Hawaii

[Engine09]

Anyone care to share some vacation stories and tips? I have never been, considering a trip this Spring.

Easy to get between islands without the SuperFerry? Has anyone been to more than one island, which was your favorite? Must sees? Things to avoid?

Thanks!

[Bigtime]

I love Maui, going again with the wife and baby in April. I prefer the southwest section of the island (Kihei/Makena area). The drive up Haleakala volcano for a sunrise or a sunset is a can't miss item. Iao Valley park is a very nice rainforest area, and Big Beach in Makena for some great boogey boarding waves.

On Oahu my can't miss items were Wakiki beach and Pearl Harbour.

The few times I went between Oahu and Maui we flew on either Hawaiian or Aloha (RIP). Quick flights and not too bad for pricing, now with the direct flights from Canada into Maui I bypass Oahu entirely.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by Bigtime

I love Maui, going again with the wife and baby in April. I prefer the southwest section of the island (Kihei/Makena area). The drive up Haleakala volcano for a sunrise or a sunset is a can't miss item.

On Oahu my can't miss items were Wakiki beach and Pearl Harbour.

I've only been once but on our vacation we did everything Bigtime just mentioned. It was awesome and I can't wait to go back!

[Locke]

Its a series of islands. As I understand the weather is generally agreeable.

[mykalberta]

Superferry is no longer in operation.

Its very affordable to fly between islands. Think Calgary-Edmonton/Vancouver pricing for the most part.

[CaptainCrunch]

I remember making a model of the Hawaiian Islands once, my date wasn't happy.

[Torrie the Whaler]

I would recommend different islands depending on your preference, hobbies and what your likes and dislikes are. If your young and like to party and go to a busy island like Oaho. There was lots to do and I did things like sport fishing and enjoyed the night life. I have recently been to Kauai and really liked the hiking, snorkel and scuba. The island is more quiet but really geared more for the outdoor enthusiast because most places closed early but opened early. Lots of films were filmed there because of the beautiful scenery.

Check out http://www.gohawaii.com/.

Westjet directly flys to most of the islands. I think it cost about a hundred bucks to fly between islands and there are cruises as well.

[The Goon]

I just got back from Maui on Tuesday! (Needless to say, not thrilled to be back)

We loved our time there, from the Road to Hana, to sunrise atop the Haleakalā Volcano/Crater, to the many different beaches and golf courses. I'd go back today if I could. We watched whales jumping from our balcony!

We didn't go to any other islands, but there was a regular ferry from Lahaina in Maui (near where we stayed) to Lānaʻi.

[flip]

All my friends have said that weed is like $60US for an eighth. So, if you smoke weed, bring lots of money.

[mykalberta]

Originally Posted by The Goon

I just got back from Maui on Tuesday! (Needless to say, not thrilled to be back)

We loved our time there, from the Road to Hana, to sunrise atop the Haleakalā Volcano/Crater, to the many different beaches and golf courses. I'd go back today if I could. We watched whales jumping from our balcony!

We didn't go to any other islands, but there was a regular ferry from Lahaina in Maui (near where we stayed) to Lānaʻi.

How was the Road to Hana, did you take a tour or drive it yourself?

One other thing, Air Canada has a seat sale any time Canada wins gold. I think Westjet is matching.

Today till end of day Air Canada has Calgary to Honolulu at $189 each way + tax. which is a very good price IMO.

[Engine09]

Great info, thanks.

I'm leaning towards Kona on the big island, simply because I'm thinking there will be more to see and do. I can't stay put for long when travelling, might also jump on a ferry to see another island also.

I don't drink or smoke, just interested in hiking, seeing volcanos, swimming in warm water and trying to surf.

[arloiginla]

Been more than a few times, and I love it. Been to both Mau'i and O'ahu and LOVE Mau'i. It is amazing if you want a laid-back vacation with few other tourists around. Pizza Paradiso is amazing. Lahain'a is amazing. The Gazebo is amazing. I could go on and on.

Weather is usually nicer on O'ahu, doesn't rain as much. If you golf, try out Ko'Olau course, it is rated the No. 2 toughest course in North America. It is in the middle of the rainforest and possibly one of the most beautiful sights in the world. I lost probably 8 golf balls but it was well worth it. Depending on the time of year you can golf there for next to nothing considering the quality of course you're getting.

Problem with O'ahu is there a ton of tourists and it is pretty commercialized if you are in the Waikiki area, not as much untouched beauty as in Mau'i. But the shopping is decent, Waikiki beach is always nice, and the Cheesecake Factory on Kalakau'a is legendary. Pearl Harbour is way overrated but Diamond Head hike makes up for it if you are a first-time goer. Never been to Sea Life park and Hanauma Bay is awesome if you like to snorkel. Rent a car and drive around the island - it is less commercialized and way more primitive on the other side. Beautiful drive. Sunset Beach on the North Shore is absolutely wonderful. Bring your camera the surf there is huge. You can get awesome shots.

All in all, Hawaii is simply one of the nicest places on this planet. I HIGHLY recommend it.

[The Goon]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

How was the Road to Hana, did you take a tour or drive it yourself?

We drove it ourselves. Made it about 2/3 of the way before we had to head back, as we read it's not good to drive the road in the dark.

You have to stop often - first to look at all the roadside waterfalls, but also because the passengers will get some serious motion sickness from how winding the road is.

[The Goon]

One note of caution - man, is that surf strong!

We went to Big Beach and I started playing around in the waves. Other people and I would wait for a big wave and then swim and ride it in to the shore. I misjudged one, though, and it literally picked me up, spun me around, and slammed me down into the shore pretty damn hard on my left shoulder. I'm still applying ice to it - probably a typical "dumb tourist" injury.


On the plus side, though:

Probably NSFW

[Bigtime]

Originally Posted by The Goon

One note of caution - man, is that surf strong!

We went to Big Beach and I started playing around in the waves. Other people and I would wait for a big wave and then swim and ride it in to the shore. I misjudged one, though, and it literally picked me up, spun me around, and slammed me down into the shore pretty damn hard on my left shoulder. I'm still applying ice to it - probably a typical "dumb tourist" injury.


On the plus side, though:

Probably NSFW

Yup, Big Beach will kick the crap out of you if you are not careful! All part of the fun.

[Peanut]

I've been to Maui and Oahu. LOVED Maui. Would not be rushing back to Oahu anytime soon. I pretty much second everything Bigtime said about Maui. We drove the Road to Hana ourselves and it was great. Only thing that would have made it better would've been to have a convertible!

Get the "blue book" for whichever island(s) you choose. We got one for Maui and it really enhanced our trip for sights, hikes, restaurants, beaches... pretty much everything you might want to know is in those books.

[Buff]

I've been to Hawaii twice. The first time we stayed on Maui for a week, and then Waikiki for a couple of nights. The second time we stayed in Waikiki for a couple of nights, and then Kauai for a week.

Waikiki is loaded with tourists. I went to Maui such a long time ago that it wasn't loaded with tourists, though I hear that has changed. Kauai is nice and relaxing and very quiet. I loved it. I've never had such a relaxing vacation. We did a bus tour, and a helicopter tour and lots of snorkeling. Even went to a burger joint where we watched team Canada's first game in the 2004 World Cup right before the lockout. If you are looking for night life, you won't find much on Kauai. At nights we stayed at the condo and enjoyed the pool.

[Rod Hockey]

I'm in Kauai right now and so far one day in I'm LOVING IT!!!!!!! lots of wide open beaches with no crowds and it looks like there are some great hikes to be had.

[Ace]

I highly recommend you ignore all the crap about not driving "all the way around" on the road to Road to Hana (Maui). Our first time there we were scared off, but tried it the second time...kept waiting for the "near impassable road" everyone mentions, but it never came. Some mild gravel road for a very short stretch totally fine (if it's raining maybe there could be issues, but it seems fine)... And amazing views from the back side.

[Cowperson]

I've been to Maui four times, just getting back from the last a few weeks ago.

Ran a marathon from Wailea to Lahaina . . . . got killed in the heat (getting up to around 29 C by the end) with a few miles to go so didn't have a good finishing time but the hug from a lady identifying herself as Big Mama, along with the finishers medal, made it a great experience anyway.

Also hiked inside Haleakala Crater - rain and heavy fog made that a rather invisible experience - and hiked up Waihee Ridge Trail (below) which was pretty awesome for 8 km round trip on a sunny morning. Walking down into Haleakala is easy . . . . it's climbing back to 10,000 feet that's a little harder. Google hiking Maui and you'll get some interesting ideas. You can also walk a long ways - many miles - mostly along the shore from Napili, through Kapalua and out into the hinterland, which I also did. Not wilderness but a nice walk.



If you want to avoid road rage, do the Road To Hana earlier in the morning - like getting to the tighter curves around 8 a.m or so, and you'll enjoy things a lot more. It can get pretty busy. I've circled Haleakala as well.

Below, Road To Hana in the earlier part of the morning. Pretty at that time of day.



I'm a good swimmer so I loved the big surf of Big Beach but Kaanapali Beach - where my hotel was - is also good and you can jump off Black Rock. Little known nude beach is right beside Big Beach, separated by a rock outcropping you'd have to climb . . . . not that I'd know anything about that.

Below, just pull off on the side of the road and go snorkelling or hang out, near Chez Paul's, near Lahaina . . . . and this was the marathon route. This is quintessential Maui.




Cowperson