17 Tips To Know Before Planning a Trip to Hawaii

Dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway? 🌺 Whether you’re planning your very first trip or heading back for another island adventure, these 17 tips can help you save money, avoid common mistakes, and make your vacation as stress-free as possible. Take a look before you book!

17 Tips for Planning a Trip to Hawaii

Mary here! 🌴 The first time I visited Hawaii was in 2020 when my in-laws surprised our family with an unforgettable trip to Maui. We fell in love with the islands almost instantly, and have been lucky enough to return a couple more times – this time to beautiful Kauai. Hawaii is every bit as amazing as people say, but it’s definitely not the cheapest vacation destination. The good news? With a little planning, you can save a lot of money while still having an incredible experience.

Here are 17 tips for planning a trip to Hawaii:

1. Travel during the shoulder season (April to May or September to mid-November) to find lower airfare and hotel rates while still enjoying beautiful weather. You’ll also avoid some of the biggest crowds, making popular beaches, restaurants, and attractions much more enjoyable.

2. Book your flights early and set fare alerts using tools like Google Flights or Hopper so you’ll know when prices drop. Airfare to Hawaii can fluctuate quite a bit, and booking several months in advance often leads to the best deals. We booked our flights at least 3 months in advance and found that United and Southwest had the cheapest options.

3. Use airline miles, hotel points, or travel rewards credit cards to help cover flights or accommodations. Even if you can’t cover your entire trip, using points for a few nights or one flight can save hundreds of dollars. If you don’t have any frequent flyer miles with an airline, sign up before your trip since points to Hawaii would be a great start towards another trip.

4. Consider staying in a condo or vacation rental with a kitchen instead of a resort. Having a full kitchen can dramatically cut your food costs, especially for families. However, if you opt for the resort route, you can also sometimes score amazing deals on timeshare properties if you’re willing to politely decline their sales presentation.

5. Save money by cooking breakfast and even dinners – instead of eating every meal at restaurants. We loved eating breakfast on our lanai while enjoying the view, and it left us with more room in the budget for a few memorable dinners out. Also, many resorts or condos have places where you can grill on site, making it an easy option for burgers, steaks, etc.

6. Stop by Costco, Walmart, or a local grocery store after you arrive to stock up on snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and beach essentials. Hawaii’s convenience stores and resort shops can be surprisingly expensive, so shopping once at the beginning of your trip can save quite a bit.

7. Only rent a car for the days you’ll actually use it, especially if you’re staying somewhere walkable like Waikiki. Parking and rental fees add up quickly, so only paying for the days you plan to explore can make a big difference.

8. Watch out for expensive resort fees by choosing accommodations that don’t charge them. Some hotels advertise low nightly rates but add significant daily fees that can really increase your final bill.

9. Pack light whenever possible to avoid checked baggage fees, but bring your own water bottle! And if you plan to do any hikes, I found a water bottle holder to be super helpful (hiking can be tiring and you won’t want to be carrying a backpack or lots of gear). Don’t forget to leave a little extra room in your suitcase for souvenirs you’ll inevitably want to bring home! Speaking of souvenirs, the local shops in Kauai actually had reasonably priced merch (I’m talking $20 shirts!), so be sure to check them out.

10. Bring your own beach gear if possible – like snorkel masks, water shoes, or inflatable floats – if it makes sense with your luggage allowance. Renting equipment every day can get expensive, especially for families traveling with kids. We brought our own hiking sandals (these were great!) for the Napali coastline which was super helpful, since it was really muddy when we went.

11. Take advantage of Hawaii’s incredible free attractions, including gorgeous beaches, scenic hikes, waterfalls, and breathtaking viewpoints (hiking the Napali coastline is GORGEOUS but a tough hike!). Some of our favorite memories didn’t cost a dime – they simply involved exploring the island and soaking in the amazing scenery. Just note that you may need to make reservations ahead of time.

12. Check local calendars for free hula shows, cultural events, farmers markets, and community festivals. These events are a wonderful way to experience Hawaiian culture without spending much money.

13. Skip pricey resort restaurants and try local food trucks and plate lunch spots for delicious meals at a fraction of the cost. Not only will you save money, but you’ll often discover some of the most authentic and memorable food on the island. However, if you’re going to enjoy a nice dinner or two out, Yelp is a great places to check for ratings, reviews, menus, locations, etc. If you’re going to Maui, Mama’s Fish House is one of the BEST restaurants and if you go to Kauai, Duke’s is amazing!! Both of them are really pricey but a splurge, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.

14. Compare excursion prices and book directly with local operators whenever possible instead of through your hotel. You’ll often find lower prices online, plus you can read reviews and compare options before committing.

15. If you’re on a shorter trip, consider staying on one island rather than island hopping, which can quickly add hundreds of dollars in flights, rental cars, and hotel costs. Spending more time exploring one island usually feels more relaxing than rushing from place to place.

16. Use hotel loyalty programs and cashback shopping portals whenever you book accommodations. It’s an easy way to earn rewards or cash back on a purchase you’re already planning to make.

17. Keep an eye out for vacation packages that bundle airfare and hotels together, especially through warehouse clubs like Costco or travel sites like Expedia, as they can sometimes save you even more than booking separately. It’s worth comparing both options before you book since the savings can be surprisingly significant.

I hope these tips help if you’re dreaming about a trip to Hawaii! 🌺 Have you been before, or is it still on your bucket list? I’d love to hear your favorite tips, recommendations, or questions in the comments below!

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