Fun, not romantic trip to Hawaii
 

I have spent so many hours reading countless threads in preparation for my first trip to Hawaii at the end of August. Me and a buddy of mine (20-somethings) are going to experience the fun-side (not the romantic-side) of Hawaii. We are staying in a small beach house near the Kualoa Ranch on Oahu for five nights, then flying to Maui and staying in a condo in Lahaina for 4 nights. We chose the contrast of locations to experience different aspects of the islands. Just like the reason we chose an SUV to explore on Oahu and a convertible for cruising on Maui. I have gotten so many tips from the message posts. I do have a couple of questions. Will we still experience surfing waves somewhere on either of those islands even though we're not going in the winter? From everything I've read, it seems like the "amazing" waves all occur in the winter season. Will I be let down by not experiencing these - if it's even possible to be let down on a trip to Hawaii? Our main and only plan for the trip is to experience as many of the beaches as possible. We will be flying back to Oahu for one more night before leaving on a late flight return to the mainland. Since we're staying away from Waikiki for the first part of our trip, I'm planning to stay somewhere (maybe the Outrigger Waikiki) right in the heart of Waikiki to cap off the experience. Any suggestions?

Also...I've read a lot about the trip to Haleakala and so many people recommend doing it the first day after arrival since your body is so screwed up due to the time change (we're from Virginia, so it will definitely be an adjustment). But we're spending the first 5 days on Oahu. Are there any similar suggestions for the island of Oahu that would require getting up early? This is a trip I've dreamed of for years and finally got the flyer miles to fly for free. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to post so many messages to this site - definitely helps the rest of us plan our trips.

Any adventure trips that anyone would recommend for either island. Has anyone done any of the activities at Kualoa Ranch?

No, you can surf but what is your competancy in surfing? I just went to Oahu with my sister and her two boys they love boogy boarding but I just did not think they were fit enough for sandy beach or makapu (two beaches with waves in summer).Not for your average east coast vacation boogy boarder in my opinion. Fun! I can remember on another trip on Makapu jumping with the waves and feeling like my feet were soaring 5 feet off the ground. I am sure they were. I was living there though and swimming year round did not feel threatened by conditions. Sandy beach on Oahu is often referred to as break neck beach because of the way the waves slam against the shoreline. Sister that I went with has a relative that was paralysized on Hawaii by just such an accident ODDLY ENOUGH. There will usually be flags up when the waves are out of control. Thing is at sandy beach those flags seem to be up more often than not.

We did not see many waves this summer but again I kept them off those beaches! Good you are asking now if there were a lot of waves. Just remember there would not be a lot of snorkeling if there were a lot of waves. Hawaii has its own charms explore the unique qualities of the island you can't find at home. Where are you coming from?

As far as missing out on the big surf on the North Shore - most of the "experiencing" that people do during the winter is watching it from far up on the beach. Only the very experienced and/or world class surfers (and the occasional person with some screws loose) get into the water during that time. So even if you were here during that time, you wouldn't be able to get into the water.

In the summertime, the bigger surf is on the south shores of the island - though it usually stays well within the 3-6 foot range. It works out pretty well for the people learning how to surf off Waikiki beach - not too big, but not flat, either.

If you move further south to Sandy's be careful. It may sometimes not look like much, but it can be dangerous if you're inexperienced - where the shore break is located is what makes it hazardous.

I can't offhand think of anything on Oahu that necessitates as early a wake up time as driving up to Haleakala - the only thing I can think of is getting up early to get to the North Shore to do some diving/snorkeling. But even that is arriving between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. (on the weekends), so hardly the crack of dawn.

Sorry...I should have clarified more. By "experiencing" I simply meant a visual experience. I grew up going to the Atlantic coast and spent 5 years through college and grad school living on the Florida coast. So I had hoped to see "real" waves while in Hawaii, but I'm definitely looking forward to snorkeling a lot while on my trip - something neither of us have done before. Thanks for the info!

You won't experience the "real waves" in August. On the other hand, because the surf is lower, snorkeling is much better.

One good snorkeling spot is right where you will be, at Kualoa Regional Park. On low tide you can also wade out to Chinaman's Hat there.

Many north shore beaches are great for snorkeling in the summer. Shark's Cove and Chun's Reef are two of the better north shore beaches for snorkeling. Yesterday, I saw about 10 sea turtles at Chun's Reef. That was from land as I don't snorkel any more.

You can go to Kualoa Ranch website to see what tours/activities are there.

www.kualoaranch.com

Lots of good hiking in the area.

http://www.snorkeling-hawaii-insider...com/index.html

www.snorkelbobs.com click on MapnTips at the bottom of the screen.

http://www.adigitaldreamer.com/snorkel/maps.htm

http://www.maui-vacation.net/snorkelmap.html

Lots of good Maui info:

www.mauihawaii.org

Two good early morning (although not terribly early)trips on Oahu: Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head. The Visitor Center at PH opens at 7:30 and the first film showing is at 8AM, followed by the trip on the launch over to the Arizona. The hike up Diamond Head is best done in the early AM as it gets hot and crowded along the path later in the day.
The one thing we did on Oahu that was the highlight of our trip was a wild dolphin swim/snorkel. It was just awesome to swim amongst the dolphins in the wild. If this sounds like something you'd like here's the website: www.sailhawaii.com
On Maui, check out Hookipa beach for windsurfers. On Oahu, you might want to try kite-surfing at Kailua Beach.

Iolani Palace should be a top priority if you plan to pack in any historical trips.

I prefer other hikes to Diamond head its crowded and under the sun. I would explore several trails before you leave you can even look up vista photos on the internet. I have done that before to decide on a trail. One of my favorite hikes is on Oahu. I would save for an over cast morning in the best scenario, Makapu light house trail. You will be alone and much of the path is paved, so this could be a good first hike of your trip.The visita at the end is just so stunning (windward coast)and you will not be surrounded by a ton of other sweaty hikers LOL. Just a bit nicer I think that than looking out of the view of a city as you do on the diamond head hike.

Great post dusty!!!

Wake up early and hike Diamondhead--you will beat most of the crowds and the heat!

Yes, Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor are good things to do early in the morning, as well as Hanauma Bay. If you like hikes, the hike to Manoa Falls is good too.

You guys are great...so much helpful info! 2 1/2 weeks to go before I leave for paradise! Just afraid that I'll be calling back to the mainland and sending for all my stuff once I'm there for 10 days. Guess that wouldn't be sooo bad...

Is the trip to Hana worth it at this time of year? I've read a lot of posts that seem to say the end of summer is not a good time because the various waterfalls seem to be dried up. Any insight? I was definitely planning on working this into my trip.

When we did the Road to Hana, it was in the winter, and the one waterfall was dried up at that time. It certainly didn't spoil our trip. :) Lots of beautiful scenery, even if you don't go all the way to Hana and beyond.

We've never snorkeled before. Can anyone give us some "how to" tips or guide us to a site. I've tried to find info, but keep finding nothing. I read something about people using some kind of a floater to be able to come to for clearing a mask, etc. Do people do this?

pianograd99:

Here are a couple links:


http://www.shorediving.com/Earth/index.htm

http://www.adigitaldreamer.com/snorkel/maps.htm

http://www.snorkeling-hawaii-insider...ling_maui.html

http://www.snorkeling-hawaii-insider...com/index.html

We sometimes use a noodle to snorkel with...gives you alittle support while adjusting your mask or snorkel.

Hopefully yours will fit well enough you won't be bothered with that, but if you are, it is helpful.

Belle

The other recommendation is to go early, as the winds make the water rougher later in the day....and you avoid masses of other snorkerlers if you're there early!

Belle

Maui Dive Shop publishes a helpful guide about snorkelling spots. If you're a beginner like me there's a recommended place - Kahekeli Beach (airport beach) it's right by the new Westin timeshare place in the north end of Kaanapali. They might expedite a mailing to you if you give them a call, you can google for the website. Have a great trip:)

Another snorkel site is:

www.snorkelbobs.com

Scroll to the bottom and click on MapnTips. Then click on the island(s) you want.

If you're not an experienced snorkeler, then the use of a noodle or vest may be a good idea. Basically, as OldSouthernBelle has noted, it gives a bit of support, so basically all you have to do is float and look.

shorediving.com is an excellent site that gives information and reviews on various dive/snorkel sites. Information on parking, how to get there, facilities, etc. Just make sure you read the reviews for an indication on whether it's an appropriate snorkeling site. Some of the sites listed are really dive sites and don't have great snorkeling.

Before you choose your site, also check the surf forecast. The North Shore on Oahu should be pretty flat, but it's not unheard of for the surf to kick up a bit occasionally near the end of summer. As an example, a couple of weeks ago I was diving out of Haleiwa and there were 2-4 foot waves. Being inexperienced, I wouldn't advise you of trying to snorkel unless the surf is flat to 1 foot.

Shark's Cove is probably the most popular, and it gets very crowded on weekends. Best to either go on a weekday or very early on a weekend. Most of the best stuff to see is at least 10 feet down - but it's still interesting even if you don't dive down for a closer look.

Firehouse and Three Tables are two other nearby sites, but parking is a bit more limited than Shark's Cove. However, if you park at any of these sites, it's an easy walk to any of them - they are all adjacent to each other.

Make sure you have a well fitting mask and use defog - it will cut down on the number of times you'll have to clear your mask.

Oh - and use lots of sunscreen. I see so many snorkelers with really bad sunburns on their backs - they lose track of time when they're checking out all the fishies down below.

And yet another question...you guys are just too good at answering the questions! :) So many people have asked questions about Feast at Lele vs. Old Lahaina Luau...and I will ask another one. I'm planning to do OLL because the menu at Feast at Lele doesn't seem appealing to us at all. I think we would like the menu at OLL much better - picky eaters, I guess, and not adventurous with food. However, is there maybe something we're missing on this decision? Neither of us drink alcohol...is there another good luau that may be cheaper if it doesn't include all the alcoholic beverages?

Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Oahu do a excellent show in a theater, called Horizons. They do a luau separate from that also. No alcohol is served, as they are a Mormon community and the Center is run by the Mormon college. Not sure how the costs compare...I'd have to check receipts.
None were cheap!

Really, I highly reccommend the OLL!.

Belle.