Hawaii

Hawaii is one of the most popular destinations in the world. It’s home to lush jungles, stunning waterfalls, incredible national and state parks, and jaw-dropping coastlines. So whatever kind of adventure you want to have, this guide has everything you need for planning a trip to Hawaii!

Ready to plan your trip? Then here’s what you need to know for planning a trip to Hawaii!

Top Places To Visit

When To Go

Hawaii is made up of micro-climates, so the weather varies significantly from island to island and from one side of an island to the other. The year-round warm weather (rarely going below the mid-70s or above the mid-80s) means Hawaii is a great destination any time of the year. So Hawaii doesn’t have an off-season.

April – September is the most popular time to visit Hawaii because these are the warmest and driest months. The ocean is calmer, giving you access to more water activities with better sailing conditions. Be prepared to pay the highest prices during these months. The islands will also be crowded, so book accommodation, tours, and rental cars in advance.

The weather in Hawaii is marginally cooler from October – March, and these are the wettest months of the year. Pro Tip: the islands’ west coasts are significantly drier than their east coasts.

October – March is whale-watching season, and the crowds and prices will be lower (though not significantly). These months have some of the largest swells of the year, so surfers will swarm the beaches.

What To Bring

Hawaii’s climate and culture mean the dress code is very casual. Many visitors to the islands never change out of their swimsuits and sandals. You’ll want a sarong or cover-up for your swimsuit when shopping, dining, or riding in a taxi. And men should always wear a shirt inside.

Bring fast-drying clothes and shoes. If you’re doing any hiking, bring moisture-wicking and UV-protected clothes. For boat tours, bring a hat with a neck strap to keep it from blowing away, and have a strap for your sunglasses.

You’ll also want a lightweight rain jacket. If you’re going to visit Hawaii’s national parks or one of the higher-altitude volcanoes, you’ll want long pants and a jacket.

In addition to your usual travel essentials, you’ll want these items:

Bags for your wet and sandy shoes and clothes. If you’re visiting one of the public beaches, there usually aren’t showers for rinsing off. So always have a bag handy for wet and sandy clothes.

Electrical outlets in Hawaii are Types A and B. So if you’re from the U.S., you won’t need an outlet adaptor. But British, European, and other travelers will need an adaptor.

Sun protection. The sunshine is gorgeous but brutal in Hawaii, and you’ll usually find that there’s minimal shade on the beaches. So bring sunglasses, sunscreen for your skin and lips, a hat, and UV-protected shirts.

National and State Parks to Visit

Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu

Haleakala National Park, Maui

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawai’i (Big Island)

Heʻeia State Park, Oahu

ʻĪao Valley State Park, Maui

Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kauai

Waianapanapa State Park, Maui

Waimea Canyon State Park, Kauai

Getting Around

The best way to island-hop in Hawaii is to fly, and Hawaiian Airlines usually has the cheapest rates and the most flights. You could all take an inter-island cruise, but please ensure you only use sustainable cruise companies.

If you’re staying in a vacation home on any of the islands, then you’ll want to rent a car.

If you’re staying at a resort and planning on leaving your hotel, then a car is essential on all the Hawaiian islands. You can hire a driver, and taxis and rideshares are common, but these are expensive. You can also book guided tours that include transportation to and from your activity.

If you’re going to leave your resort more than a couple of times during your trip, you’ll probably save money by renting a car. Plus, renting a car gives you flexibility and the freedom to set your own itinerary.

Scenic Drives

Chain of Craters Road, Hawai’i (Big Island)

Garden of the Gods, Lanai

Hamakua Coast, Hawai’i (Big Island)

Kamehameha Highway, Oahu

Road to Hana, Maui

Route 560, North Shore of Kauai

Summit road to Mount Haleakala, Maui

Waimea Canyon Drive, Kauai

Travel Essentials

Have you been to Hawaii? Comment below with anything you’d add to this guide for planning a trip to Hawaii!

Explore The U.S. By Region

YOUR TRAVEL CHECKLIST

PIN THIS GUIDE!

This guide for planning a trip to Hawaii is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this guide for planning a trip to Hawaii are entirely my own. Some of the links in this guide for planning a trip to Hawaii are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.