Hawaii Vacation Connection Bruce Fisher

When planning a dream vacation to Hawaii, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to opt for an all-inclusive package or to purchase everything à la carte. While Hawaii isn't known for traditional all-inclusive resorts where you can eat and drink all day without limits, there are ways to create an all-inclusive-like experience by packaging your meals and activities together. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each approach to help you decide which is best for your Hawaiian getaway.







All-Inclusive Package: Convenience and Peace of Mind







Pros:









Convenience: One of the biggest advantages of an all-inclusive package is the convenience factor. With everything planned and paid for upfront, you can relax and enjoy your vacation without worrying about the details. Your accommodations, meals, and activities are all taken care of, allowing you to focus on the beauty and adventure that Hawaii offers.







Budgeting Made Easy: Knowing the total cost of your trip in advance helps with budgeting. You won’t be caught off guard by unexpected expenses, making it easier to manage your finances and avoid overspending.







Streamlined Planning: Booking an all-inclusive package can save you time and effort. You won’t have to spend hours researching and booking individual activities and restaurants. Instead, you’ll have a curated itinerary designed to give you a well-rounded experience of Hawaii.







Exclusive Experiences: Some packages offer exclusive experiences and perks that might be harder to arrange on your own, such as private tours, reserved seating at shows, or unique dining experiences.









Cons:









Less Flexibility: While having everything planned can be convenient, it also means less flexibility. An all-inclusive package might feel restrictive if you prefer a more spontaneous vacation where you can change your plans on a whim.







Potentially Higher Cost: Although packages offer convenience, they aren’t always the most cost-effective option. You might find that booking everything separately can sometimes be cheaper, especially if you’re savvy about finding deals and discounts.

















À La Carte: Tailor Your Own Adventure







Pros:









Customization: Booking à la carte allows you to customize your trip exactly how you want it. You can choose specific activities, dining options, and accommodations that fit your interests and preferences.







Flexibility: You have the freedom to change your plans as you go. If you discover a new activity or restaurant that you want to try, you can easily adjust your itinerary.







Potential Savings: By booking individually, you can take advantage of special deals and discounts. You might be able to find cheaper alternatives that fit your budget better than an all-inclusive package.







Local Experiences: Going à la carte gives you the opportunity to explore more local and authentic experiences. You’re not tied to a preset itinerary, so you can discover hidden gems and unique spots that aren’t included in typical packages.









Cons:









More Planning Required: Booking everything separately requires more time and effort. You’ll need to do extensive research to find the best options and coordinate all the details yourself.







Unpredictable Costs: Without an all-inclusive package, it can be harder to predict the total cost of your trip. Unexpected expenses can add up, making it difficult to stick to your budget.







No Package Perks: By not opting for a package,

In this podcast, I discuss the realities of the proposed legislation to outlaw short-term Hawaii vacation rentals. In a bid to address housing shortages and soaring real estate prices, Hawaii has unveiled new legislation aimed at phasing out vacation rentals across the islands. The move comes amid concerns that short-term rentals have contributed to the state's housing crisis, squeezing out long-term residents and driving up rents.







The proposed law, which is currently under review by state lawmakers, seeks to restrict the operation of vacation rentals, particularly in residential areas where they have proliferated in recent years. If passed, the legislation would gradually phase out existing vacation rental properties, to return them to the long-term housing market.







Supporters of the measure argue that vacation rentals have exacerbated housing affordability issues in Hawaii, making it increasingly difficult for residents to find affordable housing. By curbing the expansion of short-term rentals, policymakers hope to alleviate pressure on the housing market and create more opportunities for permanent residents to secure housing.







However, the proposed legislation has sparked debate among stakeholders, with some vacation rental owners expressing concerns about the potential impact on their livelihoods. Critics argue that the measure could undermine the state's tourism industry, which relies heavily on vacation rentals to accommodate visitors.







Proponents of the legislation, on the other hand, contend that the long-term benefits of reducing vacation rentals outweigh the short-term economic impacts. By prioritizing the needs of residents and addressing housing affordability, policymakers aim to create a more sustainable and equitable housing market in Hawaii.







As the debate continues, state lawmakers are facing pressure to strike a balance between the interests of vacation rental owners and the broader community. With housing affordability remaining a pressing issue in Hawaii, the outcome of the legislative process is likely to have significant implications for the future of the state's housing market.

If you're considering visiting multiple islands during your vacation, here are some tips to help you plan how to island hop in Hawaii effectively.







Visiting more than one island in Hawaii offers a rich tapestry of experiences, each island presenting its own unique charms and landscapes. From the vibrant energy of Oahu's Waikiki Beach and the historical sites of Pearl Harbor to the tranquil beauty of Maui's sunrise atop Haleakalā and the dramatic cliffs of the Na Pali Coast in Kauai, each island beckons with its own allure. Island hopping allows travelers to delve into Hawaii's diverse cultures, cuisines, and natural wonders, creating a journey filled with unforgettable moments and a deeper appreciation for the aloha spirit that unites these enchanting islands.







How to get between the Islands









By Air - The most common and convenient way to island hop in Hawaii is by taking inter-island flights. Most of the planes are modern jets. Southwest uses MAX 737s. Several airlines, such as Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Mokulele Airlines, offer frequent flights between the major islands. The flight duration between islands is usually short, ranging from 20 minutes to an hour depending on the distance.







By Ferry - Since the pandemic, there's only a ferry between Maui and Lanai. Therefore, it's not suited for inter-island travel unless you want to go for a day trip. The ferry service connecting Lanai and Maui is managed by Expeditions. They offer dependable and budget-friendly transportation, operating seven days a week with multiple daily trips. The journey lasts approximately an hour, crossing the picturesque Auau Channel. Passengers are treated to stunning vistas of Maui County, encompassing the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe. On days of clear skies, lucky travelers may even catch sight of the distant Big Island of Hawaii.







Private Charter- Unless you have big bucks, this is likely not an option. You can also charter private planes or boats to hop between islands. This gives you more flexibility in terms of scheduling and allows you to explore less-visited destinations.







Cruise Ship - The NCL Pride of America is a great choice for traveling between the islands and it's like a floating hotel, so you only have to pack and unpack once. While this won't give you as much time on each island compared to staying there, it can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to experience the beauty of the islands.









Hawaii Inter-Island Planning Tips







Traveling between the islands gives you the opportunity to see more of what each island has to offer. Typically, you need at least three or four nights to get a fully immersive experience, so depending on how long you plan to visit, it probably makes sense to choose islands that contrast each other nicely. For example, choosing Oahu and Hawaii Island would be contrasting.









Book in Advance - For most people, this must be done in advance because there is a lot involved. It's pretty much a travel day, and you have to have a hotel reservation and transportation reservation for many of the best attractions well in advance. More and more county-maintained parks and attractions require reservations. You also want to make sure you have preferred flights that align with your schedule.







Pack light - Less is better when it comes to luggage. Not only does it help avoid baggage fees, but it also allows you to move quicker between the islands because you'll have less to lug around with you. Additionally, if you are traveling with more than three or four people, you'll need room for luggage in your rental car! Also be aware that things like Hiking poles, Spear guns, Surfboards,

At Hawaii Aloha Travel, we typically recommend getting a rental car during your Hawaii vacation. But do you really need one? Today on the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, we’re revealing how to vacation on the islands without a rental car. 







Our expert host, Aloha Bruce, assures us that a rental car isn’t essential for a great vacation, no matter what island you visit. Sure, it depends a lot on the vision you have for your vacation and what all you want to do. But Bruce works with all kinds of travelers who opt out of rental cars and have a unique, fulfilling vacation (without being tethered to their hotels!). 







Who May Not Need a Hawaii Rental Car







Throughout the podcast, Bruce highlights the kinds of visitors who may not need or want a rental car. Here are just a few of the travelers he mentions – do you match any of these descriptions? 









People visiting Oahu may not need a rental car, since alternative transportation is so easy to find. 







Elderly vacationers who aren’t comfortable driving a lot are better off without a rental car. 







Solo travelers may find it works out better to join group tours and find alternative transportation than to deal with having a rental car and driving around alone. 

















3 Essentials for Vacationing in Hawaii Without a Car







1. Book Group Island Tours







You can still see a lot of each island, even if you don’t have a rental car. Booking a group island tour is the best option for exploring and sightseeing. 







Group sizes and routes vary – you can work with Bruce and his team to find tours that are right for you. You may join a larger group in a full-size motorcoach or opt for something more personalized in a tour van. 







Guided tours are a great way to experience Hawaii’s top sights. And, you don’t have to sightsee from behind the steering wheel. Your entire travel group will be free to chat, take pictures, and let your eyes linger on each amazing piece of scenery. 







2. Stay in a Central Location







If you don’t have a car, you’ll want to have a lot of dining and activity options within walking distance. 







Bruce shares an example of a couple vacationing in Maui. He helped them book a stay at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort in Kaanapali. This fantastic resort is close to other hotels, the Whalers Village shopping center, and small shops with essentials. 







Bruce also walks us through each island to recommend the top area to stay if you don’t have a rental car. And don’t worry, even though Kauai is the toughest island to enjoy without the car, Bruce says it’s totally doable as long as you have realistic expectations!







3. Budget for Hotel Costs







While forgoing a rental car will save you rental and parking fees, you do need to plan for extra costs.







Sure, you can stay within walking distance of shops and book guided tours, but you will still spend a lot of time at your hotel. This means you’ll pay inflated hotel prices for every meal, snack, and activity. 







So, if you’re looking to save money on your Hawaii vacation, skipping a rental car probably won’t be your best bet. 







To Rent, or Not to Rent? 







So, what do you think? Would you ever visit Hawaii without a rental car? 







It’s definitely possible to enjoy your Hawaii vacation without a car, especially if you work with local pros like Bruce, who understand exactly what you’ll need and want while you’re here. 

Are you in the depths of travel planning overload? It’s time to stop the endless scrolling and officially book your Hawaii trip. But it can be tough when you’re trying to create an authentic Hawaii vacation.







Today on the Hawaii Aloha Travel Podcast, Aloha Bruce is talking about the reality of a Hawaii vacation. You’ll likely discover it doesn’t quite look like the image of Hawaii you see on TV, in magazines, and in your imagination. 







The good news? If you manage your expectations and open yourself up to new experiences, it could look even better than you dreamed!







Choosing the Most Authentic Experiences







Bruce begins this episode with a quick rundown of what he looks for in a vacation. It’s really interesting to hear how Bruce - a professional travel expert - tries to experience new places. 







Then he shares how he brings that same approach to his travel clients. So if you’re hoping to have an authentic, immersive experience in Hawaii, you’ll want to listen to this. 







What kinds of experiences will bring you closer to true Hawaii? Of course, Bruce talks about luau – and recommends the most traditional option on Oahu (spoiler: you can’t rely only on reviews to pick out the best one!). You’ll also hear about island tours, and how local, small-scale tours are more affordable than you think. 







Looking for other immersive Hawaii experiences? Bruce touches on voluntourism and agricultural experiences that get you up close and personal with Hawaii’s rich landscape. 







Bruce also loves recommending hole-in-the-wall restaurants over the more iconic “touristy” restaurants – allowing his travel clients to get a taste of real Hawaii, just like the locals eat every day. How about that for an authentic Hawaii vacation?







Planning Your Authentic Hawaii Vacation







You want an immersive, unforgettable vacation experience, but you don’t have thousands of dollars to drop each day on high-end, curated itineraries like celebrities do. No problem. Hawaii Aloha Travel is a local agency ready to custom-make a vacation plan that includes the islands’ most authentic experiences. 







“I always felt that one of our core philosophies is connecting people in the mainland with the people of Hawaii and with true experiences in Hawaii,” Bruce says. And this means going beyond what you can find on the internet.







So don’t “follow the pack” and go with the most talked-about activities. Call us at 1-800-843-8771 to talk to Bruce or one of our other great agents today. We’ll help recommend top-notch experiences with local, passionate guides who want to show you the best of Hawaii. 

If you haven’t been to Hawaii in a few years, there’s one big change waiting for you here: reservation requirements at parks and beaches. 







It began as a way to control crowds and guarantee spots at high-demand attractions. Now the program has grown and spread throughout the state. You’ll see at select national, county, and state parks in Hawaii – but not all of them (not yet, anyway!). 







What does that mean for your vacation? Well, you can no longer come to Hawaii and just “wing it.” Not without some disappointments, anyway. You’ll want to plan your itinerary with a little more care. And it all starts with knowing which attractions require reservations. 







Let’s learn about Hawaii’s reservation requirements and get an idea of how to plan for it as you look forward to your vacation. 







What to know About Hawaii Reservations at Park







Many parks and areas in Hawaii now require reservations to visit, and more will likely be added to the list in the next year or two. 







This is to help keep crowds down, reserve space for residents, and help maintain some environmental balance. 







Also, some areas have become off-limits except to approved tour companies. So though Waipio Valley on Hawaii Island isn’t a park and doesn’t have a public reservation system, you do need to book a tour in advance to visit that area. 







But for now, reservations are just required at a handful of parks and locations that have been overwhelmed with visitors – especially since the post-COVID visitor surge. 







In most cases, these aren’t make-or-break fees. Instead, it’s a few bucks that you need to pay online to secure your spot. Here’s what to look for as you reserve your Hawaii activities:







What Are You Paying For When You Make a Reservation?







Some reservation systems require you to pay a full entry fee when you sign up online. Others (like Haleakala National Park Sunrise Reservations) require you to pay a couple of dollars online and then pay your remaining entry fee at the gate. Review what you’re paying for as you make your reservations so there are no surprises later. 







How Far In Advance Can You Reserve?







Most parks have a revolving window where you can make reservations. For example, you can make Pearl Harbor reservations up to 8 weeks in advance, with additional tickets becoming available the day before. 







It’s Worth Checking for Last-Minute Hawaii Reservations







For peak days and times, reservations get booked up quickly. If you are planning a spur-of-the-moment outing, check on the reservation site to see if there happen to be any openings. It could be your lucky day. If not, head to a park that doesn’t require reservations.







Sunrise at Haleakala and Throughout Hawaii 















It was always an early start if you wanted to watch the sunrise at Haleakala National Park. But we used to have to plan to get there even earlier than necessary because of crowds. When I took visitors up to the peak of Haleakala to watch the sunrise, we were always worried about the parking lots becoming full, and us getting turned away at the gate. 







But then, in 2017, the park introduced a reservation system. For $1.50, you secured your spot in the park, allowing you to drive up without worrying about getting turned away. The reservations weren’t optional – you had to have one to access the park during sunrise hours. 







Now, years later, the reservation requirement endures. And while some hopeful sunrise spectators see it as an obstacle to accessing Haleakala,