cgoodbrake

My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Hawaii for six days in the beginning of May. We are planning on spending three days in Kauai, and three days in Oahu/Waikiki. We are very flexible about where we should spend our time, but we had heard so many wonderful things about the two before mentioned. Any suggestions on how to spend our six days? We both are excited about trying snorkeling, and since we are both very athletic, are interested in some hiking or any other activities. Can anyone recommend places to stay that are romantic and not too pricey? Do we need to rent a care. Thanks for all of your help

artlover

Waikiki is very overbuilt and unromantic, but there are some wonderful places in Oahu that are romantic, but you'll probably need a car to get to them.

I suggest you get the guidebook called Hidden Oahu--there are many great places suggested in it.

My husband and I stayed at the Hilton at Turtle Bay and it was very romantic--we could almost touch the ocean from both sides of our bedroom windows and sitting on the balcony was great, as was walking around the grounds, especially the way they were lite up at night.

Nearby was one of the most famous surfing beaches (forgot the name). Other places that I loved and would highly recommend are hiking up to Diamond Head, the Byodo-In Temple, the Hoomaluhia Botantical Gardens and hiking off Tantalus Drive.

Doug

My best advice, honestly, is if you only have 6 days, don't do 2 islands. You lose 1/2 day interisland hopping and you won't do justice to either spot in just 3 days. I personally would spend the whole time in Kauai. Kauai is truly romantic, very lush, and picturesque. And it has the best hiking on all the islands. Just came back from my honeymoon there and my wife and I fell in love.

carolinagirl

Hey! I'm in the same boat. My boyfriend and I are going for ten days and have decided on Kaui and the Big Island, but have no clue where to start.

cgoodbrake

Thank you all for the replies. The reason we are leaving Kauai is because we are flying out of Honolulu to go back home to NY. Has anyone heard of Honelei Bay Resort? Is the north side of the island in Kauai the ideal place to stay? Carolina,what are you planning?

dolciani

did you think of getting a flight from Lihue airport (on Kauai) to Las Angeles and then to New York (might be cheaper). American Airlines flies this route.

Doug

I did that route last month and I agree with dolciani in that it might be cheaper. Also, if it would allow you to stay in Kauai a couple of days longer, then all the better because there really is no way to appreciate all Kauai has to offer in only 3 days.

JohnD

REPLY TO CGOODBRAKE: Hello, we stayed at the Hanalei Bay Resort (HBR) in 2002, it is near the town of Hanalei and is within 30-45 minutes of all beaches/trails/gardens on the North Shore(1-2hours from Points South). The resort is next to the Princeville Hotel and you share the same beach, best beach and parking access from HBR is via complementary golf cart ride from your room. Be sure to nail down exactly what type of room and accessories you are getting. The units vary from Hotel room with a coffee maker and microwave and lanai, to 2Bedroom condo's-some have A/C, some only have ceiling fan. Overall the HBR is a four (out of five) star resort, has decent size pool and jacuzzi, and some units have exceptional Ocean, and Mountain views, though nothing is right on the water. Given the chance, the HBR will ask you attend a timeshare presentation-we did it for discounted dinner at their own Bali Hai Restaurant, and other activity discounts (snorkeling/whalewatch). The concierge desk was more helpfull than most. We had an awesome view of Bali Hai and Hanalei bay with our first Hotel room, but switched (upgraded without charge) to a one bedroom condominium (without A/C) and with Mountain view, because the hotel room lacked the (advertised) kitchenette. In 2003 we stayed in other condo's adjacent to HBR and Princeville Hotel for similar rates and liked the private condo's better. Overall HBR is a decent value with a concierge desk to help you with planning activities, however best source of info is "Ultimate Guide to Kauai". Also, I would probably spend a few days in Maui or the Big Island instead of Oahu, even though you still have to fly through HNL, they are both much larger than Kauai and contain many treasures and are less populated. Good Luck!

carolinagirl

We are planning on staying in Honolulu the first night and then flying to the Big Island for four nights and then on to Kaui for five nights. We are having a hard time trying to figure out where to base ourselves on each island. Any suggestions?

dolciani

Carolina Girl, You might want to "reposition the order of your islands based on how the airlines fly. Go to Hawaiianair.com or Aolhaair.com and click on "routes". You'll notice that there are no flights from the Big Island to/from Kauai. I would suggest that you arrive in Hilo,stay; fly to Honolulu, stay; and then to Kauai,and stay. There are flights out of Kauai to L.A. (and other places). But if you don't make your Oahu trip the 2nd island you visit, you'll have to stop over in Honolulu anyway.

WendyKH

Carolinagirl, are you looking for what hotels to stay at? What is your budget?

cgoodbrake--don't worry about losing half a day with interisland travel...just book your interisland flight early in the morning and you'll be fine. On Oahu, rent a car and try the following:
Day 1: Explore Waikiki, Chinatown, and hit Waikiki Beach. Have a nice oceanfront dinner!
Day 2: Visit Pearl Harbor in the morning, then go to Hanauma Bay for snorkeling in the afternoon.
Day 3: Drive up to the North Shore and take your time doing it, exploring all the way.

On Kauai:
Day 1: Depending on where you are staying--explore the north or south shore. Snorkel at Kee or Tunnels on the North Shore, Poipu on the South. Schedule dinner at a nice oceanfront restaurant!
Day 2: Explore the opposite end (if you are in the South, drive up to the North). Get an early start and make sure to stop in Lihue, Kapaa, on your way etc. for some shopping and exploring.
Day 3: Visit Waimea Canyon in the morning, make a stop in Hanapepe, then use the afternoon to snorkel again at your hotel beach.

Mellyz

I found an incredible place outside of Hilo - Palms Cliff House. An incredible B&B on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Their rooms are spectacular and they have GREAT writeups in Frommers 2003 and Travel & Leisure. I booked them since we only have a short time on the Big Island and therefore wanted to base near Volcano.