texasjo

Been following NP's thread and gathering all the fabulous suggestions; great posts.
We will only have 10 days in January for Oahu and Big Island . A couple of things he didn't ask about probably because (1) wrong season and (2) too touristy, so I need to ask. Which island of our two would be best for (1) whale watch tour and (2) a luau?
Thanks so much.

mrkindallas

I believe that Maui is probably the best for whale watching. I think I remember being told that the whale population is larger in Maui's waters. From my experience, that is true. I saw many more whales in Maui's waters than any other island.

Maui is possibly your best bet for a luau as well depending on what you are looking for. I actually have not gone to a luau in all my visits to Hawaii, so others will chime in with their experiences. But I have done research. Maui has a lot of options ranging from the Feast at Lele (which is with private tables and waiters) down to lower priced buffet options. I think that the ones that are actually on a beach are pretty limited - maybe two that I remember (I think Grand Wailea and another that I don't think had high ratings). If fire dancing is high on your requirements, pay attention to which ones actually have that as part of the show - not all do. I think that for the traditional luau experience, I remember reading that there is one on the BI that is rated the best of the islands...but I don't remember the name. I wouldn't let the luau be the determining factor of which island to go to.

If you are wanting more of just the music and dance and not so much the food (or fire dancing), then I recommend the free shows at Kaanapali Beach Hotel on Maui. If you are staying in Kaanapali, you can walk down the boardwalk to the hotel and grab a table to watch the show - I think every evening at sunset. I do recommend ordering some drinks/food from the waitresses if you sit at a table (so not entirely free).

dusty56438

There isn't much difference in whale watching tours between Oahu & Big Island. Oahu may have a slight edge, but not enough to matter. Maui is by far the best. So if you are thinking about a future trip to Hawaii after this one, skip the whale watching tour & save it for a Maui trip.

Oahu for luau. Polynesian Cultural Center has the best Polynesian entertainment in Hawaii. No other luau comes close.

Big Island is much better than Oahu for helicopter tours, snow capped mountains (Oahu has none) & has an active volcano.

mrkindallas

I decided to search for information to back up my belief that Maui is better for whale watching. Here's a website with some information:
http://www.whalewatchmaui.com/maui.html

Kailani

There are plenty of whales on the Big Island. They swim around the island, and get close to the shore as they round the Alenuihaha channel between the Big Island and Maui.

I haven't been on a boat tour, but I usually go to Lapakahi or Upolu Point for great splashy displays. http://www.bigisland.org/parks/222/l...istorical-park

Take binoculars!

As for a luau, I've been to the one at Kona Village http://www.konavillage.com/, and another one which I don't remember. The Kona Village is considered the best, but luaus can be tedious sitting at the large tables and lining up for food. Still, they are fun! I'm a vegetarian, so the buffet is kind of lost on me. The entertainment is generally very good.

Kona Village is a fun place to walk around though. Also, you can see lots of free Hawaiian music (ukulele, slack key guitar, and hula) at resorts and shopping centers. If you are on the Big Island near a full moon check out the Mauna Lani for their free Talk Story on Saturday night (but call first as the timing can vary). http://www.maunalani.com/

dusty56438

LindaC52

This is a corrected link for your suggestion.

https://hawaiitours.com/volcano.php

I always leave a blank space before & after any link.

texasjo

Thanks to all for your replies! Love this forum.

martym

If you decide on a whale watching cruise on the BI--Capt Dan is the best. http://www.ilovewhales.com/