It’s not every day that you get to go on a trip to Hawaii. Some people use the expression, “It’s not about the destination, but the journey.” When it comes to planning ahead for your trip to Hawaii and setting foot in paradise, it’s about both the journey and the destination. If you had to think of anything more fun than both planning and arriving on your trip to Hawaii, not too many things could compare.
If you do have intentions to visit Hawaii, but aren’t quite ready yet, that’s good news too. It’s never too early to plan ahead for a trip to paradise. If Hawaii is on your wish list, but you haven’t had time to do much research yet, there are a host of reasons to visit the Big Island.
Top 3 Reasons to Go Visit Hawaii
- The weather is idyllic. Temperatures are between 80 and 85 degrees, not too hot, with the trade winds blowing and the golden sun shining, it’s near perfect. Even when it rains, a few minutes later you get the benefit of one of Hawaii’s famous rainbows immediately afterward.
- The epitome of relaxation – not only is the weather sublime and the surroundings glorious, the people are some of the most laid back and relaxed folks you will find. If you are in need of a much-needed rest and relaxation destination, the Big Island is the place for you.
- Something for everyone – from weddings to honeymoons and family reunions to singles’ events, there is something for everyone in Hawaii. Dancing, nightlife, beach activities and water sports, historic tourist attractions and even volcanoes, there’s never a dull moment – until you say there is. With endless beaches and deep blue waters, you can pull up a hammock and not move until you want to.
Once you have your mind set that this is the perfect destination for you, it’s time to plan ahead.
Choose Your Island
This is where some of the work comes in; however, by planning ahead, you can get a clear idea of which island best suits your needs. Many families and couples, however, visit more than one island on their trip to Hawaii.
- Hawaii – waterfalls, rainforests and volcanoes
- Maui – the road to Hana
- Oahu – Home to the historic Pearl Harbor sites and Waikiki
- Kauai – famous sea cliffs of the Napali Coast
- Molokai – deep connection to Hawaiian culture and heritage
- Lanai – luxury, romance and R&R
What type of activities do you intend to partake in – historical and cultural or water-based sporting activities? Are you looking for pure relaxation or romance on the beach? Once you know which island you want to visit and what you want your itinerary to look like, next is the accommodations.
Accommodations
There are quite a few things to think about when it comes to which accommodations you will choose.
- Do you want to book a package deal with an online discount travel service combining air fare, hotel and excursions? Or would you prefer to go it alone and compare and contrast the various deals?
- Where would you like to stay? All inclusive resort, small beach hut or a condominium? Would a service such as Airbnb suit you where you can rent a room or a small house from a private owner and come and go as you please?
- What is your budget? Economy or luxury or somewhere in between. When you know your budget ahead of time, you have more than enough time to save.
Credit Cards and Frequent Flyer Miles
If you play your cards right – credit cards, that is – you might get a super deal on your airfare to Hawaii. Shop around and seek out the best credit card deals that offer the best frequent flier reward programs, whether it is an airline credit card or private card. If you travel for business a lot, those points can add up nicely. If you play your cards right, you may get some pretty substantial discounts on your airfare.
Look for cards that offer flexibility and the ability to transfer and use your points toward airfare and/or hotels accordingly. Pay attention to the fees, rules and requirements and you may be pleasantly surprised that you find yourself with quite a few extra points adding up before you know it. It might take some time and effort, but again, if you plan ahead, it can be well worth your while.
Ask for Discounts
Many a traveler has received some pretty decent discounts simply for being a “newbie” to a hotel, resort or restaurant. Businesses want happy customers, but more importantly, they want repeat customers. Never be afraid to politely ask for an incentive to visit, dine or stay and offer the reward of coming back with your entire family.
Even ask to book excursions in advance and receive a discount for doing so; you never know who just may say yes to your request.
These starter tips will help you plan ahead well in advance so that you can have the most enjoyable visit when your feet finally do hit the ground in paradise.
