Aerial view of a green Hawaiian coastline

Hawaii · Planning

Hawaii FAQs

Costs, island hopping, getting around and what to pack: answers to the questions travelers ask before a Hawaii trip, from the specialists who plan them every day.

  • USD currency
  • 2 islands in a week is ideal
  • Free consultation

Hassle-Free Dream Travel!

Google ★★★★★ 5.0 · 601 reviews
Stewart Logan
★★★★★
Mikaila from The Travel Byrds put together a fantastic trip for us to Vancouver. Everything was arranged to fit our preferences including experiences I would never have known how to navigate myself. What a great way to travel, no stress, all fun — because a professional does the hard part for you.
Karen Terry
★★★★★
Amazing family vacation to Italy * can't wait to go back!
Brandie Penrose
★★★★★
We used CeCe as our travel advisor for our European trip, and she was amazing! She was able to work with a very tight deadline, listened to all of the things we asked for, and executed the trip perfectly. It was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend her services for anyone looking to plan a trip!
Loida Martinez
★★★★★
I cannot speak highly enough about my experience with Christina Gaspari and The Travel Byrds! She made sure to ask plenty of questions at the beginning, kept in touch while planning to make sure the things she was going to book for us were what we wanted, and made sure we had all info we might need and more before our trip. The trip itself was incredible thanks to her! Not having to worry about anything and having a full itinerary ready full of amazing experiences and even relax time accounted for was wonderful! She really put in so much work for our trip which was to multiple countries! Thanks Christina! <3
Steven Alsip
★★★★★
We have traveled with Travel Byrds 5 times and we love their service, last trip to Costa Rica was amazing. Our every concern was addressed/ all needs were met. Our agent's advice and expertise are much appreciated and we will not travel again without them!
Stephanie Fitzgerald
★★★★★
Paige planned my week-long trip to Greece. From my very first call with her to discuss my vacation “must-haves”, I was impressed with both her knowledge and her enthusiasm. She listened to my wants, made suggestions based on our discussion and then perfectly planned my trip… from the islands we visited to the hotels to the excursions. As my trip got closer, she brought in another team member to do any final bookings and modifications. It was so reassuring to know that she and her team had everything covered. I worried about NOTHING. I cannot recommend her enough.
Alexa johnson
★★★★★
If I could give Sylvie more than 5 stars, I would! Planning our honeymoon to Paros, Greece and Rome and Florence, Italy felt a little overwhelming at first, but Sylvie made the entire process so easy and stress-free. She truly thought of every single detail, and I honestly couldn’t have dreamed up a better trip or a more perfect way to start our marriage. Every hotel, transfer, flight, and excursion was seamless. On top of that, the travel app she created for us was incredible. It had every piece of information we could possibly need all in one place, so even traveling somewhere completely new felt easy and organized. We never had to wonder what was next or worry about missing anything because she had already thought of it. Not only is Sylvie incredibly organized and knowledgeable, but she genuinely cares about creating an unforgettable experience for her clients. Our honeymoon exceeded every expectation, and we made memories we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. I cannot recommend Sylvie enough. If you’re thinking about booking a trip, do yourself a favor and let her handle it. It was hands down one of the best decisions we made, and we’re already looking forward to planning our next adventure with her!
Todd Brydges
★★★★★
Our trip to the Rockies and National Parks was the second adventure Sylvie planned for us, and once again she knocked it out of the PARK! 🙂 Her recommendations and family excursions were spot-on and perfectly matched our interests and family dynamic. She handled all the details, taking the stress and anxiety out of the planning process. We highly recommend reaching out to Sylvie for your next trip—she’ll make sure you have an amazing experience.
Stewart Logan
★★★★★
Mikaila from The Travel Byrds put together a fantastic trip for us to Vancouver. Everything was arranged to fit our preferences including experiences I would never have known how to navigate myself. What a great way to travel, no stress, all fun — because a professional does the hard part for you.
Karen Terry
★★★★★
Amazing family vacation to Italy * can't wait to go back!
Brandie Penrose
★★★★★
We used CeCe as our travel advisor for our European trip, and she was amazing! She was able to work with a very tight deadline, listened to all of the things we asked for, and executed the trip perfectly. It was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend her services for anyone looking to plan a trip!
Loida Martinez
★★★★★
I cannot speak highly enough about my experience with Christina Gaspari and The Travel Byrds! She made sure to ask plenty of questions at the beginning, kept in touch while planning to make sure the things she was going to book for us were what we wanted, and made sure we had all info we might need and more before our trip. The trip itself was incredible thanks to her! Not having to worry about anything and having a full itinerary ready full of amazing experiences and even relax time accounted for was wonderful! She really put in so much work for our trip which was to multiple countries! Thanks Christina! <3
Steven Alsip
★★★★★
We have traveled with Travel Byrds 5 times and we love their service, last trip to Costa Rica was amazing. Our every concern was addressed/ all needs were met. Our agent's advice and expertise are much appreciated and we will not travel again without them!
Stephanie Fitzgerald
★★★★★
Paige planned my week-long trip to Greece. From my very first call with her to discuss my vacation “must-haves”, I was impressed with both her knowledge and her enthusiasm. She listened to my wants, made suggestions based on our discussion and then perfectly planned my trip… from the islands we visited to the hotels to the excursions. As my trip got closer, she brought in another team member to do any final bookings and modifications. It was so reassuring to know that she and her team had everything covered. I worried about NOTHING. I cannot recommend her enough.
Alexa johnson
★★★★★
If I could give Sylvie more than 5 stars, I would! Planning our honeymoon to Paros, Greece and Rome and Florence, Italy felt a little overwhelming at first, but Sylvie made the entire process so easy and stress-free. She truly thought of every single detail, and I honestly couldn’t have dreamed up a better trip or a more perfect way to start our marriage. Every hotel, transfer, flight, and excursion was seamless. On top of that, the travel app she created for us was incredible. It had every piece of information we could possibly need all in one place, so even traveling somewhere completely new felt easy and organized. We never had to wonder what was next or worry about missing anything because she had already thought of it. Not only is Sylvie incredibly organized and knowledgeable, but she genuinely cares about creating an unforgettable experience for her clients. Our honeymoon exceeded every expectation, and we made memories we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. I cannot recommend Sylvie enough. If you’re thinking about booking a trip, do yourself a favor and let her handle it. It was hands down one of the best decisions we made, and we’re already looking forward to planning our next adventure with her!
Todd Brydges
★★★★★
Our trip to the Rockies and National Parks was the second adventure Sylvie planned for us, and once again she knocked it out of the PARK! 🙂 Her recommendations and family excursions were spot-on and perfectly matched our interests and family dynamic. She handled all the details, taking the stress and anxiety out of the planning process. We highly recommend reaching out to Sylvie for your next trip—she’ll make sure you have an amazing experience.

Frequently asked

Your Hawaii questions, answered

Pick a topic to narrow the list, then tap a question to open it.

Planning & costsIs Hawaii an affordable destination?

Hawaii is a premium destination, with costs comparable to many European trips for longer stays. Prices are driven by state and local taxes, limited accommodation supply and strong environmental protections that restrict large-scale development. Most food and goods are imported, which raises dining and daily costs.

Planning & costsWhat should I budget for a Hawaii vacation?

Most travelers should expect a Hawaii trip to cost more than a typical Caribbean or Mexico vacation, especially once dining, activities and transportation are included. We help set a realistic budget up front, so there are no surprises.

Planning & costsWhy is travel to Hawaii more expensive?

Because of its remote location, most goods and services are imported. Year-round demand and limited inventory also keep prices higher than many other beach destinations.

Planning & costsWhy work with a travel advisor for Hawaii?

An advisor helps you avoid false “cheap deal” expectations, recommends the right island and resort for your goals, and makes sure your budget is spent where it matters most.

Getting there & aroundDo I need a visa to travel to Hawaii?

Hawaii is a U.S. state, so U.S. citizens don’t need a passport or visa for domestic travel. International visitors must meet U.S. entry requirements: a visa, or an approved ESTA for Visa Waiver Program countries. Check the requirements for your country before you go.

Getting there & aroundWhat is the best way to get around in Hawaii?

Options include renting a car, public transportation and guided tours. Each has its benefits depending on your itinerary, and we’ll recommend the right mix for your islands.

Getting there & aroundCan I visit multiple islands in one trip?

Yes! Island hopping is easy with inter-island flights. Plan your itinerary carefully to make the most of your time; most travelers enjoy two islands in a week to ten days.

Getting there & aroundDo I need travel insurance for Hawaii?

It isn’t required, but it’s recommended to cover unexpected events like flight cancellations, medical emergencies or trip interruptions.

On the islandsWhat is the currency in Hawaii?

Hawaii uses the U.S. dollar, so there’s no currency conversion if you’re traveling from within the United States.

On the islandsWhat languages are spoken in Hawaii?

English is the predominant language, but you’ll also hear Hawaiian and Pidgin. Locals appreciate it when visitors learn a few Hawaiian words.

On the islandsAre there any cultural customs I should know about?

Respect for Hawaiian culture is important. Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home, and learn a few local terms like “aloha” (hello, love) and “mahalo” (thank you).

On the islandsIs it safe to swim at Hawaii’s beaches?

Generally yes, but always check local conditions and heed warning signs. Some beaches have strong currents or no lifeguards on duty.

On the islandsWhat should I pack for a Hawaii trip?

Light clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, hiking shoes, a reusable water bottle and a light jacket for cooler evenings or mountain areas.

Work with One of Our Travel Experts

The average person takes over 11 hours researching their vacation. Take that time back and let us handle the nitty gritty of reading reviews, asking questions, comparing hotels and more.

Turquoise bays and green ridges of the Nā Pali Coast, Kaua‘i

After a true deep dive into your requests, your travel agent will come back with a variety of suggested hotels, activities, and surprise experiences. You tell us which ones fit you best and we'll work through the logistics!

Makena Beach on Maui

You'll be equipped with an itinerary complete with the details of your trip. If anything happens along the way, you can relax knowing your travel agent will take care of everything!

Turquoise surf along Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, Hawaii

Your Dream Hawaii Vacation

Imagine waking to the sound of waves, hiking through lush rainforest and getting lost in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Tell us about your dream Hawaii trip, and one of our certified Hawaii Specialists will start designing it with you.

  • The right island and resort for your style
  • Sunrise permits, tours and tables secured
  • Upgrades and perks with our resort partners
  • Support before, during and after your trip

Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Trip by Contacting One of Our Hawaii Specialists

Scroll to Top