Your Checklist for the Ultimate Stress-Free Hawaiian Holiday
With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, Hawaii is a dream destination for many. However, planning a stress-free vacation to the state isn’t as easy as it looks and can be both an exciting and overwhelming process for families.
This is exactly why planning ahead of time is so important. By planning ahead, you have time to purchase the items listed on our Amazon Packing Essentials, from a shoe bag for your flip-flops to a travel tote to bring to the beach, and also secure all of your logistics. This can help you avoid scrambling to have things done at the last minute and potentially missing out on important experiences.
If you’re unsure where to start, take a look at our checklist of must-haves that travelers often miss out on. Getting these things ahead of time will guarantee the ultimate stress-free Hawaiian holiday for your family.
Long day passes for public transportation
Getting around can be a breeze on the more populated islands in Hawaii, thanks to their comprehensive public transportation systems. Oahu, for instance, offers plenty of transportation options, such as The Bus and the Waikiki Trolley.
Opting for public transportation offers several advantages, including cost-effectiveness and the ability to immerse more in the local scene. To explore Honolulu more thoroughly, we recommend purchasing Waikiki Trolley multi-line passes that are good for four or seven days. These passes can be bought ahead of time on their official website so that you don’t have to spend time lining up at the ticket office at Waikiki Shopping Plaza. With the trolley, you can stop over at popular attractions like the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Honolulu Zoo, and Waikiki Beach.
Transportation options for the outer islands
Each island offers its own public transportation system, but renting a car is the wiser decision while on Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island. These larger territories, especially the Big Island, which is divided into six main regions, make it more convenient to have your own wheels. Additionally, the Big Island’s “Hele-on bus” schedule is not optimized for sightseeing, and relying on public transport could make your journey more time-consuming.
By opting for a rental car, you can enjoy the efficiency of exploring these outer islands with your family at your own pace. Big Island car rentals can even be reserved online for several months in advance so you can secure the lowest price. Upon arrival at the Kona or Hilo International Airport, you can simply pick up your pre-booked rental car and embark on your adventure.
A thoughtfully-planned itinerary
A well-organized itinerary maximizes your time on the islands while minimizing unexpected hiccups, especially if you’re traveling independently. This allows you to secure all of your logistics in advance, from deciding which islands might need a rental car or which cities have comprehensive options for public transportation. You should also pay close attention to transportation schedules, such as ferries, between the islands. Doing so can ensure smooth transitions and avoid any unforeseen disruptions.
If independent travel isn’t for you, then you can consider taking a guided tour to streamline your vacation. Cruises provide an already structured itinerary where the ship stops at different islands based on the overall theme. While many cruises stop in Hawaii, some cruise companies are offering an elevated experience. Explora Cruises, which launched this year, promotes a luxury form of sea travel with a greater focus on creating lifelong memories. Adventure-seeking families can opt for the Inaugural Hawaiian Journey, which includes tours to Hawaii’s volcanos like the active Kilauea or Mauna Loa. Otherwise, history buffs can choose the Extended Exploration to delve into the culture of the Aloha State with a traditional luau. Simply familiarize yourself with the cruise schedule to minimize stress and unwanted surprises at each destination, and you can sit back, relax, and thoroughly enjoy the journey from start to finish.
Comprehensive travel insurance
Travel insurance financially protects you in case of unexpected events, so it’s always important to have. Your insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable expenses if your trip gets canceled or even cover medical expenses incurred during the holiday.
If you are taking a guided tour, most travel companies or cruise lines will direct you to insurance policies. A spokesperson for the Royal Caribbean Group clarifies that the company itself “does not service the travel protection program” but only partners with third-party insurers for the policies they provide. Purchasing travel insurance through a cruise line can thus be convenient, but be warned that the coverage is often “a lot thinner.” You can typically read the fine print on the cruise line and insurance providers’ websites, so research in advance before deciding on a policy.
By following this checklist, you can ensure that your Hawaiian adventure is filled with unforgettable moments for the whole family. For more tips on family travels, check out our other blog posts on Sincerely Yasmen.
