Hawaii help....

[browna]

Planning a 7 night 8 day trip to Hawaii next month.
We've never been, and want to see as much as we can, as opposed to just laying on the beach for 3/4 the time.
So, the plan is to visit 2 islands, each for 4 days.
Question is, which ones. We'd be renting a car on both (I think).

Not looking for the details on where to stay and what necessairly to do (we've bought some books, and will look into details later), more a question of which are the two best islands to go see and experience.

First focus was Maui and Oahu, but having a tough time with the flights we want (they change in price ever 4 hours it seems), so looking at various alternatives to keep the costs down on flights...Kona being the next.

Hoping to book something, at least the flights to and from Calgary, as soon as possible (ie tonight). Open Jaw flights (ie flying into Maui, but out of Honolulu) ideally, and make the arranagments seperately for the flight from Maui to Oahu, for example.

So Hawaii ex-visitors, best 2 islands to experience?

[FLAMESRULE]

We were in Maui last year over June for a week. It was excellent. There was loads of stuff to for the week. We went up to Haleakala, helicopter tour, winery tour (Pineapple wine is great!!), submarine / reef tour, loads of snorkelling etc. We didnt get to do the Hana drive, but we're saving it for next trip.

Its the only island I've been too. But I loved it.

[Cowperson]

Originally Posted by browna

Planning a 7 night 8 day trip to Hawaii next month.
We've never been, and want to see as much as we can, as opposed to just laying on the beach for 3/4 the time.
So, the plan is to visit 2 islands, each for 4 days.
Question is, which ones. We'd be renting a car on both (I think).

Not looking for the details on where to stay and what necessairly to do (we've bought some books, and will look into details later), more a question of which are the two best islands to go see and experience.

First focus was Maui and Oahu, but having a tough time with the flights we want (they change in price ever 4 hours it seems), so looking at various alternatives to keep the costs down on flights...Kona being the next.

Hoping to book something, at least the flights to and from Calgary, as soon as possible (ie tonight). Open Jaw flights (ie flying into Maui, but out of Honolulu) ideally, and make the arranagments seperately for the flight from Maui to Oahu, for example.

So Hawaii ex-visitors, best 2 islands to experience?

I've been to Maui three times. Loved it. Stayed in the Kaanapali area each time.

Stayed the last two times at this place. Great beach out front if you're a swimmer. Drops off pretty fast but I loved it.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...ui_Hawaii.html

I know others like the beaches Kihei side better. And there is Big Beach and Little Beach (forget your bathing suit pardner) over there.

Driving up Haleakala at sunrise is neat. Watching the windsurfing at Hookipa. The drive to Hana (make sure you're nicely on your way by 8 or the traffic will be murder). The Io Needle. And just general driving around.

Nice place.

Cowperson

[redforever]

Originally Posted by browna

Planning a 7 night 8 day trip to Hawaii next month.
We've never been, and want to see as much as we can, as opposed to just laying on the beach for 3/4 the time.
So, the plan is to visit 2 islands, each for 4 days.
Question is, which ones. We'd be renting a car on both (I think).

Not looking for the details on where to stay and what necessairly to do (we've bought some books, and will look into details later), more a question of which are the two best islands to go see and experience.

First focus was Maui and Oahu, but having a tough time with the flights we want (they change in price ever 4 hours it seems), so looking at various alternatives to keep the costs down on flights...Kona being the next.

Hoping to book something, at least the flights to and from Calgary, as soon as possible (ie tonight). Open Jaw flights (ie flying into Maui, but out of Honolulu) ideally, and make the arranagments seperately for the flight from Maui to Oahu, for example.

So Hawaii ex-visitors, best 2 islands to experience?

Personally, I would focus on one island. 4 days at each really wont be much different than reading about some of the stuff. That interisland connection wastes half a day too. You wont really have time to experience much on either island.

I have been to Maui numerous times, always stayed in the Kihei or Wailea area, always good weather, good amenites, good beaches. You can head up to the north side if you are into surfing, only an hour drive from Kihei area anyhow.

Out of all the things to do on the island of Maui, I would say make sure you do the trip up Mount Haleakala. And you cant trust the weather stations. Every day they say the same thing, sunny on top, but it wont be and you cant tell from below because there is almost always a circle of clouds 2/3 of the way up the mountain, blocking vision of the top. First time we tried to go up, soooooo cold and rainy, but next day was great. So kind of trial and error.

[browna]

Thanks so far:

Ok sounds like Maui is 1 of the islands, as we originally hoped.

So next..onto the Big Island, or, do the Honolulu/Pearl Harbour stops, and other stuff, on Oahu?

Or, I guess, stay on Maui and stay in two different spots for 4 days each?

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

I went to three islands in April/May - flew into Honolulu and spent five days there. Then we hopped over to the Big Island ($45) for three days before spending the last three days in Maui ($30) and then flew back home.

Of the three, my favourite was the Big Island (we stayed in Kona). Did a circle island tour on the first day so I saw most of the island and was able to see what to do. Next day went back to Volcanoes National Park, did a hike up to see active lava which was very cool. I wish we could have spent more time there for sure. Stay in Kona and not Hilo since it rains all the time in Hilo.

[Cowperson]

Originally Posted by browna

Thanks so far:

Ok sounds like Maui is 1 of the islands, as we originally hoped.

So next..onto the Big Island, or, do the Honolulu/Pearl Harbour stops, and other stuff, on Oahu?

Or, I guess, stay on Maui and stay in two different spots for 4 days each?

One island.

If you're insistent on moving around, then Kihei and Kaanapali on Maui.

Frankly, you could stay in one place because you'll need to rent a car to do some exploring anyway. Lahaina to Kehei can be a bit of a choke depending on the time of the day. Otherwise its nice driving.

Cowperson

[return to the red]

was in Oahu about a year ago and going to Maui this Xmas again. Are you fairly active? reason I ask is we did a little known tour with a walk through the forest, some body boarding and snorkelling, by far the best tour we did and it was a day long excursion. Pearl Harbour was great and If you haven't seen it you really should (especially if you are a history buff). The north shore isn't great in the summer but still neat to see. There is also the pineapple bowl (largest cemetery in the pacific). The Polynesian village was also a good day excursion and should be seen.

Others have already touched on Maui so I won't go their but I really like Molokini and turtle bay

[habernac]

Loved Oahu in April this year. We enjoyed Pearl Harbor, crashed the waves at Sunset Beach on the North Shore, took my nephew hiking in the hills above our beach house, had a great time. Looking forward to seeing the other islands as well. Spent most of my time relaxing on the beach or swimming in the ocean.

[Buff]

I have twice been to Hawaii.

The first time we stayed 11 nights on Maui and 2 nights in Waikiki.

The most recent trip we stayed 2 nights in Waikiki, then 7 nights on Kaui.

Kaui was awesome. Very peaceful, lost of stuff to see and do. Though if you are going for the nightlife then Kaui may not be the place to go. Most places shut down around 9:00.

[RubberDuck]

I have been to the Big Island twice and have just scratched the surface of things I would like to see and do there. Also, if you like beaches, there are some of the most beautiful, secluded and private beaches I have ever seen. I have been to many beaches on the Big Island and most often have had them all to ourselves. If you get a travel guide like lonely planet or talk nice to some locals and are willing to walk a little bit, you can find the closest places to heaven I've been on this earth. A half a mile of beach with no other footprints but your own......sweet.

[FurnaceFace]

Originally Posted by Sidney Crosby's Hat

Stay in Kona and not Hilo since it rains all the time in Hilo.

Depends what you want to do. If you don't want beach and want to do the national park and a variety of other volcano and natural things the Hilo side is better as your travel time is far less. We spent two weeks on The Big Island - a week on each side. We had good weather on the Hilo side for most of it (the first 2 days were just cold across the whole island). We stayed at Yami's Ambulana which was a great place. The owner is a cool dude, pretty much exactly what you'd expect from a hippy Californian who moved to Hawaii. You're also less than 20 miles from the surface flow which took out Kanapala in the 80s and is flowing now. It was pretty cool driving on a road, which then turned into natural asphalt due to the lava flow. Pretty cool to see. Also interesting stories from the owner and his friend who lived through it the last time.

I'd say it's a choice between seeing lava and seeing Pearl harbour.

[Kybosh]

Originally Posted by RubberDuck

A half a mile of beach with no other footprints but your own......sweet.

This is one of the beautiful things about Hawaii, all the beaches are public domain. There is no such thing as a privately owned beach.

[Neeper]

Originally Posted by Kybosh

This is one of the beautiful things about Hawaii, all the beaches are public domain. There is no such thing as a privately owned beach.

Except for the area they film Lost.

In Maui I stayed at the Shores of Kaanapali. I recommend it. We got a huge suite that was basically an apartment. Big kitchen, living room, bedroom... it was great and we only paid about $110US a night. Of course the resort has all the amendities, like beach, pool, restaurant, shops. Very nice and for the price, can't beat it.

I loved Hawaii so much I ended up buying a timeshare on Oahu. I can't wait to go back.

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

Originally Posted by FurnaceFace

Depends what you want to do. If you don't want beach and want to do the national park and a variety of other volcano and natural things the Hilo side is better as your travel time is far less. We spent two weeks on The Big Island - a week on each side. We had good weather on the Hilo side for most of it (the first 2 days were just cold across the whole island). We stayed at Yami's Ambulana which was a great place. The owner is a cool dude, pretty much exactly what you'd expect from a hippy Californian who moved to Hawaii. You're also less than 20 miles from the surface flow which took out Kanapala in the 80s and is flowing now. It was pretty cool driving on a road, which then turned into natural asphalt due to the lava flow. Pretty cool to see. Also interesting stories from the owner and his friend who lived through it the last time.

I'd say it's a choice between seeing lava and seeing Pearl harbour.

That is true, your travel time to Volcano National Park is less from Hilo. Rainbow Falls is pretty cool as well. Kona has a lot of really nice beaches, though.

I also saw the lava flow that took out Kalapana and did the hike. It was probably the highlight of my trip. Here's a few links:

http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisi...620_view-2.jpg

http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/gallery/kilauea/volcanomovies/

[renny]

I've been to Honolulu. I loved Honolulu since I really love surfing and the waves at north shore were awesome at the time. It will probably take you a whole day to take in everything on the main strip at waikiki beach. I stayed at the Marriott and I would recommend them. International market has a lot of bargain souvenirs that you can pick up and bargain the price on. You can also check out Aloha Pier.

I used this site to book a dinner on a boat that takes you out on the ocean to watch the sunset (if you have a significant other, you should definitely do this).

http://www.hawaiiactivities.com/

Pearl Harbour was pretty cool too. My recommendation is to definitely rent a car since you'll need one to explore the islands.

[FurnaceFace]

Rainbow Falls is pretty cool as well.

Akaka Falls too..http://www.hawaiiweb.com/Hawaii/html...tate_park.html

[bigtmac19]

Definitely Kuaui is a must. Check out Lumahai beach, voted one of the best beaches. It is the most beautiful island, very lush and tropical.
Oahu is fun, Waikiki, if you like the night life touristy type stuff, I would only spend a couple of days there, then head over to the north shore, Sunset beach, Waimea, etc.

[Dion]

You may want to check out Atlantis Adventures while in Hawaii.

http://www.atlantisadventures.com/hawaii.cfm

[Dion]

Originally Posted by bigtmac19

Definitely Kuaui is a must. Check out Lumahai beach, voted one of the best beaches. It is the most beautiful island, very lush and tropical.
Oahu is fun, Waikiki, if you like the night life touristy type stuff, I would only spend a couple of days there, then head over to the north shore, Sunset beach, Waimea, etc.

I recommend Kuaui also.

A reminder NOT to leave valuables in your vehicle should you decide to rent one. Last fall a friend of mine did this and their car was broken into while they were on the beach. Wallets, cameras, etc were taken from the trunk.