Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [2]
Getting Started
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WHEN TO GO
COSTS & MONEY
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL
TRAVEL LITERATURE
INTERNET RESOURCES
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As tropical getaways go, Hawaii couldn’t be easier or more varied. It’s not always cheap, and it’s a long way from anywhere, but whether you want to trek an urban jungle or a cloud forest, a snowy mountain or a nude beach, it’s here.
With so many possibilities, and so many ways to blow a budget, careful planning is essential. To make the best use of your time, a good rule of thumb is to allow at least four to seven days for each of the four main islands. It’s much more satisfying to see one island well than to madly island hop to fit more in. In fact, on O’ahu, Maui, Kaua’i and the Big Island even a week can feel rushed; you won’t be sorry to spend two weeks on any of these islands.
Visiting two islands, even in only a week, is easy to do. However, we don’t recommend trying for three islands in less than two weeks, and going for four islands really increases logistics and costs. For instance, the islands are small, but unless you’re sticking to a resort, you’ll need a car to get around. How many cars do you want to rent? The only place where Hawaii’s public bus system is good enough to dispense with renting a car is Honolulu. For itinerary suggestions, Click here.
Also, as you know, Hawaii is popular. Make reservations early for the things you don’t want to miss, particularly in high season. That said, if you’re flexible, it’s also possible to wing it; there’s usually a hotel room somewhere, and many outdoor activities need booking only a day or two in advance. If you have kids, no worries; it’s easy for families to travel in Hawaii.
WHEN TO GO
There is no bad time to be in Hawaii. The busiest seasons are mid-December through March and June through August – but this has more to do with weather and vacation schedules elsewhere. The weather in Hawaii varies only a little year-round – a bit rainier in winter, a bit hotter in summer.
For certain activities, however, the seasons are a consideration: the biggest waves hit the islands in winter, which makes it prime time for surfers. Windsurfers will find optimal conditions in summer. Whale watching happens mainly from January to March. For more on activities, see p73.
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See Climate Charts (Click here) for more information.
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Bargain hunters should target April to May and September to mid-November, when you have the best chance of netting off-season rates in lodgings, plus everything is a little more relaxed.
Prices spike around the big holidays – Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and Easter – and during special events. Unless you specifically want to see the North Shore’s Triple Crown of Surfing (Click here) or Hilo’s Merrie Monarch Festival (Click here), avoid these places at these times. For Hawaii’s top festivals and events, Click here.
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DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT…
Beach clothes and sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, UV shirts; and, you know, a swimsuit
Light jacket, fleece layers and rain gear for evenings and inland adventures
Binoculars for wildlife watching, snorkel gear, and flashlights for lava tubes and hiking
Rubbah slippahs and hiking boots (for safe hiking gear, see p86), because beachwear and trail-wear don’t mix
A takeout meal kit: reusable utensils, paring knife and plastic bags for leftovers
Canvas bag for farmers markets and groceries
A spirit of aloha and a hang-loose attitude
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COSTS & MONEY
Hawaii, as a rule, is an expensive destination: most things come at a premium – flights, groceries, gas, hotel rooms – but budget travelers can still fashion an economical trip to paradise. It all depends on your needs and style of travel.
The cost of flights has varied wildly recently, due to oscillations in the US economy and fare wars. In general, flights from the mainland USA (Click here) run from around $500 to