Hello all. DH and I were planning to go to HI next year, but the frequent flyer gods have smiled upon us and we can get freebies this year. It looks like we'll be there from 9/29 to 10/6.!! WOOHOO, and ALOOOOHHHHAAA!!

I need your help. DH and I love snorkeling, but we also want fantastic scenery and loads of flowers. I was thinking about Kauai but from what I've read so far, many beaches are not safe for swimming. Can anyone recommend a better island for snorkeling?

FYI--I've been to Maui and Oahu, but it was 20+ years ago, so I feel like a newbie to HI. I'm open to going back to Maui if it's best for snorkeling, but if possible I would prefer another island.

Mahalo in advance.

PS--DH would like to know where "Lost" is filmed. This will not be a determining factor as to where we will go, but he's curious. Mahalo again.

Lost = north shore of Oahu

Great snorkeling at H Bay on Oahu

No kidding, starrsy? I thought surely that was Kauai where Lost is filmed. I'll check out H bay.

P M, check this out - http://www.hanauma-bay-hawaii.com/

I would visit Oahu (see ALL of the island - not just Waikiki) and then on to the Big Island.

Check out the trip reports at the top right now on the BI. Well planned trip (with lots of snorkeling) and well written report for a $ savvy vacation.

WOW, that place looks like an aquarium!! I had considered the Big Island because it would be nice to see lava flows. We just started planning this trip a couple of days ago, and I'm already sad that we don't have more time.

OK, maybe I'm not all that sad, I'm going to Hawaii!!

Here's another link - this one for K Bay -
http://www.seaquesthawaii.com/snorkel.html

I went on the "party boat" and wished I had been with a smaller boat (like these)

P M - also check out www.alternative-hawaii.com. GREAT resources for planning.

Starrsy, thanks so much, you are WAY too cool!!

Just did a google search for this one. DH may enjoy this list of Lost locations on Oahu -

http://gohawaii.about.com/od/oahuact..._locations.htm

Starrsy, from what I'm reading, I'm so impressed with the Big Island!! I've always wanted to see a lava flow (not too close, of course ) and the snorkeling does look like fun. And best of all, they DO have FF tix straight to Kona from the mainland, then we'll fly home from HNL. So I think it'll be the Big Island and Oahu. Thanks a mil!!

P_M, you also need to read matnisky's thing about a weekend getaway to The Big Island. It's at that other place. He even offered to be a tour guide.

Aloha...........i'2

actually it is matnikstym and he posts some great advice here also

P M, I did Maui years ago and Kauai a couple of years ago. They were nice, but I just loved Oahu and BI. There are no "right" answers - I just like the diversity of those two islands.

At the time everyone seemed to be poo-pooing Oahu. I'm glad I didn't listen. We really enjoyed Waikiki and driving around the island.

I LOVED the Big Island. I was there for a total of 11 days and still would like to go back to see and do more.

Happy planning!

Well, aloha to you P_M - and congratulations on securing FF tickets to paradise! I visited Oahu over Mother's Day with my parents. I posted a trip report over on TTG with a few pictures (which show mostly the beautiful scenery!). I'm so excited for you !

Someone (I'm thinking it was Old Southern Belle) recommended I purchase the Oahu Revealed book. It was invaluable - so much info. They probably even have one for the BI. I'd be glad to let you use mine if you want.

Happy planning!

P M,

I was gonna try to talk you out of Kaua'i, but it looks like you've already made up you mind. Whew! Good choices.

-Bill

thanks iceeu2! P_M email me and i'll give you some suggestions for the big island (been here 14 years now), happy to fill you in on the "hidden treasures" of the big island

Thanks, all. Before this evening, the Big Island was not on the radar screen. Somehow my brain was focusing on Kauai or Maui. But the plans for BI are falling into place better than any of the other islands. Since there were no FF tix available for Maui or Kauai, I was prepared to fly into HNL, then on to whichever island we choose. But when I looked up AA's flights to Kona, they did have FF availability on our outbound date, so that was the icing on the Hawaiian cake.

Starrsy, BI was an awesome idea!! You get the gold star of the day.

I was just about to hit post my reply when I scrolled down to see matnikstym. I'm so glad to see you, I will be in touch soon.

P_M You've got mail!

PM--
Just returned from BI and Kauai. Yes, the beaches on Kauai can be unswimmable. They were really rough when we were there but we've had friends that snorkeling a lot on Kauai.

The BI was awesome. Would recommend it! We snorkeled a lot there and not as many toursits go there so the coral is more colorful since there's less people dumb enough to walk on it.

If you decide to go to the volcano side, then stay at the Country Goose. It's a wonderful B&B and Joan is great!!

Went to the big island for spring break and loved it. It is very unique looking, probably not as pretty as Kauai, but great snorkeling!!
I have never seen so many turtles and beautiful fish in my life.