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A first timer’s guide to Hawaii

So, you’re planning a Hawaii vacation. Congratulations!! You’re going to love Hawaii. From beautiful beaches to breathtaking mountains to crystal clear water, Hawaii has something for everyone.

This first timer’s guide to Hawaii will help you get started in planning your Hawaii vacation. 

First, there are a few things to learn about Hawaii before you plan your vacation. 

A first timer’s guide to Hawaii

Before you do anything else, make sure to check out 10 things to know before going to Hawaii and 20 things to never do in Hawaii. 

Do I need to rent a car in Hawaii?

You’ll definitely need a rental car, I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental. You’ll find the best prices on rental cars in Hawaii.

You can reserve your car now and pay upon arrival. Prices are so much lower than anywhere else, make sure you reserve early for the best deals. 

Work with a Hawaii Travel Agent

As a Hawaii Travel Agent, of course, I am going to recommend that you work with a travel planner who specializes in Hawaii.

Even though Hawaii is technically part of the United States, it’s far away and really does feel like another place entirely.

Trying to plan a Hawaii vacation can be overwhelming, so why not work with an expert and save yourself time, and probably a lot of hassle. 

I’d love to plan your Hawaii vacation!

You can spend hours trying to figure things out on your own, only to end up feeling more confused. Contact me or fill out my custom travel request and we’ll plan a Hawaii vacation that’s perfect just for you.

If working with a Travel Agent isn’t for you, no hard feelings! I have plenty of information on this blog to help you DIY a Hawaii vacation if you’d prefer to go in that direction.

Don’t try to visit every island

If you learn one thing from this first timer’s guide to Hawaii, let it be this! Don’t try to visit every island on your first Hawaii vacation.

I recommend one week per island. If you only have one week, you should visit two islands maximum. Just trust me, there are plenty of things to do and see on each island.

Let’s take a quick peek at the islands to help you decide:

Things to do in Maui

Maui is what you might consider first if you’re thinking about a honeymoon in Hawaii. Gorgeous beaches and romantic resorts make Maui a favorite honeymoon destination. 

Maui is also a great family destination for those who enjoy fabulous beaches, taking road trips, and any water activities. 

Some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii can be found in Maui. Molokini Crater is a top snorkeling spot on the islands. Maui also offers adults-only accommodations, which can be hard to find in Hawaii.

Big Island

The Big Island, or Hawaii Island, is geographically the largest in Hawaii. Hawaii island is perfect for first timer’s who want to see the active volcano of Kilauea. 

The Big Island is extremely diverse, which means you can experience plenty of different activities and even climate zones, all on one island. The Big Island has excellent snorkeling and plenty of beautiful waterfalls.

Some of the most beautiful waterfalls on the Big Island are located in Hilo. I have a post with 20 things to do in Hilo if you’re interested. 

Kauai

Kauai, in my opinion, is the most under-rated of the Hawaiian islands. It’s the perfect destination for adults or families with older children. 

From hiking to kayaking to water activities, Kauai is a nature lovers dream. Kauai has beautiful scenery and feels very secluded. 

If you’re looking to get away from the crowds, Kauai is a great choice. Check out 25 things to do in Kauai for even more tips. 

Oahu

Oahu is the most populated island and the most popular for tourism. “The Gathering Place” has a little bit of everything. 

From nightlife and dining in Waikiki to more remote areas outside of the city. Oahu has great hikes, beaches, and plenty of historical and cultural activities. 

If you want to enjoy the nightlife or high-end shopping, Oahu is really the only option for those things.

To learn more about Oahu check out 10 things to do in Waikiki or things to do in Haleiwa. 

Try some local food

You’re in Hawaii, don’t forget to try some local food. First, check out the Farmer’s Markets and check out the fabulous fresh produce. You might also want to try some local dishes such as:

Hawaiian Plate Lunch, Shave Ice, Saimin, Poke, Manapua, and the Loco Moco.

Learn about history and culture before you leave

You don’t have to learn everything about Hawaii before you visit, but take some time to read a book or two before you leave.

You can also get a free Audible trial and listen to the book, or a free Kindle Unlimited trial to read it on a Kindle.

I have another post with 10 things to know before going to Hawaii that can also help you. At the very least, you should learn a few basic Hawaiian words.

Yes, people in Hawaii speak English, but you’ll also hear a few Hawaiian words very often:

Aloha

You probably already know this one! Aloha is used for hello, and goodbye but also has a deeper cultural and spiritual significance.

The real meaning of Aloha in Hawaiian is that of love, peace, and compassion. It’s a guideline on how to live, and so much more than just a greeting.

Mahalo

Mahalo means thank you. Make sure to say “mahalo” to anyone who helps you in some way.

Honu

Hawaiian green sea turtle. To learn more about sea turtles, check out the where to find sea turtles on the Big Island.

You can also find out more about sea turtles in my post on the best black sand beaches in Maui. 

Honu resting at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii.

A hui hou

Until we meet again.

Mauka

Toward the mountain, often used in directions.

Makai

Toward the ocean, also used when giving directions.

Of course, there are plenty of other Hawaiian words you should learn, but these are a few to get you started.

5. Go to a luau

If it’s your first time visiting Hawaii, I know a luau is on your Hawaii bucket list. I have a blog post about the best luaus in Hawaii, but I’ll link my favorites on each island here:

Kauai – Smith Family Garden Luau.

Big Island – Island Breeze Luau at The Sheraton Kona.

Oahu – Ali’i Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Maui – The Feast at Lele.

Planning a Hawaii vacation

I hope that this first timer’s guide to Hawaii will help you plan the perfect Hawaii vacation. If you need more ideas, check out my guides to planning a vacation on each of the main islands.

If you haven’t decided which island to visit, check out which Hawaii island is best.

• How to plan a Maui vacation.
• A guide to planning an Oahu vacation.
• How to plan a Big Island vacation.
• How to plan a Kauai vacation.

A first timer’s guide to Hawaii

If you’re looking for a Hawaii honeymoon or vacation personalized just for you, give me a call! I specialize in working with clients to create the perfect vacation for you.

That means no packages; everything is personalized. Make sure to contact me or go ahead and fill out a custom travel request, and I’ll get back to you to start planning ASAP! I’m only taking on a select number of clients per month, so contact me to check availability. 

Dreaming of Hawaii, but not ready to travel just yet? Sign up for my newsletter! You will receive a weekly email with travel tips, Hawaii deals, and more. I’ll be there whenever you’re ready to plan your vacation. Sign up below. If you love these posts and want to support my blog but aren’t prepared to travel yet, you can buy me a coffee to show your support. I ❤️ coffee!

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