Hawaii....help me (1 Viewer)

[Random]

What kind of itinerary would you plan if you had 14 days beginning May 21 this year? This will be a trip for me and my wife. We're both 31 and love outdoorsy stuff. From what I've read, it sounds like a week in Kauai and a week in Maui would be perfect. My family has history in Honolulu (dad stationed there while in the Navy... mom and dad gave birth to my sister there in 82). So I guess we should check it out, but to be honest I'm really not a big history buff.

I'm thinking of doing a resort for one of the islands and a condo for the other (cheap 7-day rates) to kinda balance out the lodging costs.

We are basing much of our outings from this site:

http://adventureinhawaii.com/kauai/na-pali-kayak-tour/

 

[johnnycakes]

Fwiw, of all my Hawaii memories, two still stand out.... both on Kauai....

Driving the Waimea Canyon.... if you go to Kauai, don't miss this drive. The colors are absolutely stunning.

Going to Polihale State Park.... remote beach accessible by 4wd only.

honorable mention: on the Big Island, going to see the stars atop Mauna Kea.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Here's a 6 day itinerary for Kauai for someone who wants to get a good mix of experiences.

Day 1: Hang out at the hotel pool/beach. You just had a longish flight. Relax. If you're not staying at a hotel/resort that's located right on a beach, you're doing it wrong.

Day 2: Drive to Hanalei Bay for more beach time. Spend some time in Kapa'a and Princeville on the way. It's a great drive.

Day 3: Drive to some Waimea Canyon overlook spots. Alternatively, the hikes around here are some of the best if you are in decent shape. You can also fit in Poipu in the same day. At night, take a sunset dinner cruise of the Na'Pali coast. You also have the option of taking a snorkel cruise of the coast.

Day 4: More beach/lounging time. This is what you do in a place like Hawaii. Maybe learn to do that stand up surfboard thing everybody there does.

Day 5: Kayak the Wailua River. This is not to be missed IMO. It's beautiful. You can rent your own kayak or take the tour if inexperienced.

Day 6: You may be tired after the kayaking so some more lazy beach time is not out of the question. You can also catch a luau if you're so inclined. Another option for the adventurous is a helicopter tour of the island.

I'd have to look up the exact spots, but best shave ice on Kauai is either a place in Poipu or a beat up truck just outside of Hanalei. This is another must do.

Perfect amount of time to take in the best of the island. I don't know what I would want to take off that list if I were inclined to island hop.

That's right. My wife romances about opening a real shaved ice place here in South Florida. I can't understand why folks wouldn't like it here with the heat and humidity but then again I can't understand why folks here don't frequent Trader Joe's.

I also would have thought by now that someone would have opened a small chain of them down here but nothing yet. It's been 10 years since we went to Hawaii, we were supposed to go for our 15 yr but we didn't make it. Hoping to go again though.

I'm thinking you might be that old friend of mine since you have the play by play down pat just like he did. It truly was an awesome experience, best trip my wife and I ever took. My favs are the folks here in Florida who say "Why would we want to go to Hawaii? We have beaches here."

I love Florida beaches, the one I am lucky to be on is spectacular but in no way do I feel like I would pass on Hawaii, so much more than just beaches to see there.

 

[ydoc]

an older hotel but the royal lahaina is awesome and the rooms on the end of incredible ocean views...

road to hana is cool but i stopped around half way....just too much traffic...

 

[Ministry of Pain]

This thread is ridiculous.

Agreed.These people all need a vacation to Hawaii to calm down a little.

 

[gianmarco]

Planning on Hawaii next March.  I have a conference there for 4 days in Kauai and then thinking of hitting another island (likely Maui) for 3 days before flying back (7 total days).

Lots of great recs in here already but curious for any other ideas based on the above.  Is that a reasonable plan for that amount of time?  Anything different over the last few years from when this first started?

 

[ex-ghost]

Planning a trip with two teens next summer for two weeks. We enjoy being off the beaten path, anyone have any experience on Molokai?

 

[Wooderson]

Plan to go next October for our 10th anniversary. Will need to to read this thread start to finish. 

We have two young ones the grandparents will be watching back home so we can't be gone that long. 

What is the minimum time to visit? We plan to stay at one place. 

 

[ffldrew]

Planning a trip with two teens next summer for two weeks. We enjoy being off the beaten path, anyone have any experience on Molokai?

I would choose the Big Island - so much more to do. And a lot off the beaten path. But better snorkeling - a lot better. Some great zip lines. Volcanoes. I have friends on Molokai - it just doesn't have the stuff to do especially for teenagers.

Go snorkel at night with the Manta Rays - your kids will freak out with enjoyment 

 

[ex-ghost]

Plan to go next October for our 10th anniversary. Will need to to read this thread start to finish. 

We have two young ones the grandparents will be watching back home so we can't be gone that long. 

What is the minimum time to visit? We plan to stay at one place. 

This thread is really a big ####show, sniping fills up over 50% of posts. Almost need a new thread to clean it up.

 

[Scoresman]

Planning a trip with two teens next summer for two weeks. We enjoy being off the beaten path, anyone have any experience on Molokai?

Kauai is going to be your best bet for balancing being off the beaten path with having enough things to do for the teenagers.  

 

[Phil Elliott]

Kauai is going to be your best bet for balancing being off the beaten path with having enough things to do for the teenagers.  

Agree with this.   If you really want remote, consider Hana which is on the backside of Maui but there isn't much to do there and its a couple hour drive on a very windy road back into "civilization/activities".  Depending on what you are looking for, many of the islands have very local weather depending on what side of the island you are on. one side could be rather wet/numerous "maka" showers and another side of the island might be very sunny most of the time.  

 

[Polish Hammer]

Planning on Hawaii next March.  I have a conference there for 4 days in Kauai and then thinking of hitting another island (likely Maui) for 3 days before flying back (7 total days).

Lots of great recs in here already but curious for any other ideas based on the above.  Is that a reasonable plan for that amount of time?  Anything different over the last few years from when this first started?

Depending on what you want, I'd consider just doing Kauai the whole time.  I've been there twice (as recently as this August) and Maui once and the wife and I decided we pretty much won't be heading back to Maui if we're paying for it.  Not sure where you live, but for a similar vibe from the East Coast we'll take Aruba over Maui.  Kauai on your own to explore for three days after the conference would be a great pace.  There's a ton to do there if you haven't been there before.  If you have specific questions, ask away.

Plan to go next October for our 10th anniversary. Will need to to read this thread start to finish. 

We have two young ones the grandparents will be watching back home so we can't be gone that long. 

What is the minimum time to visit? We plan to stay at one place. 

Wife and I did Kauai for our 10th anniversary with the kids at home with my in-laws, same situation.  We did Kauai for 6 nights (plus one night travel on the flight home) and it was enough.  We got a lot of activities in and had time to relax and really enjoyed it.  Of course a few more days would have been great, but we didn't feel short-changed on that amount.  Depending on how many paid activities you want to do (zip lining, sailing, etc) that number could change since each one usually takes at minimum a half day.

 

[Mr.Pack]

Thinking about taking my wife for our 25th. It's a couple years late but hey, better late than never......

Loooking for an all-inclusive. Where's a good site to get decent deals?

Is Kauai a good place?

 

[Mr.Pack]

Big ol'

Was hoping for a response :(  

 

[Chaka]

Thinking about taking my wife for our 25th. It's a couple years late but hey, better late than never......

Loooking for an all-inclusive. Where's a good site to get decent deals?

Is Kauai a good place?

Kauai is a fantastic place. What's your budget?

 

[The General]

If all I wanted to do on the Big Island is see the Volcano National Park, it's still insane to try to fly there in the morning from a different island, check out the park, then fly back that night, right??

I wouldn’t try it but if you do you’d definitely want to try and fly into Hilo and not Kona. It’s a long drive over to Kona from there. 

 

[Mr.Pack]

Kauai is a fantastic place. What's your budget?

Maybe $2-$3k?

 

[thayman]

If all I wanted to do on the Big Island is see the Volcano National Park, it's still insane to try to fly there in the morning from a different island, check out the park, then fly back that night, right??

Why is that the only thing you want to do?  Big Island is awesome.

 

[johnnycakes]

Why is that the only thing you want to do?  Big Island is awesome.

Star gazing from the observatory at the vistor's center at Mauna Kea was a high point of our trip to the Big Island.  

 

[Osaurus]

I had a blast over Christmas on the BI and Kauai 

 

[Osaurus]

I wouldn’t try it but if you do you’d definitely want to try and fly into Hilo and not Kona. It’s a long drive over to Kona from there. 

If you want to do some sightseeing along the way, it’s worth it imo.  We flew into Kona and drove over that saddle road to Volcanoes (which is awful), but took the southern coast back and it was a lot of fun.

ETA:  a day trip to the BI from another island is not worth it.  Ignore my posting for lack of relevance.

 

[Osaurus]

Thinking about taking my wife for our 25th. It's a couple years late but hey, better late than never......

Loooking for an all-inclusive. Where's a good site to get decent deals?

Is Kauai a good place?

So awesome.  We stayed the the Grand Hyatt Kauai.  Love the whole island with the exception of the Princeville area.  Too many freakin people and congestion up there.

 

[The General]

If you want to do some sightseeing along the way, it’s worth it imo.  We flew into Kona and drove over that saddle road to Volcanoes (which is awful), but took the southern coast back and it was a lot of fun.

ETA:  a day trip to the BI from another island is not worth it.  Ignore my posting for lack of relevance.

Yup totally worth seeing, very interesting to see the park. 

From Hilo airport to Volcanoes Park it’s not super far drive and I believe you could do it if you flew in super early, just wouldn’t be that enjoyable.

At least an overnighter which actually is pretty cool to see the lava at night which most people staying on the Kona side can’t do because of the long drive.

 

[Osaurus]

Yup totally worth seeing, very interesting to see the park. 

From Hilo airport to Volcanoes Park it’s not super far drive and I believe you could do it if you flew in super early, just wouldn’t be that enjoyable.

At least an overnighter which actually is pretty cool to see the lava at night which most people staying on the Kona side can’t do because of the long drive.

We stayed at the lodge with a crater view room.  Pretty awesome, but not as great as seeing it from the Jaggar Museum up top at night.  And the stargazing is awesome to boot.

 

[The General]

We stayed at the lodge with a crater view room.  Pretty awesome, but not as great as seeing it from the Jaggar Museum up top at night.  And the stargazing is awesome to boot.

Very nice.

I stayed down near Hilo for a few days on one trip to the BI. From suggestion by a park ranger we hiked up to an active lava flow that was a few miles up the old lava fields from the end of the road. We planned it so we would be up there at sunset and see the lava flowing at night. 

It was very, very cool. Kind of surprised they let people do it. 

 

[Osaurus]

Very nice.

I stayed down near Hilo for a few days on one trip to the BI. From suggestion by a park ranger we hiked up to an active lava flow that was a few miles up the old lava fields from the end of the road. We planned it so we would be up there at sunset and see the lava flowing at night. 

It was very, very cool. Kind of surprised they let people do it. 

I think I know where you’re talking about.  Nice.

 

[Osaurus]

For the length of trip I have, looking at renting a car, and saw it'd be almost $1000. 

Then I searched a bit deeper and found that if I went to an off-airport location of the same rental car company, it'd be $300. They'll even let me return the car to the airport instead of to their location.

Sure, they charge a $5 surcharge for returning to a different location. Don't think I care  

For that price, you could take your own car.  

 

[Osaurus]

OK, going to be on Oahu:

1) Polynesian Cultural Center: I've heard some people say it's a "must do!", others, "meh", "tourist trap", etc. So, do it or skip it?

2) If we don't do the PCC, any recommendations on a good luau on Oahu, preferably in the Waikiki area?

No other recommendations on that island, but skip the PCC unless you’re 60+

 

[Rodrigo Duterte]

Of all the islands, you picked Oahu?

 

[Kiddnets]

heading for our 1st Hawaiian adventure in August - 2 adults and 3 older (10-17) kids - 1st week is a family reunion type with older parents and brothers family with younger kids....we prefer a mix of relax/adventure - had a Western trip last summer and were fine with 2 days per stop in order to see more...with that in mind heres our itinerary - always open to ideas

6 nights Kauai - staying at Grand Hyatt - relaxing stretch of the trip - beaches, snorkel, canyon drive, Capt Andy Tour of coast, helicopter, ATV tour - eating dinners at resort but looking for local flavor lunches.  

3 nights Maui - 2 nights Hyatt regency Ka'Anapali beach - mostly beach time and relaxing - probably eating at resort but open for local ideas; last day going early to halekala sunrise - then spend rest of day local - spending pm in beachfront cottage at a small place called Mama's fish house

2 nights Big Island - staying at an Air BnB on coast about 15 minutes from airport in Hilo  - we really just wanted to check out the park - we were going to stay in Volcano but with the recent events there we decided to book elsewhere - we still would like to see the park but looking at plan B as it may not be open.  Plan on taking a lava boat tour but have read some conflicting concerns as to that end....any experience with how this tour would be regards to fun/adventure vs safety/local concerns/comfort with kids?  Other day we're planning on just exploring - if park is closed then we dont have much of an itinerary - so any ideas appreciated. 

2 nights Honolulu - staying at Hyatt on beach - 1 beach day and one exploration day including Pear Harbor.  We didnt want to spend a lot of time here but considering its where we fly back from it made sense to add to itinerary.   

so thats the plan - I view it as a mix of rest and exploration - may not be for everyone but it works for our family.....not sure if we'll ever get back so want to see as much as possible with a focus on Kauai - I view the rest as a bonus.   very excited and thx for all the good stuff in the threads - any advice/comments appreciated!   

 

[ChiefD]

Make sure you get some Kalua Pig while you are there. You can usually get it at any number of local places. Basically pulled pork served with rice. 

Freaking awesome. 

 

[matuski]

heading for our 1st Hawaiian adventure in August - 2 adults and 3 older (10-17) kids - 1st week is a family reunion type with older parents and brothers family with younger kids....we prefer a mix of relax/adventure - had a Western trip last summer and were fine with 2 days per stop in order to see more...with that in mind heres our itinerary - always open to ideas

6 nights Kauai - staying at Grand Hyatt - relaxing stretch of the trip - beaches, snorkel, canyon drive, Capt Andy Tour of coast, helicopter, ATV tour - eating dinners at resort but looking for local flavor lunches.  

3 nights Maui - 2 nights Hyatt regency Ka'Anapali beach - mostly beach time and relaxing - probably eating at resort but open for local ideas; last day going early to halekala sunrise - then spend rest of day local - spending pm in beachfront cottage at a small place called Mama's fish house

2 nights Big Island - staying at an Air BnB on coast about 15 minutes from airport in Hilo  - we really just wanted to check out the park - we were going to stay in Volcano but with the recent events there we decided to book elsewhere - we still would like to see the park but looking at plan B as it may not be open.  Plan on taking a lava boat tour but have read some conflicting concerns as to that end....any experience with how this tour would be regards to fun/adventure vs safety/local concerns/comfort with kids?  Other day we're planning on just exploring - if park is closed then we dont have much of an itinerary - so any ideas appreciated. 

2 nights Honolulu - staying at Hyatt on beach - 1 beach day and one exploration day including Pear Harbor.  We didnt want to spend a lot of time here but considering its where we fly back from it made sense to add to itinerary.   

so thats the plan - I view it as a mix of rest and exploration - may not be for everyone but it works for our family.....not sure if we'll ever get back so want to see as much as possible with a focus on Kauai - I view the rest as a bonus.   very excited and thx for all the good stuff in the threads - any advice/comments appreciated!   

My only suggestion here would be to skip Pearl Harbor.  Go see North Shore or Kailua Beach instead.

Unless you have some deeply personal reason to go there, PH is a waste of half a day.  When you are only on the island for 2 days... use those hours elsewhere, like anywhere else.

 

[Kiddnets]

My only suggestion here would be to skip Pearl Harbor.  Go see North Shore or Kailua Beach instead.

Unless you have some deeply personal reason to go there, PH is a waste of half a day.  When you are only on the island for 2 days... use those hours elsewhere, like anywhere else.

interesting - ive heard PH is a must see....

 

[matuski]

interesting - ive heard PH is a must see....

I just strongly disagree.  Unless, like I said, you have a family member that was there or the like.

The most overrated tourist attraction in my life.  Been there dozens of times.

 

[Quint]

heading for our 1st Hawaiian adventure in August - 2 adults and 3 older (10-17) kids   

3 nights Maui - 2 nights Hyatt regency Ka'Anapali beach - mostly beach time and relaxing - probably eating at resort but open for local ideas; last day going early to halekala sunrise - then spend rest of day local - spending pm in beachfront cottage at a small place called Mama's fish house

Mama's Fish House is a hump from Ka'anapali, and worth the trip for the meal alone. staying at a cottage over there = awesome. 

snorkeling/swimming on Ka'anapali beach can bit hit and miss in terms of water clarity, waves, rocks, etc. if you have the time and inclination, head over to Napili Kai resort (park in the neighborhood to the SE and walk in). they've got a cool, quiet, beach with super-clear water and little waves. we snorkeled there for a morning and saw at least a dozen sea turtles just cruising around the bay. about 15 min. from the Hyatt. 

if you like sushi, hit up Miso Phat (right by Maui Brew Co.). it's in a little strip mall, and doesn't look like much from the street. it's the best sushi i've had on the island. whole restaurant seats about 20 people, so you gotta get there early to avoid waiting in line. 

the Hyatt is right down the beach from the Whaler Village, which is mostly shops and restaurants. we had a good meals at Hula Grill (moderately priced) and Leilani's on the Beach (more spendy)....i think they're owned by the same organization, so the service is good/very good. 

eat some shave ice and wear sunscreen. 

 

[ChiefD]

interesting - ive heard PH is a must see....

Pearl Harbor is a must. If that memorial doesn’t give you an emotional response you have no soul.

 

[Kiddnets]

It's currently closed, but, they take the boat out there for a bit and stop instead of letting people into the actual memorial structure.

heard the memorial is the best part....still worth the time if you cant actually get on the memorial?  

Also anyone take lava boat tour on big island?   currently debating.....

 

[Osaurus]

6 nights Kauai - staying at Grand Hyatt - relaxing stretch of the trip - beaches, snorkel, canyon drive, Capt Andy Tour of coast, helicopter, ATV tour - eating dinners at resort but looking for local flavor lunches.  

Great resort near a lot of things (pools are really nice and the beach is great).  Really enjoyed my time there in December.  Try and do the tubing on the plantation.  It's a lot of fun.  We went with Kauai Backcountry Adventures. If you want to know more about the area, PM me.  

ETA:  Tidepools is a great place for date night

 

[ex-ghost]

heard the memorial is the best part....still worth the time if you cant actually get on the memorial?  

Also anyone take lava boat tour on big island?   currently debating.....

Looked into boat lava tours, but decided not to for 2 reasons:

1. Lots of open water, reviews say if you have a weak stomach you should pass - that is me. It sounds like the boats used to start closer to the lava (before this eruption) so the trips were shorter, now it is 1-2 hours just to get there.

2. Rough water, reviews say if you have a bad back you will not make it - that is my wife

 

[Osaurus]

Looked into boat lava tours, but decided not to for 2 reasons:

1. Lots of open water, reviews say if you have a weak stomach you should pass - that is me. It sounds like the boats used to start closer to the lava (before this eruption) so the trips were shorter, now it is 1-2 hours just to get there.

2. Rough water, reviews say if you have a bad back you will not make it - that is my wife

It thought the main road down to the marina was blocked by lava flow.  Maybe it's been cleaned up.  

 

[AAABatteries]

So, will almost definitely being heading to Hawaii some time later this year for our 20 year anniversary.  I know nothing about Hawaii - scratch that, I know it's a few islands, it's far away, they have beaches and it's probably going to be expensive.  That may be all I know though.  I'm going to go read the thread but looking for any advice, suggestions, etc...

Thanks.

 

[AAABatteries]

Could not disagree more

It's a long flight to get there. I want to see more once I make the effort and spend the money to visit.

If I want a relaxing beach vacation, I'd pick someplace a lot closer and cheaper.

This is exactly the reason I'm questioning this - I agree with you that I would want to see as much as possible.  I've got Florida beaches within a 5 hour drive if I want to sit on my ### and drink beer and relax.  And yes, I realize the beaches are no comparison but my wife is probably going to want to do that and the spa and dinners out.  I need to think this through.

 

[Quint]

This is exactly the reason I'm questioning this - I agree with you that I would want to see as much as possible.  I've got Florida beaches within a 5 hour drive if I want to sit on my ### and drink beer and relax.  And yes, I realize the beaches are no comparison but my wife is probably going to want to do that and the spa and dinners out.  I need to think this through.

leaning toward a particular island(s)?

 

[AAABatteries]

leaning toward a particular island(s)?

Right now I'm reading Rudnicki and Zoo/Scoresman argue forever about 2 islands vs. 1 island.  Sounds like a happy compromise may be to do 10 days and 2 islands.  Maui and Kauai??  Honestly, still reading/researching.  I'll say this much - I know my wife is going to want to do what I said - relax, beach/pool and dinners.  I'm hoping to convince her of some excursions but it won't be as much as I'd like.

 

[AAABatteries]

First question - when is ideal time to go?  Our travel time will be flexible most likely - anniversary is in August but we could probably go any time between August and November.

Second question - how far in advance do I need to book flight and room to get the best rates?  I'm a FBG but not making chet loot.

 

[Quint]

Right now I'm reading Rudnicki and Zoo/Scoresman argue forever about 2 islands vs. 1 island.  Sounds like a happy compromise may be to do 10 days and 2 islands.  Maui and Kauai??  Honestly, still reading/researching.  I'll say this much - I know my wife is going to want to do what I said - relax, beach/pool and dinners.  I'm hoping to convince her of some excursions but it won't be as much as I'd like.

right on. i was in Maui most recently, so if you have any questions about what to do, where to go, etc. just let me know.

as much as i love drinks by the pool and Aloha Hour, i'm not sure i could do only that for the entire trip. would your wife be down for something like an AM excursion and then PM relax/dinner/drinks?

 

[zoonation]

Right now I'm reading Rudnicki and Zoo/Scoresman argue forever about 2 islands vs. 1 island.  Sounds like a happy compromise may be to do 10 days and 2 islands.  Maui and Kauai??  Honestly, still reading/researching.  I'll say this much - I know my wife is going to want to do what I said - relax, beach/pool and dinners.  I'm hoping to convince her of some excursions but it won't be as much as I'd like.

I wouldn’t do 2 islands in 10 days.  Assuming two of those are travel to and from mainland, you have another day that will be basically pack/travel/setup on another day in the middle.  

Not worth it at all imo.  There is not enough to “see” to make that worth it.  Go to Kauai.  If you want to move, the southern part of the island is basically Maui anyway.   Depending on when you are going as the only caveat.  

North shore of Kauai destroys everything else. Zoo-fact.  

 

[Quint]

First question - when is ideal time to go?  Our travel time will be flexible most likely - anniversary is in August but we could probably go any time between August and November.

Second question - how far in advance do I need to book flight and room to get the best rates?  I'm a FBG but not making chet loot.

iirc - March- May and Sept. - Nov. is "off season," so you'll probably get the best rates on accommodations and flights. if you can swing the Fall trip, you can get an entire day of NFL in (7:00 am opening kick) including SNF, and still have time left over for a luau/sunset dinner cruise.

 

[zoonation]

Right now I'm reading Rudnicki and Zoo/Scoresman argue forever about 2 islands vs. 1 island.  Sounds like a happy compromise may be to do 10 days and 2 islands.  Maui and Kauai??  Honestly, still reading/researching.  I'll say this much - I know my wife is going to want to do what I said - relax, beach/pool and dinners.  I'm hoping to convince her of some excursions but it won't be as much as I'd like.

Budget?  Hotel or vaca rental?