9 Ways to Get Excited for Your Hawaii Trip
Are you planning a trip to Hawaii? Congratulations! Hawaii is a beautiful destination with so much to offer. In this article, I will share nine ways to get excited for your Hawaii trip.
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From booking your airport arrival shuttle with a fresh flower lei greeting to planning a photo shoot, these tips will help you make the most of your vacation. So, let's dive in and start getting excited for your Hawaii adventure!
1. Book Your Airport Arrival Shuttle with a Fresh Flower Lei Greeting
When you arrive at the Honolulu airport (airport code HNL) in Oahu, you have the option to book an airport arrival shuttle with a fresh flower lei greeting. In the past, this used to be a standard practice, but now it is not included unless you pre-book it.
You can either book the fresh flower lei greeting separately or as an add-on option when booking your arrival transportation. Some companies offer fresh flower leis, while others provide seashell leis. Make sure to ask about this option when making your reservation.
If you're looking for a traditional Hawaiian experience, the fresh flower lei is a great choice. However, if you prefer a souvenir that will last longer, the seashell lei is a good alternative. Additionally, you can also purchase fresh flower leis from lay stands outside of baggage claim if you want to greet your party with a lei when they arrive later.
2. Have a Fresh Flower Lei Delivered to You
Did you know that you can have a fresh flower lei delivered to you? While many people think that you can only receive a lei when you arrive at the airport, you can actually order them and have them shipped to your location.
Several florists offer this service, although there may be a rush shipping fee to ensure that the lei arrives fresh. This is a great option if you're celebrating a special occasion during your trip or if you simply want to have a lei to wear throughout your vacation.
3. Research, Research, Research
One of the best ways to get excited for your Hawaii trip is to do some research. Take the time to read about the place you're visiting, whether it's through travel websites, guidebooks, or YouTube videos. Keep in mind that Hawaii has undergone many changes in recent years, so make sure to check the publication date of any guidebooks you use.
Watching vlogs and reading recommendations from friends and social media can also give you a variety of ideas and options for your trip. Don't forget to check out my YouTube channel, where I have over 200+ Hawaii videos to help you plan your adventure.
4. Brainstorm and Plan Your Activities
To make the most of your Hawaii trip, take some time to brainstorm and plan all the activities you want to do. Whether it's visiting restaurants, checking out local attractions, or going on hikes, write down everything you can think of. You can use apps like Notion or Evernote to keep track of your ideas and even share them with your travel companions. Another option is to create a shared Google doc or use the shared notes feature on your iPhone.
Keep in mind that popular restaurants may book up months in advance, so make sure to make reservations early. For example, Duke's Waikiki and Mama's Fish House are known to fill up quickly. If your desired restaurant is already full, ask if they accept walk-ins.
Additionally, booking your activities and excursions early is essential, especially after the summer of 2021, which taught us the importance of securing reservations in advance.
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5. Plan Floral Deliveries
If you're celebrating a special occasion during your Hawaii trip or simply want to have flowers, consider planning floral deliveries. Many local florists offer a variety of options, including tropical bouquets and traditional roses.
You can have the flowers delivered to your hotel or to the hotel where your friends or family are staying. Just make sure that the name on the delivery matches the name on the hotel room! It's a thoughtful gesture that can start your trip on a perfect note.
6. Schedule a Photo Shoot
Don't forget to capture your memories in Hawaii with a photo shoot. You can either do it on your own or hire a professional photographer.
If you choose to do it yourself, all you need is your camera phone and a simple tripod. For beautiful beach photos with fewer people around, go early in the morning.
If you prefer a professional photographer, make sure to book ahead, especially during peak summer season. They can not only take stunning photos but also suggest other great locations for your shoot.
7. Join Travel Communities
To gather more ideas and recommendations for your Hawaii trip, join travel communities on platforms like Facebook. There are dedicated groups for traveling to Hawaii and specific islands where fellow travelers can share their experiences and tips.
You can also explore other social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube to discover more things you can do at your destination. These platforms are filled with travel content that can inspire you for your upcoming trip.
8. Set Up a Travel Countdown
Create a travel countdown on your phone to build anticipation for your Hawaii trip. You can easily set up a countdown timer that shows the number of days until your departure. This simple reminder will keep you excited and motivated as you count down the days.
If you prefer a physical countdown, you can also purchase a countdown calendar from Amazon to have on your desk or wall.
9. Book Your Activities and Excursions Early
To ensure that you get to experience your desired activities and excursions, it's important to book them early. After the summer of 2021, when there was a rental car shortage and limited availability, it became clear that booking in advance is crucial. By booking early, you have the flexibility to choose your preferred date, time, and activity company. While you may find similar options when you arrive, there's no guarantee that you'll get your first choice.
So, don't wait until the last minute to book your adventures in Hawaii!
In conclusion, there are many ways to get excited for your Hawaii trip. From booking your airport arrival shuttle with a fresh flower lei greeting to planning a photo shoot and joining travel communities, these tips will help you make the most of your vacation. Remember to do your research, plan your activities, and book everything in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. So, start getting excited and get ready for an amazing adventure in Hawaii!