The islands of Hawaii are a true paradise, and often a bucket-list destination for many. I’ve visited the islands twice, and would go back a million more times if I could! While you daydream of beaches, rainbows, and palm trees, there are certainly some things to keep in mind before you take off. Here are 5 things to know before your trip to Hawaii!
“Island Time”
You’ve probably heard of island time in the Caribbean, but it’s also very real in Hawaii! Generally speaking, the chain and larger stores will always stick to their opening/closing times. However, you may need to be flexible with the smaller “mom & pop” stores! On my trip in 2019, we got up at the crack of dawn to drive the back road to Hana. We had heard all about the Huli Huli Chicken stand on the beach in Hana and were excited to try it out. We arrived early and were told to come back at 11:00 am when they’ll be open. After killing some time on a nearby red sand beach, we came back right at 11:00 am with our appetites. Needless to say, we didn’t end up eating until after noon. It’s important to just go with the flow and enjoy the ride. After all, you’re in paradise!
You can’t visit every island
The state of Hawaii is made up of over 130 islands! However, visitors are only welcome to 6 of the 8 main islands. O’ahu, Maui, Kaua’i, Hawaii (the Big Island), Moloka’i, and Lana’i all welcome visitors with open arms and aloha spirit. Koho’olawe and Ni’ihau, however are off limits to the public. If you want to visit either of those islands, you’re going to have to work for it.
Koho’olawe is the smallest of the 8 main islands, and is located off the Southwest shore of Maui. It is an uninhabited island (and is incapable of hosting a permanent settlement due to its lack of fresh water) and was actually used by the US military for bomb testing and training during WWII. Your only chance of stepping foot onto Koho’olawe is through volunteer work opportunities.
I find Ni’ihau to be the most fascinating and is known as Hawaii’s “forbidden isle.” In 1864, the Robinson family purchased the island from Hawaii’s government and closed it off to visitors to preserve Hawaiian culture and traditions. Today, about 200 residents live on Ni’ihau and the only way to visit the settlement is with a direct invitation from the Robinson family. There is no electricity, no paved roads, no cars, no shops, and no restaurants. There are opportunities to see Ni’ihau from the air via helicopter tours or by boat via Kauai, but be prepared to pay a pretty penny!
Each island is unique
From the 6 islands that you can visit, 4 of them see the heaviest amount of traffic. I have personally never been to Molokai or Lana’i so cannot speak to their character. However, from what I’ve heard, Molokai is known as the last bit of “real Hawaii” out there, and Lana’i is known for their spectacular Four Seasons Resort. One day I’ll get to both!
With regards to the other four, they really each have their own unique character, vibe, and feeling. O’ahu is perfect for those seeking a blend of urban amenities and rural escapes, and is personally my favorite Hawaiian island. Less than an hour drive separates you from downtown Honolulu to the rural North Shore. Maui is for those looking to combine adventure with luxury. Here you will find countless of high-end beachfront resorts, as well as some spectacular nature. Escape your resort and explore the Road to Hana or Haleakalā National Park.
The Big Island of Hawaii is for the country folks (and coffee lovers!). Here you will find countless different ecosystems, from volcanoes, to rain forests, to arid deserts. The island is large and people have plenty of room to space out. Take a hike along the coast or in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Kauai is for those looking to wind down in true island paradise. The Nā Pali Coast will make anybody’s jaw drop, and views of the Waimea Canyon will make you feel like you’re in another world.
The Big Island is BIG
The Big Island of Hawai’i is named that for a reason- it’s huge! Driving across the center of the island from Kona to Hilo can take over an hour and a half, and of course even longer if you drive along the coast. On my trip in 2017, we stayed along the south shore of the island in the town of Naalehu. On a map, it looked like it would be the perfect central location for exploring the West, South, and East. However, we clearly did not plug in distances to a map beforehand, because we were over an hour drive from anything we wanted to do!
Granted, the drives are beautiful and diverse so you won’t be bored, but definitely something to keep in mind if you want to maximize your time. If you want to explore the whole island, I’d recommend breaking up your trip by region and spending a few nights in each. That way your “home base” is never far and you can make the most of your limited time in paradise!
Set a realistic budget
Hawaii is expensive, there is no way around it. While there are certainly ways to cut costs, it’s best to accept the fact up front that this is not a budget destination. Keep this in mind during your planning, as well as on your trip. Just about everything is imported to the islands, which of course drives up the cost on everything from groceries to beach gear. While I would without a doubt travel to Hawaii solo, traveling with a friend was a great way to share costs. My advice would be to space out your “bigger” purchases as much as you can during your planning. You don’t need to book your flight, hotels, and rental cars all on the same day. Try to space them out over the months before your trip. That way, when you arrive you know your only expenses are “on the ground” costs.
Tip: Always carry some cash on you, as not everywhere accepts credit cards.
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