Travel Details
- Fly into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
- From KC, it’s a 10-13 hour flight
- There are currently no direct flights from MCI
- February is often cited as the cheapest time to visit Hawaii, while December and June are the most expensive
- Consider choosing a West Coast layover (LAX, SFO, SEA) to shorten the final leg of the journey
- The earlier you purchase tickets, the better chance you will choose a good seat
- Premium economy can be quite the upgrade, but it’s well worth it, especially for the red-eye flight home
- You will want reading materials (audible, podcasts, etc.) for the plane
- You will want a travel pillow, headphones, blanket? and a sleep mask for the plane
- Bring a water bottle, you will need 8oz of water per hour on a plane
- Wear a casual, comfortable outfit when flying
- Bring a good chapstick, moisturizer and deoderant for the plane
- Avoid alcohol and heavy meals on the plane
- Explore jet lag apps
- Rental car recommended if exploring
Avoiding Jet Lag
- Stay up when you arrive in Hawaii – otherwise, you’ll be up at 2 AM
- Hawaii does not observe daylight savings time, so the sun sets around 6:30 for most of the year
- Hawaii doesn’t have much nightlife unless you’re in Waikiki. So watch the sunset, have dinner, and go to bed early if you have to, but try to make it a couple of hours later than you would at home.
Oahu Cities
- Honolulu
- Waikiki
- Pearl Harbor
- Kailua
- Haleiwa
When to Go
- Cheapest: September, Expensive: December
- Less Sun: December, Most Sun: July
- Less Rain: June, Most Rain: December
- Less People: September, Most People: July
Where to Stay
- Waikiki
- Ko Olina
- Turtle Bay
Must Do
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial – may need to buy in advance
- Lanikai Beach
- Waikiki Beach
- Waimanalo beach
- Kualoa beach
- Shave Ice in Haleiwa
- Turtle Canyon Tour
- Hanauma Bay – Go as soon as the park opens when the water is calmer and parking is easier. Snorkel equipment is available for rental at the bay. Hanauma Bay now requires advance reservations to manage crowds and protect the marine ecosystem.
- 2 mile morning beach walk
- Sunset run along a coastal sidewalk
- Beginner’s surfing lesson
- Adventures on the water
- Free hula show
- Sunset cruise
- Snorkeling in the marine conservation district to see the Hawaii state fish
- Diamond Head crater hike for some of the best views on Oahu
- Coastal bike ride
- Picnic at the park
- Friday night fireworks
Drive Times on the Island
- Honolulu to Waikiki: 20 minutes
- Honolulu to Ko Olina: 30 minutes
- Honolulu to Turtle Bay: 55 minutes
- Waikiki to Haleiwa: 45 minutes
- Waikiki to Kailua: 30 minutes
Best Hikes
- Diamond Head Summit Trail
- Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail
- Manoa Falls Trail
- Koko Crater Railway Trail
- Lanikai Pillbox Hike
- Puu Maelieli Trail
- Ehukai Pillbox Hike
Famous Grindz
- Helena’s Hawaiian Food
- Marugame Udon
- North Shore Shrimp Trucks
- Fatboy’s
Bucket List
- Pay Your Respects at the USS Arizona Memorial – Pearl Harbor
- Climb Diamond Head State Monument
- Watch Fireworks on Waikiki Beach
- Get Lei-ed
- Drink a Tropical Cocktail
- Swim with Turtles in Hanauma Bay
- Eat a Shaved Ice at Matsumoto in Haleiwa
- Catch the Waves at Northshore
- Enjoy a Luau
- Find Peace at the Byodo-In Temple
- Take in a Hawaii Sunset from the Beach
- Eat a Plate Lunch