How to plan a trip to hawaiian island
If you’re Planning a trip to Hawaiian island but don’t have time for endless research? This guide is for you! Follow these Hawaii trip‑planning steps paired with our detailed island‑specific travel guides.
Lock in Your Hawaii Travel Dates
You may already have tentative dates, and the good news is that Hawaii is a year‑round destination. If you can tweak your calendar, keep these SEO‑friendly factors in mind
Weather Patterns
Summer (May – October) and Winter (November – April). Winter brings the bulk of the rain, especially in October and early spring.
Aim for May, June, September, or early October for mostly dry skies..
Whale‑Watching Season
Hawaii from December through April. Maui’s Auau Channel is the premier spot for seeing breaches right from the shore.
Mid‑December – March for peak sightings.
Crowd Levels & Prices
Visitor spikes align with U.S. school breaks summer, Thanksgiving week, and the Christmas–New Year stretch. Shoulder seasons mean fewer crowds and better hotel deals.
Late April, May, September, early October are the sweet spots.
Flights and Transport
Airports In Hawaii
- Oahu: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
- Maui: Kahului Airport (OGG)
- Kapalua: Airport (JHM) — West Maui
- Kauai: Lihue Airport (LIH)
- Big Island: Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA)
- Lanai: Lānaʻi Airport (LNY)
- Molokai: Molokai Airport (MKK)
Flight‑Search Site
| Skyscanner |
| Google Flights |
| Momondo |
| Kayak |
| Hopper |
Book Your Must‑Try Hawaii Restaurant Reservations
Hawaii restaurant reservations well before wheels‑down is the smartest move you can make if food is a highlight of your trip.
While many island eateries answer the phone a few days out, the heavyweight names fill up fastespecially if you’re traveling in peak season or with a larger group.
- Duke’s, Merriman’s & Other Island Favorites (30–60 days out)
Celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or family reunion? Call or use OpenTable 4–8 weeks in advance to lock in prime‑time tables. - Most locations will note special occasions on your reservation.
- Character Breakfast at Makahiki, Disney Aulani
Seats drop at 12:00 a.m. HST, 30 days before the date set an alarm if you don’t want to disappoint your mini Moana fans. - Mama’s Fish House, Maui
Consistently ranked the best restaurant in Hawaii, Aim for sunset dining and add a note if you’re proposing or celebrating tables with ocean views go first. Short on time? Check for last‑minute cancellations around 7 a.m. HST.
Money‑Smart Tips for Foodies on a Budget
- Preview menus online: Scanning prices before you book prevents sticker shock and helps you allocate splurge nights versus casual plate‑lunch stops.
- Hunt for happy hours: Top spots slash prices on signature pupus and tropical cocktails between 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. perfect for tasting the menu without the full‑price sting.
- Share entrées: Portion sizes are mainland‑large. Two appetizers plus one entrée often satisfy a family of four, leaving room (and budget) for shave ice.
Free Activities hawaiian islands
Planning a your trip to Hawaiian island experiences that totally free or almost‑free things to do on each major Hawaiian island. I kept everything under about $15 per person (many are $0)
| Activity |
|---|
| Kūhiō Beach Hula Show, (Oʻahu ) |
| Waikīkī Historic Trail (Oʻahu ) |
| Sunrise at Lanikai Beach (Oʻahu ) |
| Shark’s Cove snorkeling (Oʻahu ) |
| Honolua Bay snorkel (Maui ) |
| Makawao Forest Reserve hike or bike (Maui ) |
| Punaluʻu Black‑Sand Beach (Big Island) |
| Akaka Falls loop trail (Big Island) |
| Two Step snorkel (Hōnaunau) |
| Maui Friday Town Parties |
| Waimea Canyon State Park lookouts |
| Wailua Falls overlook |
