Your Hawaiʻi Planning Checklist

Thinking about planning a trip to Hawaiʻi? Start here.

1. Choose an island. The dramatic cliffs of the Na Pali Coast on Kauaʻi. The lively beach scene in Waikīkī, Oʻahu. Three miles of white sand at Pāpōhaku Beach on Molokaʻi. The dolphin friendly waters of Hulopoʻe Bay on Lānaʻi. The summit of Haleakalā on Maui. The primal energy of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island. It won’t be easy choosing which island to visit on your trip to Hawaiʻi, but you’ll find there are no wrong answers.

2. Book accommodations. There are six Hawaiian islands you can visit: Oʻahu, Maui, Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi. Kahoʻolawe and Niʻihau are off limits.

3. Book rental car (unless you are going to Waikīkī). You'll need a car on all of the islands if you want to explore outside of your hotel or resort. On O'ahu it depends. If you are staying on the North Shore or in Ko ʻOlina, you will need a car. If you are staying In Waikīkī, almost everything on the island is accessible by foot, bike, bus or tour.

4. Book activities. Research activities before you travel. Some things in Hawaiʻi like whale-watching and big-wave surfing competitions are seasonal, while activities such as Pearl Harbor and Kualoa Ranch on Oʻahu require advanced booking.

5. Book flight. Since hotel rooms, rental cars and activities are not always available, secure these first before booking your flight. You’ll likely begin your adventure at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) on Oʻahu. This is Hawaii’s major airport, serving as the entry point for most of Hawaii’s visitors. All major domestic carriers and many international carriers serve Oʻahu, so you can get here from just about anywhere. There are also direct flights from the U.S. mainland to Maui, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island, but for the most part, you may need to connect through Oahu to get to the neighbor islands.

6. Make dinner reservations. Some of the more popular restaurants are in high demand, schedule your reservations via their websites (or by phone) before you arrive so you don't miss out.

7. Pack. What you pack will be determined by the activities you have planned. See our suggestions below.

1. Reef-safe sunscreen. It is illegal to use anything else in Hawaiʻi. You could also purchase this in Hawaiʻi.

2. Hat

3. Sunglasses

4. Flip flops (slippahs in Hawaiʻi)

5. Hiking shoes (or comfortable waling shoes if not hiking)

6. 2 bathing suits

7. Beach cover-up (sarong, T-shirt, sundress, etc.)

8. 1 light jacket or sweatshirt

9. 1 light rain jacket

10. Shorts, tank tops, T-shirts (During the winter youʻll want to bring 1-2 pairs of pants)

11. Bug spray

12. Aloe vera (for sunburns)

13. Aloha shirts / dress (if you plan on a nice dinner)

14. Portable battery (for charging your phone on all-day excursions)

15. Dry bag

16. Bag for wet bathing suits (Ziplock works)

17. Reusable shopping bag

18. Reusable water bottle

19. Work-out clothes (for hiking or hitting the gym)

Learn about the Hawaiian Islands and geography pre-arrival

It’s helpful to learn the names of each of the major islands and a bit about each island’s geography and attractions before arriving. Directions in Hawaiʻi are explained in terms of the leeward side of each island (generally the south or west coast) and the windward side (generally the north or east coast). If you ask for directions and are told to walk or drive mauka, you’ll want to head toward the mountains; if you’re told to go makai, head toward the ocean.

Learn some Hawaiʻi pidgin words and terms

Here are more than 50 words and phrases visitors should learn before arriving to avoid confusion.