As featured in Travel Weekly
Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and it isn't getting any less expensive. Travel Weekly recently reported that visitors are spending more per day in Hawaii than ever before. When they asked travel advisors how clients can get the most from a Hawaii trip, I was honored to be part of the conversation.
Here's what I believe, and what I shared: luxury isn't about spending the most. It's about spending well. That means investing in the moments that matter to you, and not wasting a dollar on the things that don't.
What should I decide before planning a Hawaii trip?
Before I look at a single hotel, I ask every client the same question: What do you define as a successful vacation? What will truly restore you, or refresh you?
Then I ask you to picture the moment in Hawaii when you'd feel the trip was worth every penny. Maybe it's waking up to the ocean outside your balcony. Maybe it's a private sunset dinner, or simply not having to plan a thing. Your answer tells me exactly where to invest, and where we can be smart.
Can a Hawaii vacation feel luxurious without overspending?
Yes. Luxury is about intention, not excess. When we know what matters most, we put your money there first. Everything else is chosen with the same care, so nothing feels like a compromise and nothing is wasted.
Should I stay on the beach or off the beach?
It depends on your answer to that first question. If an oceanfront room is the dream, we make it happen and find value in other parts of the trip. If you'll be out exploring all day, a beautiful property a short walk from the sand can give you the same luxury feel and free up room for the experiences you came for.
Is a villa or suite with a kitchen worth it?
For families, especially with little ones or picky eaters, absolutely. Dining out is one of the biggest costs of any Hawaii trip. A villa or suite with a kitchenette gives everyone more space and comfort, makes easy breakfasts and snacks simple, and saves your dining budget for the dinners worth dressing up for.
Is a Hawaii cruise a good way to see the islands?
This is one of my biggest tips. If you want to see more than one island, consider a cruise. You unpack once and wake up somewhere new, without inter-island flights, extra hotel check-ins, or repacking. A cruise can even be the setting for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. I recently planned a destination wedding for a couple sailing the islands. While the ship spent the night in Maui, I coordinated a beachfront ceremony at the Royal Lahaina Resort, 40 minutes from port, with staggered private transfers so the bride, the wedding party, and every guest arrived right on time.
It can also be the better value. When I compare the cost of a hotel stay plus eating out against a cruise where your meals are included, the cruise often comes out ahead. You see more of Hawaii and spend less time figuring out where to eat.
Why work with a travel advisor for Hawaii?
Because the best value isn't always the lowest price. I compare the total cost of your trip, including the hotel, meals, transportation, and the details that add up quietly. Then I design a trip around what will make you feel restored. You get the vacation you pictured, without the hours of research or the guesswork.
Ready to plan a Hawaii trip that's worth every penny?
Let's start with that one question: what would make this trip feel worth it to you? Book a free 30-minute call, and we'll design your Hawaii vacation around the answer.
Read the full article in Travel Weekly.
Shanina Leaks is the owner of ReThreeTravel, a Chicago-area luxury travel agency creating trips that leave travelers renewed, refreshed, and restored.
