barney2002

We are going to Hawaii just once for 7 days in late Oct. We like beaches with large surf and not alot of commerialism. Which island would be the best for us ? This will be our first and last time to go.

stjohnbound

Never been to Hawaii but let me give you some advice on this forum if you don't mind. First, before you post do a search by using the Search option. You can type in something like "Best Island" or "Which Island" and then choose Hawaii from the state drop-down screen. You will get hundreds of posts which you need to read as your question may already be answered. Then if you have a more specific question you can post a question. Make sure the question you post has a specific title. For example: Which Hawaiian Island Best for Large Surf. Hope this helps.

crefloors

Well, IMHO, even though you don't like a lot of commercialism (is that a word?) I still suggest Oahu. You do NOT have to stay in Waikiki. The island is georgous, there are many quiet and beautiful places to get to, you have many good restaurants, you can go to Pearl Harbor, the Arizona Memorial, you have the museums down towm where you can learn a lot about the history of the Islands and the Royal Family. One of my favorite places is the Budest Temple and the grounds around it. I always make an offering. You can get large surf on the north end of the island. You can be as busy...or not...as you want. There is a thread on "What I love about Oahu". If I wasn't so dumb I'd pull it up for you, so maybe someone smarter than me will do that for you. Have a great trip.

pspercy

Go to http://www.gohawaii.com/ and order the free guides, they're well done.
You're going to get lots of conflicting answers ! October might be a bit early for large surf. North shore Kauai is not very commercial once you pass Princeville.
If you don't want much in the way of restaurants either then Molokai might fit the bill.

janiebelle

Just wanted to say, you "think" you will only go once that was my thought to, on our first trip in 96..........we go as often as the wallet will allow

dusty56438

Stick with Oahu. Get away from Waikiki and Honolulu.

In October there should be plenty of vacation homes available to rent anywhere on the island.

October is generally a transition month when it comes to large surf.

Last year, some of the biggest surf of the year on Oahu's North Shore were in October. Most years the biggest surf is in December or january.

Maui has some of the biggest surf in the world at "Jaws". This is at Hookipa Beach near Pa'ia and Haiku.

rb_travelerxATyahoo

Since you're new, I'll give some advice not ralated to Hawaii:

Use a descriptive title for the new threads you create.

"1st time here" gives NO ONE any idea what you are really seeking. There's lots of people here who are eager to answer your questions, but first you've got to ask the right question. You're indeed fortunate that some of the people above have replied to such a vague title. BTW, you probably clicked on Hawaii - but that's only for indexing purposes ... all theads go into one big "United States" message area. Hope you have a great trip, and while my comment might sound mean, the recommenation is sound.

pspercy

janiebelle, you are 100% correct

ahhnold

BtW, commercialism IS a word. Don't be insulted by some know-it-all on this board Barney. Never let them know you are a "first timer", they hold that against you as if it really means something.

dandy

When you arrive, the local news stations could update you as to the "best surf". Usually this will be either Sandy Beach near Sea Life Park or the North Shore of the island. Both sites are more "local" areas rather than your typical "touristy" locations. I've lived here all my life, I don't surf but my favorite beach is Lanikai on the windward side. It doesn't have large waves but from the silky sand to the clear blue water - it is by far the best beach anywhere!
FYI: We have some problems with car break ins at beaches - DO NOT leave valuables in your car. THERE ARE people watching. I talked to one poor tourist who had come here for her honeymoon and locked her wedding ring in the trunk so it wouldn't come off while she swam. When she got back to her car, it was GONE! Just be careful!

suze

dandy- the ring was gone? or the car was gone?

suze

barney- North Shore of Oahu is where the 'pipeline' surfing is. for lack of commercialism Kauai or Big Island.

dandy

The ring was gone - they took her whole bag with some money, travelers checks, makeup, and unfortunately her diamond ring. The beaches and shopping centers are target areas for break ins. I don' t want to give Hawaii a bad rep but I also want visitors to have a good time so be careful!

christiegr

I suggest Kauai..it has some of the most beautiful views...with beautiful beaches,canyons,waterfalls,etc.Also it is not as developed as Oahu or Maui..but still offers alot to see and do.

The surf on the North shore of Kauai during Oct. will probably have the bigger waves.The south shore will have the calmer surf that time of year.Enjoy and check into Kauai for sure.

suze

dandy- thanks for clarifying. i know there is a problem with theft from rental cars. so best advice is do not leave valuables (even locked in the trunk) in a rental car. that's good advice anywhere, not just for Hawaii BTW.

crefloors

Commercialism-Ahhnold...thanks..somehow it just didn't look right. I need to stop trying to learn French and get back to basic English, ya think?

PakePorkChop

Another quick warning about high surf. Many first time visitors do not fully understand the force of Hawaii's big waves. Hawaii does not have a continental shelf, so the swells come in unimpeded and build up very quickly. Before you go in the water, check in with the lifeguard and otherwise practice safety first.

Tiff

Hi Crefloors, is this the Oahu thread you were thinking of?

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34515901

(and you're NOT dumb, don't ever say that even in jest) T.

Tiff

p.s. Scarlett taught me how to copy and paste a thread into "post a reply". This is how you do it:

Find and open the desired thread.

Click onto the title of the thread after it is open.

Go up to your 'toolbar' and at "Adresses" click on it to highlight, then press the 'control' button and the letter 'c at the same time to copy it.

Now you have a copy of the thread address, go into the new thread where you want to 'post a reply' and when that is open, press 'control' and the letter 'v' at the same time, that is how you 'paste'.

Perfection, there is the thread!



Thank you Barney2002 for allowing me to hijack your thread for a moment.

Aloha! T.

Tiff

p.s.s. That would be "aDDresses, not aDresses, watch the typo police come running...