lizg14

We are going to Hawaii in late October for 5 days. Neither of us have been there and have no idea where to begin. We love the sun, water, hiking and adventure. We would love to know what island to stay on and where. We are looking for above average accomodations (3-4 star). Should we island hop? Would like to maybe hike a volcano, see the black sands - we are open to anything. Please advise.

Thanks!

egret

Five days may not be enough time to island hop. If you can make it 6 days, you could have enough time.
I would recommend going to Maui and then maybe coming back at a later time to do the other islands. The beaches are wonderful. I would recommend staying in Kannapali, Kapalua, or Napili. There is everything to do from hiking Haleakela, the volcano, to the beautiful beaches, to going on the road to Hana. You can even go on a snorkeling tour boat to another island such as Molokai or Lanai. Try to go to a luau, such as Old Lahaina Luau. The luaus are wonderful and are worth the money.

Sammygrll

I used to live on the Big Island for 10yrs..and LOVE Kona!
Suggestions...Kona is amazing..that side of the island has everything! beach, country, you can drive to the other side of the island and see wterfalls and the old "paniolo" way.. "cowboy"..pass small towns that I can recommend too.
The Sheraton just opened about 2yrs ago on Ali'i Dr. in Kona. Our friend is a chef at Jackie Reys restaurant..locals and tourists go there...greta food! The Fair Wind is the best snorkel boat on the island! If you're interested in Kona, email me..I'll be happy to help you! [email protected]

dusty56438

The only island with a live volcano is Big Island.

Haleakala on Maui is a huge volcanic crater.

Diamond Head on Oahu is a volcanic crater that you can drive into & hike to the top.

Don't island hop unless you have at least 7 nights.

More to see & do on Oahu than any other island.

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34812564

www.visit-oahu.com Free brochure There are over 400 websites for lodging, restaurants, attractions in the brochure & on the site. Click on: OVB Yellow Pages

www.bigisland.org Free brochure

www.visitmaui.com Free brochure

www.mauihawaaii.org

www.kauaidiscovery.com Free brochure

www.kauai-hawaii.com

dusty56438

Should be:

www.mauihawaii.org

(one too many a's in the first post)

JarredK

Sounds like you already chose your island. Sun, water, hiking, adventure, black sands, volcano - you just described the Big Island.

karameli

I agree with the above poster who suggested Big Island. Although Oahu is my fave, the Big Island wins out as far as the volcano (active!) and the black sand beaches. There are tons of hiking trails just in Volcanoes National Park alone. You can also go kayaking on Kealakekua Bay, and there are loads of great snorkeling spots (Captain Cook, Two Step, etc). It's the most rugged of the islands -- not many "postcard" beaches -- but also fun and ideal for adventure.

travelguy120

I agree with the above posters. If you don't have time to island hop, the BI is "one-stop shopping." Definetly check out the volcano, it is really an incredible sight. For a great hike I would recommend trekking to the green sand beach (off of the highway between Kona and the Volcano). It takes a little work to get there but it really is a beautiful hike. For a lunch spluge, Brown's Beach house is a must.

lizg14

Wow, everyone! Thanks for the informative replies. Based on time and your input, I'm guessing the Big Island is the place to go. Thanks again! Would love specific suggestions if you all have time to offer them.

Sammygrll

The Sheraton is really nice...went there when they first opened about 2yrs ago before we moved.
The Fair Wind is the best snorkel boat. It's up in Kealakekua..call them..they have lunch, and a bunch of snorkel things..sooo funn! Thay take you out to Captain Cook bay to see the monument.
Jackie Reys restaurant...local food...you'll find locals and tourists alike there.
Huggo's restaurant on Ali'i Dr....really yummy too!
Kahalu'u Beach, or also called Turtle Beach is right on Ali'i Dr. If you go early in the morning, you'll see turtles...good snorkleing too..but has rocks.
Also magic sands, also on Ali'i Dr....sometimes it's all rocks, sometimees its sand..lol
Look into driving to the other side of the island to see the volcano and waterfalls. When you go on the main highway, stop by Honoka'a. It's a small small local town, you'll pass it on your left and see Tex-Drive Inn. It's kinda like a local diner..get their malasadas!!! Soooo good!
If you're into horseback riding..that's also in Waimea and Honoka'a.
Bubba Gumps has the best breakfast in town! You'll never guess cause it's soo "trendy" and touristy, but Kona is the ONLY place where this restaurant chain has breakfast. Go in the morning, sit outside and listen to the waves...walk around town and just admire everything. Pick a plumeria, wear it in your ear.
On Sundays stop by the farmers market..it's right across from Bubba Gumps in the parking lot near the Kona lirary..can't miss it.
Ohh and go up to Kealakekua...it's old town there...cool neat art shops, restaurants...the Aloha theater.
Hope some of that helps. Feel free to email me...we often go back home and my mom still lives in Kona!

Sammygrll

Woops...forgot to menion that Bubba Gumps is also on Ali'i Dr. and so is the farmers market.

tulsagirl7

If you only have 5 days my advice is to visit just one island. Maui is my first choice because you can ferry hop to Molokai or Lanai in a few hours and feel like you've visited two islands.....they're so different. If you're looking for adventure and want to know where to find it read the Maui Trailblazer guidebook, a favorite of ours. The most beautiful 3 to 4 to five star hotels are in Wailea and if you want to hike a volcano, a one hour drive will take you to Haleakala Crater. Try the Sliding Sands Trail. It can get cold so prepare with a warm jacket and long pants. Second choice: Big Island of Hawaii where there's an active volcano and sometimes you can walk right up to the flowing lava. Check the Volcanoes National Park website for current conditions. Hotel choice there would be the Mauna Lani. Snorkeling is best in Kealekekua Bay.

karameli

If you're going with Big Island, I loved Hilton Waikoloa. It's a megaresort, lots of pools, lagoons, restaurants, etc. Mauna Lani is in the same area, but a little more "refined luxury" and more expensive. Both are on the northwestern side of the island.

However, I will say that I would stay in Kona (southewestern side) next time around. It's much closer to the volcano, the green sand beach, black sand beaches, and K-Bay. We did a LOT of driving from the Waikoloa area!

trippinkpj

We stayed at the Waikoloa resort area also for a week a few years ago (at the Bay Club close to the Hilton). Yes, a lot of driving to get to places and the next time to the BI we'l stay in the south Kona area.

karameli

Trippin, every time I read your posts I suspect we travel in a parallel universe.

trippinkpj

Way cool, karameli.