Hawaii is a fabulous place to travel for any purpose: family vacation with kids, a trip with friends, or ultimate escape for your hоneymoon. The islands have everything that you can dream about! Unbelievable beautiful sandy beaches, hikes to waterfalls, extreme activities, restaurants for any taste and budget, and much more awaits you in Hawaii. If you are planning your first trip to Hawaii and want to make sure to have the best vacation possible, we are here for you to share the most essential tips for Hawaii first-timers.
Tip 1. Stay on Oahu
Hawaii is a destination you’ll no doubt want to visit more than once. And our tip number one is to stay oh Oahu for the first time. Other islands are gorgeous with a lot to explore, indeed. However, Oahu is the most popular Hawaiian island, as well as the cheapest. Moreover, there are tons of attractions, activities, great food, and shopping. If you are a big fan of beaches then we recommend choosing Oahu. Since there are some of the most beautiful and easy-to-access beaches. A huge plus is that Oahu beaches offer a great variety of surf spots with waves for people of any surfing level.
If you are looking for calmness and privacy you better consider less crowded beaches in Maui. The beaches in Maui, particularly in Wailea, have amazing beaches with sandy bottoms. They’ve been rated some of the best beaches in the USA! The Big Island has the fewest beaches and isn’t a good choice for you if bumming around the beach is on your “must” list.
Tip 2. Eat Local Food
No matter which island you choose-try the local food when you visit Hawaii for the first time. Do not miss the chance to have the real Hawaiian experience and enjoy delicious local food. The cuisine of Hawaii includes five distinct styles of food, reflecting the diverse food history of settlement and immigration in the Hawaiian Islands. Here is a list of our favorite food you need to try in Hawaii: Hawaiian Poke, Loco Moco, Hawaiian Acai Bowl, Kalua pig, and Laulau. If you want to learn more about all these dishes – read our article about food in Hawaii. Also give the local macadamia nuts a chance – it’s an incredible treat.
Tip 3. Explore Hikes
Tip number 3 is to explore as many hikes as possible! That’s a great opportunity to see the real Hawaii from “inside” and enjoy unparalleled breathtaking views! Hawaii can offer a great variety of hikes: family and dog-friendly hikes, the trails with the most beautiful views, and of course hikes for adrenaline junkies! But please be sure to stay focused, smart, and prepared for the challenging hikes—they can be quite dangerous and exhausting. Before going on any hike, it is very important to check the weather. If there is a possibility of rain it is better to postpone a hike to a sunny dry day.
Tip 4. Go on a Circle Island Tour
Last but not least – take a tour with us on Oahu! You can visit popular attractions including Pearl Harbor, the Dole Plantation, Haleiwa, and the North Shore area with the Banzai pipeline, Sharks cove, and the gorgeous eastern coastlines.
Along the way there, you can visit the Byodo In Temple and the stunning beaches at Lanikai and Kailua beach. You can also take an advantage of a private tour and enjoy privacy with the best guide on the island! You can customize the private tour and choose from more than 30 locations to visit! Decide as you go or set up your route before you start the tour – or just let our experienced tour guide show you the best spots on the island while you lean back and relax.
INSIDER TIP: be aware that certain sunscreens are banned in Hawaii! Some varieties of sunscreen can harm the environment, while others are considered reef-safe sunscreen. Read our article about Reef Safe Sunscreen in Hawaii to keep the biosphere safe for future generations to visit.
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