Hawaii - relaxing?
 

My husband and I will visiting Hawaii for the first time (and the first vacation in many years)<BR>We will be in Oahu for 3 days. Maui for 1 week and Kauai for 5 days. However there seems so much to see and do - Wailea, Kaanapeli, Polynesean Cultural Centre, Na Pali, Poipe, Volacanoes, hikes, helcicopter rides (all thanx to Fodors).... <BR>What do well travelled Hawaii visitors recommend? Should we try to see as much as possible or should we try to just sit on a beach and relax - or a mix of both<BR><BR>Any suggestions would be great.<BR>Looking forward to seeing new sites but also want to come home RELAXED!

LESS IS ALWAYS MORE IN HAWAII My favorite spot is Kauai North shore but this is usually best in summer if you are looking for bright sun. I would rent a condo and stay in one lodging location for the entire trip. Your longest drive on this island will be 2 1/2 hours one way. I do suggest going over the west side at least twice Alakai Swamp (read to understand why this area is unique and scenic hiking), Kalalau lookout and Waimea Canyon. <BR><BR>There is a tremendous amount to do on all of the islands trying to do it will only stress you out and no way can you do this in 9 days on any island. I would shoot for a small island like Kauai for 9 days but if you are set on Maui this is nice also. I would only go to Big Island with a minimum of two weeks, so large you loose time driving.<BR><BR>Polynesian Cultural center IMHO is a definate skip search/look on this board for other feed back. I found it to be a tourist trap that the mormans profit from.

I will admit it is hard not to fall into the trap of needing to see a lot while you are in a new place. If you get the Ultimate Guide to Kauai and Mauai Revealed books and pick some things you really want to see, then leave room for lazy afternoons at the beach or poolside, you would end up with the best of both. On the last couple of days we spent on Kauai sitting by the pool staring out at the ocean my DH and I lamented that we should have done more of that! Can you ever relax enough? <BR><BR>We saw Na Pali from a catamaran that took a max of 16 peepas. That was relaxing. <BR><BR><BR>BTW no need to do the Cultural Center, go to Huanama Bay instead.<BR><BR>Have a great time!!

Aloha JJ,<BR>We usually go to Kauai for the whole vacation now. The usual breakdown is:<BR><BR>The first few days just decompressing from the year and the flight. Get your "island mojo" working.<BR>I've already booked a poolside massage the first full day there.<BR>Set the table up next to the jacuzzi and then just slither right in when finished.<BR><BR>The middle part of the trip is pretty hectic...We do most of the stuff then...mostly golfing of late since Mrs Kal now fancies herself another Tigerette Woods, then we allow the last 2-3 days to gear up for the return flight and to become manic again! <BR><BR>"348 days of nightmare surrounded by 17 weeks of reality" is the way we live now!<BR>Since this is your first time over to the islands, don't be suprised or feel guilty if you get hit with a big case of "island pace" and lay back and enjoy just looking out at the ocean with all the green hills behind you.<BR><BR>This will be our 10th trip over in 4 mo' days and we just throw out our "plans" as soon as our feet get on the carpet at the Lihue airport.<BR>As in life, a good mix works well.<BR><BR>Mahalo and safe travels,<BR>Kal

Kal has sent his thinking parts to Kauai ahead of his keyboarding fingers. He really only goes to Kauai for 17 days!!!! Not weeks.

JJ,<BR>I'm a big believer that schedules are for when I'm at work. We were in Kauai in June and had plans to see many of the things you mentioned. We thought a good mix of beach going and sightseeing, with no commitments on any one day, worked best for us. As my wife was 6 months pregnant, a "take it as it comes" approach was perfect.<BR><BR>Remember, there is no right answer. Just an answer that works best for you.

YIKES!!!!! hahahaha...it IS Monday, yah!<BR><BR>The most has been 21 days. I thinmk we have done that 2 or 3 times. Try coming back after that!<BR><BR>We may look for a place this time so in the future, 17 weeks may not be out of line. With my job all I need to buy is a laptop and ship my fax. Mrs Kal can take her clippers anywhere. <BR><BR>Hmmm..."Kal's B&B&B" Bed, breakfast and beverages? <BR>OK Suz...you can add B&B&B&BS if ya want. Think I can give "Gloria's" a run for her ohana?<BR>Kal

If you want to relax go to Florida, it cost a heck of alot less, a good way to look at is is this, if you are going to Hawaii for the first time and you are not sure you will ever go back, see everything you can, there is so much not to be missed, and it is unlike any other place. If on the other hand money is no object and you think you will return, by all means take it easy. <BR><BR>Maui, do not miss Haleakela, it is like nothing you have ever seen before, and the north drive past Kapalua towards the blowhole (ask any local for directions) has some incredible seacliffs. A wonderful scenic drive. <BR><BR>Hawaii is my fondest memory of all times, and I do not know if I will ever be fortunte enough to go back there, but I will always treasure the memories of all that we did and the beauty that we saw during our trip. <BR><BR>I work with a girl who has been 4 times and sits on the beach and has not seen even half of what I did on my one trip. Again the difference being she can afford to go 4 times, and I was not sure I would ever go back so we decided to make the most of it. <BR><BR>Have a wonderful time either way.<BR><BR>

Unfortunately, since you've never been there before, you'll probably be running around to see things more than relax.<BR><BR>On Oahu, make sure you visit the Arizona Memorial even if you have no interest in history or military. Both my kids were born in Hawaii and the Arizona Memorial remains their most favorite place because it's so beautifully done.<BR><BR>Go to Hanauma Bay to snorkel but first make sure you CAN snorkel as they've experimented with alternate days in the near past. You may want to continue around the island in a counter-clockwise manner afterward, assuming you have a rental car.<BR><BR>I agree that the Polynesian Cultural Center is a rip-off. Visit the little surfing town of Haleiwa on the north shore (and have a shave ice with vanilla ice cream from Matsumoto's) instead. The Dole Plantation on the way back to Waikiki is also worthwhile.<BR><BR>Walk through Honolulu for a few hours if you can as it's a beautiful city. Shop at Ala Moana mall for the best BIG shopping in the islands.<BR><BR>If you really liked snorkeling, you can continue it at Black Rock in Maui or at a preserve near Makena - can't remember the name right now, Makena Stables also has excellent horseback trips. Do not miss going to the top of Haleakala and some (not me)like riding down Haleakala on bicycles.<BR><BR>Stroll through Lahaina, another good place to shop.<BR><BR>It's been many years since I went to Kauai so it's not fair for me to make suggestions there. It's the quietest of the three islands you're visiting so you may want to save your relaxation time for there!

Anything that involves getting up early should be done in the first few days - jetlag will probably get you out of bed with the sunrise. After that - relax. I live in HI, but travel a lot. I've found that I can get one site seeing event accomplished per day max. I require the rest of the day to relax and enjoy my vacation. My first trip with my husband (to Europe) started out as a race to get through as many museums, etc. per day as possible because he couldn't stand the thought of missing something. Half way through the trip he was more stressed out then he'd been the whole rest of the year (and he was a fourth year medical student - so his average level of stress was really high). Pick a few things you really want to see and let the rest go. If the others things turn out to be important you will either 1) manage to make another trip to HI in your life-time or 2) reorder your priorities mid-trip to accomodate the new activity or 3) decide that one of the must-sees isn't really that important and drop it from the agenda. Realize that relaxing and beach lounging is a 'must-do' on vacation that is as important as seeing Haleakala or Pearl Harbor. <BR><BR>(Both Pearl Harbor (Oahu) and Haleakala (Maui) are good must-do's, IMHO)<BR><BR>Suggestions for things to consider NOT doing: (Again, just my opinion, other's may agree or disagree)<BR>1. Hiking Diamond Head<BR>2. Ala Moana Mall - its a mall, available anywhere.<BR>3. Polynesean Cultural Center - much bad feedback on people's experiences. Consider a luau (Old Lahina Luau on Maui being a good one) as an alternative.

thanks for the great feedback. I think we need to revise our list and try not to see EVERYTHING. Although we dont know if we will be able to return, we need a R&R break too.<BR>

Diamond head is a nice hike so long as it is a cool/overcast day. Also helps if you get up early and do this hike. But I would do Makapu light house before Diamond head. You get a panoramic view of a less developed coastline. Love the windward side. <BR><BR>Do always feel the need to say this. Iolani Palace is a definate must do if you are considering site seeing vs outdoor activities0. The stories you will hear from guides are as significant to Hawaiian history as Pearl Harbor is to U.S. mainland history. <BR><BR>Sorry must repeat what others have said unless you are a person who cannot sit still, less is more in Hawaii. I would not cram a ton of travel into a small space and time. If you find a beautiful place absorb it don't keep trying to find the next most beautiful place. JMHO

Kal do you rent or stay with family? If you rent tell us where you go how you get your deals. BTW did you know it is now only 2DAYS away from your departure.

Kal, and any others who have been there many times, any good restaurant suggestions. We will likely do 1-2 nice restaurants but then we have to be somwhat careful since we are on somewhat of a limited budget. <BR>Nice restaurant ($80-100? for dinner) The avg prices ($30-50? for dinner)<BR><BR>am I even at all close or reasonable???

JJ I would suggest keeping a sharp eye on Ahi at foodland/safeway. I have found fresh beautiful quality fish in Kauai supermarkets. I would go out once to the Princeville Sheraton or Hanalie Bay Resort also nice.<BR><BR>I find that you can prepare many local foods such as laulau (fozen), Kailua pork, tremendous amount of fresh fruits. <BR><BR>I never worry about finding a great restaurant (coming from NYC)on Kauai just so much more to do during the day. In Hanalei I also like Zelos beach house. Princeville and Sheraton afford wonderful views so it adds to your dining experience but I skip the big meal out when cutting costs also.

Re: Restaurants: Just returned on 12/14. Our all time favorite was The Beach House on the south shore of Kauai. Make reservations for sunset and relax and enjoy. It's expensive ($120 for 2 included bottle of wine, 2 entrees, 2 salads and coffee)but oh, so worth it. The food was wonderful!! The atmosphere is so romantic. If you can't do dinner -- go for a sunset cocktail..we celebrated our 30th anniversary there.<BR>We also enjoyed Roy's at Poipu Beach and Keoki's Paradise (in Poi'pu). <BR><BR>We had a condo and did some take home and cooking while on Maui and Kauai -- ate breakfast in the condo everyday. Someone on the board suggested we bring a collapsible cooler for packing lunches for road trips -- we did and it worked out great. <BR><BR>Try to relax a little -- we had 5 days on Maui and 5 days on Kauai and unfortunately, tried to do too much. It was very windy when we were there so our water activities were somewhat limited, but I do wish we had spent more time on the beach. There is just TOO MUCH to see and experience.<BR><BR>Have a good trip....<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

3 !!!!<BR><BR>Patrice, We wish we had family over there. Our families want US to be "the relatives on Kauai" so they can "visit".<BR><BR>We've stayed at the same 1.5* hotel on the east CocoCoast for the last 9 trips, this being #10. So, they give us a great "returnee rate". We've also sent some family/friends over throughout the years so they always appreciate that. Also,we are "DINCs" with a lot of vacation time available....<BR><BR>JJ, Nice restaurants? For that price range, it shouldn't be too difficult if you don't order an expensive bottle of wine or a lot of pupus before dinner.<BR><BR>Keoki's, Duke's, Mema's come to mind.<BR>You may be able to get that price range at The Beach House (get a reservation for a "sunset table"), Roy's, A Pacific Cafe.<BR><BR>Here is a site that may help. Rates the places by dollar signs.http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/rest/kauai.htm<BR><BR>Sarah...Why did you have to mention kalua pork!? arrgghhhh...Kalua pork nachos at Waimea Brew Co. yum!<BR>Good call on the fish. We've bought some and brought it back to the hotel bar for "sharezees".<BR>Kal<BR>

Oops..I also forgot about 2 new ones that opened last year while we were there. I think they are still open.<BR>Lemon Grass and Coconuts, both in Kapaa near Safeway/Foodland. In fact we parked in the Long's parking lot and walked up to both since their parking areas are pretty small.

Dont get me wrong - any cheaper restuarants would be great too! Especially since we are from Canada and our dollar is the pits- it is almost double with the exchange so any reasonable/cheap erstaurant are right up our alley (eh?!? - LOL)

jj, real inexpensive and a real "Local" restaurant is Hamura's Saimin Stand. It's down a street (more like an alley) called Kress, off of Rice(or is it the other way around?!?!?)I believe. Good Saimin and chik/beef teriyaki strips.<BR><BR>Rob's Goodtime Grill in Lihue had a good pork chop. The Burger Hut near the Marriott and Nawiliwili Harbor has good food and upstairs has a nice little view of the Kalipaki Bay.<BR><BR>Brick Oven Pizza in Kalaheo still some of the best pizza I've ever had.<BR>Across the street from The Brick is Pomodoro's. I've never been but hear from trusted others that it's pretty good.<BR><BR>Bull Shed has a great garlic tenderloin with a very nice view.<BR><BR>West side has Waimea Brew Co. Kaulua Pork...especially the Kaulua pork nachos. Good beer too.<BR><BR>Hong Kong Cafe in Wailua. Road runner Cafe up in Kiluea.<BR><BR>Certs up in Haena. Great view too.<BR>Bubba's Burgers!<BR><BR>Plenty others in Lihue.<BR>I could go on but I'm getting too hungry.<BR><BR>I can't recall where you will be staying. You pick a place yet?<BR>2 mo' days, sistah.<BR>Kal

oh now he is speaking the lingo "sistah". Kal I am also planning an annual trip. Are you from Kauai? You don't ever have an annual trip on another island? I keep going back to Kauai kind of have a pull towards Hanalei bay in August. But I miss volcano wonder what I am missing at the Old Lahaina Lua? And always lament not making a winter visit to gander at teh whales. Don't you ever feel this way? Just curious. You have to tell us about weather on the north shore on this trip.<BR><BR>Have a great flight and have a shave ice on me in Hanalei (little blue trailer). I also love breakfast at the open air Hanalei Bay Resort restaurant. Poi pancakes with coconut syrup and taro home fries for me please. Or was this two different breakfast treats mixed together in my head.

Sarah,<BR>TARO HOME FRIES? I'm there!<BR><BR>As for shaved ice, I'm a Lapperts man!<BR><BR>We're pretty much locked into Kauai-fever.<BR>We live in No Cal near Sacramento so we're pretty close.Ha.<BR><BR>Our first few trips we split it up amongst K, Oahu and Molokai. Then it was just K and Mo...then we just got tired of packin'/unpackin' and plopped it right there. Plus we like the lifestyle. Still laid back...not too many people...Great local people.<BR> Mrs K and I deal with people allllll day long so on some vacations we tend to "hermitize" ourselves.<BR><BR>We keep threatening to visit BI. I met and old HiSchool buddy at our reunion last Sept and found he's sold his business and is moving (sailing his boat over) to BI and we have an open ivitation...as long as I buy the beer. Think I'll get a room...cheaper!<BR><BR>Also found out my HiSchool counselor is now living on K in the Anini area so we will try and meet up with him.<BR><BR>Talked to our bartender friend 2 days ago and she said the whales are romping! I read where the no.shore beaches are closed due to 30ft waves! Awesome!<BR><BR>2 mo!<BR>Kal <BR>

I agree with previous posts who recommend sightseeing as much as possible on your first trip to Hawaii. If you want a beach vacation to relax stay in the Continental US. You will love Maui, dont miss the Haleakala bikedown, the road to Hana, Old Lanaina Luau and all the wonderful activities available. The activities can be expensive but worth the money since you already spent time and money traveling.

We went to Hawaii for our honeymoon many years ago and saw much of four islands during that time. My wife would have liked a lot more relaxation. When we went to Mexico many years later, I arranged the plans so that we had a relaxing day on the beach for each day of major sightseeing. I think it works well that way. Devote several whole days to just relaxing. Do the sightseeing in the middle of the stay at each place. Near the first and at the end, relax. The key is to plan to relax.