Aloha Reader,

I got an email a couple weeks ago from a mom who'd been planning her July Maui trip for months. Flights booked. Hotel sorted. She just hadn't gotten around to the luau yet.

She wanted to know which one I'd recommend.

I pulled up availability. Sold out. All of them. For her entire week.

That's not unusual for summer Hawaii anymore. The window between "I should book that" and "it's gone" has gotten a lot shorter. If you have a trip on the calendar between June and August, some things cannot wait until you're on the ground.

Here's what I'd lock in right now if it were my trip.

Your hotel, if you haven't already. Summer rates are only going up from here. I send most families to Expedia for packages because the deals are almost always better than booking the hotel and flights separately.

A luau. Do this today. On Maui, the Feast at Mokapu and Old Lahaina Luau are the ones I recommend most and they fill up months out in summer. On Oahu, Toa Luau books fast too. Don't wait until you land thinking you'll sort it out.

Your car rental. Summer is when inventory gets tight and prices get ugly fast. Discount Hawaii Car Rental is still my go-to for finding the best rates, and it takes about two minutes to check.

​Hanauma Bay if you're doing Oahu. It's the best snorkeling on the island for families and reservations open 48 hours in advance at 7am. They go fast. Put a reminder in your phone now so you don't miss the window.

A helicopter tour if it's on your list. The Big Island and Kauai tours are legitimately bucket-list level. They're not cheap but summer slots fill up. If you've been on the fence, get off it.

​Road to Hana tours on Maui tend to book 4-6 weeks out in summer. If that's on your itinerary, now is the time.

Talk soon,

Marcie