If you’re planning to go to Hawaii soon, you are definitely in for a treat! It’s home to stunning islands with some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches, spectacular waterfalls, volcanoes, and more. Indeed, Hawaii is an amazing vacation destination offering tons of fun island activities for everyone to enjoy.
Below, check out some of the best tips on how to plan a Hawaii vacation that will help you have an amazing holiday getaway, whether it’s your first time or you’ve been to the islands many times.
1. Know the Travel Requirements
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, traveling these days requires utmost preparation since there are entry requirements you need to fulfill before you can be allowed to enter your destination. Luckily, Hawaii has recently relaxed its travel restrictions, ending the travel quarantine requirements and the Safe Travels Program starting on March 26, 2022.
For travelers wishing to enter Hawaii from March 26, 2022 onwards, you no longer need to present proof of vaccination or get tested for Covid-19 when entering the state. However, this only applies to travelers coming from within the United States. Foreign visitors entering Hawaii must follow the US Government’s Covid-19 travel requirement for entering the country.
2. Choose Which Islands to Visit
The first step to planning your Hawaiian trip is to choose the island you wish to visit. While all Hawaiian Islands are truly stunning, each has its own unique offerings and experiences. But given that each one has its own unique selling point, deciding where to go can be pretty difficult. If you have plenty of time, consider visiting a few of the Hawaiian Islands. But if your time is limited and you can only visit one island, make it Maui, the Valley Isle.
Maui is one of the most popular islands in Hawaii, and for many reasons. It offers almost everything you could ever want for a Hawaiian holiday and is pretty convenient to explore. You do not need to drive for several hours to get from one place to another. It’s home to stunning beach resorts, golf courses, and a scenic driving route called the Road to Hana. Regardless of which part of the island you wish to stay on, you will not get bored as there are many fun activities to do in Maui.
3. Plan the Activities You Intend to Do
The beaches of Hawaii are truly incredible, and you could be tempted to spend most of your time lounging at the beach. But there’s definitely a lot more to explore on each of the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. If you wish to take up as many activities as possible, plan your itinerary as early as possible and book the tours several months in advance. The best tours often sell out well in advance, especially during the peak season.
If your time is limited, focus on the island’s highlights. For instance, if you’re heading to Maui, some of the main sights are the Haleakala National Park, Waiʻānapanapa State Park, and Hana Highway. If you’re into nature and adventure, these are the places you don’t want to miss while in Maui. The Haleakala National Park is home to the dormant Haleakalā Volcano and protects the unique ecosystems of the Kipahulu Valley. For a more scenic way of exploring Haleakalā, consider joining one of the Haleakala Sunrise Tours.
4. Consider Renting a Car
If you want to truly enjoy your vacation in Hawaii, consider renting a car. But that does not necessarily mean you need to rent it for the entire duration of your holiday, especially if you are staying in Maui, where you can access some places on foot or in public transport. Also, some of the big resorts offer free shuttle services to the beaches and other attractions.
Driving your own car is also very convenient if you’re traveling with little kids. Also, if you plan on road-tripping through the scenic Hana Highway, you need to rent a car. But if renting a car is not an option, your best bet to explore this scenic highway is to book one of those Road to Hana tours. These guided tours will include transportation, so you don’t have to worry about driving, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking views of lush green valleys with no distractions.
5. Book your Accommodation Early
Once you have figured out which island you want to visit, it’s time to book your accommodations. When it comes to this, you can choose between a vacation rental or a hotel. If you’re looking for a luxury resort experience, such as big swimming pools and daily housekeeping, staying in a hotel is your best bet. But if you are traveling in a group, a vacation rental is a better choice since it has more space. Plus, it comes with a kitchen where you can cook your meals and minimize the need to go out and eat.
But before you start searching for a hotel or vacation rental, take time to research the best areas to stay on the island you wish to visit. For instance, if you are heading to Maui, you can stay in West Maui, which encompasses the areas of Lahaina, Ka’anapali, Kapalua, and Napili. These areas are home to the best hotels on the island and will give you easy access to some of the best activities in Maui. Once you have found the right hotel or vacation rental, make sure you book it immediately since properties in these areas tend to get sold out easily.
Planning a trip to Hawaii is not that complicated, given the many online resources. With their dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush green hills, and stunning beaches, the Hawaiian Islands are some of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Therefore, looking for information about Hawaii online should be easy.
After getting locked up in our homes due to the pandemic, we all deserve a break, and Hawaii is the best place for this. But to fully enjoy your holiday and not spoil your trip, make sure you plan your trip well. Hopefully, the tips above can help you with this.