3ish weeks in hawaii--where to?!
Mar 16th, 2016, 12:51 PM
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3ish weeks in hawaii--where to?!
Hi there!
I am researching doing a 3 week trip to Hawaii in November. We will be spending about a week on Oahu, and would like to spend the other 2 weeks at 2-3 other islands. I will be traveling alone with my husband, so we would prefer not-kid focused resorts.
Does anyone have a suggestion of 2-4 fabulous luxury hotels/resorts? We do not want to rent an apartment or house. We would like the hotels to have great pools, service, and ideally swimmable beaches. We will be celebrating our anniversary, so great service/food is a must. We are very flexible as to the islands (kauai, hawaii, maui..). We love to swim, relax, snorkel, hike, etc. We plan on renting a car at all of the islands (if necessary). We also love good food and are okay spending for a fun/memorable meal. We'd also love to stay away from any big hotels/resorts that have corporate conferences, sales meetings etc (if that's possible).
Let me know if I can specify anything more. Thank you for the help & suggestions!!
I am researching doing a 3 week trip to Hawaii in November. We will be spending about a week on Oahu, and would like to spend the other 2 weeks at 2-3 other islands. I will be traveling alone with my husband, so we would prefer not-kid focused resorts.
Does anyone have a suggestion of 2-4 fabulous luxury hotels/resorts? We do not want to rent an apartment or house. We would like the hotels to have great pools, service, and ideally swimmable beaches. We will be celebrating our anniversary, so great service/food is a must. We are very flexible as to the islands (kauai, hawaii, maui..). We love to swim, relax, snorkel, hike, etc. We plan on renting a car at all of the islands (if necessary). We also love good food and are okay spending for a fun/memorable meal. We'd also love to stay away from any big hotels/resorts that have corporate conferences, sales meetings etc (if that's possible).
Let me know if I can specify anything more. Thank you for the help & suggestions!!
Mar 16th, 2016, 12:59 PM
#2
How about a one week cruise that leaves from Honolulu?
https://www.ncl.com/vacations/?desti...Hawaii_Cruises
(There are others).
I think it beats flying from one island to the next and staying in hotels.
https://www.ncl.com/vacations/?desti...Hawaii_Cruises
(There are others).
I think it beats flying from one island to the next and staying in hotels.
Mar 16th, 2016, 01:01 PM
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Thanks for the suggestion Tom! We really like luxury hotel/resorts and have lots of time,so we don't mind flying between the islands. We have some cruises lined up in the future, but I think we'd prefer a resort based trip for our time in Hawaii.
Mar 16th, 2016, 01:28 PM
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The Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island is perhaps the best hotel/resort in Hawaii, and situated in an area where weather is reliably good year round. Kauai, being the most lush and tropical of the islands, would be a nice contrast to the Big Island, and you'd enjoy the St. Regis on the spectacularly scenic north shore. But weather and ocean conditions can be a little dicey there in November, so you might also consider Koa Kea, at Poipu Beach on the southern part of the island.
With 3 weeks, I'd limit it to 3 islands. Maui also has some very nice resorts, but IMO if you combine the Big Island and Kauai with Oahu, you're getting the best of Hawaii.
With 3 weeks, I'd limit it to 3 islands. Maui also has some very nice resorts, but IMO if you combine the Big Island and Kauai with Oahu, you're getting the best of Hawaii.
Mar 16th, 2016, 01:49 PM
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The Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island is perhaps the best hotel/resort in Hawaii
Friends of mine (who have very good taste LOL) think the Four Seasons Hualalai is the best hotel they've ever stayed at ANYWHERE.
Friends of mine (who have very good taste LOL) think the Four Seasons Hualalai is the best hotel they've ever stayed at ANYWHERE.
Mar 16th, 2016, 02:20 PM
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> Friends of mine (who have very good taste LOL) think the Four Seasons Hualalai is the best hotel they've ever stayed at ANYWHERE.
Just don't try to swim in the ocean without water shoes. We did and were sorry we did.
The property itself is fabulous imo, but their beach is narrow and half lava rock. Also my idea of relaxation is not listening to endless walkie-talkie conversations between hotel security staff. It might make some guests feel important, but practically it made even laying out at the pool a chore.
If the focus is a nice beach, both the Mauna Kea and Hapuna Beach Prince on Hawaii have real stunners. Also the Mauna Lani and Orchid, although their beaches are smaller and less scenic imo.
Just don't try to swim in the ocean without water shoes. We did and were sorry we did.
The property itself is fabulous imo, but their beach is narrow and half lava rock. Also my idea of relaxation is not listening to endless walkie-talkie conversations between hotel security staff. It might make some guests feel important, but practically it made even laying out at the pool a chore.
If the focus is a nice beach, both the Mauna Kea and Hapuna Beach Prince on Hawaii have real stunners. Also the Mauna Lani and Orchid, although their beaches are smaller and less scenic imo.
Mar 17th, 2016, 09:16 AM
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I pretty much only know the Big Island, and I would go along with the suggestions so far, but will add something about the region where the hotels are located.
I have a house in Hawi, which is at the North tip, looking towards Maui. It is the birthplace of King Kamehameha, and is full of his descendants and mythology, rich in local music, hula, and especially food!
One issue with the Big Island has been vog, the mixture of volcanic ash/smoke & fog. To my eyes, it has been pervasive over Kona, and it creeps up to where Four Seasons Hualalai is located, which is just a short drive north from the airport.
I would suggest the Mauna Kea, because it puts you within easy and beautiful drives of wonderfully interesting places, including the twin towns of Hawi & Kapa'au (home of the original King Kamehameha statue) and Waimea, home of one of the largest cattle ranches, very rich in Paniolo culture & history.
There are nice resorts from the Four Seasons, up through the Mauna Kea (about a 40 minute drive north of the airport), and all those places have lovely ocean view dining (expensive & very good but can also be disappointing in the way those places are). Also, most resorts have live music and hula a few nights a week, and you are welcome to have a drink or meal at any resort, walk around, shop, visit their beaches. Almost all the resorts have petroglyph fields, so there are interesting, historical hikes.
The Mauna Kea has an interesting history, founded by L. Rockefeller in 1965. The beach is beautiful. It is rarely crowded, and you are a half hour drive to so many interesting places, and you can also explore the west side (Hamakua coast) which is similar to Hawi, lush and charming. (The Four Seasons is probably the premier hotel, but the Mauna Kea is more old school & low key.)
I also love the Mauna Lani, but its beach is not as nearly as perfect. There is a great evening of hula and music on the Saturday nearest the full moon. Go there for a hike and explore the ancient fish ponds.
This area has great snorkeling (although I don't snorkel) and a guidebook will have good advice. All the beaches are public access, so any time you see the signs, you will usually find a path to a beautiful coastline, whether rocky and ancient or well worn.
Lots of good restaurants and historical sites as the roads split at Kawaihae (where Waterworld was filmed). Go see the magnificent heiau, built by King Kamehameha at Pu'ukohola.
There is a recent thread about restaurants, including my favorites in North Kohala. I forgot to mention the Blue Dragon in Kawaiehae, which has music every night.
In any case, I think you would enjoy exploring that end of the island even as a day trip going to Pololu, an easy hike down (harder up) to a black sand beach at the end of the road. This area is so rural and the skies are so blue due to the wind, that you cannot fail to be charmed.
P.S. Of course, take a drive to the volcano. The drive is beautiful, and there are places to explore along the way. Even if it is just a long all day trip, it is worth it.
I have a house in Hawi, which is at the North tip, looking towards Maui. It is the birthplace of King Kamehameha, and is full of his descendants and mythology, rich in local music, hula, and especially food!
One issue with the Big Island has been vog, the mixture of volcanic ash/smoke & fog. To my eyes, it has been pervasive over Kona, and it creeps up to where Four Seasons Hualalai is located, which is just a short drive north from the airport.
I would suggest the Mauna Kea, because it puts you within easy and beautiful drives of wonderfully interesting places, including the twin towns of Hawi & Kapa'au (home of the original King Kamehameha statue) and Waimea, home of one of the largest cattle ranches, very rich in Paniolo culture & history.
There are nice resorts from the Four Seasons, up through the Mauna Kea (about a 40 minute drive north of the airport), and all those places have lovely ocean view dining (expensive & very good but can also be disappointing in the way those places are). Also, most resorts have live music and hula a few nights a week, and you are welcome to have a drink or meal at any resort, walk around, shop, visit their beaches. Almost all the resorts have petroglyph fields, so there are interesting, historical hikes.
The Mauna Kea has an interesting history, founded by L. Rockefeller in 1965. The beach is beautiful. It is rarely crowded, and you are a half hour drive to so many interesting places, and you can also explore the west side (Hamakua coast) which is similar to Hawi, lush and charming. (The Four Seasons is probably the premier hotel, but the Mauna Kea is more old school & low key.)
I also love the Mauna Lani, but its beach is not as nearly as perfect. There is a great evening of hula and music on the Saturday nearest the full moon. Go there for a hike and explore the ancient fish ponds.
This area has great snorkeling (although I don't snorkel) and a guidebook will have good advice. All the beaches are public access, so any time you see the signs, you will usually find a path to a beautiful coastline, whether rocky and ancient or well worn.
Lots of good restaurants and historical sites as the roads split at Kawaihae (where Waterworld was filmed). Go see the magnificent heiau, built by King Kamehameha at Pu'ukohola.
There is a recent thread about restaurants, including my favorites in North Kohala. I forgot to mention the Blue Dragon in Kawaiehae, which has music every night.
In any case, I think you would enjoy exploring that end of the island even as a day trip going to Pololu, an easy hike down (harder up) to a black sand beach at the end of the road. This area is so rural and the skies are so blue due to the wind, that you cannot fail to be charmed.
P.S. Of course, take a drive to the volcano. The drive is beautiful, and there are places to explore along the way. Even if it is just a long all day trip, it is worth it.
Mar 17th, 2016, 12:30 PM
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When we were on the Big Island in November, we did drive up to Pololu (did the hike to which Kailani refers - short and steep, but beautiful), visited the heiau (we don't usually do "cultural" sightseeing in Hawaii, but I was with a friend who lives in Hilo and she's totally into Hawaiian culture). The drive from the Kohala Coast up to Polulu is beautiful too.
Mar 17th, 2016, 01:35 PM
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Which places did you pick on Oahu? That might give some insight into what you'd like.
Hulopoe Bay on Lanai has a gorgeous swimmable beach and there's a Four Seasons there. It's easily combinable with Maui. There's a ferry from Lahaina. You'll need a jeep to explore as there are few paved roads.
Hulopoe Bay on Lanai has a gorgeous swimmable beach and there's a Four Seasons there. It's easily combinable with Maui. There's a ferry from Lahaina. You'll need a jeep to explore as there are few paved roads.
Mar 17th, 2016, 02:00 PM
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If I were choosing top luxury resorts on Maui, it'd be either Montage or Ritz-Carlton. But both of those are in Kapalua on the NW corner of the island, which is more exposed to weather at that time of year. In the south, and wanting to avoid kid-focused, I *might* choose Andaz. But it doesn't have the same character/appeal, and to me doesn't look/fee at all like Hawaii.
We've stayed on the Four Seasons Hualalai property 3 times in different months of the year (Jan, May, and Aug) and never been bothered by vog. There's a greater likelihood of seeing it there than at the Mauna Lani or Mauna Kea, but in my understanding vog usually shows up only when trade-winds die down, which occurs more often during winter months. And I've heard that if there's vog along the Big Island's Kohala Coast, it's probably bothering people on Maui too, and possibly farther on up the island chain.
We've stayed on the Four Seasons Hualalai property 3 times in different months of the year (Jan, May, and Aug) and never been bothered by vog. There's a greater likelihood of seeing it there than at the Mauna Lani or Mauna Kea, but in my understanding vog usually shows up only when trade-winds die down, which occurs more often during winter months. And I've heard that if there's vog along the Big Island's Kohala Coast, it's probably bothering people on Maui too, and possibly farther on up the island chain.
Mar 18th, 2016, 07:50 AM
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Psssst..... Kailani, where might we go to find nice Hawaiian arts & crafts? Looking for things of distinctly Hawaiian design: paintings/prints, wood-working/carving, basketry, sculpture.... We'll also be looking for some nice leis, which we'd prefer to buy at a farmers market or roadside stand. We were at Waimea farmers markets last year, but I don't recall seeing any. Staying in the Mauna Lani property, but don't mind driving. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Mar 18th, 2016, 10:51 AM
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The Harbor Gallery in Kawaihae is the first one that springs to mind. http://www.harborgallery.biz/
Hawi and Kapa'au have about 10 gift shops between them. Ackerman Galleries in Kapa'au is one of the largest: http://www.ackermanhawaii.com/
Each town is about 2 blocks, so you can wander in and out of them all in 20 minutes.
As Hawi Turns:
https://www.facebook.com/AsHawiTurnsHawaii/
Elements:
http://elementsjewelryandcrafts.com/
Gallery at The Bamboo Restaurant
http://www.bamboorestaurant.info/gallery.html
Fine wooden bowls in Hawi: L. Zeidman http://www.yelp.com/biz/zeidman-l-ha...ood-bowls-hawi
There is a fine arts gourd artist in Hawi. http://www.ipuguy.com/ These are expensive, but beautiful.
There is an artist coop in Hawi, but I think the address has shifted. A few more shops that are worth peeking in. Hawi also has a unique ukulele shop with handmade instruments.
I also like the gift shop at Pu'ukohola National Park:
http://www.nps.gov/puhe/learn/bookstore.htm
They have beautiful wood block prints by local artist Dietrich Varez
Gallery of Great Things in Waimea: http://www.galleryofgreatthingshawaii.com/
The Isaac Art Center in Waimea: http://isaacsartcenter.hpa.edu/
Once a month there is a Sunday Stroll in Kona, and the main street is blocked off for a craft fair. There is a hula and Hawaiian singing concert next to the Hulihee Palace. http://www.bighawaii.org/event/kokua...roll-kona/all/
This is a famous old shop in the other direction. Kimura Lauhala Shop
http://www.holualoahawaii.com/member_sites/kimura.html
Each little town & shop will have a few treasures, but it is hard to think of one ideal shop. The resorts usually have high end galleries.
Waipio Valley Artworks is good, in Honoka'a. http://waipiovalleyartworks.com/
Good luck! Hope the links give you an idea, and maybe people can add in some of their favorites. A lot of crafts are imported but make cute, inexpensive gifts.
The Mauna Lani has the wonderful "Talk Story" if you are staying there during a full moon.
Hawi and Kapa'au have about 10 gift shops between them. Ackerman Galleries in Kapa'au is one of the largest: http://www.ackermanhawaii.com/
Each town is about 2 blocks, so you can wander in and out of them all in 20 minutes.
As Hawi Turns:
https://www.facebook.com/AsHawiTurnsHawaii/
Elements:
http://elementsjewelryandcrafts.com/
Gallery at The Bamboo Restaurant
http://www.bamboorestaurant.info/gallery.html
Fine wooden bowls in Hawi: L. Zeidman http://www.yelp.com/biz/zeidman-l-ha...ood-bowls-hawi
There is a fine arts gourd artist in Hawi. http://www.ipuguy.com/ These are expensive, but beautiful.
There is an artist coop in Hawi, but I think the address has shifted. A few more shops that are worth peeking in. Hawi also has a unique ukulele shop with handmade instruments.
I also like the gift shop at Pu'ukohola National Park:
http://www.nps.gov/puhe/learn/bookstore.htm
They have beautiful wood block prints by local artist Dietrich Varez
Gallery of Great Things in Waimea: http://www.galleryofgreatthingshawaii.com/
The Isaac Art Center in Waimea: http://isaacsartcenter.hpa.edu/
Once a month there is a Sunday Stroll in Kona, and the main street is blocked off for a craft fair. There is a hula and Hawaiian singing concert next to the Hulihee Palace. http://www.bighawaii.org/event/kokua...roll-kona/all/
This is a famous old shop in the other direction. Kimura Lauhala Shop
http://www.holualoahawaii.com/member_sites/kimura.html
Each little town & shop will have a few treasures, but it is hard to think of one ideal shop. The resorts usually have high end galleries.
Waipio Valley Artworks is good, in Honoka'a. http://waipiovalleyartworks.com/
Good luck! Hope the links give you an idea, and maybe people can add in some of their favorites. A lot of crafts are imported but make cute, inexpensive gifts.
The Mauna Lani has the wonderful "Talk Story" if you are staying there during a full moon.
Mar 18th, 2016, 11:01 AM
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Costco also has beautiful leis! I have talked to the woman who makes them. The ones are the airport are pretty nice and the concession is run by a local family. There are locals in Hawi and Kapa'au that sell at the grocery stores: Takata's and A. Arakaki's.
Buying leis can be random, though, because there are special delivery days to each store and they can be sold out. But you can check out market & stores because there may be some beautiful ones in the refrigerator cases. All are locally made and support small businesses.
Buying leis can be random, though, because there are special delivery days to each store and they can be sold out. But you can check out market & stores because there may be some beautiful ones in the refrigerator cases. All are locally made and support small businesses.
Mar 18th, 2016, 12:48 PM
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Mahalo nui loa for all the great info and links, Kailani. I know we've been in a few of those galleries/shops on previous visits, but this time we're on a mission. And at the top of the list is Ipu Kane Gallery; tattooed gourds...fascinating.
We'll keep our eyes open for lei buying possibilities. On our last trip to Kaua'i we learned of an elderly woman who made them from the flowers in her garden, and making the personal connection with her made them all the more special.
Malama pono.
We'll keep our eyes open for lei buying possibilities. On our last trip to Kaua'i we learned of an elderly woman who made them from the flowers in her garden, and making the personal connection with her made them all the more special.
Malama pono.
Mar 18th, 2016, 01:06 PM
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Kailani, nothing beats info from a resident. Thank you!
Do you happen to know anything about Waianuhea B&B in Honokaa? We were surprised to see it closed, and wondering if it's ever coming back. Fantastic property imo.
Do you happen to know anything about Waianuhea B&B in Honokaa? We were surprised to see it closed, and wondering if it's ever coming back. Fantastic property imo.
