For those of you who have been waiting on my Hawaii Tips, Here they are! Finally…..I know. And there’s many more coming in the next couple weeks. When we went on our Hawaii vacation last year, I wanted to post about it, but I knew we would be going again, so I wanted to wait and combine all of my Hawaii tips at the same time. If you are still trying to decide which island to go to, see my article that compares all the Hawaiian Islands
Last year we went to Kauai and Maui, and this year we went to Oahu and Maui. So keep a lookout, because I’m going to be overblogging Hawaii tips galore! If you are trying to decide between Maui or Kauai, see my Maui vs Kauai comparison post. If you are going to Oahu, see my North Shore Oahu post specifically about what not to miss on the North Shore. We now also have a travel guide for the Big Island Hawaii!
Hawaii Tips: Planning Your Hawaii Vacation
Snorkeling. Snorkeling will likely be a part of your Hawaii vacation (If you’ve read my article 103 Free Things to Do in Oahu, it’s one of my favorite things to do in Hawaii). Whether it’s a fun boat tour, or doing it on your own, snorkeling is just plain awesome.
The first time we went, we didn’t take snorkel gear with the intent to rent. Sure, it saved room in our luggage, but for the amount we paid to rent, we could have just checked an extra bag. The second year we went, we heard great things about the full face snorkel masks, and after reading reviews for several hours, we ended up getting these ones and taking them with us. GAME CHANGER!
These things are amazing, and everyone in our group agreed they were the best money spent our whole trip. No fogging, no water in your mouth or snorkel, and effortless breathing since you can breathe normally with them. My mom didn’t have one, and refused to go snorkeling unless she was using one of our masks. She was a beginner, so the mask really put her at ease.
Footwear. While we are on the topic of snorkeling, I need to add a little tip on footwear. Please take some water shoes with good grip on the sole! Especially if you are going to travel around to different snorkel spots on the island.
All the best snorkel spots are in rocky, coral areas which means you can really scratch yourself up if you are trying to get into the water and waves are knocking you over onto the rocks. Or if you step on sea urchins…or something worse.
My dad was wearing open toed shoes and totally ripped his toenail right off his big toe trying to get into the water. It was so sad! I also wore my water shoes and Chacos on all the hikes, so I was wearing them ALL THE TIME and putting them to good use.
*Keep in mind that if you choose to do something like a Zipline adventure, you must have closed-toed shoes (and speaking of Ziplining, I included a video of the one we did at the end of this post. SO FUN!)
Clothing. This is one of my biggest Hawaii tips. I don’t sunburn very easily, and when I do it’s not bad, so I have never owned a rash guard in my life. But for Hawaii, they are a must. I now own 3 rash guards.
The sun is different in Hawaii (right on the equator, so the sun is direct). And since it’s humid, you might not think you are burning, but you really are. Plus, if you plan on snorkeling, that’s a lot of direct sun right on your back…which is my least favorite spot to get a sunburn!
Even if you plan on coming back with a nice tan (always my plan), you should pack a rash guard. If you don’t want to peel, you’ll want to give your skin a break for a day or so after it’s been in the sun a long time. Even on your hikes there will almost always be water, waterfalls, or cliffs to jump off.
My first time going to Hawaii I wished I had packed far less clothes, and far more swimsuits, coverups, and rash guards. I would recommend one short sleeve rash guard, and one long-sleeved rash guard. Also I LOVE these swim bottom shorts that I’m wearing in the picture below. They are perfect for doing adventurous stuff in because they have a nice thick waist band that keeps the belly in, and the legs are nice and snug, keeping the bum in. Goal accomplished! I have them in 4 or 5 different colors
Photography and Video. This tip is HUGE. Almost everything you do in Hawaii will involve water.
There’s also issues with burglary in Hawaii, so you want to make sure you never leave anything in the car. This has convinced me to never bring my nice camera to Hawaii. Instead, we bring our GoPro. In fact, I have seen more GoPro’s in half a day on Hawaii, than I have seen in my entire life. They are a must! Plus, it’s so nice when we go on our adventures and we get that pitch at the end for buying photos for an exorbitant amount, and we can easily say no because we got some awesome shots on the GoPro.
Here’s an example….on the snorkel boat trip we went on, photos were $40 for ONE PHOTO! Cray-cray!! This picture below is a shot that was taken at Kapalua Ziplines of my husband with his Go Pro in hand.
This is the only place we have ever purchased the photos at the end. And when we got home, we realized that my husband got way better shots with the GoPro. Plus, snorkeling is way more exciting when you see the HUGE turtles and know that you get to take home pictures of them 🙂 We got the GoPro Hero4 for the touch screen viewfinder so that we can playback movies straight from the camera after shooting them.
Visiting Multiple Islands. We learned this one the hard way. If you are visiting multiple islands (highly recommended since it’s not that much more), use Hawaiian Airlines, not Island Air. We used the latter for our first trip because it was slightly cheaper when we booked, but here’s the catch:
They charge you for every carry-on that is more than 15 POUNDS! And they weighed every single one of them. We were NOT happy about that little surprise. The next year we chose Hawaiian Airlines and everything was better. They never even weighed carry-ons and if you sign up for their free rewards, you get a discount on checked luggage, plus miles for your flight, plus alerts when flights are a good deal (optional).
The “Blue Bible” The NUMBER ONE Thing I wish I had done before our trip to Hawaii was to buy the Hawaii revealed guidebooks at least a month before our trip. Several people had recommended them to me for great Hawaii tips, but I didn’t pay too much attention until a couple of weeks beforehand.
I had no idea how thorough these books are, as well as fun to read (I don’t read books very often so part of me worried I wouldn’t have enough interest to read through them, or I wouldn’t have time).
Here are some reasons why the guidebooks are a must-have for your Hawaii vacation:
Unbiased: If you are planning your Hawaii vacation via the internet, almost everything you are reading is biased. Meaning, websites and blogs are recommending certain places because they make a commission off of it, or they got a free hotel meal or activity for their recommendation.
What I love about the guidebooks is that all their Hawaii tips are completely unbiased. He does all of his reviews anonymously and he pays for everything that he does. These books are SO DETAILED. He has done it all.
I had a hard time putting down the books because they were so well put together, and the author is pretty funny too. The sad thing is that even after all my months of planning, there were so many things he mentioned that I wish I had done differently. Many of his recommendations were golden, and as such were already booked out when I called to make reservations. If you get the books at least a month in advance (ideally a couple of months), you can make sure you get in with all the best activities before they sell out.
When I called to make reservations for the very best, most authentic luau (The Old Lahaina Luau), they had been sold out for a month already. The next year that I went, I made reservations well in advance and had a wonderful evening!
Depending on where you are going, there is a guidebook for each island: Maui revealed, Kauai Revealed, The Big Island, and Oahu Revealed. The one caution I would give you is to call ahead on some things. Some of the restaurants have since been shut down, so we drove to get food and sometimes the place didn’t exist anymore.
Keep an eye out over the next couple of weeks! We have tips for each island (with videos) coming your way!
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Maryellen says
Awesome advice and great timing! Definitely getting the snorkeling mask and rash guards for the kids. Thank you!! We are heading to the Big Island and Kauai in mid August. I’ll let you know how it goes. Sending healing thoughts and wishes for a speedy recovery.
deb says
Just returned from Hawaii (Big Island) where the full face snorkel masks made the news! They are linked to DEATH. Be careful if you use them. They suspect that there is a build up of carbon dioxide leading to death of the swimmer without any symptoms. BEWARE. The old snorkel masks work great.
Tina M says
They have not yet linked these masks to ANY deaths, just speculation. When I bought ours, there were only a couple brands available. Now, years later, there are multiple brands, some much cheaper. I cannot tell you if the cheaper ones are good enough quality, but the one we have have been awesome and we have snorkeled many hours and many destinations. I feel totally safe in them, and they make snorkeling so much easier. If In doubt, go with a high quality brand with plenty of good reviews. You can also come up to the surface and replenish your air if you are concerned, but we are totally in love with these masks and have had zero hesitancy in using them. But if you are concerned, by all means go with the traditional snorkel masks 🙂
Brad says
In fact they do believe the rash of drowning’s in Maui in 2017 are indeed linked to the full masks. 9 people in two weeks. I suggest people research before using.
Kim says
Where did you guys go Ziplining? I saw it in the video but I couldn’t find the name of the place on this post!
Ellen Lauret-Goudsmits says
Which guides books did you use?? i might seem to lack the intelligence to figure this one out but i did not see it in the text…
L Montelo says
Author of the books is Andrew Doughty. “_____” Revealed. Each island has it’s own book. We’re going to Maui in December; already read the book cover to cover a couple of months ago. Will read it again and bookmark everything before going. Great information!
J Newman says
There is a link in the article that will take you to Amazon to purchase them.
Kait says
Ah! I’m so sorry you had that experience with Island Air! I live here and fly them almost monthly and have never had that happen 🙁 In fact, I always recommend them over Hawaiian because the service is just overall better. That said, your tips are SPOT ON! I’m glad you enjoyed your vacations!
Marian says
trying to choose between Oahu or Kauai, we are doing the big island but cant choose the second island. any info will be appreciated
J Newman says
It really depends on what you enjoy. I would say that if you like staying busy and want to visit places like Pearl Harbor, Dole Plantation, Polynesian Cultural Center, etc., and do a good bit of shopping, go to Oahu. If you want a more relaxed time and viewing the pretty scenery, I would say Kauai.
Kay says
Hi, very good advice about rash guards. I’ve made many HI trips, I usually bring a shortie wetsuit but rash guards easier to travel with. Great pictures. We’ve also used those Maui Revealed etc. books for all our Hawaii trips — however Hawaiian locals don’t like those books, they feel like they encourage trespassing etc. I’ve noticed the same thing about packing — I come home with clean clothes never worn but more swim/beach wear comes in handy.
Susan says
There are also some VERY GOOD inexpensive apps to the islands that are a driving tour. They use GPS to guide you. Turn it on (make sure phone is plugged in) and let it run. As you drive, as the GPS picks up on the are around you, it will begin telling you the background and even where to park. They are the Shaka Guides. The one for the Big Island even led us to a crater that is not marked and very, very deep! Be careful if you’re hiking!!
sahraamandagreen says
Do you remember the name of the driving tour app? I am super curious about this! We leave for Kona on the Big Island in December and are renting a car so we can hopefully see some super awesome sites!
Tina M says
Yes. It’s the gypsy guide
Donna L Zegalia says
The very first thing you should do when you get there is stock up on all the island “books.” There are TONS of coupons in them and I love scouring them for discounts on places we usually go to or just to try something new. You can save a bundle of money.
cin says
What are rash gaurds, never heard of them?
Tina M says
They are basically just shirts made out of swimming suit material so that you can have more coverage on your skin
Paulina says
Very intersting post! I just came back from my very first Hawaiian trip (Maui & Oahu) and agree with your advice. One tip from me: use Mokulele airlines as your island hopper. It’s not as much a transportation, as it is an adventure 🙂
Julie Allen says
If you had to choose between the two, would you attend the The Old Lahaina Luau or the PPC? Does the Lahaina luau show compare to the PPC night show?
One other question- is it worth the $ to go to the Lahaina luau and do the luau and show at the PPC?
Sylvia says
Thank you so much! You have been so helpful. We are so looking forward to our first Hawaii vacation. We have purchased all that you mentioned. I am looking forward to the new snorkel mask. I would recommend one more thing, a nylon beach blanket!
Cheers!
Laura says
I have looked into the full face snorkel mask, I definitely will give those a try. Did you take fins also, or just use your swim shoes? My daughter and I are headed to Honolulu for her senior trip in a month. Anymore tips would be grateful. We will only be hanging out on the main island. Are there any good volcano tours?
delphine says
thank you for all the good advices. In which month did you go? Is the weather warm enough during Spring Break?
Andrea S says
Did you only use the GoPro for your pictures and the movie you showed from Maui?
Jess says
Just FYI, Hawaii is not directly on the equator, but it is just below the Tropic of Capricorn. So yes, you could experience direct sunlight depending on the time year.
Mindy says
There are have been many drownings lately on my island of Maui, of tourists wearing those full snorkel masks. Please consider revising your advice to save lives.
Also expensive items like Go Pros are an easy mark for thieves looking in rental cars to steal.
I know it’s better business to talk about the fun but if you really want to tell the readers what are “game changers” you need to be realistic.
Katana Leigh says
My concern with the full face snorkel mask is the buildup of CO2. There have been a few snorkeling fatalities where the full face mask may have been an issue. Just something to be aware of. Also, REEF SAFE sunscreen. A lot of sunscreens harm the ocean wildlife, so please look into that for your next trip. Thank you! (Source: I live on the Big Island and teach people to paint at PAINTINHAWAII)
Melanie sowden says
Yes you have to buy the blue book. We have been to the islands many times and our favourite by far, is the Big Island- so big, so beautiful! You stay were you sun is, so that is Waikoloa. And you must spend a few nights down in Puna, swim in the volcanoe heated lagoons! Amazing!
Debbie says
Everyone should read the news from Hawaii about snorkeling with full face mask. I speak with first hand knowledge of a tragic death. I would never snorkel with one.
Joanna V says
Do we need to bring our flippers? Or just face mask?
Tina M says
It’s up to you! Some people don’t like snorkeling with flippers, and some do. If you want to use flippers and they will fit in your baggage, I would bring them so you don’t have to rent them.
countriestogo says
Island Air is out of business now, by the way. I prefer Mokulele airlines myself. No TSA with them.
faith says
Hey there! Loved your article! I was planning on bringing my open toed Chacos in the water, but now I’m rethinking it… how did he rip his toenail off?! You mentioned you used them for hiking, my concern was the potential of spiky objects (I live around a lot of cactus), did you have any concerns with that and your Chacos?
Caroline Wilhite says
Awesome advice! Thank you!
Carrie Balighi says
Hi! I just wanted to comment & tell you this is the BEST advice article I’ve read in relation to preparing for HI. Thank you for your honest advice. I’m looking foward to my first trip soon.