Almost ten million people visited Hawaii in 2018, and this number appears to be rising. This isn’t surprising, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the country, a scenic island with thousands of years of history.

As with any vacation, a lot goes into planning a trip to Hawaii. You’ll need to figure out what you want to do in Hawaii and where you can do it, and that’s only the beginning.

You’ll also need to know a bit about the state in general before you book any plane tickets. We’ll tell you about some of these things in the paragraphs below.

1. Hawaii Consists of Multiple Islands

Do you know how many islands make up the great state of Hawaii? The answer depends on who you ask and how you count them.

Technically, there are over 100 islands that make up the Hawaiian Islands, but most people only count eight. These 8 islands include Hawaii, which is the largest island and lends its name to the state, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kauai, and Niihau.

These eight states are included because they are the largest, and because, with the exception of Niihau, they are the only populated islands. Each island has its own unique features that affect the kind of pastimes that are popular there. This is something to keep in mind when planning a trip to Hawaii.

2. Adjust to Hawaiian Time

Hawaii may officially be a state, but it has a culture all its own. Part of this culture involves enjoying the island and having a laid-back attitude. Hawaiians tend to do things at a more leisurely pace than the rest of the country.

This extends to all facets of life, from food to driving, and many other facets of life. An old expression says to stop and smell the roses, and when you have as many roses as Hawaii does, both literally and figuratively, why would you want to rush?

When you’re consulting your trip planner, understand that you may not get to see or do everything you want, and that’s okay.

3. Respect the Land and Culture

We’ve mentioned that Hawaii has a culture all its own. We mean that in the truest sense of the word, and Hawaiian culture has been around for over one thousand years.

Like many cultures, they care a lot about the land they call home and want to preserve it. Though the land is valuable in and of itself, it also contains many shrines and historical sites that need to be treated with respect and care. Bring reef-safe sunscreen that is safe for marine life, and don’t litter.

What to Know When Planning a Trip to Hawaii

When planning a trip to Hawaii, it’s best to keep in mind that it’s a beautiful place with centuries of culture behind it. Understanding and adapting to the way Hawaiians do things is only going to enhance your trip.

We’ve mentioned only a few important things to know about this wonderful place in the paragraphs below, but there are many others. We encourage you to do more research on your own if you’re interested.

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