First trip to Hawaii
May 9th, 2000, 06:55 AM
#2
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Dinah,
I would fly on to Maui, relax, get somewhat over my jet lag, enjoy the first days there, then spend the last two nights on Oahu, seeing the important sights like Pearl Harbor, Punchbowl Cemetery, Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, and don't forget to stroll down Waikiki Beach as the sun sets in the evening. Have a great trip!
I would fly on to Maui, relax, get somewhat over my jet lag, enjoy the first days there, then spend the last two nights on Oahu, seeing the important sights like Pearl Harbor, Punchbowl Cemetery, Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, and don't forget to stroll down Waikiki Beach as the sun sets in the evening. Have a great trip!
May 9th, 2000, 10:22 AM
#3
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Personally, I'd stay away from Waikiki. Way too busy/touristy and too much like spring break in Florida. But Pearl Harbor is amazing. I'm too young for WWII, but it was very touching seeing the exhibits and meeting the vets.
Maui is gorgeous. DO NOT MISS ROY's Restaurant!! Fabulous food! His trademark dish is a chocolate souffle dessert. I still dream about it! He may have other branches on Oahu
But the BEST time I had in the islands was on Hawaii. We took an observatory tour through Paradise Safaris (322-2366) to the very top of Mauna Kea, saw all the observatories and then stopped part-way down for some observations of our own. Our guide was very good, the parkas were very warm and the sky was so fantastic I can't even describe it. A bit steep at $150/person, but so worth it that I'd do it again in a minute. You'll never have this type of opportunity anywhere else in the world.
Best guide book I read was The Big Island Revealed. They have other books on other islands. See web site at www.wizardpub.com
Maui is gorgeous. DO NOT MISS ROY's Restaurant!! Fabulous food! His trademark dish is a chocolate souffle dessert. I still dream about it! He may have other branches on Oahu
But the BEST time I had in the islands was on Hawaii. We took an observatory tour through Paradise Safaris (322-2366) to the very top of Mauna Kea, saw all the observatories and then stopped part-way down for some observations of our own. Our guide was very good, the parkas were very warm and the sky was so fantastic I can't even describe it. A bit steep at $150/person, but so worth it that I'd do it again in a minute. You'll never have this type of opportunity anywhere else in the world.
Best guide book I read was The Big Island Revealed. They have other books on other islands. See web site at www.wizardpub.com
May 10th, 2000, 05:52 PM
#5
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Flatly stating that Oahu or Maui or Hawaii or Kauai is definitely more gorgeous than the others is like stating that Renoirs are clearly more beautiful than Monets or that BMW's are clearly better than Jaguars.
Comments are most helpful when reasons or explanations are offered explaining why someone feels the way they do.
All the islands have their unique pros and cons. They're all worth a visit as circumstances permit.
Comments are most helpful when reasons or explanations are offered explaining why someone feels the way they do.
All the islands have their unique pros and cons. They're all worth a visit as circumstances permit.
May 11th, 2000, 09:49 AM
#7
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Would suggest flying in to Honolulu and spending no more than two nights on Oahu, with the remaining 5 days on Maui. Personally, I'd omit the Oahu visit entirely, but that is a matter of personal preference. Please remember to take an early morning inter-island flight from Oahu to Maui, so as not to "waste" any "prime time" in airports/hotel check-ins.
May 11th, 2000, 02:12 PM
#8
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Hi Dinah:
As Oahu dwellers we of course like it here and appreciate the cultural diversity and natural beauty of our small, and yes, crowded island. I always like to remind visitors that Oahu is far more than Waikiki. The outer islands are a wonderful, relaxing escape, but Oahu is not to be underestimated. Oahu too, offers beautiful beaches and serene upland settings, fabulous restaurants (check out the new Sansei at Restaurant Row), and a stimulating mix of cultures.
Although no longer on the shelves, the Feb.-March issue of Elle DECOR had a great article on Honolulu. Mentioned are my faves the Honolulu Academy of Arts and The Contemporary Museum, and great "where to eat and drink" and "where to stay" suggestions. You'd have fun spending a couple days on this island, too. Most of all, have a wonderful vacation!
aloha,
-k
As Oahu dwellers we of course like it here and appreciate the cultural diversity and natural beauty of our small, and yes, crowded island. I always like to remind visitors that Oahu is far more than Waikiki. The outer islands are a wonderful, relaxing escape, but Oahu is not to be underestimated. Oahu too, offers beautiful beaches and serene upland settings, fabulous restaurants (check out the new Sansei at Restaurant Row), and a stimulating mix of cultures.
Although no longer on the shelves, the Feb.-March issue of Elle DECOR had a great article on Honolulu. Mentioned are my faves the Honolulu Academy of Arts and The Contemporary Museum, and great "where to eat and drink" and "where to stay" suggestions. You'd have fun spending a couple days on this island, too. Most of all, have a wonderful vacation!
aloha,
-k
May 11th, 2000, 09:50 PM
#10
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Alright, Mattie, here are a few clarifications for you regarding Oahu, in MY opinion:
1. Just the sheer majesty of the entire island is more breathtaking, including the most gorgeous mountains out of the entire chain. Just driving across the Pali Highway or Liki-Liki Highway themselves offers a lot more beauty than anything else I've seen on the other islands!
2. The beaches are superior to any of the other islands, even Waikiki (if you can tolerate it). I personally DON'T like the coarse, brown sand or rolling surf on Maui (and I've stayed at the Grand Wailea) or the other islands. Even Waikiki's waters are calmer and more beautiful for wading around in. Ditto for the Waimanalo area on the Eastside of the island, where you will find the water even more gorgeous (Caribbean-like in its beautiful hues) and the sand the absolute whitest of any I've seen all over the islands. And, of course, for snorkeling or just for the sheer pleasure of visiting, the beautiful, literally crystal clear waters of Hanauma Bay, the likes of which you also won't find on any of the other islands!
I think that about sums it up nicely!!
1. Just the sheer majesty of the entire island is more breathtaking, including the most gorgeous mountains out of the entire chain. Just driving across the Pali Highway or Liki-Liki Highway themselves offers a lot more beauty than anything else I've seen on the other islands!
2. The beaches are superior to any of the other islands, even Waikiki (if you can tolerate it). I personally DON'T like the coarse, brown sand or rolling surf on Maui (and I've stayed at the Grand Wailea) or the other islands. Even Waikiki's waters are calmer and more beautiful for wading around in. Ditto for the Waimanalo area on the Eastside of the island, where you will find the water even more gorgeous (Caribbean-like in its beautiful hues) and the sand the absolute whitest of any I've seen all over the islands. And, of course, for snorkeling or just for the sheer pleasure of visiting, the beautiful, literally crystal clear waters of Hanauma Bay, the likes of which you also won't find on any of the other islands!
I think that about sums it up nicely!!
May 12th, 2000, 07:43 AM
#11
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Very interesting thread. Some of you may recall my post entitled 'Beyond Waikiki' in which I gave the link to an article about O`ahu by Arthur Frommer
(http://www.frommers.com/vacations/of...dest/od1c.html)
I recall someone else here saying that the water on Oahu is the most beautiful and many people say that Waikiki beach has the calmest water but I was surprised to see Mike say that he finds Oahu more beautiful than any of the other islands. It seems to me that most people feel Kauai is.
(http://www.frommers.com/vacations/of...dest/od1c.html)
I recall someone else here saying that the water on Oahu is the most beautiful and many people say that Waikiki beach has the calmest water but I was surprised to see Mike say that he finds Oahu more beautiful than any of the other islands. It seems to me that most people feel Kauai is.
May 12th, 2000, 02:32 PM
#12
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Thanks so much for all your suggestions. We have decided to spend 3 nights in Maui and 4 nights in Oahu. We want to fly on to Maui as soon as we land in Honolulu, but now I am having a problem finding a flight from Honolulu to Maui less than $200 per person. I keep reading about "coupons" that can be purchased once we arrive, but we want to know for sure that we have a flight before we get there. We do not want to spend a lot of time sitting in the airport. There is so much we want to do and only 7 days to do it. Any suggestions? I have tried Bestfares, Hawaiian Air, Cheap TIckets, Expedia, & Travelocity. THanks!!
May 12th, 2000, 03:22 PM
#13
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Go to "travel-hawaii.com". You can buy tickets for $61.00 per person (one way), plus a total delivery charge (for any number of tickets) of $11.00 for U.S. delivery. You will need to call Hawaiian Airlines and make your reservations (you don't have to have your ticket in hand). This way, you'll be all set when you arrive in Honolulu. It will cost you $122 per person roundtrip (Honolulu to Maui and return) for your interisland flights - that's very good!
Now you can wait and get the coupons out of the ATM in the airport after you arrive in Honolulu, but in rare cases, I guess the ATM has run out (never happened to us); but it may be worth the $11 charge to have your tickets in hand before you go. Also that allows you to check your luggage through to Maui instead of re-checking it in Honolulu. Good luck!
Now you can wait and get the coupons out of the ATM in the airport after you arrive in Honolulu, but in rare cases, I guess the ATM has run out (never happened to us); but it may be worth the $11 charge to have your tickets in hand before you go. Also that allows you to check your luggage through to Maui instead of re-checking it in Honolulu. Good luck!
May 12th, 2000, 03:42 PM
#14
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I second Lani's advice. Her information is always reliable. Hawaiian and Aloha are quite loose about accepting reservations by phone prior to ticketing. Since we live here, we usually pick up our coupons at a local travel agent's office but I understand the ATM machines at the airport are fairly reliable and geared to mainland visitors catching connecting flights. If you have any concers, check with the Hawaiian Air or Aloha Air representatives when making your reservation. Happy Travels!
May 13th, 2000, 08:48 AM
#15
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Thanks so much for your info. We will be needing a condo in Maui possibley at Kaanapali Beach for 3 nights. I noticed that travel-Hawaii has packages that include air, room, & car. Should I book everything with them or can I get the rates cheaper on my own. Thanks!
May 13th, 2000, 01:38 PM
#16
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To Mike:
Thank you for the excellent explanation of your opinion. Posts like your second one are very helpful to people trying to sort out whether their opinions/tastes might coincide with others' opinions. Takes longer, I know, but is substantially more useful.
Thank you for the excellent explanation of your opinion. Posts like your second one are very helpful to people trying to sort out whether their opinions/tastes might coincide with others' opinions. Takes longer, I know, but is substantially more useful.
