Thanks to Neopolitan's tip about AA Frequent Fliers 25% mile sale, we have 3 extra days in Hawaii [had to come home later to get the flight with FF miles].

So here's the dilema -- as of now our itinerary is: Flying into Honolulu and going right over to Maui and spending our first 5 nights there. Then we fly back to Honolulu for 5 more nights. Our original plans was then to fly home. We are flying on Aloha between the islands.

Now that we have 3 extra days/night...I am trying to figure out if we should spend them in Oahu, Maui or try to get another island in the plan. I see that flying inter-island seems to involve flying into and out of HNL.

Is there another way to get to other island and spend the 3 days there? We can move our hotel stays around, but most have 5 nights each place. I know there has been postings on here about ferries, but am not sure about time to get to different islands and how easily this can be done.

You all have been so helpful in planning this trip, what do you think? :-? Add the 3 days to one of the existing stays or try for something new to add to what we have already planned?

I look to you for suggestions!
Debi

Dyou already have your flights on Aloha? Can you change them?

If you can, that opens up a bunch of possibilities.

If you can't, you could split your stay on Oahu between two different locations, like Honolulu and the north shore or the windward side. Or you could get on another plane and go to the BI for a few nights, see the volcano and get a small taste of that island before heading home from Oahu.

I may be wrong, but I don't think the ferries will be running yet. I found an article last week about the "superferries" and it said they would not be operational until sometime in 2007.

-Bill

I have the tickets from HNL to Maui already, but it seems like they can be changed.

We would really like to get BI in if we could somehow do this without killing ourselves going back and forth to HNL to fly to each island.

What IS set in place are the 5 night stays @ Ko Olina on Oahu and 5 nights @ Kaanapali on Maui; flying from mainland into and out of HNL.

In that case, I would spend the extra three nights on Maui in Hana. There are several cottage rentals there or you could stay at the Hotel Hana Maui.
Paia and Huelo are other great areas to stay along the north shore that would give you a different view of Maui. We are headed to Maui next year and are staying here in Makena.

http://www.makenaoceanfrontcottage.com/index.html

-Bill

Pardon me.........but, did someone get kicked out of the K9's? Just wondering?

Iceeu2 ?????

DebitNM.

The K9s are a miserable group of Hawaii travelers who have haplessly been sucked into the allure of Kaua'i, hence the "K". Despite the countless negatives, we continue to go there. At last count there were 9 of us, not including groupies like lvk, hence the 9. I'2 is our queen instigator.

I'2...shhhhhhhh. Geezis, can't you keep a secret? I paid my dues and I'm still a card carrying member of the K9, but in the interest of furthering the cause of cautioning people against Kaua'i, I thought it would be a great idea to find out what is so fabulous about the other islands. That way instead of just giving the negative, which we've been assailed for, I can give the positive about other islands as a way of offering alternatives to that dreadful place. Got it?

The "hijack" police are out, so let's get back to answering Debit's questions.

-Bill

So Deb, did you get a deal at Ko Olina with Marriott? Since you have 3 extra days, why not use them at Waikiki Beach. To me, it's like Vegas without the casinos! And, I love it!

Or go to the north shore of Oahu and stay there. Or, spend a few days on the Big Island. This queen instigator is going to the Big Island for a few days in 2007 after my crowning on Kauai!!

Seriously, you can't go wrong anywhere with 3 days in Hawaii.

Have fun...let me know about the deals you got ok? Thanks.

Iceeu2 -- yes, got the deal at Marriott Ko Olina and it was even better than shown on website! $699 for room [5 nights], car & $50 gift certificate and of course...the 90 minute thing.

And we got a referral for a deal at Westin on Maui for $749..sames as above but no presentation needed.

We are seriously leaning towards BI. Hubby won't do Waikiki and really wants to see volcanos.

I am looking at Waikoloa Beach Marriott and Hapuna Beach Prince Resort.

I am waiting to see what AA Frequent Flier 25th Anniversay special is for tomorrow...says "Marriott" and that's all.

Debi

hmmm, as you know to see active volcanos you need to fit in Big Island somehow. Do all flights go thru Honolulu? Can't fly Maui to BI direct? (i'm just asking as i have no idea the answer, but am curious for future planning of my own)

Island Air has flights from Maui to BI, which is what we are looking at doing.

We'd go: Land in HNL, fly to Maui, then to Kona and then back to HNL.

Flights in Oct for this loop are 202 - 221 per person.
Debi

The AA special for the Marriott is for .. (drum roll) Ko Olina teaser !
http://www.aadvantage25.com/home.php?oid=1009

Sounds like you're already doing that.

we're doing their Kauai teaser next spring some time

Well, we are doing a teaser, but not the AA one. We had already booked ours before AA announced this 25th anniversary stuff. We got the same price, a $50 certificate and $185 allowance for car but no miles. At least we were able to take advantage of the 25% off miles and fly first class even!

We decided to add the 3 days to go to BI in between Maui and Oahu.
Debi

pspercy, what's the website to the Kauai teaser?

http://www.aadvantage25.com/home.php
It here...and you have to click on Day 8. Debi

Is this your first time to Hawaii or have you been before? The ferries, unfortunately, are still struggling to get off the ground (but we sure need them!).

1) Volcano National Park on The Big Island

2) Stay at Arnott's Lodge in Hilo and take any of the tours that they offer.

3) Go to Kauai and snorkel in Hanalei or hike there along the cliffs

With AA is bonus one or two words? :-?

icee - It was via phone call. Teaser for Waiohai Club on Poipu

Kal - One

percy, was the phone call to Marriott Vacation Club, an owner recommended or what? The only time I have contacted Marriott, they said no teasers, but we will sell to you. I really would like to stay at Waiohai...have stayed at Kauai Beach Club and would do that again also.