You’re ready to plan a trip to Hawaii. You found a great aloha shirt at your local vintage store, and you’re practicing your shaka (hang loose). You’ve even psyched yourself up to try poi. Now what? We’re here to help you plan your trip to Hawaii, step by step.

PLAN A TRIP TO HAWAII CHECKLIST:

1. Determine your budget.

The vacation budget is the least glamourous part of planning a trip to Hawaii, but one of the most important. Hawaii can be expensive, and costs can quickly add up, so setting a budget and sticking to it is crucial. It’s not only how much you can spend, but also, how much do you want to spend. Look at the big picture when you’re allotting funds for your trip, so you have a true estimate of how much money you’ll need.

Many times, people find a hotel and air deal and incorrectly assume the trip is paid for. You will need to account for transportation, meals, activities, tips and taxes, in addition to airfare and hotel. Don’t forget to factor in hotel resort fees. These can add hundreds of dollars to your budget, plus trying to figure all this out after you arrive in Hawaii could cause you to spend more than you thought.

This is one of the reasons our Hawaii All-Inclusive Vacation Packages are perfect for the Hawaii traveler. You can see what the whole trip will cost up front, and exactly what is and isn’t included. With a minimum to book of $225 per person, you can book your vacation up to three years in advance and pay slowly with our interest-free payment plans. In addition, our 40+ years of specializing in Hawaii means your package has the best of the best included, at a tremendous value!

2. Choose your dates.

Next, you need to decide when to go. Your budget may also factor into this, because certain times of the year are more expensive than others. Try to start with a general timeframe, such as “May” or “summer” or “October”. Then you can work within your date range to find the lowest rates. It is so helpful when our clients give us a little flexibility to play with so we can hunt for the best deals. Plan your trip to Hawaii as early as possible if your dates aren’t flexible.

3. Pick an island.

Where do you want to go? Each of the islands have distinct personalities and landmarks, so the vibe of your trip will vary by island. Do you want to stick to one island, or does Hawaii island-hopping sound fun? Are you looking for sun, sand and relaxation or are you a history buff ready to pound the pavement? Take our quiz to find out ‘what kind of Hawaii are you?’. In addition, our Hawaii specialists are happy to discuss your preferences and work with you to find the perfect island and package to meet your needs!

4. Final step to plan your trip to Hawaii: Select a hotel & activities.

You’re almost done! It’s time to select a hotel and room category. Hotels in Hawaii range from luxurious oceanfront resorts to affordable hotels a couple blocks away from the ocean. If a five-star resort doesn’t fit the budget, don’t be discouraged. Most people find that they came to Hawaii to be in Hawaii, not in their hotel room. You can also try a less expensive room category at a beachfront resort such as “garden view” or “city view”. Don’t forget about sightseeing and activities! This is the most fun part of planning a trip to Hawaii. There’s no shortage of things to do, and Hawaii offers a safe and gorgeous place to do them. Just a few are:

• Water activities: Snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, sailing, tubing

• Hiking: Diamond Head, waterfalls, lighthouse trails, mountain ridges, canyons, caves

• Historical landmarks: Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace

• Sightseeing tours: Circle Island tours, Volcanoes Park, Byodo-In Temple, Waimea Canyon

• Shopping: Waikiki, Haleiwa, Hanalei, Whaler’s Village, Kona

We hope this guide has been helpful! Hawaii is one of the most special places in the world, and it is our honor to be a part of planning such a special trip. We hope you will consider one of our hand-crafted all-inclusive Hawaii vacations, and we are standing by to assist you in any way.