Visiting the islands of Hawaii is on just about everyone’s bucket list. And why shouldn’t it be? Lush forests, clear blue water, beautiful beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and waterfalls. It’s paradise. Unfortunately, visiting this garden of Eden can be expensive. We believe that everyone should have a chance to see the natural beauty of Hawaii, so we’ve created a guide for how to plan a Hawaiian vacation.
How to Plan a Hawaiian Vacation
If you’ve dreamed of vacationing in beautiful Hawaii, you may be confused about where you should start planning. There’s so much to see and do. It can be overwhelming trying to decide which island to visit. In total, there’s 136, but most of them are coral reefs or islets. But six islands are inhabited and open for tourists:
- Hawaii – The Big Island or The Orchid Isle
- Maui – The Valley Isle
- Oahu – The Gathering Place
- Kauai – The Garden Isle
- Lanai – not visited very often by tourists
- Molokai – the least visited island in Hawaii
The amount of time you’ll be spending in Hawaii and your budget will dictate how many islands you’ll be able to visit during your trip. The great thing about not seeing all of them in one trip is that you’ll have an excuse to come back again for another vacation! There’s plenty to do when you take a vacation in Hawaii.
Picking out what activities you want to do while on vacation can help you decide where you’ll want to visit. A great vacationing tip is to have an itinerary planned before you start your trip, so you have an idea of what sites you’d like to see, and so you’ll be able to work out a budget. Nothing is worse than going on a vacation and missing out on fun activities because you run out of funds.
Do Your Research
Before you start booking your vacation, you’ll need to do some research. Believe me when I say that there are an endless amount of things you can do while visiting Hawaii. A lot of these activities are free. If you don’t have an idea of what you’re wanting to see while on the islands, you could end up missing out on some great sites.
Each island has its charm and things to do, so you’ll need to figure out what you’re wanting to enjoy before you start booking a hotel. To travel to the different islands, you might have to take a flight, which could rack up expenses pretty quickly if you’re staying for a few days trip.
Many travel experts recommend limiting your trip to one or two islands during your vacation. Not only does it save money, but it keeps you from being so busy seeing the sites that you don’t have time to enjoy your trip. The point of a vacation is to relax and enjoy leisure time. You can’t do that if you’re always on the go.
Tips to Help You Save Money on a Hawaiian Vacation
Planning a vacation to Hawaii can be expensive. There are plenty of things you can do while on the islands that won’t cost you money, which is great since you’ll need all the extra cash you can save up to help you pay for your flight.
Airplane Tickets
The highest cost you’ll see is for your airline tickets. Many locations don’t have a direct flight to Hawaii, which means you’ll have to deal with changing flights and maybe layovers. To cut costs, consider using different airlines to fly if you have to switch planes.
When you have to change planes, you run the risk of missing your flight if you don’t have enough time between arrival and departure. By booking separate flights, you save money and have control over how long you have to spend in an airport.
Rental Car
A lot of people rent cars for their trip. If you plan to do this, you might want to make sure you set up a reservation for your vehicle at the same time that you book your flight and hotel. Rental cars go fast on the islands. To save money, don’t rent a car unless you’ll be doing a lot of traveling.
Public transportation goes to most places on the islands, so you won’t have to worry about missing out on a site just because you can’t get there. And you could always book an Uber, Lyft, or hire a cab. Why waste your time driving when you can let someone who knows their way do it while you take in all there is to see.
Book in Advance
The further out you book, the cheaper your vacation will be. Consider booking at least six months to a year in advance so you’ll have plenty of time to save up money. Early booking also saves you a ton of cash. Waiting until you get to the islands to get a room and car can be much more expensive and a complete hassle of time.
When booking your hotel, ask yourself, do you need to stay at a fancy resort? There are plenty of beautiful hotels within walking distance of the beaches that won’t cost you half as much money as a room with a beachfront view. If you can survive without waking up to the beach at your door, consider a hotel further away from the water. Your pocketbook will thank you.
Common Activities in Hawaii
Hawaii is known for its beauty. From cascading waterfalls to dense forests, Hawaii has flowers that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. The sites are breathtaking, which is why so many people flock to these gorgeous tropical islands to go backpacking and hiking.
Other people take advantage of the crystal clear water and abundant coral beds by spending their time snorkeling and diving. Explore life underwater to see unique aquatic species of fish and live coral. Or soak up the sun on one of the island’s beautiful white-sand beaches.
Even history buffs can enjoy a trip to this land of sand and surf. Check out the USS Arizona, a memorial site dedicated to all the lives lost at Pearl Harbor back during World War II. Or engulf yourself into the Hawaiian culture by taking a tour of one of the many museums, historical trails, or festivals.
What To Do By Island
Where you decide to stay will determine the costs of your trip. Many people start in Oahu, as this is where most flights from the mainland land. But from here, you can find flights to the other five islands, which are usually short trips that can be done in less than an hour.
Island of Oahu
The first island we’re going to talk about is Oahu, which includes the capital city of Honolulu, as well as Waikiki, which is known for its beaches. Staying in Oahu means you’re front and center for all the fun you can handle. Whether you’re looking to go shopping, party throughout the night, or enjoy a delectable meal, Oahu has you covered.
In addition to the most popular beach in Hawaii, which is Waikiki, you can also visit lesser populated but still breathtaking beaches like Lanikai, Sandy, Waimanalo, Sharks Cove, Waimea Bay, Kailua, or Pokai. Each of these places gives you powdery sand beaches, clear water, and optimal surfing and swimming conditions.
You can also visit the USS Arizona and Pearl Harbor while staying on the island of Oahu. Each day, starting at 7 am, there are 1,300 tickets given out to the public for free admission to the monument. You can purchase tickets for a guaranteed entry as these free tickets go quickly. It’s best to get in line earlier than seven if you want a free visit.
Take a Hike
If hiking is your thing, as it is for many visitors to the islands, there are plenty of trails to enjoy. Be sure you check each site before making plans so you can take the proper provisions, such as food and water, and that you dress appropriately, such as in tennis shoes or hiking boots. And be aware that some trails might be more advanced than others, so choose one that matches your physical abilities. Don’t try hitting a path just to say you’ve done it if you don’t feel safe. These areas can be dangerous, and there is limited cell reception if things go wrong.
Pay a small fee for a chance to hike Diamondhead. Naturally, it’s cheaper to walk, but if you prefer, you could always drive up or take the local bus. Diamondhead was once the site of an active volcano; however, now it is a crater that many visitors like to hike.
The trail can be strenuous and takes about two hours. If you’re not used to hiking, you might experience difficulties towards the top. You could also start on the Manoa Falls Trail, which will connect you to the Pauca Flats Trail. From here, you could continue your hike onto the Aihulaluna Trail.
Friday Night Lights
If you’re in Waikiki on a Friday night, take the time to stop at the beach for fireworks. Every Friday night, guests can scatter along the beach to take advantage of free fireworks show that starts at 7:45 from September to May, and at eight p.m., from June to August.
Hula Show
For a taste of authentic Hawaiian culture, catch the torch lighting and hula ceremony at Kuhio Beach Park, which is located near the Duke Kahanamoku Statue. This event happens every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday night at 6-6:30, depending on the season. These ceremonies are free to watch and take about an hour. It is lawn seating, so bring blankets or chairs.
Hawaii
Many people make sure they visit the island of Hawaii while they visit the state of Hawaii. This island is also known as the Big Island. It’s home to some of the best waterfalls, hiking trails, and volcanoes in the islands.
Where to Hike
If you want to get some hiking done while you’re on vacation, we don’t blame you. It would be a shame to visit such a beautiful place and not go for a walk to check out some of the tourist attractions. Start with the state parks, which are usually free or at least cheaply priced.
Hawaii is known for its volcanoes and lava. Take a visit to the Lava Tree State Park for a trek through nature. This three-mile hike lets you see the forest of trees which are coated in lava that has hardened to make a very cool look. Best of all, it’s a free activity!
You could also visit Akaka Falls State Park, which is 13 miles from the city of Hilo. This trail is a 0.4-mile hike to two waterfalls, Kahuna Falls at 100 feet, and Akaka Falls, which is 422 feet. It costs a dollar a person or $5 a carload.
See the Volcanos
If you’re fascinated by volcanoes, you don’t want to miss out on the chance to visit the island of Hawaii, also known as Big Island. Head to the Kalapana Lava Viewing Area to watch hot lava spill into the ocean for a real-life science experience. See the magic of what happens to melted lava when it connects with water. It’s recommended to call (808)-961-8093 before scheduling a trip, as conditions will vary on the best time to visit.
You can also visit the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, which has two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. To enter the park, it is $30 a vehicle, $25 a motorcycle, or $15 a person walking or riding a bicycle.
These passes last for seven days, so if you don’t see everything the first day, you don’t incur an extra charge if you decide to come back a second time. The park itself is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Upon entering the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, stop by at the Kīlauea Visitor Center to get info on the daily schedule, hiking information, and current conditions of the park. Because the volcanoes are active, there might be areas that are closed, so it’s best to check here before you start. There’s also plenty of exhibits to check out about the culture, heritage, and ecosystem of Hawaii. The center is open seven days a week, from 9 am to 5 pm.
Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii that is considered the tallest sea mountain in the world. It stands 13,796 above sea level. If you enjoy gazing at the stars, you have to take the time to stop by the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station (VIS) to engage in a free stargazing session from 6 to 10 pm10 pm. It is said that the Mauna Kea volcano is one of the clearest spots in the world to view the sky.
You might even get the chance to see some snow while you’re here! Who wouldn’t want to say they’ve been in Hawaii while it started to snow? Or that you snowboarded there if you’re the brave sort. If you plan to hike up this mountain, it’s recommended not to exceed 9,200 feet altitude if you are not in the best health. This is where the Onizuka Visitor Center is.
Don’t Miss the Museum
If you enjoy walking through museums, don’t leave the island without stopping by Mokupāpapa Discovery Center. This site includes a 3,500-gallon saltwater aquarium and exhibits to introduce the world to the culture of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
This museum is part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, which is a protected conservation area that spans 582,578 miles of the Pacific Ocean. It is also considered a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site. It’s a must-see while visiting the Big Island.
Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
If you want to get a taste of the culture and history of the Hawaiian islands, you have to take the time to visit the Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. Here, you can see the temple Pu’ukohola Heiau, which was named after the most famous King of Hawaii, Kamehameha the Great. An interesting fact, it was said that he stood over 7 feet tall and lifted a 5,000 pound bolder just to become King! However, the temple is not open to the public, so you can only view the outside.
There’s also the ruins of the temple Mailekini Heiau, which was turned into a fort at one point in history to protect the harbor. If you like viewing sharks, there’s Hale o Kapuni, which is an underwater structure built to honor sharks. There’s even a pōhaku, or stone post, which marks the pot for shark feedings. If you’re visiting in the winter months, you might also get to see a whale or two.
Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
We know you wouldn’t want to leave Hawaii without visiting a real rainforest. Why not see some zoo animals while you’re at it? You can do it all by visiting the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens. This zoo expands 12 acres in the Pana’ewa Forest in Hilo, Hawaii.
The zoo has almost 200 animals, including a petting zoo and a white Bengal tiger. The botanical gardens have over 100 types of flora and fauna, including species that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. If you’re into botany, you have to check this place out! It is the only rainforest zoo in the United States.
This place is open daily from 9 am9 am to 4 pm4 pm. They are open on all holidays except for Christmas and New Year’s Day. There is no fee to enter the park, which is excellent. However, many people like to give a donation, which can be tax-deductible.
Wailuku River State Park
The Wailuku River State Park in Hilo is known for two attractions: Rainbow Falls and Pe’epe’e Falls. Both of these sites can be accessed without having to do any hiking or intense walking.
Rainbow Falls is an 80-foot waterfall that frequently has rainbows due to the mist cascading off the waterfall and interacting with the sunlight. To get the best view, you should be at the falls around ten am on any sunny day.
Pe’epe’e Falls, also known as Boiling Pots, is an area of the Wailuku River, which is 18-miles long and the second longest river in Hawaii. This spot is famous because there are pools of water, which when too full began to fill up from the underground lava tubes. As the water rises, it begins to bubble and appear to “boil.”
Although it looks fun, Hawaiian authorities recommend not to try swimming or wading into the Boiling Pots, as you could end up getting injured or trapped inside lava tubes and, which can’t be seen above the water. There is an observation platform where you can get a good view and stay safe. There is no cost for entry to the park.
Kauai
Another island you might want to consider visiting is Kauai, also known as the Garden Island. This is the oldest island in Hawaii, and there are places you won’t be able to get to unless you take a boat or helicopter. Just imagine visiting pure untouched areas that most people miss out on! There’s plenty for you to do.
Wailua River State Park
If you’re a fan of the water, be sure to stop at the Wailua River State Park, which is the Wailua River Valley and Wailua River, which is the only navigable river in Hawaii. Book a boat ride to get a first hand view of the lush rainforests. There’s also two waterfalls to see, Opaeka’a Falls and Wailua Falls.
If you want to get a history lesson while you’re here, check out the Wailua Complex of Heiau, which is a National Historic Landmark. It was once the hub of power for Hawaii. You can view the remains of heiau (places of worship), pu’uhonua (areas of safety), and royal birth sites.
Be sure you book a tour of Fern Grotto, which is a naturally occurring cave covered with moss, that’s surrounded by a tropical garden. How cool would it be to check out a hidden cave in the middle of a rainforest? I’m sure you’re booking your trip as I speak.
Waimea Canyon
The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the continental United States. Why wouldn’t you want to see what people deem “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific” too? Free to visit, Waimea Canyon is open every day during daylight hours. This massive gulley is 14 miles long, 1 mile wide, and over 3,600 feet deep.
There are numerous lookout points along the canyon and multiple hiking paths for those who want to get up and close and personal. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just enjoying a leisurely walk, this park is sure to have a path you can enjoy.
You can drive along Waimea Canyon Drive to reach multiple viewing areas, including the Waimea Canyon Overlook. The road takes you through the mountains before it dead-ends at Kokee State Park.
Kokee State Park
Once you’re through staring in awe at Waimea Canyon, visit Kokee State Park, which is home to 45 miles of the state’s best hiking trails. This park covers 4,345 acres of land at 3,200 to 4,200 feet above sea level. It is considered a rainforest due to the thick growth of trees and wild flora that grows naturally.
The paths in this park can lead you back to the Canyon, or it can take you up to North Shore. There are two lookouts you want to see – Kalalau Lookout and the Puu O Kila Lookout, which gives you a view of the Kalalau Valley and the cliffs of the Napali Coast. The temperature at the higher elevations will be between 45 and 68 degrees, so dress appropriately and be prepared for rain. They get an average of 70 inches a year here.
Before you hit the trails for a good hike, take time to stop at the Kokee Natural History Museum. You’ll get crucial information about the trails, and you’ll get to see some interesting exhibits about the area. Admission is free, and it’s open every day.
If you’re up for it, you can even camp at this site, so bring along your tents and sleeping bags. Not into staying outdoors? No worries. There are 12 rustic cabins you can rent. It is cautioned not to visit this site for at least 24 hours after scuba diving, so you don’t have issues with the higher elevation.
Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge
If you enjoy lighthouses, you should consider checking out the Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge in North Short. This location is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 am to 4 pm, and closed on all federal holidays, Sundays, and Mondays. There is a $10 admission for adults. Children under 15 get in free.
While at this refuge, you get to see the attractive lighthouse and the beautiful view of the ocean. This is one of the few places where you would be able to see species such as the Red-footed booby, Laysan albatross, and wedge-tailed shearwater. You can also spot the endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua), humpback whales, and Green sea turtles.
Spouting Horn Beach Park
The area known as Spouting Horn has been featured on numerous movies throughout the years. This exciting attraction gathers visitors from around the world. At this park, you can watch as seawater is launched out of volcano tubes to shoot up to 50 feet in the air.
The tide and weather conditions can affect how large the spouts get, so you might want to check the conditions before heading out so you can get the maximum effect. There are times when you can even see a rainbow glistening if the lighting is right. It is advised not to pass the guardrail to get too close to the blowhole. You could end up injured. This area is free to visit.
Plan Your Hawaiian Vacation with Confidence
Now that we’ve given you an idea of how to plan your Hawaiian vacation, you’re all set to get started. Hawaii is a gorgeous place to visit, and it’s a place that everyone should try to see at least once in their lifetime. As you can see, there are plenty of things you can do without spending money so you can have the time of your life, no matter what your financial situation. Take a Hawaiian holiday. You deserve it.