation in Hawaii.

Estimated Hawaii trip cost

Beachfront view of the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki. (Photo courtesy of Hilton)

We looked at the estimated costs of a 10-night trip for a family of four (two adults and two children) during the peak summer travel season, as well as a seven-night trip for that same family during the shoulder season.

Here are the hypotheticals:

Travel to Honolulu on the island of Oahu, the most popular island for visitors to Hawaii.

Round-trip flights for four from Los Angeles.

A peak-season trip assumes a June 25, 2024, departure, while a shoulder-season trip assumes a May 8, 2024, departure.

We used three property types to assess price estimates:

A beachfront four-star resort: Hilton Hawaiian Village. 

A three-star hotel: Holiday Inn Express Waikiki. 

A condo: Various Waikiki units on Vrbo.com.

Totals include resort fees :

$50 per night at the four-star resort.

$29.49 per night at the three-star hotel.

All management and cleaning fees at the condo units.

Totals include parking costs of:

$68.06 per day at the four-star resort.

$45 per day at the three-star hotel.

Parking isn't included in condo totals (varies by building/unit).

Meals include nightly dinners of about $225, including drinks, taxes and tips. 

At a four-star resort, meal estimates include breakfasts and lunches totaling about $100 per day. 

Costs at a three-star hotel, which includes free breakfast, include only lunches totaling about $50 per day. 

Tightly budgeted meals assume cutting food costs by 60% with cheap eats and/or preparing meals. 

Activities for the 10-night trip include a snorkeling excursion, surfing lessons, a Pearl Harbor visit and a day at a water park. For the seven-night trip: snorkeling, the Pearl Harbor visit and a day at a water park (no surfing lessons).

Economy rental car reserved through DiscountHawaiiCarRental.com or Turo .

$5-a-day tip for housekeepers .

Based on the information outlined above, here are our estimated budgets.

» Learn more: The best times to visit Hawaii by travel style

10-night trip, peak summer travel season

$15,090: Four-star beachfront resort, with a 10-day rental car.

$10,447: Three-star hotel, with a 10-minute walk to the beach and a five-day rental car.

$7,781 Low-cost condo within walking distance to the beach, tightly budgeted meals and a five-day rental car. 

Seven-night trip, shoulder season

$9,574: Four-star beachfront resort, with a seven-day rental car.

$6,488: Three-star hotel, with a 10-minute walk to the beach and a rental car for two days.

$4,936: Low-cost condo within walking distance to the beach, tightly budgeted meals and a two-day rental car. 

Can you beat these numbers? Definitely. Here are tips on how to save on your vacation to Hawaii.

» Learn more: The best island in Hawaii for first timers

How to cut your Hawaii vacation costs

Stay on the beach or rent a car every day, but don’t do both.

Does your idea of a great vacation involve hitting the open road to explore every corner of the island? Then, don’t pay premium prices for a hotel on the beach.

On the other hand, if your dream trip involves tons of time lounging on the sand and splashing in the pool, don’t pay $55 a day for a rental car plus $68 a day to park it when it’s just going to sit there.

Many Waikiki hotels are within walking distance of a car rental agency, so it’s easy to get a car for just part of your trip. Select “Waikiki” instead of “Honolulu airport” as your pick-up and drop-off location for your rental car. If you pick the car up in the morning, then drop it off at the end of the day, you can save a night’s worth of parking costs, cutting down your trip cost.

The downside to this strategy is you may have to wait in a long line to get your car. So send one adult to pick up the vehicle in the morning while the rest of the crew gets ready for the day. And don’t forget to include airport transfers in your budget. Budget about $37 each way, including tip, for a taxi or rideshare between Waikiki and Honolulu airport.

» Learn more: The cheapest rental car companies

Eat cheaper

If your family of four has a nice dinner at the world-famous Duke’s Waikiki, including cocktails for the adults, an appetizer and a Hula Pie dessert to share, you’ll spend about $225, including taxes and tip. Of course, the beachfront views, tiki torches and aloha spirit might be worth it. But you don’t have to spend that much every night.

Step away from the beach and meals get much cheaper. For example, the outstanding burgers at Cheeseburger in Paradise are about $20, as opposed to the $36 baked fish at Duke’s.

In addition, pizza joints, super-affordable ramen houses, authentic Hawaiian diners such as Rainbow Drive-In, chains such as Denny’s and IHOP and fast-food restaurants including McDonald’s, Burger King and Subway can bring your meal costs down.

Or swing into one of the many ABC Stores to pick up packaged salads, sandwiches, yogurt, snacks, drinks or some spam musubi (a slice of grilled Spam sandwiched between or on top of a block of rice, wrapped in nori) to fill up on the cheap.

More affordable yet, you can buy cereal, coffee, milk, sandwich meats and bread to prepare breakfasts and lunches at your hotel or condo.

» Learn more: Is island hopping in Hawaii worth it?

Consider a condo

You can often find a vacation rental just a few minutes from the beach for much cheaper than you’d pay for a hotel.

For example, we found the condo shown below on Vrbo for 10 nights for $1,942 plus tax, for a total of $2,260. And that’s during peak summer travel.

For a seven-day rental during the shoulder season, you can cut your total accommodations expenditure by around $500 by choosing a condo over a hotel.

Many condos have kitchens, too, so you could save money by making eggs or pancakes for breakfast, spaghetti for dinner and packing sandwiches for lunches while you’re out and about.

» Learn more: Travelers: Save on meals with these tidbits

Pay with points and miles

The question “How much is a vacation to Hawaii?” has a much more appealing answer if you pay using airline miles, hotel points or credit card points — which can erase hundreds or even thousands of dollars from your trip cost.

For more information on how to maximize your points, be sure to check out these articles:

The Cheapest Ways to Fly to Hawaii Using Travel Rewards .

How to Travel to Honolulu on Points and Miles .

Where to Stay in Waikiki With Hotel Points .

How to Visit Hawaii On a Budget .

The Best Oahu Hotels Without Resort Fees .

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

If you want to go to Hawaii

So how much does it cost to go to Hawaii? It can be expensive. Hidden costs like resort fees and exorbitant parking prices can easily break a budget. But there are ways to save on the cost of a vacation to Hawaii.

Traveling before or after the peak summer season can save a considerable amount. In addition, don’t pay a premium to stay on the beach if you won’t take full advantage of that location, and don’t pay up to $68 a night to park a car as you’re splashing around the pool for several days.

To save big, consider a condo where you can cook many of your meals to save on dining. With these simple strategies, your answer to the question “How much is a vacation to Hawaii?” is one that fits your budget.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Just One Roundtrip Flight to Hawaii Could Get You a Southwest Companion Pass — Here's How

The coveted perk is available for a limited time.

Southwest Airlines wants travelers to have their haupia cake and eat it too with a special limited-time Hawaiian Companion Pass offer.

This summer, travelers can score a coveted Companion Pass by simply booking a round trip or two one-way flights to paradise in June or July, Southwest shared with Travel + Leisure . To take advantage, passengers must be a member of Southwest’s Rapid Rewards loyalty program and first enroll in the promotion online through their online account by 11:59 p.m. CT on May 24.

“This is a great opportunity to HI 5 our Customers for supporting five years of Southwest service in five airports across Hawaii by showcasing and sharing one of the great perks of being part of our Rapid Rewards program,” Jonathan Clarkson, the vice president of marketing at Southwest Airlines, said in a statement shared with T+L. “Hawaii on Southwest is available nonstop from eight mainland gateways, and we’re excited for this opportunity to truly connect our Customers for travel between the mainland and the Hawaiian islands.”

After enrolling, travelers must book their qualifying flights to and from Hawaii between June 1 and July 31. They can then designate a companion to fly with them as many times as they want between Oct. 5 and Nov. 15.

The Companion Pass allows holders to designate one companion to fly with them nearly for free , simply requiring their companion to pay taxes and fees for each flight. Those start at $5.60 each way.

Typically, travelers can earn a Companion Pass by either flying 100 qualifying one-way flights or earning 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year, possible by using a qualifying credit card, staying at partner hotels, and more.

Beyond the promotion, Southwest is making it cheaper to fly by introducing “Wanna Go Wednesdays ” offering weekly discounted fares between popular markets. 

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .

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I am really just looking at two options right now:

November 1st-10th 2024

February 17th-27th

I know it relatively stays the same temperature all year I am just wondering if there is any other notable differences in these two time periods? Like tourist attractions maybe being closed in February since it is down season or bad rain in November, etc.

I enjoy hiking, swimming in the ocean, laying on the beach and exploring towns so if either time period is better for this let me know!

Also let it be noted I have not started planning AT ALL so is it enough time to plan a trip for November or may that be too close cause I really do not know much about Hawaii so this trip will take some time to plan.

26 replies to this topic

You need to pick some island or islands. But imo November is better for calmer waters and better snorkeling than February. People plan on short notice now so you are fine.

Do you want to snorkel or just swim?

High budget, medium or low?

Rent a car ?

With one week, you have time for one island. With 10 days, you could visit 2 smaller islands but it is cheaper to do one island. If you don’t want to rent a car , then Oahu is the only doable island as they do have public transportation. If you will rent a car , then that opens up the other islands. Best snorkeling is on Hawaii aka Big Island and Maui . Each island is different and unique. You will have to have lodging and car rental booked soon…do post in the specific island forum once you have decided on your island. Good luck! :)

Does your budget include your flights too? Where are you coming from?

However if you go to the Big Island , you will see whales in February also.

But considering costs and weather (including winter weather air woes on mainland) I still think November would suit you and your budget.

If you came to the Big Island you could splurge on one boat snorkel to Keakakekua Bay and find shore snorkeling at Makaiwa, Honokaope, Wailea , perhaps other spots depending on your skill and weather.

You would need a rental car . You could find a condo type lodging or hotel in Kailua-Kona or better still, South Kohala . I would not rule Paniolo Greens out if it is only thing in Kohala meeting your $ needs.

You could do a couple of long day trips to see Volcanoes National Park (hiking) and historical areas where there's hiking too.

Autocorrect strikes. It is Wai a lea. Have to break it up to avoid "fix.'

Driving south to where you would get the boat to Keakakekua Bay, you could also see Puuhonua o Honaunau and coffee farms

Lots to do but it's BIG.

Rain is our winter weather. Basically from November thru March.

My advice is to research each of the 4 major islands as much as you can. When you decide on which island then we can help you plan your vacation.

Break down that budget for us. We have no idea how much you'll be spending on airfare so there's no way of telling if 4,000 is enough or not!!

Oahu has a fantastic bus system, the other islands, not so much. Maui is great for whales in February but will cost you a pretty penny

Aloha and Mahalo!!

It's the 'Au'au Channel, Coral.

OP, you really need to help us help you by specifying where you're from, or at least where you would be flying from.

What type of lodging are you hoping for? Beach front? Views? Condo rental? Hostel?

Will you want to eat at top tier restaurants? Inexpensive local food? Other?

As Fishdiva pointed out, there is no way to evaluate your budget without knowing more~~~~~~~

I really want to visit more than one island, is it really that difficult to see multiple islands in under 12 days?

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Famous for Waikiki Beach, this district boasts six beaches and a skyline filled with high-rises and resort hotels. Surfing enthusiasts can enjoy the ideal surf break, while Kalākaua Avenue offers luxury shopping and Kūhiō Avenue features diverse dining and nightlife options.

Situated along Oʻahu's southern shores, this district boasts a vast stretch of reef-protected white sandy beaches and the world's largest open-air shopping center, Ala Moana Center. Enjoy shopping, dining, and relaxing at Ala Moana Beach Park.

Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis

While visiting Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis, you might make a stop by sights like Waikiki Beach and Ala Wai Golf Course.

Western Honolulu

Known for its abundant dining options and waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Western Honolulu. Top attractions like Honolulu Harbor and Navy Exchange Mall are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Hālawa / Aloha Stadium Station or Pouhala / Waipahu Transit Center Station to see more of the city.

Eastern Honolulu

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Eastern Honolulu. A stop by Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve or Kahala Beach might round out your trip.

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Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in oahu, waikiki beach.

Pack your shorts or bikini and surf, swim, or just sit back under a palm tree and enjoy the Aloha spirit at Hawaii’s most famous beach.

Ala Moana Center

You can enjoy some retail therapy with a trip to Ala Moana Center, a popular shopping spot in Honolulu. Discover the area's beautiful sunsets, or seek out its surfing spots.

International Market Place

You can enjoy some retail therapy with a trip to International Market Place, a favorite shopping spot in Honolulu. Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

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Viral TikTok ‘Four Seasons Orlando’ baby finally gets her highly anticipated trip

(Gray News) - One-year-old Kate Wise, currently dubbed the “Four Seasons Orlando” baby, has officially made it to her highly anticipated trip.

As you can guess, it was to the Four Seasons.

In a viral TikTok video posted, Bailey Wise asked her daughters and husband, William, “I have a question for everybody. Who wants to go to the Four Seasons Orlando?”

Immediately, baby Kate raises one finger, saying, “Mee!”

So far, the video has accumulated over 60 million views, and over 7 million likes with the internet obsessed with the 1-year-old being a fully conscious baby.

One user commented, “That baby booked the trip,’'

Another user commented, “I think the baby is in charge of the family finances,”

The Four Seasons had several Disney-themed activities for Kate, according to People. The 1-year-old and her family stayed at the resort for two days. They said dhe enjoyed gold truffle pasta and an extravagant experience filled with love and laughter.

The five-star hotel shared a video of the family at the hotel on Saturday. They captioned it: “Fully conscious and utterly fabulous at Four Seasons Orlando.”

Despite being just 1 years old, Kate has been to the resort before.

“She won’t say ‘me!’ to everything,” Kate’s dad told People. “It legitimately has to be something she recognizes and wants to do. She’s been to the Four Seasons before. She does recognize certain things and she does say ‘me.’”

Copyright 2024 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Maui Fire Survivor Gets Kicked Out Of Emergency Shelter In Hotel While Away On A Work Trip

The Lahaina businesswoman had made prior arrangements with the Red Cross but says she's not inclined to fight its decision since the program is winding down anyway.

The Lahaina businesswoman had made prior arrangements with the Red Cross but says she’s not inclined to fight its decision since the program is winding down anyway.

U‘i Kahue-Cabanting was teaching a series of cultural workshops to Hawaii expats in Oregon last week when she received a text message from the American Red Cross asking for her whereabouts.

Before she left Maui for Portland, U‘i had informed the disaster relief agency that a business trip would cause her to miss one of her required in-person check-ins with Red Cross workers. She arranged to check in by phone instead. 

So she was shocked to receive a text message the day before her planned phone check-in directing her to contact hotel security to retrieve her belongings from her government-funded room at the Royal Lahaina Resort.

“It basically said I had been locked out of the room and to come get my stuff,” U‘i explained.

Displaced Lahaina wildfire survivors housed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s temporary sheltering program are required to check in twice a week with the Red Cross , which is managing the program. People housed by the program are also expected to proactively document their own attempts to find stable housing. 

Non-compliance with the rules — should participants fail to provide documentation to FEMA or vacate their room for more than the allowed seven days, for example — is grounds for being kicked out of the program.

FEMA spokeswoman Jenny Campora referred questions to the Red Cross. Red Cross spokeswoman Mary Simkins declined to comment specifically on U‘i’s case.

U‘i’s apparent ouster from the program comes at a time when the government is trying to wind down the emergency sheltering program, which for nearly 10 months has temporarily housed wildfire survivors in pricey resort hotels and condos. 

As of Wednesday, there were still 956 fire survivors from 379 households, as well as 95 pets, living in seven hotels and resorts across Maui. The government is trying to move people who are eligible for FEMA’s direct-lease program out of the hotels and condos and into homes and apartments with more economical long-term leases. But the process has been plagued by challenges .

U‘i said she knows the Red Cross check-ins are mandatory, which is why she arranged to hold hers remotely while traveling for business. She said she can’t identify any other reason why she’d be kicked out of the hotel housing program before it expires, now set for June 10 thanks to FEMA’s latest extension.

She was so irked by the situation that she waited a day to respond to the text message: “How is this possible?” she replied. “You told me to do this, this, this and this, and I did exactly that. Plus, I followed up.”

She is eligible for FEMA’s direct-lease program, but she has declined to participate because she’s already planning for her own housing recovery with her business partner Mario Siatris. The pair plan to live in a custom trailer RV that they’re in the process of shipping to Maui from the mainland.

U‘i said she didn’t think she’d be able to rectify the situation with the Red Cross remotely. So she decided she’d deal with it when she returned to Maui. 

In the meantime, she had a busy schedule to keep in Oregon. In addition to teaching a series of coconut-weaving workshops, she and Mario had a long-awaited personal errand to make. The pair drove nearly three hours to an RV retailer near Mount St. Helens to view their newly assembled trailer — a creative temporary housing solution that they view as the next step in their recovery.

To comply with the loss-of-use coverage rules set by Mario’s homeowners insurance, U‘i’s husband Ronald Cabanting, who was also on the Oregon trip, signed the purchase agreement for the 26-foot trailer. U‘i lined up a company to transport the rig to Oakland, California, where it’s scheduled to board a barge and set sail to Maui on June 19. 

With land and sea shipping fees, the trailer will cost about $53,000. Mario plans to rent it from Ron using payouts from his homeowners insurance, and both he and U‘i plan to live in it while Mario rebuilds his burned-down home in the heart of Lahaina on Mela Street. 

The trailer is expected to arrive on Maui sometime between July 10 and 17. U‘i and Mario aren’t exactly sure where they’ll park it, but they think they’ll stay mobile, rotating between public beach park parking lots and friends’ residential properties.

U‘i and Mario were supposed to fly back to Maui from Portland last Tuesday. Mario was able to get on a delayed flight just before midnight that day, but bad weather forced U‘i and Ron to spend two extra nights in Portland.

“We got back and we were sick, we were broke,” U‘i said. “So we went to couch surf with my daughter in Kihei and then I hit the ground running.”

She worked a double shift Friday and attended her granddaughter’s graduation from Hawaiian immersion elementary school Saturday.

“I had just had a huge week and I wasn’t ready to deal with the Red Cross,” she said.

But this week U‘i said she plans to meet in-person with Red Cross workers to figure out why she’s apparently been kicked out of the hotel housing program, and to collect her belongings. 

She can’t continue to stay with her daughter in her apartment in Kihei because it’s part of a subsidized workforce housing development with strict rules about overnight guests. But until the trailer arrives in July she can stay with Mario, who’s still living at a Kaanapali condominium resort.

Even after the FEMA hotel and condominium housing program ends, Mario will be able to remain in the unit he’s occupied for the last nine months. He said the owner of the unit has assured him he can stay in place for as long as he needs. This offer has been extended to U‘i, too.

“The bottom line is I can shack up with Mario, so it’s not like I won’t have a roof over my head,” U‘i explained. “It’s just a really shitty thing, and if they did it to me they’re probably doing it to others.”

U‘i said she probably won’t spend too much energy trying to convince the Red Cross to let her stay in her room at the Royal Lahaina Resort. Not with the hotel housing program winding down anyway.

“Even if for some bizarre reason they turn themselves around, I should just get my stuff and remove myself from that situation,” she said. “I don’t need the added stress.”

Civil Beat’s coverage of Maui County is supported in part by grants from the Nuestro Futuro Foundation.

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