First visit to Hawaii- Need suggestions

Old Jul 9th, 2007, 08:35 AM
  #21  
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Safa,

If you want an authentic Hawaiian experience, Kona Village has won awards for being the most authentically Hawaiian resort. Other options might include the Molokai Ranch and Lodge, although I have not personally stayed there. I have stayed at Kona Village, and it felt like an ancient Hawaiian village. I also encountered many Hawaiian state residents who were vacationing there to get the same Polynesian experience. The amenities might be modern, but the feel is definitely Polynesia.
FlyingMaltese is offline  
Old Jul 9th, 2007, 09:34 AM
  #22  
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 24,833
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We've done the Big Island, Maui, and Kauai. If you're looking for not too touristy or crowded, I'd recommend Kauai; we thought it had the most natural beauty of all the islands. The Na Pali coast is gorgeous - both helicopter tour and sunset cruise, or you can just hit the beautiful beaches like Ke'e, Tunnels, Poipu (be careful of water conditions); we had great snorkeling all over Kauai.

We also loved the Big Island - the Hapuna Beach Prince is on one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen, and if you go out to Volcano, you could stay at the Kilauea Lodge for a night and hike out at night to see the lava if conditions allow - really amazing.
volcanogirl is online now  
Old Jul 9th, 2007, 04:47 PM
  #23  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Just back from our 4th trip to Hawaii... done Oahu, Maui, BI and finally this trip to Kauai. Each island definitely has it's own flavor... so it should be somewhat easy to get a good feel from board reports like you are getting.

For me, I am a HUGE Kauai fan now. The north shore is spectacular. What I love about Hawaii is the combination of mountains and oceans. Kauai north shore puts them together is a most beautiful fashion.

I've been to other places with pretty beaches and pretty water. To me, the magic is adding the mountains.

Kauai is definitely not crowded or touristy. Our condo was on the top of a cliff... not what you'd want if you're looking to walk easily to a beach. We drove to Anini Beach... no trouble finding parking... maybe 2 families and 3 couples enjoying the entire span of beach... end of June... unbelievable!

Your first trip... you're bound to find a place to enjoy. Good luck!
want2go is offline  
Old Jul 10th, 2007, 09:17 AM
  #24  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 589
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Isn't Anini beach in the Princeville area? It may not have been crowded when you visited, but I would definitely call it touristy. Kauai's north shore is heaving with tourist-oriented hotels, condos, and golf courses. All of the tourism and its support network of retail shops make uncomfortable neighbors for the local agricultural economy of the area.
bobludlow is offline  
Old Jul 10th, 2007, 02:04 PM
  #25  
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I totally agree with want2go. Kauai puts the mountains and sea together in a most unforgetable fashion. It will leave an imprint on your heart 4ever. I love this island. It seems the least touristy to myself. Of course I was only there 2 days.
diann24 is offline  
Old Jul 10th, 2007, 08:50 PM
  #26  
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 49,521
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
just to add to the southern california comparison. i also found maui to be similar to la jolla. maui was not a tropical as kauai or even oahu. i love kauai and also think oahu is underrated. it is truly a beautiful island!
nanabee is offline  
Old Jul 19th, 2007, 11:10 AM
  #27  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes, bobludlow, Anini Beach is on the north shore.
"I would definitely call it touristy." Sorry, we definitely have a different definition of touristy.
"Kauai's north shore is heaving with tourist-oriented hotels, condos, and golf courses." Also have a different definition of heaving... I can see that in many areas of Hawaii... not Kauai. Anini Beach has rental homes... no hotel or condos on it directly that I saw... maybe 20 minutes away... on a winding 2 lane street.
"All of the tourism and its support network of retail shops make uncomfortable neighbors for the local agricultural economy of the area" Might agree with you on this one... although I didn't experience it. I'm guessing that locals in Kailua, Oahu that you recommended might feel similar about their spot of paradise. Funny, I even saw a post saying the same:
"Now a noisy bunch of NIMBYs (Not In My BackYard) are trying to keep tourists out of their neighborhood"
: )

I guess all of us travelers are at fault here... plenty of local people at any destination that would want us to stay away. I'm truly sorry for any aggravation that we bring to their life.
want2go is offline  
Old Jul 19th, 2007, 12:58 PM
  #28  
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
For your first time, I'd choose Maui or Kauai. Both are fairly small (enough to navigate easily in a rental car) and offer a lot of "Hawaiian" feel, plus things to do and see. The BI is my absolute favorite island but it can be overwhelming due to its size.

If you can, fly into Oahu first and spend a day there before catching a connecting flight to the outer island of your choice. Fun and easy to get around Waikiki--worth a day of sightseeing.
Gellers is offline  
Old Jul 19th, 2007, 01:38 PM
  #29  
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Aloha! Just returned from 2 weeks in Hawaii - Maui & Oahu and here are some thoughts:

BEST GUIDE BOOK BY FAR: Oahu Revealed - Wizard Publications (Also other island books available)

Maui: Stayed at The Grand Wailea. Mucho bucks but worth it. Love Wailea… no Lahaina traffic.
Great food too except the Sushi Buffet - pedestrian at best.

Swimming at Big Beach was great. Just the right amount of waves to enjoy body surfing.

Gotta do Haleakala but wait until after sunrise when you miss the traffic. (But top visitor’s center closes at 4.) The view is still spectacular. Next time I’ll try the horseback tour.

We did Blue Hawaiian’s West Maui/Molokai hour-long tour and it was fantastic! Best price is through their website.

Momma’s Fish House was worth every penny. We got there at 11 with no wait and best table for lunch.

Try Stella Blue’s Café in Kihei. The smoked fish spread appetizer was incredible!

Oahu: Stayed at Marriott’s Ko’Olina. A little too docile for us but happily way away from Waikiki which is great to visit but too frenetic to stay in unless you have teens and they will have the time of their life.

Visited Waimea Valley Audubon Center . Great little food stand for lunch then 20 minute lovely walk to a little waterfall where we swam in the pool. Everyone seemed to have fun and so did we. Just be certain that there’s enough water falling. A very mellow yet fun time.

Take the time to drive up Tantalus & Round Top. Unbelievable views!

Ate at Mariposa at Neiman Matcus in the Ala Moana Center. Best ahi sashimi and great view.

Cheeseburger in Paradise has great tee shirts but the burgers were nothing special.

Quick lunch at Dole was surprisingly good. Try the pineapple ice cream.

Loved the Crunchy Coconut Shrimp at Hale’iwa Joe’s.

The bakery at Zippy’s had the best turnovers I’ve ever had. EVER

Ate a late dinner at La Mariana Sailing Club on Sand Island. We’re talking vintage and hard to find but fun none-the-less and great Mai Tais.

Drive the North Shore and stop at the fantastic beaches all along the way. We saw many, many big sea turtles right at the shore and just incredible sunsets. (We saw a bit of the "Lost" set as well.)

Drive the H3 through the tunnel. It is so beautiful we did it both ways.

Had a blast at Hanauma Bay but you have to do it right. Parking is ridiculous so you have to get there by 8:30 LATEST to get a space but the water is fantastically clear. We rented the premium snorkeling set but exchanged it for the cheaper one that worked much better. Remember to have them spritz your mask so you don’t fog up. Also we applied mucho sun block but were still fried because the back of your neck and legs - not to mention your back - is exposed, so much more sun block is needed than you think. Also bring food with or buy it at the visitor’s center as there is no food sold at the beach and it’s a long way up. And buy cheap underwater cameras at Longs or somewhere as you will want to take photos of the fish as they swim around you.

Have fun!
True is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2007, 08:45 AM
  #30  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 589
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Please go back and re-read Safa1's initial post, want2go. It specifically requests a place that is "not too touristy or crowded." Princeville has two major hotels and countless vacation condo-plexes. Kailua has zero hotels...just a smattering of b&bs amongst a robust non-touristy residential community. Obviously something that I wrote in a previous post must have rubbed you the wrong way - but please don't waste my time and Safa1's with your off-topic dreck.
bobludlow is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cindysphinx
United States
5
Feb 14th, 2008 12:59 PM
beachgirl86
United States
13
Oct 5th, 2005 01:52 PM
NikkiK
United States
12
Apr 24th, 2005 02:07 PM
Rossi10000
United States
5
Apr 10th, 2004 08:14 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -