Quarter 2 | 2025
Tips and Tricks for Navigating Hawaii
By Aimee Latta
Choose the Right Island (or Islands!)
Each Hawaiian island offers a unique experience. There are eight main islands, but these four are the most popular:
- O'ahu – Best for first-timers, nightlife, surfing, and historical sites like Pearl Harbor. O'ahu is the most populated island, offering a mix of beaches, historic landmarks, and vibrant city life.
- Maui – Known for luxury resorts, beautiful beaches, the scenic Road to Hana, and Haleakalā Crater. Golfers will find Maui’s courses world-class (although my husband would argue that the Big Island has the best golf!)
- Kaua'i – Ideal for nature lovers, with lush rainforests, the cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and incredible hiking and waterfalls.
- Hawaiʻi (The Big Island) – One of my favorites! Home to active volcanoes (Mauna Loa and Kīlauea), black and green sand beaches, and outstanding stargazing. Perfect for adventure seekers, yet it also offers a laid-back vibe and diverse climates.
Consider how much time you have — island hopping can take up valuable time, and inter-island flights are limited and can be costly.
Book Early — Especially Flights & Accommodations
Hawaii is popular year-round, and prices spike during peak seasons (summer and holidays).
- Book 4–6 months ahead for the best rates on flights, hotels, and rental cars.
- Consider vacation rentals or resorts with kitchenettes if you want to save on dining out.
Rent a Car for Maximum Flexibility
Public transportation is limited outside Honolulu.
- A rental car gives you freedom to explore hidden beaches, hiking trails, and local gems.
- Book early — rental cars can be surprisingly expensive and may sell out. Costco has a great car rental discount. Honolulu also has Zipcar, where you can pick up a vehicle to rent at a nearby hotel and use it just for the day.
Plan (But Don’t Over plan) Your Activities
It’s tempting to pack your schedule but leave room for spontaneous discoveries and relaxation. Chatting with locals — bartenders, servers, shop owners — often leads to the best tips on hidden gems, like cliff-jumping spots or the best sushi on the island.
- Book must-do activities in advance: helicopter tours, luaus, boat excursions, Haleakalā sunrise, or volcano visits.
- Balance activity-packed days with slow mornings on the beach or wandering through local markets and towns.
Shaka Guide app is your personal tour guide in your pocket—perfect for adventurous self-driving journeys across Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island. Whether you're cruising the legendary Road to Hana, exploring jaw-dropping volcanoes, or looping around scenic island coastlines, this GPS-triggered audio tour app brings your trip to life with stories, tips, and local legends that play automatically as you drive or walk.
No cell service? No problem! Just download your tour ahead of time and you’re set—even in remote spots like Maui’s Road to Hana or the Big Island’s Volcanoes National Park. You'll hear turn-by-turn directions, fascinating history, cultural insights, and even island-style playlists curated to match your adventure.
It's the perfect way to explore at your own pace while still getting the inside scoop—no tour buses, no schedules, no stress. Just you, the open road and nothing but good vibes ahead.