July 23, 2025 • 31 mins
Navigating Hawaii Travel in 2025-2026: Timing, Costs, and Tips
In this episode of Hawaii Travel Made Easy, Marcie provides an in-depth Hawaii travel guide on planning a Hawaii vacation in 2025 and 2026, emphasizing the shifting Hawaii travel landscape post-2019. This essential Hawaii vacation planning guide is perfect for first-time Hawaii visitors and experienced travelers planning their Hawaiian Islands adventure.
She discusses the best times to visit Hawaii, considering the changes in Hawaii peak season and off-peak seasons, and provides realistic cost estimates for Hawaii vacation flights, accommodations, Hawaii car rentals, food, and Hawaii activities. This comprehensive Hawaii travel guide shares strategies for finding Hawaii travel deals, flexibility in Hawaii vacation planning, and Hawaii travel tips for managing crowds during your Hawaii vacation.
Perfect for Hawaii family travel and budget-conscious travelers, Marcie offers universal Hawaii travel tips for making the most of a Hawaiian vacation regardless of the timing, stressing the importance of realistic expectations and Hawaiian culture respect. Essential for Hawaii vacation planning in the current travel environment and maximizing your Hawaiian Islands experience.
Learn insider Hawaii travel tips for navigating 2025 Hawaii travel trends, costs, and timing for your perfect Hawaii vacation.
00:00 Welcome to Hawaii Travel Made Easy
01:38 Understanding the New Travel Landscape
04:33 Peak vs. Off-Peak Seasons in 2025-2026
07:15 Budgeting for Your Hawaii Vacation
12:42 Crowd Management Strategies
15:28 Weather and Seasonal Activities
18:42 Booking Strategies for Flights and Hotels
25:18 Avoiding Common Travel Mistakes
28:21 Final Tips and Encouragement
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Blog posts related to this podcast
- The Best Times to Visit Hawaii with Kids: Weather, Crowds, and Prices
- Best Time to Visit Hawaii: A Month-by-Month Breakdown
- When is the Worst Time to Visit Hawaii?
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:01):
Aloha and welcome back to HawaiiTravel Made Easy.
I'm Marcy, your go-to guide forplanning stress-free
Unforgettable Hawaii Vacations.
If you're here, you're probablywondering what's the best time
to visit the islands?
And honestly, this question hasgotten way more complicated in
the past few years.
The Hawaii travel landscape haschanged completely since 2019,
(00:22):
and what used to be predictableseasonal patterns have been
turned upside down.
Maybe you're wondering, should Igo during summer when the kids
are outta school, even thoughthat means dealing with crowds
and higher prices, or should Iwait for those traditionally
quieter months, like May orSeptember when costs used to
drop significantly?
But will they actually becheaper anymore?
(00:43):
Here's the thing.
I've been helping families planHawaii vacations for years and
2025 and 2026 is unlike any yearI've seen before.
Hotel prices have hit recordhighs.
Airlines have completelyrestructured their Hawaii
routes, and the whole concept ofpeak versus off peak season is
evolving in ways that mightsurprise you.
(01:04):
Today we're gonna break downeverything you need to know
about timing your Hawaiivacation in 2025 and 2026.
I'll give you the real scoop oncosts.
Crowds weather and what'sactually happening in the Hawaii
tourisms of market right now.
We'll talk about which monthsstill offer the best deals when
you should absolutely avoidtraveling, and most importantly,
how to plan an amazing Hawaiivacation regardless of when you
(01:26):
decide to go, if you're tryingto decide when to book your
Hawaii trip and wanna make sureyou're making the best choice
for your family and your budget,this episode is definitely for
you.
Before we jump into peak versusoff peak seasons, I need to give
you some context about what'shappening in Hawaii right now
because the travel landscape hasfundamentally shifted.
(01:46):
Okay, first, here's somethingthat might shock you.
Hawaii is actually seeing adecline in visitors during what
used to be peak season summer.
Hawaii is actually seeing adecline in visitors during what
used to be peak summer season.
The islands haven't reached 10million annual visitors since
2019, and the Hawaii TourismAuthority is projecting that
(02:07):
2025 will still be well belowpre pandemic levels.
Now you might be thinking,great, this means fewer crowds
for me.
And yes, in some ways that'strue, but it's also created some
unexpected challenges thataffect when and how you should
plan your trip.
So here's the reality check.
Hawaii now officially has thehighest average hotel rates in
(02:28):
the entire United States.
We're talking an average of$364per night before taxes and fees,
and that's just the average onMaui.
The average is over$540 pernight before you add that 18%
hotel tax, the Hawaii charges.
So when I see articles from afew years ago talking about$200
to$250 per night for off-peaktravel.
(02:50):
I have to tell you, those daysare basically gone.
Even budget hotels in Hawaii arestill averaging over$230 per
night.
Now, the airline situation hascompletely changed too.
Hawaiian Airlines merged withAlaska Airlines, which has
resulted in significant routechanges.
Southwest Airlines has scaledback their Hawaii services,
(03:11):
meaning fewer budget options formainland travelers.
And here's what's really wild.
Even during traditionally peakweeks, you can sometimes find
round trip flights from LosAngeles to Honolulu for as slow
as$225.
But then other times, these sameroutes can cost over$800 with
very little predictability.
Hawaii is also consideringadditional visitor fees,
(03:32):
including a proposed green feeto help offset tourism's
environmental impact.
Combined with the already steep18% hotel tax, parking fees,
resort fees, and other hiddencosts, the total price of a
Hawaii vacation has gottensignificantly more expensive
across the board.
Here is why all this matters foryour vacation planning.
The old rules about when totravel and how much to budget
(03:54):
have changed.
Peak season doesn't always meanhigher prices anymore, and off
peak doesn't guarantee the dealsit used to.
The good news.
There are still ways to findgreat deals and have an amazing
Hawaii vacation, but you need toknow what you're looking for and
when to look for it.
The strategies that worked fiveyears ago, like booking exactly
X months in advance, ortraveling in specific months.
(04:16):
Aren't as reliable anymore.
Instead, you need to be moreflexible, more strategic, and
honestly more realistic aboutwhat a Hawaii vacation is gonna
cost in 2025 and 2026.
But don't worry, I'm gonna walkyou through exactly how to
navigate this new landscape.
So let's talk about what peakand off peak seasons actually
look like in 2025 and 2026,because they're not exactly what
(04:40):
you might expect.
Winter holidays, which ismid-December to early January,
this is still the most expensiveand crowded time to visit
Hawaii.
Nothing has changed here.
If you wanna spend Christmas orNew Year's in Paradise, you're
gonna pay premium prices anddeal with maximum crowds.
Spring break, which is mid-Marchto early April.
(05:00):
Here's where it getsinteresting.
Spring break used to be one ofthe most expensive times to
visit Hawaii, but that's notnecessarily the case anymore.
Hotels are struggling to fillrooms even during traditionally
busy periods, so you mightactually find some deals if
you're flexible with your dates.
Summer, June to August.
This is still busy, especiallywith families, but it's not the
(05:22):
pricing nightmare.
It used to be July and Auguststill draw crowds, but the
prices aren't automatically skyhigh like they were a few years
ago.
So what are the new off peaksweet spots?
Late April to early June.
This remains one of the besttimes to visit Hawaii.
The weather is fantastic.
Crowds are manageable, and youcan still find some reasonable
(05:43):
deals if you book strategically,September to mid-November.
This is still the golden window.
September and October have someof the best weather of the year
with warm ocean temperatures andfewer tourists.
November can be great too, aslong as you avoid the
Thanksgiving week rush.
And January after New Year's tomid-March.
(06:05):
This used to be considered peakseason, but LA tourism numbers
down January and February havebecome surprisingly good months
to visit.
The weather might be a bitcooler, but you'll have more
breathing room and potentiallybetter deals.
And here are some wild carmonths.
May is still one of the bestmonths to visit Hawaii.
Great weather, reasonablecrowds, and historically good
(06:27):
deals.
However, hotel availability canbe limited because everyone
knows May is great.
And December before the 15th,this used to be considered off
peak, but now it's become asweet spot for people who want
to avoid the holiday chaos, butstill enjoy good weather.
So what do you need to knowabout booking?
Well, here's the thing aboutthese seasons in 2025 and 2026,
(06:50):
the difference between peak andoff.
Peak pricing isn't as dramaticas it used to be.
You might save 20 to 30% bytraveling in off peak months
instead of the 50 to 60% savingspeople are used to seeing.
But here's what makes a hugedifference.
Flexibility.
If you can be flexible with yourdates within a given month, you
can often find significantlybetter deals than if you're
(07:13):
locked into specific weeks.
All right, let's talk money, andI'm gonna give you the real
numbers, not the outdatedfigures you might see in other
travel guides.
Here's what's wild about flightsto Hawaii right now, they're
completely unpredictable.
I've seen round trip flightsfrom the west coast to Honolulu
for as low as$225 during whatshould be peak season, and then
(07:34):
the next week, the same flightscost$750.
So what's a realistic flightbudget for 2025 and 2026?
Well, from the west coast,you're looking at 300 to$800
round trip, depending on timingand flexibility.
From the East coast, you'relooking at$500 to$1,200.
(07:54):
Round trip from the East Coast,you're looking at 500 to$1,200
round trip.
And from the Midwest you'relooking at 450 to$1,000 round
trip.
The key is using Google Flight'sprice tracking feature and being
flexible with your dates.
Sometimes shifting your trip byjust a few days can save you
hundreds of dollars.
Okay, let's do a hotel realitycheck.
(08:16):
Let me be brutally honest abouthotel costs, because this is
where most families get stickershock.
I'm gonna tell you about somecurrent average hotel rates
before taxes and fees for Oahu.
You're looking at$284 per nightaverage, but that can range from
150 for a budget hotel to$600 ormore.
(08:36):
For resorts on Maui, you'relooking at$544 per night
average, and this issignificantly higher due to
limited inventory post fires.
And on the big island, you'relooking at about$427 per night
average.
And on Kauai.
$423 per night average.
(08:57):
But here's what the numbersdon't tell you.
Hawaii has an 18% combined hoteltax, plus most hotels charge
resort fees of$25 to$50 pernight, plus parking fees of$15
to$30 per night.
So that$284 per night hotel onOahu.
You are actually paying closerto$380 to$400 per night after
(09:18):
all fees and taxes.
So what's the realistic hotelbudget for budget hotels and
condos?
Expect 200 to$300 per nighttotal mid-range hotels, about
400 to$600 per night total andluxury resorts, 700 to$1,500 or
more per night Total.
(09:38):
Car rental prices havestabilized somewhat from their
post pandemic highs, but they'restill significantly more
expensive than pre 2020.
So the current car rental ratesfor peak season is about 60 to
$120 per day, and off peakseason is about 40 to$80 per
day.
My pro tip is to book directlywith a rental car company or
discount Hawaii car rentals.
(09:59):
I'll drop the link in the shownotes and consider staying
somewhere accessible by publictransportation if you don't need
a car every day.
Okay.
How about food and activitycosts?
This is an area where costs haveincreased across the board, but
there are still ways to manageyour budget.
What is a realistic daily foodbudget in Hawaii?
Well, for the budget approach,this would be grocery shopping
(10:22):
and going to some restaurants.
You can probably expect ahundred dollars to$150 per day
for a family of four formid-range, which is a mix of
restaurants and casual dining,about 200 to$300 per day for a
family of four.
In splurge mode, that would beresort dining and fine dining
and fine restaurants.
Expect$400 or more per day for afamily of four.
(10:45):
How about those activity costs?
Well, there's lots of freeactivities like beaches, hiking,
sunset watching that is free.
There's paid activities likesnorkel, tours, luaus, and zip
lines, and those can range from$50 to$250 per person.
And then there's premiumexperiences.
Those would be helicopter rides,private tours, things like that.
(11:06):
You're looking at about$200 to$500 or more per person.
So what's a total trip costreality for a family of four,
planning a week long Hawaiivacation in 2025 or 2026.
Here's what you shouldrealistically budget for a
budget trip.
Expect 8,000 to$12,000 total.
(11:27):
Your flights would be about twoto$3,000.
Accommodations about 3,500 to$4,500.
Car rental, about 400 to$600 andfood and activities, about 2100
to$4,000.
For a mid-range trip, you'relooking at about 12,000 to
$18,000 total.
Your flights would be 2,500 to$4,000.
(11:49):
Accommodations would be 5,000 to$7,500, car rental, 500 to$800,
and food and activities, about4,000 to$6,000, and for a luxury
trip plan on 20 grand or moretotal.
So what are some money savingstrategies that actually work?
Number one, use flight pricealerts and be flexible with
(12:09):
dates.
Number two, consider vacationrentals or condos with kitchens.
Number three, book activitiesdirectly with operators rather
than through hotels.
Four, take advantage of happyhour specials and lunch portions
at restaurants.
Five, mix expensive activitieswith free ones, and six,
consider staying on Oahu, whichtends to be less expensive than
(12:30):
neighbor islands.
The bottom line, Hawaii isexpensive and has gotten more
expensive, but with realisticexpectations and smart planning,
you can still have an amazingvacation without going into
debt.
Okay, let's talk about crowds,because this is one area where
the current tourism decline isactually working in traveler's
favor Sometimes.
(12:50):
Even during traditionally busytimes, you're likely to find
more breathing room than youwould have in 2019, but fewer
crowds doesn't mean no crowds,especially at the most popular
attractions.
So what does peak season looklike now?
Waikiki Beach?
It's still busy, but notshoulder to shoulder packed
popular restaurants.
You'll still need reservations,but not weeks in advance.
(13:14):
Major attractions.
There are lines and crowds, buta bit more manageable and rental
cars are available, but youstill need to book in advance
for better rates.
What about off peak seasonadvantages?
This is where off peak travelreally shines in 2025 and 2026.
Popular hiking trails likeDiamond Head or Man Falls aren't
(13:34):
nearly as congested.
Beaches have plenty of spaceeven at the famous ones.
Restaurants are easier to bookoften with same day availability
and tours and activities havemore availability and sometimes
offer discounts.
Okay, so here's what stillrequires advanced planning.
Regardless of when you visit,these are the must book ahead
(13:55):
activities.
Hahan Bay reservations require48 hours in advance, and it's
about$25 per person.
Popular Luaus.
You need to book at least one totwo weeks ahead during any
season.
Helicopter rides and submarinetours often book up one to two
weeks ahead and higher endrestaurants you'll always wanna
reserve ahead of time.
(14:16):
But what are some last minutefriendly activities?
Most beaches, except for HanBay, of course.
Hiking trails.
You don't need reservations formost hikes, snorkel, gear
rentals, and casual dining.
Now let's compare island byisland for crowds.
Oahu is always the busiest, butalso has the most options for
avoiding crowds.
(14:37):
Maui is less crowded than usualdue to limited hotel inventory,
but prices are higher.
Big Island is great for avoidingcrowds, especially on the Kona
side, and Kauai is small andintimate, but popular spots can
get busy during peak times.
So what are my smart crowdavoidance strategies?
Number one, early morningactivities.
Start hiking or snorkeling byseven to 8:00 AM.
(14:59):
Number two, weekday visitsTuesday through Thursday are
consistently less crowded.
Number three, alternativebeaches.
Skip the famous ones for equallybeautiful, lesser known spots,
and number four shoulder hours.
Late afternoon, four to 6:00 PMis often quieter than midday.
The good news is that withtourism numbers still blow pre
(15:20):
pandemic levels.
You have a better chance offinding those magical uncrowded
moments even duringtraditionally busy seasons.
Okay.
One thing that hasn't changedabout Hawaii, the weather is
still pretty fantastic yearround, but there are definitely
seasonal differences that canimpact your vacation experience.
Okay.
The summer weather, which isJune through August, the good.
(15:43):
Its warmest, driest weather ofthe year.
It's perfect for snorkeling andbeach activities.
The ocean temperatures are attheir peak around 80 degrees
Fahrenheit, and there's lesschance of rain interrupting
outdoor plants.
But the considerations are thatUV rays are strongest and you'll
burn faster.
Trade winds can be lighter,making it feel hotter.
(16:05):
And hurricane season thoughdirect hits are rare, summertime
is best for beach lovers,snorkeling enthusiasts, and
families with young kids whowant predictable weather.
Okay.
Winter weather, which isDecember through February, the
good is the best time for whalewatching, which runs December
through April.
Big waves on the North shore,which is amazing for surfing
(16:26):
spectators, is slightly coolertemperatures for hiking and
there's fewer mosquitoes.
The considerations, there's morerain, especially on windward
sides of the island.
There's rougher ocean conditionson north facing beaches, and
there's cooler evenings whereyou might even need a light
jacket.
So winter is best for whalewatchers, surfers, and people
(16:47):
who want slightly coolertemperatures.
Okay, let's talk about springand fall, which are the sweet
spots.
Spring, which runs April throughMay, has fantastic weather with
warm days and cool evenings.
Ocean is warming up from thewinter.
There's less rain than winter,but occasional showers.
And there's a great balance ofsunny and comfortable in fall,
(17:08):
which runs September throughNovember is some of the best
weather of the year.
Ocean temperatures are stillwarm from summer, hurricane
season is ending, and it's theperfect balance of sunshine and
comfortable temperatures.
So what about some seasonalactivity considerations for
whale watching?
It runs December through Aprilonly, so if this is a priority
you have to visit during thesemonths for surfing, for
(17:32):
snorkeling.
This is best during summer whenocean conditions are calmest,
but doable year round on theleeward, which is south and west
sides of the islands.
Hiking is actually better duringslightly cooler months, which
would be October through Maywhen you won't overheat as
quickly.
Okay, let's talk about themicroclimate reality.
Here's something crucial.
Hawaii's weather variesdramatically across each island,
(17:54):
and it can be raining and hiloon the big island while it's
sunny and dry in Kona, just twohours away.
So what's the general rule?
The windward, which is the eastsides, has more rain, lush, and
green.
And the Lee word, which is thewest sides are drier and more
desert-like.
So even if the weather forecastshows rain, it might only be
affecting one part of theisland.
(18:15):
What's my weather related moneysaving tip?
Well, if you're flexible aboutactivities and don't mind
occasionally moving your plansaround based on weather, you can
often get last minute deals ontours and activities when
operators are trying to fillspots due to weather
cancellations elsewhere.
The bottom line.
Hawaii's weather is generallygreat year round, but
understanding seasonal patternscan help you choose the best
(18:37):
time for your specific interestsand activities.
Okay, let's get into thepractical stuff.
How to actually book your Hawaiivacation in today's market To
get the best deals andavailability.
Okay.
Your flight booking strategy,the old rule of book exactly six
to eight weeks in advancedoesn't work anymore.
Here's what does, here's the newapproach.
(18:59):
First, you're gonna set upGoogle flight price alerts two
to four months before you wannatravel.
You're gonna wanna be flexiblewith dates.
Sometimes shifting by two tothree days saves hundreds.
You're gonna consider flyinginto different airports,
sometimes Big Island or Kauai,or cheaper than Oahu.
You're gonna book one way ticketseparately because it's often
cheaper than roundtrip, andyou're gonna clear your browser
(19:21):
cookies between searches toavoid dynamic pricing.
Here's the timing that works.
For peak season travel, you'regonna wanna book three to four
months ahead for off peaktravel, you can often wait six
to eight weeks out and lastminute travel deals.
Sometimes they appear two tothree weeks before departure,
but it's risky.
There's also a hotel bookingstrategy with hotel struggling
(19:44):
to fill rooms despite highadvertised rates.
There are opportunities if youknow where to look.
So what's the best bookingapproach you're gonna wanna book
directly with hotels for thebest cancellation policies.
You wanna check multipleplatforms, Costco Travel, aaa,
and hotel websites often havedifferent rates.
You're gonna look for packagedeals that bundle flights and
hotels, and sometimes even carrentals.
(20:07):
You're gonna consider vacationrentals for longer stays, or if
you're traveling with a groupand you're gonna book refundable
rates when possible becauseprices can drop.
So what's the best timing forhotels?
For peak season, you can booktwo to three months ahead.
For off peak season, four to sixweeks is usually sufficient.
And for those last minute deals,check one to two weeks before
(20:27):
travel for distressed inventory.
Okay, here's something that haschanged package deals, which are
flight plus your hotel are oftenbetter value than booking
separately, especially duringuncertain times when airlines
and hotels are offeringpromotions to stimulate
bookings.
So where do you find these goodpackage deals?
Costco Travel.
This is excellent for families.
(20:48):
My own family has booked throughclassical travel for many trips.
There's AAA travel that has agood cancellation policy.
There's airline websites likeHawaiian, Alaska, Southwest.
And there's traditional travelagents.
Yes, they are making a comeback.
So what's your activity Bookingstrategy?
The things you need to book inadvance are popular tours like
(21:08):
Klo Ranch, submarine tours.
You need to do at least two tothree weeks ahead of time, luaus
about one to two weeks ahead oftime, and helicopter tours about
one to two weeks ahead of time.
What are the things you can waitlast minute?
That would be weather dependentactivities like boat tours and
some hikes and some less populartours where you can get
discounts.
(21:28):
So here's the biggest gamechanger.
Being flexible can save youthousands.
So if you can try travelingmidweek instead of weekends,
shift your dates by a few days.
Consider different islands andbook refundable rates and
monitor prices.
You'll have a huge advantage infinding deals.
With airline mergers andprograms changing, using credit
(21:50):
card points has gotten morecomplicated, but can still offer
value.
So what are the best point?
Redemptions?
Hotel points often offer bettervalue than airline miles.
Flexible point currencies likeChase and Amex give you more
options and book award Travelearly before devaluations
happen.
(22:10):
Here are the red flags to avoid.
Don't wait until the last minutefor peak season travel.
Don't book non-refundable ratesunless you're 100% certain.
Don't assume off peakautomatically means cheaper.
And don't forget to factor inall fees when comparing prices.
So here's the 20 25, 20 26reality check.
(22:33):
The deal hunting strategies thatworked pre 2020 don't always
work.
Now the market is more volatile,inventory is more limited and
prices change more frequently.
Your best bet is to be prepared,be flexible, and be realistic
about what things cost.
But with the right approach, youcan still find good value for
your Hawaii vacation.
Okay, once you've decided whento go, let's talk about how to
(22:56):
maximize your experience.
Regardless of whether you'retraveling during peak or off
peak season.
If you're traveling during busytimes, whether by choice or
necessity, here's how to make itwork for crowd management.
You're gonna wanna start early.
Popular hiking trails andbeaches are less crowded before
8:00 AM.
End late stayer sunset atpopular viewpoints.
(23:17):
When the day troopers have left,you're gonna go midweek.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdayare always less busy than the
weekends, and you're gonnachoose alternative spots.
Every famous beach has a lessfamous but equally beautiful
neighbor.
Your booking tactics, you'regonna make dinner reservations
as soon as you arrive, or evenbefore.
You're gonna book popularactivities for weekdays when
(23:39):
possible, and you're gonna havebackup plans for weather or full
capacity situations for yourbudget management.
You're gonna mix expensive andfree activities.
Don't try to do paid tours everyday.
You're gonna eat lunch portionsat dinner restaurants for better
value.
And you're gonna take advantageof happy hour specials, which is
usually three to 6:00 PM at mostplaces if you're traveling
(24:00):
during quieter times.
Here's how to take fulladvantage.
Your spontaneity opportunitiesinclude booking activities, day
of for potential discounts,trying popular restaurants
without advanced reservationsand exploring without crowds of
famous viewpoints and beaches.
Weathered preparedness.
You're gonna pack layers forvariable weather.
(24:20):
You're gonna have indoor backupactivities planned, and you're
gonna embrace the quiet seasonfive.
It's more relaxed and localfeeling.
And for local interaction,you're gonna chat with locals
who have more time.
When tourism is slower, you aregonna explore local markets and
events that cater to residents,and you're gonna try locally
owned restaurants that mightoffer specials during slow
periods.
Here are some universal tips forany season.
(24:43):
The island time mindset.
Hawaii operates on island time,which means things move slower
and more relaxed than themainland.
Embrace this, rather than tryingto fight it.
Weather flexibility.
Hawaii's microclimates meanweather can change quickly if
it's raining where you are,drive 20 minutes and you might
find sunshine.
Cultural respect, regardless ofwhen you visit.
(25:03):
Remember that you're a guest inHawaii.
Respect local.
Hi.
The environment and sacred sitesfor budget balance.
You're gonna mix splurgeexperiences with budget friendly
activities.
Maybe do one expensive activityper day and balance it with free
beach time or hiking.
Okay, let me share some of thebiggest mistakes I see families
making when planning theirHawaii vacation and how you can
(25:24):
avoid them.
Mistake number one isunrealistic budget expectations.
The problem is that planning aHawaii vacation based on
outdated cost information orunrealistic expectations about
what things cost.
So what's the solution?
Use current realistic costestimates and add a 20% buffer
to your budget.
Hawaii is expensive, and tryingto do it on a shoestring budget
(25:45):
often leads to disappointment.
Mistake number two, all ornothing timing decisions.
The problem thinking there'sonly one perfect time to visit
Hawaii, and that you have towait for it.
So what's the solution?
Understand that each season haspros and cons.
Pick the timing that works bestfor your family's schedule and
budget, then optimize for thatchoice.
(26:05):
Mistake number three, overplanning every minute the
problem, trying to pack too manyactivities into each day,
leading to exhausted familiesand rushed experiences.
So the solution plan one majoractivity per day with plenty of
time for beach relaxation andate and spontaneous discoveries.
Mistake number four, assumingcheaper always means better
(26:27):
value.
The problem choosing flights,hotels, or activities based
solely on price withoutconsidering quality, location,
or convenience.
So the solution factor in thetotal experience, sometimes
paying a bit more for betterlocation or more convenient
timing is worth it.
Mistake number five, not havingbackup plans.
(26:47):
The problem, having rigid plansthat fall apart when weather
crowds or availability don'tcooperate.
The solution, always have a planB for outdoor activities and
build flexibility into yourschedule.
Mistake number six, forgettingabout hidden costs.
The problem budgeting for basehotel rates and airfare without
factoring in taxes, fees,parking, resort fees, and tips
(27:10):
the solution.
Research all additional costsbefore booking and factor them
into your budget from the start.
Mistake number seven, islandhopping without considering
logistics.
The problem trying to visitmultiple islands without
understanding the time and costinvolved in inner island travel.
The solution for first timevisitors or shorter trips.
(27:30):
Pick one island and explore itthoroughly rather than rushing
between multiple islands.
Mistake number eight, notrespecting local culture and
environment the problem treatingHawaii like it's another beach
destination withoutunderstanding its unique culture
and environmental sensitivity.
The solution.
Learn about Hawaiian culturebefore you visit follow Leave no
trace principles and berespectful of local customs and
(27:52):
sacred sites.
The biggest mistake of all notgoing, here's what I tell every
family who's hesitating aboutHawaii.
Because of the cost or timingconcerns, there's never gonna be
a perfect time or time in Hawaiibecomes cheap.
If you keep waiting for theideal conditions, you might
never go.
The best time to visit Hawaii iswhen you can make it work for
your family.
(28:13):
Yes, it's expensive.
Yes, timing matters, but Hawaiiis magical, transformative and
worth investment in familymemories.
All right, let's wrap this upwith some clear, actionable
advice for planning your Hawaiivacation in 2025 or 2026.
If you have completeflexibility, the absolute best
times to visit Hawaii are lateApril through May and September
(28:34):
through early November.
You'll get great weather, fewercrowds, and the best chance at
reasonable prices.
But if you're restricted toschool holidays, don't let
anyone tell you you can't have agreat Hawaii vacation during
peak season.
The summer months, which areJune through August, are still
wonderful for families and youmight find better deals than
expected.
Spring break weeks can alsooffer value if you're flexible
(28:56):
with your dates.
If budget is your primaryconcern, you might wanna
consider January after NewYear's through mid-February.
Or look at early November orlook at early December before
the holiday rush.
And seriously consider the bigisland over Maui or Kauai for
better value if avoiding crowdsis most important.
September and October are yourbest bets, followed by May.
(29:18):
Weekday travel during any monthwill also help you avoid crowds.
So my top five tips for anyHawaii vacation in 2025 or 20 26
1.
Be realistic about costs.
Budget more than you thinkyou'll need.
Number two, book early for peakseason, but watch for deals
during off peak.
Number three, build flexibilityinto your plans for weather,
(29:38):
crowds and spontaneousdiscoveries.
Number four, mix expensiveactivities with free ones.
You don't need to spend moneyevery day to have fun.
And number five, focus onexperiences over Instagram
shots.
The best memories often happenwhen you're not trying to
document everything.
So the bottom line, Hawaiitravel has changed, but Hawaii
itself hasn't.
(29:59):
The islands are still incrediblybeautiful.
The culture is still rich andwelcoming, and the experience of
being in paradise with yourfamily is still magical.
Yes, it costs more than used to.
Yes, you need to plan morestrategically, but millions of
families still visit Hawaiievery year and have amazing
experiences with realisticexpectations for smart planning.
Yours can be one of them.
(30:20):
The Hawaii tourism market isstill evolving.
Hotel prices might stabilize ascompetition increases.
Airlines might end more flightsas demand recovers.
New fees may be implemented, butnew deals may emerge too.
So my advice is don't wait forthe perfect conditions.
If Hawaii is on your family'sbucket list, start planning now
for the timing that works bestfor you.
I'd love to hear about yourHawaii travel plans.
(30:42):
Send me a DM on Instagram atHawaii Travel with kids, or
check out my blog for DetailedIsland Guides and Money Saving
Tips if this episode helped youunderstand the current Hawaii
travel landscape.
Please subscribe and leave areview.
It really helps other peoplefind the podcast when they're
planning their own Hawaiiadventures.
Until next time, keep dreamingof those Hawaiian sunsets and
remember, the best family.
(31:02):
Vacation is the one that bringsyou together to experience
something amazing.
Mahalo for listening and aloha.
Aloha and welcome back to HawaiiTravel Made Easy.
I'm Marcy, your go-to guide forplanning stress-free
Unforgettable Hawaii Vacations.
If you're here, you're probablywondering what's the best time
to visit the islands?
And honestly, this question hasgotten way more complicated in
the past few years.
The Hawaii travel landscape haschanged completely since 2019,
(00:22):
and what used to be predictableseasonal patterns have been
turned upside down.
Maybe you're wondering, should Igo during summer when the kids
are outta school, even thoughthat means dealing with crowds
and higher prices, or should Iwait for those traditionally
quieter months, like May orSeptember when costs used to
drop significantly?
But will they actually becheaper anymore?
(00:43):
Here's the thing.
I've been helping families planHawaii vacations for years and
2025 and 2026 is unlike any yearI've seen before.
Hotel prices have hit recordhighs.
Airlines have completelyrestructured their Hawaii
routes, and the whole concept ofpeak versus off peak season is
evolving in ways that mightsurprise you.
(01:04):
Today we're gonna break downeverything you need to know
about timing your Hawaiivacation in 2025 and 2026.
I'll give you the real scoop oncosts.
Crowds weather and what'sactually happening in the Hawaii
tourisms of market right now.
We'll talk about which monthsstill offer the best deals when
you should absolutely avoidtraveling, and most importantly,
how to plan an amazing Hawaiivacation regardless of when you
(01:26):
decide to go, if you're tryingto decide when to book your
Hawaii trip and wanna make sureyou're making the best choice
for your family and your budget,this episode is definitely for
you.
Before we jump into peak versusoff peak seasons, I need to give
you some context about what'shappening in Hawaii right now
because the travel landscape hasfundamentally shifted.
(01:46):
Okay, first, here's somethingthat might shock you.
Hawaii is actually seeing adecline in visitors during what
used to be peak season summer.
Hawaii is actually seeing adecline in visitors during what
used to be peak summer season.
The islands haven't reached 10million annual visitors since
2019, and the Hawaii TourismAuthority is projecting that
(02:07):
2025 will still be well belowpre pandemic levels.
Now you might be thinking,great, this means fewer crowds
for me.
And yes, in some ways that'strue, but it's also created some
unexpected challenges thataffect when and how you should
plan your trip.
So here's the reality check.
Hawaii now officially has thehighest average hotel rates in
(02:28):
the entire United States.
We're talking an average of$364per night before taxes and fees,
and that's just the average onMaui.
The average is over$540 pernight before you add that 18%
hotel tax, the Hawaii charges.
So when I see articles from afew years ago talking about$200
to$250 per night for off-peaktravel.
(02:50):
I have to tell you, those daysare basically gone.
Even budget hotels in Hawaii arestill averaging over$230 per
night.
Now, the airline situation hascompletely changed too.
Hawaiian Airlines merged withAlaska Airlines, which has
resulted in significant routechanges.
Southwest Airlines has scaledback their Hawaii services,
(03:11):
meaning fewer budget options formainland travelers.
And here's what's really wild.
Even during traditionally peakweeks, you can sometimes find
round trip flights from LosAngeles to Honolulu for as slow
as$225.
But then other times, these sameroutes can cost over$800 with
very little predictability.
Hawaii is also consideringadditional visitor fees,
(03:32):
including a proposed green feeto help offset tourism's
environmental impact.
Combined with the already steep18% hotel tax, parking fees,
resort fees, and other hiddencosts, the total price of a
Hawaii vacation has gottensignificantly more expensive
across the board.
Here is why all this matters foryour vacation planning.
The old rules about when totravel and how much to budget
(03:54):
have changed.
Peak season doesn't always meanhigher prices anymore, and off
peak doesn't guarantee the dealsit used to.
The good news.
There are still ways to findgreat deals and have an amazing
Hawaii vacation, but you need toknow what you're looking for and
when to look for it.
The strategies that worked fiveyears ago, like booking exactly
X months in advance, ortraveling in specific months.
(04:16):
Aren't as reliable anymore.
Instead, you need to be moreflexible, more strategic, and
honestly more realistic aboutwhat a Hawaii vacation is gonna
cost in 2025 and 2026.
But don't worry, I'm gonna walkyou through exactly how to
navigate this new landscape.
So let's talk about what peakand off peak seasons actually
look like in 2025 and 2026,because they're not exactly what
(04:40):
you might expect.
Winter holidays, which ismid-December to early January,
this is still the most expensiveand crowded time to visit
Hawaii.
Nothing has changed here.
If you wanna spend Christmas orNew Year's in Paradise, you're
gonna pay premium prices anddeal with maximum crowds.
Spring break, which is mid-Marchto early April.
(05:00):
Here's where it getsinteresting.
Spring break used to be one ofthe most expensive times to
visit Hawaii, but that's notnecessarily the case anymore.
Hotels are struggling to fillrooms even during traditionally
busy periods, so you mightactually find some deals if
you're flexible with your dates.
Summer, June to August.
This is still busy, especiallywith families, but it's not the
(05:22):
pricing nightmare.
It used to be July and Auguststill draw crowds, but the
prices aren't automatically skyhigh like they were a few years
ago.
So what are the new off peaksweet spots?
Late April to early June.
This remains one of the besttimes to visit Hawaii.
The weather is fantastic.
Crowds are manageable, and youcan still find some reasonable
(05:43):
deals if you book strategically,September to mid-November.
This is still the golden window.
September and October have someof the best weather of the year
with warm ocean temperatures andfewer tourists.
November can be great too, aslong as you avoid the
Thanksgiving week rush.
And January after New Year's tomid-March.
(06:05):
This used to be considered peakseason, but LA tourism numbers
down January and February havebecome surprisingly good months
to visit.
The weather might be a bitcooler, but you'll have more
breathing room and potentiallybetter deals.
And here are some wild carmonths.
May is still one of the bestmonths to visit Hawaii.
Great weather, reasonablecrowds, and historically good
(06:27):
deals.
However, hotel availability canbe limited because everyone
knows May is great.
And December before the 15th,this used to be considered off
peak, but now it's become asweet spot for people who want
to avoid the holiday chaos, butstill enjoy good weather.
So what do you need to knowabout booking?
Well, here's the thing aboutthese seasons in 2025 and 2026,
(06:50):
the difference between peak andoff.
Peak pricing isn't as dramaticas it used to be.
You might save 20 to 30% bytraveling in off peak months
instead of the 50 to 60% savingspeople are used to seeing.
But here's what makes a hugedifference.
Flexibility.
If you can be flexible with yourdates within a given month, you
can often find significantlybetter deals than if you're
(07:13):
locked into specific weeks.
All right, let's talk money, andI'm gonna give you the real
numbers, not the outdatedfigures you might see in other
travel guides.
Here's what's wild about flightsto Hawaii right now, they're
completely unpredictable.
I've seen round trip flightsfrom the west coast to Honolulu
for as low as$225 during whatshould be peak season, and then
(07:34):
the next week, the same flightscost$750.
So what's a realistic flightbudget for 2025 and 2026?
Well, from the west coast,you're looking at 300 to$800
round trip, depending on timingand flexibility.
From the East coast, you'relooking at$500 to$1,200.
(07:54):
Round trip from the East Coast,you're looking at 500 to$1,200
round trip.
And from the Midwest you'relooking at 450 to$1,000 round
trip.
The key is using Google Flight'sprice tracking feature and being
flexible with your dates.
Sometimes shifting your trip byjust a few days can save you
hundreds of dollars.
Okay, let's do a hotel realitycheck.
(08:16):
Let me be brutally honest abouthotel costs, because this is
where most families get stickershock.
I'm gonna tell you about somecurrent average hotel rates
before taxes and fees for Oahu.
You're looking at$284 per nightaverage, but that can range from
150 for a budget hotel to$600 ormore.
(08:36):
For resorts on Maui, you'relooking at$544 per night
average, and this issignificantly higher due to
limited inventory post fires.
And on the big island, you'relooking at about$427 per night
average.
And on Kauai.
$423 per night average.
(08:57):
But here's what the numbersdon't tell you.
Hawaii has an 18% combined hoteltax, plus most hotels charge
resort fees of$25 to$50 pernight, plus parking fees of$15
to$30 per night.
So that$284 per night hotel onOahu.
You are actually paying closerto$380 to$400 per night after
(09:18):
all fees and taxes.
So what's the realistic hotelbudget for budget hotels and
condos?
Expect 200 to$300 per nighttotal mid-range hotels, about
400 to$600 per night total andluxury resorts, 700 to$1,500 or
more per night Total.
(09:38):
Car rental prices havestabilized somewhat from their
post pandemic highs, but they'restill significantly more
expensive than pre 2020.
So the current car rental ratesfor peak season is about 60 to
$120 per day, and off peakseason is about 40 to$80 per
day.
My pro tip is to book directlywith a rental car company or
discount Hawaii car rentals.
(09:59):
I'll drop the link in the shownotes and consider staying
somewhere accessible by publictransportation if you don't need
a car every day.
Okay.
How about food and activitycosts?
This is an area where costs haveincreased across the board, but
there are still ways to manageyour budget.
What is a realistic daily foodbudget in Hawaii?
Well, for the budget approach,this would be grocery shopping
(10:22):
and going to some restaurants.
You can probably expect ahundred dollars to$150 per day
for a family of four formid-range, which is a mix of
restaurants and casual dining,about 200 to$300 per day for a
family of four.
In splurge mode, that would beresort dining and fine dining
and fine restaurants.
Expect$400 or more per day for afamily of four.
(10:45):
How about those activity costs?
Well, there's lots of freeactivities like beaches, hiking,
sunset watching that is free.
There's paid activities likesnorkel, tours, luaus, and zip
lines, and those can range from$50 to$250 per person.
And then there's premiumexperiences.
Those would be helicopter rides,private tours, things like that.
(11:06):
You're looking at about$200 to$500 or more per person.
So what's a total trip costreality for a family of four,
planning a week long Hawaiivacation in 2025 or 2026.
Here's what you shouldrealistically budget for a
budget trip.
Expect 8,000 to$12,000 total.
(11:27):
Your flights would be about twoto$3,000.
Accommodations about 3,500 to$4,500.
Car rental, about 400 to$600 andfood and activities, about 2100
to$4,000.
For a mid-range trip, you'relooking at about 12,000 to
$18,000 total.
Your flights would be 2,500 to$4,000.
(11:49):
Accommodations would be 5,000 to$7,500, car rental, 500 to$800,
and food and activities, about4,000 to$6,000, and for a luxury
trip plan on 20 grand or moretotal.
So what are some money savingstrategies that actually work?
Number one, use flight pricealerts and be flexible with
(12:09):
dates.
Number two, consider vacationrentals or condos with kitchens.
Number three, book activitiesdirectly with operators rather
than through hotels.
Four, take advantage of happyhour specials and lunch portions
at restaurants.
Five, mix expensive activitieswith free ones, and six,
consider staying on Oahu, whichtends to be less expensive than
(12:30):
neighbor islands.
The bottom line, Hawaii isexpensive and has gotten more
expensive, but with realisticexpectations and smart planning,
you can still have an amazingvacation without going into
debt.
Okay, let's talk about crowds,because this is one area where
the current tourism decline isactually working in traveler's
favor Sometimes.
(12:50):
Even during traditionally busytimes, you're likely to find
more breathing room than youwould have in 2019, but fewer
crowds doesn't mean no crowds,especially at the most popular
attractions.
So what does peak season looklike now?
Waikiki Beach?
It's still busy, but notshoulder to shoulder packed
popular restaurants.
You'll still need reservations,but not weeks in advance.
(13:14):
Major attractions.
There are lines and crowds, buta bit more manageable and rental
cars are available, but youstill need to book in advance
for better rates.
What about off peak seasonadvantages?
This is where off peak travelreally shines in 2025 and 2026.
Popular hiking trails likeDiamond Head or Man Falls aren't
(13:34):
nearly as congested.
Beaches have plenty of spaceeven at the famous ones.
Restaurants are easier to bookoften with same day availability
and tours and activities havemore availability and sometimes
offer discounts.
Okay, so here's what stillrequires advanced planning.
Regardless of when you visit,these are the must book ahead
(13:55):
activities.
Hahan Bay reservations require48 hours in advance, and it's
about$25 per person.
Popular Luaus.
You need to book at least one totwo weeks ahead during any
season.
Helicopter rides and submarinetours often book up one to two
weeks ahead and higher endrestaurants you'll always wanna
reserve ahead of time.
(14:16):
But what are some last minutefriendly activities?
Most beaches, except for HanBay, of course.
Hiking trails.
You don't need reservations formost hikes, snorkel, gear
rentals, and casual dining.
Now let's compare island byisland for crowds.
Oahu is always the busiest, butalso has the most options for
avoiding crowds.
(14:37):
Maui is less crowded than usualdue to limited hotel inventory,
but prices are higher.
Big Island is great for avoidingcrowds, especially on the Kona
side, and Kauai is small andintimate, but popular spots can
get busy during peak times.
So what are my smart crowdavoidance strategies?
Number one, early morningactivities.
Start hiking or snorkeling byseven to 8:00 AM.
(14:59):
Number two, weekday visitsTuesday through Thursday are
consistently less crowded.
Number three, alternativebeaches.
Skip the famous ones for equallybeautiful, lesser known spots,
and number four shoulder hours.
Late afternoon, four to 6:00 PMis often quieter than midday.
The good news is that withtourism numbers still blow pre
(15:20):
pandemic levels.
You have a better chance offinding those magical uncrowded
moments even duringtraditionally busy seasons.
Okay.
One thing that hasn't changedabout Hawaii, the weather is
still pretty fantastic yearround, but there are definitely
seasonal differences that canimpact your vacation experience.
Okay.
The summer weather, which isJune through August, the good.
(15:43):
Its warmest, driest weather ofthe year.
It's perfect for snorkeling andbeach activities.
The ocean temperatures are attheir peak around 80 degrees
Fahrenheit, and there's lesschance of rain interrupting
outdoor plants.
But the considerations are thatUV rays are strongest and you'll
burn faster.
Trade winds can be lighter,making it feel hotter.
(16:05):
And hurricane season thoughdirect hits are rare, summertime
is best for beach lovers,snorkeling enthusiasts, and
families with young kids whowant predictable weather.
Okay.
Winter weather, which isDecember through February, the
good is the best time for whalewatching, which runs December
through April.
Big waves on the North shore,which is amazing for surfing
(16:26):
spectators, is slightly coolertemperatures for hiking and
there's fewer mosquitoes.
The considerations, there's morerain, especially on windward
sides of the island.
There's rougher ocean conditionson north facing beaches, and
there's cooler evenings whereyou might even need a light
jacket.
So winter is best for whalewatchers, surfers, and people
(16:47):
who want slightly coolertemperatures.
Okay, let's talk about springand fall, which are the sweet
spots.
Spring, which runs April throughMay, has fantastic weather with
warm days and cool evenings.
Ocean is warming up from thewinter.
There's less rain than winter,but occasional showers.
And there's a great balance ofsunny and comfortable in fall,
(17:08):
which runs September throughNovember is some of the best
weather of the year.
Ocean temperatures are stillwarm from summer, hurricane
season is ending, and it's theperfect balance of sunshine and
comfortable temperatures.
So what about some seasonalactivity considerations for
whale watching?
It runs December through Aprilonly, so if this is a priority
you have to visit during thesemonths for surfing, for
(17:32):
snorkeling.
This is best during summer whenocean conditions are calmest,
but doable year round on theleeward, which is south and west
sides of the islands.
Hiking is actually better duringslightly cooler months, which
would be October through Maywhen you won't overheat as
quickly.
Okay, let's talk about themicroclimate reality.
Here's something crucial.
Hawaii's weather variesdramatically across each island,
(17:54):
and it can be raining and hiloon the big island while it's
sunny and dry in Kona, just twohours away.
So what's the general rule?
The windward, which is the eastsides, has more rain, lush, and
green.
And the Lee word, which is thewest sides are drier and more
desert-like.
So even if the weather forecastshows rain, it might only be
affecting one part of theisland.
(18:15):
What's my weather related moneysaving tip?
Well, if you're flexible aboutactivities and don't mind
occasionally moving your plansaround based on weather, you can
often get last minute deals ontours and activities when
operators are trying to fillspots due to weather
cancellations elsewhere.
The bottom line.
Hawaii's weather is generallygreat year round, but
understanding seasonal patternscan help you choose the best
(18:37):
time for your specific interestsand activities.
Okay, let's get into thepractical stuff.
How to actually book your Hawaiivacation in today's market To
get the best deals andavailability.
Okay.
Your flight booking strategy,the old rule of book exactly six
to eight weeks in advancedoesn't work anymore.
Here's what does, here's the newapproach.
(18:59):
First, you're gonna set upGoogle flight price alerts two
to four months before you wannatravel.
You're gonna wanna be flexiblewith dates.
Sometimes shifting by two tothree days saves hundreds.
You're gonna consider flyinginto different airports,
sometimes Big Island or Kauai,or cheaper than Oahu.
You're gonna book one way ticketseparately because it's often
cheaper than roundtrip, andyou're gonna clear your browser
(19:21):
cookies between searches toavoid dynamic pricing.
Here's the timing that works.
For peak season travel, you'regonna wanna book three to four
months ahead for off peaktravel, you can often wait six
to eight weeks out and lastminute travel deals.
Sometimes they appear two tothree weeks before departure,
but it's risky.
There's also a hotel bookingstrategy with hotel struggling
(19:44):
to fill rooms despite highadvertised rates.
There are opportunities if youknow where to look.
So what's the best bookingapproach you're gonna wanna book
directly with hotels for thebest cancellation policies.
You wanna check multipleplatforms, Costco Travel, aaa,
and hotel websites often havedifferent rates.
You're gonna look for packagedeals that bundle flights and
hotels, and sometimes even carrentals.
(20:07):
You're gonna consider vacationrentals for longer stays, or if
you're traveling with a groupand you're gonna book refundable
rates when possible becauseprices can drop.
So what's the best timing forhotels?
For peak season, you can booktwo to three months ahead.
For off peak season, four to sixweeks is usually sufficient.
And for those last minute deals,check one to two weeks before
(20:27):
travel for distressed inventory.
Okay, here's something that haschanged package deals, which are
flight plus your hotel are oftenbetter value than booking
separately, especially duringuncertain times when airlines
and hotels are offeringpromotions to stimulate
bookings.
So where do you find these goodpackage deals?
Costco Travel.
This is excellent for families.
(20:48):
My own family has booked throughclassical travel for many trips.
There's AAA travel that has agood cancellation policy.
There's airline websites likeHawaiian, Alaska, Southwest.
And there's traditional travelagents.
Yes, they are making a comeback.
So what's your activity Bookingstrategy?
The things you need to book inadvance are popular tours like
(21:08):
Klo Ranch, submarine tours.
You need to do at least two tothree weeks ahead of time, luaus
about one to two weeks ahead oftime, and helicopter tours about
one to two weeks ahead of time.
What are the things you can waitlast minute?
That would be weather dependentactivities like boat tours and
some hikes and some less populartours where you can get
discounts.
(21:28):
So here's the biggest gamechanger.
Being flexible can save youthousands.
So if you can try travelingmidweek instead of weekends,
shift your dates by a few days.
Consider different islands andbook refundable rates and
monitor prices.
You'll have a huge advantage infinding deals.
With airline mergers andprograms changing, using credit
(21:50):
card points has gotten morecomplicated, but can still offer
value.
So what are the best point?
Redemptions?
Hotel points often offer bettervalue than airline miles.
Flexible point currencies likeChase and Amex give you more
options and book award Travelearly before devaluations
happen.
(22:10):
Here are the red flags to avoid.
Don't wait until the last minutefor peak season travel.
Don't book non-refundable ratesunless you're 100% certain.
Don't assume off peakautomatically means cheaper.
And don't forget to factor inall fees when comparing prices.
So here's the 20 25, 20 26reality check.
(22:33):
The deal hunting strategies thatworked pre 2020 don't always
work.
Now the market is more volatile,inventory is more limited and
prices change more frequently.
Your best bet is to be prepared,be flexible, and be realistic
about what things cost.
But with the right approach, youcan still find good value for
your Hawaii vacation.
Okay, once you've decided whento go, let's talk about how to
(22:56):
maximize your experience.
Regardless of whether you'retraveling during peak or off
peak season.
If you're traveling during busytimes, whether by choice or
necessity, here's how to make itwork for crowd management.
You're gonna wanna start early.
Popular hiking trails andbeaches are less crowded before
8:00 AM.
End late stayer sunset atpopular viewpoints.
(23:17):
When the day troopers have left,you're gonna go midweek.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdayare always less busy than the
weekends, and you're gonnachoose alternative spots.
Every famous beach has a lessfamous but equally beautiful
neighbor.
Your booking tactics, you'regonna make dinner reservations
as soon as you arrive, or evenbefore.
You're gonna book popularactivities for weekdays when
(23:39):
possible, and you're gonna havebackup plans for weather or full
capacity situations for yourbudget management.
You're gonna mix expensive andfree activities.
Don't try to do paid tours everyday.
You're gonna eat lunch portionsat dinner restaurants for better
value.
And you're gonna take advantageof happy hour specials, which is
usually three to 6:00 PM at mostplaces if you're traveling
(24:00):
during quieter times.
Here's how to take fulladvantage.
Your spontaneity opportunitiesinclude booking activities, day
of for potential discounts,trying popular restaurants
without advanced reservationsand exploring without crowds of
famous viewpoints and beaches.
Weathered preparedness.
You're gonna pack layers forvariable weather.
(24:20):
You're gonna have indoor backupactivities planned, and you're
gonna embrace the quiet seasonfive.
It's more relaxed and localfeeling.
And for local interaction,you're gonna chat with locals
who have more time.
When tourism is slower, you aregonna explore local markets and
events that cater to residents,and you're gonna try locally
owned restaurants that mightoffer specials during slow
periods.
Here are some universal tips forany season.
(24:43):
The island time mindset.
Hawaii operates on island time,which means things move slower
and more relaxed than themainland.
Embrace this, rather than tryingto fight it.
Weather flexibility.
Hawaii's microclimates meanweather can change quickly if
it's raining where you are,drive 20 minutes and you might
find sunshine.
Cultural respect, regardless ofwhen you visit.
(25:03):
Remember that you're a guest inHawaii.
Respect local.
Hi.
The environment and sacred sitesfor budget balance.
You're gonna mix splurgeexperiences with budget friendly
activities.
Maybe do one expensive activityper day and balance it with free
beach time or hiking.
Okay, let me share some of thebiggest mistakes I see families
making when planning theirHawaii vacation and how you can
(25:24):
avoid them.
Mistake number one isunrealistic budget expectations.
The problem is that planning aHawaii vacation based on
outdated cost information orunrealistic expectations about
what things cost.
So what's the solution?
Use current realistic costestimates and add a 20% buffer
to your budget.
Hawaii is expensive, and tryingto do it on a shoestring budget
(25:45):
often leads to disappointment.
Mistake number two, all ornothing timing decisions.
The problem thinking there'sonly one perfect time to visit
Hawaii, and that you have towait for it.
So what's the solution?
Understand that each season haspros and cons.
Pick the timing that works bestfor your family's schedule and
budget, then optimize for thatchoice.
(26:05):
Mistake number three, overplanning every minute the
problem, trying to pack too manyactivities into each day,
leading to exhausted familiesand rushed experiences.
So the solution plan one majoractivity per day with plenty of
time for beach relaxation andate and spontaneous discoveries.
Mistake number four, assumingcheaper always means better
(26:27):
value.
The problem choosing flights,hotels, or activities based
solely on price withoutconsidering quality, location,
or convenience.
So the solution factor in thetotal experience, sometimes
paying a bit more for betterlocation or more convenient
timing is worth it.
Mistake number five, not havingbackup plans.
(26:47):
The problem, having rigid plansthat fall apart when weather
crowds or availability don'tcooperate.
The solution, always have a planB for outdoor activities and
build flexibility into yourschedule.
Mistake number six, forgettingabout hidden costs.
The problem budgeting for basehotel rates and airfare without
factoring in taxes, fees,parking, resort fees, and tips
(27:10):
the solution.
Research all additional costsbefore booking and factor them
into your budget from the start.
Mistake number seven, islandhopping without considering
logistics.
The problem trying to visitmultiple islands without
understanding the time and costinvolved in inner island travel.
The solution for first timevisitors or shorter trips.
(27:30):
Pick one island and explore itthoroughly rather than rushing
between multiple islands.
Mistake number eight, notrespecting local culture and
environment the problem treatingHawaii like it's another beach
destination withoutunderstanding its unique culture
and environmental sensitivity.
The solution.
Learn about Hawaiian culturebefore you visit follow Leave no
trace principles and berespectful of local customs and
(27:52):
sacred sites.
The biggest mistake of all notgoing, here's what I tell every
family who's hesitating aboutHawaii.
Because of the cost or timingconcerns, there's never gonna be
a perfect time or time in Hawaiibecomes cheap.
If you keep waiting for theideal conditions, you might
never go.
The best time to visit Hawaii iswhen you can make it work for
your family.
(28:13):
Yes, it's expensive.
Yes, timing matters, but Hawaiiis magical, transformative and
worth investment in familymemories.
All right, let's wrap this upwith some clear, actionable
advice for planning your Hawaiivacation in 2025 or 2026.
If you have completeflexibility, the absolute best
times to visit Hawaii are lateApril through May and September
(28:34):
through early November.
You'll get great weather, fewercrowds, and the best chance at
reasonable prices.
But if you're restricted toschool holidays, don't let
anyone tell you you can't have agreat Hawaii vacation during
peak season.
The summer months, which areJune through August, are still
wonderful for families and youmight find better deals than
expected.
Spring break weeks can alsooffer value if you're flexible
(28:56):
with your dates.
If budget is your primaryconcern, you might wanna
consider January after NewYear's through mid-February.
Or look at early November orlook at early December before
the holiday rush.
And seriously consider the bigisland over Maui or Kauai for
better value if avoiding crowdsis most important.
September and October are yourbest bets, followed by May.
(29:18):
Weekday travel during any monthwill also help you avoid crowds.
So my top five tips for anyHawaii vacation in 2025 or 20 26
1.
Be realistic about costs.
Budget more than you thinkyou'll need.
Number two, book early for peakseason, but watch for deals
during off peak.
Number three, build flexibilityinto your plans for weather,
(29:38):
crowds and spontaneousdiscoveries.
Number four, mix expensiveactivities with free ones.
You don't need to spend moneyevery day to have fun.
And number five, focus onexperiences over Instagram
shots.
The best memories often happenwhen you're not trying to
document everything.
So the bottom line, Hawaiitravel has changed, but Hawaii
itself hasn't.
(29:59):
The islands are still incrediblybeautiful.
The culture is still rich andwelcoming, and the experience of
being in paradise with yourfamily is still magical.
Yes, it costs more than used to.
Yes, you need to plan morestrategically, but millions of
families still visit Hawaiievery year and have amazing
experiences with realisticexpectations for smart planning.
Yours can be one of them.
(30:20):
The Hawaii tourism market isstill evolving.
Hotel prices might stabilize ascompetition increases.
Airlines might end more flightsas demand recovers.
New fees may be implemented, butnew deals may emerge too.
So my advice is don't wait forthe perfect conditions.
If Hawaii is on your family'sbucket list, start planning now
for the timing that works bestfor you.
I'd love to hear about yourHawaii travel plans.
(30:42):
Send me a DM on Instagram atHawaii Travel with kids, or
check out my blog for DetailedIsland Guides and Money Saving
Tips if this episode helped youunderstand the current Hawaii
travel landscape.
Please subscribe and leave areview.
It really helps other peoplefind the podcast when they're
planning their own Hawaiiadventures.
Until next time, keep dreamingof those Hawaiian sunsets and
remember, the best family.
(31:02):
Vacation is the one that bringsyou together to experience
something amazing.
Mahalo for listening and aloha.
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