Hawaii 101

Please do not skip Oahu. For several years my wife and I visited Maui exclusively because we had children and grandchildren there. But on one trip we flew into Honolulu, spent several days there and visited a few other places on Oahu. It seemed a bit hectic at the time, although we did enjoy what we saw and did. We breathed a sigh of relief when we got to Maui, because it is of course more laid back than Oahu. In retrospect, though, I'm so glad we took that trip to Oahu, brief though it was. The fact is that Oahu is Hawaii Central. It was before we European types got there and it still is.

I am not fond of Waikiki, although when you get out of the big city and onto the beach, it is lovely.

Waikoloa is a very nice place, and the swimming and snorkeling are good. It's enormous, almost a city in itself. I strongly recommend you take side trips to places like Hawi (ha-vi') to see what Hawaii is like outside the tourist hotel district. The Bamboo Restaurant there is fun and friendly and we love their food. Drive all the way to the end of the highway there to see that beautiful Pololu Valley. If you are up for a steep hike, you can follow the trail down into the valley.

Another good excursion is the Fairwinds II boat to Kealakakua Bay. Go in the morning when the sea is calmer. This is the most spectacular snorkeling spot in the Islands I think. Look them up on the internet and I am sure there will be some photos. It leaves from Keauhou Bay at the south end of Kona.

Here's a link to a thread with a beautiful photo album by rkkwan with his photos of 1 day on Oahu, and two on the Big Island. I think it shows the distinct beauty of both islands.

http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/rkkwans-hawaii-pictures-mostly-big-island.cfm

Personally, I don't think it's too much of a hassle to switch islands, so your plan sounds good to me. The Big Island and Oahu are probably the most different from each other, so you'll be getting a good overview.

I think the Hilton Waikoloa is a good location to see a lot of the Big Island.

My favorite things on the Big Island are visiting the historical sites, eating at the many wonderful restaurants, attending festivals and cultural events, visiting botanical gardens and waterfalls, and especially seeing as much Hawaiian music and hula as possible.

My favorite place is North Kohala, and the tiny twin towns of Hawi and Kapa'au (but I live there part-time, so I'm biased). I like visiting all the small towns, sampling lilikoi (passionfruit) fudge and margaritas.

A visit to the volcano is quite impressive. Waimea is a town with old paniolo (cowboy) culture, Hilo and the east side are lush and jungly.

On The Big Island of Hawaii, my #1 sight is the Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park. Then there are all the other historic sights. (Place of Refuge, historic Kona)

I would definitely choose Oahu over Las Vegas. Your flight time will be so long to get to Hawaii, it makes sense to spend 2 nights on Oahu, instead of getting on another plane


As far as the Hawaiian islands go, they are each amazing and I really dont think you can go wrong choosing any of them. It is a hassle to island hop and use up your valuable leisure time, IMHO.


We have visited the Big Island several times, as well as all other Hawaiian islands except Lanai. We have stayed twice at the Hilton Waikaloa. It is a very nice self-contained resort. The dining can get pricey there for all meals, but you can drive closeby to other places to eat and shop. My advice would be to get out and see the 'real' Hawaii, too. Drive to beaches and visit Kona. Otherwise you will inly see Hilton's man-made version of Hawaii.

You should try to spend as much time as possible in Oahu. You mentioned you will stay at Hilton Hawaiian Village. I have been there several times and just like everything about it. HHV is almost like a tiny town in itself. It is beautiful.
There are flamingos, penguins and parrots on the grounds. You can observe them , play with them, feed them. The gardens are beautiful and there are many restaurants you can just walk to. The beach nearby is tiny, so that is a little disappointment. But many other beaches are close by. So if you have a car, you can go there during the day.The local bus service is low-priced and can take you all over town and to some beaches.
Oahu/ Waikiki has lots of things to see and do. We truly loved hiking up to Diamond Head. There are tons of other historic activities too. So, spend as much time as you can on this island.
Maui is very laid back. It is good if you just want to sit at the beach or go snorkeling etc.
Truly, you want to enjoy every moment you can in Hawaii, as it is in reality Paradise on Earth. Forget everything else, just enjoy Hawaii to the fullest and learn about the history, the culture, enjoy the great food and the entertainment.
HHV has wonderful entertainment free of charge on their grounds. Very impressive, dont miss any show there.
Have fun planning.

I would stick with your original plan of going to Oahu, either spend the whole time there or pick 1 other island to add (I'd pick Maui or Kauai myself over Big Island but each has their own beauty). I wouldn't add Vegas if it means less time in Hawaii. I think the idea of San Francisco for a few days is nice though.

I lobby for staying longer on Oahu. I have been there many times and there are so many things to do and see that 2 days is cutting it too short. I have only been to the big island once and I would have to say it is my least favorite (which I really don't mean as a negative, it is in Hawaii after all.)I would suggest looking at the Grand Wailea on Maui. Since you are making such a long journey I would stick to two islands dividing the time up more evenly and although I love San Francisco I would save it for another vacation. The laid back nature of Hawaii just sets in after the 3rd or 4th day and you will really be getting into it and it just seems like a shame to interrupt it to then wind up in a big city for a few short days. I would do Oahu first for four days then Maui as it is more laid back. The Big Island requires more driving unless you just want to hang at the resort and the Kohala coast is not tropical unless you are on the grounds of a resort. Just my opinion, I am sure that many others love the Big Island but DH and I just felt it just didn't have the lush tropical appeal that the other islands have which is what we love about Hawaii.

If I had your Hilton points , I spend the entire time at the Hilton Waikoloa w/out hesitation

All great advice, thanks so much!

Unfortunatly, the Grand Wailea is 80,000 points per night....vs. the waikoloa I can get 6 nights for 225,000 points (37,500 per night)......

what i might do is 3 nights honolulu, 6 nights waikoloa and 2 nights SF.....I don't want to skip SF since it will shorten the crazy long trip back and it's a place I really want to visit (for a day or 2)

I like your last itinerary best..I think it accounts for jet lag arrivng as you may not be too chipper the first day.
I also like that you are going to busy city Honolulu/Waikiki first, then a more relaxing Wailoloa and finally back to the big city San Francisco..and yes I agree stopping in SF will definately split up the long flight back.
There are just tons of things to do & see...so you may need to decide priorities and leave some time for "da beach".

Holy Cow...80,000 points a night, I can see why you decided on the Waikoloa! You will have so much fun, I am sure at your young age it won't be your last trip! Make sure to rent a car for at least one day on Oahu and take a drive around the island. My favorite beach is Lanikai and I love the North Shore. On the trip around you can stop at the Byodo In Buddhist temple, a beautiful replica of a temple in Japan. If you watch the series Lost you will see lots of familiar scenery! Have fun planning and enjoy your trip!

After that long a trip to get to Hawaii, you may not be ready to spend an entire day on the go when you first get there, so two days in Honolulu may not be enough -- especially if there are not two FULL days. Do at least three days in Honolulu, and the balance on the Big Island. There's lots to do and see on both islands.

While in Honolulu, you might enjoy a relatively easy hike up Diamond Head. If you're there on a Saturday, stop by the Diamond Head farmer's market right across the street from the Diamond Head entrance. Both are easily accessible by bus or by trolley.

You'll need a car on the Big Island. Waikoloa is a large self-contained resort, but if you want to see anything else, sights are quite far apart. You should not miss Volcano National Park. While on that side of the island, go to Hilo for the farmer's market (Wednesdays and Saturdays).

Again, thanks for all the great advice. I will do 3 nights Honolulu, 6 nights waikoloa and 2 nights SF....well, I need to call to make sure all the flights will work out (i.e. using points)

Two great choices for first trip. It is fun to be able to walk around Waikiki at night...lively and entertaining. We have stayed somewhat away from there, nearer Diamond Head, but within walking distance. A day driving up to the North Shore of Oahu is worth it. Stop in Haleiwa for lunch or at least coffee at the Coffee Gallery. The Waimea Valley Audbon center makes a great walk though a beautiful nature preserve, giant bamboo and more. Sometime we have early dinner at one of the shrimp trucks on the north shore ..a real treat. We like Romy's because it sits along side its own shrimp ponds and there are always lots of heron and other birds just hanging out and fishing!

Also in Honolulu if you wanted to go to a gorgeous shopping center ...not usually something I do but it is fun...Ala Moana Center for the Japanese department store: Shirokiya. Also try Satura Cakes (bakery/coffee cafe) if you find you self near the Ward Center.

On big island, I think Kohala coast is great. Visit other resorts..each has its own beaches. All beaches in Hawaii are public access even if within resorts. If you want to take interesting drive go toward Waimea/Kamuela passing through the many changing landscapes and/or Waipi'o Valley if only to the lookout point. Or check out if there is the free stargazing at the visitor center on Mauna Kea (at 9300 feet up which is well below the observatories) quite a ride there! That is, if it is not closed due to snow.

Then San Francisco is lovely. Go to the Ferry Building, eat at the Slanted Door or just pick up stuff and sit out weather permitting. Walk and Walk.

Have a wonderful trip. I can't wait unitl my next (sixth) trip will be, probably next year and will include Oahu and Big Island or maybe a return to Maui...for Haleakala but that is a different trip!