britomart

Hello,

My husband and I are thinking of going to Hawaii in September. We don't want to stay in a resort or in some giant condominium building. We prefer to rent cottages, or perhaps stay in a B&B. We're not sure which island(s) to stay on though. We're thinking of spending two weeks. We're looking at Molokai, Kauia and Lanai, but I would also like to see the volcano on the Big Island. Can anyone suggest an itinerary and places to stay? Activities we're interested in are hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Could someone tell me what airfare should be from Seattle in September? Also, how much do inter-island flights run?

Also, what is the temp. like in September? Mid-80's is what I've heard, but with the humidity, might that be too much for us (when it's in the 90's here, we can't stand it). Thanks in advance for any tips!!

Netwit2000

We went to the Big Island a few years back and loved it. It was a little off the beaten path and didn't seem all that touristy to me. It has some of everything from rain forest to mountain. Then there is the volcano region.

Go to vrbo.com (vacation rentals by owner) We found a great little condo right across from the beach in Kailea I believe it was. Since we went off season, it was only like $45 a nite. Very nice for the price. There are so many places like what you're wanting, so that should be no problem. You can even do a google search and find so many options.

As far as itinerary, I looked at a map of the Big Island and chose a different region of the island each day. Each was different with its own temperament and things to do/see. There are black, green, brown and even disappearing sand beaches! So your choices are many.

That was one of our best trips. I drove like 1200 miles and only missed one section of the island, so I'd recommend it as a place with many off the beaten path options.

Good luck and have fun!

martym

My husband and I also find cottages and avoid resorts. Here are three places we have stayed in different areas of the BI.
The Cliff House in on the Hamakua Coast, very close to the Waipio Valley, and pictures do the cottage justice. It is usually cooler in Hamakua--more chance of a rain shower--but that keeps the waterfalls flowing and produces rainbows. You are within a hour of the Kohala Beaches amd within an hour of Hilo.
http://www.hawaiicliffhouse.com/

We stayed for a week at the Middle Ke'ei Studio last November. The photos do not do it justice. It was very clean, roomy, lots of light. Close to Kealakakua Bay and Ke'ei Beach (a nice local beach)--there are no signs for the beach so you have to ask someone. http://www.konaweb.com/middle_keei/

A third place we stayed a couple of years ago was in the Kapoho area of the Puna district. Very non-touristy. The are warm tide pools everywhere--great for snorkeling. There is one in the backyard of this rental. There is also the Champagne Pond within a few minutes walk. We always have dinner at Paolo's in Pahoa. Wonderful Italian food. And you are within 45 minutes of VNP when you stay here.
http://www.apoparadise.com/lagoon2.html

suze

I don't know about September, but I have gotten great rates from Seattle to Oahu on Hawaiian Air ($347 round-trip, non-stop, just last month).

britomart

Thanks for all the great advice. The Hawaii Cliff House looks wonderful but I think it might be out of our budget... I'm surprised everyone has suggested the big island! Any suggestions for the smaller islands?

JBHapgood

Molokai is the only "major" Hawaiian island that's truly off the beaten path. There are no high-rise condominiums, traffic lights, nightlife, crowds, fancy restaurants, or traffic jams. It's not for everyone, but it's a good place to relax, with ample uncrowded beaches and unspoiled scenery. It's the exact opposite of Waikiki or Maui's Kaanapali.

But judging by your actual post, that may or may not be what you're looking for.

sistahlou

britomart

I don't know if it will offer any insight but I will top my trip report to Molokai and Lanai last month. Sorry it is very long and talk story for friends that enjoy that thing, but may offer something.

juliaelzie

Hi,

Check into Molokai or Lanai - they are pretty off-the-beaten-path in Hawaii. These are especially great for the active sports that you mentioned and the "resorts" on these islands are classic Hawaii.

Or, check out the Hotel Hana Maui on Maui - it is a beautiful drive, but a windy and slow road, so it takes some time. There are gorgeous views, waterfalls and honor fruit stands to choose your fruit and drop your money in the bucket along the way.

One last suggestion is the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii - Hilo and north. Beautiful views, lots of locals and off the beaten path from the tourists with many vacation homes to consider.

Best Regards,
Julia

trippinkpj

You can fly in to Molokai, which is another way to get there in addition to the ferry.

Jolie

Most of the developed area around Papohaku Beach is zoned agricultural. It is illegal to have vacation rentals on agricultural land.

If anyone is interested in renting such a property, I would recommend they do more research, to make sure they are not dealing with an illegal property.

A newspaper article I read on Maui in late 2005 had stated there were NO legal vacation rentals in the county of Maui (which includes Molokai). Things may have changed since then, so researching a property is always good.

More information can be obtained from:

Maui's Department of Planning, Zoning Administration and Enforcement Division
250 South High Street #200
Wailuku, HI 96793-2155
(808) 270-7735
[email protected]

lunabug

We just stayed for three nights in the Haiku - Huelo area in Maui. It was DEFINITELY off the beaten path. The place was the Maui Tea House and was about two miles off the Hana Highway, just before it becomes very narrow. Upsides were the privacy, the lush area, the views from the cottage and downsides were the rough roads to get there and being half an hour from restaurants etc.

btmtraveler

If you are looking for a great couples get a way, I just returned from a trip to Anaeho'omalu Bay where my girlfriend and I stayed at the The Waikoloa Beach Resort. I especially enjoyed the fishing and golf and she found the beaches to be great! We got hooked up through a vacation rental agency, www.southkohala.com. These guys are great, Check them out. Happy travels!

Ag3046

Have you been to any of the Hawaiian islands before?

What is your daily accomodation budget? How long is your trip?

I don't think you should automatically conclude Molokai or Lanai are the right places to be. Lanai is very expensive with very limited activities. Molokai can be too remote.

britomart

This would be our first trip to Hawaii. We'd like to spend two weeks. Our plans have changed to going in December. We've been told it will be cooler, more tolerable heat wise, but wetter. Okay with us, it will be better than Seattle at that time of year! Our accomodation budget is about $800-900 per week.

britomart

Also, thanks for the Tea House recommendation. It looks enchanting!