Hawaii Itinerary
Apr 8th, 2013, 05:28 PM
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Hawaii Itinerary
Hi, A friend and I are planning our first trip to Hawaii. I've tried to get the spelling of the Hawaiian names right 
We are mostly interested in outdoor activities and wanted to get a good overview of the islands we've choosen. I hoped that folks could look this over and make suggestions. Is this a good mix of activities? Are we missing any "Must sees". Ideas for things to see/do "off the beaten track" ? Does this sound like a good use of our time? My goal was to keep the amount of driving down yet not move between hotels too often.
Arrival day: Drive to hotel/condo somewhere on West Coast; Collapse!
Day 1: Beach for most of day- suggestions include Kahaluu Beach (salt and pepper) Mauna Kea (gold sand). . Stay west coast
Day 2: Spend day around area of *Kealakekua Bay—marine-life preserve. Snorkeling ?Sea West Snorkeling and Rafting adventures?? Or Fair Wind Snorkeling and Diving Adventures for sail and snorkeling. Check out other nearby beaches for afternoon swim? Stay west coast
Day 3: An hour drive to Wai’po Valley and around. Take tour of valley, explore other nearby scenic areas, hiking, etc. Drive to Pahoa-2 hours approx. Stay Pahoa
area
Day 4 Coffee plantation and then in afternoon a 1 hour 15 min drive min. Mauna Kea Observatory**-? Mauna Kea Summit Adventures; Stay Pahoa
Day 5 Volcano National Park**- Stay Pahoa
Maui: 5-6 days. Possibly stay for first few nights near Kihei or Wailea which would make ½ to 1 hour drives to:
-Day 6: Fly to Maui, possibly from Hilo? Beaches for swimming: Kaanapali beach or Kapalua.
-Day 7: Iao Valley State Park: hiking; scenery; waterfalls
-Day 8: Beach Day with various possibilities: Ulua, Makena for snorkeling. Also, kayak the Kihei Coast from Makena? (?Makena Kayk Tours) Or snorkel at Molokini crater? Kayak past Ahihi-Kinau Natural Preserve
Day 9: a 2.5-3 hour drive to:
-Haleakala Crater** Perhaps take Bike ride back down.
Day 10: Possibly a day trip to Lanai? Molokai? Sailing trip is supposed to be nice with stop at beaches, etc.
Day 11 and 12: a 3 hour drive to Hana so stay 1 or 2 nights? Road to Hana**: Stay in Hana?? See black sands(very rocky; too rough for swimming; nice views/hiking) of Waianapanapa State Park; red sand beach of Kaihalulu) ; Hike to waterfalls and Seven Sacred Pools pools in Haleakala Natonal Park at Oheao Gulch.
Day 13: A morning flight to Oahu: 2 ½ hour drive from Hana or very expensive and limited flight from Hana
Day 14: Pearl Harbor
Day 15: Waikiki, Diamond Head
Flight out, arrive in late afternoon Seattle. Stay 1 night, spend morning at Pike’s Market, have lunch, catch 4pmish flight home or 2 nights and take late afternoon (3:30ish) or red eye home (10pmish)
We are mostly interested in outdoor activities and wanted to get a good overview of the islands we've choosen. I hoped that folks could look this over and make suggestions. Is this a good mix of activities? Are we missing any "Must sees". Ideas for things to see/do "off the beaten track" ? Does this sound like a good use of our time? My goal was to keep the amount of driving down yet not move between hotels too often.
Arrival day: Drive to hotel/condo somewhere on West Coast; Collapse!
Day 1: Beach for most of day- suggestions include Kahaluu Beach (salt and pepper) Mauna Kea (gold sand). . Stay west coast
Day 2: Spend day around area of *Kealakekua Bay—marine-life preserve. Snorkeling ?Sea West Snorkeling and Rafting adventures?? Or Fair Wind Snorkeling and Diving Adventures for sail and snorkeling. Check out other nearby beaches for afternoon swim? Stay west coast
Day 3: An hour drive to Wai’po Valley and around. Take tour of valley, explore other nearby scenic areas, hiking, etc. Drive to Pahoa-2 hours approx. Stay Pahoa
area
Day 4 Coffee plantation and then in afternoon a 1 hour 15 min drive min. Mauna Kea Observatory**-? Mauna Kea Summit Adventures; Stay Pahoa
Day 5 Volcano National Park**- Stay Pahoa
Maui: 5-6 days. Possibly stay for first few nights near Kihei or Wailea which would make ½ to 1 hour drives to:
-Day 6: Fly to Maui, possibly from Hilo? Beaches for swimming: Kaanapali beach or Kapalua.
-Day 7: Iao Valley State Park: hiking; scenery; waterfalls
-Day 8: Beach Day with various possibilities: Ulua, Makena for snorkeling. Also, kayak the Kihei Coast from Makena? (?Makena Kayk Tours) Or snorkel at Molokini crater? Kayak past Ahihi-Kinau Natural Preserve
Day 9: a 2.5-3 hour drive to:
-Haleakala Crater** Perhaps take Bike ride back down.
Day 10: Possibly a day trip to Lanai? Molokai? Sailing trip is supposed to be nice with stop at beaches, etc.
Day 11 and 12: a 3 hour drive to Hana so stay 1 or 2 nights? Road to Hana**: Stay in Hana?? See black sands(very rocky; too rough for swimming; nice views/hiking) of Waianapanapa State Park; red sand beach of Kaihalulu) ; Hike to waterfalls and Seven Sacred Pools pools in Haleakala Natonal Park at Oheao Gulch.
Day 13: A morning flight to Oahu: 2 ½ hour drive from Hana or very expensive and limited flight from Hana
Day 14: Pearl Harbor
Day 15: Waikiki, Diamond Head
Flight out, arrive in late afternoon Seattle. Stay 1 night, spend morning at Pike’s Market, have lunch, catch 4pmish flight home or 2 nights and take late afternoon (3:30ish) or red eye home (10pmish)
Apr 9th, 2013, 01:38 PM
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I think you are trying to do too much in too little time. Big Island's best areas to stay are Kohala Coast and Volcano (one or two nights). Skip any third location lodging. You really need a week or more for this island. You are on the right track with flying into one side and out of the other (KOA and ITO).
I would stay in Kihei or Wailea on Maui for more convenient sightseeing over the rest of the island. You can do Road to Hana in a long (12 hour) day, but an overnight is possible IF you have time. You'd fly in and out of Kahului (OGG). Iao Valley is one or two hours; can combine with Haleakala. Skip the bike down the volcano; better uses of your limited time than this 'activiity'.
There are snorkeling excursions to Lanai and Molokini -- take only the first out if you do Molokini (crowds later). IMO there's plenty of snorkeling from shore on Maui, from tip to tip -- Makena to Kapalua. While Big Island has superior sealife, it doesn't have the easy-access beaches of Maui.
You're spending too much time in airports to suit me. Every relocation will eat about half a day. What's your best flight option TO and FROM Hawaii? (We fly Chicago-Maui every winter. I look for widebody aircraft, no 757's, one long leg, no west coast connections.)
I would stay in Kihei or Wailea on Maui for more convenient sightseeing over the rest of the island. You can do Road to Hana in a long (12 hour) day, but an overnight is possible IF you have time. You'd fly in and out of Kahului (OGG). Iao Valley is one or two hours; can combine with Haleakala. Skip the bike down the volcano; better uses of your limited time than this 'activiity'.
There are snorkeling excursions to Lanai and Molokini -- take only the first out if you do Molokini (crowds later). IMO there's plenty of snorkeling from shore on Maui, from tip to tip -- Makena to Kapalua. While Big Island has superior sealife, it doesn't have the easy-access beaches of Maui.
You're spending too much time in airports to suit me. Every relocation will eat about half a day. What's your best flight option TO and FROM Hawaii? (We fly Chicago-Maui every winter. I look for widebody aircraft, no 757's, one long leg, no west coast connections.)
Apr 10th, 2013, 02:59 PM
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Hi, Thanks very much for the ideas. Good to know about the bike ride and the day trip. Also, good to know we can combine Iao Valley and Haleakaka as this would give us another beach day. We are really only interested in Oahu because we feel we should go to Pearl Harbor, otherwise I think we will be happy with everything we see somewhere else. But, maybe we will let something else go and add a day there. I guess I wanted to know is Pearl Harbor worth the trek to Oahu?
This was our flight idea at the moment. We leave from Boston and were looking at a stop in San Fran on the way out. It makes the two legs almost equal and has a 3.5 hour layover--good to have a break, we thought. Then on the way back we'd take it easy by stopping for an overnight in Seattle. But, this is where we might change our minds and so add a day on Oahu or somewhere else. Your thoughts on this?
This was our flight idea at the moment. We leave from Boston and were looking at a stop in San Fran on the way out. It makes the two legs almost equal and has a 3.5 hour layover--good to have a break, we thought. Then on the way back we'd take it easy by stopping for an overnight in Seattle. But, this is where we might change our minds and so add a day on Oahu or somewhere else. Your thoughts on this?
Apr 10th, 2013, 03:04 PM
#5
Completely personal decision. Just depends how badly you want to see it, if it's worth the time and money, especially if you aren't interested in anything else about Oahu.
I live in Seattle. I'd spend the extra day in Hawaii and then just fly home to Boston from there myself.
Apr 10th, 2013, 04:17 PM
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suze - have you been to Lanai, Molokai? have you stayed a couple of nights in Hana?
libby, we all have different opinions of must do's. Our once in a lifetime trip to the islands was over 15 trips ago. We are from Boston and did a stop on the way home in SF and never again. I didn't like tossing in a city stay between paradise and home.
Coffee plantations didn't impress as a must do and there is much to see in the Pahoa area. You could always check one out on your snorkling day down by Place of Refuge.
Waipo and getting down into the valley on a tour was a highlight as the aina has such a rich history. I'd make a stop at Akaka Falls on the way towards Hilo.
Of all our visits to Maui, we've only done the needle once and Haleakala once. There are a lot of bike accidents. You could do both in a day and also explore Paia and Makawao. We do however adore staying in Hana for a few nights to really get the vibe.
Not sure what commercial ventures are currently allowed in the Le Perouse Bay area for snorkling and kayaking. But Makena is wonderful and some part of the year there is also exceptional snorkling in Honolua Bay - and then head up to the cliff to watch the surfers.
Again, not a fan of Molokini - too many boats, but a trip to Lanai or Molokai might be a fun daytrip to be out on the water.
Oddly, of all our trips, we have yet to stay on Oahu and visit Pearl Harbor. Since our first trip we have meant to, but just haven't gotten to it yet. One of these days we will, and now that I have studied a bit of the history of the islands I will really enjoy it more.
We've never been disappointed with any of our adventures.
libby, we all have different opinions of must do's. Our once in a lifetime trip to the islands was over 15 trips ago. We are from Boston and did a stop on the way home in SF and never again. I didn't like tossing in a city stay between paradise and home.
Coffee plantations didn't impress as a must do and there is much to see in the Pahoa area. You could always check one out on your snorkling day down by Place of Refuge.
Waipo and getting down into the valley on a tour was a highlight as the aina has such a rich history. I'd make a stop at Akaka Falls on the way towards Hilo.
Of all our visits to Maui, we've only done the needle once and Haleakala once. There are a lot of bike accidents. You could do both in a day and also explore Paia and Makawao. We do however adore staying in Hana for a few nights to really get the vibe.
Not sure what commercial ventures are currently allowed in the Le Perouse Bay area for snorkling and kayaking. But Makena is wonderful and some part of the year there is also exceptional snorkling in Honolua Bay - and then head up to the cliff to watch the surfers.
Again, not a fan of Molokini - too many boats, but a trip to Lanai or Molokai might be a fun daytrip to be out on the water.
Oddly, of all our trips, we have yet to stay on Oahu and visit Pearl Harbor. Since our first trip we have meant to, but just haven't gotten to it yet. One of these days we will, and now that I have studied a bit of the history of the islands I will really enjoy it more.
We've never been disappointed with any of our adventures.
Apr 11th, 2013, 11:43 AM
#9
<have you been to Lanai, Molokai? have you stayed a couple of nights in Hana?>
Nope I have not. I just think their initial itinerary is unreasonably busy. If those are a priority, they can cut something else instead. I only picked those 3 because they seemed the most "out of the way" from the other things they are doing.
Nope I have not. I just think their initial itinerary is unreasonably busy. If those are a priority, they can cut something else instead. I only picked those 3 because they seemed the most "out of the way" from the other things they are doing.
Apr 11th, 2013, 04:04 PM
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Looks like you've done your research, but I have a couple comments on days 1 and 2. First, I doubt Kahulu'u is what you're thinking it will be. There's almost no beach, and what there is was crowded every time we drove by last year. I can't comment on the snorkeling because I never tried it there: 1. because Snorkel Bob's was discouraging folks against it (to allow the reef to heal), and 2. too many people. If you need another west coast snorkeling site, try Waialea (aka Beach 69) or Makaiwa and/or Honokaope, both in the Mauna Lani Resort.
Up until a few weeks ago, snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay was fairly restricted, again, in order to give the bay time to rest. Licenses to operate are again being granted, but the process is fairly selective, and has left a bad taste in the mouths of many locals. If you do go there, the "blue water" snorkeling is something I hadn't experienced before then. Other worldly. Alternatively, you might consider "two-step" at Honaunau Bay.
Up until a few weeks ago, snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay was fairly restricted, again, in order to give the bay time to rest. Licenses to operate are again being granted, but the process is fairly selective, and has left a bad taste in the mouths of many locals. If you do go there, the "blue water" snorkeling is something I hadn't experienced before then. Other worldly. Alternatively, you might consider "two-step" at Honaunau Bay.
Apr 11th, 2013, 06:31 PM
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A couple thoughts.
If you want to start on the West Side of the Big Island, you need to fly into Kona. So, make sure you do that. Also, where you stay on the West Side is important. The best beaches are all in South Kohala, so trying to stay there is best. It is a buge island and the driving times between places are quite long. I agree with 22tango to stay away from Kahulu-u. The reef is suffering and it isn't a beachy beach. Kauna'oa is a gorgeous beach. My favorite. However, it has a small set of parking spaces and if you don't get a parking pass, you can't get in. So, have a back up. Waialea is also really nice (and close by) but it is now charging to park and has a finite number of spots. Hapuna is great and has plenty of parking. The Mauna Lani beaches are also really great but the walk from the parking to the beach is about 20 minutes through hot lava fields. Best done in the morning.
I think Fair Winds are the only company allowed to do snorkel trips to the Bay right now. That might be changing. They do a great trip and so I will recommend them. Since you will be down in the Captain Cook area, you could do Pu`uhonua O Hōnaunau on the way home. If you aren't tired of snorkeling, you could snorkel Honaunau as well.
If you are ending at VNP, then you want to fly to Maui from Hilo.
Have a great trip
If you want to start on the West Side of the Big Island, you need to fly into Kona. So, make sure you do that. Also, where you stay on the West Side is important. The best beaches are all in South Kohala, so trying to stay there is best. It is a buge island and the driving times between places are quite long. I agree with 22tango to stay away from Kahulu-u. The reef is suffering and it isn't a beachy beach. Kauna'oa is a gorgeous beach. My favorite. However, it has a small set of parking spaces and if you don't get a parking pass, you can't get in. So, have a back up. Waialea is also really nice (and close by) but it is now charging to park and has a finite number of spots. Hapuna is great and has plenty of parking. The Mauna Lani beaches are also really great but the walk from the parking to the beach is about 20 minutes through hot lava fields. Best done in the morning.
I think Fair Winds are the only company allowed to do snorkel trips to the Bay right now. That might be changing. They do a great trip and so I will recommend them. Since you will be down in the Captain Cook area, you could do Pu`uhonua O Hōnaunau on the way home. If you aren't tired of snorkeling, you could snorkel Honaunau as well.
If you are ending at VNP, then you want to fly to Maui from Hilo.
Have a great trip
Apr 17th, 2013, 04:52 PM
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Wow! Thanks very much for these suggestions. I will look over those beaches again. I have trouble keeping them straight and so esp. appreciate the guidance.
We are certainly interested in Pearl Harbor and I'd like to at least see Waikiki even if it is just for a short time. We have a decent price on a flight out of Honolulu. But, will look into those tickets to PH now, didn't realize they might sell out so soon. Yes, I'll certainly check those flights from Hilo and we are flying into Kona already
We just really want to get in some good snorkeling so thanks also for those suggestions in case the Bay doesn't work out.
I wondered about Pu`uhonua O Hōnaunau as the pictures look fascinating, so will add that as a possibility
I think maybe I'll look at the daytrip to Lanaii or Molokai as another beach day. I'm interested in sailing and liked the idea of seeing the views of the islands from the water. But, if we don't get to it, so be it. That would decrease the business of the trip some
If you don't mind, a couple more questions?
The trip to Iao Valley is probably one of my lowest priorities too esp. as we will do other hiking in the parks, etc. Am I right about this or is it a "must see"? Good to know we can tuck it in with Haleakala.
What did you mean by "blue water" snorkeling?
Has anyone done a night swim with the Manta Rays? Seems pricey so wondered it is was worth it? Sounds very cool
We are torn between staying the few nights in Pahoa vs Volcano. Advantages? Disadvantages of each?
Any recommendations on places to stay in Hana? Lodging availability seems slim and we need something with two beds
Thanks VERY much for all the help
We are certainly interested in Pearl Harbor and I'd like to at least see Waikiki even if it is just for a short time. We have a decent price on a flight out of Honolulu. But, will look into those tickets to PH now, didn't realize they might sell out so soon. Yes, I'll certainly check those flights from Hilo and we are flying into Kona already
We just really want to get in some good snorkeling so thanks also for those suggestions in case the Bay doesn't work out.
I wondered about Pu`uhonua O Hōnaunau as the pictures look fascinating, so will add that as a possibility
I think maybe I'll look at the daytrip to Lanaii or Molokai as another beach day. I'm interested in sailing and liked the idea of seeing the views of the islands from the water. But, if we don't get to it, so be it. That would decrease the business of the trip some
If you don't mind, a couple more questions?
The trip to Iao Valley is probably one of my lowest priorities too esp. as we will do other hiking in the parks, etc. Am I right about this or is it a "must see"? Good to know we can tuck it in with Haleakala.
What did you mean by "blue water" snorkeling?
Has anyone done a night swim with the Manta Rays? Seems pricey so wondered it is was worth it? Sounds very cool
We are torn between staying the few nights in Pahoa vs Volcano. Advantages? Disadvantages of each?
Any recommendations on places to stay in Hana? Lodging availability seems slim and we need something with two beds
Thanks VERY much for all the help
Apr 17th, 2013, 04:58 PM
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I can help with a few:
I did not do I'ao Valley on my first trip to Maui - I did it on my second. It's very pretty but I thought the views from Haleakala and the adventure of Road to Hana were more impressive. Don't make a detour just for this but if it's on your way and you have time to kill...go for it.
I've always wanted to do the night swim with manta rays. It's on my must do for my next trip. I hope you do get a chance to do it and report back! I usually splurge on one expensive activity per trip and on that trip we did a helicopter tour of the volcano instead, which was also wonderful.
The only hotel I know in Hana is the Travasaa Hana, but it's pricey. I know there are a few B&B and some condos on that side as well.
Have a great trip!
I did not do I'ao Valley on my first trip to Maui - I did it on my second. It's very pretty but I thought the views from Haleakala and the adventure of Road to Hana were more impressive. Don't make a detour just for this but if it's on your way and you have time to kill...go for it.
I've always wanted to do the night swim with manta rays. It's on my must do for my next trip. I hope you do get a chance to do it and report back! I usually splurge on one expensive activity per trip and on that trip we did a helicopter tour of the volcano instead, which was also wonderful.
The only hotel I know in Hana is the Travasaa Hana, but it's pricey. I know there are a few B&B and some condos on that side as well.
Have a great trip!
Apr 17th, 2013, 05:08 PM
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there are tons of places to stay in Hana thru vrbo or google Hana Maui lodging etc. Not sure if things have changed but a way they have protected their community seemed to be with 2 night minimums.
what I personally enjoyed about staying in Volcano was being able to visit early morning and early evening and late night (the park gates are open 24hrs) - before and after the daytrippers. Which is actually the exact same reason I love staying in Hana for a few nights!
what I personally enjoyed about staying in Volcano was being able to visit early morning and early evening and late night (the park gates are open 24hrs) - before and after the daytrippers. Which is actually the exact same reason I love staying in Hana for a few nights!
Apr 17th, 2013, 06:17 PM
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"Blue water" snorkeling is how our guide at Kealakekua described this indescribable area in the bay. It was as if we were floating in a bright teal space, with what seemed to be almost zero visibility except for sunlight reflecting off plankton. Very other worldly and one of my most memorable snorkeling experiences.
The night manta ray snorkeling IS pretty cool. The only negative for me was that the tours all go to one of two sites, so there are a lot of people in the water, at times, literally elbow to elbow it seems. But the experience of huge manta rays gliding through the water within just a few inches of you quickly makes you forget whoever may be at your elbow. The night we did it last year we counted 12 rays. No guarantees you'll see any though.
The night manta ray snorkeling IS pretty cool. The only negative for me was that the tours all go to one of two sites, so there are a lot of people in the water, at times, literally elbow to elbow it seems. But the experience of huge manta rays gliding through the water within just a few inches of you quickly makes you forget whoever may be at your elbow. The night we did it last year we counted 12 rays. No guarantees you'll see any though.
Apr 17th, 2013, 06:34 PM
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Just a tip on Haleakala... Rather than wake up ridiculously early, we opted to drive up for sunset, not sunrise (when the bike ride is). It was glorious and not very crowded. Highly recommend, but dress warmly!
Apr 28th, 2013, 04:10 PM
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Thank you everyone very much. We are reworking our itinerary to slow it down a bit. The suggestion for vrbo etc was very helpful as are using it for Hana and Volcano areas. Have found a few very nice looking places. Have decided to spend at least 2 nights in each -maybe even three. thanks also for the help on snorkeling as I really wanted to do that and so will check out those beaches, etc.
A few more question if you can bear with me. When flying inter-island, is it important (ie cheaper) to book flight far ahead or can we wait til a day or so ahead of time? This would give more flexibility with our trip. Any airline better than another? And, any ideas on the need to get to the airport very far ahead of time?
thanks much
A few more question if you can bear with me. When flying inter-island, is it important (ie cheaper) to book flight far ahead or can we wait til a day or so ahead of time? This would give more flexibility with our trip. Any airline better than another? And, any ideas on the need to get to the airport very far ahead of time?
thanks much
