Hawaii Vacation Tips
by Lottie Tagupa

As everyone knows, vacation time is very precious. Getting the most out of the time and money you spend while vacationing can be the difference between a good vacation and a great vacation. Consider these tips when planning your trip to Hawaii.

1. Decide on a realistic itinerary.

I have seen many tourists try to shove a four-island itinerary into a 14-day stay, only to lose steam, patience and enjoyment after the first five. Plan on no less than two or three days per island for a comfortable pace. This is especially true for Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii. For the first-time visitor, Oahu has more activities, museums, attractions and shopping than the rest of the islands put together. Hawaii, or the Big Island, is the largest of the major islands in the Hawaiian chain and one of the least populated. Expect to spend more time driving on this island than on any other. Kauai is the quieter of the largest four islands and the easiest to navigate by car. Maui is second to Oahu in terms of visitors and activities. Driving the road to Hana or up to the summit of Haleakala is most rewarding, but consider the trips as all-day affairs, especially if you are starting from the West Maui area.

2. Plan a day trip.

If you have decided which islands to visit and are still interested in yet another island, plan a day trip to that last island instead of squeezing a hotel stay into an already full itinerary. This works especially well with Kauai and the Big Island, especially if your Big Island interest lies solely in visiting The Volcanoes National Park. Inter-island flights operate daily at 20-30-minute intervals from 5:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Flying time between islands is surprisingly short. Oahu to/from Kauai or Maui is scheduled for 35 minutes while flights to/from the Big Island are scheduled for 50 minutes.

Book a flight that will get you to your destination mid-morning and book a return that will allow you to enjoy an early dinner and sunset before boarding your return flight. Making car reservations at the same time you make your inter-island air reservations saves time and money since the inter-island airlines have great deals on car rates. One of the best features of "day-hopping" is the great amount of flexibiity allowed. If you decide to return earlier or later than you originally planned, the inter-island air tickets are flexible enough to allow you to call and make any changes you need without any additional charges.

3. Plan your vacation itinerary to arrive and depart the islands in the late morning or early afternoon.

This type of scheduling allows for many options for those planning any inter-island connections. In most cases, it allows passengers to proceed to inter-island flights with a minimum of disruption even in the event of a delayed flight. It is also the most efficient since check-in time at Hawaii hotels generally is 3:00 p.m. and checkout time is 12:00 noon. This schedule also works well in avoiding additional "overtime" charges with car rental companies. It is also important to realize that although Oahu's streets are generally well lighted many of the highways on the neighboring islands are not. Driving on narrow winding coastal highways can be unsettling to some, specifically at night in new surroundings.

4. Take advantage of the many free or almost free activities on the islands.

Hiking, performances and some attractions and services are free or almost free. These activities are available all year around that can make an otherwise budget-busting vacation affordable without feeling destitute.

Fresh Flower leis! They are quite inexpensive - ranging from $3.00 upward - and can come in a range of colors and fragrances that will amaze you. You can buy them in Chinatown on Oahu or at any florist in the islands. Buy one for your new bride or simply to make your wife's Hawaii vacation more special. Take one home for that special someone or show a client your appreciation. Most people will opt for the airport lei greeting. This is a long-standing Hawaii tradition that provides for an official lei greeter to meet you as you step off your flight in Hawaii. The lei greeter drapes you with a fresh floral lei and then you are escorted to the baggage claim area and left to claim your bags. This is a great way to get through the airport and have an opportunity to have someone to assist you with your questions as you arrive. Costing about $10 per person, it's a perfectly unique and inexpensive way in which to be welcomed to the islands.

Hiking trails are available on all islands and most are free. There are many types of trails, from flat coastal area trails to inland waterfall and strenuous mountain ridge trails. By far the most popular and widely used trail on Oahu is the Diamond Head Crater Summit trail. This hike begins on the crater floor and continues up along the inside of the crater rim toward the summit. Once at the top you are rewarded with a sweeping view of the entire south shore of Oahu from the remnants of an old World War II bunker. Near Hilo on the Big Island is Akaka Falls. What used to be a muddy hike is now a short, safe paved loop from the parking lot through a canopy of tropical trees and flowers which culminates in spectacular views of one of Hawaii's largest waterfalls.

The Honolulu Zoo is a very popular spot that is enjoyed by many. Situated across Kuhio Beach in Waikiki, it is Hawaii's largest and most comprehensive zoo. During the summer, concerts are held on the zoo's grounds in the late afternoons. Zoo admission is $6.00 for those 13 years and older, $1.00 for ages six to 12 and free for those five and under. Admission for the 1999 concert series is only $1.00.

The Waikiki Aquarium is located in Kapiolani Park - just steps from Waikiki Beach. It showcases over 240 species of Hawaiian Islands and South Pacific marine life. You can also get a closer look at Hawaii's state fish (the Humuhumunukunukua'pua'a). Admission for adults is $7.00 and free for those six-12 years of age.

The Arizona Memorial also is a free attraction; however, tickets are not given in advance so it is recommended that you arrive early and secure a ticket before browsing through the visitor's center. Ticket distribution begins daily at 7:30 a.m. The most efficient method of getting to or from the Memorial is via the Arizona Memorial shuttle. Round-trip transportation is available for under $10 per person.

The Royal Hawaiian Band has weekly scheduled performances at the Kapiolani Park Bandstand in Waikiki every Sunday between 2 and 3:15 p.m., and on the grounds of the Iolani Palace in Downtown Honolulu every Friday between 12:15 and 1:15 p.m. Also on Fridays in Downtown Honolulu is the Mayor's Aloha Friday Lunch Time Music Break at Tamarind Park on the corner of Bishop and South King Streets between noon and 1 p.m. Bring a sandwich along and make it a picnic!

On Friday nights, take the time to enjoy the "Strolling Hula Dancers" on Kaläkaua Avenue. This is a unique strolling hula show held between 8 and 10 p.m. Join Clyde Lono, Auntie Pudgie Young and their hula dancers as they stroll along Kalakaua Avenue performing at various points along the way in Waikiki (including the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center and King Kalakaua Plaza).

Molehu I Waikiki (Twilight in Waikïkï), where you'll find a torch lighting pageant, Hawaiian music and hula dancing, is held every Saturday and Sunday night at 6:30 p.m. at Kuhio Beach Banyan near the Duke Kahanamoku statue.

Most of all, remember that the best of Hawaii's sunsets, sunrises, rainbows, beaches, sand, marine life, scenic vistas, ocean views and waterfalls are ALL free!

5. Use your common sense.

Hawaii has been rated the most safe of the largest 200 cities in the United States. Nevertheless, it is still good practice to use your common sense wherever and whenever you are on vacation. More specifically, this means never, NEVER leave ANYTHING of value UNATTENDED in your rental car - not even in the trunk, glove box, suitcase or under the seat.

Also be aware that taxi drivers are not allowed to stop for anyone hailing a cab or to cruise or solicit for fares at bus stops or shopping centers. Timeshare salespeople are not allowed to solicit anyone on the street. If you see this occurring, or witness other activities that concern you, TELL SOMEONE! Report it to your local tour representative, or your hotel security or even a police officer.

6. Research, research, research and plan, plan, plan.

This is the most important aspect of a successful vacation. Learn about where you will be staying and what you will be interested in doing well before you arrive. Many begin to plan their activities the minute they arrive, which wastes time and enjoyment of your limited and hard-earned vacation time.

7. Lastly, remember to be flexible and open-minded to the unforeseen, unavoidable or unexpected.

Since anything can go wrong, it's best to know that remaining cool, calm and proactive in such situations will make for fonder dream vacation memories.