Planning a trip to Hawaii, whether traveling from outside the U.S. or from the mainland, requires advance preparation and research. Rarely are trips to Hawaii spontaneous ones (unless you’re lucky) and the more you know beforehand, the better your itinerary and experience will be.
Planning to spend your vacation in Hawaii on the island of Oahu? Stay in one of our Kailua vacation rentals.
Checklists are helpful, once you’ve asked the critical questions.
- Who is traveling and how many? Romantic, family, extended family, buddies, girlfriends, destination wedding, etc.
- How long will you stay?
- Will you visit multiple islands?
- What would you like to do and see? Nature, adventure, water sports, shopping, spa, beach, culture, farms, attend events, etc.
- What is your budget? Economy, flexible, luxury or obscene indulgence.
- What do you absolutely want to do no matter the cost and your budget (helicopter rides, for example).
- Where would you like to stay? Away from the crowds, in the heart of town, near the sights, on the beach, etc.
- What types of lodging will you consider? Conventional hotels, condos, homes, bed and breakfast inns, etc.
- Resources—online searching, Hawaii Convention & Visitors Bureaus and its island chapters, local outfitters, etc.
- Since the beach will undoubtedly be a part of your visit, which beaches do you have time to see and explore?
- What time of year will you visit? Some things to do are seasonal (whale watching, for example).
Check out our Wailea vacation rentals on the island of Maui.
You’ll ask more questions of yourself as you delve into research. Just make sure that even though it may be the trip of a lifetime, you cannot do it all and if you try, you’ll lose the quality of the experience. Try to see or do the things most important to you early in your itinerary. Ask the locals for advice. Adapt easily, be flexible and you’ll have a wonderful time.