planning a trip to hawaii 2023

Planning a Trip to Hawaii: DOs and DON’Ts (2024)

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Planning a trip to Hawaii is something many people dream of. With its stunning beaches, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and lush green hills, it’s one of the most beautiful places we’ve visited but also the most expensive.

While we do think the islands are worth the high price, to make the most of your stay, it’s essential to plan in advance.

In this post, we share our top Hawaii travel tips to show you how to plan a trip to Hawaii that’s perfect for you.

We’ll cover how many days you need in Hawaii, which island to visit, where to stay, the top activities, what you must book in advance, and everything else you need to know.

Video: Hawaii Travel Tips

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Since November 1, 2023, West Maui has been open for travel again (except most of Lahaina, which will remain closed indefinitely) after the devastating wildfire in Lahaina in August 2023.

Visitors to Maui are now encouraged, but please be mindful and respectful of the tragedy that everyone on the island has been impacted by.

Travel to other islands in Hawaii is unaffected.

If you’d like to donate money to support Maui’s recovery, consider the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund .

For more information about the ongoing situation, see the Hawaii Tourism Authority website .

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The average stay in Hawaii is about 7 days. I think this is a good minimum time for a trip, although 10-14 days is better if you want to visit multiple islands.

Some visitors do visit Hawaii for 4-5 days, but it’s a long way from the US mainland (or anywhere!) for a short trip, and you’ll spend the first few days adjusting to the time zone change. That said, if it’s all you can manage, it’s better than no time in Hawaii!

If you have a week for your Hawaii vacation, I recommend choosing just one island to visit. See below to find the best Hawaiian island for you.

If you have 10 days in Hawaii, I recommend starting with 3 days in Oahu and then visiting Maui or Kauai for a week.

Choosing the best island to visit is one of the most challenging parts of planning a trip to Hawaii. They are all diverse with lots to offer, so it just depends what you are looking for.

Most visitors to Hawaii visit one of these four islands:

Oahu is by far the most visited and developed Hawaiian island. It’s home to the large city of Honolulu, which includes the famous and very crowded Waikiki Beach (where most visitor accommodation is located).

Oahu offers the most choice of shopping, dining, and nightlife, so if you want to combine city and beach life, this is the best island for you.

It’s also by far the easiest place to manage without renting a car (although I still recommend it). If you stay in Waikiki, you can walk to the beach and many shops, restaurants, and activities.

You can also take tours, Ubers, or the Trolley Bus to nearby attractions including the Pearl Harbour memorial.

Oahu’s North Shore offers a much more relaxed vibe with beautiful beaches and huge waves for surfing in the winter.

Oahu is easy to fit into Hawaii vacations as Honolulu International Airport offers the most flights from the mainland US and international destinations.

Our favourite activities in Oahu are:

• Taking a helicopter ride around the island for stunning views. We recommend the one hour doors off tour with Rainbow Helicopters from Honolulu.
• Snorkelling at Hanauma Bay (be sure to book).
• Relaxing on the Windward Coast beaches especially Waimānalo and Kailua.

See our 7 Day Oahu itinerary for many more tips.

Where to stay in Oahu: Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore is our favourite place we’ve stayed in all of Hawaii! It is seriously dreamy with incredible ocean views, isolated beaches (with turtles!), stylish rooms, and plenty to do. It feels a world away from Waikiki.

Maui is the second most visited island and is a popular honeymoon destination.

It has gorgeous beaches, world-class whale watching, and the Road to Hana drive where you can see waterfalls, bamboo forest, and black sand beaches.

You can also watch the sun rise above a volcanic crater and visit wineries and lavender farms in Upcountry.

There’s a wide range of resorts, dining, shopping, and activities as well as natural attractions.

Our favourite activities in Maui are:

• Staying overnight in Hana (we love Hana Kai Condos ) to explore popular sights like Waianapanapa without the crowds.
• Whale watching from Lahaina. We saw an incredible amount of humpbacks on our small group boat trip with Makai Adventures (up and running in a new location).
• Relaxing on the beaches of West Maui (with turtle sightings!).

See our Maui itinerary for more tips.

Where to stay in Maui: Kahana Reef has affordable, oceanfront condos on the west coast. We saw whales, turtles, and incredible sunsets from our lanai.

The Big Island (officially called Hawaii) is the youngest Hawaiian island, so it’s not as green as the other islands and has more lava landscapes.

If you want to see an active volcano, this is the island to visit.

It’s the largest island with diverse landscapes from white sand beaches to snow-capped volcanoes.

Our favourite activities on the Big Island are:

• Night snorkel with manta rays. We got incredibly close to these magnificent and huge creatures on our manta trip with Sea Quest .
• Snorkelling at Kealakekua Bay and Two Step .
• Kilauea Iki Trail  – Hiking into a volcanic caldera in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

See our guide to the best things to do on the Big Island for more tips.

Where to Stay on the Big Island: You’ll want to divide your time between the west and east on this large island. Our favourite area was Volcano, where we adored this peaceful cabin in the rainforest . It’s very different from the rest of Hawaii.

Known as The Garden Isle, Kauai is the most lush and green of the islands.

Kauai has become more popular, but it isn’t as developed as Maui or Oahu.

The jagged green cliffs of the stunning Napali Coast are the big draw, but there are also lovely beaches, waterfalls, hiking trails, and multi-coloured canyons.

Our favourite activities in Kauai are:

• Admiring Kauai from above – Our Kauai doors off helicopter ride was spectacular.
• Sailing the Napali Coast – The massive sea cliffs are stunning and we saw whales, dolphins and turtles on the way.
• Seeing turtles and seals on Poipu Beach .

See our post on the best things to do on Kauai for many more.

Where to stay in Kauai: We loved our condo at Kiahuna Plantation on a beautiful beach in Poipu.

Less Visited Hawaiian Islands

If you are looking to get off the beaten track, you could consider visiting one of these smaller, much less visited islands (we haven’t made it to either yet but hope to next time):

• Molokai – Known as The Friendly Isle, on Molokai you’ll find a slow pace of life and more native Hawaiians, but less choice of accommodation and activities. It’s also home to the leper colony of Kalaupapa, which I became fascinated with after reading a couple of these Hawaii books .
• Lana’i – For many years Lana’i was a pineapple plantation and it’s now home to a few luxury resorts like the stunning Four Seasons Lana’i . If you want to enjoy the secluded beaches without the high price tag, the ferry from Lahaina on Maui only takes an hour, so you could visit on a day trip.

Which Side of the Island?

The character of each island also depends on which part you visit.

All the islands have a rainy side where the scenery is lush and green and a dry side where you’ll usually get more sun.

They are both worth visiting, which is why we split our island stays between two or three locations.

Where We Visited in Hawaii

We had 3.5 weeks on our first Hawaiian vacation (in January/February) and divided our time between Kauai and Maui, with one night in Honolulu before our onward flight.

There’s so much to do on each island that we’re glad we didn’t try to add in an extra island.

On our second 3 week Hawaii trip (in October), we spent a week on Oahu (but could have stayed longer) and two weeks on the Big Island.

We love all four of the major Hawaii islands, but our personal favourite is Kauai for the rugged green mountains and more laidback vibe.

There’s no bad time to visit Hawaii as it’s warm year-round, with daytime temperatures rarely dropping below 75ºF (24ºC), even in winter. Each season has its pros and cons.

To See Humpback Whales—Visit in Winter

We were astounded by how many whales we saw in Maui in February. January to March are the best months for whale watching, but you might see a few from November to May.

Winter weather in Hawaii is cooler and rainier than the rest of the year, but we still had mostly sunny days. The ocean is warm enough to swim year-round.

Winter is also the best time for serious surfers, with huge swells on the north shores (especially Oahu).

Christmas and New Year are some of the busiest times on the islands, so avoid them if you are on a budget (and book well in advance).

To Save Money—Visit in the Off-Season

In the spring (April and May) and autumn (September to mid-November), the islands are less crowded (relatively), prices are lower, and the weather is generally good. It can be very rainy on Kauai in April, though. 

For Snorkelling—Visit in Summer

The summer, from June to September, is the best time for snorkelling in Hawaii. The ocean is clearer, calmer, and warmer.

The shoulder months can be good, too—we found snorkelling better in October than in February. This does vary by island.

• Save up – Hawaii is expensive and you’ll enjoy it more if you aren’t worrying about every penny. On our first trip, we spent $267 per person per day (travelling as a couple), including everything except flights from the mainland US. You could spend less by travelling in the off-season, choosing non-beachfront accommodation, and skipping pricey tours. You could also spend a lot more by staying in luxury resorts and eating out for every meal.

• Book your accommodation far in advance – Especially if you are travelling in the high season, want an ocean view, or are travelling to places like Hana or Upcountry on Maui where accommodation is limited. You can search for resorts and hotels on Booking and vacation rentals on Vrbo .
• Consider a condo rather than a resort – For families, stays of a week or more, and for those on a budget, renting a condo with a kitchen is a great way to save money. There are many to choose from and some have resort facilities like pools and beachfront locations. We mostly stay in condos and Kiahuna Plantation on Poipu Beach in Kauai is one of our favourites. Vrbo is a great way to find condos.
• Split your stay – If you want the classic Hawaiian resort experience but can’t afford it for your whole trip, divide your time between a condo and a resort. We did this in Oahu—staying in a condo in Waikiki for 4 nights while we explored the south, then relaxing at gorgeous Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore for the last 3 nights.

• Camp if you are on a tight budget – It’s not for everyone, but if you don’t mind roughing it, camping is the cheapest way to experience Hawaii. There are some beautiful campsites at beaches and state parks, although you usually need to get permits in advance. See this guide to camping in Hawaii for more tips.
• Search on Kiwi or Skyscanner for the best flight deals – You need to get on a plane to reach Hawaii. The cheapest rates will be from Los Angeles or other West Coast USA cities. Southwest now flies to Hawaii at low rates. You can also get affordable flights from Canada and Japan to Honolulu.
• Fly in and out of different islands – Maximise your time on the islands by flying into one island (such as Kauai) and out of another (such as Maui). I was surprised by how many affordable direct flights there are from the US mainland to places other than Honolulu.
• Rent a car – It’s the best way to see Hawaii and often there’s no other way to reach parts of the islands. At busy times rental cars can run out, so book far in advance. We use Booking.com Car Rentals to find the best deal and just book the cheapest economy car.
• Travel between islands by plane – There are no ferries between islands (except from Maui to Lana’i) so you’ll need to hop on an interisland flight. Most are operated by Hawaiian Airlines and are affordable and short (20 to 50 minutes).
• Consider splitting your time between two or three locations on each island – If you want to do a lot of exploring, this will help avoid long drives to attractions. We’ve done this on all four main islands and it worked out well.

• Book Haleakala sunrise in advance – If you want to see Maui’s most popular sunrise, you must book up to 60 days in advance . If you miss out, try again two days before when more tickets are released.
• Make reservations for some state parks – Non-Hawaii residents need to book in advance for certain parks and pay an entrance and parking fee. These include Haena State Park in Kauai, Waianapanapa State Park on the Road to Hana in Maui, ‘Iao Valley in Maui, and Diamond Head in Oahu. Time slots are released 30 days in advance. Book as soon as possible as they do sell out.
• Pack a sweater – While most of the time you’ll only need summer clothes, it can get chilly on morning boat trips or if you go to higher elevations (like Upcountry in Maui or Waimea Canyon on Kauai) especially in the winter. Sunrise at Haleakala, Maui and sunset at Mauna Kea on the Big Island are freezing and you’ll appreciate as many layers as possible. See the end of this post for more tips on what to pack for Hawaii. 
• Learn a few Hawaiian words – Even if it’s just Aloha (hello and goodbye but also love and compassion) and Mahalo (thank you). I picked up vocabulary by reading the astounding novel Shark Dialogues by Kiana Davenport (which I highly recommend every visitor reads).
• Book restaurants in advance – Upscale restaurants do fill up, so make reservations for anywhere you definitely want to eat (including at resorts). A few weeks in advance should be fine but places like Duke’s on Waikiki Beach book up months ahead. People tend to eat early in Hawaii (around 6pm) so it’s easier to get later reservations.
• Bring cash for tipping – While you can add a tip to your credit card in restaurants, it’s important to have cash for tour guides, valets, and resort staff. If you’re not American, familiarise yourself with tipping etiquette. We tipped 20% in restaurants and sit down bars, $10-20 per person for tours (including for helicopter pilots), $5 for valet attendants (when the car was returned), and around $2-3 a day for hotel housekeeping.
• Plan to visit more than one island per week – You’ll spend too much of your precious Hawaii vacation time travelling and there’s so much to do on each island. While interisland flight times are short, airport security queues can be long (especially out of Honolulu) or flights delayed.
• Forget hidden fees – The listed price for hotels and resorts is rarely what you’ll actually pay. You’ll have to add tax and often a resort fee, cleaning fee (for condos), and parking charge. Check the final total price when comparing accommodation options.
• Visit during holidays – Try to avoid the busiest times of year, especially Christmas and New Year when crowds and prices soar. Thanksgiving week is another busy period. Avoid special events like Iron Man on the Big Island in October. If you must visit then, book far in advance.
• Stay on the beach (maybe) – If you are on a tight budget, you’ll save by staying a short walk or drive from the beach. That said, we often splurge on beachfront accommodation and love it.

• Read novels set in Hawaii – Learn more about Hawaii’s fascinating culture and turbulent history by reading one of these books about Hawaii while you relax on the beach.
• Schedule your most important activities early – Weather can change and cancel activities like boat trips and helicopter rides, so make sure you’ll have time to reschedule.
• Book Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve on Oahu two days in advance – If you want to snorkel at this popular beach, you must make a reservation here at exactly 7am Hawaii Standard Time two days before your visit. Slots sell out in minutes. Tickets are $25. It’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

• Use reef-safe sunscreen – Hawaii has banned the sale of sunscreen that uses coral-harming chemicals (oxybenzone and octinoxate). You need a product that uses zinc oxide instead, like this Raw Elements sunscreen . Honestly, it’s a pain to apply, but it’s surprisingly water resistant, and it’s worth it to protect the reefs. Longs Drugs and ABC Stores are good places to pick up all your beach supplies on the islands.

• Wear a rashguard – Even better than sunscreen is to protect your skin by wearing a rashguard in the water, especially when snorkelling.

• Sign up to the Snorkel Report on Maui – You’ll get an email every morning with tips on the best beaches to visit that day. They also rent inexpensive snorkelling and beach gear.
• Check the Hawaii Beach Safety website – To find out which beaches are safe for swimming or best for surfing.
• Go whale watching – It was one of our favourite experiences in Hawaii. We chose a small boat trip with Makai Adventures from Lahaina in Maui and loved it so much we went twice. You can see whales on most of the islands— search for whale watching trips in Hawaii here .
• Hike – All the islands have beautiful trails from easy coastal walks to challenging multi-day treks. It’s a great free way to enjoy the beauty of the islands.

• Rent a Tommy Bahama beach chair and umbrella – Our condos came with these, but you can rent them on the islands inexpensively. They have backpack straps for easy carrying and make beach hopping much more comfortable.
• Bring or rent snorkel gear – If you have space in your luggage, bring your own snorkel and mask. If not, rent it for the length of your stay from a service like Snorkel Bob’s (as we did on the Big Island). I appreciated being able to take a look at the reef whenever we went to the beach.
• Visit a farmer’s market – The fresh produce is usually cheaper and better quality than the supermarkets and there are lots of tasty treats and foodie souvenirs to enjoy.
• Cool off with shave ice – This delicious icy treat is so much better than we expected. Add a scoop of macadamia ice cream on the bottom for maximum tastiness. Our favourites are Waikomo Shave Ice on Kauai and Original Big Island Shave Ice Co on the Big Island.

• Enjoy a Mai Tai on the beach – Touristy yes, but it’s a classic Hawaii experience and these tasty rum cocktails come in cool Tiki glasses.
• Try Li Hing Mui – This dried plum is sweet, salty, and sour. It’s very popular in Hawaii (originating from China), and you can find them whole for snacking (a bit much for me) or as a flavour for many treats. It’s my new favourite shave ice flavour (especially combined with lilikoi/passionfruit and pineapple).
• Drive the Road to Hana on Maui – Most people do this in one day, but we loved spending a few nights in Hana to explore without the crowds.

• Eat all the banana bread – Especially in the Hana area, homemade banana bread sold at farm stalls is so good.
• Indulge in chocolate-covered macadamia nuts – We were addicted to the ones by Moana Loa.
• Let local drivers pass you – They know the winding roads better than you and drive at a faster pace, so pull over and let them pass.
• See Kauai from above – Our doors-off helicopter trip on Kauai was mind-blowing and it’s the best island for a scenic flight. Our Oahu helicopter tour was also amazing. Search for scenic helicopter flights on other Hawaiian islands here .

• Eat in restaurants for every meal – Restaurants are expensive and by self-catering in our condo we saved a huge amount of money. Even if you don’t have a kitchen, you can pick up a pre-made picnic lunch from a supermarket and enjoy it on the beach. Some of our tastiest meals were from food trucks which are far cheaper than restaurants. Hana in Maui and Hanalei in Kauai had the best selection of trucks.
• Underestimate the ocean – Conditions can be dangerous and change quickly and drownings do happen. If you’re not sure it’s safe, don’t swim.
• Turn your back on the ocean – Huge waves can come out of nowhere when you are swimming or even walking along the shore.
• Fight a rip current –  If you get caught in a current, keep calm, float, and wave for help. Go with the current and conserve your energy.
• Touch sea turtles or monk seals – You are likely to come across wildlife on the beaches, but it’s illegal to get too close or touch them.
• Feed fish or other wild animals.

• Trespass – Please respect private property. While all beaches are open to the public, they don’t all have public access routes.
• Litter – Don’t leave anything behind on beaches or hiking trails.
• Park illegally – Respect “no parking” signs and don’t stop on the side of the road. This has become a real problem on the Road to Hana in Maui in particular.
• Steal any rocks or sand .
• Touch or step on coral – Be mindful of where your fins are when snorkelling.
• Leave valuables in your car – And keep any luggage hidden out of sight in the trunk. Rent a mid-size car rather than a compact one (we found these didn’t have an enclosed trunk).
• Laugh at the hula – It’s not just a dance for tourists, but a serious part of local culture.
• Refuse a lei (flower garland) – It’s a symbol of affection and Aloha so wear it with gratitude and don’t take it off in front of the person who gave it to you.
• Wear shoes into someone’s house .
• Rush – Don’t feel the pressure to do everything. Make sure you allow time just to relax by the pool or on the beach. Slow down and enjoy these beautiful islands.

The weather is warm year-round in Hawaii so pack lightweight summer clothes—shorts, t-shirts, dresses, a couple of bathing suits, and a beach cover-up. 

I’m a big fan of PrAna for summer dresses and swimwear. 

There’s no need to pack formal clothes as Hawaii is very casual. 

I do recommend packing one set of warmer clothes for visiting places at higher elevations or boat trips in winter. A pair of jeans or leggings plus a lightweight fleece or sweater should be fine. 

If you are planning on sunrise at Haleakala in Maui or stargazing at Mauna Kea on the Big Island, it can be freezing, so add more layers and perhaps a packable down jacket if you have one (I like the Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody). 

We spend most of our time in Hawaii wearing hiking sandals—they are perfect for beaches and hikes. Many beaches have rough access trails so you’ll appreciate something more than flip-flops.

We both love Teva sandals which are very comfortable for hiking and most models are waterproof so are great for kayaking. Simon likes the Teva Fi Lite sandals and I have the Teva Verra sandals .

I also had a pair of ballet flats for a dressier option for the evenings. My current favourites are the super comfy Allbirds Tree Breezers —see my Allbirds flats review for details. 

For running, I wear the light, breathable Allbirds Tree Dashers .  

Other Useful Items

• Reef-safe sunscreen – Avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate which have been banned in Hawaii. 
• Reusable shopping bags – Plastic bags are banned on the islands.
• Spices – If you are self-catering, you’ll save money by bringing a small amount of spices with you. We bought some at the bulk-buy section of a supermarket on the mainland.
• Water bottle – Avoid creating plastic waste by packing a reusable water bottle. We like the Vapur water bottle as it’s light and packs flat when empty. 
• Packable daypack – These backpacks fit in your luggage on the trip over and are useful for hikes and exploring. 
• Packing cubes – We swear by these as they keep your clothes organised and easy to find in your luggage. 
• Quick-dry beach towel – These lightweight towels dry faster than traditional towels and sand shakes off them more easily. 
• Compact binoculars – There’s so much wildlife to see in Hawaii including whales, dolphins, seals, turtles, and birds. The tiny Olympus 8 x 21 RCII waterproof binoculars were ideal for getting a closer look.

Yes, I think Hawaii is well worth visiting! While it is expensive and can be crowded, there’s something about that stunning scenery and relaxing vibe that entices many of us to visit again and again.

I hope this blog post helps you with how to plan a trip to Hawaii. Let me know if you have any questions and share your Hawaii travel tips in the comments below.

We share more of our Hawaii tips in these posts:

• The Perfect 7 Day Oahu Itinerary
• A Doors Off Oahu Helicopter Tour: Everything You Need to Know
• 25 Best Things to Do in Maui
• The Ultimate Maui Itinerary: The Best of Maui in 7 to 14 Days
• 17 Stunning Road to Hana Stops & Why You Should Stay in Hana, Maui
• Where to Stay in Kauai: The Best Areas and Hotels
• 17 Unmissable Things to Do in Kauai
• A Doors Off Helicopter Tour on Kauai: Is It Worth it?
• 14 Best Beaches in Kauai
• 23 Unmissable Things to Do on the Big Island
• 9 Best Books About Hawaii to Read Before You Visit

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18 Comments

I’m wondering if one must rent a car to travel? Is uber not available in Hawaii?

Reply ↓

It depends where you go. It Honolulu on Oahu you could manage without a car as there is Uber and you could also take the bus or tours to some attractions.

In other places it would be challenging as Uber is limited and attractions are spread apart. If you wanted a relaxing vacation spent mostly in your resort you could manage without a car and just take a few tours. But to see a lot, a car gives you the most flexibility.

Your review made no mention of exploring the art museum & palace.

These 2 spots are essential visits in Oahu. Exploring how Hawaiian islands last provincial part of royal hawaiian culture just before annexation to the United States as a territory, and later a state is fascinating. The art museum and also Duke Mansion have extremely rare & valuable originals of some of the most revered artists in varying mediums. Picasso, Monet, Rembrant, Matisse, Van gough, O’keife. Really disappointing it is not even mentioned here. I have visited Hawaiian Island more than 10 + times. They are essential stops.

Thanks for the suggestions, Susanne. Everyone has different priorities, and for us, with limited time in Honolulu, we preferred to focus on the amazing outdoor attractions.

I do think it’s important to learn about Hawaii’s history and culture so I’ve read a lot of books about it.

This is so helpful and thorough! I have been clicking back and forth to different articles. Thank you for putting your time in to such a great resource.

I’m glad you found it useful! Thanks Jennifer for the kind words!

Hi!! Do you have any recommendations on phone/data plans for internationals?💕

We’re currently in the US and are using T Mobile. Simon got an unlimited data plan for $50 a month and bought the SIM in advance from SIM Corner while we were in New Zealand (they ship from various countries).

That was useful as it meant we had the SIM as soon as we arrived (most airports don’t seem to have places to buy SIMs).

I just went into a T-Mobile shop to buy mine and got the cheapest plan of $15 for 2.5GB data valid for 30 days. Plus $10 for the SIM card. All plans have unlimited domestic talk and text.

If you look in the trucks at Farmers Markets….many of the boxes are from COSTCO. If you plan to self-cater, shop at COSTCO first and then Walmart if the island your visiting has one.

Do you know if the Covid restrictions would prevent people from renting a car and doing their own circle tour. These tours are outrageously expensive for only 15 mins at each location. I could easily just use our rental car and take our time seeing what we want to see. So my question is will the State of Hawaii only allow these pricey tours right now because of Covid? For example, I don’t want to drive to see the Halona Blowhole only to find out we can’t get near it because of certain restrictions.

You are allowed to rent a car (as long as you don’t have to quarantine which you shouldn’t if you get a test before arrival) so there’s no reason not to drive yourself. There is high demand for car rentals in Hawaii at the moment (many rental companies sold off cars last year) so book as far in advance as possible.

Hi! Thank you for this article it was very helpful. For the sunrise mountain in Maui, I saw the reservations is per car. Do you drive all the way up or hike? I will be traveling with some older people (70+), so trying to understand the feasibility? Thank you!

Yes, it is per car. You drive all the way up and don’t have to walk more than a few minutes from the carpark to the viewpoint. There are optional hiking trails around for post-sunrise, but it’s still stunning without any walking.

Thank you for the tips to “Bring reusable shopping bags” and “Schedule your most important activities early”. Very good points to keep in mind.

I love that Hawaii has so many places that offer to rent (folding) beach chairs! I find that option sorely missing from the islands in the Caribbean. In fact, I ended up buying an inexpensive beach chair from Wal-mart when we were in Puerto Rico this past winter.

What about tent camping, is that not a viable alternative to the high priced lodging?

Yes, that’s definitely the cheapest way to experience Hawaii. It’s not our thing, although we saw the campsite at Waianapanapa State Park on Maui and you can’t beat the location!

I’ve lived on Kauai for over 40 years. While I agree with nearly everything you say in this excellent article, there was one glaring error that any Kauai resident could confirm. Although visiting off season is, indeed, (somewhat) cheaper and certainly less crowded, the weather in April on Kauai (and generally March) is far from excellent. Many, many visitors to Kauai have had their vacations ruined by our relentless April rains (in fact, much of the north shore is still closed from catastrophic rains over a year ago, and a couple of years before that it rained for nearly 40 straight days (okay, maybe not, but any local will swear by it…). April is by far the worst possible month to visit Kauai and it does your readers a digs-service to urge them to do so.

Thanks for the information Bill. I will update the post.

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• 23 Critical Things to Know for Planning a Trip to Hawaii (2024)

by Bryan Murphy | Nov 22, 2023

Planning a trip to Hawaii can be both thrilling and daunting. The tropical paradise houses an abundance of spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history that promise unforgettable memories.

However, the details of your itinerary can make or break your experience in Hawaii. In this guide I’ll help you navigate these intricacies ensuring you get the most out of your trip by focusing on 23 critical things to know for planning a trip to Hawaii.

Ready for some sun-soaked fun? Let’s go!

Planning Your Trip? Use Our Favorite Resources!

Key takeaways of things to know for planing a trip to hawaii, before your trip to hawaii, 1. choose which island(s) to visit, 2. know the best time of year to go, 3. determine length of stay, 4. decide on accommodations (hotel or vacation rental), 5. consider renting a car, 6. budget for trip expenses, 7. book in advance, plan your activities on each island, 8. consider a hawaiian cruise, 9. research lesser-known islands, 10. choose which side of the island to stay on, 11. familiarize yourself with the geography, 12. try local food and experiences, tips for during your trip, 13. pack reef-safe sunscreen, 14. go snorkeling, 15. learn about hawaiian culture.

• 16. Don't rely on airport lei greetings

17. Follow cultural etiquette

18. be mindful of the environment, 19. volunteer and give back, 20. book a luau for the end of your trip, 21. plan your visits to beaches, 22. check weather and ask for directions, 23. be mindful of leaving valuables in rentals, faqs for planning a trip to hawaii, 1. what are some good travel tips for planning a trip to hawaii, 2. how long should i plan my stay in hawaii, 3. is it expensive to head to hawaii, 4. what is the best island in hawaii for first-time visitors, 5.what should i know before going on this trip, 6.can i visit without renting a car, 7. what are the top 3 must-visit islands in hawaii, 8. how can i save money on a trip to hawaii, 9. what should i know before planning a trip to hawaii in 2023, 10. what are some essential hawaii travel tips to keep in mind, 11. how should i plan my hawaiian vacation to make the most of it, 12. what are the critical things to know before your trip to hawaii, 13. is hawaii an expensive destination for travelers, 14. what are the best ways to see hawaii while on vacation, 15. are there any specific things to keep in mind before visiting hawaii, 16. what are the best ways to spend 10 days in hawaii, planning a trip to hawaii wrap-up, related posts.

This planning a trip to Hawaii post is written by Bryan Murphy , an expert in Hawaii travel and a top-rated podcast host.

Information Disclaimer: This website gives general info and isn’t legal or official advice. It helps travelers with tips but can’t replace personal abilities, fitness, experience, or local knowledge, which you are fully liable for. All activities have risks; assess current conditions and follow local laws and signage.

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📱 Mobile Tour App: Our favorite is Shaka Guide

Before you go on your trip to Hawaii, it’s important to think about a few things. You should decide which island or islands you want to visit, figure out the best time to go, find a place to stay, and consider whether you need to rent a car.

Good planning is essential for a great vacation in Hawaii.

Let’s delve into these important details so you can make the most out of your time in paradise.

• Choose the right island(s) to visit in Hawaii based on your preferences and what you want to see.
• Plan your trip during the best time of year, considering weather, crowds, and costs.
• Determine the length of your stay.
• Decide between hotels or vacation rentals for accommodation based on your budget and desired experience.
• Renting a car is recommended to explore Hawaii’s islands at your own pace.
• Budget for trip expenses including accommodation, transportation, food, and activities.
• Book accommodations and activities in advance to secure the best options and avoid last-minute stress.
• Try local food like fresh seafood, traditional dishes, and shave ice to immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture.

In Hawaii, each island has its own charm.   Oahu is full of life with the city, history, and Waikiki Beach. Maui boasts lovely beaches and a special drive called the   Road to Hana .   The Big Island lets you see active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and many nature spots.

If you like green places with cliffs and waterfalls, Kauai may be for you. For a quiet trip with less busy scenes, pick Molokai or Lanai. Decide which sights matter most to make your choice easy!

RELATED PODCAST: Best Island to Visit

The   best time to visit Hawaii   is not the same for everyone. It depends on what you are looking for in your trip. For those who want warm weather, the summer months are great. But be ready for more humidity and some rain showers now and then.

If you enjoy cooler temperatures, plan your trip during the winter months . Expect a bit of rain too.

Thinking about costs? September can help you save money as it’s the cheapest month to go there! Mid- December to mid-April is when Hawaii gets many visitors so it might get crowded.

Spring and fall have milder weather with fewer people around making them good choices too.

RELATED PODCAST: Best Time to Visit Hawaii

Figuring out how long to stay is key for your Hawaii trip. Aim for   4-7 days on each island   you want to see. This gives you enough time to   enjoy the beaches ,   try local foods , and   learn about Hawaiian culture .

It also lets you   fit in fun things like snorkeling or a day trip on a cruise. Your vacation will feel relaxed if you give yourself plenty of time in Hawaii. So, decide early on how many days you’ll spend there.

When planning your trip to Hawaii, one important decision is choosing where to stay. You have   two main options: hotels or vacation rentals . Hotels in Hawaii can   range from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts , offering various   amenities and services .

On the other hand, vacation rentals can provide a   more authentic and immersive experience of Hawaiian culture . They often come with a   kitchen or kitchenette , allowing you to save money on dining expenses by preparing your own meals.

Choosing where to stay in Hawaii depends on what you like, how much you can spend, and what kind of trip you want. You can pick either a hotel or a vacation rental.

Renting a car is highly recommended when visiting Hawaii. It will give you the flexibility and convenience to explore the islands at your own pace. Public transportation in Hawaii is limited, so having a rental car allows you to easily get around and see all the sights.

With heavy traffic in some areas, having your own vehicle can help you avoid delays and make the most of your time on vacation. While renting a car may not be necessary for a stay in Waikiki, it is still beneficial if you plan on exploring beyond that area.

So consider renting a car to enjoy your Hawaii vacation fully!

Hawaii can be an expensive destination, so it’s important to budget for your trip expenses. Accommodation costs can vary depending on where you stay and the type of accommodation you choose.

Transportation costs include flights to Hawaii and possibly inter-island flights or ferry rides. Rental cars are another expense to consider. Food and dining expenses can add up, especially if you eat at high-end restaurants or resorts.

It’s also important to be cautious of potential scams or fraudulent activity related to travel expenses in Hawaii. Plan ahead, research prices, and allocate your budget wisely to make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.

Booking your accommodations and activities in advance is crucial when planning a trip to Hawaii. With its popularity as a vacation destination,   hotels and vacation rentals can fill up quickly , especially during peak seasons.

By booking ahead of time, you’ll secure the best options for your stay and   avoid last-minute stress . Additionally, popular activities like luaus or guided tours may have limited availability if not reserved beforehand.

So don’t wait until the last minute – plan ahead and ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to paradise!

A Hawaiian cruise is a   fantastic way to explore the beautiful islands   and have a   variety of activities to enjoy . Whether you’re visiting Maui, Oahu, or the Big Island, a cruise allows you to   experience different parts of Hawaii   without constantly packing and unpacking.

You can hop from one island to another and take part in exciting excursions like   snorkeling, hiking, or exploring hidden beaches . Plus,   all your meals and accommodations are taken care of   on the ship, making it   convenient and hassle-free .

So if you want an   unforgettable adventure in Hawaii , consider booking a Hawaiian cruise for an amazing experience.

When planning your Hawaii trip, it’s important to   research lesser-known islands . While popular destinations like Oahu and Maui are well-known, there are other   hidden gems   waiting to be discovered.

By exploring these lesser-known islands, you can experience a more   authentic and off-the-beaten-path   side of Hawaii. Take the time to learn about these islands, their   unique landscapes ,   local culture , and activities they offer.

Follow the lead of local residents who can provide   valuable insights and recommendations   for making the most of your visit to these hidden treasures in Hawaii.

When choosing where to stay on the Hawaiian islands, it’s important to consider which side of the island you want to be on. Each side offers a   different experience and scenery . For example, on Oahu, the south shore is more touristy with   bustling Waikiki Beach and vibrant nightlife , while the north shore is known for its   laid-back vibe and famous surfing spots like Pipeline .

On Maui, the west side is known for its   beautiful sunsets and lively atmosphere , while the east side (Hana) offers peaceful beaches and lush landscapes along the Road to Hana.

It’s worth researching each island’s different regions to find the perfect spot that suits your interests and preferences during your Hawaii trip.

Hawaii is made up of   multiple islands , and each island has its own   unique geography . It’s important to familiarize yourself with the layout of the islands before your trip.

Remember that there are   no bridges between the islands , so driving from one to another isn’t possible.

The easiest way to travel between islands is by taking inter-island flights. Rental cars are recommended for getting around within each island. So make sure you know which island(s) you want to visit and plan accordingly for transportation options during your trip.

When visiting Hawaii, don’t miss out on the opportunity to try the   local food and experiences . Eating local dishes will give you an   authentic taste of the islands   and allow you to immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture.

Sample   freshly caught seafood   like Mahi Mahi, Ono, Opah, and Ahi for a delicious treat. Don’t forget to try   locally grown produce   such as dragon fruit, coconut, lilikoi, pineapples, and locally produced honey.

For a true taste of Hawaii, indulge in   traditional dishes   like   poi   (made from taro root), laulau (pork or fish wrapped in taro leaves),   kalua pig   (slow-roasted pork), and poke (marinated raw fish).

During your trip, there are several tips that can enhance your experience in Hawaii. From packing   reef-safe sunscreen   to immersing yourself in Hawaiian culture, these suggestions will help you make the most of your time on the islands.

To   protect Hawaii’s beautiful reefs , it’s important to pack reef-safe sunscreen for your trip. Reef-safe sunscreens are free from   harmful chemicals   that can   damage the coral reefs .

Get our list of recommendations here . By using reef-safe sunscreen, you can enjoy the beaches and snorkeling while being   mindful of the environment . So don’t forget to pack your reef-safe sunscreen and take care of Hawaii’s stunning marine life during your visit!

Snorkeling in Hawaii is a   must-do activity   for visitors. You’ll be amazed by the   vibrant underwater world   with colorful fish, sea turtles, and even octopi. Make sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect yourself and the delicate coral reefs.

Snorkeling is a great way to   explore the beauty of Hawaii’s marine life   and create unforgettable memories during your trip.

Hawaiian culture is an essential part of your trip to Hawaii . By learning about the customs and traditions, you can   show respect and appreciation for the local community .

The Hawaiian language is unique, with the ʻokina punctuation mark influencing word pronunciation and meaning.

Take the time to understand and use basic Hawaiian words like “aloha” (hello/goodbye) and “mahalo” (thank you).   Embrace cultural activities like hula dancing, lei making, and traditional music performances .

Visit museums, art galleries, or historical sites to delve deeper into Hawaiian history . By immersing yourself in Hawaiian culture, you’ll have a richer experience during your trip.

RELATED PODCAST: The Ban and Revitalization of the Hawaiian Language

RELATED PODCAST: Hawaiian Words to Know Before Visiting

16. Don’t rely on airport lei greetings

When you arrive at the airport in Hawaii, it may be tempting to expect a beautiful lei greeting. However, it’s important to know that  lei greetings are not as common  as they used to be.

Many  airports no longer offer this service or charge an extra fee  for it. Instead of relying on airport lei greetings,  consider purchasing your own lei from local vendors or flower shops  before arriving in Hawaii.

This way, you can  still experience the tradition  and  have a beautiful welcome  without any disappointments at the airport.

Respecting local customs and traditions  is very important when visiting Hawaii. The residents expect visitors to  follow cultural etiquette . It’s essential to be mindful of the Hawaiian culture and show respect for their traditions.

Learn about the customs, such as removing your shoes before entering someone’s home and  asking permission before taking photographs at sacred sites .

Additionally, it is crucial to understand that  the use of the ʻokina punctuation mark in the Hawaiian language  plays a significant role in determining word pronunciation and meaning.

By being aware of these cultural norms, you can ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience during your trip to Hawaii.

When visiting Hawaii, it’s important to be mindful of the environment. The residents of Hawaii take great pride in preserving their natural surroundings, and as visitors, we should follow their lead.

One way to do this is by  bringing our own reusable bags when shopping  since  plastic bags are banned in Hawaii . This simple action helps reduce plastic waste and protects the beautiful landscapes that make Hawaii so special.

Another aspect of being mindful of the environment in Hawaii is understanding and adhering to surfing etiquette. Respect for the ocean and other surfers is crucial for both safety and environmental conservation.

Additionally, it’s essential to check the weather report before engaging in outdoor activities like hiking or swimming near canyons or waterfalls because even on sunny days,  flash floods can occur unexpectedly .

Volunteering and giving back  during your trip to Hawaii is highly encouraged. Not only does it allow you to experience the culture in a meaningful way, but it also helps  support local communities and conservation efforts .

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved, whether it’s  participating in beach clean-ups, helping at wildlife sanctuaries, or assisting with community projects . By volunteering, you can make a positive impact during your time on the islands and leave a lasting impression on both yourself and the local people.

To end your trip to Hawaii on a high note, make sure to book a luau. A luau is a  traditional Hawaiian feast  that includes  delicious food, music, dancing, and entertainment . It’s a fun and festive way to  immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture  and create lasting memories.

Plus, it’s a great opportunity to sample  authentic Hawaiian cuisine  like kalua pig, poi, and haupia. So don’t forget to  reserve your spot at a luau  before you leave Hawaii – it’ll be the perfect way to celebrate the end of your amazing trip!

When planning your visits to beaches in Hawaii, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, check the   weather forecast   to ensure that conditions are   safe for swimming and sunbathing .

Additionally, ask locals or lifeguards for any   specific beach recommendations or directions . Remember that some beaches may have   strong currents or hazardous conditions , so always pay attention to warning signs and follow safety guidelines.

Lastly, be mindful of   leaving valuables unattended on the beach   and consider bringing reef-safe sunscreen to protect the fragile marine ecosystem. Enjoy your time exploring Hawaii’s beautiful beaches responsibly!

Before heading out for any outdoor activities in Hawaii, it’s important to   check the weather report . Even if the sun is shining, there can still be   flash floods in narrow canyons or waterfalls .

So always   stay updated on the current conditions   to ensure your safety. Additionally, don’t hesitate to   ask for directions when exploring   the islands. The   locals are friendly and knowledgeable , and they can help you find the best routes and hidden gems.

It’s better to be well-prepared and informed before embarking on any adventures during your Hawaii trip!

When you’re visiting Hawaii, it’s important to take precautions and protect your belongings. Theft from rental cars is unfortunately common in Hawaii, so make sure you   don’t leave any valuables   inside your rental vehicle.

This includes things like electronics, wallets, purses, and even luggage. If possible, try to keep all your valuable items with you or locked away safely in your accommodations.

Being mindful of leaving valuables in rentals can help   ensure a safe and enjoyable trip   without any unexpected incidents.

For traveling to Hawaii, you’ll want to book your car rental far in advance and consider discount Hawaii car rentals. Shopping in Honolulu, exploring various islands, and knowing what things to do can make your trip better.

You may want ten days or even longer for visiting all the experiences that the Hawaiian islands offer. Your vacation time depends on which island you’re visiting and what you wish to do.

Yes, going to Hawaii is often costly due to its beauty and unique offerings. But there’s always a way of saving money by booking early or finding good deals.

If it’s your first time going to Hawaii, Oahu with Honolulu International Airport might be an excellent place for you because of many top things see here.

Before your vacation in 2023, look at top travel tips like how much money you’ll need and other vital info about state laws besides knowing native Hawaiian customs.

Though having a car gives easy access around islands,you could also plan trips that don’t require one.There are local tours or public transport available.

The top 3 must-visit islands in Hawaii are Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island. Each island offers unique attractions and experiences for visitors.

To save money on a trip to Hawaii, consider booking accommodations and activities in advance, looking for travel packages, cooking some meals at your accommodation, and exploring free or low-cost attractions.

Before planning a trip to Hawaii in 2023, it’s important to be aware of any travel restrictions, changes in entry requirements, and the current state of tourism in Hawaii. Be sure to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and guidelines.

Some essential Hawaii travel tips include respecting the local culture, being mindful of conservation efforts, staying safe while enjoying water activities, and being courteous to fellow visitors and locals.

To make the most of your Hawaiian vacation, plan your itinerary carefully, prioritize the activities and sights you want to experience, and consider taking guided tours or seeking advice from locals for hidden gems.

Critical things to know before your trip to Hawaii include understanding the local customs, being aware of the high cost of living and goods in Hawaii, making reservations for popular attractions or restaurants, and familiarizing yourself with the geography of the islands.

Yes, Hawaii is generally considered an expensive destination for travelers. Costs of accommodations, dining, and activities can be higher compared to mainland USA, so it’s advisable to budget carefully and look for ways to save money.

The best ways to see Hawaii while on vacation are by exploring the natural beauty and scenic spots, taking part in outdoor activities, learning about the rich history and culture of the islands, and engaging in local experiences such as traditional luaus and festivals.

Before visiting Hawaii, it’s important to be mindful of environmental conservation, practice responsible tourism, be prepared for varying weather conditions, and ensure that you have appropriate travel insurance for your trip.

Spending 10 days in Hawaii allows you to explore multiple islands, engage in various activities such as snorkeling, hiking, and visiting historical sites, and immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes and cultures of Hawaii.

Now that you’re armed with these 23 critical things to know for planning your Hawaii trip, you can make the most of your time in paradise.

From   choosing the right island and accommodations   to   understanding Hawaiian culture   and   being mindful of the environment , these tips will help ensure a   smooth and memorable vacation .

So go ahead, start planning your dream trip to Hawaii and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in this beautiful destination!

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Bryan Murphy, owner of Hawaii’s Best Travel, is a certified Hawaii destination expert from the Hawaii Visitors Bureau. He actively participates in the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau as a member and has a strong educational background focused on local culture and sustainability. As the host of “Hawaii’s Best Travel,” a top-30 US travel podcast, Bryan combines his years of experience with valuable insights. He connects with a broad online community, reaching nearly half a million people, and offers a richer, more responsible way to experience Hawaii.

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Aloha, we're Bryan Murphy and Ali Murphy, a family of five that loves exploring Hawaii. Through Hawaii's Best, we share our top places to visit, stay, and responsible travel. Learn Hawaiian culture and how to support local. With years of experience, we're known experts in responsible Hawaii travel. Listen to our top-rated podcast, " Hawaii’s Best Travel ," and join our free online community of Hawaii lovers. Learn More ->

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Best Time to Visit Hawaii

Top times of year to travel to hawaii for the best weather, lowest rates, top events, and fewest visitors.

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Best Times to travel to Hawaii?

Which month is best to go to hawaii, updated for travelers in 2024 through early 2025.

Whether you're looking to explore Hawaii's stunning beaches or discover more about the unique local culture, Hawaii is an amazing destination for any type of vacation. In this article, we'll explore the various months of the year and discuss which are the best times to visit Hawaii . We'll look at the climate, prices, and activities available in each month to help you decide when is the best time for you to experience the beautiful islands of Hawaii.

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Awini Trail beyond Pololu Valley on the Big Island

When's Best to Visit Hawaii TL;DR

Generally, the best time to visit Hawaii  for the most ideal  overall weather , lowest statewide rates , and the  fewest visitors on-island  is April and May during the spring and  September and October during the fall. Some refer to these times as Hawaii's 'off-season period' or 'shoulder months.'   In the summer, it will certainly be more crowded, so early June is best, and during the winter, though typically wetter, we recommend  January , especially if you want to see the humpback whales .

Hawaii Tips and details for each top month:

• April  - an excellent month, but avoid holidays when applicable
• May  - the best overall month for visitors, in our opinion. Great weather and reasonable rates
• September  - excellent month, great weather, perfect time for those seeking fewer visitors
• October  - great month, excellent selection of local festivals & events
• January - wetter than average , but an excellent time to go whale watching

Haven't decided which island(s) you're visiting? Take the quiz and read our companion article: Which Hawaii Island to Visit?

Hawaii Quiz: Selecting the Best Time for you to Visit

As noted, selecting the right time of year to visit Hawaii is no easy task for many visitors. It can be a confusing and even frustrating job, and that's probably the last thing anyone wants when planning a trip to Hawaii. That’s why we’ve created this handy quiz- to help determine which time(s) of the year are best for you. Based on your unique responses, we'll provide the top four months we believe are best for you and your travel party.

Quiz Instructions

Simply read and answer the questions below- each of your answers will earn a set number of points which will be tallied at the end. Make sure to answer as many of the questions as possible to ensure the most accurate results. Please answer each Question with a "Yes", "No", or "Somewhat" response.

Honopu Valley on Kauai

If you're considering visiting Hawaii in the coming months, then we've got you covered...

• Check out our 'Best time to...' FAQ
• Hawaii Budget Calculator & Trip Cost Estimator
• TL;DR - skip directly to our  Best Month to Visit Hawaii Quiz →
• Explore Hawaii Hotel Rates by Season
• 2024 Hawaii Update: How the last few years  changed a lot...

Below we'll go over the latest on  each island's conditions , general  weather expectations , our  expected visitor demand , visitor  trends , and much more.

Kualoa Regional Park and Mokolii Island on Oahu

Ultimately, in our honest opinion - there isn't an inopportune time to go to Hawaii. Visiting Hawaii is a dream come true for many visitors, and who can blame them? The weather is fantastic nearly year-round, there's something to do for everyone , and the food is  phenomenal (try laulau , and malasadas , trust us!).

Below we'll cover more details about what makes this a great time, or not, to visit the Aloha State .

Totals by Island - 2022 vs 2023

Above, we've included an updated graphic comparing visitor arrivals to each major Hawaiian island for both 2022 and 2023. This bar chart provides a more accurate year-over-year comparison by aligning the time frames for both years. The impact of the wildfires on Maui is quite obvious in this chart. What we can say for certain is that  demand has softened for mid to late 2024 , and the summer 2024 travel season has seen fewer forward bookings than usual. Some experts predict this pattern to continue, especially on Maui for the foreseeable future.

What to Expect in 2024 through early 2025

Prices that have risen over the last two years will likely continue to  impact flight costs, hotel & accommodation rates, the costs associated with rental vehicles (Turo or standard rental agency), and other rates/fees due to increases in local electricity costs (Hawaii still generates a significant amount of its electricity from petroleum fuels). As of mid-2024, Hawaii government leaders continue to debate additionally introducing a visitor or climate-impact fee that ranges from $25-$50 per traveler, but this has not been finalized yet. Increases to the accommodation tax, already the highest in the nation at up to 18%, are also not out of the question. There are also ongoing discussions about eliminating some or all vacation rental properties, at each respective island official's discretion, like those found on VRBO or AirB&B. Maui is particularly vulnerable to these changes. We're following these topics closely and will keep this page updated accordingly.

The devastating wildfires that affected West Maui in August 2023 are also continuing to impact Maui's economy at this time, and this will mean price swings, flight demand issues at times, and other factors to consider for those looking to visit the Valley Isle in the coming months. Lahaina remains closed and we urge all potential Maui visitors to be especially mindful and respectful in the islands as the community continues through this tragedy.

We'll keep you posted... this article will be updated accordingly as things change.

Nololu Trail Lookout in West Kauai

Hawaiian Islands Demand

Estimated hawaii visitors by month.

Estimated Monthly Visitors by Hawaii Island (2023 & 2022) - Click to enlarge

Estimated Monthly Visitors by Hawaii Island (2019 & 2022) - Click to enlarge

Estimated Monthly Visitors by Hawaii Island 2019

Hawaii 2024 Visitor Demand Forecast (Click to Enlarge)

How to Beat the Hawaii Crowds

When are periods of high and low demand.

To assist visitors with visualizing the periods of high and low demand in Hawaii, we've created the following  2024 Hawaii Demand Forecast . We'll also specifically discuss visiting during each month of the next year in more detail below. You can also now check out our initial  2025 Hawaii Demand Forecast   to see what we expect regarding high/low visitation periods in 2025.

These charts are an  approximate overview  of when we expect Hawaii to see increased visitation on-island, based on travel trends in Hawaii over the last several years (excluding 2020 & 2021) and considering recent events within Hawaii.

Hawaiian Lodging Rates

Hawaii accommodation prices by month.

Hawaii Hotel Rates in 2023

Hawaii Vacation Rental Rates in 2023

Hawaii Hotel Rates

Average accommodation prices.

As is to be expected, when more people are 'on-island' visiting the Hawaiian Islands - accommodation, rental, and flight costs will increase as well. To avoid the crowds and keep rates lower, you can always try visiting during non-peak visitation periods (i.e.; holidays and summer months are high-demand time periods). When preparing for your trip, the following graphic should help provide a general idea of the average rates during different times of the year. These rates fluctuate by island, but these figures still allow you to prepare accordingly.

The rates on the charts seen here are from a couple of years ago and will be updated once things settle from the pandemic, but generally should provide a good overview of pricing during various times of the year. Check out our new Hawaii Trip Cost Calculator tool for a more accurate estimate of exactly how much you can expect to spend on a Hawaii trip in 2024.

Generally, Oahu accommodation prices have remained relatively consistent with pre-pandemic rates heading into the summer/fall of 2024, but the outer-islands continue to see rate increases of 20-60% over pre-pandemic prices.

Hawaii Statewide Average Hotel Price Chart

Waikamoi Ridge Trail forest on Maui

Tunnels Beach on North Kauai

Take our When to Visit Hawaii Quiz

Take our quick travel quiz to determine which month(s) are best for you based on your personal interests. Our quiz will generate a personalized page with suggestions tailored to you; including the top four months to travel to Hawaii!

Take our When to Visit Quiz Now

'Best Time to/for...' Hawaii FAQ

Seasonal events, when to book, finding the best rates, & more..., best time for good weather.

While Hawaii is a great destination year-round, the best opportunity for good weather exists during April, May, September, and October. As the tradewinds pick up over the winter months, so do the showers, and surf swells, particularly on the north/northeast (windward) shores of each island. The weather is warm year-round, with average highs in the winter of 78-82ºF (26-28ºC) and 83-88ºF (29-31ºC) in the summer months. Learn more about Hawaii weather .

Best Time to avoid crowds?

Hawaii has visitors during all months of the year, but typically, if you want to avoid the crowds , visit in either November (excluding Thanksgiving) or May for the quietest scene on the islands. Additionally, the first week of June, most of April (excluding ‘Golden Week’ and Easter), and much of September or October are great times to avoid the majority of visitors. Learn more about When to Travel to Hawaii .

Best Time to Book Hawaii Hotels?

As a rule of thumb, book early - no later than 2-3 months before you go! It's not uncommon for the Best Accommodations in Hawaii to get booked quickly, especially during the summer months over holidays. If you are planning to visit in either July or August and especially if you’re planning a visit around the Christmas/New Year’s holiday in late December, then we’d advise booking 4-6 months in advance to ensure you can reserve the room(s) you want. Be sure to check our Hotel Rates for the best prices and to compare all the top travel sites in one quick search.

Best Time to purchase Hawaii Airline Tickets?

As with accommodations, it’s best to typically book earlier than later. The best prices for Hawaii flights can vary dramatically throughout the year, depending on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, to find the best rates, we advise visitors to start searching for flights four months before your trip and to book no later than one month before your planned departure. Using this approach should provide you the best opportunity to find a good deal. If you are planning a visit during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another holiday, we’d advise you book much earlier, as far in advance as possible to ensure the best price for what will undoubtedly be high-demand tickets during those peak periods.

Best Time to Find Deals & Discounts?

If you’re searching for the best rates when visiting Hawaii, we’d advise you to start your search for flights that arrive/depart in the middle of the week. Flying during the middle of the week will save you a lot of money, especially when flying from geographically further away. Generally, the most affordable rates for both flights and hotels in Hawaii will be primarily during the fall and somewhat so during the spring.

For accommodations, the months of September through November (sometimes into early December) offer the best hotel deals , again excluding Thanksgiving. In the spring, the best accommodation rates can be found from late March until early June (excluding the Easter holiday and Japan’s ‘Golden Week,’ in April).

For tours and activities, while many deals and specials will be ‘last-minute’ - the best discounts and specials run during the summer months (late May - July). Sign up for our Hawaii eNewsletter , a bi-weekly email containing travel tips, to also receive exclusive Hawaii discounts, deals, specials, and other promotional offers.

Best Time for Snorkeling, Swimming, and Diving?

Hawaii offers fantastic snorkeling, diving, and swimming opportunities for much of the year, but the best times are the summer months. During this period the surf will be less intense than during the winter, the water will be warmer, and the weather more cooperative - creating the perfect conditions for exploring in the water around the islands.

In our opinion, Maui snorkeling is the best you'll find in the entire state, followed by snorkeling on the Big Island . Both islands offer great snorkeling locations largely protected from surf and tradewinds on the leeward side of each island.

Best Time to ski or snowboard?

This isn’t a typo; you can ski and snowboard in Hawaii - though conditions will have to be just right. Mauna Kea , on the Big Island, means ‘white mountain’ in Hawaiian and its peaks are frequently found blanketed with a layer of snow. To provide yourself the best opportunity to partake in this winter sport, visit during February or March. Be sure to prepare accordingly, as there are limited facilities and you will need a 4x4 vehicle to reach the summit.

Best Time to take a cruise to/around Hawaii?

The best time to find a good bargain on cruises, including inter-island cruises, will be late November through mid-December. The best time for selection of boats will be in the spring (April/May) and fall (late August-October). Winter months are often more expensive (due to increased visitation), and typically wetter - but do offer the opportunity for whale watching (late November through early April).

Best Time to go Whale Watching?

Each winter, Humpback Whales migrate from Alaska to the warm waters surrounding Hawaii to mate and give birth to their calves. The best opportunities for whale watching will be from late November through mid-April; February and March often provide the best opportunities for sightings.

Best Time to get married/have a destination wedding?

As noted in the weather question, to avoid the wettest weather, try and plan your wedding for the summer months; anytime from late April until late October is usually a pretty safe bet. The middle of the summer will be warmer but is also typically the driest. Hurricane season runs from June through November as well, but storms are historically rare events. Ultimately, all factors considered - the best month for a destination wedding in Hawaii is in May.

Best Time for Hiking?

Hawaii offers some of the best hiking in the world if we may say so ourselves; a hiker could probably traverse Kauai’s trails alone for years and never get bored. As with most things in Hawaii, the hiking is excellent year-round, but the best months for hitting the trails are during the late spring and early fall (April, May, September, and October). The weather will be drier during these months, as well as throughout the entire summer, but unlike the summer, these spring/fall months will also be cooler. Be sure to take plenty of water and sunscreen before you head out, as the UV is very high in Hawaii year-round. If you hike during the winter months, be prepared for showers and trail conditions to potentially be messier / less maintained.

Best Time to visit Kilauea Volcano or go stargazing on Mauna Kea?

The Big Island’s Kilauea volcano has erupted almost continuously since 1983, sometimes more spectacularly than at other times. While there isn’t a ‘best time’ to witness something controlled by geologic forces, especially given the unpredictable nature of the volcano; if you’re planning to hike around the volcano or within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park , we’d advise the same as we did in our hiking question - visit during the spring or fall when it’s not at hot, and the weather will be cooperative. The summer will often be too warm to hike anywhere near the older black lava flows.

On the other hand, if you’re heading to the summit of Mauna Kea for some stargazing, then the summer months are best due to the same warmer temperatures. The peaks of Mauna Kea can become downright frigid at night, especially during the winter months. Remember, a full moon will offer the best opportunities for clear stargazing, and be sure to prepare accordingly before heading to the summit.

Best Time to go Fishing?

Fishing is another activity that can be partaken year-round, as different species of fish will bite at different times of the year and off the coast of each unique island. Summer tends to be one of the most popular periods for fishing - offering marlin (blue and yellowfin), skipjack, and ono. Fall and spring both offer good marlin and mahi-mahi fishing. Winter months are best for catching snapper, skipjack, tuna, and striped marlin. If you're visiting Maui, we recommend Fish Maui .

Best Time to Surf, Bodyboard, or Paddleboard(SUP)?

The best time for water activities like surfing and bodyboarding will be during the winter months. The biggest waves, for professionals, will be on the north shore. For the rest of us non-pros, the south coast is best during the winter. During the summer and fall (May - September), the waves will be calmer on the north shore of each island - so all skill levels can partake.

For other water sports like paddleboarding, we like the spring and fall the best, but this again can be a year-round activity if you select the right location(s) based on the time of year you visit.

Best Time for local festivals and events?

The best time to visit for island festivals and events depends on what you're looking for during your visit. ' Merrie Monarch ,' also known as the Olympics of Hula , is held in Hilo on the Big Island every April. Over on Oahu, you can catch the 'Waikiki Spam Jam,' also usually held in April. The ' Aloha Festivals ' takes place on all the islands each year in late September.

King Kamehameha Day (June 11) and Lei Day (May 1) also both offer various festivities, including impressive lei draping ceremonies of the King Kamehameha Statutes on both the Big Island and Oahu. Check our Hawaii events page for more information on what might be taking place during your visit.

Wailua Falls on Maui

Makalawena Beach on the Big Island

Hawaii Driving Tour Apps

Location-Based Applications

It's like having a tour guide in your car! Listen to stories, legends, history, and what to do and see, at the right place and time.

Shaka Guide uses your GPS to guide you to interesting places along the way on each of the main Hawaiian islands. Automatic audio tours with turn-by-turn directions mean all you need to do is to turn on the tour and drive. Check out driving Tours for Circle Island Oahu, North Shore Kauai, and Waimea Canyon & Na Pali Coast.

Island Driving Tours - App

Hawaii Flight Times

Airline Costs & Flight Rates

This section will be updated once more information is available and the airline industry has had a chance to return to some sense of normalcy. Currently, rates are still competitive airline to airline and demand fairly strong.

The recently announced (potential) merger between Hawaiian and Alaska airlines will have implications on Hawaii travel; we'll touch more on that as the merger process evolves.

Demand for Maui flights will vary as the island recovers from the devastating wildfires in August 2023.

As a general rule, we continue to advise travelers to book their flights well in advance of their trip.

Hawaii Weather

What to expect - rain & temperatures, hawaii weather summary, high/low temperatures & monthly precipitation.

*Climate Notes: Weather and Climate numbers are aggregated from trusted weather sources providing the monthly temperature and precipitation figures for each island's primary airport. These airports collectively provide a solid statewide estimate of weather conditions, but should not be taken as a "whole-island" forecast. Weather conditions can change dramatically within Hawaii and on each island due to the diverse topography, changes in elevation, the trade winds, and other unique island conditions. Temperatures are provided in Fahrenheit and Precipitation in Inches. Travelers can additionally view more information about each island: Kauai | Oahu | Maui | Big Island

Hawaii Statewide Weather (click to enlarge)

Hawaii weather can often be about as sporadic as it gets, and as such, forecasting the weather on Hawaii can be both daunting and confusing to first-time visitors. 

The tropical climate makes you quickly realize, 'this isn't the mainland,' and the environment takes some getting used to.

We encourage all visitors to check out our Hawaii Weather page, but here are a few quick pointers on Hawaii's weather to summarize:

• Read up on the forecasts at the  University of Hawaii Weather  before you visit and during your stay, as they have the best and most accurate estimates on the islands.
• Don't listen to the Weather Channel or watch the NOAA forecast graphs, of course, they'll predict rain - it technically rains almost every day in Hawaii... for about 10 minutes at a time.
• The only time it's really wet in Hawaii for a prolonged time is during the winter months, usually from November until March. But it's not a wash by any means.
• Temperatures at sea level usually run about 76-85 °F (24-29 °C)  all year-round. Temperatures at night are typically 12-18 °F (3-4 °C) cooler, but this can change dramatically depending on your altitude.
• Speaking of altitude, if you're planning to go up to higher elevations on either Maui or the Big Island, bring a small coat and long convertible pants. It can get very cold at the summit of the larger volcanoes!
• Hurricanes in Hawaii are historically rare events, but the last few seasons have seen increased tropical activity, and several tropical storms come close to the islands. If you're visiting during Hawaii Hurricane Season (June 1 - November 30th in the Central Pacific), then we advise you keep an eye on the tropics before your visit. Visitors may want to bookmark the Central Pacific Hurricane Center website for future reference.

 Ultimately, don't fret about the weather, it's Hawaii! Showers are typically short-lived and sporadic, and the temperature is almost always just right.

Hiking Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail on Oahu

Hawaiian Island Updates

Things to know for each island.

When planning your trip, there are a few things to keep in mind for each Hawaiian island, in addition to our Hawaii Essential Things to Know . Below we've made note of the most significant events and/or dates that may affect each island during your visit.

Best time to Visit Kauai

The best months to visit Kauai are in April , May , August , September , or October .  The weather on Kauai is consistently warm (highs in the mid-70's to mid-80's °F [24-29 °C]) year-round and visitors will enjoy the driest weather on the south shore and western portions of the island. Annual events include the May Day Festival (May) and Eo E Emalani I Alakai Festival (October) and the Chocolate & Coffee Festival (October).

For more information, be sure to read our Best Time to Visit Kauai article.

Best time to Visit Oahu

Oahu is a great island to visit at any time of the year. Still, if you especially want to dodge the crowds (on this most populous Hawaiian Island) - then the best months to visit Oahu are in May or later in the Fall (September and October are both great choices). Both times offer better rates on the island but still have fantastic weather conditions. Also, be sure to note that the last week of April is also 'Golden Week' in Japan - which can generate a large influx of Japanese visitors during that period. Other annual events on Oahu that draw international crowds include the Honolulu Marathon (December) and the Hawaii International Film Festival (October). 

For more information, be sure to read our Best Time to Visit Oahu article.

Best time to Visit Maui

The best months to visit Maui are in April , May , September , or October . If you’re visiting for whale watching, February is a good choice for peak season activity.  Travelers looking for the best deals on Maui accommodations should also seek out travel periods in the spring and fall, as they will be the cheapest months to visit due to decreased demand. As far as events,   Whale watching increases visitation starting in November and continues until the spring. Weatherwise, Maui temperatures remain consistently warm with daytime highs in the 75-85 °F [24-29 °C] range during the summer and winter, respectively. If you're heading to the summit of Haleakala, be sure to bundle up accordingly as it gets quite cold atop the volcano. 

For more information, be sure to read our Best Time to Visit Maui article.

Best time to Visit Big Island

The best months to visit the Big Island are May , August , or September for the best combination of great weather, low rates, and fewer visitors. Weather on the Big Island, like the other islands, stays consistently warm year-round. The main thing to note weather-wise is the differences between the Hilo (wetter and cooler eastern windward side) and Kailua-Kona (drier and warmer western leeward side). Annual events that generate an influx of visitors are the Merrie Monarch Festival (around Easter Sunday) and the Ironman competition (Kona side, typically in October). 

For more information, be sure to read our Best Time to Visit the Big Island of Hawaii  article.

In summary, as you prepare for your trip - remember to check local calendars for events, review the status of the parks and locations you'd like to visit, prepare and pack the proper travel supplies  for the island(s) you're visiting, and make sure not to worry too much about the weather; Hawaii is known as "paradise" for a good reason.

Ultimately, the Best Time to visit Hawaii is when you choose to go! If you still can't decide exactly when to go, no problem - try our quiz  linked below, and we'll suggest four months we think are best for you. We hope you have a great trip! Aloha!

Akaka Falls on the Big Island of Hawaii

Which Time to Visit?

Detailed seasonal & monthly overview.

To assist visitors further, we've broken each month out in detail. If you want to find out quickly (TL;DR) which months are best for you - skip down to our Best Month to Visit Hawaii Quiz below.

Spring in Hawaii

Less rain starts to fall on the islands as the trade winds die down to their summer levels, making this an ideal time to visit. Some call this the start of the "dry" season. The weather is almost always perfect, and, in general, this is the best time to find good bargain  travel activities.  After mid-April (typically after Easter), most airfare and lodging prices drop as a result of the "high-demand" period ending. The last week of April and the first week of May are often a time when most Japanese visitors will arrive due to the "Golden Week" holiday in Japan. Water temperatures measure near the high 70°F (21° C) mark this time of year, and the surf begins to die down as the trade winds let up. The best part of the spring is the fresh flowers, fruit, and vegetation that can be seen around the island. This is our favorite time to visit. We should note that the spring does hold one large event on the Big Island of Hawaii that can cause crowding on the Hilo side of the Island: the Merrie Monarch festival, which is held annually starting on Easter Sunday.

Summer in Hawaii

Typically, the summer months, as a whole, result in less visitor demand. This fact will benefit visitors in the form of lower rates for both accommodations and rental vehicles. Some will label this the "low season," however, this "low season" classification can often be misleading regarding pricing your trip and of what crowd sizes to expect.

Since June through August are very popular with travelers in general, not just to Hawaii, Airline prices will often increase into late May through July, as demand is higher for seats nationwide. Thus, if you are flying from the East Coast or the Midwest, the most expensive flight you pay for might ironically be the continental flight to the West Coast. According to the tourism authority in the islands, July continues to be the  month  with the  most  visitor arrivals. To us, this makes sense because this is when most families visit the island, as their children are out of school. The same is true for local children on the island; this is their summer, and they often frequent the same beaches, trails, and places you'll be visiting, too.

The summer months are always the warmest on the island, and temperatures can reach as high as 90+°F (32+°C) under the right conditions. Combined with the high humidity, the heat can occasionally be unpleasant for some travelers not accustomed to it. Surf is at its lowest during the summer, and the rain clouds are few and far between, except on the windward coast.

Swimming & Hiking Conditions

Water temperatures usually rise above the 80°F (26°C) mark during the Summer months. The tradewinds are also calmer during this time of the year as well, resulting in less surf on the northern shores (e.g., better for snorkeling, swimming, etc.) on each island.

Regarding hiking, in our opinion, the summer months are typically too warm for a lot of outdoor hiking and adventure, especially at locations like the Big Island's black lava fields or any other island's coastal trails (Kalalau on Kauai for example). Lower prices are helpful on the wallet; however, the sun and humidity combination makes going anywhere, but the beach seems like a chore. If you plan to be especially active outdoors, we advise visiting a few months earlier in the spring or a few months later in the fall if you can. 

Tropical Storms in Hawaii

While historically a rare event, the summer months are also hurricane season in Hawaii, and the islands are certainly not immune to a hit. Such was the case with Iniki in September 1992. It came ashore on Kauai as a strong category 3 (borderline category 4) storm. Since then, several additional storms have grazed Hawaii, but none have caused such widespread damage as Iniki. Again, tropical storm systems are historically rare - simply be aware they do occur from time to time. In fact, over the last few years including the Summer of 2018, there have been more tropical systems near and around the islands than normal.

Fall in Hawaii

More rain begins to fall in November as the trade winds increase to their winter levels, and there are days where rain showers will dominate on the windward coast and mauka areas. Occasionally, Kona storms will dump a tremendous amount of rain on the islands and can cause wind damage in several areas. Tropical Storms and/or Hurricanes can also still pose a threat to Hawaii during the fall. However, as a general rule, Kona storms cause more headaches than tropical storms. So what exactly IS a Kona storm? 

Kona Storms in Hawaii

When a Kona storm develops or moves into the area, the prevailing wind pattern changes - south and southwesterly winds replace the trade winds. Since the winds typically affect the Kona coast of the Big Island, the storms have thus taken on that name. Although destructive Kona storms are fairly rare, they occur often enough to warrant a mention here. Kona storms bring high winds, heavy rain, snow atop higher mountains (like Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island), and lightning and thunder can occur (a rarity in Hawaii). Due to extreme terrain differences in the islands, weather conditions can be highly variable across a relatively small area. Gusts of wind up to 60 mph (96km/h) have been known to happen on the Big Island, while other portions of the Hawaiian chain simply deal with increasing breezes. In general, the fall months and the spring months are very similar. Like in the spring, the Big Island of Hawaii can become quite busy during October, as a major event is held on the island. Typically, in October, the Ironman Triathlon event is held on the Kona side of the Big Island of Hawaii. Check online calendars for the exact dates each year. Also note that in the late fall, visitor demand to Hawaii begins to increase in mid-December, which typically causes rates for flights, tours, and accommodations to rise.

Winter in Hawaii 

By the first day of winter, the high demand period in Hawaii around Christmas and New Year's has begun on the islands.

The 'high season/period' term, of course, brings back the debate about defining "low" and "high" season. And although the tourism authority in the islands, using 2018 data, shows the second highest number of visitors arriving in December of each year, it's important to note that most of these visitors are showing up for about a week - Christmas through New Year. This period is always a busy time on the islands and can almost single-handedly make this the "high season" for accommodations. Thus, on average, the prices are higher and occupancy rates are higher.

Bottom-line on pricing:  expect to pay more in winter months. As noted in the introduction, Christmas is a time that anyone who dislikes crowds should avoid coming to the islands.

The high temperature remains a comfortable average of near 78°F (25°C). Water temperatures are often around 74°F (23°C) during this period, and swimming can be rough as a result of the higher surf. If you're coming to Hawaii to see any surfing events, then this is definitely the time to come -, especially on Maui and Oahu. During the winter months, this is one of the only places in the world you can come play in the snow (on the Big Island and occasionally Maui) and swim in the (warm) ocean in the same day. Winter is also the  whale watching  season in Hawaii. Humpback whales travel all the way from Alaska every winter to mate, calve, and birth their young (usually in the shallow waters off the coast of Maui). Unless you are coming specifically for big surf or to see whales, we believe winter is usually the least desirable time to visit the islands. Despite the waterfalls being more active due to the rain, and the potential to see huge surf and the amazing shows put on by whales breaching off the coast, the combination of higher prices, wetter weather, and cooler temperatures has never sat well with us. You can easily visit during the spring or fall for much cheaper prices and better weather.

2024-2025 Hawaii Budget Calculator

Estimate the cost of your hawaii vacation, 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 2024-2025. Generally, these rates should provide a good estimate for any time period between 2024 and mid 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.

Email + Expected Travel Dates

We'll email you a copy of your results to this email address for your records.

You may not have exact dates yet, but provide a rough guess or estimate below. This will help us refine the calculator and provide more accurate data throughout the year. Mahalo!

Final Question

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!

- Click To Estimate Trip Cost -

Typical hawaii visitor timeline.

Approximate Travel Planning Timeline for a Hawaii trip

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Recommended hawaii tours, terms of use & disclosures.

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Article Published/Updated: 06-23-2024

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Maui Trip Planning For Happy Travelers (2023): Step-by-Step Guide

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 .

Congratulations on picking which Hawaiian Island to visit . With whale watching, the Road to Hana, phenomenal beaches, and so much more, Maui trip planning can be stressful. Here are the essential details on how to plan a trip to Maui.

We called Maui home for numerous years and now our family returns every few months. Here are the steps we take, plus extra details, to plan your trip to Maui. Whether this is your first trip or your 50th, we have you covered.

Planning a Quick Trip? We have you covered. Jump into Maui trip planning with quick links to all of our best Maui information: Our full Maui Travel Guide Maui Done-for-You Itineraries A curated list of our favorite tours & activities Your guide to Maui Whale Watching

Maui Trip Planning: What You Need to Know Before You Book

With this step-by-step guide, we will have you confidently finish your Maui trip planning. With ways to save, videos, and insider tips, we have your back for the best trip ever to the Valley Isle.

If you’re a visual learner, see our Maui Travel Guide video below. At a minimum, the video will get you excited about planning your trip to Maui.

1. Best Month to Visit Maui

The best month to visit Maui is September for the best prices on hotels, rental cars, and flights. You will also find the fewest visitors on the island and excellent weather in September.

The best times to visit Maui are the shoulder seasons of September and October and May and April. With schools in session and decent weather on the mainland, demand goes down for a Maui vacation so hotels and rental car companies drop their rates. If you don’t have the ability to visit during the shoulder season, here are ways to have a Maui vacation for less .

We go back and forth on the worst time to visit Maui . You be the judge if a holiday vacation is worth it for your family: How to Plan a Hawaii Christmas Vacation . 

Many Maui trip planners want to visit Maui for whale season. Officially, whale season on Maui is from mid-December till the end of March. See our Maui Whale Guide for details.

For more details on the best month to visit Maui, see our Is There a Best Time to Visit Maui? Yes, and Here’s Why .

2. Cheapest Time of Year to Visit Maui

Maui is by no means a cheap vacation. But there are times when costs are high and other times when your dollar can stretch a bit further. 

The cheapest time to visit Maui is May, September, October, and November. Those months offer the lowest rates on accommodations. 

September has historically been the cheapest time of year to visit Maui due to low hotel rates.

Maui is the most expensive Hawaiian Island to visit ( here is the cheapest Hawaiian Island ). Maui is ranked third in the world as the most expensive sun and sea destination . 

You can save money when planning a trip to Maui by finding a good deal on a hotel. Here are ways to save on hotels in Hawaii !

When are the cheapest flights to Maui? Based on the data, this is the cheapest time to fly to Maui .

3. How Many Days Do You Need on Maui

We recommend staying for a minimum of 5 days on Maui. The average trip to Maui is 8.1 days per the Hawaii Tourism Authority .

Do you want to go-go-go each day and do every activity on Maui? Do you need some days to sit on the beach and do nothing? Or are you purely coming to relax with your feet in the sand and sip a tropical drink?

Once you know the pace you’re going for, you can start building your list of activities to decide how many days you’ll want to stay on Maui .

Our Maui Wayfinder Itinerary includes 8 excursion days that take you all over the island, from Lahaina Town in West Maui to Upcountry Maui . To be honest, it would be exhausting to do all eight days on your trip (pick your favorites!). Hence, figure out what you want to do in the Things to Do Section to better gauge how much time you need on Maui.

Maui Wayfinder Itinerary

Get the maui itinerary.

The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. You’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.

Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Maui.

4. How Far in Advance to Book a Trip to Maui

We recommend booking six months in advance for a trip to Maui. When traveling during Maui’s busy seasons of Christmas and summer, book nine months in advance. 

A caveat, if you’re reading this two months before your trip then don’t sweat it. Our advice here will help you with your Maui trip planning.

We recommend booking six months in advance to secure the best prices for rental cars and hotels. Plus, you will be able to pick your preferred hotel room for the dates you want. 

Things do sell out on Maui so book ahead for peace of mind. As we share in our newsletter often, Book Early is our motto at The Hawaii Vacation Guide. As visitor demand increases to Maui, you will find prices will skyrocket. 

For a nice restaurant, like Mama’s Fish House , then book six months in advance for a table and your preferred date. 

Want something that doesn’t require a booking far in advance? Book a Hawaii lei greeting at the airport. A lei greeting is a fun way to start your vacation!

Our favorite Maui snorkel tours and guided tours don’t sell out until weeks in advance (depending on the time of the year), but you want to ensure your whole family can go on the date you prefer.

Final booking tip: By booking early in your Maui trip planning, you can check to see if prices have changed. Lock in a price and then check to see if the price of the discount rental car or hotel has dropped. Then you can cancel and rebook.

5. Where Should You Stay on Maui?

While there are five main areas on Maui, most visitors stay on either West Maui or South Maui to maximize their odds of sunshine, warm weather, and lack of rain. 

Whether you should stay in West Maui (Ka’anapali, Lahaina, Napili, Kapalua) or South Maui (Kihei, Wailea, Makena) is often a heated debate. We try to help you make the right decision for you with these two articles:

• Where to Stay on Maui: your accommodation guide
• Ka’anapali vs. Wailea: pick your perfect spot

Watch our Where to Stay on Maui video (or our 6 Best Maui Luxury Resorts video ) for an overview of the places to stay on Maui for your Maui trip planning.

6. Should you stay in a hotel or vacation rental on Maui?

Go for a hotel if you’re looking for the traditional resort experience with big pools, nearby beaches, and restaurants within walking distance. Opt for a vacation rental if you want access to a kitchen, are looking for space, or are looking to save money. 

We routinely stay in both. When doing our Maui trip planning, we’ll book a vacation rental for the majority of our stay so we have access to a kitchen and a little more space for the kids. Then we’ll treat ourselves to a great resort for a few days to enjoy the pool and other amenities. This has been a winning combo for us recently. 

If you’re still not sure what you want to do, we break down the difference between choosing a hotel and a vacation rental in Hawaii . We also share how to spot an illegal vacation rental .

7. Do You Need a Rental Car on Maui?

We get this question asked a lot. Oahu is the best Hawaiian Island for not having a rental car . We believe you need a rental car in Maui to do the best things to do , especially things to do with kids on Maui . 

A rental car will be more cost-efficient than using Uber, Lyft, or taxis to navigate Maui. We recommend using Discount Hawaii Car Rental as they have the lowest prices and no pre-payment (tip: book early and watch prices) or a local Maui rental car company .

You can get by without a rental car on Maui by staying in the resort areas of Wailea and Kaanapali. Enjoy a more casual beach vacation with Uber or taxi rides to restaurants or beaches in the area. Here are 11 Tips for Getting Around Maui Without a Rental Car .

8. What to Pack for Maui Vacation

We are all about packing light for a Maui vacation. Erica loves to bring packing cubes to keep us organized and I like to bring sandals (slippers in Hawaii) and t-shirts. 

We witness visitors packing sweatshirts and jeans for their tropical vacation to Maui. The temperature in the resort areas gets down to the low 70s during the night. Maui is a warm place. Unless you’re easily cold, save room in your suitcase with only the essentials.

Here is your essential list of what to pack for Maui:

• Shorts and T-shirts
• One Gorgeous Island Style Outfit
• Comfortable Footwear: sandals and hiking or walking shoes
• Swimsuit (of course)
• Sun-Protective Clothing
• Mineral-Based Sunscreen
• UV-Protective Sunglasses
• Water Bottle

See our What to Pack for Your Hawaii Vacation for our full list. Browse our Travel Gear for recommendations on sunscreen, sun protective clothing, and snorkel gear.

Trip Planning When You’re on Maui

The main elements of your Maui trip planning are now complete (airlines, flights, and rental car), here is what to consider once you’re on Maui. 

9. Understand the Geography

Geography on Maui is important because it will affect the weather you experience and what you do while on vacation. One big thing to understand about geography is that each island has a windward (wet side) and a leeward side (dry side)

On Maui, the leeward side of the island includes some great beaches, like Wailea Beach and Ka’anapali Beach. Hence, the resorts are located here to soak up the sunny days as rain is less frequent. 

The windward side of the island is home to the Road to Hana and a lot of beautiful waterfalls. The Road to Hana is a jungle drive thanks to all the rain on the windward side of the island. While mentioning the Road to Hana, decide here if it is worth driving during your Maui trip.

10. Eat Local on Maui

No Maui trip planning is complete without where to eat. Maui has some of the best food in the Hawaiian Islands. Here are some tips on where to eat on Maui. Eating local is one way to have an authentic Hawaiian experience .

• 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 at a fish market. You’ll see options like Mahi Mahi, Ono, Opah, Ahi, and more.
• Maui food trucks are the best in the Hawaiian Islands. Enjoy fresh ingredients, experimental chefs, and food truck parks for the whole family. See our Ultimate Maui Food Truck Guide on where to eat.
• Locally grown produce : Enjoy dragon fruit, coconut, lilikoi, pineapples, locally produced honey, and more. We love doing Maui farm tours , but if that’s not part of your vacation itinerary, try a farm-to-table restaurant like Pacific’O in Lahaina or Ula’Ula Cafe . You’ll get to sample some island flavors while supporting the agriculture industry here. There is a large farmers market in Kula on Saturdays and another in Napili.
• Traditional Hawaiian food : You don’t need to go to one of Maui’s best luaus 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).
• 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. Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice is our favorite on Maui and is located all over the island.

Want to know the best Maui restaurants? Here are our Kihei and Wailea restaurants and Lahaina restaurants to eat at.

For a local experience, watch our 5 Favorite Maui Food Experiences for ideas to wow your partner.

11. Things to Do on Maui

Perhaps you jumped straight to this one for your Maui trip planning. Understanding what you want to do on your Maui vacation helps decide where you want to spend your time and money, and even where you want to stay. 

Here are the most popular things to do in Maui.

• Humpback whale season is from mid-December till the end of March. We found Maui to be the best Hawaiian island for whale watching. Our Maui Whale Guide will tell you how to do it right or enjoy one of our seven favorite Maui whale tours .
• Haleakala National Park is a stunning destination. See the endangered Nene bird and Silversword (‘ahinahina in Hawaiian) that only grows at the summit. Go hiking for the day and decide if the Haleakala sunrise or sunset is right for you.
• Napili Bay is a beautiful bay on Maui’s northwest shore. Come for the day to swim and snorkel with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (stay 10 feet away in the water). As a bonus, The Gazebo is great for breakfast and the Sea House is excellent for happy hour and dinner to end your day. Both are located on Napili Bay.

See the articles below for so many more things to do on Maui!

• 33 Things to Do on Maui: Leave the Crowds Behind
• 68 Things to Do on Maui with Kids
• 14 Things to Do on Maui on a Budget
• 16 Things to Do in Lahaina, West Maui

12. Can’t-Miss Activities and Tours

A tour is not required for your Maui vacation. Maui is full of things to do that are free or low cost. But, Maui has some amazing tours and excellent tour companies to take you out on the water or explore the island. 

See all our researched and vetted Maui tour companies here . We also have Hawaii Vacation Guide Coupons for many Maui tour operators. 

Here are the most popular Maui tours:

• Road to Hana is best done with a local guide. The dangerous road is now more challenging with traffic and no parking tickets (see our Road to Hana Etiquette ), so let an expert take you to all the best stops. Save 10% with promo code HVG10 at checkout.
• Molokini Crater is a unique Hawaii snorkel destination. The crystal clear water and vibrant reef are worth a morning snorkel trip. Let our favorite catamaran crew take you out from South Maui for a sunrise or mid-morning tour .
• Whale Watching is a must when you visit Maui from December through March. See our seven favorite whale-watching tours to pick the tour right for you.

13. Use the Right Sunscreen on Maui

Starting in 2021, Hawaii required only reef-safe sunscreens to be sold in the state. We share Hawaii reef-safe sunscreen brands here .

Maui has taken further action to protect the reefs around the island. Maui requires only mineral-based sunscreens (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) to be sold on the island. We share our two favorite mineral-based sunscreens in our Travel Gear , one is a local Maui brand.

14. Learn About Maui Culture

The people of Maui are what makes the island such a special place to visit. From the Hawaiians to the plantation migrants who came in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the culture is uniquely Hawaii. 

Check out the museums and cultural activities below during your vacation as the icing on the cake for your Maui trip planning.

• Hale Ho’ike’ike at the Bailey House in Wailuku to learn Hawaiian history, local history, and see original artifacts.
• Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center to learn about the ocean and Maui’s reefs at this interactive exhibit in Kaanapali’s Whalers Village.
• Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Ride – learn how the Polynesians travel the Pacific and between the island while you paddle as a team on an outrigger canoe. See Ali’i Outrigger Canoe in West Maui.

15. The Ultimate Maui Trip Planner

Maui trip planning is not easy. We hope this step-by-step guide has helped you feel confident in planning the best honeymoon, anniversary, or family vacation to Maui. 

If you’re looking for an easier way to plan your days on Maui, our Maui itineraries will do 80% of the work for you. We don’t book your rental car, flights, or hotel for you but our guides will tell you how to have the best Maui vacation ever with what to do and how to do it!

Even experienced Maui trip planners get our itinerary!

I just wanted you to know that my family and I purchased the Maui itinerary and we are wrapping up 12 days on the island. We did so much of what you recommended and it was awesome for everyone. We have three college-age kids and everybody enjoyed the things you suggested, including the restaurants. Thanks for all of the work that you put into this. Mahalo. Gunnar A.

Thanks for reading The Hawaii Vacation Guide! I'm the co-founder, with my wife Erica, of the best Hawaii travel guide on the internet in our biased opinions. We enjoy traveling throughout Hawaii after living on Maui and Oahu. We share our adventures, travel tips and resources, and honest reviews so you can easily plan your dream vacation to Hawaii. Editing our videos, teaching the kids how to snorkel, and learning about the 'aina (land) and Hawaii culture are my favorite things to do. Have a wonderful trip to the Aloha State.

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Hawaii Trip Planning 2023 | 9 Things To Know Before You Book Your Hawaii Vacation

Planning a trip to Hawaii in 2023? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this video by The Hawaii Vacation Guide, Jordan and Erica share nine helpful tips based on their research and past experiences. They cover topics such as choosing the right island to visit, the best times to go, the cost of a Hawaii trip, and money-saving tips. They also mention accommodations, planning activities, and even offer suggestions on exploring free options. Plus, they provide insights on airline deals, the importance of reef-safe sunscreen, ocean safety, must-see attractions on each island, and ways to support local businesses and engage in meaningful experiences. With their friendly and informative tone, Jordan and Erica offer a comprehensive guide to help you feel fully prepared for your Hawaii vacation in 2023.

So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of Hawaii trip planning, make sure to check out this video by The Hawaii Vacation Guide. Jordan and Erica provide valuable tips and insights to ensure that your trip to Hawaii in 2023 is well-organized and enjoyable. From choosing the right island and timing your visit to saving money and exploring the best attractions, this video covers it all. So, get ready to embark on a memorable adventure in the beautiful Hawaiian islands and make the most of your vacation!

Choosing the Right Hawaiian Island

When it comes to planning a trip to Hawaii, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is which island(s) to visit. With so many beautiful and diverse options to choose from, it can feel overwhelming. But fear not, because deciding on the right Hawaiian island for your vacation is easier than you think! There are a few key factors to consider that will help you narrow down your choices and ensure you have the best time possible.

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Factors to Consider

To choose the right Hawaiian island for your trip, it’s important to consider factors such as your interests, preferred activities, and the type of experience you’re looking for. Here are some key questions to ask yourself:

• What do you enjoy doing on vacation? Are you more interested in relaxing on stunning beaches, exploring lush rainforests, or engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking and water sports?
• What type of scenery appeals to you? Do you prefer dramatic volcanic landscapes, pristine white sand beaches, or vibrant tropical gardens?
• Are you looking for a bustling tourist hub with plenty of dining and entertainment options, or do you prefer a quieter, more secluded destination?
• How much time do you have for your trip? Some islands are larger and offer more to see and do, while others can be explored in just a few days.
• What is your budget? The cost of accommodations, meals, and activities can vary significantly depending on the island you choose.

By taking the time to carefully consider these factors, you’ll be able to narrow down the options and find the perfect Hawaiian island for your vacation.

Popular Islands to Choose From

Hawaii is comprised of six main islands, each offering its own unique charms and attractions. Here is a brief overview of the most popular islands to help you make your decision:

• Oahu : Known as “The Gathering Place,” Oahu is home to the vibrant city of Honolulu and the world-famous Waikiki Beach. It offers a perfect blend of urban attractions and natural beauty.
• Maui : Dubbed “The Valley Isle,” Maui is famous for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and the iconic Road to Hana. It’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking ultimate relaxation.
• Big Island (Hawaii) : As the largest and most geographically diverse island, the Big Island boasts active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and incredible stargazing opportunities. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and thrill-seekers.
• Kauai : Known as the “Garden Isle,” Kauai is famous for its stunning waterfalls, towering cliffs, and lush green landscapes. It’s perfect for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
• Lanai : A secluded paradise, Lanai offers luxury resorts, championship golf courses, and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
• Molokai : With its untouched landscapes and deep ties to Hawaiian culture, Molokai is the perfect destination for those seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Each island offers its own unique blend of attractions and experiences, so take your time to research and choose the one that speaks to your heart.

Best Times to Visit Hawaii

Now that you’ve decided on the Hawaiian island you want to visit, it’s time to consider the best time to embark on your tropical adventure. Understanding the weather patterns and the concept of peak and off-peak seasons will help you make the most of your trip.

Weather Overview

Hawaii enjoys a tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures and relatively consistent weather year-round. However, it’s important to note that each island can have microclimates and variations in weather patterns. Generally, you can expect temperatures ranging from the high 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (25-30 degrees Celsius) throughout the year. Trade winds provide a refreshing breeze, making even the hottest days more comfortable.

In terms of rainfall, the islands have distinct sides that experience different levels of precipitation. The windward (eastern) sides tend to be wetter, with lush rainforests and waterfalls, while the leeward (western) sides are drier and more arid. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast for your specific island and plan accordingly.

Peak Season vs Off-peak Season

Hawaii’s peak season typically falls during the winter months, from December to February, and summer months, from June to August. These periods coincide with school vacations and holidays, resulting in higher prices and larger crowds. However, the island’s popularity means that it can be busy year-round, so even off-peak times can still see a significant number of tourists.

If you prefer to avoid the crowds and snag some deals, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons. Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists. You’ll find more availability when it comes to accommodations, activities, and even flights.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Hawaii depends on your personal preferences. Whether you want to experience the excitement of peak season or enjoy a quieter getaway during the off-peak months, there’s no wrong time to visit the Aloha State.

Cost of a Hawaii Trip

Now that you know when to visit and which island to choose, it’s time to dive into the financial aspect of planning your dream trip to Hawaii. While it’s no secret that paradise comes at a price, there are several ways to budget and save money on your Hawaiian adventure.

Budgeting Tips

Creating a budget is an essential step in planning any trip, and Hawaii is no exception. Start by determining your overall budget for the trip, including accommodations, flights, meals, activities, and souvenirs. This will give you a clear idea of how much you’re willing to spend and help you make informed choices along the way.

Consider factors such as the cost of living in Hawaii, which can be higher than in other parts of the United States. Food, transportation, and even groceries may be more expensive than what you’re used to. Researching average prices and setting realistic expectations will help you avoid any financial surprises.

To save money, consider staying in budget accommodations such as hostels, vacation rentals, or even camping if you’re up for an adventurous experience. Look for affordable dining options like local food trucks or exploring local markets for fresh produce to cook meals in your accommodation. Take advantage of happy hour specials and look for discounts or coupons for popular attractions and activities.

Money-saving Strategies

In addition to budgeting, there are several money-saving strategies to keep in mind when planning your Hawaii trip. Here are a few ideas to help stretch your dollar:

• Flexible travel dates : If your schedule allows, be flexible with your travel dates. Flights and accommodations can be more affordable during weekdays or certain times of the year.
• Book in advance : Prices tend to rise as availability decreases, so it’s wise to book your flights and accommodations in advance to secure the best rates. Keep an eye out for any upcoming sales or promotional offers.
• Consider package deals : Many travel agencies and websites offer package deals that combine flights, accommodations, and activities. These bundles can save you money compared to booking separately.
• Use reward programs : If you’re a member of any airline or hotel loyalty programs, make sure to take advantage of any points or perks you may have. This can help offset the cost of your trip.
• Research free or low-cost activities : Hawaii offers a wealth of natural beauty and cultural experiences that are either free or low-cost. Take advantage of hiking trails, public beaches, and local festivals to enjoy the islands without breaking the bank.

By combining budgeting techniques with money-saving strategies, you can make your dream trip to Hawaii more affordable and accessible than you might have thought.

Accommodations in Hawaii

When it comes to choosing accommodations in Hawaii, you’ll find a wide range of options to suit every budget and preference. Whether you’re looking for luxury resorts, budget-friendly hotels, or unique vacation rentals, there’s something for everyone in the Aloha State.

Types of Accommodations

• Hotels : Hawaii is home to a plethora of hotels catering to different budgets and needs. From luxury resorts with world-class amenities to more affordable options, you’ll find a range of choices. Consider the location, amenities, and reviews when selecting a hotel that suits your preferences.
• Vacation Rentals : Renting a condominium, house, or apartment can be a great option for families or larger groups. Vacation rentals often come equipped with kitchen facilities, allowing you to save money by preparing meals at home. Popular platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo offer numerous options to choose from.
• Hostels : If you’re traveling on a tight budget or looking to meet fellow travelers, consider staying in a hostel. Hawaii has a few hostels scattered across the islands, offering affordable dormitory-style accommodations and communal areas.
• Camping : For adventure seekers and nature lovers, camping is a unique and budget-friendly option. Some state parks and campgrounds in Hawaii allow camping permits for a small fee. Wake up to breathtaking sunrises and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the ocean or the chirping of native birds.

No matter which type of accommodation you choose, it’s important to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and secure the best rates.

Directory of Budget Hotels

• Waikiki Beachside Hostel – Located just steps away from the iconic Waikiki Beach on Oahu, this hostel offers affordable dormitory-style accommodations and a friendly atmosphere.
• Volcano Hale – Situated on the Big Island near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, this budget guesthouse provides comfortable rooms and easy access to explore the island’s volcanic wonders.
• Plantation Hale Suites – Located in Kapaa on the island of Kauai, this budget-friendly hotel offers spacious suites with kitchenettes and a central location for exploring the island’s natural beauty.
• Napili Sunset Beachfront Resort – Situated on the stunning Napili Bay in Maui, this beachfront resort offers affordable condominium-style units with spectacular ocean views.

These are just a few examples of budget accommodations in Hawaii. Remember to read reviews, compare prices, and consider the location and amenities that are important to you when making your decision.

Planning Activities

With its incredible natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Hawaii offers a myriad of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a combination of both, there’s something for everyone.

Must-Visit Attractions

• Haleakala National Park : Located on Maui, Haleakala National Park is home to the dormant Haleakala Volcano, which offers a breathtaking sunrise experience. Hike through otherworldly landscapes, explore rare flora and fauna, and immerse yourself in the beauty of this unique park.
• Na Pali Coast : Found along the rugged north shore of Kauai, the Na Pali Coast is a must-visit attraction. Take a boat tour, hike the Kalalau Trail, or simply admire the stunning cliffs and turquoise waters from a lookout point.
• Volcanoes National Park : On the Big Island, Volcanoes National Park allows you to witness the power and beauty of an active volcano. Explore lava tubes, hike through rainforests, and marvel at the ever-changing volcanic landscape.
• Pearl Harbor : Pay homage to the history of World War II at Pearl Harbor on Oahu. Visit the USS Arizona Memorial and explore the museums to learn about the events that shaped this significant moment in history.
• Waimea Canyon : Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon on Kauai offers breathtaking vistas and excellent hiking opportunities. Take in the panoramic views of vibrant red and green cliffs as you explore the trails.

These are just a few of the many attractions that Hawaii has to offer. Whether you choose to visit iconic landmarks or seek out hidden gems, you’re sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Exploring Free Options

While some activities and attractions in Hawaii can be quite costly, there are also plenty of free options available for those on a budget. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Beach hopping : With its abundance of stunning beaches, Hawaii offers endless opportunities for free fun in the sun. Pack a picnic, bring a beach towel, and spend the day exploring different beaches, swimming, and soaking up the tropical vibes.
• Hiking trails : Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails to experience Hawaii’s natural beauty up close. Many island trails are free to access and offer incredible views of waterfalls, lush valleys, and breathtaking vistas.
• Cultural festivals : Keep an eye out for local cultural festivals and events happening during your visit. These often showcase traditional music, dance, crafts, and cuisine, giving you a chance to immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture for free or at a minimal cost.
• Snorkeling : Grab your mask and snorkel to explore the vibrant underwater world of Hawaii’s coral reefs. Many beaches offer excellent snorkeling opportunities, allowing you to spot colorful fish and even sea turtles without spending a dime.

By incorporating free activities into your itinerary, you can enjoy the beauty and experiences that Hawaii has to offer while keeping your budget intact.

Flights to Hawaii

Getting to Hawaii is an exciting part of your trip planning, and with several airlines offering flights to the islands, you have plenty of options to choose from. Consider factors such as prices, flight times, and amenities to find the best fit for your needs.

Southwest Airlines Deals

Southwest Airlines is known for its competitive prices and convenient flight options. They offer flights to several Hawaiian islands, making it a popular choice for travelers. Keep an eye out for their frequent sales and promotions, as they often offer discounted fares to Hawaii. By booking early and being flexible with your travel dates, you may be able to snag a great deal on Southwest Airlines.

Tips for Finding Cheap Flights

In addition to Southwest Airlines, there are other strategies you can use to find cheap flights to Hawaii. Here are a few tips to help you score the best deals:

• Flexibility is key : Being flexible with your travel dates can make a significant difference in price. Consider flying on weekdays or during off-peak seasons, as these times tend to have lower fares.
• Sign up for fare alerts : Subscribe to airlines’ newsletters or set fare alerts on travel websites to be notified of any price drops or special offers.
• Compare prices : Utilize flight comparison websites to compare prices from different airlines. Keeping an eye on multiple websites can help you find the best deal.
• Consider layovers : Opting for a flight with a layover can often result in savings. While it may add some extra travel time, it can be worth it if you’re on a budget.
• Book flights and accommodations together : Some travel agencies and websites offer discounted package deals that combine flights and accommodations. This can potentially save you money compared to booking separately.

Remember that flights to Hawaii can vary significantly in price depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book. By planning ahead and being open to different options, you can find affordable flights that fit your budget.

Viewer Tips for Hawaii Trip Planning

While researching and planning your trip to Hawaii, it’s essential to remember the value of shared insights and tips from fellow travelers. Everyone’s experiences can differ, and gathering different perspectives can help you make informed choices and discover hidden gems.

Consider joining online travel forums or social media groups focused on Hawaii travel. These platforms provide a space for people to share their itineraries, recommendations, and tips. You can ask questions, seek advice, and even connect with others who may be traveling to Hawaii around the same time.

It’s also worth reading travel blogs or watching vlogs of people who have visited Hawaii. They often provide detailed insights, firsthand experiences, and practical tips that can enhance your trip planning process. From restaurant recommendations to off-the-beaten-path attractions, you may uncover valuable information that you wouldn’t have come across otherwise.

Remember, the more you engage with other travelers and share insights, the more enriched your own journey becomes. So don’t hesitate to join the conversation, ask questions, and offer your own tips to fellow travelers who are planning their own Hawaiian adventure.

Cultural Activities in Hawaii

While Hawaii is famous for its stunning natural beauty, it also offers a rich cultural heritage that is worth exploring during your visit. Immerse yourself in the local culture by participating in traditional activities and experiencing the vibrant history of the islands.

Luau Considerations

Attending a luau is a popular cultural activity in Hawaii, allowing you to experience traditional music, dance, and cuisine. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when choosing a luau:

• Research reputable luaus : With numerous luaus available in Hawaii, it’s important to research and choose one that provides an authentic experience. Look for luaus that showcase traditional dances, live music, and a delicious feast.
• Check online reviews : Reading reviews from previous attendees can give you an idea of the quality and authenticity of the luau. Pay attention to comments about the food, performances, and overall atmosphere.
• Book in advance : Luaus can quickly sell out, especially during peak travel seasons. To ensure availability, it’s recommended to book your tickets in advance.
• Consider transportation : Some luaus offer transportation options, while others require you to arrange your own. Take this into account when making your plans, as you want to ensure you have a safe and convenient way to get to and from the luau.

By incorporating a luau into your itinerary, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the beauty of traditional Hawaiian dance, music, and customs, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation for the local culture.

Museums and Canoeing

In addition to luaus, there are other cultural activities that you can explore in Hawaii. Consider visiting local museums and historical sites to gain insight into the islands’ rich heritage. Here are a few recommendations:

• Bishop Museum, Oahu : The Bishop Museum is Hawaii’s largest museum dedicated to the preservation and study of the history, culture, and natural sciences of the Pacific. Learn about the Polynesian voyagers, ancient Hawaiian artifacts, and the fascinating history of Hawaii.
• Iolani Palace, Oahu : Explore the only royal palace in the United States and immerse yourself in Hawaii’s royal history. Take a guided tour to learn about the monarchy era and admire the opulent furnishings and beautiful architecture.
• Hawaiian Canoe Paddling : Take part in a traditional Hawaiian canoe paddle experience to learn about the ancient Polynesian voyagers who first settled the islands. Join a guided tour or participate in an outrigger canoe race, where you can experience the thrill of paddling.

Participating in these cultural activities will not only enrich your Hawaii experience but also provide a deeper understanding of the islands’ heritage and traditions.

Reef Safety and Snorkeling

Hawaii is renowned for its incredible underwater landscapes and vibrant coral reefs, making snorkeling a popular activity for visitors. To ensure you have a safe and enjoyable snorkeling experience, it’s essential to be aware of reef safety and practice responsible snorkeling techniques.

Using Reef Safe Sunscreen

When snorkeling in Hawaii, it’s vital to use reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the fragile marine ecosystem. Traditional sunscreens often contain harmful chemicals that can damage coral reefs and harm marine life. Opt for a sunscreen that is labeled as “reef safe” or “biodegradable.”

Reef-safe sunscreens are formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemicals that have been shown to contribute to coral bleaching and damage. Instead, they use mineral-based UV filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are less harmful to the environment.

By choosing reef-safe sunscreen, you can enjoy the beauty of Hawaii’s underwater world while minimizing your impact on the delicate coral reefs.

Ocean Safety Tips

Snorkeling in Hawaii’s crystal-clear waters is an incredible experience, but it’s important to prioritize your safety. Here are some essential ocean safety tips to keep in mind:

• Check weather and surf conditions : Before heading out for a snorkeling excursion, check the weather forecast and ocean conditions. Avoid snorkeling in rough surf or during periods of high waves or strong currents.
• Snorkel with a buddy : Snorkeling is always safer when done with a partner. Find someone to snorkel with, and keep an eye on each other while exploring the underwater world to ensure everyone’s safety.
• Know your limits : Snorkeling can be physically demanding, especially if you’re not used to swimming in open water. Swim at a pace that is comfortable for you, and avoid pushing yourself beyond your limits.
• Respect wildlife and their habitats : While snorkeling, it’s important to keep a respectful distance from marine life and avoid touching or harassing them. Be aware of your surroundings and be mindful of the fragile coral reefs and its inhabitants.
• Follow local guidelines : Be sure to familiarize yourself with any specific snorkeling guidelines or regulations for the area you plan to visit. Some areas may have restricted or protected zones that require additional caution.

By following these ocean safety tips and practicing responsible snorkeling, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience exploring Hawaii’s vibrant underwater world.

Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of this comprehensive guide to planning your dream trip to Hawaii. By considering factors such as the right Hawaiian island, the best time to visit, budgeting tips, and accommodations, you’re well on your way to creating a memorable vacation.

Remember to take advantage of the wealth of activities and attractions Hawaii has to offer, from must-visit landmarks to free options that allow you to immerse yourself in nature and culture.

As you plan your trip, be open to sharing insights and tips with fellow travelers, as their experiences can provide valuable insights and enhance your own journey. Embrace the Aloha spirit and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the beautiful paradise that is Hawaii.

Visiting Hawaii on a budget (2024): all the tricks and tips you need to know

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Most people think that “Hawaii” and “budget” don’t belong in the same sentence. After all, it’s supposed to be a splurge to visit a gorgeous tropical paradise… right?

We’re here to tell you that traveling to Hawaii on a budget is possible and can be even more rewarding than what the brochures from expensive resorts show you. There are so many opportunities for how to do Hawaii on a budget in every category – from airfares to discount accommodations in Hawaii to saving money on activities. Keep reading for our best tips to save money on a trip to Hawaii.

And listen – please only share this post with people you really like, because I’m sharing all of our very best secrets for visiting Hawaii on a budget. It’s very long because I don’t want to leave anything out, so you may want to save or bookmark the post to come back to later!

Finding the cheapest way to go to Hawaii

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Trying to plan a Hawaii vacation on a budget? Make sure you don’t blow it before your feet even touch the sand! If you’re traveling from mainland US to Hawaii, there’s a very good chance that you can score an awesome deal on your airfare to Hawaii and there are lots of ways to do it. Read on for insider tips on how to go to Hawaii on a budget.

First, be flexible about your dates and which island you visit – within reason. Since airfare and lodging are the two biggest components of your Hawaii trip cost, you’ll want to balance those two to minimize your costs. Second, weigh the many options you have for using cash or points to book those plane tickets. Here are just a few ways to save money on airfare to Hawaii:

Find the cheapest airfare for cash payment

Sometimes the simplest thing to do is pay cash for a plane ticket, and with the great deals you can often find from America’s west coast it just might make sense. The first place to start your search is on Skyscanner .

We love using Skyscanner to find flights because it allows us to reflect our total flexibility – we can allow nearby airports on both ends and search for whole months at a time to land the best rate. Even if you don’t end up paying cash, it’s always important to know the going rate for flights when evaluating whether or not an award redemption is worthwhile.

Look for special deals

In early 2019 Southwest launched their much-anticipated service to Hawaii. Introductory fares were as low as $49 each way from select airports and eligible for Companion Pass! Now fares have settled in higher, but still cheaper than plenty of mainline carriers. Southwest’s Companion Pass only requires that you pay taxes, so it can be a really great deal. The fastest way to earn your companion pass is by opening a Southwest credit card – even faster if you open a personal card and a business card.

The catch is that they don’t have an extensive route map if you live outside of the West Coast: currently they only offer non-stop service from California, Phoenix and Las Vegas to Hawaii, with the most extensive service to Oahu in Maui . Some US cities also get flights to Kauai and Big Island . There are also inter-island flights, but it’s definitely worth comparing prices versus local carrier Mokulele Airlines to find the cheapest option.

Still and all, the Companion Pass is such an amazing value that I recently opened two Southwest credit cards in anticipation of a return visit to Hawaii. I only have to pay $5.60 to bring another family member with me! See the latest Southwest credit card promotions to get your Companion Pass.

❗ Learn more: How to get the Southwest companion pass

Many frequent flyers have heard of Southwest’s Companion Pass that you can earn through credit card sign up bonuses , but did you know that Alaska Airlines offers a similar one too? Alaska’s is a little different (only one per year and generally $99 per companion ticket plus taxes, but the base fare is often waived in the first year with promotions) but Alaska Airlines has tons of flights to Hawaii ! You can earn one with an Alaska Airlines credit card .

And it’s not one of those gimmicks where you have to pay an exorbitant price for the first ticket in order to use a companion fare on the second one (as with some old Amex promotions), you can just buy any regular ticket on the website. Especially for west coasters who already have access to bargain plane tickets to the Aloha State, this might be one the cheapest way to travel to Hawaii.

Book with frequent flyer miles

Obviously the cheapest way to go to Hawaii is not to pay for it! When your friends ask you how to go do Hawaii on a budget, this is usually the first trick you’ll want to tell them about. “Free” is the cheapest way to get to Hawaii and one we’ve taken advantage of many times.

We recommend targeting at least 2 cents per mile, but sometimes it makes sense to redeem for as little as 1.5 cents per mile if you really don’t want to spend the money out of pocket (after all, if you’re buying four plane tickets to pretty much anywhere you’re looking at a minimum of a thousand dollars). While many airlines now offer dynamic (= more expensive) point redemptions, here are the major airline baseline award redemptions for from the continental US to Hawaii as of October 2022 (economy class for us, folks):

American Airlines – 45,000 peak; 40,000 off-peak

United Airlines – 45,000

Delta Airlines – 45,000

Alaska Airlines – 40,000

British Airways – 26,000 from west coast , 51,500 from east coast (operated by AA)

From the chart above, it’s clear where the value in frequent flyer tickets to Hawaii lies. Alaska Airlines and sometimes British Airways can offer far better value than the mainline US carriers. British Airways offers a distance-based award chart, so passengers coming from the west coast only need 26,000 miles for a round trip, while east coasters would need a whopping 51,500 miles!

Ok, so how can you earn enough British Airways Avios points as an American? Simple: open up a Chase Sapphire Preferred , Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Ink Business Preferred card and once your sign-up bonus hits, do an instant transfer to your Executive Club account! Then redeem here through your account BA account. As of August 2023, the Sapphire Preferred sign up bonus is 60,000 points as is the Chase Sapphire Reserve sign up bonus , while small business owners get a 100,000 point sign up bonus with the Ink Business Preferred. That’s almost enough to get a family to Hawaii and back from the West Coast. You can also follow our lead and get both personal and business cards for each adult in the family cards to really juice up your award travel options.

Southwest’s frequent flyer redemption is fare-based so it varies a ton, but you can combine it with your Companion Pass discussed above to get two tickets to Hawaii for just the miles you’d need for one ticket. If you can find an affordable time of year using their low fare calendar, it’s a dynamite option to fly to Hawaii for cheap. Apply for a Southwest credit card here to start earning your Companion Pass. If you also have the Chase cards I mentioned above, know that you can transfer those Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest as well if you’re a little short.

If you’re in a city with lots of United flights, the most straightforward option might be to grab a United Mileage Plus Explorer credit card . The usual fee is $95 per year (though sometimes the first year fee is waived) and it comes with 50,000 bonus miles – enough to cover your ticket. We love that it includes free checked baggage when you use the card, even if you’re just covering taxes on an award ticket redemption, and you’ll get two passes to the United Club lounge. We carry this card and use it whenever we’re booking United flights.

Redeem Chase Ultimate Reward Points

Wondering how to go to Hawaii on the cheap? The final way to save money on plane tickets to Hawaii is actually how we picked up three of our four tickets on one trip to Hawaii. Since we’ve accumulated a ton of Chase Ultimate Rewards points through our Sapphire Preferred , Sapphire Reserve and Ink Business Preferred cards, we’ve sometimes taken advantage of their flexibility to buy our tickets.

One of our favorite features of Ultimate Rewards points is that you can redeem them for almost any travel expense through the portal; your redemption rate is 1-1.25 cents per point with most Chase cards and 1.5 cents per point if you have the Sapphire Reserve card (even if the points were earned on a different Chase card and transferred or pooled).

In our case tickets on Alaska were $445 each if purchased with cash, so we redeemed almost exactly 30,000 points for each. Ultimate Rewards points do not transfer to Alaska Airlines, but by purchasing through the portal we had no out of pocket expense – not even taxes. Pretty sweet!

Want to plan the ultimate Hawaii vacation? Click here for step-by-step Hawaii travel planning help!

Save money by going carry-on only!  Check out our full (but minimalist) women’s packing list for Hawaii .

Hopefully we’ve gotten you to Hawaii without putting too big of a dent in your wallet. The other huge chunk of the cost of a Hawaii vacation is accommodation. If you really want to plan a budget trip to Hawaii, consider a home exchange.

Check out this map to find (slightly) more budget-friendly options:

Vacation Rentals in Hawaii

Vacation rentals can be a great option in Hawaii, but it’s important to know what you’re getting in to. In June 2019, the mayor of Honolulu enacted strict limits on unhosted short-term vacation rentals on Oahu – essentially stifling the market for Airbnb on Oahu outside of designated tourist zones like Waikiki, Ko Olina and Turtle Bay. Newer restrictions are even tougher.

Other areas will still have some vacation rentals available, but limited in number and they have to be licensed. Likewise, other parts of Hawaii have limits on short-term rentals. Vacation rentals can be one of the best options for how to do Hawaii on the cheap, but check listings carefully!

If you find an awesome legal rental in Hawaii, that can be a great way to stay! You’ll be able to save money on groceries, parking and more while also enjoying a different kind of feel.

Here are some great options to consider for each island (though “cheap” is a relative term and varies somewhat by island):

• Cheap vacation rentals on Oahu
• Cheap vacation rentals on Maui
• Cheap vacation rentals on the Big Island
• Cheap vacation rentals on Kauai

Hotels in Hawaii

Would you rather just stay in a hotel in Hawaii? There are so many to choose from, even if you’re planning a trip to Hawaii on a budget!

The cheapest way to stay at a hotel in Hawaii is for free, obviously. We recently grabbed a World of Hyatt credit card so that we can use the sign-up bonus for an upcoming trip to Kauai and Maui! While there are tons of hotel loyalty programs out there, Hyatt has the most generous award chart and often requires only half as many points per night as competitors like Marriott and Hilton. In addition, award stays pay no resort fee and still count toward achieving elite status. We really love the Hyatt program!

If that all sounds great, I have even better news for you. The Chase Sapphire Preferred , Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Ink Business Preferred cards credit cards that our family uses can transfer their points to Hyatt as well! Obviously you need to use your credit cards responsibly and pay the balances every month, but if you’re strategic about your sign up bonuses you can land a mostly free trip to paradise by combining one of the airline programs I mentioned above with the Hyatt hotel program.

Another budget-friendly hotel option for Hawaii is to try to look for ones that offer a kitchen and laundry to avoid pricey meals out and laundry services. You’ll still get the resort amenities like beautiful pools, on-site restaurants and quality staffing. Check out these great options on each island:

Oahu : – Beach Villas at Ko Olina – Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club (also check here for deals ) >>> Check out this area-by-area guide to where to stay on Oahu

Maui : – Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas (this is where we stayed during our first trip to Hawaii with a baby and it was wonderful!) – Honua Kai resort

Kauai : – Plantation Hale Suites (***bargain alert!) – Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club – Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons – Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas – Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu We haven’t visited Kauai yet, but check out this detailed guide to the best of kid-friendly Kauai !

Big Island : – Inn At Kulaniapia – Orchid Tree B&B – Hilo Bay Oceanfront Bed & Breakfast – Kilauea Lodge & Restaurant – Hilton Waikoloa Village – Waikoloa Village vacation rentals (we stayed in one of these on our last visit and it was wonderful) – Mauna Lani Point Villas – The Islands At Mauna Lani – Mauna Lani Resort (I felt so pampered when I stayed here many years ago!) – Westin Hapuna Beach Resort – Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (we love the beach here, arguably one of the Big Island’s best)

Read more: Check out these simple tips for saving more on your reservations!

If you or a loved one is a member of the US military, make sure to check out the Hale Koa Hotel on Waikiki Beach. As a “thank you” to service members, this fairly basic hotel offers a world-class location and comfortable amenities as prices that can be half or even a third of the price of surrounding resorts. Find more details here about this wonderful option for service members wondering how to visit Hawaii on a budget.

Home Exchange in Hawaii

There are so many reasons why we love home exchange, and a few that are extremely relevant to planning a Hawaii family vacation on a budget.

First, your cash expense to do a home exchange in Hawaii will be less than one night in a hotel .

Second, having a real home with a kitchen means you can avoid pricey restaurant meals – and they sure are pricey in Hawaii!

Third, being away from the main tourist areas means almost everything will be less expensive (not to mention less crowded) – groceries are cheaper, our long-term Home Exchange house on Oahu had its own parking and the house even came stocked with boogie boards and snorkel gear so that we didn’t have to rent.

Beyond the economics, doing a home exchange in Hawaii had other amazing benefits. Everyone had plenty of space to stretch out. We had our own laundry facilities. We hung out at “locals only” spots rather than the crowded tourist beaches. There was a second fridge for all our Costco supplies. Oh, and we even had enough space that both grandmas came to join us for a few weeks during our slow travel on Oahu! Want more tips for planning a multigenerational vacation ?

Camping in Hawaii and RV in Hawaii

Another option for the truly budget-minded is camping on Hawaii. Every island has some wonderful, gorgeous places to pitch your tent though the amenities vary tremendously by site. Check out this helpful roundup of where to camp on Kauai .

If you want to combine your accommodations and your transportation, consider renting an RV in Hawaii . There are tons of beautiful campgrounds on every island and you’ll save money overall compared with renting a car and a hotel room.

Renting a car in Hawaii seems, like many things, to be more expensive than on the mainland. In some places like Honolulu and Waikiki you can stay amidst the tourist throngs and get by without a car – walk to popular beaches, walk to mini marts, walk to tourist restaurants, and rely on hotel concierges to book activities on other parts of the island that include transportation. You can take buses to some places on Oahu, but they can be very time consuming.

Read more: 10 things you NEED to know before renting a car in Hawaii

If you are a solo traveler in Hawaii, it might make sense to go stay in one of the cities the car-free route since all of those small (or large) premia are only impacting one traveler. For couples or families, though, you’ll more than make up the cost of a rental car by saving money on pretty much everything else . You’ll also gain the freedom to explore beautiful, peaceful spots that most tourists don’t get to see. Moreover, in many parts of Hawaii you absolutely need a car to get around.

Bringing the kids? Save money on your rental by bringing your own travel car seats . Click to read all the best tips.

We have a few favorites for finding deals on car rentals in Hawaii (and everywhere else). The most straightforward is good old RentalCars.com . You can quickly search for the type of car you want across tons of providers of all sizes and reserve without any upfront payment . Nearly every reservation can be cancelled, so we often check back weekly leading up to our travels and rebook if we see a better rate.

A great local option is Discount Hawaii Car Rental . They work with all of the major Hawaii car rental companies and have Hawaii-based customer service in case an issue comes up. That can be especially helpful if you’re arriving when it’s late in the day on the mainland.

Another option to consider is joining AARP . The membership costs about as much as a Starbucks run but can save you up to 30% on rental car rates (in addition to discounts on some hotels)! Surprisingly, you don’t have to be a senior or retired to join AARP.

Our rental car ended up being by far the most expensive component of our 5 week trip to Hawaii. We needed a minivan for part of our trip, but it would have been the same price as renting one compact car for five weeks and a second compact car for a week and a half in the middle when we were joined by a few grandmas.

Though the minivan was pricey at $1600 for five weeks, it was handy to have for hauling around a big stack of boogie boards, beach towels and cases of food from Costco (more on that below). If you plan to shop at Costco and haul around lots of beach gear, you may want to consider sizing up from the smaller options. For reference, the quote we received for an intermediate car for 10 days was just shy of $500. Thanks to rental car shortages after the pandemic, rates may be significantly higher if you’re booking a shorter rental period.

What’s the best place to get gas in Hawaii? It’s often Costco. Seriously, folks. On average gas was 70 cents cheaper per gallon at Costco than at other local gas stations during our last visit. That’s more than $10 saved every time you fill up! That said, other local gas sellers have upped their game by lowering their prices so it’s worth peeking at Safeway and Sam’s Club prices when you drive by, as the Costco gas lines can be long. My favorite tip for comparing gas prices in Hawaii is that on the store detail page for each Costco warehouse you can expand the “Gas Station” section to see hours and the current price! (Note that Hawaii Kai does not have gas, but all other Costco warehouses in Hawaii do.)

Not sure which island to pick? Find the best Hawaiian island for your family vacation.

If you prefer simplicity in your travel arrangements, one option to consider for Hawaii vacations on a budget is a package deal. That’s how we went on our first Hawaii vacation!

Before booking a package deal, you need to carefully consider the value of everything that’s included to make sure it’s actually the cheapest way to vacation in Hawaii for the dates you want. We booked ours as a Black Friday special, so it was deeply discounted.

Here are some great places to look for discount Hawaii vacation packages:

• Expedia (that’s where we booked ours)
• TravelZoo (we’ve gotten great deals for other destinations)
• Costco Travel

If you’re planning a budget Hawaii vacation, you’ll need to think carefully about how and where you’ll eat. Many items have to be transported to Hawaii by ship, so food prices in Hawaii can be anywhere from a few cents to a few dollars more than on the mainland. Having a plan for food is one of the keys to how to travel to Hawaii on a budget.

Of course the best way to save money on food in Hawaii is to book a vacation rental with a kitchen and prepare food yourself. But even if you plan to make all your meals at your home away from home, you’ll have to be judicious in you grocery purchases. But we’ve done some scouting for you and have a few suggestions to help you through since grocery prices in Hawaii can be quite daunting.

First, let’s discuss Costco. If you already have a membership and you’ll be visiting Hawaii with a few other people, Costco in Hawaii can be a great value ! Prices are nearly the same as at Costco on the mainland, and prices are much cheaper than local grocery stores for items like dairy, eggs and meat. There are seven Costco locations in Hawaii, including four on Oahu.

In addition to food and pantry staples, you’ll find some beach gear, Hawaiian shirts and other handy items. While you’re there, grab a meal at Costco – it doesn’t require membership and the whole family can eat for less than $10! It’s not a nutritious choice to make every day, but if you’re going to Costco in Hawaii once every week or two it’s a great way to save a little money without cooking at home.

Pro tip: If you don’t have a Costco membership but know someone who does, have them buy you some Costco Cash cards (gift cards). You can use these without a membership!

All that said, before you dive in on a Costco membership for your cheap trip to Hawaii consider whether or not you’ll actually make it through a 20 pound bag of rice during your vacation. And where will you store all that food? What should you do if you’ll only be in Hawaii for a short time or you aren’t bringing an entire football team? Head to Target!

That’s right, the big red bullseye of value has made it to paradise! You’ll find locations on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island and the stores are full of all your favorites from the mainland – plus some local specialties in the “Aloha Shop”. Since Target carries groceries – both house brand and national brands, it might just be the best place to do your grocery shopping in Hawaii. Similarly, if you prefer to shop at Walmart you’ll find tons of stores on Oahu and one or two on the other islands.

You may notice that prices in those stores are a little higher than what you’d find on the mainland, but fear not: both stores offer price match guarantees . Just pull up the item you want on your phone from the store’s website – or another major website – and they’ll give you the lower price right there at the register! I saved 20% on our sunscreen that way. Target will definitely be your friend when you travel to Hawaii on the cheap.

Another local option is Foodland. We found many items there that were only a little more expensive than at our local grocery stores on the mainland, though some things (like dairy and eggs) were much more expensive than we found at Costco. Sign up for their Maika’i card for extra discounts and make sure to check out the poke counter in the back of the store – we got an inside tip that many locals hit Foodland for their own poke fixes.

One of the great things about a vacation in Hawaii is that there are so many amazing things to do for free that take full advantage of what makes the Aloha State special. You can relax on the beach, hike to a waterfall , go on a scenic drive and even attend a hula performance – all for free! It’s one of the best places to travel to without a passport if you’re American.

We’ve had plenty of days in Hawaii when we didn’t spend a dime (except on shave ice, but that’s a different story). But what about big ticket paid activities? Can you still do them even if you’re visiting Hawaii on a budget? Here are a few ideas for how to have those special experiences without busting your budget.

Read more: 10 things to do on Oahu under $10

Go Oahu Card

The Go Oahu Card by Smart Destinations bundles multiple activities together to save you money. There are two different options to choose from: All-Inclusive or Build Your Own.

With their All-Inclusive pass you pay a fixed rate based on the number of days you’d like to use the card (which can be spread over a two week period) and then you can do as many of those activities as you can squeeze in! There are options ranging from luaus to catamaran snorkeling trips to hikes to movie tours, and many activities offer free transportation from Waikiki in case you don’t have a car.

You can choose cards for 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days – cards for 3 days or more include your choice of one “premium” activity like a luau, a sunset dinner sail, snorkeling with wild sea turtles or even a semi-private surfing lesson.

If you’re visiting Oahu for a week, we think the 3 day card is the sweet spot for value at $219 per adult and $189 per child. Why? In addition to great activities like the Polynesian Cultural Center, you’ll get to choose one premium activity like a snorkel boat tour. There are plenty of other high-value activities included for the other two days so that you’d easily get plenty of value from the 3-day card .

Read all about the Go Oahu card and how to make the most of it when you’re traveling to Hawaii on a budget.

Check out just a few activities you can do with your Go Oahu card :

Shaka Gold Card

The Shaka Gold Card only came on my radar after our family’s 2024 trip to Hawaii, and I’m bummed that I didn’t know about it sooner! For just a $30 membership, you gain access to meaningful discounts on some top activities. I learned about it directly from the company we sailed with on Kauai so it’s absolutely a legitimate way to get discounts.

How big are the discounts? We would have saved almost $180 on just a single activity. There are boat tours, luaus, horseback riding, zip lines and more.

>>> Get your Shaka Gold card

Entertainment Book

Remember the Entertainment Book that our families all used to buy during fundraisers in the 1980s? They’re still around. And they actually offer some pretty good deals in Hawaii on several islands!

As with most deals in the Entertainment Book , you’ll generally find 2-for-1 type coupons. You’ll find coupons for plenty of restaurants, but also coupons for wonderful attractions like the helicopter tours, snorkel rentals, Twogood Kayaks, the Bishop Museum, the Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor and more. If you use it for even one or two activities in Hawaii, it’ll pay for itself. You can even choose a digital book to have all the deals at your fingertips!

>>> See all the deals available in the Hawaii Entertainment Book.

Check out more awesome things to do on Oahu with kids

Admission to National Parks in Hawaii

If you plan to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island or Haleakalā on Maui, you can get in  FREE with your America the Beautiful annual pass . For just $80 per year, you can get into nearly all federal government-run recreational lands. It will generally pay for itself in just three or four uses (or even two if you’re visiting some of the popular/expensive parks). Pick up your pass today.

Shopping for someone else? Consider these great National Park themed gifts !

Groupon and Living Social

Other great resources for saving money in Hawaii are daily deal sites like Groupon and Living Social. You can find discounts on sailing trips, helicopter rides, parasailing and more. If you’re looking for things to do in Hawaii on a budget, make Groupon your first stop! Check out the deals here.

Use your memberships

You might have the key to cheap and free activities right in your wallet! If you’re a AAA member, always ask when booking hotels or activities if they offer a special rate.

And if you are a member of a science center back home that participates in the ASTC Passport program, bring your card to the wonderful Maui Ocean Center to receive free admission. It’s the perfect free activity if you’re trying to visit Hawaii with kids on a budget!

Note: The Bishop Museum on Oahu previously participated in the ASTC Passport program but appears to have left as of 2024.

Military discounts

There are almost 50,000 US military personnel and their dependents living in Hawaii (population around 1.5 million). Military families vacationing in Hawaii will find discounts almost everywhere on admission to attractions. You’ll also benefit from lower hotel rates and access to four commissaries on Oahu, plus an exchange where you can buy discounted gifts. Thank you for your service!

There are two schools of thought about “island hopping” in Hawaii as it relates to the cheapest way to visit Hawaii.

First, the “pro island hopping camp”: Flights from mainland US to Hawaii are generally long and expensive. It’s cheaper to fly to Hawaii once and visit several islands while you’re there than it is to pay for separate roundtrip airfares. This is especially true if you’re coming from the east coast or if Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime splurge for you! The cheapest way to travel between Hawaiian islands is to look for a deal on Southwest and use companion pass if you have it, especially if you’ll need to check a bag.

Second, the “anti island hopping camp”: If you’re trying to plan a trip to Hawaii on a budget, you’ll economize more by staying in one place. Many vacation rentals offer a weekly rate. Rental cars are much cheaper by the week – often 5 days cost more than 7 days ( see the difference here ).

If you visit two islands (or more!) you’ll have to either eat out all the time or buy small, expensive quantities of food – and then buy them again on your next stop.

Plus you have to pay to get from one island to another, often around $75 each way. You can limit that to one segment if you book an “open jaw” into one island and out of another, but check that pricing versus a regular roundtrip plus an inter-island roundtrip.

Where do we fall? We suggest that you sit back and enjoy the aloha on one island at a time! Hawaii will always be waiting for you to return. The exception is if you’ve already been to some of the islands and want to visit a new on, but flight availability isn’t great. Now that we live in the Midwest it might work out better for us to stop on Oahu or Maui en route to Kauai since it has fewer inbound flights from the mainland.

If you’re planning a family vacation to Hawaii on a budget, some of the tips we’ve already mentioned will be extremely helpful! Here’s a quick roundup:

• Look for companion pass deals for airfare
• Grab an Airbnb with a kitchen – make sure it has a decent sized fridge if you plan to shop at Costco in Hawaii
• Encourage your kids to eat fresh, local food rather than food that’s packaged and sent from the mainland (you can bring a box of cereal in your luggage if that’s a must-have)
• Bring your own car seat to avoid paying for one with your rental car
• Use your science museum membership from home for free admission to the Bishop Museum
• If possible, avoid major school break times

Obviously prices vary a ton depending on where you’re coming from and style of travel. As a baseline, domestic plane tickets to Hawaii cost $400-1200 per person in 2022. Hotel or Airbnb accommodations cost $150-600 per night. The cost of food varies tremendously, but budget at least $40 per person per day if you’ll be eating all your meals at restaurants. Even “cheap trips to Hawaii” aren’t really cheap by true budget travel standards unfortunately.

Oahu can be very inexpensive thanks to abundant choices for lodging and food, and staying in Waikiki can remove the need for a rental car. The Hilo side of the Big Island also offers good value for the money, as it’s one of the less popular tourist areas. All things considered, the Big Island is probably the cheapest island in Hawaii.

We’ve found great deals almost anytime outside of school breaks! Fall is the quietest (and thus, cheapest) time for tourism in Hawaii. January and February can also be inexpensive times for flights as long as you avoid the end of winter break and the long weekends during the season.

If you’re flying at an off-peak time of year, you can often snag deals just a week or two in advance from the west coast. For flights over holiday periods or from the east coast, you’ll want to buy your tickets several months in advance for the best deals.

Prefer a visual version? Check out our Hawaii on a budget web story !

See all of our Hawaii travel planning resources in one place Travel planning resources: Compare rental car prices for Hawaii Buy a top-rated travel insurance policy 5 simple money-saving tips for booking.com General Hawaii resources: How to visit Hawaii on a budget Renting a car in Hawaii: 10 things you NEED to know What to pack for Hawaii Is a cheap GoPro knock-off worth it? Hawaii with kids: What’s the best Hawaiian island for families? Is it worth visiting Hawaii with a baby? Ultimate packing list for Hawaii with kids Top 10 things to do with kids on Oahu The best snorkel gear for kids of all ages Oahu resources: Best Oahu travel guide book Perfect 7 day Oahu itinerary Where to stay on Oahu Family-friendly Oahu vacation rentals Cheap Places To Stay On Oahu 10 Fun Things to do on Oahu for $10 or less Getting the most bang for your buck on your Go Oahu discount card Insider tips for visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center The best beaches on Oahu (and why to visit them) Where to find the best shave ice on Oahu The best easy hikes on Oahu North Shore Oahu complete visitors guide Kayaking to the Mokes with Twogood Kayaks Family-friendly kayaking with Holokai Adventures Visiting Pearl Harbor Maui resources: Best Maui travel guide book Family Activities in Maui We Absolutely Love Perfect 3 day Maui itinerary 5 Things You NEED To Do Before You Visit Maui Cheap Places To Stay On Maui Big Island resources: Best Big Island travel guide book Perfect 5 day Big Island itinerary Cheap Places To Stay On the Big Island Kauai resources: Best Kauai travel guide book Best Things to Do with Kids on Kauai Perfect 3 day Kauai itinerary Cheap Places To Stay On Kauai

What are your secrets for how to do Hawaii on a budget?

Many thanks to our awesome partners in paradise, including Home Exchange, Smart Destinations, Polynesian Cultural Center and Twogood Kayaks; all opinions are my own.

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What to read next

13 thoughts on “visiting hawaii on a budget (2024): all the tricks and tips you need to know”.

Yayyyyyyy!!! We went for our honeymoon, so I’m loving this! Now I know we can actually go back with the kids one day and not break the bank… so cool that you were able to be there for so long!

Out of all the states I have visited the only state I still have to go to is Hawaii. I always thought it is super mega expensive. Your post proves the opposite and I think it’s the time to start planning a trip. Can’t wait to go!

This is such a great post. We live in Aus and spent a month in Hawaii on our honeymoon back in 2016. Your photos took me right back. We did find accomodation so expensive, even through Airbnb- I wish we’d known about the house exchange back then! Thats such a good way to save some money while seeing the world.

I hope to visit it one day! great post #fearlessfamtrav

I’d love to visit Hawaii, but have always been turned off by the potential price! This post was awesome for me. Saving it for the future. ##fearlessfamtrav

Great tips! We loved Hawaii but not the cheapest #fearlessfamtrav

I love posts like this! Showing how seemingly expensive places are accessible for budget travellers. Good call on the Costco card, although great tips all round. Thanks for linking up to #fearlessfamtrav

Amazing tips, we are going to Hawaii on a home exchange so will already save a bit of money but these tips will be really helpful.

That’s so exciting! Which island are you visiting?

Thank you for these budget tips you shared to us. Hawaii is the best place for vacation lots of delicious foods and shopping center their. I hope i can go their next year.

I was under the impression that Hawaii is very expensive but your article proved me wrong.I would love to visit Hawaii soon

This is a great page. It’s very engaging and well written. I’ll come back from time to time for more posts like this one.

This is a really cool page. One of the best posts I’ve come across in quite a while. I hope to see more.

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Hawaii Vacation Planner: A Hawaii Trip Planning Guide for First-Timers

Are you planning your first trip to hawaii and need a hawaii vacation planner keep scrolling to read this hawaii trip planning guide for first-timers, this hawaii vacation planner for people visiting hawaii for the first time was written by marcie cheung (a hawaii travel expert) and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Hawaii is one of the 50 states in the US. It is undeniably one of the most popular destinations not only within the US but also around the world.

It is a group of islands that were formed from volcanic eruptions. Hawaii sits on the Pacific, offering fine white sand beaches, surfing spots, active volcanoes, and stunning hiking trails.

Tourists have been flocking to Hawaii for decades; however, with ever-changing travel policies and new businesses popping up, planning a Hawaiian vacation can still be confusing and even overwhelming, especially to first-time visitors .

But don’t worry; this article will guide you on how to plan a Hawaiian vacation, including what to pack, places that should be on your “must-sees,” and things to remember to ensure that you will have an unforgettable trip to Hawaii.

Why follow my lead? I’ve explored Hawaii more than 40 times, so I’ve got lots of advice!

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Hawaii itineraries complete with daily schedules, fun activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

Hawaii Vacation Planner Checklist Items

Step 1: check to see if you need an id.

If you are a citizen of the US, you only need a valid government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or a passport card .

International Visitors

For foreign visitors, you must bring your passport and ensure that it has at least a 6-months validity from your location’s date of your intended departure date.

Checking if you need a tourist visa is also very important. Most travelers with a passport from Canada, most of Europe, some East Asia, and Oceania don’t need a visa to enter and travel around the US.

If your passport is not on the list of visa-free nationalities, apply for a visa at least 6 months in advance. Depending on your location, the processing time might take longer than expected. Find out whether or not you need a passport to visit Hawaii .

Step 2: Choose Which Island(s) to Visit

There are over 100 islands that make up Hawaii, but there are only eight main islands; Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Moloka’i, Kaho’olawe, Ni‘ihau, Lana’i, and the Island of Hawai’i (aka Big Island).

The most popular island is Oahu , where Honolulu is located. First-time visitors to Hawaii love this island not only because of its beauty but also because of its convenience and ease of moving around.

Maui is another spectacular island to visit, which is southeast of Oahu. Although it is about as popular as Honolulu, there are significantly fewer crowds here, one can find tranquillity much easier and still have accessibility to shops, hotels, and restaurants.

While planning your first trip to Hawaii, you will also find information about the island of Kauai . It is situated northwest of Oahu. On the other hand, this island is more popular for its hiking trails. It’s filled with lush and amazing forest reserves, an awesome place for those who love spending time with nature.

You will most likely arrive at Honolulu International Airport (Daniel K. Inouye International Airport). There are also airports on other islands; however, usually, the flights heading that way can be more expensive and have limited flights per week.

Depending on how much time you have during your visit to Hawaii, you can plan to stay on 1 to 2 islands or even more. Looking up what other islands can offer will help you decide where to go.

For example, if you only want water activities, stick to islands with the best beaches, perfect snorkeling spots, and even water sports like surfing.

One thing to remember, it’s pretty easy to fly between the islands. In general, it should only take 30 minutes to an hour to travel between two islands. We have a guide on Hawaii island hopping that might be helpful in your Hawaii vacation planning.

Step 3: Plan Your Itinerary

Now that you have decided which islands you want to visit, it’s time to plan your Hawaiian itinerary. This includes how many days to visit in each place, which part of the island you prefer your accommodation, and where you will be landing or starting your trip.

For example, Honolulu has the biggest options when it comes to hotels and resorts. Regardless of your Hawaii budget , you will find something suitable for you and your family. 

Step 4: Book Your Airfare

After creating the basic itinerary, you can now look into flight choices. If you plan to travel during peak season (school vacations, holidays, or winter), it’s vital to book your flight at least 3-months before.

Airfare and accommodation rates skyrocket during the high season. You will also have limited choices if you leave the booking last minute.

The airlines you want to focus on are Hawaiian Airlines , Alaska Airlines , and Southwest Airlines if flying from another part of the US. 

On the other hand, if you are coming from Europe, you should look at airlines such as British Airways , Lufthansa , United Airlines , Air Canada , and Finnair .

Check out Asiana , Hawaiian , United Airlines , Philippine Airlines , and Cathay Pacific for visitors coming from Asia.

If flying from Oceania, the trip will be long, hence, it’s important to look at flights that will only take one connection. Fiji Airways , Hawaiian , and Qantas are the airlines you want to consider.

I often use Skyscanner and Google Flights to see which airlines are heading to the destination and which ones offer the most affordable ones.

If the price difference is not a lot, I prefer booking via the airline’s official site because if I have to cancel, I get my money back faster versus third-party sites. Plus, I get to collect miles which I can convert into flight tickets in the future.

Step 5: Plan your Activities

This is my favorite part. Researching and writing down things to do and places to see is very exciting for me. It helps me visualize the place and create a mental map. Your Hawaii trip checklist must include a list of activities you want to do and attractions that you want to see.

There are many things to do in Hawaii; from anything related to the beach, trekking, ATV driving, interacting with wild animals, and even trying out local dishes and drinks. There are plenty of attractions in Hawaii to enjoy.

This is only a quick list of things to do in Hawaii to give you an idea of what activities are popular and can be done during your trip.

Things to do on Oahu:

• Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center
• Join a Pearl Harbor Tour
• Take a scenic helicopter tour around the island
• Turtle Canyon Snorkeling
• Check out Oahu Atlantis Submarine Adventure

Things to do on Maui:

• Spend an afternoon at Kaanapali Beach
• Hike Haleakala National Park
• Drive the Hana Highway
• Join a traditional Luau celebration
• Explore Wai’anapanapa State Park

Things to do on Kauai:

• Discover Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
• Hike the Kalalau Trail
• Helicopter tour over Kauai
• Kauai Mountain Tubing
• Visit Waimea Canyon

Things to do on the Island of Hawai’i/Big Island:

• Book an ATV tour
• Explore Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
• Check out Akaka Falls
• Enjoy Punalu’u Beach

Things to do on Moloka’i:

• Relax at Papohaku Beach
• Hike Halawa Valley
• Explore the North Shore sea cliffs
• Visit Kalaupapa

Things to do on Lana’i:

• Swim at Shipwreck Beach
• Trek the Fisherman’s Trail
• Check out Garden of the God / Keahiakawelo
• Take a Lana’i snorkeling tour from Maui

Book a Hawaii Photo Shoot

Whenever we travel to Hawaii, we almost always book a photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy, affordable, AND it guarantees that I’ll have more than just selfies. You can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code HAWAIITRAVEL.

Step 6: Budget your trip  

Hawaii is a unique place, there’s no debating about that. But it’s natural scenic views, exciting activities, and an abundance of places to explore, it’s unsurprising how costly a vacation in Hawaii can be. It’s essential that you determine your budget and how much you are willing to spend.

Ask yourself and list at least the top 5-10 must-see or must-do activities. Do you plan to visit each place on your own or do you prefer booking a guided tour? 

Figure out what type of accommodation you want to stay in; condos, hotels, resorts, or bed and breakfast. 

Deciding how you plan to get around the island is also crucial. Using public transportation such as the bus will be the most affordable but could also eat up your time. Renting a car is the most popular, but before you settle on that, check if your driver’s license is valid in Hawaii or the US.

One last thing is your food budget. If you are planning to stay in a condo with a well-equipped kitchen, it will be more affordable to head to the grocery store and cook. But make sure to plan to eat out once or twice to simply experience Hawaiian local dishes. 

An average tourist in Hawaii spends about $1,900 per week. It’s pretty easy to spend more than that.

Step 7: Book your accommodations

Since Hawaii is such a popular destination, there are plenty of choices of accommodations, from budget, mid-range, to luxury. It’s often cheaper if at least two people travel together since you can split the cost.

If you have a young child with you, you often don’t have to get another room for them and instead book a room with a double bed and a single bed.

Where to Stay on Oahu:

• Budget: Polynesia Hostel Beach Club
• Moderate: Waikiki Central Hotel
• Luxury: Aston Waikiki Beach Tower

Where to Stay on Maui:

• Budget: The Northshore Hostel
• Moderate: Days Inn by Wyndham
• Luxury: Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa

Where to Stay on Kauai:

• Budget: Kauai Palms Hotel
• Moderate: Kauai Shores Hotel
• Luxury: Sheraton Kauai Resort Villas

Where to Stay on the Island of Hawai’i/Big Island:

• Budget: Ocean Breeze Inn
• Moderate: Hawaii Island Resort
• Luxury: Aston Kona

Where to Stay on Molokai:

• Budget: Hotel Molokai
• Moderate: Molokai Ocean View Condo
• Luxury: Molokai Island Getaway

Where to Stay on Lana’i: 

• Moderate: The Artist’s House
• Luxury: Four Seasons Resort

Step 8: Book your Rental Car

Renting your own car to navigate around the island gives you the freedom to go and leave whenever you want compared to relying on public transportation and even guided tours which stick to a certain schedule.

Having your own rented car also allows you to bring more items while exploring around, such as snacks, water, and even extra clothes, especially if traveling with children. 

You don’t have to rent a car on all islands you plan to visit. Some areas are small enough to simply walk around to get from one place to another. But on bigger islands such as Oahu and Maui, renting a car will make everything more convenient.

Although there shouldn’t be any shortage of cars to rent during your visit to Hawaii, it can happen, especially in peak season.

It’s best to book your rental car for Hawaii as soon as you have your flights booked. But not after you compare prices on different sites and check which rental company has the most flexible cancellation and/or rebooking policy. 

Finally, make sure that the car can be picked up at the airport. This will save you money from taking a taxi and the hassle of towing your suitcases.

Discount Hawaii Car Rental

For the discount-savvy travelers out there, there are some easy ways to save a little bit of cash on your rental cars! One of the easiest ways to take advantage of these deals is by getting your rental through Discount Hawaii Car Rentals . We have found that you can typically score some amazing deals through this method!

Companies like Alamo , Dollar Car Rental , Avis , Thrifty , Enterprise , Budget , and Payless , these places can obtain some amazing deals, which they are then able to give to you to save some cash!

The list doesn’t end there, though. These places can even give you some extra benefits, like lowering the rate for young drivers and getting you some extra drivers for free! Check out the latest prices and more details.

Step 9: Learn a few Hawaiian Words

English is one of the main languages in Hawaii, but it helps if you learn some basic words to help you get by and understand when the locals are greeting you. Knowing these words also shows your respect for the people and the culture. Here is a quick list of Hawaiian words:

• Aloha – hello/goodbye
• E hele kaua – let’s party
• E kala mai – sorry/please forgive me
• Howitz – slang for how are you
• Keiki – children
• Kokua – help
• Mahalo – thank you

Step 10: Pack your bags

When it comes to Hawaii’s vacation packing list, aside from your swimsuits, there are other things that you have to remember to bring.

It’s safe to imagine that you will be under the sun and underwater on many occasions while visiting Hawaii. Bring the following items:

• Ethical or safe-reef sunscreen
• Water shoes
• Comfortable hiking sandals or shoes
• Waterproof phone case or a dry bag
• Universal power adapter

Use packing cubes to help ease and organize your travel essentials for Hawaii. Some have handles designed to allow your packing cube to be hung on a bathroom rack or closet. You can also get a laundry bag which does a great job separating dirty or wet clothes from the clean ones.

Step 11: Prepare for your arrival and departure 

Now that your flights and hotels are booked, the itinerary is ready, and the packing list is printed,  the last thing on your Hawaii vacation planner is to do final checks, such as entry requirements based on the airline you will be using and the destination you will be coming from.

You should also check if your airline requires you to “check-in online” prior to departure. In Europe, failing to do this extra step could cost you extra fees.

Write down your flight number, booking number, and hotel reservation code in case you cannot access your email due to a lack of internet connection. Add on this list emergency numbers such as medical services and police hotline in Hawaii.

And last but not least, book yourself an airport pick-up if you don’t have a car rental arranged from the airport. This will save you time and money, it also helps to get you out of the airport as quickly as possible.

Hawaii Trip Planning Wrap Up

You now know everything you need for planning a Hawaii trip like a pro! I hope this Hawaii trip planner checklist helps you feel confident planning your first trip to Hawaii!

Want more Hawaii travel resources? Find out the best area to stay on Oahu , how many days in Maui do you need , and the best Hawaiian island for honeymoons !

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READY TO PLAN YOUR TRIP TO HAWAII?

This Step-by-Step Workbook & Journal Will Help!

How To Plan The Perfect Hawaii Vacation

Save money on your next flight

Skyscanner is the world’s leading flight search engine, helping you find the cheapest flights to destinations all over the world.

Dreaming of sun-kissed beaches, lush rainforests, and world-famous surf? Planning a trip to Hawaii can make that dream a reality. With some preparation and insider knowledge, you’ll be on your way to an unforgettable Hawaiian getaway in no time.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Book flights and accommodations 3-6 months in advance for the best prices . Determine which islands fit your interests and allot enough time on each. Pack sun protection, casual clothing, and hiking shoes.

Create an itinerary mixing must-see sights with relaxing beach time. Enjoy locally sourced food and ocean activities.

Deciding When to Visit Hawaii

High and low seasons.

Hawaii has typical high and low seasons that impact hotel rates, crowds, and availability. The high season runs from mid-December through March and June through August – basically when kids are out of school. You’ll find busy beaches, higher hotel rates, and fewer discounts during these peak times.

The fall months of September through mid-December are generally considered the low or shoulder season , with smaller crowds and better deals on hotels and flights.

Weather variations among the islands

While the Hawaiian islands enjoy warm tropical weather year-round, there are some weather variations to consider when deciding when to visit:

• The islands of Maui and the Big Island have more defined wet and dry seasons. Expect more rain from November through March.
• Oahu and Kauai receive rain year-round, although winter storms bring increased rainfall especially on the north and east shores.
• Summers are typically drier, sunnier, and calmer across all the islands from June through September.

Best times for budget travelers

To save money on your Hawaiian vacation, visit during the low or shoulder seasons in the spring and fall. You’ll enjoy pleasant weather and smaller crowds without paying premium prices. September, October, and May are particularly good budget-friendly times.

Statistically, Kayak data shows hotel rates in Hawaii are cheapest from mid-April to early June.

Choosing the Right Hawaiian Islands

Oahu – the gathering place.

Oahu is the most popular island for visitors, hosting about 75% of Hawaii’s residents. The state capital and largest city Honolulu is located here, along with famous Waikiki Beach. With so much to see and do, Oahu is a great option for your first Hawaii vacation.

Iconic landmarks like Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head Crater share the island with world-class resorts, shopping, and dining. The North Shore is known for big wave surfing in the winter and sea turtle sightings in summer.

Maui – The valley isle

Lush green rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, stunning beaches – Maui has it all. Many visitors say Maui has the best beaches in Hawaii. With over 120 miles of coastline, there are plenty of secluded spots and popular resort areas to explore.

The Road to Hana is a must-do scenic drive, winding past rainforests, bamboo forests, and cascading waterfalls. Travelers shouldn’t miss watching the sunrise from atop Haleakala Crater. Whale watching, snorkeling, and surfing are also popular activities on this gorgeous island.

Kauai – The garden isle

With lush green mountain peaks, waterfall-lined canyons, and white sand beaches, Kauai lives up to its nickname as the Garden Isle. About 96% of the island is undeveloped, making it perfect for admiring unspoiled natural landscapes.

Waimea Canyon is often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” wowing visitors with its colorful rock formations and deep valley views. Napali Coast is stunning as well with its towering sea cliffs. Relax on one of Kauai’s world-famous beaches, kayak along the Wailua River, or hike to hidden waterfalls in Waimea Canyon for the ultimate Hawaiian adventure.

Big Island – The island of exploration

As Hawaii’s largest island, the aptly named Big Island has a little bit of everything – fiery volcanoes, black sand beaches, snow-capped mountain peaks, coffee and macadamia nut farm tours, and historic towns like Kailua Village. Active volcano Kilauea draws visitors from around the world.

Watch glowing lava flow into the ocean at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (when safe) or gaze up at the Milky Way stars from Mauna Kea, home to world-class astronomy. Snorkeling with giant manta rays at night offers another memorable experience.

With so much to explore, travelers to the Big Island won’t be disappointed!

Booking Flights and Accommodations

Search tips for scoring airfare deals.

When looking for the cheapest flights to Hawaii, the keys are flexibility and monitoring flight search engines over time. Consider traveling mid-week instead of weekends when airfare is typically cheaper. Searching for deals two to four months in advance can yield good pricing.

Use flight search websites like Kayak , Google Flights , and Skyscanner to regularly check for price drops.

Types of Hawaiian accommodations

Hawaii offers diverse lodging options to meet any preference and budget. Popular choices include hotels/resorts, condos, vacation homes, bed & breakfasts, and camping. When selecting accommodations, consider your interests and priorities – factors like location, views, amenities, costs, surrounding attractions and privacy can help decide what works best.

Some regions like Waikiki offer ample hotels while rural areas feature more vacation rentals. Checking review sites like TripAdvisor provides insight on properties.

Hotels provide convenient locations and on-site amenities like restaurants, pools and cleaning services while condos/vacation rentals offer more space, privacy and full-kitchens for budget-friendly dining.

Evaluate all related costs when booking as fees like parking, internet access and resort charges can add up.

Booking strategies for best rates

Allow flexibility in travel dates/flight times, airline options and destinations to capitalize on fluctuating prices for airfare and hotels. Avoid school vacation weeks and holidays when visitor demand surges.

Consider lesser-visited Islands like Kauai and Lanai or lodging outside main tourist hubs to control costs. Joining hotel and airline loyalty programs can unlock member-only deals and credit card points can be redeemed for free stays.

Booking mid-week stays, over 45 days out and during low seasons generally brings the lowest rates. Using vacation rental listing sites like Vrbo , Airbnb , and Vacasa opens broader property choices. Maximize credit card rewards points, airline miles and military/senior discounts to save more.

Creating the Perfect Hawaii Itinerary

Must-see attractions and natural wonders.

No trip to Hawaii is complete without taking in some of its world-famous natural attractions like Volcanoes National Park to see Kilauea volcano and lava flows, the incredible sea cliffs and landscapes of the Na Pali Coast , and famous beaches like Waikiki and Hanalei Bay .

Hawaii’s natural wonders also include incredible waterfalls like Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls , the green sand beach at Papakolea , the road to Hana with over 50 bridges and 600 curves, and ancient historical sites like the royal grounds of Iolani Palace in Honolulu.

Best beaches for swimming, snorkeling, surfing

With so many amazing beaches, choosing the best ones for your favorite activities can be tough. Top beaches for swimming and snorkeling include Hanauma Bay on Oahu, Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island, and Makena Beach (Big Beach) on Maui.

The North Shore of Oahu is renowned for epic surf spots like Pipeline and Waimea Bay , while Maui’s Honolua Bay offers legendary surfing for experts.

Top hikes and outdoor adventures

Challenge yourself with the intense 11-mile roundtrip kalalau trail along the Na Pali coast, gaze down into the 800-foot depths of Waimea Canyon on Kauai, climb to the top of 10,000-foot tall volcano Haleakala at sunrise, or take a more leisurely hike through the Bamboo Forest and Summit Trail up Diamond Head crater near Waikiki in Oahu.

For the ultimate outdoor experience, don’t miss seeing Hawaii’s marine life up close by booking a Molokini crater snorkeling tour.

Food and drink you must try

Hawaii’s unique cuisine blends flavors from its cultural history, featuring dishes like tender kalua pork, the Korean-inspired shrimp truck favorite garlic shrimp, hearty loco moco (a burger served over rice with an egg), and of course the island’s signature poke bowls (raw tuna salad).

And what trip to Hawaii would be complete without a fruity tropical cocktail? Don’t miss sipping on a classic Mai Tai with rum and pineapple juice or the local favorite Lava Flow made with pineapple, coconut, and strawberry.

Packing for Hawaii

Heading off to Hawaii for vacation? Packing for the Aloha State takes some strategic planning to ensure you have everything you need. Let’s explore some essentials to include beyond the obvious bathing suits and flip-flops.

Essential items beyond bathing suits

Naturally, you’ll want to bring swimwear to enjoy Hawaii’s iconic beaches, from its world-famous Waikiki to stunning spots like Hanalei Bay on Kauai. But don’t forget these other vital vacation items:

• Sun protection – Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, etc. to shield from powerful tropical UV rays.
• Moisturizer – The saltwater and sun can dry out skin, so bring aloe vera, lotion, etc.
• Light, breathable clothing – Temperatures hover around 85°F year-round, so pack lightweight, flowing fabrics.
• Rain jacket or poncho – Brief tropical downpours are common, so come prepared.
• Sturdy shoes – For hiking trails to awe-inspiring sights like Waimea Canyon or Volcanoes National Park.
• Motion sickness remedies – For boat rides to snorkeling spots or whale watching tours.

What to wear around the islands

Hawaii’s dress code is ultra-casual. While higher-end restaurants may require covered shoes or elegant resort wear, most places embrace casual outfits. Here are some tips on what to wear:

• Swimsuits – Great for beach days, poolside lounging, etc. Cover up with wraps or shorts if needed.
• Flowy dresses and tops – Capture Hawaii’s relaxed vibe with breezy summer dresses or blouses.
• Shorts and tees – Essential everyday staples in warm, sunny weather.
• Sandals or flip flops – Perfect footwear for the islands. Some hiking trails require closed-toe shoes.
• Light layers – Ideal for cool evenings. Perhaps pack a sweater or jacket.
• Hat or visor – Crucial for shade from the tropical sun.

Outdoor adventure gear to pack

Of course, you’ll likely want to experience Hawaii’s awe-inspiring outdoor scenery too. Here are some activity-specific items you may want:

Websites like Go Visit Hawaii offer fantastic Hawaii packing checklists with additional items tailored to your specific activities.

With strategic packing guided by your planned adventures, you’re sure to have an unforgettable tropical getaway. From blissful beach days to thrilling ocean excursions, Hawaii offers amazing experiences. Pack thoughtfully and get ready to create wonderful memories!

With strategic pre-trip planning, you’re guaranteed to have an incredible, stress-free Hawaiian vacation full of fresh island cuisine, stunning scenery, and plenty of time to unwind. Spend your days beach-hopping, hike to hidden waterfalls, and discover your own slice of paradise in this island paradise.

The aloha spirit awaits you in Hawaii!

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Jane Smith is a Hawaii resident and author born and raised on the island of Oahu. Her Hawaiian heritage shines through in her writing, infusing it with the Aloha spirit and local flavor.

Jane draws inspiration from the tropical island lifestyle - outrigger canoeing at sunrise, beach picnics, hiking to hidden waterfalls. Her works immerse readers in the beauty and culture of Hawaii.

An avid surfer since childhood, Jane often wakes early to catch waves along the North Shore. She also enjoys practicing Hawaiian crafts like lei-making, lauhala weaving, and kapa cloth printing.

When not writing or adventuring outdoors, you can find Jane sipping mai tais at the local tiki bar, listening to ukulele music at the night market, or cooking up a big pot of stew at home.

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Why Timing Is Now Everything When Visiting Hawaii

There are good times to come to Hawaii, and then there are much better times to visit. That has never been more true than it is now. First, Hawaii is incredibly busy, and instead of tourism subsiding, it only seems to be getting much busier. There are virtually no slow times any longer.

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#1 Hawaii travel secret – avoiding unprecedented crowds.

Let’s start with the bad news. Hawaii is always busy, and it only seems to be getting more so. But there are times when you may regret being here, and we hope to help you steer clear of those.

1. The worst times for visiting Hawaii are when school is out on the mainland. Pure and simple. But there are some better time slots even then.

2. The fewest visitors, relatively, will still be found from January after the end-of-year holiday crowd goes home until spring break. Since that varies by year and also to a degree between school spring break vacations, we’ll leave those dates for you to figure out. The idea of slow periods, however, is gone.

3. Summer can be hideously crowded in Hawaii, but there are better times then too. Starting about August 10, Hawaii starts to calm. That is far better than visiting in summer starting mid-June.

4. From the end of summer until mid-December. This is our personal favorite, so take that as you will. While the weather is more glorious than in the cooler and rainier winter, and the sun shines wonderfully, you feel like there’s room to spread out. Avoid Thanksgiving week; otherwise, you’re free to enjoy the best time of year.

#2 Hawaii travel secret – best times for lower costs in 2023/2024.

Consider accommodations and airfare first and foremost since those are the most significant expenses. That is followed by car rentals, restaurants, and activities. Start your search in that order to be sure the stars align before making plans that can’t easily be changed.

1. Spring 2023 – until early June. This is a good option for finding better last-minute deals on accommodations and airfare. We have been finding them ourselves. With somewhat more availability, companies are willing to lower prices within the last weeks. Keep checking for those, as we promise you they are out there. You must be diligent, as outsmarting airlines, hotels, and vacation rentals won’t be easy.

2. Peak summer travel 2023. In a word, avoid it if you can. Costs here go hand-in-hand with crowds, so from mid-June to mid-August will be the most expensive time for everything. And good luck getting into restaurants and activities without advance bookings.

3. Late summer/fall 2023. September, October, and November offer some relief in prices as well as better availability. You’ll need to wait until close to departure to find the best pricing, and that means seeing what is left that companies may opt to sell at lower prices. It will work if you are patient.

4. Christmas in Hawaii 2022. This is pricing on steroids time. Buyer, beware if you travel during Christmas and New Year holidays. It isn’t just the cost, but availability too. And that makes it all stressful.

5. Winter/snowbird season 2024. That includes travel from early January through spring break 2024. It’s about as good as pricing gets, with the same caveat about waiting within the last six weeks or so to book.

6. Spring break 2o24. Whenever it falls, typically between mid-March and early April, it can also be one of the highest-priced times of year to visit Hawaii. The one thing to remember about spring break compared with, say end of year holidays is that it is less predictable. So if you can wait and act last minute, it might work out more cost-effectively than those other peak periods.

Hawaii travel secret #3 – best ocean conditions and surf.

While ocean temperatures remain more or less constant year-round, the conditions vary greatly. As a result, a beach that’s calm in summer can feature giant and dangerous waves in winter. Tourists less familiar with our oceans should especially take note and be vigilant about ocean conditions when choosing beaches for swimming and snorkeling. Ocean surf can be very specific, with one part of a beach being dangerous while another part may remain calm and safe.

1. Summer generally features more calm Hawaiian ocean conditions. But be aware that the islands’ south shores can feature high waves in summer.

2. Winter is known for famously high waves with surfing conditions at Hawaii’s north shore and west-facing beaches. Storms can exacerbate these conditions. That’s why Hawaii is famous for winter surfing, after all.

Hawaii travel secret #4 – best weather.

Sure, Hawaii weather is generally glorious and is a subject of interest to visitors and residents. From spring through fall, Hawaii temperatures are generally in the 80s with cooling, fresh trade winds. It’s the time of year to shut off the mainland air conditioner and head to Hawaii.

Sun, rain, wind, and other conditions are prominent features of the Hawaiian Islands’ weather. That’s mainly due to the islands being small in a vast ocean, which in part creates unique variability and unpredictability in Hawaii’s weather. The Pacific is the source of our unique Hawaii weather. Ocean temperature varies by about 6 degrees year-round, between 73 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

1. Hawaii summer weather. As we head into the balmy summer months soon, with slightly warmer 80-90 degree days and mid-60 to 70-degree nights, you’ll still note that the breezy flow of cool air from the Arctic keeps Hawaii comfortable all year, even in the middle of summer.

2. Two seasons in Hawaii. The warm “Kau” season is from May to September, and the cool “Hooilo” season is f rom October until May. Expect nighttime temperatures from the 50s to 60s and daytime temps in the 70s. The lowest temperatures are found in February, March, and April.

3. Hawaii Rainfall. Major storms can typically occur from November to December and March to April. Winter rains can impact the entire state.

4. Hawaii hurricane season. There is always a possibility of hurricanes occurring annually from June through November.

Hawaii travel secret #5 – other considerations.

There are many reasons to visit Hawaii, and you may choose a time of year based on any number. That’s true whether you’re headed to Honolulu and the famous Waikiki Beach or any other Hawaiian Island destination.

1. Humpback whales, for example, are seen in Hawaii each winter, and they’re unforgettable, to say the least. Almost extinct just 50 years ago, their population grew along with global whaling bans. See our whale watching article for more details. Maui is most renowned for whale watching opportunities, and we can confirm that, although we have seen them on Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island.

2. Hawaii volcanoes. Another unique Hawaii phenomenon and one of our top recommendations is at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. Not to be missed, especially during a period of increased volcanic activity, which is not currently the case.

3. Festivals and other celebrations. Whether it is the  Memorial Day lantern festival on Oahu, the wine festival, other events like King Kamehameha Day, the Merrie Monarch Festival, the Prince Lot Hula Festival, or the Aloha Festivals, there’s always a ceremony, festival, or another great opportunity going on to enjoy Hawaii food with great and unique entertainment.

4. Hiking in Hawaii. Another favorite Hawaii activity on all the islands is accessible year-round. From Lanai and Molokai to Oahu and Kauai, every island has plenty of great hikes and trails, from basic to the most advanced.

Please share your Hawaii travel secrets.

Beat of hawaii's special picks for you.

Hawaii’s Slower Holiday Season Beckons Savvy Travelers

Take Advantage of Two Fast-Paced Hawaii Travel Changes

Hawaii Travel Should Be Slowing Now. Why Isn’t It?

Hawaii Summer Travel Starts: Dizzying Influx, Towering Frustrations

Record-Breaking Hawaii Travel Pulls in Front of Entire U.S.

Guide: Best Time to Visit Hawaii for Every Reason Including Deals

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24 thoughts on “Why Timing Is Now Everything When Visiting Hawaii”

Timing is crucial when planning a visit to Hawaii. With the ever-increasing tourism, it’s important to choose the right time to avoid overwhelming crowds. The worst times to visit are during school breaks on the mainland, but even then, there are better slots available. From January to spring break, and from late summer to mid-December, you can experience a more relaxed atmosphere. When it comes to costs, spring and fall of 2023 offer better deals, while peak summer and Christmas are the most expensive. Consider ocean conditions and surf preferences, as well as the unique weather patterns throughout the year.

This comprehensive article by Beat of Hawaii provides valuable insights on the best times to visit Hawaii based on various factors. It highlights the increasing popularity of the destination and offers tips to avoid crowds. It also discusses cost considerations, emphasizing specific periods for better deals on accommodations, airfare, and activities. The article further touches upon ocean conditions, surf, weather patterns, and other considerations like whale watching. With its thorough information, this article serves as a helpful guide for travelers planning a trip to Hawaii in 2023-2024.

We just got back last week from spending a wonderful week in Hawaii big island. Stunningly beautiful, best sunsets over the ocean ever. Friendly atmosphere, great food, rustic and full of history. The coffee and jasmine aroma is unmatched like no others. From the salty ocean waves to the Lilikoi flavors and the Malasadas are delicious! If you are ever blessed to go , please do and just soak up the history and be respectful of the islands. Aloha

This article seems right on even from what I remember living there from 1996 to 2014. Even better, I got to spend a week on Maui in Feb of 1975 as a 14 year old. It was literally, actually–heavenly! My big brother and bad influence immediately procured pakaholo from the a hotel worker at a hotel (which is still there by the way!). There was a hippie guy in a stand right on the beach (never today!) with one little blender and an extension cord that led out of sight selling fruit smoothies. He had a little radio playing Albert Hammonds “free electric band”, followed by I remember, Sugarloaf’s “Don’t call us (we’ll call you).” It was magical. Me and brother swan, played ping pong and hot tub at the Maui Kai, ika ‘aina kaulana o Maui nei

My secret would be to keep it to myself as social media is destroying the islands as it once was. It has become a selfie check list for many, there are many who are abusing the footprint, there are many that only want to visit to check out restaurants, there are many that want to take their kids to the closest disneyland like experience. then there is me, who gave up my dream to live on the islands because I did not want Maui to go to hell in a hand basket, so promised my Island Gods that I would not contribute to the over growth, only to fast forward to now a travel mecca that is too expensive to enjoy now.

We visited Hawaii in June and saw the Kamehameha parade. Waikiki beach was not crowded early in the morning. We had the beach practically to ourselves. It was hot but we are from Texas so we were use to it.

Perhaps since it is every island spirituall unique you could take visitors on a lottery basis or a limited reservation w background checks making it more exclusive and pleasant, weeding out unwanteds.

Who determines who is unwanted? Silly idea!

Hilarious! You should be a comedy writer.

Just finished a 3 week stay on Kauai. Didn’t seem to be crowded, locals were friendly but food was expensive. But I’ll take 2 out of 3. A great time was had by all,

We, at Discount Hawaii Car Rental agree with this, but have also noticed that those people who plan and book way in advance often end up with the best car rental deals on our website discounthawaiicarrental.com by booking even a year in advance. And you can always rebook and cancel if rates come down. We work hard to protect those early rate finders when rates go up and changes have to be made because airlines change flights – we have some success with this – protecting those great early rates. Car rentals can be more expensive the closer you get to peak periods. It is best to call our toll-free number and have our staff help you if you need to make changes to a reservation. We work to protect your rates wherever possible.

Kudos to Discount Hawaii Car Rentals! I always book with them, their prices are unbeatable.

They can’t do anything about this, but beware: Staffing levels aren’t what they used to be, so you might wait an hour or more for your vehicle, even with a reservation.

In January, lines to see an agent were at least an hour at LIH and HNL. I was traveling solo: If you’re not, send one of your party immediately to the rental line upon arrival.

Your rates are the same as Expedia.

Based on my memories, February – April was a good month not to be on Oahu unless you like relentless unending rain.

Of course, possibly the nastiest non-hurricane related storm took place over New Years Eve/New Years 87/88 when Oahu got walloped with up to 22 inches of rain… and a lot of flooding. September/October is best in my opinion, except you don’t get the whales.

It appears the assumption is visiting Hawaii means staying in one of the many hotels on Hawaii beaches with crowds, parking issues and noisy next door room guests. Believe it or not, but many travelers careless about sunbathing, snorkeling or riding hotels elevators. Consideration must be given to the often off the beaten path short term vacation rentals, anytime of the year! Many in the rural quiet natural beauty of the Islands. Others on coffee or fruit orchards, mini ranches with farm animals. And importantly hosts who can offer much more than a hotel front desk clerk.

April 2024 will be our 4th escape from the Canadian winter. April is perfect weather, just out of the rainy season and not too crowded. Being senior Canadians it is always expensive due to the exchange on the $$CDN vs. $$US. Also health insurance is more expensive as you get older. We think it is worth every penny!

I have been traveling to Hawaii often over the past 50 years. I like to avoid rain and prefer summer with its warmer water. I also like October.

Thank you for the info, BOH!

I’m planning to return for another round of the Kalalau Trail 9/20-10/07, six years since I last enjoyed it (pre-flood, pre-Haena changes).

I have accommodations booked and a great corporate rate on a vehicle rental, all of which can be changed, but in my case I have to wait until 90 days beforehand to get my camping permit, then I can book my flight. Starting to think about dinner reservations now.

I decided to plan for late September so hopefully permits will be somewhat easier to get, and as you mention, weather should still be spectacular.

Won’t be planning to park at Haena. Have several names of local drivers that will allow me to park. But am looking forward to taking the shuttle to Ke’e after.

We will be on Kauai during the same period, late September to early October. We’re really looking forward to it! We’re staying on the south shore (Poipu), and hoping to snag a parking spot for Haena and Ke’e.. fingers crossed. Can’t wait!

Planning is key. Our last trip we started planning about 9 months out with a 6 week window when we wanted to go .

First plan what you’re wanting to do and which island or islands.

Second scout hotels / condo on desired location.

Third look for flights be open to different airlines and airports.

Forth pull the tigger when you find your deal.

Don’t forget your car .

You will know a good deal only have you have done your few due diligence.

Deals are out there but you have to be looking.

Best of luck on your up coming vacation.

We very much agree with your article! In the last year and half travel is much busier than it was in the past. There’s no such thing as a slow season any longer. You best be prepared for a lot of people and more cost period!!

Waiting to book better last-minute deals on accommodations and airfare is counter-productive for those seeking special accommodations and attractive airline seats with lower prices. Trying to “outsmart” airlines and vacation rentals ends up with guests having to settle for mediocre digs and difficult flights.

Thanks for these helpful tips. We traveled to Kauai’s North Shore for the first time since the “before times,” and while it felt like a glorious homecoming, we were really surprised to see and experience what our friends in Haena are calling the Disneyfication of Hanalei, exemplified by the long lines of well-laundered tourists waiting to get into Tahiti Nui. We’ll be back in September – it will be interesting to see if there’s any difference between rainy March and dry September.

“Disneyfication of Hanalei, exemplified by the long lines of well-laundered tourists waiting to get into Tahiti Nui. ” What does that even mean? If you have to wait in a line to eat at a restaurant it’s “Disneyfication”? And what does “well-laundered tourists” mean?

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Maui on the Cheap: How to Visit Maui on a Budget (14 Tips)

Alert for Visitors: Maui has experienced significant wildfires in August 2023, causing major disruption for both locals and tourists. For your safety and up-to-date information, please visit the Maui County website before planning any activities or travels. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated. Stay safe!

Planning a trip to Maui  on a budget and want to know some cheap things to do on Maui HI? Keep scrolling to find out how to have a cheap vacation on Maui that rocks!

This post about how to visit maui on a budget was written by hawaii travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Are you looking for a way to visit Maui without breaking the bank?

For a lot of people, a vacation to Maui is a dream come true. But for others, it’s just not in the  budget . If you’re one of those people who can’t afford the expense of traveling to this beautiful island, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!

In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to visit Maui on the cheap and still enjoy your time there as much as possible.

If you want to see all of the beautiful sites that Maui has to offer but don’t have thousands of dollars lying around, this how-to-do Maui on a budget article is for you.

Here are some budget Maui tips and tricks we’ve gathered from our own experiences traveling with kids so that your next trip doesn’t have to break the bank. Let’s get started!

Keep scrolling for my guide to visiting Maui on a budget!

Don’t have time to read a bunch of Hawaii blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Maui on a budget.

Best Budget-Friendly Maui Activities

• Glass Bottom Boat (this is cheaper than the submarine ride and still really cool)
• 90-Minute Whale Watching Tour (this is a short and affordable boat tour during winter months)
• Molokini Snorkel Tour (this is one of the cheapest snorkeling tours on Maui)
• Shaka Driving App (it’s like going on an island tour (including Road to Hana) at a fraction of the price)

Best Budget-Friendly Maui Hotels

• Aina Nalu Resort (this is in the heart of Lahaina town and totally walkable to shops and restaurants)
• Maui Beach Hotel (this is in Kahului and it’s easy to get to all areas of the island)
• Paia Condo (amazing North Shore location right at the start of the Road to Hana)

Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii? One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Maui Itinerary, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

Is Maui Expensive? How Much Does the Average Trip Cost?

While Maui may not be the cheapest vacation to take, it is also possible to  plan your trip  on a budget.

A Maui Hawaii vacation cost will all depend on how many days you plan on spending in Maui, along with how many people you take on your dream vacation. If you plan on island-hopping to the other Hawaiian islands during your trip, that will add to your cost as well.

The average Maui vacation cost for a week-long trip to Maui is  around 3,000 dollars for two people , and costs will increase if you’re planning on taking the whole family. 

Many of the affordable places to stay in Maui will give discounts if you stay five or more days, which can help you cut costs as well. You might be able to find some cheap Maui packages with some cheap hotels too!

A trip to Maui cost can be quite low if you stay in the Maui budget hotels, go during the cheapest time of year to visit Maui, and enjoy all the free and cheap things to do in Maui!

You can cut costs in many different ways throughout your trip-planning process, and some are very simple, so you can visit Maui on a dime!

If you’re trying to plan a budget for a cheaper trip to Maui, then keep reading to see the ways you can cut costs and still have the best Maui budget vacation you deserve!  

What is the cheapest month to go to Maui?

The cheapest month to go to Maui is usually in the spring or fall, which is considered  the Maui off seasons  for most travelers. The best months are going to be  April ,  May ,  September , or  November .

You want to visit the island when the weather is enjoyable, but the crowds aren’t too congested. This is why spring and fall are the perfect times to go for a cheap stay in Maui. 

The weather remains temperate in the mid-70s to 80s during the day, with the only issue being that the nights will be chilly, reaching into the 60s. So, there will still be plenty of good weather to experience the island to the fullest without paying the premium prices and braving the summer crowds.

If you are wondering how to go to Maui on a budget, this is one of the best Maui travel tips to follow!

When should you not go to Maui?

You should avoid going to Maui in the height of the summer, in  June  and  July . This is because the crowds and hotels are packed with the summer rush of vacationers.

Since Hawaii is a popular travel destination for many individuals, the summer is the perfect opportunity for travelers, and the tourist state’s prices rise accordingly. So, in order to avoid the higher costs of flights, hotels, and activities, it is best to avoid traveling during the high-traffic seasons.

If this is the only time you can travel, you might still be able to cut the cost of Maui vacation down a bit with the other tips.

How can I save money on Maui vacation?

The best way to save money on a vacation to Maui is to travel in the off-season. This is one of the best ways to budget for your trip, as you can avoid costs that have risen up due to “supply and demand.”

You can also save by flying out during off times, like in the week, instead of on the weekend.

Hotel and rental properties can also be found for cheaper when you book package deals or are willing to book away from city hubs and direct beachfront properties. This is one of the best ways to find Maui accommodations on a budget.

Finding Cheap Flights to Maui

If you are traveling to Maui on a budget, here are ways to get great deals on flights!

Plan to Fly in the Off Season

A great way to find cheaper flights to Maui is to fly in the off-season. By avoiding planning your flight during the high-traffic summer months, you can avoid the costs that come from the price hikes.

The increase in travelers creates a higher demand for flights to popular vacation destinations such as Hawaii, so by booking during months in the spring and fall, like April, May, September, or November, you will be buying at lower prices because the demand is not as high.

It is one of the best ways to get cheap trips to Maui!

Book your Flight during the week

To further increase your savings when booking flights to Maui, you can plan on flying out during the week.

If you are taking a week or longer vacation, then a good way to save is to fly out on a weekday rather than a weekend. While this may not always be true, it is a great plan to search for flights during the week and compare them to the weekend flight prices.

Saving on plane tickets by flying out during the week will help to decrease the costs of one of your trip necessities.

Use Flight Service Sites  

Sites like Priceline, Expedia, and Orbitz tend to have standby tickets that are cheaper than tickets sold directly from airlines. These sites allow you to check the prices of all airlines and services and compare them to get the lowest possible rate for the tickets.

Be aware that if you wait days after, the deals may change, so you should search when you are ready to commit and have planned out the dates.

The sites usually offer the cheapest way to travel to Maui, Hawaii, on a budget.

Getting around Maui for Less 

Here is how to travel in Maui on a budget so you can explore Maui and all it offers with the best deals on rental cars and other ways to lower your Maui trip cost.

Use Public Transportation

Maui has its own   public transportation system  that has 14 routes, and they run seven days a week, including holidays. This system could be a cheap option for travelers who would prefer not to use a rental car.

These systems and routes do not cover every possible destination, but they do run from the airport to several destinations and shopping centers that are helpful to travelers. The bus fare is also fairly cheap, and you can purchase daily passes for only 4 dollars.

It is an easy way to have a Maui vacation on a budget.

Find Cheap Rental Car Options 

To cover more ground and reach any possible destination in Maui, travelers will likely need to use a rental car. While this prospect may seem expensive to many travelers, there are several ways to cut costs on rental cars.

For example, you can use several travel sites like Priceline, and Expedia, or you can even use memberships from your own car insurance. This way, you can shop around and find the cheapest price.

Another great way to save is to book an economy rental car which is the cheapest option among rental cars.

The cheapest place I’ve found is  Discount Hawaii Car Rental . They get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.  Check out the latest prices and more details.

Rent Bikes 

If you book accommodations close to the beach or other activities that you want to frequent on your trip, then you can save money on transportation by renting bikes or mopeds to travel short distances in the area.

You can save money by not renting a car, but if you are close to the beach and shopping centers, then you can travel to many different activities with just a bike in the area.

Best Places To Stay in Maui on a Budget

If you are looking for where to stay in Maui on a budget, here are some of the best budget accommodations Maui has to offer.

Maui is full of natural beauty and wonders, with a lot of public parks that offer campsites for a low reservation price. If you wish to save money on accommodations and want to connect with the nature of Maui, then this is a unique option.

You can also find cheap camp gear rentals in the area and through other rental sites.

Also read: Ultimate Guide for Families Camping on Maui with Kids

North Shore Hostel

Hostels are frequently used by young travelers and those wishing to travel on a budget, as they offer cheap prices and genuinely nice accommodations.

The only downside with hostels is that they are shared spaces. For example, the North Shore Hostel offers a shared kitchen and shared rooms with bunk beds.

This is a great option for single travelers, couples, and small groups as they can save a lot of money on accommodations because rooms here are generally around 100 dollars a night. It’s perfect for visiting Maui on a tight budget.

Vacation Rentals

Cheap options for Airbnb may seem impossible to find, but it just takes a search to find out if there are more affordable options than the brand-name hotels that abound on the island.

Even some of the cheapest hotels in Maui might still be over your budget, but not vacation rentals.

A vacation rental on sites like these can sometimes be cheaper because the price is determined by the owners of the properties and not a chain, such as in hotel circumstances.

This is usually the cheapest way to stay in Maui and what most people do, even if you are planning a Maui honeymoon on a budget!

Best Cheap Hotels in Maui Hawaii

Staying in Maui on a budget can mean different things to everyone since everyone has a different opinion on what “cheap” means when determining their budget Maui vacation.

For some, there are plenty of the best affordable hotels Maui offers that work right in their budget!

If you want a honeymoon in Maui on a budget, you will probably like a hotel or resort for their romantic packages. You can find plenty of affordable resorts, Maui is full of them if you know where to look!

Check out some of the best affordable hotels in Maui

Cheap and Free Things to do in Maui on a Budget

Here are some of the best things to do in Maui on a budget everyone will love!

Visit the Beach

Beaches in Maui are completely free to the public and are one of the biggest draws for travelers visiting the island. It will cost you nothing to set foot on any of the beaches, except the possibility of paying for parking if you have to drive.

This means you can have fun with a multitude of different beach activities, swimming, or just taking in the beachside views.

If you pack snorkeling gear or have any other sports equipment, you can use them freely on the beach without spending money on hefty rental fees.

During whale season, you might even see some humpback whales right from the beach without going on a whale-watching tour. Many of the beaches in Maui also have a sea turtle or two lying around.

A beach day is one of the cheapest things to do in Maui since it doesn’t cost you a thing!

Go See the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm

A budget travel option in Maui that you won’t soon forget is the beautiful and aromatic  Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm . This farm offers self-guided tours of the facility and gorgeous flowers for only 3 dollars!

You can also book craft classes or a picnic lunch with food included for only 26 dollars per lunch.

There is much to do on this picturesque lavender farm, and you can even browse some of the teas, jellies, lotions, and oils that are made on the farm itself.

It is another one of the Maui Hawaii things to do on a budget your entire family will love!

Visit the Surfing Goat Dairy Farm

The  Surfing Goat Dairy Farm  is free to enter for visitors, and you can even sample cheeses made at the farm for free as well! This is a fun experience, and you can see the local farm life of the goats that make a large variety of different cheeses.

If you want a full tour, casual tour, or to get a chance to interact with the goats or cows on the farm, then it will just be an extra cost of 12 dollars for the shorter tour and 39 for the full tour.

Though there are many things to do for free at this farm, it is still fairly cheap to enjoy all they have to offer.

It is one of the inexpensive places to see during your Hawaii vacation on a budget.

Hiking in Maui

Many hikes in Maui are free to enjoy, while others charge a small entrance fee. Hiking is another one of the top cheap activities in Maui.

Discover a bamboo forest or explore all the national parks on the island. Whether you are in South Maui, West Maui, or East Maui, you will find plenty of great hikes for all levels.

Check out the best Maui hiking trails to explore

Cheap Maui Vacations FAQs

For inexpensive things to do in Maui, check out the Nakalele Blowhole for a spectacular sight. The Surfing Goat Dairy is also a fun place to play with goats and taste goat cheese truffles. You can also drive the Road to Hana if you have a rental car. And the best thing to do in Maui is to see the sunrise or sunset from Haleakala National Park.

A Maui family vacation doesn’t have to cost a lot if you mix in free activities. Some of the coolest free things to do on Maui include watching free hula shows, seeing surfers, listening to live music, lounging on the beach, going for a beach walk, hiking trails, and stargazing on Maui.

There’s a really cool walking path in Wailea that’s perfect for sunrise or  sunset strolls . You can also  window shop  at The Shops at Wailea and get free samples at Honolulu Cookie Company. There’s also a really cool hiking trail called the Hoapili Trail, close to Wailea.

Usually, the cheapest time to go to Maui is either April or September. These are the Maui low-season, so you can find the top cheap places to stay in Maui, Hawaii, along with cheap flights to help you travel to Maui on a budget.

You will want to bring plenty of money for food, souvenirs , resort or hotel fees, and fun activities for each person. The best places to eat in Maui for cheap are usually the local stops or food trucks. Many of the cheap places to stay on Maui also don’t require daily fees which helps you save money too!

With the proper planning, you can plan an affordable vacation to Maui

Now you know how to plan a trip to Maui on a budget!

If you are worried that you can’t afford a trip to Maui, then hopefully, this article on how to do Maui cheaply changed your mind! By using these tips and tricks, you can save some money and budget enough to enjoy the vacation you deserve.

Beginning with the price of plane tickets, you can begin cutting costs throughout your entire trip, including prices for transportation and other accommodations.

There are even many free or low-priced activities you can participate in on Maui to fully enjoy the wonders of the island. And there are plenty of  cheap places for eating in Maui on a budget .

Now you know the cheapest way to visit Maui, get started planning your dream vacation!

Want more Maui on a Budget resources? Check out the  cheapest places to stay on Maui ,  how many days to spend in Maui , things to do in Maui at night ,  Maui packing list , and  cheap things to do on Maui .

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The Best Time to Book a Flight for Domestic, International, and Summer Travel

Here are our best tips for booking travel in 2024.

When to Book Flights for Domestic Travel

When to book flights for international travel, when to book flights for summer 2024 travel, when to book flights for holiday 2024 travel.

Buying plane tickets is something of an art form. Ideally, you want to secure your spot months in advance to avoid the inevitable price spike as your travel dates get closer. But sometimes the best time to book a flight also depends on the destination and whether it's domestic or abroad. The trends are always changing, but experts say the sweet spot for booking domestic flights is 28 days, or 60 days for international flights.

Flights generally open for booking about a year ahead of time, and the airfare will change often between then and takeoff. Although you can book just a couple of weeks before the departure date in some cases, prices are likely to be astronomical. In other cases, when you want to go somewhere popular or during a big travel weekend, flights could fill up faster than normal. Our advice: Track flight prices on Google Flights or Hopper as early as possible so you can keep an eye on cost fluctuations. Read on for more advice about when to book flights from the pros.

According to Expedia's 2024 Air Travel Hacks report , you should aim to book 28 days before your domestic flight. "Doing so can save travelers up to 24 percent compared to those who wait until the last minute, from zero to six days out," Expedia travel expert Christie Hudson tells Travel + Leisure.

For domestic trips, pricing is elevated when tickets are first released, about a year before the flight. Those prices will slowly creep downward, all the way to their lowest point in the prime booking window, after which you'll likely see a huge increase in cost for last-minute travel.

Meet the Expert

Christie Hudson is a travel expert at top booking site Expedia.

You're better off booking earlier rather than later for international travel, but the Expedia report says ideally no more than four months before your desired departure date. The sweet spot is around 60 days. "This is a big change from 2022 data, which showed the cheapest fares were secured when travelers booked four to six months out." Hudson says. "2023 data revealed that people who booked that far in advance actually paid more on average." The report says the least expensive day of the week to book is Sunday and the most expensive is Friday, for both domestic and international travel.

But there is some regional variance. Going , a platform that tracks flight prices and notifies members of good deals, has found the best months to book flights to Africa, Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Latin America, for travel about 60 days out. Here's what it says.

Africa: Book in May.

Asia: Book in August or October, followed by April or September.

Oceania: Book in November, January, or July.

Europe: Book in August, October, or November.

Latin America: Book in October.

The real trick to finding good deals on international airfare is to avoid booking your travel for peak times, which include summer and major holidays (don't forget — that includes holidays in your destination, too).

Summer is traditionally one of the most popular times of the year to travel, which means it can be tough to find a good deal on airfare. Ideally, you should book flights for summer travel as soon as possible, preferably at least six months in advance.

"The best time to book for peak season is … the opposite season," says Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going. "While most of us are scrambling to focus on our winter holiday plans, we should also keep our eyes open for some great summer fares."

She notes that the booking window for peak season ranges between three and seven months for domestic flights and four to 10 months for international trips. "And if you do book something, keep that flight alert on," says Nastro. "If it drops again, depending on your ticket type, you can call to rebook and get a refund or travel credit back with the difference."

Katy Nastro is a travel expert at Going, a website that finds flight deals to more than 900 destinations around the world.

Around the winter holidays is the priciest time to travel, Nastro says. "Your best bet is to remember the Goldilocks zones: look to book between three to seven months ahead for domestic travel and four to 10 months ahead for international travel."

Hudson advises that at the very latest, your holiday travel should be booked by mid-October. "But the biggest holiday travel savings actually come from choosing the right dates," she says. "Avoiding the busiest days like the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Friday and Saturday before Christmas will yield major savings."

Track flights and book your holiday tickets as soon as you find a decent deal, but make sure to book a fare that will give you a credit if you cancel (generally speaking, that means don't book basic economy). That way, if prices drop between the time of booking and your travel dates, you can cancel your original ticket and use the credit to book the cheaper fare. The only downside is you'll still have some remaining credit, but you can then use it to treat yourself to a future flight. Just don't let that credit expire.

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FinanceBuzz

10 U.S. Vacations That Are Still Worth Splurging On

Posted: October 24, 2023 | Last updated: October 24, 2023

One great thing about the U.S. is its size. It has so many different regions that its vacation options really run the gamut.

You can choose from beautiful beaches on both shores, breathtaking national parks, world-renowned theme parks, and some of the most famous metropolitan destinations on the planet.

With so many options, narrowing down the destinations worth spending your hard-earned money on can be difficult. So in an effort to avoid foolish money mistakes , we wind up staying at home.

Stay at home no longer. Here are 10 destinations in the U.S. that may be pricey — but are absolutely worth the splurge.

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Hawaii tops the list as a must-see destination, no matter which island you plan to head to. 

Oahu, home to the state’s capital, Honolulu, is the most visited island and offers a mix of city life alongside gorgeous beaches, breathtaking views, and crystal blue water.

However, given Hawaii’s location right smack in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, getting there alone will cost a pretty penny. If you can swing it or budget for it, the trek (and the splurge) will absolutely be worth it.

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New Orleans

Even if you don’t plan to spend too much time around the sites and sounds (and drinks) on Bourbon Street, vacationing in New Orleans, Louisiana, can get pricey.

Hotels tend to be more expensive than other cities, and there’s so much to do, travelers can end up running up quite a tab.

On the plus side, many activities in and around New Orleans are quite affordable, making the Big Easy a must-see if you can swing it.

Visitors can take carriage rides through the gorgeous French Quarter, hop on a bayou and swamp tour, visit haunted cemeteries, or indulge in a dinner cruise. You can do it all on a budget if you book smart.

The Grand Canyon

As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, you absolutely have to see the Grand Canyon to believe it. Unfortunately, seeing it can be costly.

The closest airport to the Grand Canyon is in Flagstaff, Arizona. That’s about a 90-minute drive away, so travelers are looking at the cost of a flight plus a rental car (or bus trip).

Renting a hotel inside the park can be pricey, but it may be worth it if you want to spend a few days exploring. However, you can get cheaper rates in Flagstaff or Las Vegas and book bus tours from those cities.

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Disney World

It may take some budgeting, but planning a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth is worth the splurge at least once.

Flights to Orlando may be affordable, depending on where you’re coming from. But factor in the cost of hotels, transportation, and park tickets, and you’re looking at a pretty pricey Floridian vacation. That doesn’t include all the food and souvenirs you can buy in the parks.

However, the attractions, rides, parades, and daily fireworks shows can be unforgettable for visitors, especially kids. Day passes (currently $109) also drop in price if you buy more than one, which is ideal if you plan to spend one day in Magic Kingdom and another in Epcot, for example.

If you’re into skiing, Aspen, Colorado, needs to be on your bucket list. However, this top winter destination is one of the priciest ski towns in the country.

Average visitors spend around $200 per night on lodging and another $200 on ski-lift tickets. If you’re spending a few days in the area, that vacation tab could run up to several thousand.

However, you don’t have to stay at pricey accommodations when visiting the area. You can save big bucks if you lodge in nearby Snowmass Village (about 20 minutes outside of Aspen) or opt for hostel-style lodging inside Aspen.

No matter where you’re traveling from in the U.S., getting to Alaska is quite the journey — but it’s worth it. The natural phenomena you can see there are unlike anything in the lower 48 states.

However, many travelers book a cruise or a land tour (or both) to get the full experience. The cost of a cruise can really add up, even with one of the best credit cards for cruises .

While smart traveling is possible — booking day cruises or traveling in the off-peak “shoulder season,” for example — a trip to Alaska will still take some financial planning.

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The Hamptons

The Hamptons are known as a hotspot for the rich and famous, but they make for a great getaway for everyone else as well. 

Cheap lodging is not easy to come by in this coastal community on Long Island, New York, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

There’s plenty to do in the gorgeous villages, from beach hopping to beer and wine tasting to hiking to the Montauk Lighthouse. Booking far in advance or opting for the off-season (after summer ends) can save you some big bucks on a Hamptons vacation.

Big Sur encompasses a coastal stretch of Central California and offers truly gorgeous views of the Pacific, as well as hiking, camping, and so much more. Visitors also tend to stop for a photo opportunity of the world-famous Bixby Creek Bridge.

While Big Sur has no shortage of luxury hotels, travelers can also take advantage of oceanview or streamside camping to cut costs and still enjoy all the beauty the area offers.

Jackson Hole

If you’re the adventuring type or enjoy outdoor sports, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a 48-mile valley surrounded by mountains, is an excellent addition to the bucket list.

From Grand Teton National Park to ski-hill Snow King Mountain, visitors have endless options for enjoying the natural beauty.

However, flying into the area and paying for lodging, lift tickets, and more can really add up. It’s possible to knock a few dollars off the price by staying in town rather than in Teton Village and choosing budget meals rather than fine-dining experiences.

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Napa Valley

Napa Valley, California, is a must-visit destination if you enjoy a great glass of wine.

The world-famous region is just over an hour outside of San Francisco and offers visitors the opportunity to bike, hike, and indulge in top-of-the-line cuisine. And, of course, acres and acres of some of the country’s best wineries.

Unfortunately, the area has a reputation for being pricey. But like the other destinations on this list, it’s possible to cut down vacation prices by booking in advance and comparing lodging prices (Airbnb vs. local hotels, for example) to get the best deal possible.

Bottom line

While there are many great vacation spots within the U.S. that you can travel to on a budget, plenty of the pricier options really are worth the splurge.

It’s also a good idea to sign up for a travel rewards credit card to make your luxury vacations even more affordable.

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