Tranquil beach retreats, breathtaking volcanic hikes, captivating sunsets, exciting nightlife, delicious food…a Hawaii
When should you go?
Hawaii is most popular between mid-December and mid-April, when many people take advantage of winter and spring breaks. If you can travel between mid-April to mid-June, or from September-December (the low seasons), you’ll find flight and hotel prices are much lower and everywhere is less crowded, so you have more island space to yourself. Weather across Hawaii is consistently tropical and gorgeous (though some islands are wetter than others), so if you’re basing your trip on weather you really can’t go wrong!
Flights
Getting to Honolulu by plane is extremely easy. The airport is served by 23 domestic and 16 international carriers, and using tools like Kayak or Google Flights you can compare all of these airlines and determine the best date to book. (Tip: Pack snacks, especially if you’re coming from the East Coast and are flying nonstop! I flew from DC to Honolulu nonstop, making it about a 10 hour flight, but since it’s technically a domestic flight there was no in-flight meal. I was starving by the time I arrived!)
Once in Oahu, you can take smaller carriers to the other five islands. These flights are less frequent, but can still be purchased online.
Which island should you visit?
This is always a tough question. Do you want to relax or do some sightseeing? Are you an active traveler? Do you and your husband love good nightlife? Do you want to stay in one place or visit more than one island? These are all important things to consider when planning your Hawaii
Maui
Maui is one of the top
If you visit Maui, stay in the Ritz Carlton Kapalua, a secluded
Kauai
You may remember Kauai from the movie The Descendents, where its gorgeous scenery plays a starring role. It’s called the ‘Garden Island,’ and with vibrant green mountains, coral reefs, staggering cliffs, and colorful sunsets, it really is a natural heaven with a small town feel. There are some local shops and restaurants, but no crazy nightlife or crowded beaches. The island feels secluded, and is perfect for relaxation and spending time outdoors.
If you visit Kauai, stay in the Grand Hyatt Kauai, with its lava rock showers and private beach cabanas, or at the St. Regis Princeville (where George Clooney stayed while filming), with its private beach, butler service, and magnificent restaurant.
Oahu
If you only have time to visit one island, Oahu is a great option. The island has a bit of everything, from shopping and nightlife to spectacular hikes, snorkeling, and beaches. There are also some great local restaurants and its an easy place to get a feel for Hawaiian life. Visit busy Waikiki by day, but stay in a more remote area to get the best of both worlds.
If you visit Oahu, stay at Kahala, set in a secluded neighborhood and offering beautiful rooms and some of the best service on the island. Or stay at Halekulani, which means ‘house befitting heaven,’ and is understated luxury at its finest (and includes nightly gifts left on your pillows).
Are you planning a Hawaii
Some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. Thank you for your support!