Planning a trip to the Aloha State can be done in a few easy steps.
Hawaii has long been a popular tourist destination, especially during the winter months. Those considering a vacation there may be overwhelmed by the distance or the cultural differences, but a successful trip to the 50th state can be planned with a step-by-step process.
Instructions
1. Research the different islands. Decide which island or islands you want to visit on your trip; each one is distinctive. The Hawaii Tourism Authority's website (gohawaii.com) has a section devoted to the islands and their attractions and can help you choose where to go.
2. Book your flight. There are many airlines that service Hawaii. The Hawaiian Islands are more than 2,000 miles from the mainland United States, so plan your arrival and departure times with long flight times in mind.
3. Reserve your transportation and accommodations. Renting a car in Hawaii is no different from the procedure in any other state. Reserving a hotel can be done through your travel agent or via the Internet. For longer vacations, consider a vacation rental, which can be found using the HomeAway or Hawaii Gaga websites.
4. Plan an itinerary. There are several resources online to help you plan your vacation schedule, such as the Los Angeles Times website's travel column, which has articles on things to do on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Another resource is the 101 Things to Do brochures, available at information kiosks at every airport in Hawaii and also available for viewing online. The brochures also include helpful driving maps.
5. Be aware of agricultural restrictions when flying to the islands. All animals must be declared and inspected by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture before being released into your custody, so plan accordingly if you want to bring a pet with you on vacation. The Visitor Information Program website (Hawaii.gov/dot/airports/visitor-info) has more information.
6. Take advantage of a tour group, if you don't want to bother with driving and want a guided tour of the island's popular tourist destinations. Guided tour groups typically travel on air-conditioned buses and have periodic rest and meal breaks, which may be ideal for older travelers.
7. Attend a luau. The luau, a festive Hawaiian dinner with live performances, is the quintessential Hawaiian vacation experience and should not be missed.
8. Leave fruits and vegetables behind when you leave. Fresh produce items will be confiscated at the airport, because agricultural restrictions preventing them from being exported. During the flight, you'll also be required to fill out and turn in an agricultural declaration form.
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