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How to Plan a Hawaii Trip – From Choosing Islands to Picking Hotels

We love visiting Hawaii and seeing our friends and family there. Whether it’s Oahu and hanging with our pals around Honolulu and the beaches, or if we’re hiking the epic Na Pali Coast of Kauai, we’ve got a lot to share, and hopefully you’ll be inspired to plan your own unforgettable visit. With lots of blog posts and plenty of Hawaii podcast episodes, we’ve got the info you need!

Which of the Hawaiian Islands is your favorite? Do you know what sort of activities you should plan when you visit Hawaii? How can you travel to Hawaii and be respectful, supporting the locals? We’ve got all these answers and more, as we’ve been to all the islands except Niihau.

And how about visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park? I love writing and talking about Hawaii Volcanoes (HVNP). In addition to our blog posts, we’ve also got podcast episodes about HVNP and an E-Book! Check out our articles about each of the islands, and always feel free to send us a note if you need help travel planning or have questions about visiting Hawaii.

Full Taylor Family with Lilo and Stitch Mural in Hanapepe South Shore Kauai 1

Hawaii Island Hopping

Hawaii island hopping is a complex but wonderful way to experience multiple Hawaiian Islands. We answer how to travel from island to island, how much time to spend on each, and our favorite must-do activities across Hawaii. Learn more HERE all about island hopping and planning a Hawaii trip that fits your budget and how much time you have.

Taylor Family on flight MKK Molokai to Honolulu Oahu Mokulele Airlines Hawaii 4

UnCruise Hawaiian Seascapes – Voted Best Cruise in Hawaii

UnCruise Hawaii is a very different way to explore the islands. See why small ship sailing on a Hawaii UnCruise is the best way to see multiple islands from a unique perspective, visiting with Hawaiian communities and low impact travel in mind. It’s been voted the Best Cruise in Hawaii by USA Today 10 Best readers, and we fully agree. Read all about it here and see if it’s right for you.

Sea Cliffs North Shore Molokai from UnCruise Safari Explorer Hawaii 13

One Week Big Island Itinerary

This easy and unique Big Island itinerary is perfect for a road trip on the most unusual of the Hawaiian Islands. From Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to swimming in waterfalls, chocolate farms to swimming with manta rays, this Big Island travel plan has it all. The Big Island of Hawaii is the BEST island to start with because it’s so diverse and you can learn so much about Hawaiian history and culture. Check out our full One Week Big Island itinerary here!

Full Taylor Family at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park Captain Cook Big Island Hawaii 2

Unique and Mostly Free Things to Do on the Big Island

The Big Island of Hawaii has so much nature and unique things to do, it’s the perfect Hawaiian experience. From volcanoes to snorkeling or just watching sea turtles on the beach, these are the sights and activities not to miss from Kona to Hilo, and most of them are free or very inexpensive. Check out our top picks for things to do on the Big Island here!

Honu Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle at Punaluu Black Sand Beach Big Island Hawaii 10

5 Day Kauai Itinerary

Kauai itinerary for five or more days on the Garden Island. From the most beautiful views and hikes to relaxing on perfect beaches, this plan for a trip to Kauai is ideal for every level of traveler. Being our second favorite of the Hawaiian Islands, we have a great plan for getting the full Kauai experience in just under a week. Take a look at our five day Kauai itinerary to make YOUR plans!

Rainbow over Jurassic Park Waterfall from Air Kauai Doors Off Helicopter Tour Kauai Hawaii 3

Best Things to Do on Kauai

Kauai is a beautiful island with so many things to do. We’ve picked our favorite activities and beaches on Kauai to make planning a trip to the Garden Island easy and enjoyable. See what we recommend, including great food and where to stay on Kauai. Whether you’re thinking that a beautiful helicopter tour of Kauai should be in your plans or if you need hiking recommendations, we have all the information you’ll need. Check out our favorite things to do on Kauai!

Kayakers on Wailua River Kapaa Kauai Hawaii 1

Visiting Maui with Kids

Maui has wonderful, unique things to do that may surprise you. Known for being an island of resorts and development, hiking, beaches and wonderful hidden gems make Maui a great island for a week in Hawaii. Check out things to do, waterfalls for swimming, unique beaches and more. And you cannot forget visiting Haleakala National Park, which really left us speechless. Find our more about things to do on Maui here!

Full Taylor Family at Entrance Sign Summit District Haleakala National Park Maui Hawaii 1

Oahu Beyond Honolulu

Oahu with kids is a great family vacation. While it’s one of the most expensive destinations to travel to with kids, it’s beautiful, has unique things to do and you’ll enjoy every minute. Tips for planning a stress-free trip to Oahu with kids and budget friendly ideas include beach time and cool sights all around the island, never even going into Honolulu if you don’t want to. See what we recommend for planning Oahu with kids.

Taylor Family at Sunset Beach Haleiwa North Shore Oahu Hawaii 1

Things to Do on the North Shore of Oahu

Thrilling and fun things to do on Oahu’s North Shore are everywhere. From free things to do such as hiking and watching the perfect sunset, to tours and food trucks at night, the North Shore has the best activities on Oahu. Like with anywhere else you visit in the Hawaiian Islands, visit with respect and be low-impact visitors. The North Shore is very popular with tourists, but it’s also home for a lot of Hawaiians. See what we recommend for having a great visit to the North Shore of Oahu.

Rainbow Bridge Haleiwa North Shore Oahu 1

We have many more articles all about Hawaii, so please let us know if you can’t find the answer, activity or recommendation you’re looking for. We’re always happy to help others plan amazing trips, especially to someplace as unique and beautiful as Hawaii.