What do you book first?

Question

Hawaii trip planning. What do you book first? Air or accomodations? Also, how far out do you book air?

Curious how others plan.

Answer

When planning a trip to Hawaii, the general advice from experienced travelers is to prioritize booking in the following order:

1. Flights First

Airfare often has the most variable pricing, and securing your flights early can save money and ensure you get the dates and times you prefer. Popular travel periods (holidays, spring break, summer) can sell out months in advance, so locking in flights early is usually wise.

Booking 6–9 months in advance is typical for US travelers, especially for peak season (December, spring break, summer).
Check multiple airlines and fare classes, as prices can fluctuate. Signing up for fare alerts can help snag deals.
Be mindful of inter-island flights if planning to visit multiple islands; these can fill up quickly too.

2. Accommodations Next

Once flights are booked, you can plan your accommodations around your arrival and departure times. Availability can be limited on popular islands and resorts, so booking early helps secure preferred locations, room types, and amenities.

Decide whether you want to stay in resorts, condos, or vacation rentals; each has different booking timelines and cancellation policies.
Consider splitting your stay across islands or regions (e.g., west Maui vs. Hana, Hilo vs. Kona) and book accordingly.
Some travelers book accommodations first if their trip is during an extremely popular period and are flexible on flights, but generally flights go first.

3. Additional Planning

After flights and lodging, book key tours or activities that are likely to sell out, such as Haleakalā sunrise reservations, luaus, or snorkeling trips.
Car rentals should be booked as soon as possible after securing flights and hotels, especially in peak season.
Dining reservations at popular restaurants can also be made once lodging is confirmed.

In summary, booking flights first gives you flexibility and ensures your preferred schedule, then secure accommodations, followed by activities, car rentals, and restaurants. For most travelers, 6–9 months in advance is ideal for optimal pricing and availability.