For years, Hawaii was one of those places I’ve always wanted to visit.
Like many people, I imagined crystal-clear water, beautiful beaches, warm sunshine, and that relaxed island feeling you see in photos. So, when we finally booked our trip, I was excited and honestly, I thought I had everything figured out.
As it turns out, I didn’t. Don’t get me wrong. Hawaii was absolutely beautiful, and I would go back in a heartbeat. But looking back, there are a few things I wish I had known before our first visit. Not because they would have changed the trip, but because they would have saved us money, time.
If you’re planning your first trip to Hawaii, here are three things I learned from experience.
1. Plan Your Activities Before You Arrive
When we booked our trip, we decided we’d figure out the activities once we got to Hawaii. We thought it would be fun to be spontaneous and see where each day took us. And it was.
While that worked out just fine for us, I do wish I had researched some of the activities before we left.
Popular experiences like luaus, snorkeling tours, catamaran cruises, and other family-friendly excursions can book up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Planning ahead also gives you more time to compare prices, read reviews, and choose the activities that best fit your family’s interests and budget.
If you’re traveling with kids who enjoy adventures and organized activities, doing a little research before your trip can make a difference. But for us, though, things turned out a little differently.
After our first day at the beach, my son said that he was “part fish” because all he wanted to do was swim and swim and enjoy the beach. Every day, he was perfectly happy spending hours in the water, and honestly, that became one of our favorite parts of the trip. We enjoyed the beach so much. After all that’s one of the reasons why we went. In the end, we didn’t feel like we had missed out at all.
So, my take is simple: if there are a few experiences you know you don’t want to miss, like a luau or a special tour, those can be book ahead of time. But don’t feel like you have to fill every day with activities. Sometimes the best memories are made with nothing more than a beach towel, the ocean, and time together.
2. You May Not Need a Rental Car for Your Entire Trip
This was probably our biggest travel mistake. Like many first-time visitors, we rented a car as soon as we landed. We assumed we’d be driving around the island every day exploring different places.
The reality was very different.
Our hotel was located in Waikiki, right across from the beach. Most days, we walked everywhere. Restaurants, shops, cafés, and the beach were all within walking distance.
Meanwhile, our rental car sat parked. What I didn’t fully consider was the cost of hotel parking. We paid about $65 per day just to park the car, and after a week, that added up to hundreds of dollars.
Looking back, we could have easily waited until we needed a car and rented one for a day or two to explore places like the North Shore. As there are actually available car rentals in hotels that you can rent for a day. That way there was no need to pay $65 a day just for parking.
If you’re staying in Waikiki and plan to spend most of your time enjoying the beach, shopping, dining, and relaxing, consider whether you truly need a rental car for your entire stay.
3. A Hotel Near the Beach Can Be Just as Good as a Beachfront Hotel
I’ll admit it. I always wanted a beachfront hotel. And why not, that’s the best. (lol) At least for me. Because I love the idea of waking up with the view of the beach and sunrise and l love watching sunsets at twilight.
There was something about waking up and seeing the ocean right outside my window that felt like the ultimate Hawaii experience.
We stayed at Marriott Hotel right in front of Waikiki beach. And while it was wonderful, I realized something.
Many of the hotels located just a few blocks from the beach are still incredibly convenient. In Waikiki, everything is very walkable. People are constantly walking between hotels, restaurants, shops, and the beach. You don’t need to be directly on the sand to enjoy the ocean.
In fact, some hotels that are only a short walk away can be significantly more affordable while still offering beautiful accommodations and easy beach access.
If you’re trying to stay within a budget, don’t automatically rule out hotels that aren’t beachfront. You may be surprised by how little difference those extra few minutes of walking actually make.
After spending a week in Waikiki, I realized that you’re rarely inside your room anyway. Most of your time is spent walking, exploring, sitting on the beach, trying local restaurants, or watching the sunset.
Would I stay in a beachfront hotel again? Absolutely. With a good deal. But that’s just me.
In the end, it’s not the hotel view that made our trip unforgettable. It was the laughter, the time together, and the memories we brought home.
And honestly, when you’re surrounded by sunshine, palm trees, and ocean views, the walk is part of the experience.
Final Thoughts
Hawaii was everything I hoped it would be.
The beaches were stunning. The sunsets were unforgettable. The slower pace reminded me how important it is to simply enjoy the moment.
If I ever return, and I hope I do. I would plan a few activities ahead of time, skip the week-long rental car, and be more open to staying near the beach rather than directly on it.
Travel has a funny way of teaching us lessons that no guidebook can. Looking back, I wouldn’t change our first trip to Hawaii—not even the little mistakes. They became part of our story. If anything, they reminded me that the best vacations aren’t about doing everything perfectly. They’re about slowing down, being together, and creating memories you’ll smile about long after the tan fades.
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