Comparison between attractions on various Hawaiian Islands
 

OK, I'll be traveling alone and in Hawaii for 5 weeks. I'll have a week each on Oahu and Kauai, then 12 days each on The Big Island and Maui.

I will be driving to Hana for three nights.
I will be doing a horseback ride to the Waipio Valley on BI.
I will be staying at Volcano on BI for three nights.
I will have a car everywhere except most of my time at Waikiki.

But while there are hundreds of helicopter rides, special day trips, boat trips, ziplines, etc, I certainly can't do them all -- especially when most are SO expensive.
When I search I mainly find people who rave about a certain trip or a particular zip line, or a particular helicopter company, but it seems they were only talking about one island. I guess what I'm looking for is someone who has done ziplines on several islands and can say "this one on ____ is by far the best" or someone who can say "the boat trip from ____ to ____ is much better than similar ones from ____ and _____", "do a helicopter ride from ______ and all others on the other islands will pale by comparison".

So what I'm really asking is -- where can I get the most bang for my buck? I want to experience a lot of things, but already blowing the budget just staying so long. If a particular activity is far better at one place than similar ones on other islands, then please tell me. Oh, and please don't keep reminding me of all the two for one deals. Those really hurt when I'm only one to begin with.

(Dates -- September and early October)

((6))As they say on the islands, <i>it's all good, shaka-bra!((H))

I've only been to Oahu and BI and am not into ziplines - but if you are thinking of taking the Atlantis Submarine trip (expensive, but, we thought, worth it - as when else are you going to go down in a sub??) - I would do it only Oahu (boat leaves from the Hilton pier, 10 minute walk from where you're staying) as there are some interesting artifical reefs down there by way of airplanes and boats. The 'Revealed' books suggest it's better than the Kona one anyway. (Hope you've bought those books ...)

When in Volcano, drive back down to Kalapana (sorry, it's a bit of a way from Volcano), timing it for around 5:00-6:00pm and walk across the lava field - best spot to watch the lava hitting the ocean (much shorter walk than from the bottom of Chain of Craters Road - although you can see it from there). Amazing. The most amazing thing was walking back in the dark and seeing the lava flowing down to the sea - hadn't expected that.

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden (north of Hilo) was fabulous - if you go, apply mozzie stuff before you arrive.

You have so much to look forward to!

Kauai - Make sure and visit the McBride and Allerton botanical gardens on Kauai. A very special and economical place. I spent almost the entire day in Allerton. I also loved Limahuli gardens on the north shore (it is on the site of an ancient village with ancient taro fields),but is it much smaller and less "botanical" than the others.

Hawaii - I also love the petroglyphs down along Chain of Craters road in Hawaiian Volcanoes Naitonal Park. In fact, I highly recommend staying IN the park for at least one night. It is an entirely unique climate (cool, might be rainy) and you are literally on top of an active volcano. The Volcano Arts center is in one of the older buildings there and has some beautiful crafts and photographs. I also think a trip to Mauna Kea observatory is so worth it. Drive along the road from Waimea (Kamuela) to Hawi. Incredible vistas and you end up in a cool area full of long grass fields and small farms. Very lovely. The heiau up in that are are stark, but very atmospheric.

On Maui, give yourself a lazy afternoon to visit the Tedeschi winery and the Lavender Farm. The winery has an interesting history and gorgeous views. You can buy a sandwich in the deli across the street and picnic in the area.

If you like Hawaiian fabrics, a trip to Fabric Mart (www.hawaiianfabricmart.com) in Kahului Maui will show you an amazing array of wonderful colorful fabrics, which make a great souvenier to take home and make (or have made) into pillows or clothing.

I like to take the ferry to Lanai as a day trip, and as a way to get out on the water (maybe see some dolphins). You can rent a car and explore Lanai, or just hang out at the beautiful beach and snorkel.

Maybe you can tell I don't like to pay money for "activities".

I have gone on snorkeling cruises on 3 islands. By far the best was Big Island. Take one that goes to the Captain Cook monument area at Kealakekua Bay. Total waste of time and money on Oahu. Maui to Molokini was not worth the cost, either. Snorkeling was only fair, but I did enjoy the scenic boat ride. IMO, better snorkeling from shore on Maui.

Wow. Some great suggestions, MOST of which were not even on my list already. Keep them coming.

On Maui, near Tedeshi and Lavendar farm = 'Iao Needle

from my trip report:

We drove Central/west Maui stopping at ‘Iao Needle. The hike up the steps left many people winded and struggling, but for us, coming from 6200+ feet, caused us no problem. We also walked down among the gardens. It was a lovely, spiritual place and was true rain forest like foliage.

We had gotten lunch at Safeway, so we continued back towards the main road and stopped at , Kepaniwai Park and Heritage Gardens. This was an unusual place in that it had different buildings and memorials dedicated to all the different people who settled in Hawaii.

For a fun evening, try Warren and Annabelle's for dinner and show.

More -
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...activities.cfm

Deb

On BI - we did Blue Hawaiian Helicopter tour and it was excellent. Very safety conscience and the pilot did a great job narrating.You can save a bit if you book online. We did the deluxe all island tour for 2 hours. More:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...activities.cfm

Deb

On the Big Island, for a free and interesting coffee farm tour, visit Greenwell Farms.

www.greenwellfarms.com

The lavender farm on Maui is gorgeous. There are several guided tours available, but we wandered through the gardens on our own.

www.aliikulalavender.com

I don't think of Iao Needle as being anywhere near Tedsechi and the Lavender Farm. It is on the opposite side of the valley.

If you are into beaches, it is also fun to watch the surfers/windsurfers at Airport Beach or Paia on Maui.

BTW - I agree with Barbara5353 if you are going to do one snorkeling trip do the one on the Big Island. We used Fair Wind.

www.fair-wind.com

I've been to Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island.

If you decide to take a helicopter trip, I think Kauai is the best island for that -- it has the most waterfalls, and it is beautiful.

For hiking, I recommend Kauai and then also the Big Island. On Kauai, be sure to go to the canyon (you can drive to the end of the road and then walk about a mile or so for some INCREDIBLE views, especially if you go in the morning).

For snorkeling, we really enjoyed the Big Island. We've also snorkeled on Mauai and Kauai and enjoyed it there, too.

If the lava is flowing on the Big Island, it is great to drive to the end of Chain of Craters road a little before dusk, walk the trail and view the lava. Be sure to have a flashlight for the walk back over the lava to your car.

Oh Oahu, be sure to see Pearl Harbor; allow 2-3 hours for this.

I think Mauai and Oahu has the most to choose from in re to restaurants.

Mauai has beautiful beaches.

Go to the North Shore on Kauai (Ke'e beach, and then walk part of the trail there).

Wow -- five weeks. You are going to have an awesome time.

Sorry, I thought we passed Tedeschi and Lavendar farm on way to 'Iao Needle. It's been a few years.

Deb

Of all the helicopter rides, the ones on Kauai offer the most jaw-dropping, awe inspiring scenery of any island. Also, on Kauai, don't miss Waimea Canyon. There is nothing like it on any other island. For spectacular, "up in the heavens" hiking you can't beat Kokee State Park in Kauai.

With regard to Big Isle snorkeling agree Fairwind II is good, but if its about the snorkeling and if you don't mind a bit bumpier ride and would prefer being part of a smaller group, Seaquest Deluxe Morning Tour offers more for the $-) by stopping at two spots and is better able to explore the interesting coast line features such as sea caves and lava tubes.
http://tinyurl.com/nu4xdg :S-

Samsaf- The lava is not currently flowing near the Chain of Craters road. It is not worth driving down to the end of that now, as it is about 8 miles away from the new ocean entry.

You must leave the park and drive to Kalapana to get to the new viewing area.

Marginal is right about Tedeschi not being near I'oa , DebitNM - you just got it mixed up a bit.

I researched the Helicopter rides pretty thoroughly before we went. If I was brave, I might have tried the door less Jack Carter one, but I didn't want all that wind blowing on me up there. It came down to Blue Hawaiian for us & the two best choices are on Kauai & the BI. You just have to decide which you'd rather experience - the volcano which is marvelous or the lush water falls & beaches of Kauai. Since I wasn't sure I'd ever get to experience them again, we did both of these. They were great!

One of our best snorkeling experiences on Maui was Honol'ua a place you can park just off the street & walk to. As advised here, we went early to enjoy it a bit without the crowds. The Fairwinds & other cruise/kayak tours showed up later (around 9 AM). The walk is a bit interesting & made the experience even more fun to me. A bit like walking through a scene in the TV show "Lost". Of course, we saved the $$ of the Cruise boat.
http://www.mauisnorkeling.net/mauisn...p.html#honolua

BI: agree with the Cook's Monument excursion. We did it with a rented kayak & a guide - but he was just a boy in high school & we could have done the mile ourselves if my back had allowed me to do the lifting of the kayak. It's only a mile & a straight shot of you go like the crow flies (you can see Cook's when you launch). But, the scenic route is to bend a bit, following the shore line, looking for spinner dolphins.

Two-step is a very popular place to snorkel on the BI as well. We missed it due to a time crunch - but the parking lot is the same as The Place of Refuge (Honaunau) so it's very easy access.

One we did see was Kahaluu as it was right next door to our hotel You didn't even have to get into the water to see the fish & sea turtles! We stood on the rocks & took pictures of them! If you are there at lunch or just want a drink, you may enjoy the bar at the Verandah Lounge, which is sitting directly over a huge tidepool where turtles abound & eels & fish are visible too.
http://www.outrigger.com/hotels-reso...ing-activities

Another thing I researched well was the best Coffee Plantation to see & from the reviews pre & post, Greenwell Farms is the best. We thoroughly enjoyed it & I bought lots of the Peaberry to ship home to enjoy later. It's on the BI as well.

Another wonderful little (BI) stop is the South Kona Fruit Stand:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BbhBeIJfr4

One last fav was the tide pools that Matnikstym took us to to snorkel. I encourage you to connect with him while you are there. He's a great host/tour guide!

We've been to Maui, Kauai, and BI and have done the helicopter tours, with Kauai being the best by far. You'll see some areas of the island that are only accessible by air or boat.

We didn't go on any snorkeling excursions, but we just snorkeled off the beaches and we thought the BI was the nicest, particularly at Honaunau.

Have been to BI, Maui, and Kauai, am most familiar with Kauai.

Snorkeling is best on BI, agree about the trip to Kealakukua, although we have done several boat tours on Kauai of the Na Pali coast, which is just breathtaking. Liked Holo Holo the best.

Have only done helicopter on Kauai, and it is just breathtaking, although very expensive. I prefer the boat tours as I think you get more bang for your buck.

Driving out to Polihale on Kauai is also nice, just be careful and do not try to drive on the sand.