Hawaii vacation tips: What to do – and what to skip

Dreaming of visiting Hawaii without draining your savings? Not sure when the best time is to visit and still enjoy the islands?

Here’s how to avoid making costly and exhausting mistakes on your Hawaiian getaway.

Avoid traveling to Hawaii during school breaks.

During peak school holiday seasons, Hawaii’s beaches are overcrowded, and prices soar. Between Christmas and New Year’s, vacation rentals and condos can be three times more expensive than in early December.

Visit Hawaii during the off-peak season.

May and October offer the best value for a Hawaiian getaway. With lower prices and ideal weather – not too hot or rainy – you can enjoy the perks of traveling off-season. Flights from the West Coast in spring and fall are often half the cost of July fares.

Hotels and condos also lower their prices during the off-season, making it easier to secure oceanfront stays that are usually fully booked in peak months.

Avoid spending your entire budget on a high-end resort.

Consider opting for a condo instead of a resort stay.

Frequent visitors know the value of renting a condo. With a kitchen, plenty of space, laundry facilities, and more privacy, you can enjoy a more authentic – and often more affordable – vacation.

Multiple companies often manage different units within the same complex, so one condo might be stylishly furnished by a world-traveling designer, while another could have a more casual vibe. Always check photos of the exact unit you’re booking and clarify the bed setup and details.

Don’t feel pressured to see everything on your trip.

Focus on exploring just one or two islands.

Each island offers unique experiences: the north and east coasts are lush and tropical, while the south and west sides feature sunnier weather and drier landscapes.

Instead of hopping between islands, split your trip by staying in a luxury hotel near a sunny beach on the south shore, then retreat to a cozy rental on the more tropical (and rainy) north shore. If you’re looking to island-hop affordably, Maui offers ferry rides to Lanai and Molokai.

Skip the luau.

Many luaus are overpriced and far from authentic (often just family parties at the beach). Though they might seem like a traditional experience, you can create your own version of a luau.

Pick up a picnic with poke, lomi lomi, fresh pineapple, and poi from a local market. In the evenings, enjoy free hula performances at most malls in Kauai and Maui, or watch a sunset show at Waikiki Beach with some of Hawaii’s top dancers.

Treat yourself to an adventure.

Whether it’s exploring the depths of the ocean, flying over waterfalls on a helicopter, or kayaking along the Na Pali Coast, make sure to book at least one thrilling adventure. Plan ahead in case weather conditions interfere with your plans.

In Moloka’i, Anthony Bourdain discovers his Hawaiian paradise.

Lastly, don’t forget to unwind and enjoy the beach.

You don’t need to spend your entire trip on a boat, horse, helicopter, or zip line. Take time to relax and enjoy Hawaii’s stunning beaches. From the shore, you can wade right into the water and snorkel with sea turtles, angelfish, and monk seals—basically for free.

As the sun sets over the Pacific, lounge beneath a coconut tree and watch the sky explode in color while surfers glide across the last sun-kissed waves onto the soft, white sand.

Michele Bigley is the author of “Great Destinations, Kauai” (Countryman Press) and the upcoming “Backroads and Byways of Hawaii” (Countryman Press).

This article was first published in May 2012.