Trip Report : Two Brits in Kauai, Big Island and Maui.

Question

It feels like you guys don't get much input from European visitors, I guess you don't get that many, for obvious reasons, so I'll give this a try and see if it gains any traction..

Days -1 & 0 (a.k.a. Sleepless in Seattle)

We're not feeling our best. It was a 30 hour trip from Newcastle, England, with no sleep for at least a day before catching the red eye to LHR. The highlight was a particularly fun 6 hours 44 minutes layover in SEA. The feeling at many stages was one of "this pain had better be worth it". I guess I'll let you know! The final Alaska Airlines flight was weird, with it only being a third full - that explains why our initial flights were cancelled 6 months ago during an AZ/NM road trip. With no Tuesday connection to our BA flight we flew a day earlier and added a single night at the Kauai Palms Hotel, conveniently a short hop from LIH. The comfy bed is much appreciated even though the legs are aching and the brain is way too confused to go to sleep.

Answer

It sounds like your journey from Newcastle to Kauai was quite the marathon, and your initial days were understandably challenging given the travel fatigue and jet lag. Crossing multiple time zones, dealing with long layovers, and minimal sleep makes the first 24–48 hours particularly tough, so your experience is quite typical for international visitors to Hawaii.

Here’s a breakdown of what your initial days might look like and some practical tips for European travelers attempting a multi-island Hawaii trip:

Day -1 & 0 Travel Impact: Expect your circadian rhythm to be significantly disrupted after a 30-hour journey. Symptoms like fatigue, disorientation, irritability, and aches are normal. Staying hydrated and getting sunlight exposure upon arrival can help reset your internal clock.
Accommodations: You chose Kauai Palms Hotel close to LIH, which is very practical for easing the first day of travel. A comfortable bed and convenient location are crucial when arriving sleep-deprived. Short distances from the airport reduce additional stress and travel time.
Layovers: Your 6-hour layover in Seattle, while long, seems to have provided a mental break. Long layovers can actually help with stretching legs, refreshing, and preparing for the next leg of travel.
Flight Conditions: Flying on a less crowded plane can be a mixed experience—more space but sometimes altered schedules or earlier flight requirements. Your canceled initial flights show the importance of flexibility in long-haul planning.

Tips for managing such trips and reducing early trip stress:

Try to rest in transit if possible—short naps on planes or during layovers can significantly improve alertness on arrival.
Eat light, nutrient-rich meals to support energy levels; avoid heavy meals that can increase fatigue or digestive discomfort.
Upon arrival, expose yourself to natural daylight to help reset your body clock, even if just a short walk outside the airport or hotel.
Plan for a slower first day—light activities, easy sightseeing, or simply relaxing at the hotel can help mitigate the impact of jet lag.
Hydrate consistently—airline travel can lead to dehydration, worsening fatigue and discomfort.

Since you’re documenting a multi-island trip (Kauai, Big Island, Maui), be mindful that travel between islands will compound fatigue, so scheduling lighter activities for the first day on each island is recommended. Kauai, with its shorter distances and relaxed pace, is a good island to start recuperating before moving on to Maui or the Big Island, which may require longer drives and more active sightseeing.

Overall, your description is very relatable to many European visitors: jet lag, travel logistics, and adjusting to Hawaiian time zones. With strategic rest and pacing, the first couple of days will help you fully enjoy the islands on subsequent days.