How to enjoy vacation in Hawaii

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By Kathymcbain
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Hawaiian Vacation

Hawaii is paradise, it's true. In Hawaii, we enjoy sunny days and balmy nights, palm trees swaying in the breeze, some of the most scenic and beautiful places on earth, and an amazing diverse culture of people from around the world. If you're planning to visit the beautiful islands of Hawaii, these tips will help you to maximize your enjoyment of our beautiful islands.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Spend time planning the things that you want to do before you come. Look up activities that you are interested in doing and make a list of the things you want to do and the cost. In many cases, you can make reservations before you arrive, but don't pack your days so full that you won't have time to try things you only learn about when you are in Hawaii.
Step 2

Don't plan anything beyond hanging out at the beach on your first day. Depending on where you are coming from, you may be adjusting to a large change in time and you'll certainly have had the pleasure of at least a 5 hour plane ride to get here. You'll probably wake up your first morning at 3:00 am, after having slept 3 or 4 hours. Don't plan to tackle the island the first day or you'll end up tired and crabby...or sick.
Step 3

Locals on the island flash one another a hand signal that means "hang loose." It's a way of life on the Hawaiian Islands. That means that unless you are eating at 5-star restaurants in the top resorts, chances are that things may move a bit slower than what you are used to. Relax, enjoy the scenery and a different way of life. There's no point in trying to change the way things are and if you are ready for things to move a little slower, you'll enjoy yourself a lot more.
Step 4

When exploring the islands, if you see a No Trespassing sign, pay attention to it. You may have read a guide book that tells you that you can ignore No Trespassing signs, but it's not wise to do so. It may look like open land and there may something beyond the land that you'd like to see but if there is a sign that means the land belongs to someone and has probably been in their family for many years. You wouldn't want tourists trekking across your land at home - show Hawaiians the same respect. Hawaiians are the most accepting, kind, people that I've ever met as long as you respect them and the island they will show you the same in return.
Step 5

Know that all beaches in Hawaii are owned by the state and are public access. That means that anyone is free to go to them. If you want to explore a beach at a different resort, you are free to do so. The chairs belong to the resort and they can ask you to stay off them if you are not a guest (although I have never seen them do it). Remember step 4, don't go across private property to get to the beach. Find a place that allows public access and then walk along the coast. Some of the best beaches are actually part of exclusive resort communities. You can drive into them and tell the security guard you want beach access - they will let you through.
Step 6

Take the time to look for out of the way places. Helicopter tours, luaus, and whale watching tours are fun but the Hawaiian Islands are so much more than that. Some of the most spectacular places on the Island are not advertised very much. Visit a site like www.konaweb.com and talk to the locals on the forum. They'll be glad to give you some ideas of out of the way places to visit.
Step 7

Be realistic about what you can do. Yes, you will be on an island, and yes, they are relatively small but it can still take a long time to get from one place to another and the sun sets early in Hawaii. If you aren't used to constant sunshine, that can make you tired faster as well. You'll want to have some down time to relax and lay out by the beach.
Step 8

Take time time to eat at a restaurant or two that locals frequent. The resorts in Hawaii offer some world class restaurants, but since you are here anyway you might as well find and try some local fare. Find a place where you can order a plate lunch - so ono!!
Step 9

Expect to have a relaxing and enjoyable vacation and you will. Things might not go exactly as planned but that's okay - no worries, as we say on the islands. Relax, have fun, and hang loose!