How to Prepare for a Trip to Hawaii

The spectacular scenery and balmy weather of Hawaii draw millions of tourists each year. Unlimited outdoor water sports in Hawaii include surfing, scuba diving, fishing and boating. You can watch graceful humpback whales and dolphins, take a tour of Pearl Harbor or visit unspoiled nature preserves. The most popular islands are Oahu and Maui, but the other main islands of Kauai, Lanai, Molokai and the big island of Hawaii are also beautiful vacation spots.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Planning Your Trip to Hawaii

Things You’ll Need:

Cover-up Two swimsuits Shorts T-shirts Casual shoes Sundresses Hiking shoes Sunscreen Sunglasses Camera Extra batteries Memory cards Film Poncho Rain hat
Cover-up
Two swimsuits
Shorts
T-shirts
Casual shoes
Sundresses
Hiking shoes
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Camera
Extra batteries
Memory cards
Film
Poncho
Rain hat

Step 1

Choose when you will go to Hawaii. The best weather in Hawaii is mid-April to mid-June and September to mid-December. Another advantage of going during these months is lower rates for lodging and fewer crowds. Frommers warns that the last week in April is "especially busy with Japanese tourists," so you should book your reservations well in advance if planning to travel at that time.

Step 2

Decide which island or islands you will visit. If you want to have a peaceful vacation away from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu, consider Lanai, where you can hike the seven-mile rustic Munro Trail, a one-lane dirt road. You'll be rewarded with fabulous views of the other main islands. Molokai offers excellent snorkeling at Kumimi Beach and the charming small town of Kaunakakai, where no building is taller than a coconut tree.

Step 3

Make up your mind about where you want to stay. Hawaii offers many campgrounds for camping enthusiasts. Of course, you can stay in a condo, bed and breakfast, resort or hotel. However, consider staying in a hostel on Oahu, the Big Island, Maui or Kauai. You'll pay lower prices at hostels and meet interesting people, many of whom share your love of the outdoors. Camp Sloggett in Lihue, Kauai, has a bunkhouse, cottages and a lodge. Donated to the YWCA in 1938, this camp takes you completely back to nature; you won't find televisions or Internet access, and your cell phone won't work. You will find unspoiled wilderness to explore.

Step 4

Book your reservations and start packing. Take a cover-up and two swimsuits, one to dry while you wear the other. Pack your favorite shorts, T-shirts, casual shoes, sundresses and hiking shoes. Take sunscreen to protect your skin and sunglasses to shield your eyes. Don't forget your camera with extra batteries, and memory cards or film. If you go during the rainy season, carry a poncho and rain hat.

Tips & Warnings

Prepare for your trip to Hawaii by checking with your health insurance provider to see if your policy covers you while traveling, or consider getting traveler's health insurance.

Hawaii has strict nonsmoking rules in public places; in most cases, you need to smoke 20 feet away from doorways, windows or ventilation intakes. According to Frommers, "Most bed-and-breakfasts prohibit smoking indoors, and more and more hotels and resorts are becoming nonsmoking even in public areas." The police will fine you if they find open alcohol containers while you are in your car or a public area not designated for drinking.

Resources

Article Written By Ellen Kendall

Ellen Kendall has 15 years of writing and editing experience. Her travel and insurance articles have appeared in national magazines. Her book contributions include biographies and multi-cultural and Holocaust lesson plans. She has previously served as a real estate broker and interior designer and taught ESL in Korea and at Duke.

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