24 thoughts on “Why Timing Is Now Everything When Visiting Hawaii”
Kathy S
We, at Discount Hawaii Car Rental agree with this, but have also noticed that those people who plan and book way in advance often end up with the best car rental deals on our website discounthawaiicarrental.com by booking even a year in advance. And you can always rebook and cancel if rates come down. We work hard to protect those early rate finders when rates go up and changes have to be made because airlines change flights – we have some success with this – protecting those great early rates. Car rentals can be more expensive the closer you get to peak periods. It is best to call our toll-free number and have our staff help you if you need to make changes to a reservation. We work to protect your rates wherever possible.
Kudos to Discount Hawaii Car Rentals! I always book with them, their prices are unbeatable.
They can’t do anything about this, but beware: Staffing levels aren’t what they used to be, so you might wait an hour or more for your vehicle, even with a reservation.
In January, lines to see an agent were at least an hour at LIH and HNL. I was traveling solo: If you’re not, send one of your party immediately to the rental line upon arrival.
Based on my memories, February – April was a good month not to be on Oahu unless you like relentless unending rain.
Of course, possibly the nastiest non-hurricane related storm took place over New Years Eve/New Years 87/88 when Oahu got walloped with up to 22 inches of rain… and a lot of flooding. September/October is best in my opinion, except you don’t get the whales.
It appears the assumption is visiting Hawaii means staying in one of the many hotels on Hawaii beaches with crowds, parking issues and noisy next door room guests. Believe it or not, but many travelers careless about sunbathing, snorkeling or riding hotels elevators. Consideration must be given to the often off the beaten path short term vacation rentals, anytime of the year! Many in the rural quiet natural beauty of the Islands. Others on coffee or fruit orchards, mini ranches with farm animals. And importantly hosts who can offer much more than a hotel front desk clerk.
April 2024 will be our 4th escape from the Canadian winter. April is perfect weather, just out of the rainy season and not too crowded. Being senior Canadians it is always expensive due to the exchange on the $$CDN vs. $$US. Also health insurance is more expensive as you get older.
We think it is worth every penny!
I’m planning to return for another round of the Kalalau Trail 9/20-10/07, six years since I last enjoyed it (pre-flood, pre-Haena changes).
I have accommodations booked and a great corporate rate on a vehicle rental, all of which can be changed, but in my case I have to wait until 90 days beforehand to get my camping permit, then I can book my flight. Starting to think about dinner reservations now.
I decided to plan for late September so hopefully permits will be somewhat easier to get, and as you mention, weather should still be spectacular.
Won’t be planning to park at Haena. Have several names of local drivers that will allow me to park. But am looking forward to taking the shuttle to Ke’e after.
We will be on Kauai during the same period, late September to early October. We’re really looking forward to it! We’re staying on the south shore (Poipu), and hoping to snag a parking spot for Haena and Ke’e.. fingers crossed. Can’t wait!
We very much agree with your article! In the last year and half travel is much busier than it was in the past. There’s no such thing as a slow season any longer. You best be prepared for a lot of people and more cost period!!
Waiting to book better last-minute deals on accommodations and airfare is counter-productive for those seeking special accommodations and attractive airline seats with lower prices. Trying to “outsmart” airlines and vacation rentals ends up with guests having to settle for mediocre digs and difficult flights.
Thanks for these helpful tips. We traveled to Kauai’s North Shore for the first time since the “before times,” and while it felt like a glorious homecoming, we were really surprised to see and experience what our friends in Haena are calling the Disneyfication of Hanalei, exemplified by the long lines of well-laundered tourists waiting to get into Tahiti Nui. We’ll be back in September – it will be interesting to see if there’s any difference between rainy March and dry September.
“Disneyfication of Hanalei, exemplified by the long lines of well-laundered tourists waiting to get into Tahiti Nui. ” What does that even mean? If you have to wait in a line to eat at a restaurant it’s “Disneyfication”? And what does “well-laundered tourists” mean?
We, at Discount Hawaii Car Rental agree with this, but have also noticed that those people who plan and book way in advance often end up with the best car rental deals on our website discounthawaiicarrental.com by booking even a year in advance. And you can always rebook and cancel if rates come down. We work hard to protect those early rate finders when rates go up and changes have to be made because airlines change flights – we have some success with this – protecting those great early rates. Car rentals can be more expensive the closer you get to peak periods. It is best to call our toll-free number and have our staff help you if you need to make changes to a reservation. We work to protect your rates wherever possible.
Kudos to Discount Hawaii Car Rentals! I always book with them, their prices are unbeatable.
They can’t do anything about this, but beware: Staffing levels aren’t what they used to be, so you might wait an hour or more for your vehicle, even with a reservation.
In January, lines to see an agent were at least an hour at LIH and HNL. I was traveling solo: If you’re not, send one of your party immediately to the rental line upon arrival.
Your rates are the same as Expedia.
Based on my memories, February – April was a good month not to be on Oahu unless you like relentless unending rain.
Of course, possibly the nastiest non-hurricane related storm took place over New Years Eve/New Years 87/88 when Oahu got walloped with up to 22 inches of rain… and a lot of flooding. September/October is best in my opinion, except you don’t get the whales.
It appears the assumption is visiting Hawaii means staying in one of the many hotels on Hawaii beaches with crowds, parking issues and noisy next door room guests. Believe it or not, but many travelers careless about sunbathing, snorkeling or riding hotels elevators. Consideration must be given to the often off the beaten path short term vacation rentals, anytime of the year! Many in the rural quiet natural beauty of the Islands. Others on coffee or fruit orchards, mini ranches with farm animals. And importantly hosts who can offer much more than a hotel front desk clerk.
April 2024 will be our 4th escape from the Canadian winter. April is perfect weather, just out of the rainy season and not too crowded. Being senior Canadians it is always expensive due to the exchange on the $$CDN vs. $$US. Also health insurance is more expensive as you get older.
We think it is worth every penny!
I have been traveling to Hawaii often over the past 50 years. I like to avoid rain and prefer summer with its warmer water. I also like October.
Thank you for the info, BOH!
I’m planning to return for another round of the Kalalau Trail 9/20-10/07, six years since I last enjoyed it (pre-flood, pre-Haena changes).
I have accommodations booked and a great corporate rate on a vehicle rental, all of which can be changed, but in my case I have to wait until 90 days beforehand to get my camping permit, then I can book my flight. Starting to think about dinner reservations now.
I decided to plan for late September so hopefully permits will be somewhat easier to get, and as you mention, weather should still be spectacular.
Won’t be planning to park at Haena. Have several names of local drivers that will allow me to park. But am looking forward to taking the shuttle to Ke’e after.
We will be on Kauai during the same period, late September to early October. We’re really looking forward to it! We’re staying on the south shore (Poipu), and hoping to snag a parking spot for Haena and Ke’e.. fingers crossed. Can’t wait!
Planning is key. Our last trip we started planning about 9 months out with a 6 week window when we wanted to go .
First plan what you’re wanting to do and which island or islands.
Second scout hotels / condo on desired location.
Third look for flights be open to different airlines and airports.
Forth pull the tigger when you find your deal.
Don’t forget your car .
You will know a good deal only have you have done your few due diligence.
Deals are out there but you have to be looking.
Best of luck on your up coming vacation.
We very much agree with your article! In the last year and half travel is much busier than it was in the past. There’s no such thing as a slow season any longer. You best be prepared for a lot of people and more cost period!!
Waiting to book better last-minute deals on accommodations and airfare is counter-productive for those seeking special accommodations and attractive airline seats with lower prices. Trying to “outsmart” airlines and vacation rentals ends up with guests having to settle for mediocre digs and difficult flights.
Thanks for these helpful tips. We traveled to Kauai’s North Shore for the first time since the “before times,” and while it felt like a glorious homecoming, we were really surprised to see and experience what our friends in Haena are calling the Disneyfication of Hanalei, exemplified by the long lines of well-laundered tourists waiting to get into Tahiti Nui. We’ll be back in September – it will be interesting to see if there’s any difference between rainy March and dry September.
“Disneyfication of Hanalei, exemplified by the long lines of well-laundered tourists waiting to get into Tahiti Nui. ” What does that even mean? If you have to wait in a line to eat at a restaurant it’s “Disneyfication”? And what does “well-laundered tourists” mean?