Hawaii 101: Everything You Need To Know Before Planning Your First Trip To This Incredible Destination

When you want to escape to a tropical destination, Hawaii is one of the top picks – and for excellent reason. It’s a stunning set of islands with vibrant culture, food, and picturesque nature that’s a must-see up close. It’s a great pick for those who want to relax, those who want to get outdoors, and those who want to party. It truly is a destination that has something for everyone.

It is also one of the more expensive getaway vacations that you can book. Though more expensive than some other mainland options, what it offers in return is unparalleled. You can even save big on your trip by being flexible and very prepared. Preparation can and should begin today, so get out your notebook and kickstart your planning efforts by reading through this ultimate guide:

Table Of Contents

The Best Time to Go
The Islands of Hawaii
Where to Stay in Hawaii
What To Do in Hawaii

The Best Time to Go

The great news is that there’s no bad time to go to Hawaii. The weather is great any time of year, thanks to where it’s located. Yes, it tends to be a touch rainier during winter and warmer in summer months, but overall you’re looking at great temperatures all year around.

What you need to consider is when everyone else is going. Winter is actually the most popular season for tourists since most are escaping cold and biting weather back home. Another hot time for tourists is during holidays and summer since that is when kids are out of school.

So, if you’re looking for when is the quietest time to visit, try booking between mid-September to mid-November.

The Islands of Hawaii

Hawaii is a collection of islands, each with its own draw and interest. Though there are many smaller islands, what you need to know as a visitor are these top six:

Kauai – Home to the most dramatic scenery in Hawaii

Oahu – The heart of Hawaii and home to the capital of Honolulu

Maui – World-famous beaches and home to Haleakala

Molokai – Full of rustic charm

Lanai – Rugged terrain meets restful luxury

Hawaii – Home to everything from Active volcanoes to coffee farms

Where to Stay in Hawaii

Every island has its draws. However, since Oahu is likely where you’re touching down on your trip, starting there is a great idea. Oahu is home to Honolulu and so many fun things to do (including some of the best surfing beaches in the world). Waikiki Beach, for example, is an absolute must. If you’re planning on venturing out to other islands after, then make sure to book your stay at a Waikiki beach resort where you can enjoy the area to its fullest without wasting time traveling between sites. You’ll want those extra hours and even days to explore the other islands in the above list.

What To Do in Hawaii

There are so many great things to do in Hawaii, but in general, you will want to tick off these amazing activities:

Embrace Nature

By far, the best way to experience Hawaii is to physically get out there and enjoy Nature for all its worth. You can go snorkeling, hang out at the beach, enjoy a fireside party, go hiking, paddleboard, windsurf, and so much more. You can even go on scheduled tours, like a horseback riding tour, to enjoy the island with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Embrace the Local Culture

Hawaiian and Polynesian culture is wonderful, which is why it’s a must for any visitor to embrace and support it. Go to stage shows and visit the cultural center to learn about the real luaus and to begin to appreciate the culture. Try to support indigenous-owned businesses, shows, and more to help keep the authentic Hawaiian culture alive and well.

Embrace Wellness

Hawaii can be the perfect place to unwind and relax. Not only can you do this just by embracing the amount of natural beauty it has, you can also treat yourself to any of the many spa packages the islands have to offer. If you find the spa in your hotel or resort too expensive, look elsewhere. There are so many spas available that finding a great deal is a matter of searching, not luck.