Hawaii is an ideal vacation destination--it has year-round sunshine, beautiful tropical landscapes and a well-developed tourism industry that provides ample activities, warm waters and friendly people. With a little thought and planning, a trip to Hawaii will include everything you want in a vacation, and you can avoid unnecessary costs or interruptions to your plans.
Hawaii is expensive, especially when it comes to food because much of it has to be imported. When booking your accommodations in Hawaii, consider a condo or apartment with a kitchen so you can cook your own food for at least some of your meals. This is especially helpful if you are traveling with children. The price of the accommodations may be a little higher, but the difference is often more than outweighed by the savings compared with eating restaurant food.
When you think of Hawaii, you think of a perpetually warm, tropical climate. You will therefore need sunscreen and mostly beachwear and light clothing. However, if you are planning a trip to any of Hawaii's big volcanoes, such as Haleakala on Maui or Mauna Kea on the Big Island, be aware that the climate changes sharply as you get closer to the summits. Mauna Kea often has snow at its peak, and throughout the year the temperature is cool at high elevations. Many visitors start their journey up a volcano in beachwear and are shivering when they get to the top. Bring a light waterproof jacket if you are planning a volcano trip. If you plan on hiking or walking in the wilderness, bring sturdy footwear.
The six main tourist islands of Hawaii are Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui and the Big Island, and they all offer different landscapes and activities. Choose the island or islands that offer what you are looking for in your vacation. For a vacation with all the modern amenities of a major city combined with bustling beach activity, stay in the vicinity of Honolulu on the island of Oahu. Experienced surfers looking for big waves will find them on Oahu's North Shore, but the ocean there can be dangerous for children and beginners. The Big Island features the constantly active Kilauea volcano where you can see red molten lava seeping into the ocean from a safe distance. This island is good for nature lovers and hikers, offering tropical forest landscapes, lava beds and mountainous volcanoes. Maui is considered a romantic and relaxing island but still offers plenty of activities from whale watching to golfing to jumping under waterfalls at stops along the scenic Hana highway. Lanai, Molokai and Kauai are less developed and offer a greater level of seclusion and privacy.
