Answering Your Questions About Traveling To Hawaiʻi

You asked, and we’re here to answer your most pressing questions about visiting The Islands of Aloha. From how to get there and how much the average Hawaiʻi vacation costs to when the best time is to visit and more, a vacation to this Polynesian gem sits high atop the travel wish list of many, and we’re here to encourage you to get there. 

Should I Travel To Hawaiʻi

First things first, how do you know if Hawaiʻi is the right destination for your next vacation? We suppose we’d answer this question by posing another: do you like mild weather, jaw-dropping scenery and laid-back vibes? If “yes,” Hawaiʻi might be a fit for you. Famous for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, kind locals and stunning natural areas, Hawaiʻi is a safe and accessible locale for U.S. travelers — and no, you don’t need a passport to get there, either. 

Similarly, non-U.S. citizens are welcome to visit The Aloha State so long as they fill out the proper documentation and carry valid identification. For more guidance on this, visit The Hawaiian Islands’ website.

How To Travel To Hawaiʻi

While the state is accessible by cruise ship, the most common way to travel to Hawaiʻi is by air as all major domestic carriers and many international carriers offer service to Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on O’ahu. In addition to flights to and from HNL, there are sometimes direct flights from the continental U.S. to Maui, Kaua’i and Hawaiʻi Island as well.

When Is the Best Time To Travel to Hawaiʻi

With sunny days and comfortable temperatures year-round, Hawaiʻi is considered an excellent travel destination no matter the time of year. In the summer, the islands are generally dry and see an average temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter is slightly cooler and wetter with average temps hovering around 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

School breaks and holidays draw the largest crowds, making July through August a busy time to visit as well as November through January and Mid-March to early April. Conversely, fall and spring are the region’s shoulder seasons, allowing budget travelers to snag deals on airfare and lodging.

How Much Does It Cost To Go To Hawaiʻi

It’s no secret that going to Hawaiʻi isn’t cheap, and the destination’s high cost is one of the reasons it’s widely considered a once-in-a-lifetime vacation spot for many. Between state taxes and visitors fees, high hotel rates, pricey airfare and other expenses like dining and excursions, it’s not hard to ring up a hefty bill when planning your vacation. It’s worth noting that how much it costs to travel to Hawaiʻi can vary greatly depending on the time of year vacationers decide to visit, and those who opt for the shoulder season can often enjoy lower pricing.

While we won’t name an exact price here, for a more precise Hawaiʻi trip cost estimate, check out this nifty tool from Love Big Island.

Which Island Should I Visit in Hawaiʻi

Each of the Hawaiian Islands has something special to offer and choosing which ones to visit can be a challenging task — especially when you only have a few short days to explore. The good news is you can’t go wrong no matter what you decide to do. Here are some quick highlights from each island to help you narrow things down.

• Big Island: Good for biodiversity with beaches, rainforests, deserts and mountains. Visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and ʻAkaka Falls State Park, attend an Island Breeze Luau and shop at Hilo Farmers Market.
• Oʻahu: Good for urban adventures with skyscrapers, lively nightlife and luxurious accommodations. Snorkel with dolphins, swim with turtles and dive with sharks; join a food tour or sip wine and whiskey; visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial, hike Diamond Head State Monument and admire Iolani Palace.
• Kauaʻi: Good for getting outdoors with challenging hikes and epic waterfalls. Snorkel, sail and kayak the island’s sparkling waters; check out Waimea Canyon State Park where parts of ‘Jurassic Park’ were filmed; sightsee at Lydgate Farms Kauai Chocolate, Poipu Beach Park and Wailua Falls.
• Molokaʻi: Good for peace and quiet with small local hotels and a DIY approach to tourism. Hike through Hālawa Valley, send a quirky message out for delivery at Post-A-Nut Hoolehua Post Office and get a history lesson at Kalaupapa National Historical Park.
• Maui: Good for daring drives, luxurious stays and sandy beaches. Brave the Road to Hana, marvel at the otherworldly landscape of Haleakalā Crater, take part in a Maui Pineapple Tour and soak up the sun at Kāʻanapali Beach.
• Lānaʻi: Good for intimate stays and sweeping vistas. Get lost in the scenery when you visit one of the island’s many natural areas like Garden of the Gods, Sweetheart Rock and Koloiki Ridge Trailhead.

How To Travel Between Islands in Hawaiʻi

When it comes to traveling between islands in Hawaiʻi, there are a few ways travelers can go about it. One of the most popular ways to traverse inter-island routes is by plane, and visitors can choose from flights offered by Hawaiian, Southwest or Mokulele Airlines. Similarly, those hoping to travel between Maui and Lānaʻi can board a Lānaʻi Expeditions passenger ferry to enjoy a comfortable and relatively quick ride across the ʻAuʻau Channel. 

For more information about traveling between Islands in Hawaiʻi, visit The Hawaiian Islands’ website.

What To Pack When Traveling to Hawaiʻi

What you decide to pack for your trip to Hawaiʻi will vary depending on what you want to do while you’re there. From beach days and big waves to rugged hikes and lush forests, you can do it all on The Islands of Aloha, and your clothing will be most comfortable if it reflects your itinerary. Remember, Hawaiʻi has a tropical climate, so opt for lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made from material that wicks moisture away from your body like polyester, nylon, merino wool and cotton. Similarly, you’ll want to pack or pick up a bottle of sunscreen and a few pairs of comfortable footwear to keep your feet happy and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip.