kegtapr Posted November 26, 2004 Posted November 26, 2004 Going to Hawaii for my honeymoon next July. 13 days, 14 nights. Money not really an issue. Planning on doing three islands. Pretty sure which ones but I'm still up in the air about the length of time on each one. Oahu for the tourist thing, Big Island for the volcanos and Maui for the relaxation. Any advice from those who have been to Hawaii? And yes, I've been googling for 5 months.
_BiB_ Posted November 26, 2004 Posted November 26, 2004 We lived there for two years. Waikiki is over rated. Stop by, spend a day, just to say you were there, but as for Oahu I recommend the North Shore (Sunset Beach, etc) and the western shore (Makaha). Our favorite was always Maui. Rent a car and drive the road to heavenly Hana, hit Lahaina and make a trip to watch the sunrise at Haleakala. For third, I would do Kuai. A tropical paradise. Jurrassic park was filmed there, so you have an idea from the film of what it is like. The big Island really doesn't have a lot to offer, as far as I'm concerned, besides the volcanos. If you do go there, though, bring me back some Kona Coffee.
kegtapr Posted November 26, 2004 Author Posted November 26, 2004 We lived there for two years. Waikiki is over rated. Stop by, spend a day, just to say you were there, but as for Oahu I recommend the North Shore (Sunset Beach, etc) and the western shore (Makaha). Our favorite was always Maui. Rent a car and drive the road to heavenly Hana, hit Lahaina and make a trip to watch the sunrise at Haleakala. For third, I would do Kuai. A tropical paradise. Jurrassic park was filmed there, so you have an idea from the film of what it is like. The big Island really doesn't have a lot to offer, as far as I'm concerned, besides the volcanos. If you do go there, though, bring me back some Kona Coffee. 134040[/snapback] At first we were gonna stay away from Oahu and do Kauai, Maui and the Big Island. We both really want to see Pearl Harbor though. Both our grandfathers fought in the Pacific so we really can't miss it. I'm thinking 3 nights on Oahu right now. Most time spent on the North shore as neither of us are into the crowds and we want to stay away from the cities as much as possible. Then I was thinking 3 nights on the Big Island. I really want to see an active volcano so that trumps Kauai for me. Then a whole week on Maui divided between adventure and relaxation.
_BiB_ Posted November 26, 2004 Posted November 26, 2004 At first we were gonna stay away from Oahu and do Kauai, Maui and the Big Island. We both really want to see Pearl Harbor though. Both our grandfathers fought in the Pacific so we really can't miss it. I'm thinking 3 nights on Oahu right now. Most time spent on the North shore as neither of us are into the crowds and we want to stay away from the cities as much as possible. Then I was thinking 3 nights on the Big Island. I really want to see an active volcano so that trumps Kauai for me. Then a whole week on Maui divided between adventure and relaxation. 134057[/snapback] Visiting the Arizona is an experience. It was faily traditional to present a flag that flew over her to folks retiring from their careers. A week on Maui is a good plan. If you like seafood and good steaks, visit Longhi's in Lahaina. The lobster stuffed cannelloni with a charred strip on the side is pretty memorable.
Alaska Darin Posted November 26, 2004 Posted November 26, 2004 Oahu is vastly overrated (it's basically like everywhere in America, only wiht more Japanese people), though Waimea Falls on the North Shore is spectacular. If it were me, I'd avoid Oahu and concentrate on the smaller islands, concentrating on Molokai and Kauai.
Thurman's Helmet Posted November 26, 2004 Posted November 26, 2004 Bib has it nailed. My wife and I vacationed in Hawaii, spent 5 nights in Maui which was the best part, spent another 4 on the Big Island and were bored after day 2 and then another 2 nights in Oahu. 2 to 3 days in Oahu is perfect to visit Pearl Harbor, do the whole "punchbowl tour bit", see Diamond Head and traverse Honolulu/Waikiki or the North Shore. Maui was the absolute best, snorkling off of Molokini Crater and then with Green Sea Turtles, biking down Haleakala at sunrise or riding the road to Hana and swimming in some of the waterfall pools, not to mention the golf, the beaches, the fishing etc..... I could spend weeks there. Hell, I could retire there. Never been to Kuai or Lanai but from what I've heard Kuai sounds cool.
kegtapr Posted November 26, 2004 Author Posted November 26, 2004 (it's basically like everywhere in America, only wiht more Japanese people) 134097[/snapback] So it's like Niagara Falls?
Thurman's Helmet Posted November 26, 2004 Posted November 26, 2004 So it's like Niagara Falls? 134106[/snapback] Niagara Falls was like New Dehli East. I didnt see a whole lot of Japanese there.
TracyLee Posted November 26, 2004 Posted November 26, 2004 I've never been there myself but for about the last 20 years, my parents have been vacationing there for two weeks every other year. The first few times they went they divided their time between three different islands. Now they spend the entire time on Maui. I believe they helicoptor over to Honolulu (I think it is?) for a day or so, but otherwise they absolutely love Maui. They are also fortunate enough to stay in the same condo every time they go, and have gotten to know the area pretty well. If they didn't have three grandsons back home they'd never come back, or so they say! They've got some beautiful pictures to die for from over there. One thing that that blows my mind is that of all the times my parents have been there it only rained once for about ten minutes! They always go in march, so maybe that has something to do with it. Enjoy it, I know my mom and dad do!
kegtapr Posted November 26, 2004 Author Posted November 26, 2004 As a follow up, on the Big Island, would you recommed staying on the Kona side or the Hilo side. The main purpose for going are the volcanos and waterfalls. I know Hilo is the rainy side so if it was fun and sun I could see Kona, but travel time probably Hilo correct?
njsue Posted November 26, 2004 Posted November 26, 2004 This is where I want to go after I graduate from College. Just a reward to myself for all the hard work.
Alaska Darin Posted November 26, 2004 Posted November 26, 2004 This is where I want to go after I graduate from College. Just a reward to myself for all the hard work. 134134[/snapback] Go to the Caribbean instead. Trust me.
Thurman's Helmet Posted November 26, 2004 Posted November 26, 2004 I stayed in Kona. Nothing spectacular.
Guest Guest Posted November 26, 2004 Posted November 26, 2004 Well, I take a little different view of the islands. I didn't care too much for Maui. Too small and crowded in the hotel areas. The road to Hana is interesting for about 30 minutes. After that it becomes the longest most obnoxious drive you'll ever take. Ever see the curviest street in San Fran (I think). Well the road to Hana is the same for its entire length. We spent 3 days on Oahu and would've liked to spend another. We spent 3 full days on Maui and that was about right. We spent one day on the big island. If we are ever lucky enough to go again, 3 days on Oahu, two days on Maui and 3 or 4 days on the big island. Might take a day trip to Kauai, lanai or Molokai.
_BiB_ Posted November 26, 2004 Posted November 26, 2004 As a follow up, on the Big Island, would you recommed staying on the Kona side or the Hilo side. The main purpose for going are the volcanos and waterfalls. I know Hilo is the rainy side so if it was fun and sun I could see Kona, but travel time probably Hilo correct? 134130[/snapback] Hilo. The suicide rate in Hawaii is the highest in Kona, for a reason. It's fine if you like not much to do and a landscape of black basaltic rock. But, yes, it does get rainy in Hilo. Kona is pretty arid. If you are only going to spend a day or so, it doesn't much matter. Take Aloha Scarelines over for an overnight.
njsue Posted November 26, 2004 Posted November 26, 2004 Go to the Caribbean instead. Trust me. 134137[/snapback] I have never been to the caribbean. Heard Jamaica is dirty. But, the best one is Antigua or Aruba. What is there to do on those islands besides casinos?
Pete Posted November 26, 2004 Posted November 26, 2004 I have never been to the caribbean. Heard Jamaica is dirty. But, the best one is Antigua or Aruba. What is there to do on those islands besides casinos? 134155[/snapback] Um what is there to do in Hawaii that you cant do in the Caribean? Surf, Jet ski, pick up hotties, party, Snorkle, Scooba dive, chill, eat, hike, bike, wind surf, paraglide, etc. It sounds like there is nothing to do in the islands
Thurman's Helmet Posted November 26, 2004 Posted November 26, 2004 I have never been to the caribbean. Heard Jamaica is dirty. But, the best one is Antigua or Aruba. What is there to do on those islands besides casinos? 134155[/snapback] Lots of wacky tobaccey and Red Stripe? But seriously, I LOVED Cozumel Mexico, Grand Cayman Islands and Curacao. I spent a day in Ocho Rios Jamaica and the Dunns River Falls were pretty cool but other than that, I was all set with Rastafarian Nation. Cruise if you're going to do the Carribbean unless you want to stay a week at Atlantis in Grand Bahama Island. I hear that place is off the chain.
njsue Posted November 26, 2004 Posted November 26, 2004 I love to swim only in pools. What impresses me about a resort is the huge pools. Also, cleanliness.
Recommended Posts