If you’re planning on traveling to Hawaii, there are a few things you need to prepare.

You’ll need to choose the islands you want to visit, how many of those colorful Hawaiian shirts to wear, and if you’re driving, whether you rent a car or have your car shipping taken care of by a professional company.

Here are ten tips for preparing for your trip to the islands.

Traveling to Hawaii? Top 10 Things You Need to Prepare

Pick the Right Island (Research)

When planning a trip to Hawaii, it’s essential to pick the right island and spot on the island to stay. After all, Hawaii has eight different islands, each with its unique culture and activities.

Websites like Go Hawaii and Frommer’s are great resources for learning about the other options and narrowing down your choices. They provide information on things to do and see and recommend places to stay.

If you have specific questions or want more in-depth advice, consider contacting a travel agent specializing in Hawaiian vacations. They’ll be able to help you plan the perfect trip, taking into account your budget, interests, and any other preferences you may have.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-filled getaway, a little research (or a little help from a professional) can go a long way in ensuring you have the best possible experience in Hawaii.

Book Ahead of Time

When planning a trip to Hawaii, ask about discounts for booking your flights and car shipping together. Many companies offer reduced rates for customers who use both services.

This can often be cheaper than booking each separately. Keep in mind, however, that discounts may not always be available. So it’s always best to compare prices before making your final travel plans.

Book as early as possible; Hawaii is a popular destination year-round, and the ideal time is about three months before your intended trip. Most airlines release their new seat availabilities about 90-120 days ahead

Get Travel Insurance

When most people think of travel insurance, they tend to think of it as a way to protect themselves from lost luggage or cancellations. However, travel insurance can do a lot more than that.

For example, travel insurance can be vital if you’re planning to do any adventurous activities while on vacation, such as hiking or surfing. This is because most standard health insurance plans will not cover you for injuries that occur while participating in these activities.

In addition, travel insurance can also help to cover the cost of any emergency medical treatment that you may need while abroad, and in the USA, medical treatment is the most expensive in the world.

An insurance comparison / aggregator like Travel Insurance Masters is a great way to compare policies and coverages and pick the right travel and / or medical insurance for you.

Pack Light

Whether you’re headed to Honolulu for a business trip or Maui for a relaxing vacation, it’s essential to pack suitable clothing for the Hawaiian climate. The islands are warm and sunny year-round, so pack plenty of sunscreens, hats, and sunglasses.

You’ll also want to pack light, loose-fitting clothes from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. These fabrics will help you stay relaxed and comfortable in the tropical heat.

Unless you’re planning on attending a formal event, there’s no need to pack your fanciest clothes – Hawaii is a casual place where flip-flops and T-shirts are the norms.

So pack your sunscreen and best aloha shirt, and prepare for a relaxed and enjoyable trip to the Hawaiian Islands.

Learn About the Islands

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, it’s a good idea to take some time to learn about the island or islands you’ll be visiting. This will help you make the most of your trip and avoid cultural misunderstandings.

For example, did you know that it’s considered disrespectful to take lava rocks as souvenirs on the island of Maui? And on the Big Island, you should avoid driving on the volcanic roads during certain times.

By taking the time to learn about Hawaiian culture and customs before you travel, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip even more and make sure you don’t accidentally offend anyone. Mahalo!

Rent a Car or Ship Your Own

Unless you’re planning on using public transportation, you’ll need to rent a car or ship your vehicle to the island while in Hawaii (depending on what makes sense for the amount of time your spending).

This will allow you to explore the island at your own pace. Just be sure to book your rental car in advance, as rates can go up during busy periods.

Hawaii packs in a lot of diversity for an island that’s only about 100 miles from tip to tail. Oahu, the most populated island, is home to Honolulu and Waikiki Beach. Kauai’s “Garden Isle” is lush and green, with hiking trails and waterfalls galore.

Lanai is known for its luxury resorts, while Molokai is a more laid-back option. And don’t forget about the Big Island of Hawaii, where you can find everything from active volcanoes to snow-capped mountains.

No matter which island you choose to visit, a rental car will give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. 

Bring Cash

Traveling to Hawaii is a dream for many people, and the white sand beaches, blue waters, and tropical climate make it a paradise destination. However, do be sure to bring plenty of cash.

While credit cards are widely accepted in Hawaii, there are still some places that only accept cash. Bringing plenty of money with you will help avoid inconvenient situations, such as being unable to pay for a taxi or buy lunch.

Get a US SIM Card

One of the things you’ll need to do for your Hawaii trip is to figure out how you will stay connected. After all, there’s nothing worse than being on vacation and not being able to share your photos and experiences with your friends and family back home. 

One option is to use your cell phone, but if you do that, you’ll probably end up with a huge bill when you get home, thanks to international roaming charges. A better solution is to get a US SIM card before you leave. 

This will allow you to use your phone while you’re in Hawaii without incurring any additional charges. Hawaii SIM cards are available from most major cell phone carriers, so it’s easy to find one that will work with your phone.

Passport or Legal ID

If you’re traveling internationally, your passport will be required for clearing customs when you arrive in Hawaii, though if you’re traveling from the USA, you’ll need your legal state ID.

These are the only two forms of identification that will be accepted when clearing customs, so it’s essential to make sure you have one of them with you.

If you are traveling from overseas, you’ll need to check on your status and eligibility for a USA visa to be able to visit the Hawaiian Islands.

Enjoy Yourself!

While plenty of activities keep you busy on a Hawaii vacation, it’s important to remember to relax and have fun. After all, that’s what holidays are for! So kick back, enjoy the sunshine, and make the most of your time in this beautiful place.

Whether you’re spending your days lounging on the beach, hiking through lush rainforests, or enjoying the vibrant nightlife, Hawaii has something to offer everyone.