As the owners of Hawaii Aloha Travel, my wife Yaling and I, along with our dedicated team, have guided visitors through the complexities of planning Hawaii vacations for over 22 years. Our extensive experience, combined with 18 years of podcasting, makes us your go-to experts for everything in Hawaii. If you’re ready to take the plunge, check us out at hawaii-aloha.com or give us a call at 1-800-843-8771 for Hawaii Travel Hacks. You’ll be glad you did!
Why Choose Hawaii Aloha Travel?
Unlike some influencers or celebrities who might not know the first thing about booking a Hawaii vacation, we live, breathe, and experience Hawaii every day. Our expertise is constantly updated, and our website is a treasure trove of information—think of it as your very own Hawaii encyclopedia. With our personalized service, you’ll avoid the pitfalls of outdated advice and get the most current, relevant insights into what’s happening on the islands.
Tip 1: Avoid Overhyped Tourist Traps
While it’s tempting to hit all the famous spots, some of them are overrated and overcrowded. For example, Diamond Head is often touted as a must-do hike, but in reality, it’s just a long climb up a bunch of stairs to a view you could easily get from a hotel rooftop. Instead, explore lesser-known trails like the Makiki Heights trails on Oahu, which offer a serene rainforest experience with far fewer crowds, even on weekends. And if you’re up for a challenge, try the Koko Crater stairs, but be warned—it’s a tough climb!
Tip 2: Time Your Activities Right—Do Everything Later
One of the best pieces of advice I can give for enjoying Hawaii is to avoid the early morning rush. Most travelers are jet-lagged when they arrive, waking up at 4 or 5 AM and rushing to start their day. While that might seem like a good idea, it often leads to crowded attractions and long lines. My suggestion? Do everything later.
Take Pearl Harbor, for instance. Most people think they need to be there first thing in the morning. But if you go in the afternoon, you’ll often find it less crowded, and tickets can be easier to come by. The same goes for Hanauma Bay. Typically packed in the morning, the parking lot starts to clear out by early afternoon. You’ll enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere, and you won’t feel rushed.
This concept of doing things later can be applied to most activities across all the islands. For instance, instead of starting your day early on the Road to Hana, head out later in the morning. This way, you avoid the convoy of rental cars and can enjoy the drive without the stop-and-go traffic that often builds up early in the day. And when it comes to hikes, places like the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail or the ridges around Hanauma Bay are much more pleasant to explore in the late afternoon when the sun is lower, and the temperatures are cooler.
Tip 3: Smart Inter-Island Travel
Timing also plays a crucial role when it comes to inter-island flights. Many travelers make the mistake of booking midday flights, thinking they’ll have time to check into their next hotel as soon as they arrive. But the reality is, midday flights are the busiest. Airports are crowded, check-in lines are long, and you’ll spend a lot of time just waiting around.
Instead, consider flying early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Early morning flights let you get to your next island and dive straight into an activity. You can make the most of your day without being stuck in hotel lobbies, waiting for check-in time. On the other hand, if you’re not a morning person, a late afternoon flight means you can enjoy a full day on your current island before moving on. This way, you avoid the busy midday rush at the airport, and when you finally get to your hotel, your room will likely be ready.
It’s all about pacing yourself and not falling into the trap of feeling like you need to do everything early. Hawaii’s beauty isn’t going anywhere, and by adjusting your timing, you can enjoy a more relaxed and less crowded experience. Remember, this is your vacation—let’s make sure you experience it in the most enjoyable way possible!
Tip 4: Seek Out Local Farmer’s Markets and Hidden Gems
Skip the chain restaurants and ABC stores; instead, support local markets and eateries. Farmer’s markets are scattered across all the islands, offering fresh produce and unique, locally made products perfect for souvenirs. Our curated lists of hole-in-the-wall eateries and restaurant recommendations are continually updated, so you’re always in the know about the latest and greatest spots to eat.
Tip 5: Book Early and Lock in Your Rates
One of the most valuable tips I can offer for planning a Hawaii vacation is to book well in advance. Right now, we’re seeing that booking six to eight months ahead is not just a good idea—it’s essential. Rates, especially for airfare, are pretty favorable at the moment, but these deals won’t last forever. The earlier you secure your travel arrangements, the better your chances of locking in great rates and avoiding the inevitable price hikes as your travel dates approach.
At Hawaii Aloha Travel, we offer something you won’t find just by clicking around on travel websites: bulk airfare options. When you book with us, we can lock in your airfare at the current rate, and here’s the best part—if the price goes up or down, we can adjust it. It’s not like booking online where you’re stuck with whatever you initially paid. We monitor fares constantly, and if there’s a drop, we can modify your booking to save you money. That’s a level of flexibility and personalized service that you simply won’t get anywhere else.
Plus, early booking doesn’t just apply to flights. Hotels, rental cars, activities—all of these are in high demand, especially in Hawaii where things can book up fast, particularly during peak seasons. By planning ahead, you not only secure the best prices, but you also have access to a wider selection of accommodations and experiences. You won’t be left scrambling to find a room or a rental car, or missing out on a must-do activity because it’s sold out.
Tip 6: Stay Positive and Avoid Negative Social Media
Planning a trip to Hawaii should be exciting, not stressful. Avoid negative social media posts that can skew your perception of Hawaii. This destination remains one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and with the right mindset, your vacation will be nothing short of spectacular.
Let Us Help You Plan Your Perfect Hawaii Vacation
At Hawaii Aloha Travel, we don’t just plan trips—we create experiences. From unique hikes and local activities to finding the perfect places to eat and stay, our personalized service will ensure your trip is memorable. Reach out to us today, and let’s make your dream Hawaii vacation a reality.
From all of us at Hawaii Aloha Travel, including my beautiful wife Yaleng, we wish you Aloha and Mahalo!