Crefloors. I really thought I'd just want to use bus and public transport in Honolulu. But since a couple people have said we really should have a car -- especially to explore the island, I started thinking maybe either rent one for the last day or two, or if we're going to be driving around the island that day or two, maybe stay away from Honolulu instead of returning back at night for just one or two nights. But I'm not sure that there's really any need to have a car at all there really, is there? And in fact is there that much need to explore the other parts of Oahu if we're doing three other islands.

Yes, Big Island is the one I'm comfortable moving more on -- either two or possibly even three places. If we stay in Hilo, is that fine for visiting Volacano NP, or should we really spend a couple nights in Volcano Village to do that properly?
Meanwhile, the great place in Hilo we found apparently isn't air conditioned. I looked and saw that mid Sept. averages in the 80's with upwards of 80% humidity. That's like Florida weather, and I think I'd need AC.

Hello, see above post:

"Author: Mambo_
Date: 03/01/2008, 12:00 pm
On the Big Island, we have stayed three times at Sea Village condos. It's a very nice, low-key condo complex, just below Kona, so it's a short drive to Kona and if you go south, a short drive to a little cove beach. We've had two bedroom/two bath units for a very good price. I imagine they have studios, too, but I'm not sure.

We love Sea Village because there are outstanding full-on ocean and shoreline views, the units are well-kept and managed, free tennis, free parking, a nice little oceansice pool, evening reception once a week in the pretty central garden area, barbeque pits for guests' use anytime in the garden, also.

There are eight buildings, I think, each of them just three-story, so it's not a big highrise place. No elevators, though.

The units are individually-owned, so you find them all over when you Google. Some are managed by Sunterra.

Good luck. Your plan sounds mahvelous!

P.S. Once, long ago, we rented a duplex near Poipu, directly from a realtor there, for a very cheap price."

I'd jump on the one you found for $105, with the two-sided lanai. I found some cheaper, but they had partial views.
:)>-

Sorry, Mambo. I read your post and even tried to find SeaVillage on VRBO and couldn't. I found it quite by accident on another site. Yes, this one looks great. However, I see no mention of AC in the units. Again, I sort of worry about that after looking at Weather Underground, or perhaps they do have AC?

All these Hawaiian names are getting to me -- even getting a bit confused now which towns are on which islands.

It's always difficult to know how to divide your time, even if it seems like you have a lot of it..the days go by quickly, at least they do for me when I'm traveling. I think it's even harder when you aren't familiar with the place you are visiting.

Oahu has some very lovely areas and sometimes it's easier to see them if you have a car, but at the same time, you want down time and relaxation time, so you certainly can do a lot by using The Bus.

Another possible suggestion would be to rent a car for one day and just take a leisurely drive around the island. Like I say, Oahu isn't that big and that could make a very nice day.

What ever you end up doing I think you and Lee will really enjoy your time and will have a wonderful vacation. I love Hawaii, and being on the west coast it's easy to get to, but I haven't been for about four years now. Time to go back I think.

Neo, there's no A/C, but ceiling fans in the rooms at Sea Village.

You don't typically find A/C in Hawaii, even in the lavish resort hotels. I hate the heat, too, especially if it's humid, but I've never been uncomfortable anywhere in Hawaii w/o AC.

As they say, the ocean breezes keep it comfortable. And you will want your windows and lanai doors open to hear the ocean waves, anyway, when you're that close as at Sea Village.

If you Google Sea Village, you will find lots of hits. We used to rent directly from Donita's Vacations, and we once got a 2 bdrm/2 bath for $500 for the week! Now, that was about 8 years ago, though. You could Google, and call Donita, see if she still handles Sea Village. She may have just had the one, I don't know. (It was in the building across the garden, seen in the lanai photo from the one you found.)

I see you have considered Napili Point, also, on Maui. We stayed right next door to there, many years ago, at Napili Shores. It was less expensive, because it doesn't have full-on ocean views. However, some of the condos face a little cove, I think it's called Hanakeana, so that's a pretty view.

The cove is just steps away, and it's an amazing place to snorkel. The good news/bad news is that people feed the fish in that cove (frozen peas), so its populated with so many fish it's like an aquarium. (This was a long time ago, and maybe people don't feed them anymore.)

When we go to Hawaii, we have liked the Big Island the best, for its variety. We've stayed one week at a time, at Sea Village, and then at a more lavish resort up north, like the Mauna Lani. We don't like to check in and out of hotels much.

On the Big Island, there's a little town we liked, up the hill from Kona. There's an artist there we like, but I've forgotten her name. Very vivid colors, still lifes of flowers and fish (duh-- it's Hawaii!). I could find her name if you're interested.

Good luck in your search! Hawaii is really great, and you'll be glad you're there.
:)>-

P.S. I may have Napili Point and Napili Shores mixed up! We stayed at the one I described, at the cove, and the other one had its own beach.

There was also a very low-key place there, named after the cove, so something like Hanakeana Cove.
:)>-

Patrick, I have stayed just north of Hilo before and a/c was very necessary. The humidity makes it too uncomfortable to sleep at night. If you stay in Hilo I don't think it is necessary to stay in Volcano too or vice versa. They are close together by BI standards, about 30-40 minute drive so I wouldn't want to bother with an extra move from one place to another.

The only place I have ever stayed on the BI without a/c is in Volcano where it gets quite cool at night, we even used the fireplace.

For your comfort rent a place with a/c and then you can choose not to use it but at least have the option.

Needing A/C might also depend on which side of the island you're on-- windward or leeward. If you limit yourself to condos with A/C, you'll find very few.

http://www.napilipoint.us/index.htm
This is a Napili Point one bedroom by owner I found, offering a 15 percent discount off the regular rate. Maybe they'd negotiate for an even better rate.

It's spelled Honokeana Cove, but I looked at the units and they are slightly rickety.
:)>-

Mambo, you mention never having AC in Hawaii, but when do you go? While it looks like temperatures don't vary a whole lot there year round, the humidity levels seem to really rise -- at least in August/September when I was looking at them. I was kind of surprised by the variance in high and low season there. Sometimes they really overlap or actually reverse from place to place. I'm starting to notice that SOME of the highly discounted ones in summer are the ones without AC. So it must mean something. But in all honesty the vast majority of the condos I'm seeing do list AC.

Meanwhile I'm laughing at myself for not finding SeaVillage when you mentioned it before. I kind of think I was looking under Maui! See, I told you I was getting confused.

We've been to Hawaii several times, once on Kauai in January (do not recommend this time of year), but mostly in the summertime when the kids were out of school.

I know we were at Sea Village the first week in July, the last visit. Never in September, because of school schedules.

I may be wrong about finding A/C, I just remember not having it and not needing it. Everyone's different, of course, but I have a very low tolerance for hot weather. I'm a wimp when it comes to humidity, too. The ceiling fans in the bedroom are a must for me.

I was always comfortable at Sea Village. When we drove to Hilo one day, it was muggy and still, so I was glad we weren't staying there. Maybe not as windy there, I am not sure.

If you can find a condo you like, at the right price, with A/C, it might give you peace of mind to have it, if needed.

But, like I said, one of my favorite things is to hear the ocean, especially at night and in the early morning. A/C would eliminate hearing outside sounds. There are also great birds to hear in the early morning, so long as your windows are open.

:)>-

Patrick, each of the islands is different, and Oahu is my favorite. I do think you will enjoy having a car for a day or so to see what is unique to Oahu outside Waikiki and downtown Honolulu. (Do see Iolani Palace in town.) Some beautiful places outside the city are Hanauma Bay, Punchbowl Cemetery, and the Pali lookout where King Kamehameha and his warriors pushed their opponents off the cliffs to consolidate rulership of all the islands.

If you are at all interested in myths and legends, visit your local library and read up on island lore. It's quite interesting, as is James Michener's book <i>Hawaii</i>.

You mentioned short hikes. We did Manoa Falls (need a car) and Diamond Head (can reach by bus, although a limo pulled up and took 7 of us for bus prices).

A month's visit will be fabulous.

Several of the times I've visited Waikiki and environs, I did not have a car. I relied on The Bus.

http://www.thebus.org

From our hotel in Waikiki, I have ridden the bus to Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Manoa Falls, the Aloha Stadium swapmeet, and even Pearl Harbor. One time, with my father, it was just one of those days when we felt like riding a bus (go figure) but we took a circle tour of the island. Took a few hours but it was a hoot! At that time, it was only $1 for the whole ride. Now I think the fare is $2 (regular far, cheaper for seniors).

I have even purchased a monthly pass for only a week's stay as it totally paid for itself in all the times I used it.

There is even a senior pass if you are 65 or over that is cheaper than the regular pass.

Aloha Patrick,

I have been following your thread, not quite sure what to add to your request, as my jaunts to Hawaii, mainly O'ahu and Kauai look a bit different than your request for being able to walk to breakfast and to dinner... but after reading thru some of the converse, my thoughts...

On O'ahu, I think your idea of 5 nts Waikiki w/o a car are spot on. To forgo the rest of the island would be to your loss, tho, as most of the natural beauty of O'ahu will be found away from Waikiki. I'd suggest you rent a car for a few days, check out @ Waikiki and book 2 nts on the north shore.

I checked my fav spot for absolute chillin out, KeIki Beach Bungalows for the 1st week of Sept, and they unbelievably have vacancy.

http://keikibeach.com/

The Orchid is their primo bungalow. Full kitchen, living room, bath, bedroom. The views are million dollar. I know you said that the beach is not a big deal to you, but this spot may just change your mind. VERY low key, relaxing, and views from the lanai second to none. 2 nts here would be perfect for you after Waikiki.

Drive leisurely north up the windward coast... stop along the way to your hearts delight... many of the highlights have already been posted here, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Pali lookout, Byodo-In Temple, Macadamia Nut Farm Outlet, Romy's Shrimp Truck, or Giovanni's... stop @ Turtle Bay and have a glass of bubbly, lunch, pupus or dinner... crashing at KeIki at the end of your day's travel.

Next day scope out Haleiwa, Wyland's Art Gallery, along with a few other galleries. Dinner at Haleiwa Joes or Jamesons by the Sea.

The airport is a 45-60 min drive from here. Drive south through the central plateau and enjoy the views.

This would be a very relaxing way to wrap up your time on O'ahu.

Best guide book I have found for O'ahu is &quot;Driving and Discovering Hawaii, Oahu, by Richard Sullivan. Great photos, maps and highlights. My book is so beaten, I'm ready for a new copy.

Hele on to Kauai... ;;)

I was hesitant to give recs since you wanted walking distance to eats, but in Sept, I think you'd realy miss out if you didn't stay on the north shore. The beauty of the pali, as well as the quaitness and aloha of the north shore speaks volumes.

Mr. mauka and I stay at www.kauaivilla.com ... a freestanding villa... 2 BR which I know is more than you need, and desire to spend, but thought I'd share anyway. It is w/in walking distance of the Princeville Resort, and has both breathtaking mountain, and ocean views.

I have photos of the villa and much of Kauai online at http://makai.piczo.com/?cr=1
Scroll down my homepage to the Kauai album.

Possibly there may be somewhere more affordable on the north shore Kauai for you, but to stay in Kapaa or Poipu in Sept, you will miss out on the enjoyment that the spectacular natural beauty of north shore excudes... from your lanai! :D

Hanalei is heavenly... and if you choose to stay there, you will not be disappointed.

Enjoy your planning... half the fun, even if it is exhausting!!

Much aloha...
((R))

The Manoa Falls trail is a nice short one, but only on a dry day. You don't need a car to get there. The #5 Manoa bus from Ala Moana Center goes back there.

Bus to the North Dhore takes about 2 hours(each way), and places like Pearl Harbor and Hanauma Bay are easily reached on the bus too. You can also get reasonable tours to hit island highlights without driving.

makai1, I appreciate your comments, honestly --but when I say I want to keep lodging at about $100 a night, that does not include $325 a night (including tax) villas on the north shore of Oahu. They might be lovely -- spectacular even -- but we would rather spend a month exploring casually rather than shooting the entire budget in a few days or a week.

And when I say &quot;walking distance&quot; to places to eat, the Princeville Resort is not one of them. I see us being happier in Hawaii eating fish tacos or ribs at picnic tables or on an open deck, than fine dining on this trip. Heck, I doubt we'd even do a Roy's while there -- after all we have one 5 blocks from our house. And with a partner who now sometimes forgets how to use a fork, I'd rather be where happily eating your salad with your fingers would be considered just fine.

But I think we would like to get a car for a day or even two to explore Oahu.

Patrick, just a thought about cheap eating.

When in Waikiki, take a lovely walk down towards the marina. You'll pass a park and then see all the boats, maybe be there when the fishermen come in with their catch. They hang the fish up for awhile.

Then a bit further along on your stroll is the Ala Moana Mall (or you can take the bus here). There's a HUGE foodcourt in the mall, biggest I've ever seen. Lots of different foods, too. One place my DH loves sells the kalua pork for a fraction of what you'd pay in a restaurant (okay, it's just a foodcourt but it's cheap and pretty tasty).

Patrick, if you are in Kona, a good place to eat is the Kona Grill, in the middle of town. They have a dining room, but we always chose their outdoor patio for dinner.

It overlooks the water, so it's a beautiful setting, and they have a good sandwich and salad menu. There is a 'fresh catch' sandwich we'd usually get, and my favorite was ono. I highly recommend Kona Grill.

And on certain days, there's an open air market, just south of Kona where you can get fruit and keepsakes.

You will love Hawaii, for sure.
:)&gt;-

Mamba, I suppose that Kona Grill is the original of the one we now have right here in Naples? Their &quot;Big Island meatloaf&quot; is excellent.

Meanwhile, I thought Honolulu would be easy for accomodations, but it seems every place that at first glance looks good and comes at a great price, when I find reviews they are absolutely devastating -- particularly for VRBO and other condos. Mold, mildew, stains, noise, threadbare carpets and furniture are just a few of the complaints. A hotel would be fine in Honolulu. I also thought it might be a great place for Priceline, but spending some time on Bidding for travel, it doesn't look very promising. I see quite a few people not getting bids and some paying more than standard AAA or senior rates offered by the hotel. The best advantage there is bidding top resorts and getting a good deal, but I'm still not looking to spend $200 or more a night.

Hmmm. Maybe not. I see the chain of Kona Grill throughout the US does not even have one in Hawaii. Guess they just &quot;stole&quot; the name.

Patrick, I'm not sure. We have a Kona Grill in Denver, too, but I asked them once and they acted like they'd never heard of a Kona Grill actually in Kona. Strange. Anyway, the one in Kona is not as expensive as the one we have here.

It may take awhile, but you'll find a place. Hawaii is always expensive, but it's such a wonderful vacation spot.

Maybe, if you find a really good deal somewhere, you'd want to stay there two weeks instead of one? Like at Sea Village! It would also save on inter-island airfare to move around less.
:)&gt;-