Travel to Hawaiʻi, before you move.
A lot of people who eventually move here visited first — sometimes for a week, sometimes for a month. These guides cover the trip itself: what to pack, where to snorkel, when to whale-watch, and how to use the visit to test whether the move makes sense.
Most people who move to Hawaiʻi visited a few times first. That's the right order. A two- or three-week trip will tell you more about whether you can actually live here than a year of research will — what the air feels like, how traffic moves, what real housing looks like off Airbnb.
These guides cover the trip itself: what to pack, how to get between the islands, the best places to snorkel and whale-watch, and the calmer side of Hawaiʻi most first-time visitors never make it to.
Logistics first.
Packing, renting a car, hopping between islands — the practical pieces that get the day-to-day right.
Hawaii Packing List (2026): What to Bring, What to Skip, and Biosecurity Rules
A 2026 Hawaii packing checklist covering the reef-safe sunscreen law, agricultural biosecurity restrictions, what to buy on arrival, and airline baggage…
How to Rent a Car in Hawaii: 2026 Guide for Tourists
Renting a car in Hawaii in 2026? Covers airport pickup, under-25 fees, insurance options, Hawaii car seat laws (HRS 291-11.5), and tips to save on your…
How Much Does It Cost to Island Hop in Hawaii? Best Guide
Discover the cost of island hopping in Hawaii and plan your dream vacation.
Snorkeling, dolphins, whales.
Three of the best reasons to plan a trip — and where to go to actually see them.
Rainforests, nature, evenings.
Beyond the beach — the parts of the islands that most visitors miss on a first trip.
Best Rainforests in Hawaii: Top Hikes by Island (2026)
From Oahu’s Manoa Falls to Kauai’s Alakai Swamp, discover Hawaii’s best rainforests by island in 2026 — where they are, what to expect, and how to visit…
Roller Coasters in Hawaii: Hawaii’s Best Amusement Parks
If you’re desperate to go on a roller coaster on your trip to the state
Hawaiian Culture Facts: 10 Interesting Things You Didn’t Know About Hawaiian Culture
Known as the land of sun and surf, Hawaii is one of the most popular