Aloha Bruce offers some keen local insight into “Basic Hawaii vacation planning 101”. Calls and emails and messages with questions from savvy travelers have been pouring in lately. Bruce offers his insider’s take on what is most important when booking a Hawaii vacation.

Demand is high, Bruce says, and it is only going to grow as we roll into the summer holiday season. “Time is running out, and availability is getting really, really tight.” We expect international travel to Hawaii to surge.. The time to book is now. The number of available rooms and rentals decreases as demand soars.

Bruce shares real-time pricing for a 5-day Maui vacation for two from Atlanta in the coming weeks, and the numbers will startle you. “Make sure you have a realistic budget.” That’s one of the most important parts of basic Hawaii vacation planning 101. So is knowing what you want. “Don't confuse your islands.

You need to budget your time, not just your money. Bruce talks about how to consider Hawaii’s four major islands of Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island (the Big Island), and Kauai. “I would pick just one island and go with it." For a full, "immersive experience,” says our host of a typical 5-day stay.

This leads to key factors to consider for “island-hopping” or visiting more than one island. Visiting the islands of Molokai and Lanai requires a lot, as they offer limited, exclusive, and frankly expensive accommodations.

When you island-hop, Bruce notes, “Make sure you understand that it’s a travel day.” Timing your itinerary is vital when considering basic Hawaii vacation planning 101. Too many Hawaii visitors want a multi-island Hawaii vacation and don’t understand the actual pricing they face. And the cheapest option isn’t always the best option. “We want you to have a good time! We’re really doing this every day.”

Next, Bruce will discuss transportation during a Hawaii vacation. He notes that Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai have limited and expensive taxi and rideshare services. "Getting started with basic Hawaii vacation planning 101 is tough," says Bruce.. He explains the importance of booking well in advance to take advantage of always-changing discounts and incentives.

Bruce will be off on his own Hawaii vacation for his upcoming birthday, which will involve waterfall rappelling. Also, other adventures that will surely make their way onto the next Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. “Give me a buzz!” Bruce says. “You know who to call.”

Choose the right time to visit

The peak tourist season in Hawaii is from December to April, when the weather is warm and sunny. During this time, airfare and accommodation prices are at their highest. To save money, consider visiting Hawaii during the off-season. May to November is when prices are lower. Also, the weather is still pleasant as part of your Hawaii vacation plans.

Book your flights in advance

Booking your flights in advance can help you save a significant amount of money. If you are flexible with your travel dates, consider traveling midweek, as flights are cheaper on weekdays. Most people can't do that. Bruce suggests giving Hawaii Aloha Travel a call and speaking to one of our advisors.

Island Hopping

To travel between the Hawaiian Islands, you must fly. No bridges or tunnels connect the islands. The only way to move from one island to another is by air. There are 3 main carriers that offer inter-island flights; Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest, and Mokolele. These flights are relatively short. Flights typically take only 30 minutes to an hour, and offer stunning aerial views of the Hawaiian Islands. When planning an island-hopping trip, booking your flights in advance is important to ensure availability and secure the best prices. Remember that flying between islands can add to the overall cost of your trip. Be sure to factor this into your budget when making youur Hawaiian vacation plans.

Opt for budget-friendly accommodations.