Introduction

Thinking about trading Florida’s beloved beaches for Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes? Join us, a Florida couple, as we reflect on our 3 ½-week adventure across four breathtaking Hawaiian Islands during June, 2024.

Through our experiences, you’ll gain the benefits of a year’s worth of meticulous planning, along with some practical tips we picked up along the way, to help you prepare for your own unforgettable adventure.

Let’s dive in as we share our best tips and hacks for a unforgettable Hawaiian vacation- Floridian Style. Written by a Florida couple- for our Florida friends.

Hawaii Bound

In this post, we’ll share our top travel tips specifically designed for Floridians planning or contemplating a Hawaiian vacation. While Florida and Hawaii are both a tropical oasis with many similarities, there are also significant differences you should know before you go.

Additionally, we’ll tackle the burning question: Is a Hawaiian getaway worth it for those who call the Sunshine State home?

With the long travel distance and higher costs, we’ll explore whether Hawaii’s allure goes beyond its breathtaking beaches and if it truly offers more than Florida’s own coastal gems.

This guide covers essential aspects for Floridians planning a Hawaiian vacation, including practical travel logistics, cultural insights, must-see sights, strategies for managing jet lag, inter-island travel, choosing the right rental car, packing essentials, the weather and top things outdoor enthusiasts need to know.

Preparing for Your Trip

Research and Planning

Hawaii’s geography is as diverse as it is stunning, comprising a chain of volcanic islands located in the central Pacific Ocean. The Hawaiian Islands are typically divided into six main islands, and we visited four: Oahu, Maui, the Big Island (Hawaii), and Kauai, but did not go to Molokai or Lanai.

Each island offers its own unique landscapes, experiences, and personality, making the first step in your planning process choosing which island or islands to visit.

From the vibrant city atmosphere and historical significance of Oahu, the lush valleys and scenic coastline of Kauai, to the volcanic landscapes of the Big Island and the world-renowned beaches of Maui, Hawaii’s islands offer a remarkable variety of climates, ecosystems, and natural wonders, including two national parks.

Whether you seek to hike a volcano, snorkel with green sea turtles, or immerse yourself in rich cultural or historical experiences, each island promises a distinct and unforgettable Hawaiian experience.

The hardest part of your planning will be deciding which island calls out to you most. We each picked our two top must-see items and we built the trip around them. It became quite clear early on that we were going to 4 islands.

Budget- Time & Money

Hawaii, like Florida, ain’t cheap. And, if you are flying 12-15 hours from Florida this isn’t a weekend getaway.

Your budget and the amount of time you can reasonably be away from home and work will play a large part in your travel decisions.

By carefully planning and prioritizing your must-see experiences, you can make the most of your Hawaiian adventure without breaking the bank.

How Many Days Do You Need for Each Island?
Oahu: 2-5 days
Big Island: 3-6 days
Kauai: 4-8 days
Maui: 5-10 days
Plus, two full days to fly there and back from Florida

How Much Will it Cost?
Airfare- $500-$2500/person
Hotel- $300-$800/night (think room rate, parking, resort fees, tax)
Excursions- $200-$800 per person, per tour
Food- $20-$300 per meal
Car- $65 per day & up

We did our entire trip for under $5K- watch for our next post sharing how we did it.

Making the Most of Your Hawaiian Adventure

Florida beaches are better. There, I said it. I just love our soft, white sand.

Some of the beaches in Hawaii are not even sand; they are rocks, and you will need hiking shoes. The views will be worth the work.

Depending on the weather, the water can get quite rough, and unless you are a surfer or strong swimmer, you may not even go swimming in the ocean as much as you might think.

Yes, they are beautiful to look at and snorkel in if currents permit.

But if your idea of the perfect vacation is lounging at the beach, stay home and go to Siesta Key, Destin or take the much shorter trip to the Caribbean.

But a Hawaiian vacation might be perfect for you if you enjoy:

• Hiking over rocks to reach magnificent scenic overlooks of waves crashing against the cliffs
• Snorkeling with big green sea turtles
• Taking a boat tour where a pod of 1,000 spinner dolphins frolics around you
• Love eating poke bowls
• Paddleboarding a river to a rainforest hike to a secret waterfall
• Surfing
• Visiting National Parks (you can check off two in Hawaii)
• Paddleboarding a river with a nature preserve on one end and the ocean on the other in the same day
• Night snorkel with manta rays
• Tube through lava tunnels
• Drink coffee made with locally grown beans
• Love really good locally made/sourced chocolate

Hotels, Resorts & Other Accommodations

Hawaii boasts some incredible resorts with luxurious spas, Michelin-star restaurants, stunning views, romantic sunsets, and gorgeous water park-inspired pools. But let’s face it, most of us can access something similar within a two-hour drive from home.

If you’re going to fly 12 hours, a pool, beach, and good meal might not have enough wow factor. So, if a resort-style vacation is your thing and you don’t plan on leaving the resort, you could just as easily stay home and visit your favorite high-end chain or boutique hotel with a beach view, or head to the Caribbean.

However, a few Hawaiian resorts stand out as true destination-style retreats or simply the ones that you should consider for your Hawaii vacation.

Important:

• Just like Florida, many resorts book out far in advance.
• Prices are similar and sometimes much higher than Florida.
• Unlike Florida though, there are not many budget hotel options.
• Plan on parking fees of $25-$75 per night, resort fees, tourist tax (even on your timeshare stay)
• Don’t worry though, we will have some great tips in our upcoming post “3 1/2 weeks in Hawaii for under 5K.”- coming soon!

Island Highlights

Stay tuned for future posts where we delve even deeper into each of the four islands. For now, here’s the condensed version.

Practical Tips

Budget and Money-Saving Tips

Hawaii is renowned for its beauty and also for its costliness. Travel guides often quote an average price of $5,000 to $10,000 for a one-week Hawaiian vacation. Despite this, we managed to explore four islands over 3 ½ weeks for under $5,000. Discover how we achieved this in our detailed post, “Island Hopping in Hawaii: 3 ½ Weeks and 4 Islands for Less Than $5k.”

Food

The Hawaiian food scene alone makes this trip worth it. Food trucks, farm to table, independently chef-owned restaurants, tons of fresh produce, locally caught seafood and locally raised grassfed beef. Bring extra cash as not all food trucks accept credit. Foodland is the locally owned grocery store.

Jet Lag

Jet Lag: Expect jet lag upon arrival, with a six-hour time difference. Early morning flights can help adjust your schedule to enjoy sunrise activities—a beneficial strategy for the first few days.

Respecting Hawaiian Culture

In Hawaii, the concept of “aloha” extends beyond a mere greeting—it embodies a way of life centered on kindness, respect, and harmony with nature. Unlike the sometimes-hectic pace and aggressive driving seen in Florida, Hawaiians prioritize patience and courtesy on the roads.

It’s customary for tourists to yield to locals, especially on narrow, one-way roads, as a gesture of respect for the community and its way of life.

Understanding and respecting Hawaiian culture goes beyond road etiquette. It involves embracing local traditions, such as removing shoes before entering homes (a sign of reverence for the land), participating respectfully in cultural ceremonies and practices, and supporting local businesses and artisans.

By adopting these customs, visitors not only show respect but also enrich their own Hawaiian experience, fostering genuine connections with the land and its people.

Shopping

Hawaii has lots of independent boutiques and shops which we cover in more depth in our upcoming island guides. For now, here are some of the essentials.

• Foodland (local grocery chain)
• ABC Store (Souvenir’s, Alcohol, Snacks, Personal Care)
• Long’s Drugs (owned by CVS)

Wildlife

Hawaii boasts a unique and diverse ecosystem that differs significantly from Florida’s wildlife. Unlike Florida, Hawaii lacks alligators and snakes making outdoor activities safer in terms of wildlife encounters. The islands also have minimal issues with insects compared to many mainland destinations.

Marine Life: One of Hawaii’s most cherished attractions is its marine life. Visitors frequently encounter monk seals and sea turtles along the beaches. It’s important to note that both species are protected by law, and maintaining a respectful distance is required to ensure their safety and well-being.

Avian Species: The state bird of Hawaii is the Nene, a type of goose endemic to the islands. Once on the brink of extinction, efforts to protect and preserve the Nene have been successful, making it a symbol of Hawaii’s commitment to conservation.

Working Remotely

Not recommended unless you are staying at a large resort or major city such as Waikiki and don’t have many excursions planned. Even though I usually will work a few hours remotely while on a longer vacation it was really unrealistic for this trip.

• Your days are going to vary based on the weather so keeping to a strict schedule is unrealistic.
• Six hour time difference from the East Coast.
• WiFi is unreliable in many areas.

Transportation

Inter-Island Travel

Flight Options: Traveling between Hawaiian Islands is convenient and affordable with airlines like Hawaiian Air and Southwest offering frequent flights despite small, busy airports. Arrive early due to crowded conditions and limited services—don’t expect extensive shopping or dining options. Note that while a ferry service website may exist, inter-island ferry travel is not operational.

Travel Logistics: Plan for travel fatigue despite short flight times, often under 45 minutes. Avoid scheduling strenuous activities on travel days to allow for rest and adjustment to the six-hour time difference from Florida.

Public Transit and Rental Cars 

Public transportation in Hawaii, much like Florida, is limited outside of urban areas. In Waikiki, the trolley system offers a convenient alternative to rental cars, especially since parking fees can range from $35 to $75 per night. However, for exploring beyond urban centers, a rental car is essential.

We found Hawaiian Car Rental offered competitive prices, and booking without prepayment allowed us to monitor daily rate changes.

• Airports in Kona and Kauai are notably open-air and smaller compared to Florida’s, so dress accordingly—no need for that sweater!
• Consider a divide-and-conquer strategy at car rental shuttles to save time, as lines can be lengthy.

Choosing the Right Vehicle

Safety and Security

Be aware that there is crime in Hawaii just like everywhere else and tourists are going to be good targets. Take precautions such as keeping valuables out of sight in your car, just like we do when we go to the store or beach right here in Florida.

Choosing between fun a practical deserves a bit of forethought in order to mitigate risk without sacrificing overall experience.

Packing Essentials

We prioritized light clothing for easy laundry during our trip and focused more on essential gear. Bringing a mini water kettle and BlendJet allowed us to save money, while having our own snorkel gear provided flexibility for spontaneous snorkeling adventures without rental shop constraints.

Each of us carried one backpack as a carry-on and checked one bag. Here’s what we packed:

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Conclusion

Embracing Hawaii’s Unforgettable Charms

Our journey through Hawaii’s four stunning islands—Oahu, Maui, Big Island (Hawaii), and Kauai—has been an enriching experience that exceeded our expectations at every turn.

As Floridians, we traded familiar sandy shores for Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes and discovered a realm of adventure, culture, and natural beauty unlike any other. From snorkeling with majestic sea turtles to exploring volcanic craters and indulging in the rich local culture, each island offered its own unique allure and unforgettable moments.

Navigating the contrasts between Florida and Hawaii—from beaches to wildlife and resort experiences—proved insightful. While Hawaii’s rocky shores and adventurous hiking trails may challenge beach aficionados, they reward adventure seekers with unparalleled natural wonders and cultural depth.

Our journey wasn’t just about exploring new landscapes but also about embracing the spirit of aloha, respecting Hawaiian traditions, and making lasting connections with the islands and their people.

Whether you’re drawn to Hawaii for its vibrant marine life, dramatic landscapes, or rich cultural heritage, our travel tips and insights aim to inspire your own Hawaiian adventure. Despite the distance and costs,

Hawaii’s allure proved irresistible, offering a profound experience that reaffirms why this archipelago remains a dream destination for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural immersion.

We are already planning our next Hawaiian vacation- next time we will go in February for cooler weather and to go whale watching.

We hope you found this post helpful and look forward to hearing about your own Hawaiian adventure.

If you need help picking an island or more detailed traveling planning tips, we’d suggest heading over to our friends Jordan and Erica over at The Hawaiian Vacation Guide. Actually, we don’t even know them but after a year of watching their videos and reading their posts we feel like we are old pals. Plus, they travel most like us and used to live on Maui, so you’ll get the inside scoop.

Additional Resources

• Hawaiian Vacation Guide
• Boss Frog’s Snorkel Gear & Beach Guides

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