Advice for 1st Time Vacation to Hawaii
 

I am planning a much needed vacation to Hawaii. Plans thus far:

1. Travel in September.

Is this a good time? It seems that it is off peak and may be less crowded/expensive.

2. Travel to Maui from either San Francisco or Sacramento.

When is the best time to book airfare? Spring specials (abour $400) are lower than current airfare in September ($620 or so). Should I expect a sale before Sept. or just lock in a fare now?

3. Looking to book at Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton or Fairmount.

Any experience with these hotels? How key is it to book the ocean view (clearly a price premium)?

I know that these are fairly simple/general questions, but any help would be prefered. Any suggestions about a travel agent online or otherwise which may specialize in packages which might lessen the cost?

Hi CalTraveler, I will leave it to others to answer all your other questions but one thing I would like to call to your attention is this.

If you want a room with a view of the ocean be sure to insist on a room that is Ocean Front. Ocean View gives one the impression that you will have a wonderful view of the ocean from your room but actually the view could be from the terrace (if your room has a terrace) or the bathroom window etc. Only an ocean front room will give you the view I believe you are looking for.

It gets confusing, the travel business does not always use terms that the average person will understand correctly. Rather like the airlines with their direct flights. Some people naturally think this means that the flight goes from their departure airport to their arrival airport without any stops. Not so. It has to be a nonstop flight for that to happen. A direct flight merely means that when the plane makes a stop at one or more airports along the way you do not have to change planes.

Have a wonderful time in Hawaii.

I went to the Big Island last September and it was great...the plane was practically empty, I had the whole row to myself as did many other people...the hotels weren't very crowded either. Usually there are fall airfare sales starting the end of summer, between $300-400 is an average good fall fare for LA/SF to Hawaii. It shouldn't be too hard to get a good hotel deal either because the hotels are empty right after the summer crowds let up. And the weather is great, not blistering hot but still warm and wonderful, with cool evenings.

I am going to Hawaii in the fall and am waiting until the end of summer to buy my tickets, I wouldn't buy them now, all you'll find is the $600 range.

love
roxy

Hmmm... back this fall again, huh Roxy? LOL

3 more days for me. Staying (at your suggestion) the first three nights on Maui at Hana Hale Malamalama - The Pondside Bungalow. Hope I like it as well as you liked the sister Bamboo Inn. Thanks again for all of your advice. I promise a full report upon return.

-Paul

Paul,

Whoa, awesome! You'll love the outdoor lobby and the tropical fruit breakfast overlooking the waterfall/fishpond. Skip some of those smooth black rocks at Hana Bay and enjoy the bewitching sound of the water raking through the stones.

We left a tiny bit of food out in our kitchen and had ants the next morning, so be careful of that! Enjoy your trip, can't wait to hear about it!

love
roxy

California to Maui for over $600 is really high. $400 sounds more normal. Though fares have be rising due to fuel prices & high demand. If it were me, I'd wait a little longer for a lower fare.

The Fairmont & and the Four Seasons are right on the beach. The Ritz Carlton is not. They'll shuttle you down to the beach, but it's more of a golf & grounds type resort than a beach resort.

In deciding on whether or not to pay extra for ocean view, I'd think about how much time you'll be spending in the room. If you're planning an active vacation with lots of excursions, sightseeing or time on the beach, you might not be in your room long enough to make the extra cost for a view worthwhile.

It's a good time, despite the fact that Hawaii has its Aloha Festivals during September. There are many activities for tourists during this time to attract more visitors, but it is still a slow time for hotels.