Are you planning your first Hawaii vacation and want some helpful Hawaii travel tips? Find out things that no one tells you before planning a Hawaii trip!
This post about planning a Hawaii trip was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Planning your first Hawaii vacation? As someone who’s been visiting the islands since I was a kid, I’ve picked up a ton of insider knowledge that most people don’t realize until they’re already here. Some of these tips might surprise you!
I remember my first trip planning Hawaii without my parents. I was in college and flew to Oahu with my best friend to visit her family. Her parents handed us the keys to their car and told us to explore.
That freedom to cruise the North Shore and make our own decisions? It was incredible. But it also made me realize how much planning goes into making a Hawaii trip smooth.
Now, after bringing my own kids on countless Hawaii vacations and working as a professional tourist for years, I’ve learned what really matters when you’re planning a trip.
Let me save you some headaches and share what I wish I’d known from the start.
You Need the Right ID to Fly (This Changed in 2025!)
Here’s something important that changed recently. As of May 7, 2025, you need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another approved form of ID to fly domestically, including to Hawaii.
Check the top right corner of your driver’s license. See a star? You’re good to go. No star? You’ll need to use your passport instead or get your license updated before your trip.
U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to visit Hawaii since it’s the 50th state, but you DO need proper identification to get through TSA security.
You Can’t Drive Between Islands
This is probably the number one question I get: “Can we drive from Oahu to Maui?”
Nope. The islands are too far apart, and there are no bridges connecting them. There used to be a ferry system years ago, but it’s long gone. The only ferry still running is between Maui and Lanai, and it’s passenger-only.
If you want to experience more than one island during your vacation, you’ll need to book inter-island flights.
Hawaiian Airlines (now part of Alaska Air Group) operates about 170 daily flights between the islands, with Honolulu as the main hub. Southwest Airlines also offers inter-island service, and Mokulele Airlines runs smaller planes to more remote airports.
Island hopping is one of my favorite ways to see Hawaii because each island has such a different personality. Need help planning a multi-island trip? Check out my Hawaii Island Hopping Guide.
Skip Golden Week if Possible
Unless you live in Japan, you might not know about Golden Week. But trust me, as a Hawaii travel expert, this is a week you’ll want to avoid.
Golden Week is a series of Japanese holidays from late April to early May when millions of Japanese tourists flood into Hawaii. In 2026, Golden Week runs from April 29 to May 6.
During this time, beaches get packed, hotels book up months in advance, and prices skyrocket.
I learned this lesson the hard way on one Oahu trip when we couldn’t get into any of the restaurants we wanted to try. Everything was fully booked. If you have flexibility in your travel dates, aim for a different time period.
Save Big with Companion Fares
Let’s talk about flight costs, because they can eat up a huge chunk of your budget. One of my best money-saving tips? Get an Alaska Airlines credit card for their companion fare deal.
You pay full price for one ticket and only $99 (plus taxes and fees) for the second ticket. My husband and I each have a card, which means we can bring our kids for basically half price.
Over the years, this has saved us thousands of dollars on Hawaii flights.
Alaska Airlines offers tons of direct flights to all four major Hawaiian islands, and in my experience, they’re consistently reliable.
Want more ways to save money on your Hawaii vacation? Sign up for my free 5-day email course on how to save money in Hawaii.
Only Reef-Safe Sunscreen is Legal Here
This is super important. Since January 2021, Hawaii has banned the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate because these chemicals harm coral reefs and marine life.
Maui County and the Big Island have even stricter rules, requiring only mineral-based sunscreens made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Don’t worry though, you can find reef-safe sunscreen at any store in Hawaii. But here’s my tip: buy it before you arrive because hotel gift shops charge a premium. Target and Walmart have great options at much better prices.
Our family uses Babyganics reef-safe sunscreen spray. I started buying it when my oldest was a baby, and now we all use it. It doesn’t leave that chalky white residue that some mineral sunscreens do.
If you forget to pack sunscreen, any sunscreen sold in Hawaii is guaranteed to be reef-safe, so you’re covered either way.
You Really Do Need a Rental Car (Unless You’re Staying in Waikiki)
Over my 40+ trips to Hawaii, I’ve learned this the hard way: you need a car.
The only exception is if you’re staying in Waikiki, where you can walk to beaches, restaurants, and shops. Most tour companies only pick up from Waikiki hotels, so if you’re staying anywhere else on any island, you’re going to need wheels.
Yes, Uber exists on Oahu (mainly in Waikiki), but it’s hit or miss on the other islands. You don’t want to be stuck at a beautiful beach with no way to get back to your hotel.
I always book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They partner with major brands like Alamo, Thrifty, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise to get you the best deals. Book early for the best prices and selection.
Keep in mind that drivers under 25 pay extra fees, typically around $8-10 per day.
Traffic is Real (Plan Accordingly)
Every island experiences brutal rush hour traffic, both morning and evening. This was a shock to me the first time I planned a full-day Oahu itinerary.
We almost missed our North Shore luau because I didn’t realize it would take almost two hours to drive from Waikiki in the evening. Now I always build in extra time for traffic.
When choosing where to stay, think about where you want to spend most of your time. Staying near your planned activities can save you hours of sitting in traffic.
Hawaii also has year-round road construction, so give yourself plenty of cushion when you have reservations or flights to catch.
Schedule Spa Days at the Beginning of Your Trip
This might sound random, but hear me out. When I brought my now-husband to Kauai (his first time!), we splurged on a couples massage at the end of our trip. Big mistake.
By day six, we were both pretty sunburned despite our best efforts with sunscreen. That massage was not relaxing. It was painful.
Now I always book spa treatments for the first or second day of our trips, before we’ve had a chance to get too much sun. Your skin (and your relaxation) will thank you.
Everything Costs More Here
I don’t say this to scare you off, but Hawaii is expensive. And I’m not just talking about hotels and flights.
Almost everything in Hawaii is imported, which means a gallon of milk or a box of cereal will give you sticker shock. You’ll pay for parking almost everywhere in Waikiki. Beach gear costs more than on the mainland.
These little expenses add up fast. On every trip, we encounter hidden costs we didn’t budget for.
The good news? There are tons of ways to save money without sacrificing your vacation.
I share all my best budget tips in my free email course on traveling to Hawaii like a pro. You can also read my complete guide on planning Hawaii on a budget.
Condo vs Hotel: Choose Based on Your Style
After countless Hawaii trips with my family, I’ve realized something important: we all have different travel styles. I like jam-packing our days with activities. My husband and kids? They’d rather chill by the pool.
This is where the condo vs hotel debate comes in.
Condos are perfect if you want to save money by cooking some meals or need separate bedrooms for the kids. We’ve stayed in some amazing condos with full kitchens and washer/dryers, which is clutch when you’re traveling with kids.
Hotels and resorts offer on-site restaurants, kids’ clubs, spectacular pools, and sometimes Hawaiian luaus. Many also package deals that can actually save you money.
For recommendations on where to stay, check out my guide to the best Hawaii hotels for families. Or better yet, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, book a Hawaii travel consultation with me and I’ll help you find the perfect accommodations for your family’s style.
Bring Your Own Reusable Bags
Hawaii banned plastic bags years ago to protect the environment. Every county in the state has banned single-use plastic bags, and many have restrictions on other types of bags too.
This means when you shop (even at the grocery store), you need to bring your own bags. Some stores sell paper bags for 15 cents each, but many gift shops don’t offer any bags at all.
I always pack a few lightweight foldable bags in our suitcases. They barely take up any space, and they double as beach bags. Problem solved.
Don’t Plan Hawaii as a Weekend Trip
I get it, you’re excited to visit Hawaii. But please don’t fly all the way here for just a weekend.
It’s a 5-6 hour flight from the West Coast alone. By the time you factor in getting to and from airports, checking into your hotel, and adjusting to the time zone, you’ll barely have any time to relax.
Research shows it takes about 7 days for people to truly unwind on vacation. Plus, you’ll want at least 4-7 days per island to really experience it. Anything less and you’ll leave feeling like you missed out.
The sweet spot? About 10 days total. That gives you time to settle in, explore without rushing, and actually feel rested. Check out my island-specific guides to help you plan:
- Oahu Travel Guide for Families
- Maui Travel Guide for Families
- Kauai Travel Guide for Families
- Big Island Travel Guide for Families
Front Load Your Itinerary
Okay, I admit it. I’m a planner. But there’s a method to my madness.
When booking activities and tours in Hawaii, schedule your absolute must-dos for the beginning of your trip. Why? Because weather happens. Tours get canceled. Equipment breaks.
If your bucket-list activity gets canceled on day two, you have time to reschedule. If it’s canceled on your last day? You’re out of luck.
We learned this lesson when a snorkeling tour got canceled due to rough seas. Because we’d scheduled it early in the trip, we were able to rebook for later in the week.
I always leave the last 2-3 days of our trips completely open. No plans. No reservations. Just time to revisit our favorite spots, pick up souvenirs, or relax by the pool.
Want help creating the perfect Hawaii itinerary? My travel guides include day-by-day schedules with all my favorite activities, restaurants, and insider tips. Or book a consultation call and I’ll create a custom itinerary just for your family.
Learn a Few Hawaiian Words
One of my favorite things about Hawaii is how the Hawaiian language is woven into everyday life. Learning a few simple words will enhance your trip and show respect for Hawaiian culture.
“Keiki” means children. You’ll see it on restaurant menus (keiki menu) and at activities that offer kid pricing.
“Mahalo” means thank you. Use this everywhere! “Mahalo nui loa” means thank you very much.
“Ohana” means family. If you’ve seen Lilo & Stitch, you know “ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind.” This word appears on everything from restaurant names to hotel signs.
“Kokua” means help or assistance. You’ll see “please kokua” on trash cans around the islands.
Learning and using these words is a simple way to connect with Hawaiian culture and show appreciation for this special place.
No Free Leis at the Airport (But You Can Book One!)
I hate to burst this bubble, but you won’t receive a free lei greeting when you step off the plane. That’s pretty much a myth from decades ago.
However, you CAN book a lei greeting through Get Your Guide or Viator in advance if you want that special touch. Many resorts also offer lei greetings (sometimes free, sometimes for a fee) when you check in.
Getting a fresh flower lei is a beautiful way to start your Hawaii vacation, you just need to arrange it yourself.
Capture Your Trip with a Pro Photographer
While I’m sharing tips, here’s something I wish I’d done earlier: hiring a photographer through Flytographer.
When you’re the one taking all the photos (usually mom, right?), you end up with hardly any pictures of yourself.
Flytographer connects you with local photographers who know all the best spots. You get professional-quality family photos with that gorgeous Hawaii backdrop, and you actually get to be IN the pictures.
Plus, you can save $20 when you use my link. These photos will become some of your most treasured keepsakes.
Ready to Start Planning?
Planning a Hawaii vacation can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. But with these insider tips, you’re already way ahead of most first-time visitors.
The key is to start planning early, do your research, and don’t try to do everything. Hawaii isn’t going anywhere. You can always come back.
Need more help? I’ve got you covered:
- Download my comprehensive travel guides for Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island
- Check out the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast where I share even more tips and insider knowledge
- Book a personalized travel consultation and I’ll help you plan the perfect Hawaii vacation for your family
As someone who’s been visiting Hawaii since I was 10 years old and now brings my own family multiple times a year, I can tell you this: Hawaii is worth the planning effort. The memories you’ll make here will last a lifetime.
Aloha, and happy planning!
Looking for more Hawaii trip planning tips? Find out how to rent a car in Hawaii, 50 places to visit in Hawaii, best Hawaii travel apps, if you need travel insurance for Hawaii, Hawaii Packing List for Flight, 101 Things to do on Oahu, and 105 ways to save money in Hawaii!
