Hi
Hoping you guys can give some helpful advice yet again hubby and I are celebrating our 10yr wedding anniversary this year in oct. my very kind mother has agreed to have the kids for us for 5nights...I figure after travel from Australia that would give us 4 days in Hawaii. Is it worth it? Where would you stay? We hear the shopping/design outlets are amazing and would love to be in the best location for that and the beaches. Ok, thanks in advance!

Sure it is worth it if you have the time. Unless shopping is your thing, there are too many other things to do and see. You'll want to see what island fits your interests to figure where to stay. Maybe, island hop a day if you can afford it. You've got Pearl Harbor, Waimea Canyon, Volcanoes National Park, various waterfalls, black sand beaches, cliff jumping, and different excursions you can take part in.

Sounds like you're planning more of a shopping trip than a holiday, so sure, 4 days should be plenty for that. You'll want to stay in Waikiki for the shopping, and rent a car to sight-see around the island when the credit card's maxed out.

For me the short answer is no. Why wouldn't you go to Fiji (4 or 5 hours) or Tahiti (8 hours) both of which offer a similar environment? I realize you are probably looking for something that's more exotic and special for you, but I can't imagine taking a 12-hour flight both ways for just a 5-day trip, 2 of which will be spent in transit. Plus, airfares are outrageous these days.

I used to go to Europe for 4-day weekends from New York, so I definitely sympathize with the yen to travel internationally for a short trip, but that was worth it for me when a) I was younger and more resilient; and b) when I could fly to London for $400 round-trip. Now that it's more like $1000, I just don't get the expense.

From the OPs saga in Europe, shopping really is one of her favorite things. So IMO Oahu would be better than Tahiti, Fiji, or other islands. Good combination of scenery, history, beaches, and shopping.

I can't imagine flying all the way to Hawaii for the outlet shopping, so no I don't think its worth it. Where did you hear the outlets are amazing? Most outlet stores are selling lower quality items than their namesakes stores, so you get what you pay for. No way I would spend money on airfare just to buy cheap goods.

If shopping really is the purpose of the trip, then I'd go to Singapore (a bit over 8 hours by air from Sydney) or Hong Kong (less than 8 hours by air).

Wow, my DH would be just *thrilled* to spend four days sitting around while I went shopping...on our anniversary. LOL

Would *I* travel to Hawaii for that short a time? No. We come from Chicago -- 14 hours 'in transit'. I'd only endorse this if someone were flying from the west coast of the mainland. (Five hours out; four back.)

I agree with Doug.

For shopping and beaches, I would stay on Oahu. There is only one outlet that I'm aware of though http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=29 and it is not that big compared to the ones on the mainland. Otherwise, regular retail shopping is mostly available in Waikiki or at Ala Moana http://www.alamoanacenter.com/

If you stay in Waikiki, there are shuttles to Ala Moana (also walkable) and Waikele.

No way would I fly all that distance for only 4 days. That seems a huge waste of time and money to me.

If you decide to do it anyways, you want to be on Oahu, staying right in Waikiki for what you describe.

I wouldn't do it and I only have a 5 1/2 hour flight. Not worth such a short stay.

I've gone to Oahu on several occasions for 4 days i.e. weddings and graduations, but it is only a 5 1/2 hour flight for me and I was not visiting for the first time. I could not imagine flying from Australia to Hawaii for only 4 days.

Thanks guys! Looks like ill tuck Hawaii away for our big USA holiday that we will be when the kids are much older to enjoy it (and remember it) and then we can spend the time needed.

Been to Singapore more times then I can count on my hands flights are as cheap as. $99 one way from oz

Yet to go to Figi or the Maldives or Hong Kong or KL ... So we might just choose one of those instead ... Thanks again

its up to you if you want to go. If you have the energy then why not???
I think the flying time is 10 hours so that is only 2 hours more than HK, KL & Singapore.

I say go for it. even better if you can get a good fare on Jetstar business class.

Lots of Aussies love Hawaii but usually go for at least six days to Oahu and yes to shop
Jeans safe cheap !
Most of my colleagues have been at least twice
As fro Singapore shopping..not that cheap
And Hong Kong we found very disappointing..most things can be found at the little pop up shops in west fields and the handbags are cheaper in aid..the knock offs anyway

Hong Kong is strict about jimmy choo and Prada and I think Chanel..signs eat the airport warning you

I think London might be the go for god quality shopping and the US
Have fun whatever you decide

Thanks for the advice! Singapore always cost DH a small fortune when we go because Perth doesn't have Zara/Top shop etc

Will strike off HK

Would love to go back to London but 2015 I am planning 4weeks just France(South) Spain and Italy with the kids again! No need to comment over that! Last year made me see we are here only once and south of France won my heart! If we can relocate I would but I will settle with going back for a month every 2years

Anyway... So far we have booked Gold Coast with the kids... Me Bali with the girls .. Melbourne for a weekend kid free to watch the grand final football and our 10yr anniversary trip so I can't complain over the 2014 travel

If I'd have known the Maldives was an option, I'd have said "forget Hawaii!!"