Hawaii is a popular destination for families, offering an abundance of activities, attractions, and accommodation options. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the weather is lovely all year round!
If you have decided on Hawaii for your next family vacation but are unsure where to begin planning this trip of a lifetime, then the guide below is just what you need.
Read on to discover everything there is to know about how to plan a family vacation to Hawaii, with top tips on everything from finding the perfect hotel to planning your daily itinerary.
Set a budget
There is no escaping from the fact that going on a family vacation to Hawaii will be expensive, even with the best cost-cutting tips in the world. That being said, you don’t need to have an unlimited budget to be able to have a great time in Hawaii.
It is always a good idea to work out what you afford to spend on your annual family vacation before you start making any plans. Make sure that you factor in the cost of airfare, accommodation, transportation, food and drinks, and daily spending. Also, ensure you have funds set aside for emergencies and unforeseen expenditures.
Do not feel pressured into spending more than you can afford, as there is no point in getting yourself into unmanageable debt just so that you can stay in a more luxurious hotel or fly business class.
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Decide the length of your trip
The next step is to decide how long you want to spend in Hawaii. Generally, the average vacation stay is around 7 days, although some families choose to extend this if they can afford to do so.
If you would like to visit more than one island, then ideally you should book between 10-14 days as this will enable you to make the most out of each location without feeling like you are being rushed out or missing out on key attractions.
It is also important to remember that it takes a few days to adjust to the different time zone which can impact the first few days of your trip.
Choose which island to visit
Hawaii comprises a whopping 137 islands but only 8 of these are considered to be main islands and these are where most tourists decide to go.
The most popular Hawaiian islands are:
Oahu
Oahu is the most popular and most-visited island in Hawaii and is a great choice for families. Home to the city of Honolulu, Oahu offers the winning combination of city and beach life.
If you do not want to rent a car, this island is by far the easiest one to get around, with an abundance of shops, restaurants, and activities within walking distance.
Maui
Maui is known for being a popular Hawaiian island for honeymooners but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good choice for families as well. With lots of beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and forests, this is a great island for anyone who loves to explore natural beauty.
There are many first-class resorts in Maui and a wide selection of shops, restaurants, and local attractions.
Big Island
Big Island is the youngest island in Hawaii and boasts more lava landscapes than other popular locations. This is the island for families that want to see an active volcano.
You can also enjoy white sand beaches, exciting water activities such as night snorkeling with manta rays, and amazing hiking trails.
Kauai
Kauai, also known as The Garden Isle, is the greenest of all the Hawaiian islands, with jagged cliffs, multi-colored canyons, and stunning waterfalls.
Much less developed than Maui and Oahu, Kauai is a good choice for families who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and be one with nature.
Book your accommodation
When it comes to accommodation, there is a lot of choice in Hawaii, with hotels, resorts, condos, hostels, and more.
If you are planning to stay for more than one week, then consider renting a condo rather than booking a hotel as this can save you money on eating out and offers a more relaxed stay. There are many stunning condos, some of which offer resort facilities such as swimming pools and beachfront locations.
Check out the best Maui condos for rent here, with options to suit a wide range of budgets and family sizes.
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Search for the best flight deals
The earlier you can book your flights to Hawaii, the better, with lots of amazing early bird deals to be had. Also, make sure that you take the time to look for the best deals online and always delete your cookies before searching again.
Signing up for a flight comparison website such as Skyscanner can be beneficial, as these will give you the best flight prices on any given day if you can, try to be flexible with flight times and dates, as this can also help you to save money.
