Come with me while the moon is on the sea,
The night is young and so are we
Dreams come true in Blue Hawaii
And mine could all come true
This magic night of nights with you”
— Leo Robin, Blue Hawaii
In my years of globetrotting, I've roamed across ten different countries. Yet, none of my journeys had led me to a destination where mountains, beaches, historical landmarks, delectable cuisine, friendly locals, and a rich cultural tapestry coexist in such splendid harmony. That is until I set foot in Hawaii. As the title of my blog suggests, Hawaii is nothing short of a paradise. In the article that follows, I'll delve into my discoveries and hope to inspire you to explore these remote islands someday, sharing in my experiences.
Important Note:
Before you embark on planning your Hawaiian adventure, there are a few factors to consider. Hawaii can be a bit heavy on your wallet due to:
Location: Limited direct flights from your departure point.
Currency: The local currency is USD.
Accommodation: Given the heavy tourism, even hostels can be quite expensive.
Transportation: There is minimal public transport outside Honolulu.
Dining: A minimum 20% tip is customary at restaurants.
Now that you've considered these points, let me guide you through how I went about planning my trip.
Package / Self Booking???
The first dilemma that most travelers face when planning a trip is whether to choose a package or plan it themselves. Packages can ease the mental load of planning but can be restrictive. As someone who enjoys planning trips, I opted to forego the package and planned my trip meticulously using a notebook, pen, and Google Sheets. This time, I was traveling with my 13-month-old baby, so having flexibility in our schedule was essential.
Selecting Islands and Cities:
Hawaii consists of 137 islands, but in reality, there are 8 major islands. Each has its unique charm and significance. To balance time and cost, I decided to focus on three islands: Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island. However, a last-minute change was necessary when a bushfire struck Maui, so we settled on Oahu and the Big Island. These two islands provided us with a comprehensive Hawaiian experience.
Choosing the Right Time:
Hawaii can be quite expensive during certain times of the year. The best time to travel is from March to September. We opted for September as it offered milder temperatures and more budget-friendly flights and hotels.
Flights cost - Approx. INR 1 lakhs per person from Mumbai
Accommodation
If you've traveled to Europe and other destinations, Hawaii's accommodation costs may come as a shock. There are various options available, including hotels, hostels, and Airbnb. We chose to stay in a 3-star hotel and used Airbnb. We ensured that our accommodations were close to public transport and the city center for convenience, especially at night. We also looked for places with breakfast options or kitchenettes. Since we were traveling with my baby, a smoke-free environment and facilities for baby food preparation were a must.
Total cost of accommodation for 2 adults and a toddler - INR 1.6 lakhs
Interisland Travel
There are two options for interisland travel: taking a cruise or flying. The flight between Oahu and Kona takes only 45 minutes, making it the best choice. Hawaiian Airlines operates frequent flights between the islands, and they are reasonably priced. We selected our flights based on our accommodation check-in and check-out times. Keep in mind that flight tickets do not include the cost of checked baggage.
Total cost of flights for 2 adults and a toddler - INR 20K
Attractions Booking
Several options are available for booking attractions, such as Viator, Airbnb, and direct websites. We chose to book our experiences directly with the merchants. While you can book some activities upon arrival, popular attractions can fill up quickly, so it's advisable to book in advance. For the most authentic experience, consider using the Recreation.gov website. Private tours are also available, tailored to your specific interests.
Total cost of visiting attractions for 2 adults and a toddler - INR 1 lakh
Transportation:
Renting a car is ideal for exploring Hawaii as it offers flexibility and the freedom to visit various places on your own. Oahu has good public transport connectivity, and some tour packages also include transportation. When renting a car, be aware that hotels may not offer free parking, whereas few Airbnb properties often provide free parking. If you plan on using public transport frequently, consider purchasing a public transport pass in Honolulu to save on travel expenses. We rented a car in Kona and used public transport in Oahu.
Total cost of car rental for 2 adults and a toddler - INR 15K
Currency
I recommend obtaining USD from your home currency (avoid buying at the airport, as rates are typically unfavorable). We loaded our travel money card with 1 lakh INR and carried around 30K INR in cash.
Total USD spent - INR 1.5 lakhs
We reached Honolulu at around 6.30am in the morning. The immigration process in USA is pretty strict and can take a bit of time. So make sure you spare atleast 2 hours after you land before you book a pick-up for your hotel drop.
For transport to your hotel, you can take a bus from the airport terminal to Waikiki or you can take a shuttle from Roberts Hawaii – they have a designated pick-up zone and you can just walk and take the shuttle.
After arriving at the airport, we browsed the Waikiki area – visiting Waikiki Beach, ABC stores and even Walmart!
We planned a visit to Pearl Harbour National Memorial and USS Arizona Memorial program. The visit to Pearl Harbour is free, however a ticket is needed for Arizona program. Don’t book tickets from any other website – as the only way they accept tickets is from the official website. Also, tickets to Arizona memorial can be booked out pretty fast, so make sure you book it well in advance.
There is a direct bus from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor, and it's a cost-effective option at $3 per adult.
You'll need the whole day to explore the area, which holds significant historical importance and can be a deeply emotional experience.
After visiting Pearl Harbor, we dined at the iconic Cheesecake factory savoring their renowned cheesecake. Be prepared for potential long waits as it's a popular spot.
We set aside an entire day to explore Kualoa Ranch, where we had booked a tour with a hotel pick-up option. If you prefer, you can drive to the ranch. The ranch offers various tours, and you can book directly through their website.
Kualoa Ranch is a remarkable place, and if you choose the movie sites tour, you'll get to see filming locations for famous movies such as Jurassic Park, King Kong, and the TV series Lost. It's an unforgettable experience.
On Day 4, we visited the Polynesian cultural centre (PCC). Tickets can be booked directly from their website, including pick-up and drop-off options. We opted for the Ali'i Luau package, which includes a day-long cultural experience of the Polynesian islands, a royal Hawaiian dinner, and captivating song and dance performances, culminating in the Luau (HA show). It's a must-see experience that left us mesmerized by the performances, featuring participants of all ages.
Having explored the major attractions in Honolulu, we set out for another renowned island: the Big Island. Our flight to Kona departed at 10:30 AM, and we had also arranged a rental car for Kona due to limited public transport. The car can be picked up near the airport. Our Airbnb in Kona was conveniently close to the airport, allowing us to rest for the day. Keep in mind that car rental procedures can take at least an hour. With a light travel schedule, we visited Ross Dress for Less, where you can find affordable clothing from well-known brands.
If you have time, you can also plan Manta Ray Snorkelling at the evening.
We set out early to visit the Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park, which is a 2.5-hour drive from Kona. Arriving around 6 AM allowed us to experience the stunning sights with fewer crowds. We were fortunate to witness a live volcano eruption, as the volcanoes had erupted just the weekend before. The drive offers opportunities to explore different sites, including lava tubes, volcano-watching, steam vents, and an incredible driving trail. To reach the volcanoes, you'll need a car or can opt for private tours, though they can be expensive. You can cover all these sites in 2-2.5 hours. Afterward, we returned to the city around 11:30 AM to prepare for our next adventure.
The next experience on our agenda was Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in the world when measured from below sea level (though Mount Everest is taller when measured above sea level). We had pre-booked a stargazing tour atop Mauna Kea online. Since children aren't allowed on the mountain, my husband and I planned to take the tour on separate days. The journey to Mauna Kea from the pick-up point takes approximately 2 hours. The tour provides insightful information, and you'll have the opportunity to witness a breathtaking sunset from the mountain's summit. Stargazing at Mauna Kea was a mesmerizing experience, as I had never before seen so many stars with my naked eye. Be prepared for the chilly temperatures at the mountaintop and dress accordingly. The tour concludes at 9 PM, with a return to the drop-off point by 11 PM.
So, earlier in the day after arriving at city, my husband left for Mauna Kea and my baby, and I decide to rest at our room.
Early in the day, my husband set off to explore the Green Sand Beach and Black Sand Beach. The Green Sand Beach is somewhat remote and requires a hike or a bumpy jeep ride to reach. It's quite small, so it might not be ideal if you're traveling with children. On the way to the Black Sand Beach, we stopped at the Punalu'u Bake Shop, where you can enjoy delicious treats. The Black Sand Beach is beautiful, and if you're fortunate, you may spot turtles. We returned to the city around 12:30 PM to catch our shuttle for the Mauna Kea stargazing tour
We packed up and checked out of our Airbnb to take a coffee plantation tour. Several tours are available, both free and paid. We visited the Greenwell Farm plantation, which offers an hour-long tour, providing insights into the production of Hawaiian coffee. Afterward, we headed to the airport to drop off our rental car and catch our flight. We arrived in Honolulu at around 4 PM and had booked an airport hotel for the night.
Our last day was reserved for shopping. On Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, there's a flea market, the Aloha Swap Meet, at the Aloha Stadium. You can find souvenirs and gifts here, and public transportation is available to take you there. The market closes at 3 PM, after which we did more shopping at Walmart and Ross Dress for Less. Don't miss the delectable Coco Puffs at Liliha Bakery Shop, a tasty local treat.
Departure:
Our last day in Hawaii began with an early morning flight back to our home. Fortunately, our airport hotel provided a complimentary drop-off service to the airport. The U.S. immigration process once again demanded a significant amount of time, but we were excited to board our flight back home, carrying with us memories that will endure a lifetime.