How to Plan a Group Trip to Hawaii?
This blog post is going to walk through the various needs of what must be done to plan a successful group trip to Hawaii. From who is traveling, i.e. couples, families, friends, wedding party, to travel options, to getting around the island, to the various events, must-do and must see spectacles, this post will outline all of the necessary information to make the trip a success for all involved.
If you’re thinking about traveling to the Aloha State with friends, family, or colleagues, this blog will explain how to plan a group trip to Hawaii. Whether you’re organizing a trip with couples, families, or friends, this blog will outline travel options, tips to get around, must-see shows and spectacles, island delicacies, and enjoyable events for guests of all ages. This post will outline all the necessary information to make the vacation a success for all involved.
Why Visit Hawaii?
There are a million reasons! Hawaii is a gorgeous, tropical oasis, home to lush natural landscapes, stunning views, idyllic beaches, and charming towns. Oahu offers spectacular beaches, scenic attractions, beautiful weather, scrumptious local delicacies, fun shopping, and so many more things to do!
Beyond its beauty, Hawaii is infused with the unique local Hawaiian culture and the warm spirit of Aloha, a sense of hospitality and connection found nowhere else in the world.
Whether you’re looking for graduation party venue or birthday party venue in Oahu, planning a wedding, coordinating a girls’ trip, or envisioning a romantic getaway, come to Hawaii for the vacation of your dreams.
Tips for Group Trips
Group trip planning doesn’t need to be stressful! To ensure a successful group trip:
Discuss travel itineraries during the planning phase. If one person’s idea of paradise is camping in a tent in the wilderness, while another group member envisions luxury hotels and room service, that can quickly lead to conflict! Make sure everyone is aligned on expectations, so no one is upset – or resentful – on your group vacation.
Set budgets in advance. When you travel as a group, different incomes, spending styles, and expectations can cause conflicts. When one person wants to splurge on fancy meals and another can’t afford them, drama often ensues. Understand everyone’s budgets and boundaries before committing to a group trip!
Know that you don’t have to do everything together. Some group members may want to just sunbathe and chill, while others may want non-stop adventures, like hiking Diamond Head Summit Trail and touring the Byodo-In Temple. Agree that it’s OK to split up, with some members of the group lounging on the beach and others going on island adventures. Also, build in free time where people have the opportunity to unwind alone. Even when traveling with your closest friends and family members, some downtime from the group can be restorative – and help avoid tension from too much togetherness. Plan certain times for the group to reconvene – like at dinner and a nightly show – to catch up on the day’s activities.
Be flexible. Sometimes, things go awry on vacation. A flight is delayed, a storm rolls in, or someone gets a painful sunburn. It’s best to be adaptable and go with the flow. If a sudden rainstorm derails your plans for a perfect beach day, get the gang together for card games and rum punches under cover. Remember – you can’t control the flight schedule or the weather, but you can control your reaction to these inconveniences. Chances are, you’ll look back on these moments and laugh!
Travel Options & Tips to Get Around the Island
Step one in how to plan a group trip to Hawaii is to make the travel portion easy and seamless. Fly into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Hawaii’s main airport that’s located on Oahu. Many major domestic and international carriers serve this airport, so your group can easily fly into paradise.
Many cruise lines – including Royal Caribbean, Disney, Norwegian, Celebrity, and Holland America – stop in Hawaii. Many ships visit Oahu, docking in Honolulu, so check the itinerary before booking.
Once you arrive, count on Royal Star Hawaii, Oahu’s premier charter transportation and tour company, to take your group around the island in style. From airport transfers to private group tours, Royal Star Hawaii provides exceptional service that will exceed your expectations. Sit back, relax, and take in the beautiful scenery while Royal Star Hawaii’s professional drivers transport your group wherever you want to go.
Now that you’ve figured out the transportation, start mapping out what you want to do. Spoiler alert – there are so many incredible options on Oahu that your group may want to extend your trip!
Must-See Shows and Can’t-Miss Events
As you figure out your priorities on your group vacation, there are some iconic events and shows that can’t be missed! First, be sure to book your group’s tickets to Rock-A-Hula, the biggest Hawaiian show in Waikiki’s only premier theater. Rock-A-Hula presents a Hawaiian Journey from the1920s to today, showcasing the evolution of Hawaii’s music and dance. From the advent of “Hapa Haole” to today’s Hula, this popular, must-see show features powerful performances by talented artists, musicians, as well as hula and fire knife dancers.
And, of course, visiting Hawaii would not be complete without taking in a luau. Don’t miss our outdoor Waikiki Luau at the Royal Hawaiian Center where our ohana (family) welcomes you with “Aloha Kaua” (Aloha from me to you). The entertainment includes tableside ukulele musicians and hula dancers to put you into a tropical mood. Guests love getting hula lessons from our professional dancers at the luau. Your group can learn an auana (modern) Hawaiian hula dance and proudly show off your moves!
You’ll certainly work up an appetite as you take part in all the amazing activities available here. Don’t worry – there’s something for everyone at our delicious all-you-can-eat luau buffet feast. Sample our whole pig, prime roast beef, teriyaki glazed chicken, Limu tofu poke, island salad bar, tropical fruit, and assortment of mouthwatering desserts.
Unlike many luaus, the Waikiki Luau at the Royal Hawaiian Center is conveniently located in the middle of Waikiki – just a short walk from all major hotels. Set inside a brand-new thatched roof Hawaiian pavilion, this venue offers a truly immersive island experience. The best part? The luau is never cancelled due to weather, so you can enjoy an unforgettable evening worry-free.
What to Do
Oahu – nicknamed the Gathering Place – is an ideal place for your group to gather! There are so many fun things to do and see that you might not know where to start. Here are some of our favorites, which are all ideal for group activities:
Plantation Village – This outdoor museum, which includes historical homes and beautiful gardens, spotlights the story of Hawaii’s sugar plantations. For instance, did you know that, in the late 1950’s, one out of every 12 people in Hawaii worked at sugar plantations? Another interesting tidbit: Hawaii’s agricultural workers were among the highest-paid in the world at that time. The museum also showcases Hawaii’s diverse and interesting cultures, including Hawaiian, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Okinawan, Portuguese and Puerto Rican.
Kualoa Ranch – Looking for some different – and exciting – adventures for your group? There’s plenty to do at Kualoa Ranch! Enjoy ATV tours, horseback riding, ziplines, jungle expeditions, and even a Hollywood movie tour to see where Jurassic Park was filmed. This is a fantastic place to spend the day and partake in unforgettable adventures. Consider booking a charter bus to transport your group to this location.
Swap Meet – Shop the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & Marketplace, Hawaii’s premier outdoor market, featuring more than 400 vendors, crafters, and artists from around the world. Featuring a wide assortment of products – including clothing, jewelry, accessories, souvenirs, ethnic foods, antiques, and handmade crafts – you never know what treasures you’ll find here! The Swap Meet is located at Hawaii’s largest sports venue, just 20 minutes away from Waikiki. Come shop for gifts – and treat yourself to something special, too.
KCC Farmers Market – Do you want to taste the best local flavors and sample incredible Hawaii-grown products? Visit the KCC Farmers Market to get the freshest produce, flowers, plants, meats, seafood, and ready-to-eat foods. Come hungry and enjoy an abundance of foods, including acai bowls, street corn, fresh fruits, fragrant pork dishes, and so much more! There are also lovely gifts, trinkets, and keepsakes, like locally made soaps, lotions, and jewelry. Browse around – there’s something for everyone here!
Star of Honolulu Dinner Cruise – Enjoy a delicious dinner with a beautiful view aboard the Star of Honolulu, Hawaii’s largest sunset dinner cruise ship. This popular ship offers gorgeous 360-degree views of the sunset and Waikiki. (And on Fridays, enjoy the breathtaking Waikiki fireworks while on the ship!) Guests will feast on exquisite cuisine ranging from popular Hawaiian delicacies to Maine Lobster and steak entrees and tropical cocktails. Live Hawaiian entertainment includes professional hula dancers, musicians, and Polynesian shows. Choose from four incredible experiences. Your group will have an unforgettable evening – and beautiful photos to commemorate the experience!
Pearl Harbor – One of the most famous and important landmarks in Oahu is Pearl Harbor, the largest natural harbor in Hawaii. Home to an active naval base, guests can visit the free Pearl Harbor National Memorial Visitor’s center, which includes the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Oklahoma Memorial, and USS Utah Memorial. For additional entrance fees, visitors can also visit historic sites like the Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. These monuments commemorate the historic events of World War II. To maximize your time, Pearl Harbor Tours provide a convenient and comfortable way to experience these historic landmarks and Honolulu city while learning from expert guides.
Byodo-In Temple – Located in Kahaluu, in Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, this popular attraction honors more than a century of tradition and tranquility. The Temple welcomes people of all faiths to worship, meditate, see the Amida Buddha, feed fish in the koi pond, light incense, and enjoy the beauty and history of this non-practicing Buddhist temple. Looking for party venues in Oahu? The Temple offers unique event space for weddings, anniversary parties, graduation parties, and more. An interesting fact: the Byodo-In Temple has been used as a backdrop for many popular movies and TV shows, including Magnum P.I., Lost, and Hawaii Five-0.
Dole Pineapple Plantation – If you love juicy, sweet pineapple, don’t miss a visit to the Dole Plantation, which offers fun, pineapple-centric activities for your whole group. Check out the Pineapple Express Train Tour, the Plantation Garden Tour, and a huge, interactive Pineapple Garden Maze. Originally a fruit stand, this popular attraction now includes a country store filled with gifts and refreshments, including the world-famous Dole Soft Serve and, of course, fresh pineapple available for purchase. Royal Star Hawaii’s brand-new Haleiwa Express & Dole Plantation tour is a great way to visit two hard to reach place, the Dole Pineapple Plantation and the North Shore town of Haleiwa.
Hālona Blowhole and Hālona Cove – Hālona is the Hawaiian word for lookout, and you won’t want to miss this breathtaking, one-of-a-kind Oahu attraction. This rock formation and blowhole, located off Hanauma Bay at Hālona Point, overlook the Pacific Ocean. This unique blowhole acts like a geyser, shooting sea spray up to 30’ in the air. Fun fact: the blowhole is most active during high tide with strong winds. While you’re there, check out nearby Hālona Cove, known as Cockroach Cove by the locals. There’s a small, secluded beach – where the Academy Award- winning movie From Here to Eternity was filmed – with a beautiful swimming spot. Don’t miss this hidden gem!
In between hitting up these fabulous attractions, be sure to surf, swim, and sunbathe at Oahu’s most beautiful beaches, including Lanikai Beach, Sunset Beach Park, Waikīkī Beach, and Sandy Beach. If sunbathing isn’t your thing, there are plenty of watersports available, including sailing, snorkeling, and kayaking. And don’t miss the breathtaking sunsets – which may seem even more gorgeous at the beach.
Hikers of all ability levels will love our scenic trails, including the Diamond Head Summit Trail, Manua Falls Trail, Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail, Waipuilani Falls, and more. Take your group to see dazzling waterfalls and tropical scenery along the way. Hiking is a great group activity for a girls’ weekend, team-building exercise, family excursion, or romantic adventure. After getting your fill of the beaches and trails, there’s also plenty of shopping, restaurants, and nightlife in Oahu. Eat, drink, and dance the night away, enjoying our island’s signature Mai Tais.
Simply put, there’s something for everyone in your group to enjoy. Oahu has some of the world’s most gorgeous white sand beaches, sparkling clear waters, stunning natural landscapes, and fun places to sightsee. Enjoy exceptional restaurants, bars, and entertainment, including traditional hula dances, luaus, and fire dancing, and ukulele players. The most important question that your group will ask is: what should we do first?