Did you know that Hawaii is the 40th most populous state? It’s also the only state located outside of North America!
Are you thinking about planning a trip to Honolulu but want to make sure everything is perfect? From relaxing on the beach to surfing, there are various activities to enjoy.
Picking the right one can feel difficult and overwhelming though. Read this guide on how to plan the perfect trip to Hawaii today!
Learn About the Geography Before You Plan a Trip to Honolulu
Before traveling to Honolulu, it’s important to research and understand the geography of the location first. Take a look at the different attractions and pick out beautiful Honolulu Hotels.
If you get lost while traveling to Honolulu, it’s important to understand their traveling lingo. Directions are given in response to the leeward side of each island.
There’s also the windward side. If you’re told to drive or walk mauka, that means you’ll want to head toward the mountains. Makai means to head toward the ocean.
Do Your Research
Research what activities you’ll want to do when you arrive. As you plan ahead and book different excursions, this will ensure that you don’t miss out on the fun activities. It’d be quite the disappointment to arrive at a location and see a long line and to hear that they’re sold out.
Understanding Oahu
Keep in mind that Honolulu is located on Oahu. The crowded and popular beach located here is Waikiki.
Check out the memorials and museum at Pearl Harbor. Surf large waves on the North Shore.
There’s plenty of nightlife, dining, and shopping to enjoy as well. If you’re using public transport, then it’s the easiest island to get around.
When It’s the Best Time to Visit
The best time to plan your trip to Honolulu is between November and April. This is because you’ll avoid the rainy and hurricane season.
If you visit during December, November, or April, you can enjoy less expensive rooms and fewer crowds. There are still plenty of festivals to enjoy as well. The winter months tend to have nicer weather than the other times as well.
Where To Stay
First, take a look at your budget before you choose a location. If it’s your first time, consider heading to the downtown area. There are plenty of attractions and it’s a lively area to enjoy.
If you don’t have a large budget, you can still head to Waikiki. Waikiki is also a great place to stay for its clubs, bars, and exciting nightlife. For a slower pace, head to Manoa.
Side Trips
There are plenty of side trips to enjoy such as swimming with dolphins or heading to the Kailua Beach Park. There’s also Waimea Bay.
Historic Sites
Brush up on your history by heading to the National Memorial Cemetary of the Pacific. Respect the locals by visiting the Kuan Yin Temple. There’s also Saint Andrew’s Cathedral.
Connect With Locals
Research a bit in order to connect with the locals. They have a variety of interests that might be similar to you. There are a variety of clubs dedicated to fun activities such as hiking, board games, paddling, etc.
Before you arrive, consider subscribing to an island newspaper. This will give you an idea of the different activities and festivals going on while you’re there.
Things To Do in Honolulu
You’ll want to check out the comfortable and beautiful resort of Mauna Kea residences and check out Manoa Falls because of the 150-foot waterfall that falls into a rock pool. Enjoy a 2-mile hike that’ll take you deep into the trees.
If it looks familiar, it’s because it’s been in The Hunger Games, Jurassic Park, and others. Don’t miss out on the botanical garden, Lyon Arboretum, that’s nearby.
Diamond Head
Diamond Head is one of the most famous volcanoes in Hawaii. To the natives, it’s known as Le’ahi (Tuna Brow).
Take a hike to the summit of the crater. Enjoy views of the sky, water, and land from it. Check out some of the local restaurants and shops while you’re there.
Leonard’s Bakery
For one of the best places to get malasadas, head to Leonard’s Bakery. There are hole-less donuts that are covered in powdered sugar.
You can choose from various fillings or flavors as well. This is also a great way to live like a local!
Don’t Stick To One Island
Don’t limit yourself to just Oahu. Island hop! You can go to Kauai or Maui islands where you can visit filming sites of Jurassic Park in Hawaii and book a tour. Or, if you only want to stay on Oahu, split your time between 2 or 3 parts of each island. This will help you in avoiding long lines constantly.
There are planes that you can take to easily fly from one island to another. The good news is that many of these flights are affordable as well.
Rent a Car
Renting a car is the best way to get around. It’s important to book in advance to ensure that they don’t run out of cars before you arrive. Check online to score a great deal on car rentals.
The Ultimate Guide on How To Plan a Trip to Honolulu
Once you have your hotel, flight, and excursions booked, you’re well on your way to planning the perfect trip to Honolulu. Take your time ensuring that you have all of the necessary information to ensure that your trip to Honolulu is perfect.
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