Is Hawaii really worth going to?

The Hawaiian Islands have so much to offer travelers, from the sprawling city of Honolulu to quiet black-sand beaches to restaurants serving inventive island cuisine. And it's possible to pull off a visit to the islands using miles and points. It just takes a little savvy planning and we'll show you how.



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Is Hawaii Overrated as Having Friendly, Welcoming, and Generous Locals? Yes, for sure. However, when you are friendly, welcoming, and generous first, it comes back to you in excess. So, you can see by my overwhelmingly positive review that I think Hawaii is probably way underrated as a top tropical tourist destination.

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While many vacations are five to seven days long, we recommend staying for at least 10 days to enjoy your Hawaiian vacation. The time change is difficult to adjust to at first and takes about 3 days to get fully acclimated. So, allowing a couple days to get over the jet lag is important.

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If all you want to do is go have a family resort vacation (and there's nothing at all wrong with that), the Caribbean might have the edge as a family-friendly destination. If you want to get out there to explore and experience a wide range of natural wonders — Hawaii probably takes the pineapple-flavored cake.

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For an idyllic and outdoorsy island escape, choose Maui. If you want to sprinkle in city life, Honolulu's the way to go. After spending seven years in the U.S. Air Force as an Arabic linguist, Carissa is now a freelance writer using points and miles to fund a four-year (and counting!) adventure.

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A vacation to Hawaii for one week usually costs around $2,391 for one person. So, a trip to Hawaii for two people costs around $4,782 for one week.

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For a one week trip, that means you'll spend anywhere from $350 to $1000 per week. Just remember that if you do choose to get a car rental in Hawaii, you'll need to be aware of parking fees. Parking fees around the cities cost just a few dollars per hour.

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Deforestation and construction for tourism destroy sacred ecosystems and the habitats of thousands of wildlife species. Furthermore, a large tourist population reduces native Hawaiians' ability to practice their own cultural traditions without stereotypes being used as a tagline to draw visitors to the islands.

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Relaxation and natural beauty are the top draws. Known for its active volcanoes, wildlife refuges, and tall active peaks, it's little wonder that 88% of our respondents cite natural beauty as a reason for visiting Hawaii. Relaxing by the beach is the second most popular reason for visiting.

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Cons to living in Hawaii:
  • Hard to find jobs.
  • Housing is expensive.
  • Cost of living.
  • Tourism.
  • Ecological toll.
  • Island time goes slow.
  • No seasons or changes.
  • Volcanoes.


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April thru June and mid-August thru mid-September are Hawaii's low seasons, and airfares are lower then. No matter what time of year you travel, you may be able to score better deals if you travel midweek.

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If it's your first time in Hawaii, your ideal island will depend on your travel style and to-do list. For most travelers visiting Hawaii for the first time, the Big Island of Hawaii should be the winner because it offers the most diverse experiences.

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Honestly, prices in Hawaii are not greater than mainland US. Some restaurants DO charge high prices depending on where (usually ocean side dining costs more, eating at high-end chain restaurants or hotels is expensive). However, there are places to eat where you can expect to pay prices you are familiar with.

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Food Costs The average cost of food per person per day is about $61, but it can fluctuate depending on where you eat and how many people you go with. Fortunately, there are also some ways to save money on food costs during your vacation.

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Maui has some of the best beaches in Hawaii and is a whale-watching hotspot. Maui is the place to be if you are interested in whale-watching tours. The island's surrounding waters contain the world's densest humpback whale population. Each year sees over 10,000 whales migrate to the island's waters.

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One of the main reasons to fall in love with Maui is undoubtedly its gorgeous beaches. Volumes have been written about Maui beaches and their diversity. From white to black and red sand, from snorkeling to windsurfing and swimming, Maui has over 30 miles of unbelievably beautiful beaches.

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Top places to live in Hawaii
  • Honolulu, Oahu. Honolulu is widely recognized in the whole state of Hawaii as having the highest livability in the island chain. ...
  • Kahala, Honolulu, Hawaii. ...
  • Wailea, Mau'i County. ...
  • Lahaina, Mau'i County. ...
  • Paia, Mau'i County.


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