Hawaii

by Smartrippers

A complete and free guide to prepare your trip to Hawaii

Follow the different steps and let us guide you!

Of all the places in the world that we have discovered, Hawaii remains our favorite destination, both for its beauty and its diversity! It is a small paradise where life is good, in the heart of a rich tropical vegetation and a protected ecosystem. You will have understood, we fell in love with Hawaii! We have been lucky enough to get married there and to spend more than a hundred days there since 2017.

But now let's talk about you, your travel plans to Hawaii. We will guide you through the different steps to help you design and prepare the trip of your dreams.

1

I learn about the destination

Let's start with a selection of articles to learn more about Hawaii…

Between sea, jungle, mountains, wildlife and volcanoes, here are 10 reasons that will make you want to discover Hawaii!
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2

I plan the period, duration and budget of my trip

Now let's look at how to define the outline of your trip. Estimate your budget and determine the period and dates of your travel.

Everything you need to know to choose the best time to go to Hawaii: surfing, snorkeling, lounging, hiking, weather, crowds...
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Everything you need to know about budgeting for your trip to Hawaii and planning for all the expenses once you get there.
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Our complete guide to help you prepare and plan your trip to Hawaii step by step with lots of tips and tricks.
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Knowing the weather in Hawaii will help you find the best period to discover the islands.
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3

I define my route

Now let's go deeper into the planning of your trip. Here are different articles to help you determine your itinerary to fit your desires and not miss anything.

Our comprehensive guide to help you select the islands according to your desires and estimate the duration.
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Find the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii with our feedback and tips for enjoying them.
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Our feedback from our first 3-week trip in Hawaii in 2017
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4

I book my flights, accommodations and rental cars

Let's get down to business! It's time to make your reservations and we will help you make the best choices.

From camping to luxury hotels, find our accommodation suggestions and the best places to stay in Hawaii.
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We give you all our tips to save money on your rental car in Hawaii and not fall into the traps.
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5

I prepare my program

Your trip to Hawaii is taking shape! All that's left to do is to plan your days. We have over 20 guidebooks and as many hikes articles that list everything you can see in Hawaii. You can use the clickable maps by selecting an area of your choice, or you can browse our list of guidebooks and hikes for each island.

Big Island
Big Island is the newest and largest island in Hawaii. With its active volcanoes and peaks over 4200m, Big Island offers an incredible diversity of landscapes. It is also one of the few places in the world where you can swim with Manta Rays!
Kauai
Kauai, also known as the Garden Island, is known to be the most beautiful of the Hawaiian Islands and its reputation lives up to what awaits you there! Vertiginous cliffs, lush jungle and wild beaches... Kauai is also a little paradise for hikers.
Maui
Maui is fascinating! With its lush jungle, dozens of waterfalls, countless beaches and a majestic volcano, Maui offers a beautiful range of diversity and scenery.
Oahu
The most famous of the Hawaiian Islands is also the most urbanized. From Waikiki to Pearl Harbor, Oahu's fame is well known! It is also a very pleasant island to discover for its impressive relief and the many activities it offers.
6

I book my excursions and activities

Don't forget to book your activities in advance, and make them part of your program. For this we offer a selection of tours and excursions that you can enjoy. The excursions with a small thumb are the ones we have tested and approved. They are also the most popular. Don't hesitate to make your reservations directly from our site, the reservation form is the same as when you go directly to the company, except that we get a small commission which allows us to offer you all the content of this site for free and without advertising!

Manta rays snorkel or dive
Big Island
Manta rays snorkel or dive
The must-do Big Island excursion! Come aboard a comfortable boat (12p max) with Kona Ocean Adventures to observe the aquatic sweep of the manta rays (harmless) that come to brush against you at nightfall. An unforgettable experience to do at least once in your life!
From $199
Book
AirVan flight over Kauai
Kauai
AirVan flight over Kauai
More comfortable, less polluting and much less expensive than a helicopter, opt for a flight over Kauai with Wings Over Kauai in a small passenger plane that can accommodate 2 to 6 passengers. The Grand Deluxe Tour (65 minutes) will take you to the most beautiful landscapes, beaches and hidden waterfalls of Kauai. Cocooning on board with drinks, music and souvenir photo!
From $149
Book
Private flight over Kauai in a Cessna
Kauai
Private flight over Kauai in a Cessna
Fancy a romantic flight? Opt for a private flight over Kauai with Wings Over Kauai aboard a Cessna (3 passengers max). The program includes the Grand Deluxe Tour of Kauai (65 minutes) to discover the most beautiful landscapes, beaches and hidden waterfalls of Kauai. Cocooning on board with drinks, music, helmets to chat with the pilot and souvenir photo.
From $160
Book
Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook)
Big Island
Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook)
Take a relaxing exploration of Kealakekua Bay's marine life. Board a comfortable boat (8p max) to discover the most beautiful snorkeling spot on the Big Island and learn more about Hawaiian geology and history. On board, fresh fruits, snacks, drinks and hot shower!
From $245
Private helicopter flight over Kauai
Kauai
Private helicopter flight over Kauai
Enjoy a private helicopter flight over Kauai with Ali'i Air Tours & Charters. You will be alone with the pilot, in a small and agile helicopter, each person facing a window with the possibility to choose a flight with or without doors! Duration 60 minutes, 3 passengers maximum.
359$
7

I leave and use the interactive map to find my way

Don't leave without locating on the map all the points of interest that might interest you! This map will also allow you to identify the places around you. You can use the filters to refine your selection.

8

Bonus!

You are now in the bonus section. Here we tell you about our experience feedbacks or unusual things...

In 2017 we discovered Hawaii for the first time. Here are our feelings after our 3 weeks in the islands.
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