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.

If you are considering an ATV tour, I've done one on both Kauai and BI. Kipu ATV on Kauai was the best. Napali Catamaran out of Hanalei was FABULOUS but I'm going to try Napali SeaBreeze in about two weeks and will post something when I return to compare them. The only snorkeling trip I have taken was a night snorkel to see Manta's on BI which was cool but the BEST snorkeling I have experienced was not a tour but walk in at Shark's Cove on Oahu. Kahaluu on BI was also very good. I was not impressed with Hanauma Bay - didn't see any fish and it was pretty rough the day I went. Of all the activities during our trips my favorite activity was probably Napali Catamaran (despite a little seasickness).

PS - The Waipio Valley horseback ride was great!

I have not been to Kauai, but have been to the other three islands.

Oahu - Japanese influence is greatest here. I loved the Byodo-In Temple and dinner at Haiku along the rail (and walking in their little garden). If you are interested in windsurfing, this is best on this island near Kailua. Oahu is also best for do it yourself hikes if you get a good book for hiking. Matsumoto Shave Ice. Lanikai beach. Pearl Harbor.

Maui - I loved the nightly free shows at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel more than any other shows I've been to on the islands. If you are daring, parasailing down Haleakala is a recommendation. Do NOT ride a bike down Haleakala. Horseback riding into the crater is one-of-a-kind for this island. The Road to Hana is unique for this island. Also, the hike the Pipiwai Trail and get to Oheo Gulch early in the morning before crowds arrive. I'o Needle. Shave Ice at Tom's Mini Mart in Wailuku. If you want to ride a boat just for views from the water and want to visit Lanai, take a ferry to Lanai...cheap way to do both. Snorkeling from shore is best here. Get a good book on snorkeling...I liked the areas to the far south the best. Loved Big Beach as far as beaches go. If you want to kayak, I recommend that here at the Pali Sea Cliffs...you'll also get in some snorkeling.

Big Island - Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii Tropical Garden, Mauna Kea observatories, horseback or hike Waipio Valley and/or hike Polulu Valley. Snorkel at Place of Refuge. Spend an evening exploring the small town of Hawi. If you want to swim with dolphins, I think this is only available on the Big Island. There is also a tour for swimming with manta rays at night - Highly recommend. Exploring lava tubes.

Helicopter rides - I haven't done one, but have investigated on all islands. I wouldn't do it on Oahu, but any of the other islands would be good. If you aren't going to hike out to the lava on the Big Island, and only want to do one, I would choose to do that on the Big Island to see the lava (provided it's flowing).

Ziplines - none on Oahu or The Big Island. There are 2 on Maui. I didn't do either one, but thought about doing the more northern one and hiking the trails nearby. I read better reviews of that one. Don't know what the one on Kauai is like.

Marginal - yes you are right about the lava - it is several miles across the lava field from the end of Chain of Craters road, but only about a mile from Kalapana (still need flashlights etc!) But it is still worth driving down Chain of Craters road, amongst all that lava and new land - and you can see the steam from the lava entering the ocean from there. It's interesting to see it from both sides!

Ziplines - I'm pretty sure there's one on Big Island now, but I can't remember where. I saw a sign for 'new zipline now open' or something and joked about it (as there's no way I would try it!) I think it was probably along the Kohala coast somewhere.

There is a new zipline on the Big Island in North Kohala. http://www.bigislandecoadventures.com/ I hear it's really fun!

I have taken both the Blue Hawaiian island-wide helicopter tour, and a shorter helicopter tour out of Hilo just over the volcano, which was much cheaper, and I think that's a good option especially if you also take a helicopter ride in Kauai.

I have a take on ziplines - DO NOT do them anywhere in Hawaii .. Wait till u go to Costa Rica ... after all they r pioneers and it is more value for your money in some of the lushest forests you would see...

I have been to Big Island, Kauai and Maui.
I would not cram too many paid activities in any island.
Unique to Big Island - lava lava and lava - do not pay for any tours to see this. Diving/snorkeling anywhere on Big Island (depending on ur budget u can get very good snorkeling for free - refer the snorkel Hawaii guide for all the islands) . Punaluu beach/Place of refuge - to see turtles. Waipio, polulu, Akaka for photo ops.

Unique to Maui -
Nakalele Blowhole (there is one in Kauai too But i liked seeing both). THe drive on the morth side is very pretty.
Haleakala natioanl park on both sides - we did the pipiwai trail, sliding sands and halemalu trail. Recommend the Pipiwai trail.
Road to Hana - Spends 3 days doing both north and south including the pipiwai hike.
Some boat trip - lot of dolphins on the way to molokini - however molokini is over rated. so this is not a must do paid activity.
Kauai
Napali Napali and Napali - by air, by boat and by hikes. All are worth it ... Also remember Kokee is actually more of seeing Napali. Waimea is okay but Kokee is exceptional.
Refer the SNorkel Kauai guide. We snorkeled in TUnnels, Kee, Lydgate an pua pua. Tunnels and Kee were very nice. Please snorkel in high tide ONLY. good for both the reefs and you.

ATVs etc are so unnecessary to enjoy these beautiful islands. Take advantage of the fact that Hawaii is in US and we have a good park system. So the hikes, beach activities (snorkeling included), drive etc are free and in fact the best things to enjoy in the island.
Enjoy!

to save more money, you could consider camping in any of the islands.

Any day I would vote for snorkeling over submarines ...

Also please do not support shark feeding or playing with dolphins type activities. Shark feeding disrupts the ocean ecosystem and endangers humans as they start associating humans with food. Dolphin type activities happen in a captive environment and however they sugarcoat it that is the horrible truth.

I did a manta ray dive on the BI & though they did not appear that night, it was still worth the trip.

Also, on Kauai, we did the Princeville Stables horse ride tour to picnic/swim at a waterfall. You actually park the horses & hike in part of the way. We loved it!

We enjoyed the Kipu ATV tour on Kauai as well.

On the Big Island, we hiked 2 1/4 miles in (flat but bumpy road/ground in site of the water the whole way) to the Green Sand Beach. This was such a ethereal & special place that I highly recommend it! You can drive to it if you have 4 wheel drive. We did not, but some friendly folk gave us a ride part of the way back & the road is so bumpy that you have to drive very slowly.

Also did the Kalaulau Trail on Kauai to the first beach ( another 2 mile or so hike). This one is more challenging than the Green Sand Beach as it climbs up & back down. Such wonderful views of the ocean/beaches along the way!

Having done both the BI & Kauai heli tours I would recommend the BI one if, like is stated above, you don't hike out to see the lava (we did not & really 'didn't miss it' after doing the heli tour - I had injured my hip & found walking temporarily uncomfortable that day).

On Kauai, we enjoyed the heli trip, but I think I'd prefer to see the Na Pali Coast with Captain Andy's boat cruise rather than the heli. I'd definitely do one or the other! If I'd been younger, I even would have tried the kayak trip - but was talked out of that one as it is very strenuous!

Regarding the drive on the northside of Maui -
I do recommend this as well, but be very careful not to go beyond the wide two lane road onto the one-lane two-way road. I accidentally did and lived the next hour or so in terror. I tried to back out of it one I realized I'd gone too far, but two cars came behind me and wouldn't back up. I had no option but to squeeze my car between a rocky cliff on the passenger side of the vehicle and the car coming head on that wanted to pass on the driver side without falling over the cliff. It took about twenty minutes (and I was nearly in tears) to get to a point on the other side of the valley where I could turn around...only to go back now on the side of the road where I'd be the one falling off the cliff rather than being squashed into rocks. I seriously contemplated abandoning the car and letting the rental company know where to pick it up. I wouldn't wish that experience on anyone. It was terrifying.

That day could have been worse traffic-wise because the highway was shut down near the aquarium due to a fatality accident and anyone trying to get to the other side of the island would have had to take this route. It was bumper to bumper in both directions -and often that means front bumper to front bumper with drivers trying to negotiate around each other.

This is the only time that I've been cursed at by a local and told to get out of Hawaii....I would have cared if he was actually a native rather than just a local jerk.

<lifeisbeautiful :Any day I would vote for snorkeling over submarines ...>

Maybe not if you can't swim! :)

Lots of great suggestions for you to consider on your visit.

12 days on the Big Island will provide plenty of time to see and experience what the island has to offer. At some point you will probably pass through the town of Captain Cook, a bit south of Kailua-Kona on the west side of the island. A local institution there is the dining room of the Manago Hotel, an interesting place to stop for lunch.

http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurant/R...e-manago-hotel

Oh, I LOVED the north side of Maui trip - all the way around! And, I am not a dare devil sort by any means - will not get on a roller coaster! We did make sure we were going in the direction that allowed our car to be on the 'inside' of the lane. We got the BEST shave ice at a little home stand just around the peak of the island curve called Auntie Ululani's. Here is a link:
http://www.onmyplate.org/2003/12/treats_from_kah.html

I did want to mention that if possible, do your heli tour of Kauai AND your trip to Waimea Canyon on different days. They BOTH are much better in the morning hours - so do them before noon. The clouds tend to roll in & block the views if you don't.
I was warned of this on this board, but ended up having to do both the same day & sure enough, the views in Waimea were blocked by the time we got up there in the afternoon. Again, since I'd just flown over in the heli, it wasn't tragic, but not optimum either.

"to save more money, you could consider camping in any of the islands."

I could also choose to drive splints under my fingernails, but I've decided not to. LOL

Hey, I'm staying in condos -- self catering, no room service, no maid service. That's about as "roughing it" as I care to get this trip!

Thanks again for all these great ideas -- and the comparisons. I need to start making a chart of them.

<<Oh, I LOVED the north side of Maui trip - all the way around! And, I am not a dare devil sort by any means - will not get on a roller coaster!>>

=) And I am the dare devil! I was the one who suggested parasailing down Haleakala! It could very well make a big difference to go on a day when the highway is not shut down in the other direction (I probably naively assumed that people would just wait in traffic or not go anywhere rather than trying to go around the other way). If I hadn't been so scared for my life the day that we went, I would have loved to keep going. It is beautiful over there. But I would have had a panic attack if traffic stayed like that for the entire drive around. If traffic like that is not the norm, then go for it.

NeoPatrick - Make sure you locate the phone numbers to check traffic on each of the islands. On the day that I had this experience, we were actually headed to Haleakala. We hit traffic that wasn't moving and I had the phone number for Maui's traffic saved in my phone, called it and learned that the highway was shut down. So we were able to make a quick decision to turn around and change our plans for the day rather than wonder whether to wait it out or not. Actually, Ijust checked my phone and still have Maui's number saved - 808-986-1200. I'm not positive whether the other islands have a similar service.

Today I had lunch with an old friend (and by "old" I don't just mean we've been friends for a long time -- LOL). I was telling him about my Hawaii trip. He was saying I should skip Maui as there's simply nothing there -- it's dead and dull. I was kind of shocked by that. Finally I asked when the last time was that he was there -- are you ready? -- 1946!!!

I suspect your friend meant to say skip Kauai. Does his name start with a K and end with nine((?))

Hee. Hee. No, actually he loved Kauai -- even back then.

I don't meet your response criteria Patrick, only been to Kauai. But reading the other posts, can tell you, if you (and I hope you do) drive up to the canyon in Kauai, go as early as you can. We got an "early" start by island standards, but drove from the north shore. By the time we got to the top, there was nothing but fog and it was COLD. So no tarrying, go early.

And on Kauai, if I had to make a choice on seeing the Na Pali Coast I would do the boat tour (Catamaran, we used Holoholo) as opposed to the helicopter. There is something about being up close and personal to those cliffs/rock formations, etc.

How I envy your trip. Enjoy, and be sure to update us on your plans. Hope you check out Postcards for a meal in Hanalei.

C