Hawaii

[prthdlks@50]

First of all, hello to all! I've come to BN for concert/ticket information in the past but never really had the nerve to jump in.

I have been given the task of planning a really big Hawaiian vacation this fall -- my 50th b-day, our 25th wedding anniversary, and the year we finally get to stop paying college tuition all happen this year, and we thought we'd plan something really fabulous. Now that we've been transferred to California, Hawaii seems like a natural choice.

I haven't been to Hawaii in a bajillion years, and my husband has only been to Honolulu on business, so we have no idea where to begin -- what island, which resort, etc.

Any tips? Any wow moments or really amazing experiences? Which islands are the most romantic, which the best for best preserved natural beauty, etc.?

I'd really appreciate any input -- thanks in advance!

[springparrot]

First of all
Welcome to BuffettNews!!!!

I have no info, but just wait---you will get more info than you can handle soon

[SeattleParrotHead]

Here's a good place to start . . . viewtopic.php?f=38&t=61883

My opinion? The North Shore of Kauai! No comparison. But it depends on what you are looking for. We always spend a few days in Waikiki, and then after we've had our fill of bright lights and tourists, we head for Kauai. Best place to stay? Kinda depends on your budget, but check this out: http://www.puupoa412.com .

[prthdlks@50]

Thanks, springparrot and SeattleParrothead! That condo looks gorgeous -- I hadn't thought about condo rentals, but it might be better than a resort in the long run. Less money spent on fluffy amenities we never use, more privacy, and we save on overpriced breakfasts and lunches and can splurge on dinner (and drinks!).

[SeattleParrotHead]

yep yep!

[caly]

Thanks, springparrot and SeattleParrothead! That condo looks gorgeous -- I hadn't thought about condo rentals, but it might be better than a resort in the long run. Less money spent on fluffy amenities we never use, more privacy, and we save on overpriced breakfasts and lunches and can splurge on dinner (and drinks!).

I leave in less than 3 weeks for 2 nights on Waikiki beach, a 7 night cruise to all the islands then 4 nights in Lahaina, Maui.
I can send you more details if you remind me via an email after March 12.
Hope I can help

[Luna Blue]

We really like Maui. Lush tropical forests; Deserted black sand beaches: Molokini for snorkeling; Lahaina for a laid back "margaritaville" feeling; the unbelievably beautiful waterfall vista filled road to Hana (and the seven pools)...but most of all if you go to Maui do the bike ride down Haleakala volcano. Up at 4:00 am to take a bus to the summit. Wearing heavy down jackets you watch the sunrise in the freezing cold altitude of the mountain/volcano top. Then you ride the switchback road down the volcano to the flatlands below shedding clothes as you go until you are peddaling at the bottom in your bathing suit. One of the great experiences of our life.

Have fun,

Tony and Cheri

[nutmeg]

Welcome to BN!

You'll get a lot of different opinions regarding Hawaii

If you look at the thread referenced above you will find opposite opinions on which island is "best." But which island is "best" depends on the person taking the trip. We love the Big Island and have been there three times. The volcano is fascinating, there are beautiful botanical gardens there are tons of historical spots and pictographs. If you want constant sun (but kinda deserty foliage and a moonscape of black lava) the Kohala area of Hawaii can't be beat. If you want rain forests Hilo and the volcano side of Hawaii is spectacular...the black sand beach is unbelievable. We stayed at a couple of wonderful Bed and Breakfasts there. Kalekilohana near south point (remote location not much there, lots of authentic Hawaiian culture) and Honu Kai just up the mountain from Kona (lots going on there and incredible hosts who will help you with everything). Both were incredible experiences.

We have been to Maui. It was very nice. I remember being stuck in traffic a good bit every time we wanted to go to Lahaina...but that was a relatively minor inconvenience. We took some beautiful drives while there.

I have to reserve judgment on Kauai. We were there during very bad weather. The beaches will piled with several feet of debris, the golf courses were under 3 feet of water, you couldn't go hiking nor kayaking for fear of a flash flood. Several people were killed in a flood that closed the only road to the north of the island a couple of days after we left. I'm sure when it isn't raining 24 hours a day that it is a lovely island

We've been to Oahu several times since my husband goes there for business rather frequently. I love Iolani palace and if you get out of Honolulu/Waikiki, there is some absolutely gorgeous scenery. Well the scenery in Waikiki isn't bad, but it can be rather crowded. Lots of great restaurants there.

No matter where you go, you will love Hawaii!

[Glorfindel7]

One tip, if you visit Oahu, make sure you rent a car for a few days, there's a lot of nice scenic views that can be found within a 30 mile drive from Waikiki ......

[Dutch Harbor PH]

Wow....
First welcome!!!!
2nd....where to begin????? Mel had some good input (Seattle PH above)...... We've spent time on Kaui, Ohau, Hawaii and Maui......and we always go back to Maui........ in part because we know it fairly well and know how to get around...... Kaui being the Northern most of the regularly visited islands also has the most WX.....is IS the wettest spot on earth....... so you will see WX while you are there.....Hawaii is big and is varied......Ohau is nice is you can avoid Honolulu (IMHO..think Los Angeles in the tropics)...but if you can get north shore or anywhere else pretty nice....... then there is Maui...it's called the garden Isle........ you can go from tropical rain forest to desert in the course of about 5 miles........ and if you know where to go, you can easily escape the resort set....then again, you can go hang at the resort or golf or...?????

Anyway....we tend to stay in Lahaina on the leeward side (dry side), the windward side is fairly wet...hence the rain forest.....Lahiana rolls up the sidewalks after all the ourists go back to the resorts and is a quiet sleeply little town....
Anyway...what ever you do you will enjoy it!!! it is beautiful!!!

[The Lost Manatee]

Much depends on what you like/want and what your budget is. If you like crowds and tourist traps, there isn't a better spot than Honolulu, followed closely by Maui, but if you prefer something a little more removed from the maddening crowds, either head for Kauai or the Big Island, unless you have a really healthy budget. If you are constrained by a budget, head to Lanai. It is beautiful, peaceful and more like Hawaii used to be before it was discovered by mass market tourism.

Me, I tend to do the Big Island and stay at the Fairmont Royal Orchid. It's not the least expensive nor does it give you the same feel as staying at a B&B however it is a bargain for a resort hotel. I love the fact that you can get such a wide range of climates, activities and experiences on the Big Island and not have to fight the crowds to do everything.

[phjrsaunt]

this may sound odd, but due to my job I'm in a position to make this observation: be careful when renting a car. I see quite a few claims from folks who rented a vehicle in Hawaii, then parked it on the side of a road to go enjoy the scenery or go surfing or whatever. Then the car gets vandalized. It's always a good practice to keep any valuables hidden, but I would suggest extra diligence in this situation. You may also want to consider a rental that isn't "fancy" and doesn't have high dollar equipment installed (like stereo stuff) that could be stolen if the car were broken into. Having said that, I've always wanted to visit this beautiful state myself, and I hope you have an excellent time! And welcome to BN-glad you started posting!

[beachmusic]

Congratulations. Having the kids out of college is better than any pay raise! Like the rest, the best place is so personal. In the 30 plus times we have visited, we have never not had a great time. Generally the south and west shores of the islands provides the best weather, although in the fall it is usually good everywhere. Great hiking and beaches on Kauai. Great golf on all the islands. Maui has been our favorite for the last 20 years, although it too is becoming more congested. There is beauty and fun on all the islands. So many great local people. The spirit of Aloha lives. We are condo dwellers (Whaler at Kaanapalli). We enjoy the convenience that condo living allows. Casual days and then usually dinner out. Here is a link to some photos on Oahu in 2009. http://www.flickr.com/photos/20625730@N ... 397771755/

[SchoolGirlHeart]

this may sound odd, but due to my job I'm in a position to make this observation: be careful when renting a car. I see quite a few claims from folks who rented a vehicle in Hawaii, then parked it on the side of a road to go enjoy the scenery or go surfing or whatever. Then the car gets vandalized. It's always a good practice to keep any valuables hidden, but I would suggest extra diligence in this situation. You may also want to consider a rental that isn't "fancy" and doesn't have high dollar equipment installed (like stereo stuff) that could be stolen if the car were broken into. Having said that, I've always wanted to visit this beautiful state myself, and I hope you have an excellent time! And welcome to BN-glad you started posting!

It's a sad but true fact that Hawaii has a significant property crime issue. Most rental cars there have a sign inside the trunk: 'DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN TRUNK." This warning should be heeded. If you leave your car - especially in an area frequented by tourists - leave it UNLOCKED AND EMPTY. It takes but a few seconds to pop the lock out of the car door and besides anything that's stolen you get to spend an hour with the police while they dust for prints and write up the report you need for the rental car agency. Yes, I speak from experience... I left the car empty but locked it out of mindless habit even though I didn't mean to. When I got back the lock was gone from the door. There are also a limited number of frequencies that operate remote keys. On the same trip my car was broken into in the parking garage of a big name Waikiki hotel. Fortunately, all they got was a towel from the trunk and a couple of CDs. Still, irritating. It was the last time I rented a convertible. In Hawaii a convertible screams, "TOURIST." And even with lots of people around you can't be less vigilant... A few weeks ago I was at Lanai Lookout, a popular whale watching venue on Oahu's windward side. There are typically 20-40 people milling about within 5-10 feet of the parking spots, yet the locals I was chatting with warned me to lock my car because someone's car had been burglarized a few days before with everyone standing right there. Paradise is wonderful but it does have it's pests, so don't let your guard down completely.

[SeattleParrotHead]

But . . before you leave the rental car unlocked, check with your insurance carrier . . . many companies will not cover you if you do not lock your doors. So, if you leave them unlocked and the dirty low-down scumbag cretin thieves steal the radio or anything else of value, you're on the hook . . . .

[SchoolGirlHeart]

But . . before you leave the rental car unlocked, check with your insurance carrier . . . many companies will not cover you if you do not lock your doors. So, if you leave them unlocked and the dirty low-down scumbag cretin thieves steal the radio or anything else of value, you're on the hook . . . .

Mmm, very good point. Crummy Catch 22.... Leave it unlocked and they may just rifle it for valuables and not touch the radio. Lock it and they might break in and still not steal anything. *sigh*

[nutmeg]

The theft from cars issue is on all the islands in Hawaii. It is so disturbing. They seem to have a group of people on each island who make their living robbing tourist's rental cars. Anytime you leave your car, it is in danger of a break in. We have a hard time deciding on the lock / no lock decision. We usually choose to lock, but make sure that there are no items left laying about in the car that would make it worth while to break in.

The trunk however is a difficult issue. They have no way of knowing if you have left anything in it or not. I'm tempted to have a sign to hang in the window that says, "don't bother, there is nothing of value in here" (Except that it might annoy them enough to destroy the car.

Sorry about the downer topic...but it IS something anyone traveling there needs to be aware of. Garry (who is a police officer) had his car broken into while on Maui.

[SchoolGirlHeart]

The trunk however is a difficult issue. They have no way of knowing if you have left anything in it or not.

Funny(?) tsunami story. I got *cooked* up on Diamond Head watching the tsunami (such as it was). I had sunscreen; 2 tubes of it. But it was in my luggage, in the trunk. I figured if I opened the trunk to get it I'd let every enterprising criminal within 100 yards know there was something in that trunk, so I sat there in the sun and cooked....

At the beach I usually leave the car unlocked and empty because the criminals are usually after a quick smash-and-grab (or pop the lock and grab) and don't have the time to rip out the radio. At more remote places, like a trail head, it's a real crap shoot. Better to take the bus.