✦ Post-pandemic, bulging unspent tourism budgets are begging to be released. Susie Boswell provides tips for first-time visitors to one of the most sought-after holiday spots of them all.
Of all the most desired international destinations, the name alone of a mere handful evokes an instant aura, images, even aromas. Paris is one such exmaple, its distinct elan and architecture, bustling sidewalk cafes, the waft of Gauloises and Gitanes.
Chief among this rare coterie is Hawaii – palm trees, endlessly rolling clear blue surf, fine-sand beaches, golden sunshine, fragrant floral lei, hula and the universal greeting “Aloha” come to mind.
Making up for lost time over the past two years, many families have pent-up travel budgets and now are eager to spend. So it’s time for grown-up holidays: not cost-cutting compromises, not el cheapo imitations but a trip to take in one of the world’s top must-see, unique “bucket list” locations.
A flight duration of about 10 hours from Sydney, more due north “up” the map than to the east (or west), sees passengers depart on Hawaiian Airlines’ Airbus A330 at 9:40pm in time for six to eight hours’ overnight sleep, waking for breakfast a couple of hours ahead of arrival in Honolulu at around 11:30am local time, minimising the effects of jet lag. Hawaiian prides itself on its in-flight hospitality, aiming to immerse travellers in the “Aloha spirit”, relaxing into holiday mode from the outset of the journey. Qantas and Jetstar also fly the route from Australia as alternative options.
The 50th state of the USA offers some immediate advantages: English language, familiar units of currency and familiar cuisines among them, making it easy to slide into moving about and making the most of your time away – leaving maximum opportunity to explore the things that are different: the many aspects of Hawaii’s rich culture and environment head of the list.
The breadth of experiences on offer, pleasing pretty much every taste and desire, means it’s essential to do your research beforehand to create an efficient, flexible itinerary and pack in maximum exposure to the huge variety of attractions across the six major islands. One of the best destination websites anywhere on the globe, the official gohawaii.com is an indispensable source for planning and offers a link for a free visitor’s guide as well as newsletter sign-up.
The quality and excellence of a Hawaii holiday is very affordable. A calendar of annual events and festivals is among more in-depth information and savings advice at hawaiianairlines.com.au/trip-planning-guide/budget-tips-for-hawaii-travel. Under headings of affordable accommodation, thrifty transport, cheap eats and meals, and free things to do are ideas for reducing baggage charges, noting the 64kg allowance (ideal for shopping!) and how bundling can sometimes score you two extra nights free. Lonely Planet’s Hawaii guide book, too, is a smart purchase, with plenty of detailed information and helpful money-saving tips.
Each island - Oahu, Maui, Hawaii the Big Island, Lanai, Molokai and Kauai – has distinctive aspects so confining a visit to just one of them denies the chance to make the most of every moment away. Hawaiian Air has regular inter-island services allowing holidaymakers to split their time between two or more locations - a dual destination vacation - or make individual full-day trips to tour second or third islands. Norwegian Cruise Line is the noted operator of inter-island cruises Honolulu-Honolulu, its vessel Pride of America visiting multiple ports of call over a week-long excursion; recently, though, staffing shortages have affected sailings so best to check booking availability directly with NCL.
Hawaii’s agreeable, reliable climate is one of its biggest attributes and drawcards. Weather is consistent year-round, with only minor temperature changes over two seasons: summer, May to October (average daytime temperature at sea level 29.4°C) and winter, November to April (average 25.6°C). The water temperature for swimming close to shore averages 26.7°C in summer and 23.3°C in winter – no wonder marine activities are central to Hawaiian life and leisure!
To discover the range of holidays available, begin with:
My Hawaii | Hawaii Holiday Package Deals & Specials
The following airline sites provide a range of options:
Flights only, flights + hotel /Airbnb packages; tours, car hire bookings, ground transport, travel insurance. HA: No change fees, with conditions; email notifications of low fares and special deals. Q: Fare Watch email when your budget and dates are available.
A word of caution:
Check carefully for all entry requirements to the United States, documentation including visas, and mask and other COVID-related laws (and for your return journey to Australia, which at time of writing differ).
One offbeat helping hand:
Some terrific, useful and genuine first-hand tips for flights, accommodation, attractions and so on are at the facebook page Hawaii for Aussie Travellers. It’s a well-administered, troll-free, highly knowledgeable resource with sensible real-time reports from mature contributors on hotels, attractions, queries, cruises, shopping, transport. Equally, Pass It On – Beach Gear and More – in Hawaii has posts from families giving away their boogie boards and all kinds of beach and water paraphernalia as well as strollers and even sunscreen at the end of their stay!
I’ve never heard anyone say they didn’t enjoy their Hawaii holiday.
Advertise with Brilliant-Online
✦ Brilliant-Online is the only publication that offers a single interactive multichannel advertising package.
✦ The purpose of Brilliant-Online is to push for a better world in the digital era.
✦ Brilliant-Online is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses.
✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please contact us here.
