Things to Know Before Going to Hawaii

Aug 27, 2025
14 mins read
news

Mention Hawaii, and people immediately think of a tropical paradise with turquoise beaches, soft white sand, majestic volcanoes, and a native culture rich in identity. This is not only a place for relaxation but also a destination of unique experiences: from surfing, trekking, watching sunsets, to immersing in traditional luau gatherings. However, to make your trip to Hawaii truly complete and not be “caught off guard” in the middle of paradise, you need thorough preparation. This article will share 16 of the most important things you should know before setting foot in Hawaii.

Choose one main island to travel

Hawaii consists of many islands, among which the four most prominent are Oahu, Maui, Big Island, and Kauai. Each has its own character, suitable for different travel styles. If you like a lively atmosphere, lots of entertainment, shopping, and visiting historical sites such as Pearl Harbor, then Oahu is the number one choice. If you want to enjoy a romantic holiday with dreamy beaches and stunning coastal roads, Maui is your paradise. Big Island captivates visitors with its majestic volcanic landscapes and diverse nature, from arid deserts to lush rainforests. And if you seek peace, wilderness, and greenery, Kauai will bring you the true essence of pure nature.

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The important thing is that you should choose one main island as your primary stop. Traveling between islands costs quite a lot of time and money, so focusing on exploring one island deeply will help you both save and fully enjoy the essence of Hawaii.

Choose the right time

The time you arrive in Hawaii will greatly determine your travel experience. Generally, around April – June and September – November are considered the most ideal seasons: dry weather, calm seas, beautiful sunshine that is not too harsh, with fewer tourists, and prices more reasonable than peak season. Conversely, summer and year-end are when the number of visitors to Hawaii increases sharply, beaches become packed, and hotel and flight ticket prices can rise by one and a half or even double. In addition, November to March is the rainy season, with sometimes unpredictable weather and sudden showers. However, nature during this time has a different beauty especially for those who love surfing, as this is the golden season to challenge big waves. Therefore, consider your preference: if you want to save costs and have a light experience, choose the low season; if you enjoy a bustling and lively atmosphere, you can “put up with it” and go during peak season.

A perfect trip lasts about 7–10 days

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Many people think only 3–4 days are enough to explore Hawaii, but in reality that timeframe is far too short. With its vast area and diverse landscapes from beaches and volcanoes to tropical rainforests, you cannot fully experience it all in just a few days. About 7–10 days is the ideal period to both relax and explore. You can spend the first 2–3 days resting, swimming, and strolling around your hotel area; the next 3–4 days visiting famous spots such as Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, or joining a volcano exploration tour on Big Island; and the last few days experiencing local culture, attending a luau festival, or trying water sports. More importantly, this amount of time is long enough for you to feel the slow and free-spirited lifestyle of the Hawaiian people.

Prepare your budget carefully

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One of the things that shocks many travelers when arriving in Hawaii is the cost of living. This place is famously expensive, so the more carefully you prepare, the more comfortable your trip will be. On average, a simple meal at a casual restaurant costs about 20–30 USD, while dinners at luxury restaurants can reach 50–70 USD per person. For accommodation, hotel prices range from 150–400 USD per night depending on location and room type; beachfront resorts are even higher. In addition, entertainment activities such as dolphin-watching tours, snorkeling, helicopter rides over volcanoes, or attending traditional festivals usually cost 100–200 USD per person per day. Therefore, before going, you should calculate a budget that includes: flights, hotels, meals, transportation, entrance fees, and a reserve fund for unexpected expenses. A small tip is that you can book travel combos early, hunt for flight and hotel promotions, or consider Airbnb for more savings.

Plan your trip early

Hawaii is always among the world’s top tourist destinations, so situations of “sold-out” flight tickets or no available hotel rooms during peak season happen very often. To avoid being passive, you should plan at least 2–3 months before your trip. Early preparation not only gives you more options for accommodation and transportation, but also makes it easier to hunt for good deals on flights and hotels. In addition, some famous sites such as Pearl Harbor or Hanauma Bay often limit the number of visitors per day, so booking tickets early will ensure you don’t miss out. With a clear plan in advance, you can also easily arrange a reasonable schedule, balancing between rest and experiences, instead of scrambling to find lodging or decide where to go after arrival. In other words, early preparation is the key to having the most complete and comfortable trip to Hawaii.

Don’t miss the luau festival

Coming to Hawaii and skipping the luau is like losing half of the experience. Luau is a traditional festival unique to Hawaiians, where you can both enjoy specialties such as Kalua Pig roasted in an earth oven, Poi from taro, and immerse yourself in the enchanting Hula dance and lively Polynesian music. This is not just a feast but also a journey to discover the history, culture, and the spirit of “Aloha” that defines Hawaii.

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On Oahu Island, Mauka Warriors Luau is rated as one of the most worthwhile shows. What makes it special is the harmonious combination of modern and traditional performing arts, reenacting heroic stories and historical legends of Hawaiians through dance, music, and elaborate stage settings. Therefore, if you want to fully understand the soul of Hawaii, you must spend an evening attending a luau – and Mauka Warriors Luau is certainly the perfect choice.

Make a list in advance of the places you want to visit

Hawaii has so many beautiful attractions that without making a list in advance, you can easily fall into the situation of “not knowing where to go first and missing the good ones.” Depending on the island you choose, each has its own highlights worth experiencing. On Oahu, you can attend the Mauka Warriors Luau, hike Diamond Head to view Honolulu from above, visit Pearl Harbor to learn about World War II history, or snorkel at Hanauma Bay. On Maui, don’t miss the coastal Road to Hana and the legendary sunset at Haleakalā National Park. Big Island is famous for Volcanoes National Park, where you can witness flowing lava and majestic volcanic landscapes. As for Kauai, the wilderness will overwhelm you at Waimea Canyon and the towering cliffs of the Na Pali Coast.

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Making a specific list in advance not only saves time and prevents waste from hesitation, but also helps balance between relaxation, cultural experiences, and nature exploration. A clear itinerary will make your trip more complete and rarely miss memorable spots.

One of the things many first-time visitors to Hawaii do not expect is that many famous attractions often limit the number of visitors each day. This is to preserve the natural environment and ensure a comfortable experience for tourists, but it also means tickets are often “sold out” early. For example, Pearl Harbor, a site tied to World War II history is always fully booked if you don’t reserve in advance. Mauka Warriors Luau is also booked out at least 2 weeks ahead.

Therefore, the advice for you is to book tickets online at least 4 weeks before to make sure you have a spot. Booking early not only gives you peace of mind but sometimes even saves money thanks to discounted prices. Instead of struggling to find tickets after arrival, you can fully enjoy your trip with a well-prepared schedule.

Hunt for flight tickets to save costs

Airfare often takes up the largest portion of the budget when traveling to Hawaii, especially if you are flying from Asia or Europe. However, if you know how to hunt for tickets, you can save significantly. First, keep an eye on major airlines such as Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines – they often have seasonal promotions. A small tip is that tickets for mid-week flights (Tuesday or Wednesday) are usually cheaper than those on weekends. In addition, you can choose to fly into Honolulu (Oahu) first, as this is the largest international airport with many direct routes and more competitive prices. From Honolulu, it’s easy to connect to other islands with short domestic flights lasting only 30–50 minutes.

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To get good prices, you should book tickets early, about 2–3 months before your trip, and use price comparison tools. A bit of patience and careful preparation will help you save a few hundred dollars that can be spent on many more fun activities in Hawaii.

Transportation services

Getting around Hawaii depends a lot on which island you choose. On Oahu, you can take advantage of TheBus system – a popular, inexpensive public transport that reaches most main tourist attractions. In addition, ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft also operate widely, convenient for short trips within the city. On the other hand, on Maui, Big Island, or Kauai, public transportation is not well developed, so renting a car is almost mandatory if you want the freedom to explore. The average rental price is around 40–70 USD per day, depending on the type of car and peak season.

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If you don’t want to drive yourself, shuttle bus services or package tours are also reasonable options for reaching popular spots. Some luxury resorts even provide private shuttle services for guests. Whatever option you choose, the advice is to research in advance and book early, especially during peak season, to avoid car shortages or inflated prices.

Book hotel rooms early (especially in peak season)

As a dream destination for millions of visitors each year, Hawaii frequently faces “sold out” rooms during peak seasons especially in summer (June–August) and winter holidays (December). Without booking in advance, you may end up staying in hotels far from the center or paying double the normal rate. For a comfortable holiday, you should book rooms at least 3–6 months in advance if traveling during peak season.

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Besides hotels and resorts, you can also consider Airbnb or homestays to save costs and enjoy closer interactions with locals. Booking early not only allows you to be proactive in choosing but also gives you the chance to catch attractive promotional packages.

Bring reef-safe sunscreen

One special regulation in Hawaii is the ban on sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. These two chemical ingredients have been proven to harm coral reefs and marine ecosystems. Therefore, when preparing your luggage, you should choose sunscreens labeled “reef-safe” or “reef-friendly.” Apart from complying with local law, this is also a practical action to protect the ocean environment which is Hawaii’s priceless treasure.

Try traditional Hawaiian food

Hawaiian cuisine is a blend of native culture and influences from many other countries such as Japan, the U.S., the Philippines, and Portugal. A trip would be incomplete if you don’t taste the traditional dishes closely tied to local life. Among the most notable is Kalua Pork – pork roasted in an underground oven (imu), carrying a naturally smoky flavor and tender sweetness. Laulau is also a must-try: pork or fish wrapped in taro leaves and steamed until cooked, rich and fragrant. In addition, Poi made from mashed taro root  is considered the “soul” of Hawaiian cuisine, often present at traditional feasts.

Besides that, visitors are also drawn to Poke, fresh tuna salad marinated with soy sauce, sesame oil, and seaweed, which has now become a global “craze.”

Take a surfing class beforehand

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Hawaii is considered the birthplace of surfing. Taking a surfing class before your trip helps you better prepare in terms of physical fitness, balance skills, and ocean safety knowledge. In addition, this experience will certainly bring unforgettable memories.

Learn some basic Hawaiian words

One of the quickest ways to connect with locals is to learn and use a few basic Hawaiian words. The simplest is “Aloha,” a multi-meaning word that can be used to say hello, goodbye, and even carries the meaning of love and connection. Next is “Mahalo” – meaning thank you; and “Ohana” – family, often used by Hawaiians to emphasize the spirit of bonding and togetherness.

If you want to rent a car for free travel, check to make sure the vehicle is in excellent condition

For large islands such as Maui or Big Island, renting a car is almost the best option for exploring freely in your own way. However, before receiving the car, take time to carefully check its condition: from tires, brakes, lights, air conditioning to fuel level. Hawaii’s road system has many winding coastal sections and steep slopes, so a car in perfect condition will make you much safer and more at ease. You should also book cars early through reputable sites to get reasonable prices, especially in peak season when demand for rentals is high.

The last thing to remember is: Hawaii is most beautiful when you let your heart beat in harmony with the spirit of “Aloha” – friendliness, openness, and connection. Go with an open soul, so that every experience here becomes an unforgettable memory. Don't forget visit Mauka Warriors Luau - best luau in Oahu.

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