Where Should I Go In Hawaii For The First Time?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If it's your first time visiting Hawaii, head to

Maui

. Every island has its strengths, but Maui offers key attributes that make Hawaii so special. The Valley Isle has all the things you've probably dreamed of in Hawaii, including sunny golden , beautiful resorts and a volcano.

How long should I go to Hawaii for the first time?

And, you'll really want at least 4-7 days per island. Staying a shorter amount of time than that (especially for a first trip) will leave you feeling disappointed that you couldn't stay longer. The ideal Hawaii vacation is actually about

10 days

.

What is the best way to see Hawaii for the first time?

Which part of Hawaii is recommended to go?


Oahu

is the Best Island to Visit in Hawaii If…

Oahu is the best Hawaiian island to visit for those who want the amenities of city life like great restaurants, nightlife, and shopping. But you can still get all that while also enjoying slow-paced island life.

What is cheaper Maui or Honolulu?

We did a full cost analysis using data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority and found that Oahu is the cheapest island to visit and Maui is the most expensive. In fact, for a one week vacation,

Oahu comes in 28% cheaper than Maui

. Of course, you can find cheap places to stay on Maui and expensive places to stay on Oahu.

Is 4 days enough in Hawaii?

What is this? However,

4 days is certainly enough to get the best out of a trip to Oahu

. Limiting your time to 4 days in Oahu can give many travelers extra time to explore Maui and the gorgeous Haleakala National Park or the big island of Hawaii.

What should I avoid in Hawaii?

  • Underestimate the ocean. …
  • Touch a monk seal, sea turtle, or other wildlife. …
  • Use sunscreen that isn't reef-safe. …
  • Hike on an illegal trail or late at night. …
  • Park wherever you want to take in the sights. …
  • Bring back lava rocks as souvenirs. …
  • Step on coral.

Is 5 nights in Hawaii enough?

While many vacations are five to seven days long,

we recommend staying for at least 10 days to enjoy your Hawaiian vacation

. The time change is difficult to adjust to at first and takes about 3 days to get fully acclimated. So, allowing a couple days to get over the jet lag is important.

Is it worth island hopping in Hawaii?

And is it worth the trip?

Island hopping in Hawaii is absolutely worth it

. The islands are all incredibly different and it's easy to get from island to island. But it's important to know that island hopping can be time consuming so you want to make sure your trip is long enough for these extra travel days.

Can you island hop in Hawaii?

Is it Easy to Island Hop in Hawaii?

Yes, it's really quick and easy to take an inter-island flight to a neighboring Hawaiian island

. As you plan your Hawaii vacation, keep in mind that you'll be spending time getting to/from the airport and possibly renting/returning a rental car.

Are Hawaii expensive?

According to data by Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Hawaii's cost of living in 2019 was the highest in all the U.S. states. Generally, the cost of things in Hawaii is 30% more than on the mainland.

Hawaii is the most expensive state in the U.S.

while California ranks third.

Does Hawaii have all inclusive vacations?

Unlike Jamaica or Cancun where all-inclusive resorts are common,

Hawaii only has one true all-inclusive hotel: The Travassa Hana, Maui

. This is because Hawaii is a safe destination and tourists are encouraged to venture outside the hotel for dining, excursions, and other sightseeing activities.

Which Hawaii island has the best beaches?

With 227 miles of shoreline,

Oahu

is the best Hawaiian Island for beaches. Oahu has the best beaches in Hawaii due to Oahu's many protected bays, reefs surrounding the island, gold-sand beaches, and calm waters year-round.

What is the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit?


Oahu

is the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit, with a total cost of $2,625. A Ko Olina Resort lagoon on Oahu. Maui is the most expensive island to visit, coming in nearly $1,000 more expensive, with a total cost of $3,600.

Which Hawaii island is best for couples?


Maui

. For couples in love, Maui is a choice destination. Often considered the most romantic hawaiian island, Maui offers an array of activities and experiences sure to delight hopeless romantics, from newlyweds to couples celebrating a special anniversary.

Can I drive from Honolulu to Maui?

Renting a car is a great idea, but

you can't drive to Maui from Honolulu because they're on different islands

. Instead, you'll either have to take a ferry (unfortunately, cars aren't allowed on it) or an airplane. Both options take about 45 minutes each way and offer amazing views.

Can you take a boat from Honolulu to Maui?

Travel by Ferry


It is not currently possible to take a ferry directly from Oahu to the outer islands

. Ferries run only between the islands of Maui and Lanai and between Maui and Molokai.

Is Maui worth visiting?


Maui is definitely worth a visit

. Maui has world-class beaches, excellent snorkeling spots, breathtaking scenery, and a plethora of adventure opportunities. It provides a genuine Hawaiian experience. Maui is the place to go if you want to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the true spirit of Hawaii.

Is Cancun better than Hawaii?

Cancun and Hawaii are both stunning places that you must spend time for a vacation. Cancun has impressive beaches, and Hawaii has better landscapes.

Cancun is better than Hawaii in terms of the overall vacation getaway

. Choosing Cancun for a vacation allows you to experience varying Mexican culture.

How do you travel between islands in Hawaii?

  1. Oahu is the hub.
  2. Flying between the islands.
  3. Take the Ferry to Lanai.
  4. Fly to Molokai.
  5. Book a cruise between the islands.
  6. Helicopter to remote areas.
  7. Use airline miles for intra-Hawaii travel.
  8. Free island-hop via the United Excursionist Perk.

When should I visit Hawaii?

The best time to visit Hawaii is

between March and September

. This is when the islands see the highest temperatures and the lowest amount of rain. It's the perfect time to enjoy the beach or the water.

Do Hawaiians not like tourists?


No, Hawaiians don't hate tourists

. In fact, they very much appreciate the economic benefits that tourism brings to their islands. However, tourists can do a few things to avoid offending or angering the locals.

Do you still get a lei when you land in Hawaii?


Arrange a traditional lei greeting for your arrival at the airport on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island of Hawaii

! Your friendly island greeter will welcome you with a warm “aloha” and present you with a beautiful fresh flower lei – a symbol of aloha, welcome and love in Hawaii.

Why don't you whistle at night in Hawaii?

Do not whistle at night—

it will attract the Night Marchers

!

According to Hawaiian legends, some say these restless souls are looking for a way to reclaim their rightful territory or searching for a way to enter the new world.

Is 2 weeks in Hawaii too long?

With a week, ten days, or two weeks,

you can feel comfortable splitting up your time between two islands

. To really enjoy an island, you should be able to spend at least three to five days per island. If you visit three or more islands, though, you may only end up scratching the surface of each.

Do you need a passport for Hawaii?

Though there are a few required documents,

a passport is not needed to travel to Hawaii

.

How do I prepare for Hawaii?

  1. Sun Protection. Hawaii's proximity to the sun makes for gorgeous tans and nasty sunburns, even on cloudy days. …
  2. Ocean Activities. If you will be boating, swimming, surfing or enjoying any of Hawaii's other water activities, bring sun protection gear and sunscreen. …
  3. Outdoor Wear. …
  4. Golf Attire. …
  5. Business Aloha.
Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.