Seeking Hawaii advice

[Omar_dont_scare]

So me and the family are pondering a trip to hawaii in 2008. No big trips this year, to save money, as it's rather expensive.

I'm seeking advice from people who have been.

Is one of these 10-day tours where you go from island to island the best way to go? Does it save you money? Any do's and don'ts tips as far as planning and what not?

Thanks in advance...

 

[Editude]

What age are the kids (if any)? Part of Hawaii's charm is being able to do nothing and enjoy it. We had a 10-day trip a couple of years ago and split it between Maui and Kauai. Maui is a little more activity-oriented, and while Kauai has plenty to do (the Na Poli hike and Waimea Canyon are great), it's more a snorkel/beach/lounge environment.

 

[dooley_womack1]

Be sure to get yourself a good map.

 

[westcoastvol]

Look into an Aloha Airlines Island Hopper pass. Unlimited flights between the islands for a certain time period for a certain price. Tours are too schedule-y.

 

[Omar_dont_scare]

Good start. Keep the tips coming!

And no kids, it'll be all adults.

 

[westcoastvol]

If you go to Maui, Kihei's a little thugged out. Not a great place to buy weed, but you can get it there. On the Road To Hana, there's a million curves in the road and a lot of locals hanging out looking to sell a dime bag. Good ****.

I like Lanai. I like Maui. Not so hot on the big island, though.

 

[OTD]

We honeymooned on Kauai and loved it. Built up enough so there's plenty to do, but not so concrete and plastic-y. Editude's point about doing nothing is correct--I'd pick an island and stay there, except maybe a day on Oahu to see the Arizona memorial or something. The main point of Hawaii is relaxation (preferrably with a mai-tai in your hand) and you don't want to have to make too many trips, which just angry up the blood.

 

[2muchcoffeeman]

Look into an Aloha Airlines Island Hopper pass. Unlimited flights between the islands for a certain time period for a certain price. Tours are too schedule-y.

Hawai'i is scheduled to have interisland ferry service starting this summer, with daily service on the O‘ahu-Maui and O‘ahu-Kaua‘i routes.

http://www.hawaiisuperferry.com/

 

[somewriter]

We spent about 8 days in Kona on the Big Island. Great area - way too much to do/see, whether it's sitting on the beach or more adventuresome stuff. We had 6 people and rented a house, which I definitely would suggest. You get the freedom of being able to move around a little, you can cook/grill some meals yourself and we had or own pool. Unless you want to be on the go the whole time, I'd stay away from island hopping. It's easy and cheap enough to make one or two day trips to other islands if you want.

 

[Lucas Wiseman]

If you go to Oahu, rent a car and explore the entire island... you'll have a much better time than just staying in Waikiki the whole time....

Also, when you get there... take off your watch! Who cares what time it is... you're in Hawaii! :)

 

[patchs]

If you are ambitious, try Molokai. It is as far from touristy as you'd ever want to get.
And for snorkeling....

This guy does a great job.

 

[lone star scribe]

It sounds like this is your first trip to Hawaii. Spend a couple days on Oahu, because you should see the Arizona Memorial. Very moving. Then pick two islands to split your remaining eight days. My preference is the Big Island (Kailua-Kona area has great beaches and golf courses, plus there's the Volcanos National Park if you like that kind of thing). Kauai is great for snorkeling, the Na Pali coast is a must-see, and more great beaches. Poipu Bay on the southern side is an affordable destination. Hanalei (near Princeville) can be pricey. Lihui (where the airport is) is in the middle and relatively convenient to both.

Maui is fast-paced, but very crowded and touristy. I like more laidback. Lanai just recently opened up, but be prepared to drop big bucks there.

If you opt for Oahu and one other island, consider staying in two areas on the island to cut down driving, enjoy those areas and maximize your hammock time.

 

[Armchair_QB]

If it's your first trip I would also suggest spending a couple days on Oahu to see Pearl Harbor and possibly hike up Diamond Head.

One suggestion on the Arizona, have the shuttle pick you up as early as possible at your hotel. To go out to the Memorial, you're given a number when you arrive at Pearl Harbor and you can't go out until your group is called. The earlier you arrive, the shorter your wait will be.

I'm not wild about Maui, as somebody mentioned it's acquired a real 'thug" feel to it the last few years. Not dangerous, but not fun either IMO. If you do find yourself on Maui however I would recommend Mama's Fish House for dinner and a drive up to the top of Haleakala. I've never done it but I've heard a bike ride down from Haleakala can be a lot of fun.

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

We went to Oahu on our honeymoon.
Waikiki is obviously fantastic.

We're history buffs, so we spent a morning and early afternoon at Pearl Harbor, which was great. As was said -- get there early. VERY early. We were there at, I believe, 7 a.m., and still had a several hour wait.

We went to an outdoor market in the parking lot of Aloha Stadium, which was a lot more fun than it sounded. We bought all kinds of cool stuff, cheap. And it was fun talking to locals.

Hiked up Diamond Head. That was awesome, and the view from the top is incredible.

The absolute best thing we did though, was something I'd never heard of until we got there. The Polynesian Cultural Center, somewhere on the north of the island. It sounds kinda lame, but it was great. You get to experience life in the different cultures of Polynesia, and there's a kick-ass show at the end of the day. Like I said, sounds lame but it was fantastic.

Also, someone else suggested renting a car. We stayed on Oahu the whole time, and from our hotel, there was shuttle service to absolutely anywhere you could want to go, and a help desk on the main floor to get you reservations. So if you're going to stay on Oahu for an extended time, I actually recommend not renting a car -- it's cheaper and less stressful than renting a car and dealing with the mess of traffic at that place.

Edit: I forgot the pineapples. You have to eat a fresh Hawaiin pineapple. I didn't like pineapples before we went there, tried one and fell in love. And now back in the states, I hate them again. I can never find Hawaiin pineapples here (they're always from Mexico or Peru or someplace), and pineapples from other places just aren't very good. I don't know how to explain it.

 

[hpdrifter]

Loved the Big Island. To get somewhat off the beaten path, try to get to the Green Sand Beach (No, not black). Once you hit a road that can't possibly be it, keep going.
The volcano national park was great, especially since there were no officials to stop you from getting too close to the lava flow.
Kona is way better than Hilo. Don't go to Hilo.
Took a helicopter tour of the Na Pali coast in Kauai. We split our time between those two islands and just spent a day or so in Oahu, but did drive around the whole island - saw the surfers on North Beach and ate pineapple from a road-side vendor.

BTW, if you want a place that's closer, cheaper and less commercialized (sadly, this is nearly not true) than Hawaii, go to Costa Rica. It's got all the eco-friendly stuff, outdoor activities (fishing, hiking, rafting, zip-lines), volcanos, gambling, beach (carribean and pacific), a major city and, uh, legal prostitution if you're into that.

 

[standman]

Take a helicopter ride around Kauai

 

[Birdscribe]

If it's your first trip I would also suggest spending a couple days on Oahu to see Pearl Harbor and possibly hike up Diamond Head.

One suggestion on the Arizona, have the shuttle pick you up as early as possible at your hotel. To go out to the Memorial, you're given a number when you arrive at Pearl Harbor and you can't go out until your group is called. The earlier you arrive, the shorter your wait will be.

I'm not wild about Maui, as somebody mentioned it's acquired a real 'thug" feel to it the last few years. Not dangerous, but not fun either IMO. If you do find yourself on Maui however I would recommend Mama's Fish House for dinner and a drive up to the top of Haleakala. I've never done it but I've heard a bike ride down from Haleakala can be a lot of fun.

I was in Maui last month for work and absolutely love it. I've been there the last three years and don't see the 'thug' element in Kihei, although I can sense it could be there. You do need to go to Kihei or Kapalua to eat at Sansei. GREAT SUSHI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you go to Maui, take a submarine ride off Lahaina and go on the whale watch on the 16-person, souped-up raft, not the gangbang boat with 200 others. Awesome, awesome experience.

Went to Kauai in November for the Grand Slam and wasn't that enamored. Beautiful island, but the entire island shuts down at 9 and you can't get much to eat after that.

 

[Armchair_QB]

Went to Kauai in November for the Grand Slam and wasn't that enamored. Beautiful island, but the entire island shuts down at 9 and you can't get much to eat after that.

That's because everybody's back in their hotel rooms gettin' busy.

 

[Pringle]

We went on our honeymoon to Maui and stayed in the same place for a week and it was just fine. Great shopping. Great beaches. We went on a helicopter ride, went parasailing, etc., etc.

My advice is not to overschedule yourself. Do one activity every day and spend the rest of the time doing absolutely nothing but enjoying the place.

 

[wicked]

Bump.

We’re going in a couple months. Mom went in her mid-20s on a tour and wanted to go back. She’s 77 and not as mobile as she was. We settled on the Norwegian cruise because it still gave us a home base while allowing us to take in parts of each island, like she wants. She can spend half the day with us and half the day relaxing on the boat, and we can do what we want when we want while ashore.

I know, the anthesis of a relaxing Hawaii trip, but I digress.

Ports of call are Hilo, Kona, Kauai and Maui. Waimea Canyon is the most popular suggestion I’ve seen in my research.

We’re getting in a night early and hoping to do Arizona. Tickets are now timed for entry, so not sure if that reduces waits? Would love to do Punch Bowl, too, that was her other request.

Happy to take any other advice y’all have. As always, thanks.