If you’re planning a vacation to Hawaii, you’ve probably wondered how to travel there. The state is located in the Pacific Ocean about 2,000 miles from the U.S. mainland. Hawaii is the only U.S. state that isn’t in North America and is an archipelago and tropics. It is one of the most beautiful and unique places on earth, so a visit is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Here are some tips and tricks to help you plan the perfect vacation.
Top destinations in Hawaii
A state in the Western United States, Hawaii is situated in the Pacific Ocean about 2,000 miles away from the U.S. mainland. Hawaii is also the only U.S. state outside of North America, and is the only state to fall within the tropics. This makes it the most diverse and most popular destination in the United States. For travelers, Hawaii offers an incredible mix of activities. From diving and snorkeling to relaxing on white-sand beaches, Hawaii has it all.
If you’re looking for the perfect tropical island, Maui has it all. You can enjoy relaxing beach days on the island or take on an adventure by hiking up waterfalls. Maui also offers plenty of nightlife and coral reefs. It is home to many beautiful hotels and luxurious resorts, including the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, which boasts amazing views. The islands of Oahu and Kauai are renowned for their beauty, making them a great destination for vacationers.
Kona: This sunny town is home to historic villages and lively nightlife. Visitors can enjoy the sheltered beaches and swim with spinner dolphins. The waters in Kona are also famous for scuba diving and snorkeling. Visitors can also visit the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, which highlights native Hawaiian wildlife and fishponds. The Kona Coffee Plantations are located in Kona. It is the perfect place to relax in the sun and take in the stunning views.
On the north side of the Big Island, North Kohala offers beautiful landscapes and a quaint town. There are numerous sights to see here, including King Kamehameha’s birthplace and Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site. The crater also offers a number of unique activities, including horseback riding through green fields or ATV explorations. There are plenty of other activities to keep the family occupied during your visit, including a snorkeling tour on the Pacific Ocean.
Cheapest flights to Hawaii
If you’re preparing a Hawaiian vacation, there’s no better time to look for the cheapest flights to Hawaii than now. With the recent COVID-19 pandemic affecting Hawaii, airlines have been reducing their rates on flights to Hawaii. There are some simple steps you can take to get the cheapest flights to Hawaii. If you plan to travel during off-peak hours, you’ll find that airfare for Hawaii flights tends to be cheaper on weekdays.
Generally speaking, the off-peak season is in the spring and fall. Peak seasons include the winter and Christmas holidays, as well as Thanksgiving through New Year. If you’re planning a trip during these times, you’ll probably find that airfares are considerably higher than usual. If you’re traveling in the off-peak season, however, you can get a good deal by booking early. Additionally, Hawaii flights tend to be cheaper during summer school breaks and winter breaks.
In addition to transferring points from your credit card to your airline’s program, you can also transfer airline loyalty miles to Hawaii. For example, if you have a Chase Ultimate Rewards card, you can transfer those points to Hawaiian Airlines. Whether your airline allows you to transfer miles depends on the program you belong to. If they do, transfer them to Hawaii Airlines. Just make sure to check the value of your points before booking your flight.
For the cheapest airfare, you should book at least 21 days in advance. You can also get cheaper international flights when you book four months in advance. Hawaii is the ideal destination for an exotic vacation, so don’t miss out on airfare deals from major California cities. The weather is perfect year-round, and flights from San Francisco to Honolulu are plentiful. During the winter months, Hawaii can be very cold. However, you should keep in mind that COVID-19 vaccination is not necessary for you to travel to Hawaii.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Hawaii is during the cooler months of April, May, and October. You’ll find cheaper airfare and hotel rates at this time. Generally, the wettest months are December through February, and June through August are the driest. In addition, the north shore is prone to high surf and trade winds. While these months aren’t the most popular, they’re still nice enough to travel during.
Summer is always a good time to visit Hawaii, but if you don’t like the heat, the fall is a good choice. The weather is perfect for beach-going, and the water is cool enough for swimming. However, if you’re looking to avoid crowds and high prices, visit during the fall. The islands are very beautiful in the fall, and you’ll get to see the fall foliage as well.
If you want to avoid the high season, September is the best time to visit Hawaii. You’ll have fewer crowds and lower hotel rates during this time. It’s also a fantastic time to snorkel since the water temperature will reach a pleasant 81 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll also find some surf along the southern shores, but the northern shores are relatively flat. Regardless, the conditions are perfect for snorkeling, which will make for a wonderful vacation.
During September, you’ll find that the ocean temperature is at its highest, and the weather is relatively temperate. August can be a bit too hot for some, but it’s also the cheapest month to travel to Hawaii. Although the weather is still warm and pleasant, August is very busy with tourists and can cause prices to rise. If you’re a first-time surfer, the month of September is a great time to visit the islands. Also, during September, you’ll find that airfare and hotel rates are lower, and you’ll find great deals on flights and lodging.
Packing list for a trip to Hawaii
If your family has never been to Hawaii, you should make a packing list before your trip. Keeping the list simple and reducing the amount of clothing you pack can save you money and suitcase space. Remember to bring your prescription medications and medical plan information. Also, pack a travel-size bottle of water and other beverages. For an authentic island experience, visit some local shops for fresh fruit and other items. Also, don’t forget to take a camera or phone for photos.
Those who don’t like wearing shorts and tank tops should avoid dresses, as they may lift up during boat tours. Also, wear long trousers when going on horseback or on an all-terrain vehicle tour. Another useful item for the trip is hiking sandals. These are useful for trails and crossing small streams. Lastly, bring a hat if you plan on doing some adventure sports. Water shoes aren’t traditional hiking sandals, but they do the trick.
Your packing list for a trip to Hawaii should contain clothes that will fit in a carry-on or capsule wardrobe. You can choose a limited number of items for your trip and still keep a minimal fashion sense. Remember to pack a lot of sunscreens, but you’ll also need a good pair of flip-flops. Don’t forget your sunscreen and bug repellent, because Hawaii is known for being very hot and humid.
Don’t forget to bring an anti-chafing balm. Body Glide was created for surfers in California and works well to prevent friction on the skin. It helps prevent blisters on your feet. Apply it before putting on your shoes or socks. Besides sunscreen, a good pair of water shoes will protect your feet from the harsh elements of the ocean. Water shoes will help you get grip on rough surfaces and are easy to clean and breathable.
Getting around the islands
Getting around the islands in Hawaii is relatively easy. Public transportation is plentiful and affordable, with frequent flights connecting the islands. Hawaii also has great roads, so driving is not a problem. Public buses and shared ride/taxi services are also available throughout the islands. If you have limited time, consider taking a guided tour or renting a car. It will also save you time and money by giving you more freedom to explore the islands.
While there are many ways to travel within Hawaii, air travel is the most convenient option, especially for short trips. Public buses are efficient and affordable, but they are limited and slow. Ferries connect Maui and Lanai, so it’s important to plan ahead. Public buses on Oahu are reliable, but slow elsewhere. If you plan on exploring several islands within a short time, you can opt for an inter-island cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line offers several options that leave from Oahu and make stops on neighboring islands.
Another option is renting a car. Renting a car gives you more freedom and control, and there are many places to explore. Depending on your destination, car rental can be a good option, but be aware that the service is not always reliable. On Oahu, there are over 400 bus stops. A car rental is a great way to explore the islands and choose the best mode of transportation for your needs.
Flying is the easiest way to travel between the islands of Hawaii. The main airline serves the islands and has direct flights between them. There are many flights to Hawaii, so you should have no problem booking flights that connect between islands. For example, you can fly from Honolulu to Maui and from Oahu to Kauai. If you have time, you can even travel by ferry. However, it will take additional days to get around, and you should plan accordingly.