Hawaii - 2 islands in 10 days?

Old Jul 23rd, 2013, 05:54 PM
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Hawaii - 2 islands in 10 days?

Hoping to head to HI with 2 grown kids (27) over XMas. Adventurous, active family looking for luxury, yet off beaten path/unique accommodations. Suggestions re: 1/2 trip history/culture, 1/2 active/adventure on remote island?

Ideas please!
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Old Jul 24th, 2013, 03:57 AM
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First of all, as soon as you decide on your dates and islands--reserve your cars and lodging--since you'll be going in the highest of high seasons. I've heard that car rental companies sometimes run out of cars closer to the Christmas holidays. I've often had good luck with http://www.discounthawaiicarrental.com-- all their reservations are with name brand companies and are cancellable.

If you want two islands, I would suggest Oahu and the Big Island.

Oahu for history, culture, Waikiki Beach and the gorgeous north shore
http://www.nps.gov/valr/index.htm Pearl Harbor
http://www.bishopmuseum.org/ Bishop Museum for the history and culture of the islands
http://www.iolanipalace.org/ built by King David Kalakaua in the late 1800s
http://honolulumuseum.org/385-about_shangri_la tour Doris Duke's amazing house on the back side of Diamond Head--(make reservations ASAP if you're interested)
drive to the north shore--lunch at the shrimp trucks--see the surf on the Banzai Pipeline

For the second island, I suggest the Big Island since that's the one I know best (DH and I have made more than 20 trips there in the last 12 years). I'm sure the fodorites who know Kauai and Maui better than I will chime in also.

We never stay at hotels but usually rent houses. I checked two of our favorites and they are already booked for Christmas time. Here are their websites to given you an idea of what can be available.
http://www.lagoonhouse.com/rates.html if you are interested in staying in this area--call Hawaii Holiday, A Piece of Paradise at 808-965-0400--another house in the same area may be available

http://www.vrbo.com/298438 this is a gorgeous house overlooking Kealakekua Bay (great snorkeling!) in south Kona

Here are only some of the activities that the BI offers--

Volcano National Park http://www.nps.gov/havo/index.html
http://lavarefuge.com/poke-a-stick-guided-lava-tours/ take a guided tour to see lava flowing into the ocean
star gazing on the top of Mauna Kea http://www.maunakea.com/
visit Place of Refuge in south Kona--great snorkeling here http://www.nps.gov/puho/index.htm
see the whales -Captain Dan is the best http://www.ilovewhales.com/
do a zipline in north Kohala http://www.thebigislandzipline.com/
ride the rim of the Waipio Valley http://www.ridetherim.com/
there are also tours that take you down into the valley
snorkel with the manta rays http://www.fair-wind.com/index.php/r...t-snorkel-dive

If you decide on the Big Island and have questions, I'll be happy to help.
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Old Jul 24th, 2013, 08:16 AM
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I'd say Oahu (history/culture) and Kauai (more remote possibilities).

As far as "luxury" and "unique" accomodations in Waikiki (where most people stay on Oahu) you can look at the classic hotels... Halekulani, Royal Hawaiian, Moana Surfrider.
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Old Jul 24th, 2013, 10:11 AM
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For luxury accommodations on Oahu, you could also look at the Kahala resort. It's a short drive to Waikiki. I think it's kind of hard to find a combination of luxury/off the beaten path/unique unless you start looking at high end rental houses.
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Old Jul 24th, 2013, 11:46 AM
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1/2 Oahu, 1/2 Kauai!
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Old Jul 25th, 2013, 11:19 AM
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You are late planning for one of the busiest seasons in Hawaii. The car rental could indeed be a problem unless you stay within Honolulu proper, where one can take The Bus and a taxi will not break the bank because distances are short. This would also be your history/culture stop.

In winter months, avoid the northernmost parts of Kauai and Oahu -- and even Maui.

Hawaii has several Four Seasons hotels -- all are very good, with Halalai on Big Island being tops. You might enjoy FS Lanai as a luxury/remote combination. (Plan at least an overnight in Volcano if you want to include that sight on Big Island.) Big Island has historic City of Refuge south of Kona.

This site has most lodging in Hawaii, with aerials and reviews: www.hawaiirevealed.com
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Old Jul 25th, 2013, 11:21 AM
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Spelling Error: It's Four Seasons Hualalai.
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Old Aug 15th, 2013, 02:24 PM
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Martym, I have two elderly couples going to the Big Island 10/17 to 10/20/13. What would you recommend for activities for them. Thanks for the information.
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Old Aug 15th, 2013, 03:50 PM
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Hi, i'll help if I can. What are their interests, what do they like to do when they are on vacation, where are they staying, do they have any health or mobility problems.
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Old Aug 17th, 2013, 07:21 PM
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They do not have any significant mobility issues, but are not hikers. I guess I need to ask them first what are there interests. They are staying in a condo 'Alaini house north of Hilo.
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Old Aug 18th, 2013, 04:59 AM
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Here are some ideas--northwest from Hilo along the north coast of the Big Island

Hawaiian Tropical Botanic Gardens http://www.htbg.com/

Akaka Falls http://tinyurl.com/c9x84cx

Lapauhoehoe Point http://www.kona123.com/laupahoehoe.html

Waipio Valley http://www.waipiovalleywagontours.com/ reservations needed

tea tasting http://www.onotea.com/ be sure to make a reservation

South from Hilo
Volcano National Park http://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm

One of our favorite restaurants in Hilo--http://hilobaycafe.com/

Let me know when you find out their interests and I may have other suggestions.
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Old Aug 18th, 2013, 11:46 AM
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Thank you very much for the information.
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