Hawaii Vacations Guide

It's great in hawaii if you want to get away from civilization. Located almost 2500 miles from the coast of California, there are six islands that you'll be able to explore while you're here and several attractions on each island.

This guide will try to give you a heads up on some things like potential expenses as well as sights to check out.

Here are six reasons why visiting hawaii may appeal to you...

1. Getting back to nature, away from cities and pollution.

2. It's romantic, share awesome sights with the person you love - sunsets, waterfalls, rainbows....

3. Top beaches, feel the sand at your feet and the sound of the water

4. Relax from stress - if you head to some remote locations...nobody's bothering you...just don't take the cell phone and you'll start to unwind.

5. Everybody goes here and you haven't been here yet!

6. Just to get away...

Here are some questions to ask yourself when planning this out:

Should I get a travel agent or book stuff myself?

What should my budget be?

Where should I stay?

What sights should I see?

How much will things cost?

What islands do I want to visit?

How do I get around when I'm on the island?

Where do I find places to eat?

Well, you've got a choice of a plane ride or a cruise depending on where you're leaving from.

It can take several hours at minimum from where your departure point is.

If you're flying, the time it takes to get there from California can take roughly five hours.

If you're going to take a cruise ship, about four days.

Tips for Picking a Good Place to Stay in Hawaii.

Let's face it. Taking a vacation with children on board can really only have two possible outcomes: you hit the jackpot that leaves you in a state of heavenly bliss or you go down in flames - foiled again!

There are several things to think about when you go to pick a good place to stay in Hawaii. First, you cannot control the weather or any unexpected delays in traveling. You cannot control how you fellow restaurant-goers are going to react to your brood. However, you do hold one special key and that is the place you are going to stay. The success of your whole trip lies in this one fundamental thing. So here are some tips for you to think about as you look for a place to stay in Hawaii:

* Choose your property carefully - Survey the landscape of the hotel you are going to be calling home for the next several days and take into consideration your budget as well as the dynamics of your small traveling band. If your children are old enough to stay in a room by themselves, it would be good to find a hotel that has adjoining rooms and suites. Also consider your destination resorts, things you want to see and do. If you can have your hotel close to these tourist attractions, that will be a sweet deal! Families that are more free-spirited may wish to look for accommodations that have kitchens.

2. Pay a Little More - it will help your sanity - All parents seem to desire separate rooms for the children and parents. This is a gateway for your private sanctuary and will help keep the peace of mind for you and your spouse. Make a note to keep your eyes peeled for any special packages and family rates. You have to make sure that this is within your budget.

3. Eat free and fast - You are not going to want to take time with menus, order, and slow service when you children are bugging you to hit the pool. If you do not have the ability of the space to prepare at least breakfast in your room or condo, look for hotels that offer free continental breakfast. At least you don't have to worry about that meal.

4. The Half-Mile Radius Theory - All the great family hotels should have what you need within that half-mile radius. This will usually be the outer limit of your orbit for most of your Hawaiian vacation. You should make sure that you have at least two things that will be within easy reach: playground, pool, beach, lake, convenience store and a casual restaurant.

5. Keep in Mind the Little Things - Here are a few suggestions for you in order to find a good place to stay in Hawaii. If you do not have a kitchen, make sure that your hotel room comes with a small fridge. This will enable you to stash such things as juices, fruit, snacks, and milk. Request a room on the ground floor away from those noisy elevators and areas that have a high traffic of foot volume. Make sure you have a hotel room or rooms where the furniture can be moved and where they will have kid-friendly coffee tables.

Now that you have some of the suggestions in mind to look for a good place to stay in Hawaii, let's look at some choices.

Halekulani - If you have been planning this Hawaiian vacation for a while and you are not bothered by cost, this hotel is a really luxurious place to stay. This beach hotel is the very finest that Waikiki has to offer.

Royal Hawaiian - This is truly a flamingo-pink oasis that is hidden away among lush blooming gardens of Waikiki. It is one of the symbols of luxury. You can choose to stay in the Historic Wing and step back in time. Abhasa is one of Waikiki's best spas and is located on this property.

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel - If you feel burned out and need some peace and tranquility, then you should stay here. This is a seaside resort that is known for its sandy beaches as well as lava tide pools. The rooms in this hotel are so arranged that they capture the best ocean views.

If these places are too ritzy for your budget, then here are some more affordable places to stay in Hawaii:

Royal Grove Hotel - This small family-owned hotel is the bargain of Waikiki. For about $45, you can reserve a room in the older Mauka Wing that has a double bed or two twin beds. It also has a kitchenette with a fridge and a stove. It is just a 3-minute walk to the ocean.

Backpackers Vacation Inn - This hotel is located in Oahu where you can see monstrous waves coming to shore during the winter. This hotel has oceanfront studios that have the capacity to sleep four, only staring at $96.

Kona Islander Inn - Studio apartments at this Inn begin at $80 per night. It is located in Kailua-Kona. The plantation-style buildings are surrounded by palm-treed gardens. It makes it hard to believe that you are staying in the middle of downtown.

Kona Tiki Hotel - This is right on the ocean, away from all of the hustle and bustle that Kailua-Kona has. This hotel seems more like a big bed-and-breakfast. You can relax by the pool and take part in the continental breakfast all at the same time. Prices range from $61 - $84.

The question should be, which island shouldn't you visit?

There are many things to do on all of the islands so it may really come down to personal interests and preferences.

When you are planning a Hawaii vacation, you will find that there are some things that you simply should not miss!

Checking out Kauai

When you are looking to make sure that you can stop and really enjoy the nature of the islands, you will find that Kauai is the place to go. This island is more remote that the others, and it is the fourth largest main island in the Hawaii archipelago. This is a great place to check out when you are thinking about going to a place that is more affordable overall and that sees fewer tourists. You'll find that this is an island that still has a lot going on, ranging from golf, to horseback riding to some very excellent fishing.

Why Maui?

If you are looking for a place that is perfect for partying, make sure that you head to Maui. Though Maui still has many of the natural wonders that the other islands do, you will also find that this is an area that is known for its amazing variety of urban activities and shopping. You can take advantage of the world renowned restaurants, clubs and architecture, and still really feel that you are vacationing on a tropical island.

A look at Oahu

Oahu might be one of the most well known places to visit when you are planing a Hawaii vacation, but you will find that there is a good reason for that! There is always plenty to see and do in Oahu, and you will find that you have options that are as varied as visiting the famous Diamond Head volcano to checking out the gorgeous Manoa Falls. You can also see Pearl Harbor, and visit the 184-foot memorial to the USS Arizona, commemorating the sacrifice of the more than 2000 Americans who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor

Investigating Molokai

When you want a vacation that is a little bit more off the beaten path, you will find that you need to check out Molokai. This beautiful island is perfect for a more personal adventure, whether you are interested hiking in through the Kalaupapa National Historic Park. This is where you can see the world's tallest sea cliffs as well as the lovely Halawa Valley.

Take some time and think about what you want from your Hawaii vacation. No matter what kind of experience you want, you will find that there is a good chance that Hawaii can provide it. What do you want out of your vacation, and how can Hawaii can help you get it?

It's nice, warm, and tropical!

Pretty warm year round. It can range from low 50's - upper 90's although it stays around the mid 80's.

Humidity can range from around 60%-80%. But many visitors report no humidity or low humidity during their visit.

Many of us are confused about the right way to pack for a vacation in Hawaii. It's easy to over pack, or choose the wrong items, since you'll be thousands of miles from home. However, with the right planning, you can successfully bring what you need and only what you need. Here are a few ideas to help you.

Packing For The Weather
Hawaii's tropical climate is very consistent, with temperatures varying only ten degrees or so. If visiting the windward side of the Hawaiian islands, rain should be expected. Evenings may be cool, and a light jacket or sweater is a good idea.

This is also smart if you're planning to explore higher elevations, where it may be quite chilly - as low as thirty! Swimsuits are important, as well as short sleeves, light clothing, shorts, sandals and quality walking shoes.

Packing For Activities
Pay attention to what you're doing while you're on vacation in Hawaii, too. If you're planning on hiking or horseback riding, you may need heavier clothing to protect you. Swimmers should remember to bring their snorkels and equipment, or plant to rent them once they arrive.

Remember to bring your camera, film if your camera is the traditional type and memory cards if it's digital, extra batteries, and even a video camera. Also, leave space to bring back souvenirs and gifts for others.

Packing For Protection
The sun in Hawaii is very powerful, since it's so close to the equator. That means that people from different climates should expect to have to deal with more light and more powerful rays than they're used to. That means bringing a hat, sunglasses, and good sunblock. Remember to apply sunblock on a regular basis for maximum effectiveness. Insect repellents are useful, too. People concerned about chemical repellents can use citronella or similar natural repellents.

What You Don't Have To Bring
Don't bother packing formal wear unless you know in advance there's a reason to bring it. Even upscale restaurants require only a sports jacket. Most specialty items should also be left behind, unless you know you'll need them. Pack light, and avoid bringing things "just in case".

Packing Papers
Important papers like reservations, travelers checks, plane tickets and identification should go in your carry-on bag, along with a travel guide, a change of clothing, valuable items, spare glasses and all important medications. Double check airline regulations before you fly to be sure you won't have trouble at security, then have fun!

Backpack - Can't imagine taking a trip with it!

Light shirts and shorts

Sweater - If you're going out after the sun goes down.

An umbrella - Just in case, they come in VERY handy

Disposable plastic spoons, forks, knives - Eating on the go you'll need these.

A hat to block off the sun

Sunblock - Watch the sunburn around morning till early afternoon.

Mosquito repellant - You'll thank yourself many times over if you pack this stuff.

Cell phone and charger

Ankle socks

Bathing suits

Comfortable sneakers - Very important to keep your feet comfy if you'll be going around a lot.

Sunglasses - The sun gets strong around noon so you'll need to protect your eyes.

The dishes that you find to eat here are a mixture of many different cultures if you're eating Hawaiian at a restaurant or local place.

But there are many fast food chains as well. You'll find Burger Kings and McDonalds as well as other chains if you get the craving for something fast.

There's a lot of choices with this one.

Shuttle Bus

Public Transportation Bus

Rental Car

Scooters And Mopeds

Motorcycles

Taxi And Limo Service

Public Transportation and Shuttle Bus is probably the cheapest but the service has some limitations.
You won't be able to stop everywhere you want but if you know where you want to go and it's a stop along the way, it's perfect.

Renting a compact car will help you with the gas which will run at a higher cost than on the mainland.

There aren't many choices here but let's take a look:

Island to Island airlines

Boat Ferry

Helicopter

Cruise Ship

The prices are somewhat comparable between Island to Island airlines and Boat Ferries.

Prices are seasonal.

Holy Cow, there's a lot of fun things to do across all the islands!

Food Tours

Land, Water, Air Based Tours

Surfing

Parasailing

Hang out at the beach

Hang out on a boat

Check out the whales and dolphins

Golf

Shopping

Hula Dance Classes

There's a bunch more....

There are several but here are some really popular ones...

USS Missouri

Volcanoes National Park

Diamond Head, Oahu

Lanikai Beach or ALL the beaches!

Here are some things you you might want to keep an eye out for to avoid!

You're on an island thousands of miles from the nearest continental land mass. Although these islands are somewhat close to each other and there are cell phone towers here, there will be certain zones that won't get any signals at all.

Here's a site that might come in handy for that.

People put up reviews of spots which don't get any signal at all.

The short answer is yes BUT...there are regulations.

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