The Little Grass Shack Hawaii Travel Planning

Aloha and welcome to The Little Grass Shack Hawaii Travel Planning! We specialize in planning unique trips to the islands for first timers and those who simply don't have enough time in their days to thoroughly plan their trip with attention to detail.

Why do I need someone to plan my trip? Guidebooks serve as a good start for those planning their first or any trip to the
islands but there are many to choose from. Ones covering all islands in one book typically do not have as much detail as those
dedicated to one island each. If you're going to more than one island, the cost in guidebooks alone could get expensive.   But
more important than the materials is the time involved. Will you read the guidebooks cover to cover and if you don't, how do you
know you're not missing out on the one thing that would make your vacation most memorable? Let's say you did read them cover
to cover, how will you get to your activities from your hotel? What are the directions from one attraction to another? When is the
best time to go? How do you avoid tourist traps? Who are the more reputable companies? Which are the best restaurants to
go to and what are their wait staff like? Which restaurants are expensive or budget conscious? Which side of the plane has
better views and more legroom? There are many elements that make a great trip to the islands from your airplane ride to the
activities.

Why are you qualified to plan my trip? I completed training at The Ke Kula O Hawaii, (The School of Hawaii) and am a certified Hawaii Destination Specialist at the Plumeria Level as well as a Maui Destination Specialist through the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. I've been to Hawaii 9 times in the past 11 years and have studied Hawaiian and local culture as a side hobby. If I were to add up the time I've spent there, it would be like living there for almost 6 months. I've been to every island except Molokai (which will be part of a future trip) and have been a first hand guide taking a friend with us as well as planned other trips for people who were very pleased with their package. My goal is to not only plan your trip for you but also to take local customs and ideals and be sure you are sensitive to the residents of the islands. Island culture is much different than the mainland and they appreciate those willing to put in the extra effort to embrace their culture instead of contradicting or mocking it. I am a member of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau through The Little Grass Shack, LLC which will allow me to provide you with official materials and planners sponsored by Hawaii's largest tourism authority.

How do you know what my idea of a perfect vacation is? A questionnaire will be emailed to you asking you the type of
activities you would be interested in doing while in the islands. If you're adventurous or more subdued, etc. All islands offer
something for the adventurer or the person looking to relax and your trip will be tailored to meet those goals.

What are your fees? Fees are based on the amount of time you will be in the islands.

4 days is $200 (not recommended unless you're on the west coast)

7 days is $400

10-14 days is $500

3 weeks is $750

A non refundable deposit of half of the total amount due will begin the process. We accept PayPal which can allow you to use a credit card or your checking account to make an online payment. Or if you prefer, you can mail your payment using check or money order. (A 10 day waiting period after receiptis required to make sure personal check clears or money order or cashiers check is valid due to increased money order/cashiers check fraud)   It is non refundable to cover the research time involved whether you end up going on your trip or not.   I will contact you upon completion of your itinerary and will need to receive final payment and have it clear before the itinerary is sent to you using a trackable courier such as UPS, DHL or FedEx in which a signature will be required. In between the wait time of the final payment and sending the itinerary out, links will be forwarded to you to book any activities you may need. Once final payment is received money cannot be refunded. Unfortunately this is a necessity to ensure an original itinerary is not returned under the guise of not being acceptable and then using a photocopy of the itinerary on the trip, essentially getting it for free. A $15 fee is charged if the folder is lost on your vacation and you need the itinerary faxed to you in the islands. (You will be billed upon your return)

What do I get for my money? The itinerary itself will contain daily plans sectioned off by island region to maximize your time, directions to your destination and from one place to another along with recommended restaurants based on the area you're in as you progress in your day, all pertinent phone numbers and addresses to restaurants. If menus are available for recommended restaurants, they will be included as well. Travel tips pertaining to your specific airline, airport and plane maps if available for all layovers, general travel and budget tips and tips specific to Hawaii as well as a list of common words and phrases in Hawaiian and Pidgin. Emergency numbers and addresses per island such as police, hospitals, rental car and airlines as well as maps of the island(s).   All of the above items are presented in a sturdy binder to take with you. You will also receive a folder with full color brochures and planners from the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau pertaining to each island.

What if I don't have a good time, do I get my money back? Unfortunately no. A lot of time and research goes into planning personalized vacations and there's nothing that says you would not have chosen the same activities based off of the way you answered your questionnaire. You are putting your faith in someone who has been there, planned trips for others and is wanting to share the best things Hawaii has to offer. It is up to you if you are comfortable with those terms.

How long will it take for my itinerary to be completed? Because there's only one of me, turn around time will be 3-4 weeks unless I'm backlogged, which I would make you aware of in the initial informational email.   This is because of the amount of detail that goes into personalizing a trip so in the end, it's a good thing for you and the enjoyment of your trip! Because of that, we do not yet specialize in last minute trips but that may change in the future so check back.

Will you actually book my trip and activities? No. I am not a licensed travel agent therefore I cannot do those steps of the trip for you. However, I will recommend a Hawaii specific travel booking agency whom you can either call or purchase your trip online that will combine your air travel, rental car and lodging.   I will also provide links to specific activities you've requested so you can book them online (most companies give discounts for booking online!). These aspects of your trip require your credit card and you should be the only one with access to that personal information.

Do you offer gift certificates? Yes! If you know of someone going on a first time trip to Hawaii or want to take the stress of planning their trip off their hands, a Little Grass Shack Travel Planning Gift Certificate is the perfect gift! We accept PayPal and payment in full is required at the time of purchase. Upon receipt, you will be mailed a gift certificate to give to a lucky recipient who will redeem it when they're ready to contact us to tailor their trip to paradise!

See what our clients are saying!

"Hi Angie,

Just wanna say thank you so much for your help in planning our honeymoon in Hawaii. You have a lot of knowledge about all the islands, and we would have been so lost without you since this was our very first time in Hawaii. The detailed itinerary you provided us was great. Plus, all your tips on restaurants, places to stay and see, and local customs were very helpful.

Again, we really appreciate your help in making our trip a great one for a couple of first timers. We're definitely looking forward to go again in the future. "

Hugh N.
Arizona

"I can't believe the time and effort you put into my trip. Seriously, I got tears in my eyes when I saw the inside of the box! Hawaii was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! Your itinerary was very helpful, so thank you very much! I wish you luck and I will definitely spread the word about your service!"

Keri W.
Ohio

"I've had the pleasure of Angie planning my first trip to Hawaii. I wanted to experience paradise the way it was meant to be: Authentic Hawaiian Style. I was able to see the wonders of Hawaii by mingling with the locals, travelling with the top down and I learned the real meaning of ALOHA. I saw each island in depth and enjoyed every moment of it. THANK YOU ANGIE for the trip of a lifetime! I'm still smiling!"

Shannon M.
Pennsylvania

"I was a first time traveler to the Islands of Aloha. Angie's advice (the kind you can't find in books mind you) was what made my vacation a success! I'll be sure to talk with Angie again before I go back. Everyone should do the same."

Robert B.
Ohio

(The Little Grass Shack, LLC is an Authorized Travelocity Affiliate)

If you'd like to look at our Hawaii apparel, products and relaxation DVD's, please go to our store at:
www.littlegrasshack.com

Read our Hawaii blog at www.truealoha.com/blog

***PLEASE READ***

The Little Grass Shack, LLC is not held responsible for injury, loss, errors and omissions or loss of life as a result of engaging in the activities suggested. They are suggested activities based on your interests. If something suggested doesn't appear safe or appealing while on your trip, you are urged NOT to do it. Common sense must be exercised by the traveler at all times because you make the final decision whether or not to engage in that activity.

(Please note if you book through our banner, you will be leaving our website and all policies and questions regarding your trip should be directed toward Travelocity. Mahalo and have a great time!)