• Pack Wisely

Because of Hawaii’s unique ecosystem, certain things are prohibited in the islands. When you come to the islands, be sure to leave your fruit at home. Although Hawaii is part of the United States, they do have a form (like the ones you fill out at customs) making sure that you left your plants, animals and fruits at home.

• Explore

The Hawaiian islands have a very diverse ecosystem and no two islands are alike. If at all possible, plan for a long vacation. Ideally, give yourself at least a few days on every island then explore to your heart’s content. Hawaii has everything from snowcapped mountains, jagged cliffs carved by waterfalls, rainforests and warm tropical seas. There is so much to do and see. Give yourself enough time to enjoy it all.

• All-Inclusive Alternative

The rumors are true. For whatever reason Hawaii doesn’t have a single all-inclusive luxury hotel. If you had your heart set on an all-inclusive stay in Hawaii, you might want to book a luxury cruise through the Hawaiian islands. You’ll still get to visit the islands while getting your food and drinks covered on-board the ship.

• Work with a Travel Agent

I am always amazed at how many people don’t know about the benefits of booking with a travel agent. Beyond their expertise, a luxury travel agent can give you VIP treatment, access to certain perks and amenities and solve problems that may arise for you.

• Bring Sunscreen

Regardless of whether you’re staying at a beautiful five star resort or a boutique hotel, the tropical sun will burn you if you’re not careful. I cannot tell you the number of times I’ve seen painful looking burns on unhappy travelers who didn’t take the Hawaiian sun seriously. Be sure to bring sunscreen and avoid the pain that comes with sunburn. Additionally, Hawaii only allows reef-safe sunscreens. It’s a thing.

• Pack Cautiously

Many people get so excited for their Hawaii vacation that they pack with abandon. This is a completely avoidable mistake. Imagine what a bummer it would be to open your luggage only to discover that your non-nano zinc oxide, reef-friendly sunscreen has exploded in a sticky, white mess all over your belongings. That is no fun! Here’s a tip: cut a small piece of plastic and put it between the tube and the screw top. That way, even if the cap pops open, your liquids won’t get everywhere. It’s also a good idea to put things into waterproof bags.

• Double-Check with TSA

There are things that are obviously not going to be allowed on a plane. Clearly, your bow and arrow and favorite pocket knife are not going to make it past TSA. But there are some things that you might assume are safe that are absolutely prohibited. For example, did you know that you’re not allowed to bring a nail file? You also can’t bring a cork-screw. Be sure to check with TSA if you’re unsure about what is and isn’t allowed on a flight to Hawaii.

• Know Your Limits

Speaking of flying, it’s important to know your limits, your weight limits that is. Most of the time, your baggage needs to be under 50 pounds. And if you take a private plane to Lana’i (I highly recommend Lana’i Air) they will ask for your weight, as well. However, you can bring whatever you want with you. There are no restrictions on the weight of your bags and you can even bring an entire cooler full of liquids. It was an amazingly liberating experience, let me tell you.

• Use Jet Lag to Your Advantage

With Hawaii being isolated in the middle of the Pacific ocean, it takes time for anyone to get there. And because of the sheer amount of travel that it takes to get to the islands, many people deal with jet-lag. If the time change has you up early, use it to your advantage. For example, if you go to Pearl Harbor first thing in the morning, you’ll beat the crowd. Pearl Harbor doesn’t take reservations and operates on a first come, first served basis. The earlier you are the better. If you’re not interested in sight-seeing, head to the beach early. There is nothing quite like having a beach all to yourself at sunrise.

• Rent a Jeep

If you’re the adventurous type and want to explore some of the lesser known areas of the islands, you’re going to want to rent a jeep. While in most circumstances a sedan will be just fine, some of the most stunning public beaches are found at the end of a steep incline covered in gravel. Avoid mishaps (like needing to call a tow truck) by picking a vehicle with more capabilities.

• Don’t Worry About the Money

While some people imagine grass shacks and a lack of modern amenities, Hawaii is in-fact a modern place with plenty of wi-fi, banks and ATMs. Don’t worry about not having access to your money. With very few exceptions, most of Hawaii will have what you need. Still, it might not be a bad idea to have a little bit of cash on hand.

• Don’t Forget to Tip

In some places, tipping is not the norm. In fact, I had a friend get chased down the street in Japan because he had left a tip. They returned it to him. But, as Hawaii is one of the 50 states, it does follow that tipping is an accepted cultural practice. Typically 10% is the minimum for a tip with more generous tipping somewhere closer to 20% for excellent service.