Whether you’re heading to this special slice of paradise for a solo adventure or with your loved ones, you are in for a treat. When thinking about Hawaii, a few things come to mind. For one, white sand beaches adorned with beautiful palm trees and warm, turquoise waters. Add to that a list of cool things to do in Hawaii, and you’ve got an island adventure that’s hard to beat.

BE INSPIRED

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WHEN to go

The best time to visit Hawaii depends on your preferences and what you’re looking to do while you’re there. If you want to experience the best weather, the best time to go to Hawaii is from April to June or from September to November. These months generally have the most pleasant temperatures and the least amount of rainfall. However, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit Hawaii is from January to March or from July to August. These months generally have lower prices and thinner crowds.

Summer is obviously a crowd-pleaser and a fantastic time to experience Hawaii, but keep in mind that the prices of hotels and flights tend to be higher during the peak season. It’s also not quite a fun to deal with crowds. My favorite time to visit is end of September or October, for this reason.

what to eat

Food Truck
Poke can be found at many food trucks in Maui
Lau Lau
garlic shrimp

Hawaiian food is a fusion of Polynesian, American, Chinese, Filipino, and Japanese cuisine. This blend of cultures has created a unique culinary experience that is unlike any other.

There are many different dishes that are considered Hawaiian classics. Some of these include poke, plate lunch, lau lau, and Hawaiian shave ice. When visiting Hawaii, be sure to try some of these local favorites.

You may also want to sample the cuisine of the various cultures that have influenced Hawaii’s food scene. 

Be sure to try the poke. This Hawaiian staple is typically made with fresh tuna or salmon, sometimes mixed with seaweed, sesame seeds, and avocado, and it’s often served with rice.

Laulau is a traditional Hawaiian plate lunch that features fatty pork and salted butterfish wrapped in lu’au leaves and ti leaves.

Whenever you see a food truck, pull over immediately! You can find some of Hawaii’s best food from a truck, like the awesome garlic shrimp from Giovanni’s.

Where to Stay

Travel Tips for Hawaii

Oahu Hawaii

PACKING FOR HAWAII

When traveling to Hawaii, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, be sure to pack light, comfortable clothing. The climate in Hawaii is warm and humid, so you won’t need too many heavy layers.

Second, be prepared for some rain. Hawaii is known for its tropical storms, so it’s a good idea to pack a raincoat or umbrella.

Finally, don’t forget to pack your sunscreen! The sun in Hawaii is very strong, so you’ll want to make sure you have adequate protection.

PREPARATION

The island chain is made up of a variety of islands, each with its own personality. So, be sure to do your research and choose the island that’s right for you.

Remember that Hawaii is a popular tourist destination, so be sure to book your accommodations and activities well in advance. Airfare and hotels are most expensive during the summer, so maybe try the off-season.

When possible, check with lifeguards before entering the water. They can tell you about potential hazards like rip currents and what to watch out for.