travel

What to do on your Hawaii vacation

By CNN Staff

Published June 4, 2019

Hawaii Tourism Authority/Tor Johnson

Looking to get to Hawaii while keeping your wallet and itinerary intact? Here are ways to avoid costly and exhausting mistakes during your trip.

Gregory Boissy/AFP/Getty Images

Don't: Visit during school holidays

During school holidays, flight and hotel rates are off the charts.

Four Seasons Oahu

Do: Visit in the off-season

Hands down the best values on visiting Hawaii can be found in May and October.

Chris Dwyer

Don't: Blow your budget on where you stay

A luxury resort is likely to cost up to $600 a night in high season. Instead, ditch the amenities, and make your own poolside Mai Tai at a rental condo.

Courtesy Don Riddle/Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Do: Consider staying in a condo

Kitchens, ample square footage, washing machines and privacy give travelers a more authentic (and often less costly) experience.

Courtesy Mango Street Inn

Don't: Try to see everything

While each island has its own character, it is too expensive (and exhausting) to island-hop the entire archipelago on one vacation.

Hawaii's Big Island Visitor Bureau

Do: Stick to one or two islands

Each island's regions have their own flavor. The north and east sides are more tropical, while the south and west offer a more arid landscape.

Getty Images/Bike Maverick

Don't: Fall for the luau

While they seem like an authentic experience, you can actually piece together the highlights of a luau yourself.

Royal Hawaiian Center

Do: Splurge on an adventure

Whether you fancy deep sea diving, a waterfall helicopter tour, or a kayak trip along the Coast, treat yourself to at least one adventure.

Hawaii Tourism Authority

Do: Enjoy the beach

Save time to enjoy Hawaii's world-class beaches. You can walk from the shore into the sea and snorkel with the wildlife basically for free.

Black Buddha