advice for first time Hawaii trip
 

never been to hawaii and was <BR>considering a trip for mid-December. <BR>We are interested in scenery mostly. <BR>1. Which island is most scenic and <BR>has best weather in December? Should we <BR>expect lots of rain? <BR> <BR>2. I'm planning 5-6 nights total. Can <BR>i do 2 islands? mostly we will be driving <BR>and walking around scenery? not that <BR>adventurous:-( <BR> <BR>3. How can one get low cost airfares <BR>out of Orlando? Am frightened by the <BR>high costs... Has anyone travelled from <BR>FL and can offer advice... <BR> <BR>4. Any recommendations on eating from <BR>local groceries/supermarkets while on <BR>the trip? we're too health conscious... <BR> <BR>5. How easy/hard is it to drive in <BR>the islands? How accessible are the natl <BR>parks themselves? Is it as accessible <BR>as say Niagara Falls? <BR> <BR>Thanks a bunch!!

Hi Pati, <BR> <BR>I visited the island of Kauai during 2/00 and loved it! Extremely scenic and uncrowded. Experienced rain nightly but not during the day. <BR> <BR>I spent four nights on Kauai and would not recommend more than one island on a 5-6 night stay mostly due to the time it takes to fly between islands. <BR> <BR>Plenty of supermarket shopping. <BR> <BR>I highly recommend the island for its scenic beauty, relaxed atmosphere, as well as the snorkeling. <BR> <BR>I stayed on the north shore at the Hanalei Bay Resort - great accomodations at a good price. <BR> <BR>Driving was extremely easy - just get a good guidebook - I recommend The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook website www.wizardpub.com <BR> <BR>Have fun!

Hi pati; as far as your airfare is concerned you will get a much cheaper rate if you can book it as a package deal with a hotel or condo &/or car. <BR> You can get package deals right on american airlines site which is aa.com or through a travel agent for about the same price.

Aloha Patti, <BR> <BR>Am I to understand that you are flying from Orlando to Hawaii? Do you know the flying time involved? Do you know there is a 6 hour time difference? I think for 5-6 nights you would enjoy your holiday most if you would stick to one island. I personally recommend either the Big Island or Kauai as the most scenic. On either island the "north facing sides" of the islands always get more rain anytime of the year - the up side is that they are the most beautiful and lush. The weather in Hawaii regardless of the month is usually <BR>"spring like" - warm during the day and cool at night. The higher the elevation the cooler the weather. <BR> <BR>Hope this info helps. All the best on your adventure. <BR> <BR> <BR>

If you only go to one choose Kuaui. It is breathtaking. You will have to fly through Honolulu to get there so you can arrange for a day or so on Oahu. Pearl Harbor is worth it but only takes about 2 hours. Definitely go to the north shore if the surf is up. Unbelieveable watching guys surf 20 foot waves!

Hi! <BR>1. Have been to Hawaii 4 times, and have visited Oahu, Big Island, Maui and Kauai. I would recommend Big Island and Kauai. Big Island is spectacular re the volcano, black sand, etc., but very stark. Kauai is what I would always think of about Hawaii had I never been there. It is green, lush, and peaceful, but with lots of things to do. I don't know about December, have only been there in summer. <BR>2. Only 5 to 6 nights is touch. You could do both islands (Big Island and Kauai), but probably not do either justice. I might do what one of the other posters recommended, stay overnight in Honolulu, see Waikiki, do Pearl Harbour, and then go to one island for the main part of your trip. For me, it would be Kauai. South side of the island (Poipu Beach) is dryer at any time of year. <BR>3. ???? <BR>4. ???? <BR>5. Driving is no problem, easy to get around the islands. The entrance to the parks are fairly accessible. However, there can be some good hiking if you really want to see some of the nicer sites. <BR> <BR>Anyway, Hawaii is about my favorite spot on earth. Just came back from Honolulu, Kauai and Maui around a month ago and I miss it already. Have a great time.