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How to Plan Your Hawaiian Vacation

February 24, 2023/0 Comments/in Hawaii, Things to do, Vacation Rentals/by Alice Hughes

A trip to Hawaii is a dream vacation for many, and if you have already been here, you would want to return. The tropical paradise, with its breathtaking nature and unique culture, is on many people’s vacation lists. However, how you plan your vacation to Hawaii can significantly alter its outcome.

In this blog post, we share several tips on making the most of your trip by planning ahead and turning your Hawaiian vacation from good to great.

Choose the best time to go

There is never a wrong time to visit Hawaii. The climate is perfect year-round, and the great beaches and beautiful blue ocean are always here. However, there are some nuances in timing worth noting.

Like any popular tourist destination, Hawaii has busy and shoulder seasons. The busiest time is winter, from December through April, when many people escape the cold weather on the mainland. Another busy season is summertime, when the kids are out of school, and families take their vacation time.

Seasoned travelers usually pick the shoulder seasons, May through mid-June or September through mid-October, when there are fewer crowds and airfare and accommodations costs are lower. In addition, you have to consider holidays and significant events when choosing your timing, when tons of visitors come to the islands, and the travel costs are at their highest. You may have trouble finding decent accommodations or renting a car during these times. Here are some examples:

Christmas and New Year
Valentine’s Day
Golden Week
Golden Week (from the end of April to the beginning of May) is when people in Japan have four-holiday breaks without work. Hawaii is the favorite vacation destination for the Japanese, and it may get crowded this week.
Ironman
The Ironman international Triathlon Championship is held on the Big Island every mid-October, bringing athletes and their supporters from all over the world.

Weather-wise, the winters are cooler, with more rain, which can be more suitable for people with low heat tolerance. Winter also brings bigger swells, so if you are into surfing, that is a better time to come. The ocean is warm and mellow during summertime, perfect for snorkeling and frolicking on the beach.

Think about what you want to get out of your vacation and what you want to do, and pick the best time to visit based on that.

Decide on which islands to visit

All Hawaiian islands are great to visit but deliver a different experience. For example, Oahu offers more busy time with shopping and nightlife; Maui has excellent beaches, though it is pretty overcrowded; Kuai has beautiful nature and is very quaint. But, of course, the Big Island has the best combination – great beaches, wide open spaces, and plenty of things to see, explore, and do, some of which you can only find on the Big Island, like visiting the Mauna Kea summit or seeing active volcanoes. It also has the most historical places to see, should that interest you.

You may also choose to visit several islands in one trip. In that case, plan your interisland travel ahead of time and check out airlines like Mokulele and Southwest for airfares.

Pick the best accommodations

Hawaii is a paradise, but not all locations on the island are created equal. Especially if you are visiting for the first time, we strongly recommend researching the area where you will stay. If you choose to visit the Big Island (as we hope you will), keep in mind that the island is Big and has 11 of the 13 climate zones, so if you see a cheap vacation rental somewhere on Craigslist in the hills above Kona, you may end up having rain every day, which is not what most people come to Hawaii for.

The best microclimate on the island is on Kohala Coast, which is why people call it the Gold Coast. With mostly sunny weather and very little rain, it is also home to the island’s best white sand beaches and luxury resorts. You can stay near the ocean, like in Waikoloa Beach or Mauna Lani resorts, where it is a little warmer. If you prefer a slightly cooler climate, book a place on a higher elevation, like Wai’ula’ula in Mauna Kea Resort.

Since hotel prices have skyrocketed in the last few years, the best accommodation is a vacation rental condo or private house. Not only will it cost less, but you will also get more space, a full kitchen to cook your own meals, and everything you need to have a great vacation. It is like having your own vacation home in Hawaii with the flexibility to pick and choose the location for every specific trip.

There are plenty of options close to the beach, on the golf course, or right next to dining and entertainment. Click here to see some of them.

Rent a car

Many of our guests ask us if they should rent a car when coming to the island, and the answer is always a resounding Yes! Even if you are staying in a resort where everything is seemingly a walking distance from your condo, you may find out that, in reality, it is not so close to walk to the beach or the nearest grocery store. The island is big (hence the name Big Island), and everything is very spread out. If you are staying in one of the Kohala Coast Resorts like Waikoloa Beach Resort, Mauna Lani, Hapuna, or Mauna Kea, you will be away from major population centers, which may be a good thing for vacationers on the one hand, but not so good if you need to do some shopping outside the resorts or run some other errands.

If you plan to explore the island and experience its breathtaking natural beauty, having a car is a must. Also, the resorts, although relatively close, are not connected to each other (except for some hiking trails), so you cannot just stroll to an adjacent resort if you want to have dinner in one of the restaurants there.

Secondly, you should book your car well ahead of time. We occasionally have car rental shortages, so it pays to plan in advance. Besides usual rental companies, you can check car rental sites like Turo, which offer a lot of great options.

And lastly, make sure that the vehicle you rent will meet your needs. For example, if you are coming with your family and would like to stop by Costco on the way from the airport, make sure your car will fit your passengers, luggage, and groceries comfortably.

Plan your activities ahead of time, but don’t overthink it

If you have specific activities in mind, book them ahead of time because they may sell out and not be available once you get on the island. However, don’t over plan it. You want your vacation to be pleasant, relaxing, and fun, and not have to take a vacation from your vacation when you come back.

Choose a couple of activities you want to do for sure, book them, and let the rest flow. And if you don’t do everything you wanted – more reasons to return to the island!

Bring the right clothing

As mentioned earlier, the island has 11 climate zones, so you will want to have suitable clothing depending on where you stay and what you want to do. Besides usual tropical wear, you may pack a light jacket, a sweater, or a rain jacket. Also, bring hiking shoes and clothes if planning to go hiking, and definitely some warm clothes for going to Mauna Kea summit because it is freezing up there!

Whatever style you choose, remember the Hang Loose! motto famous in Hawaii. You want to be comfortable and relaxed, enjoy yourself, and not worry about your outfits too much.

We hope these tips will help you plan your next vacation to Hawaii, and if you have any questions, let us know. We live here and will be happy to help!

Save on your Hawaii vacation rental

Remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.

We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!

How to Save Money on Your Hawaiian Vacation

November 4, 2022/0 Comments/in Hawaii, Things to do, Vacation Rentals/by Alice Hughes

Hawaii can be the vacation destination of a lifetime. Yet airfare, tour expenses, inter-island travel costs, and food and lodging costs may financially put a trip to the Aloha State out of reach, especially during inflation. However, with careful planning and money-saving tips, you can save hundreds of dollars per person, and your dream vacation can be within your grasp.

Here are seven practical tips for saving money on your Hawaii vacation while still enjoying yourself.

Plan Ahead

The cheapest airfares are usually the first to sell out, so the closer to vacation time you buy your tickets, the more you spend. Give yourself a lead time of several months to allow you to research and reserve the best deals. Planning your vacation for Hawaii’s off-peak seasons – mid-April to mid-June and September to mid-December – saves money and allows you to take advantage of Hawaii’s best weather. Flying on non-weekend days (Monday through Thursday) typically saves you money wherever your destination is.

Stay in a Vacation Rental

Vacation rentals can be an affordable option for those looking to save on their vacations.

In a vacation rental condo with a kitchen, you can cook some of your own meals. Not only is this a great way to save money, but it’s also a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions.

Vacation rental condos often have “extras” such as toiletries, beach gear, everyday kitchen items, and more. Many vacation rentals also have a washer and dryer, saving money since you don’t have to pack as much. Less luggage = fewer bag fees!

Of course, there are vacation rentals for every budget, but it’s possible to stay in a nice vacation rental in a resort for less than a hotel at the same resort. For example, most of our vacation rentals are located within the best Kohala Coast resorts, just minutes from the beach and all the luxury resorts’ amenities.

Get a Rental Car

It might seem counterproductive to say to spend more money upfront by getting a car, but you really need a rental car in Hawaii, especially on the Big Island. Most of Hawaii does not have good public transportation, so getting around by Uber or Lyft (if available) will add up. You can do so much more on your own (and avoid expensive tours) if you have a rental car.

You can rent a car at the same time when booking your flight to save on a bundle or check out car rental apps like Turo.

Go to the Beach

Paying for tours every day of your vacation adds up fast and can make you feel harried and rushed. Instead, save money and slow the pace by taking a day or two to hang out at the beach. Every one of Hawaii’s beaches is free and open to the public. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent for much less than a boat tour. You can also rent surfboards and boogie boards or purchase an inexpensive raft. Add a beach umbrella, sunscreen, and a sandcastle, and you have the makings of an inexpensive, relaxing day on the seashore.

Plan Your Splurges

You are going to spend money on a Hawaii vacation; there is no way around it. One way to ensure you stay within budget is to plan your splurges.

Want to take a helicopter tour? Have a beach day before or after (free or cheap!) to make up for the difference. Want to plan a dinner at a nice restaurant? Do your research first because not all pricey restaurants are worth it. When you do find the perfect restaurant to splurge, cook the rest of your meals for the day yourself or book a tour for the day that includes food so that you don’t have to worry about the rest of your meals.

Take Advantage of Happy Hour

You can save quite a bit by finding the best happy hours in town! Not only will you save on drinks, but you can often get appetizers and even meals during happy hour at a reduced rate. Many resort restaurants and bars offer happy hours, and you can find some of them here.

Shop where locals shop

When buying groceries, don’t go to the resort groceries store. They are usually the most expensive on the island. Find out where locals shop and go there. If you plan on staying in one of the Kohala Coast resorts, the best option for groceries is KTA Superstore in Waikoloa Village. It is only a few minutes drive up the hill from Waikoloa Beach Resort, but the trip will be worth your time. There is also Costco in Kona, not far from the airport, so you can stock up on groceries when you arrive. Here is when the rental car and a vacation rental come in handy with a kitchen and full-size refrigerator.

There are also a few good farmers’ markets on the island where you can get fresh produce, breads, and local artisan goods at affordable prices.

Take advantage of the free activities

Often, local shopping centers hold free entertainment and cultural events to bring in the public. You can check their websites under the events schedule to see what is coming up and if that would be something you would like to see. Here are some suggestions:

Kings’ Shops
Queen’s Marketplace
The Shops at Mauna Lani

We hope you enjoyed these tips on how to save money on your next Hawaii vacation. If you have anything to share, please add it in the comments below!

Save on your Hawaii vacation rental

Remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.

We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!

This Important New Year’s Resolution Often Gets Overlooked

January 6, 2022/0 Comments/in Hawaii, Things to do, Vacation Rentals/by Alice Hughes

Aloha and Happy New Year!

It is the beginning of the new year, which is usually the time when we make our new year’s resolutions. With health and wellness being in primary focus for the last two years, it is common for us to set up goals like improving our diets, losing some weight, or exercising more. These are all great, no doubt about that, but one important resolution that can significantly increase your overall well-being often gets overlooked: taking more vacations!

According to statistics, Americans only use 50% of vacation time allotted to them and are one of the most over-worked nations in the world. While pursuing higher productivity can bring more income, it takes a high toll on other parts of our lives like health, relationships, and, ironically, productivity! So, why are vacations so important? We explore it in this blog post.

Benefits of Vacationing

Vacations improve physical health

We all know by now that chronic stress can contribute to heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health problems associated with a so-called metabolic syndrome. Taking regular vacations could help reduce the risk for metabolic syndrome – a cluster of health issues including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess belly fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels. These symptoms raise the risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. In one study, researchers found that those who vacationed more frequently were less likely to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. Notably, the risk went down by a quarter with each additional vacation taken. Overall, people who take more yearly vacations are less likely to die from any cause, including heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems.

Magic Sands Beach

Vacations improve mental health and help reduce stress

Chronic exposure to stress can also alter your brain structure and bring on anxiety and depression. When you take a vacation, feelings of calm arise and relieve stress, which allows the body and mind to heal in ways that it couldn’t if it were still under pressure. Taking time off helps reduce stress by removing people from the activities and environments they associate with anxiety.

Vacations increase mindfulness

Another benefit of changing your environment and breaking the routine is that it makes you feel more present and stimulated. One study has shown that meditation and vacations appear to have overlapping effects. The report found that both meditation exercises and vacationing were associated with higher levels of well-being and increased mindfulness.

Vacations boost happiness

Research shows planning a vacation can boost your happiness. Some people experience an elevated mood up to eight weeks before the trip.

Vacations increase mental motivation and creativity

Many who return from vacation are more focused and productive. Studies have found that chronic stress can make it difficult to achieve certain tasks and cause memory problems. Taking time off can be like getting a tune-up for the brain, improving your mental health and cognition. Additionally, when our brains are exposed to new languages, new sights, new sounds, and new cultures, it revitalizes our minds and boosts our creativity in the long run.

Vacations improve sleep

Lack of sleep is a common complaint – often stemming from the fact that we have too much on our minds. Researchers say that time off from work can help interrupt the habits that disrupt sleep, like working late into the night or checking your cell phone before bed. Another reason your sleep improves while on holiday and extends after your return is that a new bed helps you dissociate from your negative sleep patterns back home.

Vacations improve relationships

Spending time enjoying life with family and loved ones can keep relationships strong. One study found that women who took vacations were more satisfied with their marriages, and we all know the saying: Happy wife, happy life! In addition, vacations create opportunities for families and couples alike to really be present for each other, bond and spend quality time together.

Vacations decrease burnout and increase the payout

Employees who take regular time to relax are less likely to experience burnout, making them more creative and productive than their overworked, under-rested counterparts.

Research has found that workers who take more vacation time consistently receive better scores on their end-of-the-year performance reviews. The boost is nearly 10 percent! Compared to workers who didn’t take time off, vacationers also tend to be happier with their jobs and stick around long-term.

Golfer at Hapuna Golf Course

Vacations Can Make You a Better Boss

Vacation benefits are not only reserved for employees. Bosses need them more than anyone else. Nearly 85 percent of executives surveyed for a study said that they had canceled a vacation because they couldn’t get away from work. In the long term, this kind of behavior hurts the company. When bosses take time off, they return with more creativity and can think about the company’s future more clearly.

We hope that we inspired you and motivated you to start planning your next vacation now! But if you are still having thoughts like “I just can’t take any time off work now” or “Vacations are too expensive,” think about how much you, your family, and, yes, your work will benefit from it.

Self-care is not a luxury; it is a necessity, and sometimes you just have to recharge your batteries. And the more you put in, the more you have to give to others. So, say hello to a healthier, happier, and more productive life, and book your tickets now!

Save on your Hawaii vacation rental

Remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.

We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!