Where should I go for my first time to Hawaii?

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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First Time to Hawaii Planning Timeline
  1. Decide when you'll go. ...
  2. Decide how long to go for. ...
  3. Choose your island(s) ...
  4. Book your flights. ...
  5. Pick a place to stay. ...
  6. Figure out whether you want to rent a car. ...
  7. Choose some of your can't-miss activities. ...
  8. Make some fun dinner reservations.


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But, there are important differences between Maui and Oahu vacations. If you're looking for a typical Hawaiian tourist vacation, Oahu offers Waikiki Beach, historical memorials and modern culture. Meanwhile, travelers should head to Maui to enjoy outdoorsy adventures, from snorkeling to hiking volcanic peaks.

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Interestingly, prices for flights to the two airports are relatively similar, with Maui being slightly more expensive; expect to pay from around $250 to $500 for a round-trip ticket from Los Angeles in economy class — though it can get pricier during high season.

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In fact, Oahu is the cheapest of the Hawaiian islands for lodging, coming in behind both the Big Island and Kauai. Add to this its lower costs for food and transportation, and Oahu becomes a much more affordable option than Maui.

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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. A trip for two weeks for two people costs $9,565 in Hawaii.

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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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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.

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Generally, the best time to visit Hawaii for the most ideal overall weather, lowest statewide rates, and the fewest visitors on-island is April and May during the spring and September and October during the fall. Some refer to these times as Hawaii's 'off-season period' or 'shoulder months.

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While you can get a taste of the Big Island in 3 days, spending at least 5-7 days, and ideally more, exploring its diverse attractions is recommended. This allows time for visiting popular sites like Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea Summit, and the beautiful beaches.

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Stunning coastlines, towering mountains, and lush jungles abound on both islands. However, the main difference between the two islands comes down to the variety in the landscapes, which Maui wins by a narrow margin. Maui: All in all, the scenery on Maui is more accessible than what's found on Kauai.

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Each Hawaiian island has a distinct character and different reasons to visit. For instance, Big Island is home to Volcanoes National Park, so if you want to hike an active volcano, choose this island. Others are better known for luxury beach resorts (Maui has particularly luxurious resorts).

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Can You Travel to Hawaii Without a Passport? U.S. Citizens flying to Hawaii don't need a passport since Hawaii is part of the United States, but they must present a government-issued photo I.D. and ticket.

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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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The cheapest time to fly to Hawaii is during February and March. The most expensive month to fly is December when the holiday period falls, with January being very expensive as well. The peak travel months of June and July are surprisingly not the most expensive months for flights, with middle figure prices.

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December (except for the first week), January and February are the busiest months, when prices for airfare and accommodations are at their highest. In particular, the last two weeks of December and the first week of January are prime times for travel, and hotels and flights are often booked to capacity.

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If you're traveling from the United States, Kahului is the cheapest Hawaiian city to fly into, making the Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) among the cheapest airports in Hawaii. This is a big plus to many vacationers because Maui happens to be one of the most popular vacation destinations.

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Hawaii is a stunning location with plenty of fun things to do, no matter which island you visit. If you're in the market for a beachy, relaxing vacation, you may want to head to Maui. Otherwise, consider Honolulu for its abundance of hotels, things to do and plentiful flight connections to other U.S. cities.

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To get the best airfare prices, look to fly on Tuesday and Wednesdays. All summer long, midweek flights are a better price.

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Oahu is Hawaii's most popular island, famous for great hikes like Diamond Head and stunning white sands like Waikiki Beach. On the other hand, Kauai is Hawaii's most tropical island and is a paradise for those after rugged coastlines and vibrant rainforests.

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