Itinerary for Hawaii
Dec 11th, 2012, 06:52 PM
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Itinerary for Hawaii
I would appreciate help, tips and general feedback. Traveling May 3-13, 2013 will have rental car.
Day 1 May 3 arrive 245pm collect rental car, drive to condo(on north shore) relax, go buy a few food items
Day 2 Pearl Harbor, and other WWII sites in morning, go to the market thing(the name has slipped my mind its by the stadium) afternoon in Waikiki area
Day 3 Hike diamond head, food tour
Day 4 relax day, shark cage diving
Day 5 island tour by car on our own
Day 6 Take noon flight to Maui, get car, drive to condo
Day 7up early to see sunrise, Relax, Surf lessons
Day 8 Road to Hana
Day 9 free day
Day 10 free day Lua to close trip ( what should we do these two days??)
Day 11 fly home
Should we drop or add anything? Did we miss any must sees! It is our first time in Hawaii! Please help we want to make the best of our time!
Day 1 May 3 arrive 245pm collect rental car, drive to condo(on north shore) relax, go buy a few food items
Day 2 Pearl Harbor, and other WWII sites in morning, go to the market thing(the name has slipped my mind its by the stadium) afternoon in Waikiki area
Day 3 Hike diamond head, food tour
Day 4 relax day, shark cage diving
Day 5 island tour by car on our own
Day 6 Take noon flight to Maui, get car, drive to condo
Day 7up early to see sunrise, Relax, Surf lessons
Day 8 Road to Hana
Day 9 free day
Day 10 free day Lua to close trip ( what should we do these two days??)
Day 11 fly home
Should we drop or add anything? Did we miss any must sees! It is our first time in Hawaii! Please help we want to make the best of our time!
Dec 12th, 2012, 06:13 AM
#2
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I'm not sure I would do Maui. If this is your first time in Oahu there is so much to do and see still. Your boys will love Hanuama Bay, then visiting the North Shore where the world famous surfing beaches are (Pipeline, Sunset, Waimea Bay and the cute little surfing town of Haleiwa). I'd also take a drive out to visit the Byodo-In Valley of the Temples in Kaneohe.
http://www.byodo-in.com/
http://www.aloha-hawaii.com/oahu/beaches/hanauma-bay/
http://www.byodo-in.com/
http://www.aloha-hawaii.com/oahu/beaches/hanauma-bay/
Dec 12th, 2012, 06:22 AM
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BUT 
I hate it when people suggest something you might not want to do so.... If you do want to visit Kauai I would think about visiting the crater http://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm (that's what you may have meant by "see sunrise")
and this town is kinda fun (a little touristy but who'd think of cowboys and hawaii).
http://www.gohawaii.com/maui/regions...y-maui/makawao
Where will you be staying in Maui? Lahaina is also a fun town to visit.
I hate it when people suggest something you might not want to do so.... If you do want to visit Kauai I would think about visiting the crater http://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm (that's what you may have meant by "see sunrise")and this town is kinda fun (a little touristy but who'd think of cowboys and hawaii).
http://www.gohawaii.com/maui/regions...y-maui/makawao
Where will you be staying in Maui? Lahaina is also a fun town to visit.
Dec 12th, 2012, 06:28 AM
#4
On days 2 & 3 you are driving back to Honolulu/Waikiki from the North Shore both days? I would have maybe chosen to stay in the city direct from the airport and not head to North Shore until day 4, but it sounds like the condo's already booked?
As above for me I'd probably stay only on Oahu with just 10 days, but there's certainly nothing wrong with your itinerary as you've planned it!
As above for me I'd probably stay only on Oahu with just 10 days, but there's certainly nothing wrong with your itinerary as you've planned it!
Dec 12th, 2012, 07:25 AM
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I would either stay put on Oahu (possibly splitting time between Waikiki and North Shore) -- or spend a few days Waikiki followed by a full week in a condo on Maui.
What are your air options to Hawaii?
I have found it more difficult to find a nice condo in Honolulu than on Maui. You'd get a better rate on condo and rental car for a full week, and IMO it is scarcely worth stocking a condo for less than that. (You wouldn't be transporting food from island to island either.) You don't *need* a car within Honolulu and will pay a stiff price to park one.
I think you would want to make reservations for Old Lahaina Luau on Maui. (A lua is a toilet.) The (alcohol free) luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu is more of a spectacular stage performance -- as an option.
What are your air options to Hawaii?
I have found it more difficult to find a nice condo in Honolulu than on Maui. You'd get a better rate on condo and rental car for a full week, and IMO it is scarcely worth stocking a condo for less than that. (You wouldn't be transporting food from island to island either.) You don't *need* a car within Honolulu and will pay a stiff price to park one.
I think you would want to make reservations for Old Lahaina Luau on Maui. (A lua is a toilet.) The (alcohol free) luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu is more of a spectacular stage performance -- as an option.
Dec 12th, 2012, 07:32 AM
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I didn't notice that you evidently plan to stay north shore on Oahu. Most of what you want to see and do is in Honolulu, and you are closer to the airport there. (If you do stay north, watch out for rush hours.)
I would only stay north on Oahu if you split your trip JUST ON Oahu, staying Waikiki some nights. If you're going to Maui, you can have your beach time there.
I would only stay north on Oahu if you split your trip JUST ON Oahu, staying Waikiki some nights. If you're going to Maui, you can have your beach time there.
Dec 12th, 2012, 07:48 AM
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I would not bother with the Diamond Head hike and food tour. I would instead to the Luau that day at the PCC. It is a full day. Go at 1:00 and stay through the show. The PCC itself is worth the visit and the Luau is wonderful. That way you are not driving back into HNL two days in a row and you learn a little culture and history in a fun and relaxed setting. In all of our trips to Hawaii, it is one of my kids favorite memories. Plus, you have the morning to snorkel at Shark’s Cove and to explore Haliewa.
I think the first day is a great day to do Pearl Harbor from the North Shore. You care going to wake up early anyway because of the time difference. You want to be at Pearl Harbor as early as possible to secure the tickets to the Arizona. When we did it last time (driving in from a condo at Turtle Bay), we arrived about 8:30, went through the museums and the sub, and went to and from the Arizona by 12:00., although I could have spent more time in the museums. We then drove into Chinatown for lunch and to walk through some of the shops and markets (a great break and a lot of fun plus the food was good). We then drove back to Pearl Harbor to take the bus over the the Missouri and the aviation museum. By the time we did that, it was 3:30 or 4:00, and everyone was beat. There was not time to go do something else, and I cannot imagine trying to fit something else in.
I think I would spend Day 5 crusing the east coast of Oahu, but also be open to just hitting the beach for some great snorkeling.
If you are not an early riser, consider watching a sunset while sipping on a drink. It is the same as watching a sunrise, but you do not have to drag yourself out of bed for it.
We have been to Maui and Oahu. Given the choice, I would go back to Oahu first any day. You can chill on the North Shore or drop into HNL. You can hike, kayak, surf, etc. to your hearts content. There are more cultural and historical opportunities if that is your thing. That being said, the FS on Maui is one of my favorite places on Earth, and picking between Hawaiian islands is like picking between chocolates - it is all good to me. Plus, I understand the compulsion to knock out multiple islands. My solution to that problem is to go back again and again and to afford to do so by planning my trips at least a year out (makes it easier to find the right condo/house, use FF miles, and find lower car rental rates).
You cannot do it all, so why try. Enjoy what you do by actually allowing the time to do it.
I think the first day is a great day to do Pearl Harbor from the North Shore. You care going to wake up early anyway because of the time difference. You want to be at Pearl Harbor as early as possible to secure the tickets to the Arizona. When we did it last time (driving in from a condo at Turtle Bay), we arrived about 8:30, went through the museums and the sub, and went to and from the Arizona by 12:00., although I could have spent more time in the museums. We then drove into Chinatown for lunch and to walk through some of the shops and markets (a great break and a lot of fun plus the food was good). We then drove back to Pearl Harbor to take the bus over the the Missouri and the aviation museum. By the time we did that, it was 3:30 or 4:00, and everyone was beat. There was not time to go do something else, and I cannot imagine trying to fit something else in.
I think I would spend Day 5 crusing the east coast of Oahu, but also be open to just hitting the beach for some great snorkeling.
If you are not an early riser, consider watching a sunset while sipping on a drink. It is the same as watching a sunrise, but you do not have to drag yourself out of bed for it.
We have been to Maui and Oahu. Given the choice, I would go back to Oahu first any day. You can chill on the North Shore or drop into HNL. You can hike, kayak, surf, etc. to your hearts content. There are more cultural and historical opportunities if that is your thing. That being said, the FS on Maui is one of my favorite places on Earth, and picking between Hawaiian islands is like picking between chocolates - it is all good to me. Plus, I understand the compulsion to knock out multiple islands. My solution to that problem is to go back again and again and to afford to do so by planning my trips at least a year out (makes it easier to find the right condo/house, use FF miles, and find lower car rental rates).
You cannot do it all, so why try. Enjoy what you do by actually allowing the time to do it.
Dec 12th, 2012, 08:02 AM
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Your itinerary looks good in that you have scheduled your Pearl Harbor/Waikiki and Diamond Head days on the weekend. If your plans change and you intend to head from the North Shore into town on a weekday, you will need to factor in large amounts of rush hour traffic.
The drive from the North Shore to Pearl Harbor is approximately 45 minutes with no traffic, depending on exactly where on the North Shore you are starting from.
The drive from the North Shore to Pearl Harbor is approximately 45 minutes with no traffic, depending on exactly where on the North Shore you are starting from.
Dec 12th, 2012, 09:03 AM
#9
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>>
You can now reserve a time ahead of time on-line.
http://www.nps.gov/valr/planyourvisi...servations.htm
You can now reserve a time ahead of time on-line.
http://www.nps.gov/valr/planyourvisi...servations.htm
Dec 12th, 2012, 09:04 AM
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Love staying on the North Shore of Oahu - and good idea to stay in the North Shore area for the PCC/Luau - which is only a little over a half hour away at Kahuku. Don't know what food tour you are talking about - but the Luau will give you a wide choice of Hawaiian selections. Here are some other things to do in Kahuku. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g...Vacations.html
You can also reserve a time at Pearl Harbor for the "Navy" tour - (I always suggest to go early) - which is the only one that stops at the USS Arizona http://www.nps.gov/valr/index.htm .
If you got an early start for your PH tour - you could also check out Diamond Head - and then also snorkel Hanauma Bay on that day - as they are open until 7 PM and if you get there later in the afternoon - hopefully some of the crowd will be thinning out. http://www1.honolulu.gov/parks/facility/hanaumabay/
And since I like to explore as much as possible the first time you visit someplace, I would head on over to Maui for a few days to check it out. From the North Shore to the airport is less than an hour - and it's a short flight.
You can also reserve a time at Pearl Harbor for the "Navy" tour - (I always suggest to go early) - which is the only one that stops at the USS Arizona http://www.nps.gov/valr/index.htm .
If you got an early start for your PH tour - you could also check out Diamond Head - and then also snorkel Hanauma Bay on that day - as they are open until 7 PM and if you get there later in the afternoon - hopefully some of the crowd will be thinning out. http://www1.honolulu.gov/parks/facility/hanaumabay/
And since I like to explore as much as possible the first time you visit someplace, I would head on over to Maui for a few days to check it out. From the North Shore to the airport is less than an hour - and it's a short flight.
Dec 12th, 2012, 01:54 PM
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Thanks for all your wonderful replies!!!! We are considering the recommendations to bag maui as its cheaper not to fly open jaw anyway! I appreciate your help so much!!! What are not misses on oahu if we decide to stay all 10 days!
Dec 12th, 2012, 05:46 PM
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I saw your other thread and it looks like you're planning on staying in Honolulu. I like the earlier advice you got that suggested 3 nights on Oahu and the rest on Maui in a condo. That would make for a fantastic trip.
Dec 12th, 2012, 07:31 PM
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If you decide to spend all your time on Oahu would recommend you also hike up Makapuu Lighthouse.
You could spend a day at Lanikai or Kailua Beach.
There is a small cute aquarium in Waikiki worth a visit especially if you come from a land locked region.
Waking in Chinatown one morning is fun.
Driving around the island up the windward side is a pretty drive.
So lots do if you decide to stay on Oahu.
You could spend a day at Lanikai or Kailua Beach.
There is a small cute aquarium in Waikiki worth a visit especially if you come from a land locked region.
Waking in Chinatown one morning is fun.
Driving around the island up the windward side is a pretty drive.
So lots do if you decide to stay on Oahu.
Dec 12th, 2012, 08:03 PM
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We just went to Oahu last month. 10 days, invluding travel days. Instead of a heavily scheduled trip (like DC, where your tours get scheduled by someone else), we were determined to take this one easy.
We were staying with a friend in Waikiki, a few blocks from the beach. We spent a day and a half walking around Waikiki, from one end to the other along the beach and then wandered our way back. Probably not going to interest a child or teen. We even ended up walking to Ala Moana Shopping Center one day!
No luau, Hubby didn't want to. I didn't care, I've seen similar. We spent a half-day at the Bishop Museum instead, to learn about Hawaiian culture.
Since you're going to the North Shore, go to Matsumoto's Shave Ice. Lots of tourists, but we. We're told by locals that EVERY child on the island has been there numerous times.
We were staying with a friend in Waikiki, a few blocks from the beach. We spent a day and a half walking around Waikiki, from one end to the other along the beach and then wandered our way back. Probably not going to interest a child or teen. We even ended up walking to Ala Moana Shopping Center one day!
No luau, Hubby didn't want to. I didn't care, I've seen similar. We spent a half-day at the Bishop Museum instead, to learn about Hawaiian culture.
Since you're going to the North Shore, go to Matsumoto's Shave Ice. Lots of tourists, but we. We're told by locals that EVERY child on the island has been there numerous times.
Dec 13th, 2012, 05:53 AM
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Byodo Chinese Bhuddist Temple (in the Valley of the Temples)
Iolani Palace
Pearl Harbor Memorial
North Shore beaches
Hanauma Bay
Bishop Museum
Doris Duke's Estate
Climb Diamond Head
Luau
These are some ideas, I'd check them out online or get a good guide book of Oahu. There is so much to do and see!
Iolani Palace
Pearl Harbor Memorial
North Shore beaches
Hanauma Bay
Bishop Museum
Doris Duke's Estate
Climb Diamond Head
Luau
These are some ideas, I'd check them out online or get a good guide book of Oahu. There is so much to do and see!
Dec 13th, 2012, 06:34 AM
#16
These are all on nanabee's list above but I'm chiming in for Doris Duke ShangriLa Estate, Iolani Place, and Bishop Museum as great things to do in Waikiki/Honolulu.
With all 10 days on Oahu, still keep the split between North Shore and Waikiki, would be a perfect trip imo.
With all 10 days on Oahu, still keep the split between North Shore and Waikiki, would be a perfect trip imo.
Dec 13th, 2012, 09:57 AM
#17
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Ok we will split the time between the North Shore and Waikiki! My husband and I really wants to do the food tour, but I know the boys wont want too. What could they do for the 8 hours or so that is? Their parents are fine with them going off on their own as long as the 18 year old is with the younger one. IS there a way for them to get to diamond head to hike without us? If so i was thinking they could do that and then get some lunch and hang out on the beach or something? Suggestions?
