Hawaii travel tips

We know you want your trip to be perfect and memorable. Make the most of your time and money by following our list of travel tips.

Find the best season for your reason

Winter (December through March) -- Do you like big surf? Does the thought of whale watching float your boat? Do you want to ski and snorkel on the same day? If so, book your vacation for winter. Typically, during this time, the surf is up on the north shores, whale season is at its peak, and the daytime temperature is averaging at a comfortable eighty degrees. The downside of winter travel is that tourist season is also at its peak. This means that booking things, such as hotels, cars and activities may be more of a challenge. Not to worry though, the solution is to simply book these necessities well in advance.

Spring (March through June) -- This is a popular time for college kids to come out to Hawaii. It’s also a good time to catch a break on airfare. Spring in Hawaii is the only season when the gorgeous purple Jacaranda trees bloom. Not to mention the Merrie Monarch Festival, an annual, week-long hula competition, which takes place during this time. Spring in Hawaii can tend to be a little rainy – but it’s mostly just passing showers. Overall it tends to remain in the balmy mid-eighties.

Summer (June through September) -- Summer is hot and sunny. Temperatures can rise up into the high eighties. The surf is big on the south shores and the beaches are packed. Summer also means ripe mangos in the islands. You’ll find these yummy tropical fruits at every fruit stand – perfect for eating at the beach or blending into an icy afternoon cocktail. During the summer everything seems busier. Many local kids are out of school on break. This means crowded beaches, shops and restaurants. But then again, it may be a good thing to be surrounded by so many locals. There is no better way to learn about the culture of Hawaii than from those who live it.

Fall (September through December) -- This time of year can be muggy in Hawaii. In terms of the weather, it’s one of the more unpleasant times to travel to the islands. However, what this time lacks in the “pleasant climate” department, it makes up with great annual events, such as The Maui Writer’s Conference, The Honolulu Marathon, The Aloha Festivals, Taste of the Hawaiian Range and The Parker Ranch Round-Up Club Rodeo.

Protect yourself from the sun

Many vacations are completely ruined by red and blistered sunburned skin. Don’t let it happen to you.

Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher.

Try to limit your sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Wear a hat that shades your face.

Make sure you are wearing good sunglasses with a UV filter.

Wear a lip balm with a SPF of 15 or higher.

Keep babies under the age of 6 months out of the sun (a baby tent may be a good thing to bring).

Protect yourself from insects

This is especially important if you are planning a lot of outdoor activities. Some areas of Hawaii tend to have a lot of mosquitoes. While these annoying little insects won't bother you too much in the towns and on the beaches, you will for sure notice them in the rainforests, especially on humid days. If you get bit, don't rub your skin because this might cause bleeding.

In the past, there have been outbreaks of the dengue virus in the islands, so you really want to take this seriously. Most professionals recommend using an insect repellant that contains DEET that can be sprayed onto the skin. Mosquitoes seem to be more active in the early morning and late evening, so plan any outdoor activities during the day.

Plan your budget on reality

The reality is that just about everything is going to cost a little extra than normal. Most tourists find that food costs (whether it’s at the grocery store or restaurant) are far greater than what they are used to at home.

Gas prices are very high and the only island with a decent public transportation system is Oahu. You’ll be doing a whole lot of driving and it will be very expensive. The gas prices vary from day to day and island to island. As of 2006, prices reached up to $4.56 per gallon on the island of Lanai.

Consider alternate accommodations

If you’re looking to save money, consider booking your accommodations with a Bed and Breakfast or Vacation Rental. Staying at one of these “alternate accommodations” can actually help to make your vacation more memorable.

Hosts are generally very knowledgeable about the islands and will often recommend sights and activities that aren’t listed on a “tourist” map. The only real downside to these types of accommodations is that they will certainly lack the grandiose amenities that the resorts can provide.

Timeshares offer another great way to save money and still enjoy luxury accommodations at the same time. You can rent or buy timeshare resales very reasonably and offer a wide variety of resort choices.

Get familiar with the airports

The main airport codes in Hawaii are as follows:

HNL- Honolulu, Oahu
ITO- Hilo, Hawaii
KOA- Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
LIH- Lihue, Kauai
OGG- Kahului, Maui

All major Hawaiian airports have visitor booths that are run by the Visitor Information Program (VIP). Definitely plan to stop by a booth when you arrive for valuable information. You can also call ahead with any questions that you may have before you arrive.

Here are the contact numbers:

Hilo International Airport (808) 934-5838
Honolulu International Airport (808) 836-6413
Kahului Airport (808) 872-3893
Kona International Airport at Keahole (808) 329-3423
Lihue Airport (808) 246-1448
Molokai Airport (808) 567-6361

Don’t forget to pack a windbreaker

Yeah, we know... You’re coming to Hawaii to bask in the sun, not hang out in the wind and rain. Realistically though, Hawaii is home to passing showers and occasional gusty tradewinds. Moreover, nights in Hawaii can cool down into the mid-sixties – hardly bikini and flip-flop friendly.

Packing a light wind-breaker and a pair of pants along with your tank tops and shorts should keep you dry and warm during your stay.