If you’re planning on traveling to Hawaii, there are a few things you should know and prepare for before your journey. Hawaii is known for its stunning beaches and active nightlife, so it’s important to be well-prepared for your trip. Here are some tips to help you get ready for your time in Hawaii, for whatever island you decide to visit.
1. Pack Lightly
Whenever traveling to the Hawaiian islands, visitors almost always bring too much unnecessary clothing. Pack only what you need in order to avoid any excess baggage fees. This will also make it easier to carry around your luggage while you explore the city, as well as give you extra baggage space if planning to return with any goods or souvenirs purchased there.
2. Plan your Itinerary
Vacations often take alot of planning beforehand – which is a good thing. Otherwise, your trip will end up feeling a bit discombobulated. Unless you prefer frantically searching for things to do on google while barely being able to see your screen on the beach. From flights, hotels, transportation, or tours, it is always a good idea to plan ahead. Make sure you can make all your flights in time. Make sure your hotel check in day corresponds with your flight arrival day. Make sure you know how you will transport within the city (Uber? Rental? Walk? Bike?) Make sure to make early reservations for any tours, as they book up quickly. Vacationing may take a lot of planning, but if done correctly, is always worth it!
3. Check the Whether
Make sure to check the weather before you leave and pack clothes accordingly. Yes, Hawaii is known for it’s warm climate. However, Hawaii is also known for it’s subtle but quick changes in whether. Climate also varies during different times of the year. If you’re going during the winter months, pack a light jacket or cardigan to keep warm if it starts to rain or during the evening when it can get a little chilly with the ocean breeze.
4. Be Prepared for the Beach
Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches, so make sure to bring your beach gear including sunscreen, a towel, swimsuit, and flip flops. Double check with your hotel to see if they provide towels – that way you can save some baggage space! Also be aware that tanning beds often are not free and need to be rented out. Bring your own tanning chair if you have the baggage space, or simply purchase one there. Oftentimes though, a towel is sufficient for lounging. If you’re traveling to popular Hawaiian destinations, such as Honolulu, also be prepared for crowded beaches. Places such as Waikiki Beach can get fairly crowded – both on the streets and on the beaches. These populated areas are often full of tourists, locals, houseless people, and sometimes also pigeons. If a crowded beach doesn’t feel like a pleasant experience for you, make sure to research an island and beach that will fit your desires if you’re in search of something more secluded.
5. Make Sure to Have extra Spending Money
Just when you thought you got it all paid for after booking your flight and hotel, you come to Hawaii and realize that you’re still going to be spending more money? Yup! From strolling by all the stores, seeing the enticing ice-cream and cafe’s, to the exotic tour stops that have amazing coffee – trust us when we say that you’ll need some extra spending money. Also make sure to bring some cash – though rare, some vendors only accept cash. But as you should already know, spending money is the name of the game when going on holiday! Just enjoy yourself, right?
