While summer is certainly the busiest time of the year for visiting Hawaii, especially for families with kids out of school, it also happens to be the best few months for sunny, beautiful weather. So, if you’re getting ready for a stay in your Hawaii rental this summer, here are a few handy tips for beating the crowds and making the most of your stay:
Visit early!
This tip applies both to when you choose to vacation in Hawaii and when you decide to see any tourist attractions. If you haven’t booked your tickets yet, consider traveling during the early part of the summer, June to mid-July. Summer school is in session and camps are often ongoing, so it will cut down on the number of kids and families visiting the islands, even if just by a fraction of hair. And if you want to tour a historical site, such as Pearl Harbor, try going earlier in the day, and if possible, on a weekday. You’ll at least miss the weekend rush!
Make sure you have a fly swatter … and fan.
The coldest temperature Hawaii hits during the entire year is 65 degrees Fahrenheit. That means, the islands’ least favorite inhabitants, cockroaches and ants, do not disappear. Arm yourself with a swatter and bug spray to handle them, and a fan to make sure you stay cool.
“Calmer seas allow visitors to enjoy a wealth of activities.”
Enjoy calmer seas.
While the surf’s not usually up in the summer, calmer seas allow visitors to enjoy a wealth of activities, include snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle boarding and swimming. So, if you’re not one for surfing but love the beach and beautiful waters, summer might be the perfect time for you to stay.
Dress the part.
Temperatures in the summer do not normally get any higher than the mid-90s, but for those of us who reside in colder climes, that’s plenty hot. As such, you’ll want to bring loose-fitting clothes made of fabrics that breathe, such as cotton and linen. And don’t forget your flip-flops, or as Hawaiians call them “slippas.” And don’t worry – your sundresses, shorts and Hawaiian shirts are acceptable at most local spots, so maybe leave the pearls at home, OK?
Find a festival!
If you decide to visit in August, attend one of the state’s free festivals. Hawaii’s fifth annual Food & Wine Festival begins August 29, 2016, on the Big Island, and features more than 100 celebrity chefs, vintners and local farmers spread across top resorts and hotels. Around in early August? Attend the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ family festival. Earlier in the season, keep an eye out for film festivals celebrating Hawaii’s surfing culture, or if you’re a fan of shopping, try your hand at one of the state’s regular art and flea markets. You never know what you might find!
Watch out for jellyfish this summer!Practice ocean safety.
The summer’s calmer waters and hot temperatures will likely succeed in convincing you that a dip in the ocean is the activity du jour. While this is a great idea for cooling down, just make sure to keep an eye out for jellyfish. The Portuguese man-of-war can sting you and be but a nuisance, yet the box jellyfish can be much more harmful. The best advice: Watch out for these creatures, and get out of the water immediately if one has been spotted. You don’t want the nice tan you’ve acquired to take on a more rash-like appearance, or worse. If you do get stung, make sure to contact a doctor immediately.