1st time - where do i go?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1st time - where do i go?
My college graduation present is to Hawaii at the end of Dec - early January and am looking for a little insight on where the best place would be to go.
I picture beautiful beaches to lay out, not too many people, do a few water activities, sky dive, shop, enjoy the culture, nightlife ( but not crazy - or too 'touristy'), live bands, surfing, etc.
Overall somewhere to relax, tour, and enjoy some night life; young adult (early 20's) crowd would be nice.
Any help would be awesome! Thanks!
I picture beautiful beaches to lay out, not too many people, do a few water activities, sky dive, shop, enjoy the culture, nightlife ( but not crazy - or too 'touristy'), live bands, surfing, etc.
Overall somewhere to relax, tour, and enjoy some night life; young adult (early 20's) crowd would be nice.
Any help would be awesome! Thanks!
#3
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 579
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Maui or Oahu are the two most recommended for newbies also the two most populated. Oahu has many nice beaches as does Maui but Honolulu probably has more nightlife. You will also be able to go whale watching and whether you choose to skydive, trike or sailplane you may get some great shots.
Oahu has Bishop's Museum, Iolani Palace, Aloha Tower and Marketplace plus all the new stores and such in Waikiki. Pearl Harbor and Punchbowl along with Pali Lookout are things to see as well. The north shore will have the huge surfing waves at that time of year also. You can try alternative hawaii or tripadvisors for additional info.
Oahu has Bishop's Museum, Iolani Palace, Aloha Tower and Marketplace plus all the new stores and such in Waikiki. Pearl Harbor and Punchbowl along with Pali Lookout are things to see as well. The north shore will have the huge surfing waves at that time of year also. You can try alternative hawaii or tripadvisors for additional info.
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I will be with my mom and a friend.
I have been told the BI is the best just because there is more things to do -- but I was told not to go to Honolulu bc it just seem's like another city and you don't get the Hawaian experience.
I have been told the BI is the best just because there is more things to do -- but I was told not to go to Honolulu bc it just seem's like another city and you don't get the Hawaian experience.
#7
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,798
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"but I was told not to go to Honolulu bc it just seem's like another city and you don't get the Hawaian experience."
Oh no, not again.
That is an opionion not universally accepted on this forum.
Bill
Oh no, not again.
That is an opionion not universally accepted on this forum.
Bill
Trending Topics
#8
<I was told not to go to Honolulu bc it just seem's like another city>
Count me in as another person who strongly disagrees!! It is a city, I'll give you that, but it most certainly is a genuine Hawaiian experience. Just depends what you are looking for. No it is not a deserted beach.
Shopping, culture, nightlife, music, usually comes when there are people gathered.
If you want peace & quiet on a deserted beach, that's a different question.
Count me in as another person who strongly disagrees!! It is a city, I'll give you that, but it most certainly is a genuine Hawaiian experience. Just depends what you are looking for. No it is not a deserted beach.
Shopping, culture, nightlife, music, usually comes when there are people gathered.
If you want peace & quiet on a deserted beach, that's a different question.
![Imported](https://www.fodors.com/community/images/smilies/imported/smiley.gif)
#11
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 931
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yep, many of us are working our way through the list of islands, and find that multiple visits to the same island are necessary, too!
Late Dec-early Jan is a popular time to go to HI so you may find higher rates then, as well as a lot of demand--just wanted to mention that.
For shopping, culture, and nightlife, I think your best bet is O'ahu. My feeling is, sure, Honolulu is a city, but it is unique and wonderful, and Waikiki is just a fun and lovely place to be. It is very easy to drive out to less-crowded beaches.
How many days total will you be in Hawai'i?
Late Dec-early Jan is a popular time to go to HI so you may find higher rates then, as well as a lot of demand--just wanted to mention that.
For shopping, culture, and nightlife, I think your best bet is O'ahu. My feeling is, sure, Honolulu is a city, but it is unique and wonderful, and Waikiki is just a fun and lovely place to be. It is very easy to drive out to less-crowded beaches.
How many days total will you be in Hawai'i?
#13
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,963
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Based on Szorn's post, I'd suggest Maui near Lahaina. That would give the nightlife and the water activities. I'm a little concerned about the "not too touristy" statement because both Lahaina and Waikiki are touristy. But to get the nightlife in HI, you need to put up with some "touristy" stuff, LOL.
![Imported](https://www.fodors.com/community/images/smilies/imported/smiley.gif)
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I will be there for 7 days staying in a timeshare resort... so all inclusive possibly? Can't go wrong with that. I have also looked into hang gliding aka 'Trike,' seem's like a good option!
#16
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree with trippin - stay on Maui near Lahaina. DH and I were in Honolulu after being in Maui, and Honolulu does NOT feel Hawaiian compared to Maui. It is a huge city - not what I think of when I think of Hawaii - beaches, sun, etc. I'm sure many people love Waikiki, but we did not.