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Aloha Reader! So... can I let you in on something that most families don't realize? Fall is hands down my FAVORITE time to visit Hawaii with kids. Like, if I could only pick one season to go for the rest of my life, it would be September through November. I know, I know – you're probably thinking "But isn't fall when school starts?" And yes, it is! But hear me out because this might just change everything about how you plan your Hawaii trips. Here's what nobody tells you about fall in Hawaii: The weather is absolutely perfect – we're talking mid-80s, gentle trade winds, and way less humidity than summer. Your kids won't be melting into puddles on the beach, and you won't feel like you need a shower every 20 minutes. But the REAL magic? The crowds thin out dramatically after Labor Day. We're talking shorter lines at snorkeling spots, easier dinner reservations, and – this is huge – your family photos won't have 47 strangers photobombing in the background. Oh, and did I mention the money you'll save? Flight prices drop significantly in September and October. I'm talking potentially HUNDREDS of dollars in savings for a family of four. Hotels follow suit too. That money you save? Hello, extra shave ice budget! 🍧 "But what about school?" Okay, I get it. Taking kids out of school feels like breaking some unwritten parent rule. But here's my take after talking to hundreds of families: a few days of missed homework versus a stress-free, budget-friendly Hawaii vacation where your kids actually GET to enjoy the beaches without fighting crowds? Most teachers are surprisingly understanding, especially if you frame it as educational (hello, volcanos and marine biology!). Plus, many schools have teacher workdays or fall breaks that you can work around. Want to know exactly what fall Hawaii looks like? I've put together some detailed guides because I knew you'd want the specifics: 🌺 What's it REALLY like to visit Hawaii in fall? (spoiler: amazing) September island guides: 🏝️ Best things to do in Kauai in September Why October might be the PERFECT month for Hawaii (seriously, read this one!) My honest advice? If you've been on the fence about a Hawaii trip, or if you've been waiting for the "right time," fall might just be your golden ticket. The islands are still gorgeous (obviously), the ocean is warm, and you'll feel like you have your own private paradise. I'm already getting emails from families who took my advice and booked fall trips last year – they're ALL coming back this year because the experience was so much better than their previous summer visits. Thinking about it? Don't wait too long – while fall is less crowded, the smart families are starting to catch on, and the best deals get snapped up first. Have you ever done a fall Hawaii trip? Hit reply and tell me! And if you have questions about timing, school policies, or anything else – you know I'm here for you. Sending you aloha (and maybe a little fall Hawaii FOMO 😉), Marcie P.S. – I just checked flight prices for September, and WOW. If you've been thinking about Maui, now might be the time to stop thinking and start booking! |
I've visited Hawaii more than 40 times and I know ALL the tips and tricks for planning the ultimate Hawaii family vacation! I offer free Hawaii planning email courses. I also send weekly emails on Fridays where I share my top things to do in Hawaii with kids, the best family resorts in Hawaii, and my ultimate packing lists! Mahalo!
Aloha Reader, I just got back from a trip and I'm already fielding planning questions... which honestly, I love. But before I jump back into everything, I wanted to share something I've been sitting on for a while. I've been getting a version of the same message for months now. "Is there any way to get more than an hour with you?" Honestly? I get it. Some trips are just... a lot. You're planning two islands. You have a grandparent who uses a walker and a 4-year-old who needs a nap by 1pm....
Aloha Reader, If you're the one behind the camera on every trip, this one's for you. I have been on 20+ Flytographer shoots around the world (8 of them in Hawaii) and I am a huge fan. Like, I will tell anyone who will listen how much I love this service. Because here's the thing: I take approximately one million photos of my kids on every trip, and I have almost none of myself actually in them. Flytographer fixed that. But what I didn't expect was how fun the shoots themselves would be. On...
Aloha Reader, Every single trip to Hawaii, I see the same thing: a convertible pulled over on the side of the road, top still down, rain coming in, one adult frantically Googling how to get it closed while the other tries to shield the kids. It's funny until it's you. Don't rent a convertible during rainy season. That's just one of the car rental mistakes I see families make over and over. Here are the others worth knowing before you book. Waiting too long is the big one. Rental inventory in...