|
Hawaii -where to stay?
We are wanting to plan our first trip to Hawaii.
We're a 30 something couple. Normally go to Negril, Jamaica or Mexico but we are wanting to explore other places. I have been searching and searching online for a place to stay that is somewhat like where we stay @ in Negril. Which is a 1-2 acre property w/ a couple of houses on it, in a cove with water access. What we are looking for: -Not hotels, resorts or condo's -privacy, secluded -surrounded by the local flair and very laid back -inexpensive -does Not need to be a luxury 5 star location. We are used to open air, no tv's etc.. -snorkeling, Snorkeling, snorkeling -great restaurants a +++ especially vegetarian friendly. Not for me I love seafood! -on the cliffs would be Wonderful w/ water access but the beach is ok -lush foliage & lots of fruit tree's on the property -yum yum -and a great view of the ocean and mountains So am I asking for too much..??.. Any help, advice would be greatly GREATLY appreciated!! Catherine |
I'll be watching this thread, holding my breath, because if there IS an *inexpensive*, laid back place with everything you request... I'm sooooo in!!!!
|
You'd better define "inexpensive" in terms of dollars. No one could determine if your wish list was unrealistic or not without having an idea of how much your accomodation budget really is.
You are basically describing a www.vrbo.com type of place. There are some places on The Big Island that have been previously mentioned in posts that sounded similar, but they weren't on the water. How much time do you have? What in Hawaii do you want to see or do other than what you have mentioned? |
Well to us a vacation isn't a vacation unless you have 2-3 weeks. Any less is a waste of time to me 'unless' it is only a few hours away.
Inexpensive to me for Hawaii, hmm, guess a max of around $150/night maybe a little more. Of course thats jumping out of inexpensive a bit. Snorkeling & great restaurants is our main thing but we also would like an excursion or 2 to see the beauty of Hawaii & the culture. But nothing too adventurous. Laid back & relaxation is key. Nothing fancy. We're used to staying in places that have a roof, walls, fans, bathroom, small kitchen and not much else. The rest we bring w/us. |
Yea Suze,
Think I may be asking for too much. Know that Hawaii wont be as inexpensive as Jamaica but guess thats the main reason why we always go to Negril. We get our own house on private secure property w/ water access. Know there has to be 1001 pictures of me sitting back on the patio taken from the people on tour boats. if they only knew what little we paid compared to their stay @ Sandals. Not to mention our cove is the best snorkeling around right @ our feet :) and you can buy the catch of the day from the fishermen floating by. then cook it yourself or have the cook make it in the restaurant (only used if asked in advance). Plus 2 of the best restaurants on each side of us. One expensive & one inexpensive.. Geez listen to me.. guess I'll be going back to Negril this year.. lol |
You shouldn't miss out on Hawaii. You could easily enjoy 2 or 3 islands with 2 or 3 weeks.
Your budget is a bit on the low-ish side for a beachfront place. You might try looking at northshore Kauai. They have many really nice looking places. I'd suggest Hana area on Maui, Puna or Kalapana areas on The Big Island, also. |
No recommendations for Hawaii,but would love to know where you stay in Negril, since we've been going there for 30 years. Thanks!
|
I agree with character. We LOVE Hawaii and own a timeshare on Kauai. I have been to all of the islands and there is pletty to do on each so you may want to visit more than one if you are going to be there for longer than a week.
Hawaii is in no way cheap but there are places like you mentioned but they might not be right on the beach. I'd suggest contacting a realtor on the island that you want to stay on and see what types of rentals they may have available. There are also places to eat that are cheaper but you have to look for them....it's where the locals go. |
Character,
Thanks for the info. I have been checking out places in the Hana area etc. Know I found a place a couple of years ago that was reasonably priced but of course I cant find it now.. It was pretty sweet though, even had a small waterfall that lead down to the water access. I rembr it was south Maui west of Hana down by the tip. I'll keep searching though and if I find what I'm looking for I'll post it Suze.. Weadles, I'm talking about Citronella. I know some people on certain forums have said bad things about it but I have NEVER ever had a problem of any kind. & I normally stay in one of the two houses directly behind Sexy Rexy's. & I'm sure you realize the restaurants I am talking about now. I cant wait to have one of LTU's banana daiquiri's, pumpkin soup & coconut shrimp!! Yum-o!! Oh, A patty & coco bread from the bakery & sit back @ the hammock park & get a drink from Dennis.. Mmmm.. 10 months to go!! Oh & do you know what happened to negril.com website if you use it? I went there today or tried to, it has been quite awhile & it was like it disappeared.. |
Catherine:
If you are looking for seclusion, Hana is your place. It takes 3 hours on the Road to Hana just to get to Hana! There is a wonderful state park just before you get into Hana called : "Wai‘anapanapa" with a fabulous black sand beach and great caves to go exploring in. My husband and I went to Maui for our honeymoon and his brother recently got married there so we got a second honeymoon within one year! :) |
The downside of Hana is that the restaurant options are discouraging.
|
I travel to Mexico myself, when I don't go to Hawaii. You simply can't compare the two places in terms of price (same as Jamaica to Hawaii).
I do have several hotels that are in your price range ($75-125), but they are in Waikiki, which while it has snorkeling and great restaurants, it is in noooo way isolated, private, secluded, lush, etc. I've not been yet but sounds like the island of Kauai would be your best bet. |
Hi Catherine. Suggest you check out Napili Shores or Napili Point... Maui. The price, room views, beach snorkling should be to your liking.
|
I would suggest some time at the North Shore of Oahu. Secluded from the Waikiki tourist madness and a great beach cove next to the hotel. Tons of beautiful beaches for snorkeling (obviously dempends on what time of year you go). I went last May, the weather and water was great. I stayed in a condo at Turtle Bay in Kahuku. Search vrbo.com for places on the North Shore, the condo I was in was $125/nt. There are great restaurants in Haleiwa...about a 30 min drive from Turtle Bay. My husband is vegeterian and didn't have trouble finding anything to eat and if you stay in a condo you can always make some meals out of your kitchen.
We also love Kihei in Maui, beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling, but not secluded. Best weather on the island and tons of restaurants and condos to choose from. |
While I love Hana and have stayed there, there is no snorkeling that I know of, so be aware of that.
I can't think of anything that fits your price range that comes close to meeting all of your requirements. We have similar interests and have found major satisfaction in Hanalei on Kauai. You can find a semi-modest rental there for $150 a night. Walking distance to Hanalei Bay and beach, and to town for drinks and eats. 10-15 minute drive to excellent snorkeling and great beaches at Makua or Ke'e. You might also look into Haena. The are rentals in this more rural area that would fit your price range and is more secluded than Hanalei. Another area that popped in to my mind is the Puako area on the BI. Look into the east end of Molokai as well. Good luck and enjoy the islands. |
The term "Old Hawaii" is used to describe exactly what you are looking for (character, nature, local flair).
Based on your criteria, my suggestions are: MAUI: <b>Lahaina</b> is a good match and you can get even more inexpensive lodging in Kihei which is a short drive away. Lahaina is touristy (in a laid back way) and has excellent dining. <b>Paia</b>: on Maui's North Shore is a historic plantation town with Makawao (Hawaiian cowboy town w/ endless vegetarian and holistic options) nearby. My fave restaurant is a short drive away: Haliimale General Store http://www.bevgannonrestaurants.com/ Another VERY popular fresh seafood restaurant is Mama's Fish House http://www.mamasfishhouse.com/ (which incidentally also rents out beach cottages) http://www.paiamaui.com/ In my opinion, Hana on Maui is very beautiful but WAY too secluded and very far away from a town where you can get your great dining. KAUAI: <b>Hanalei</b> side. You've got a beautiful bay and gorgeous mountains. BIG ISLAND: <b>Waimea/Kamuela</b>: upcountry and very lush (not on the beach). Your excellent uncrowded sugar sand beach of Hapuna and Mauna Kea with great snorkeling are about 15 minutes away. I haven't stayed here, but it's bookmarked in my faves: Jacaranda Inn http://www.jacarandainn.com/ a cluster of luxury cottages at reasonable prices. Merriman's is an excellent dining option in town. As far as lodging....I'd do a search for "B & B's" once you narrow down the island and then location. I love VRBO.com for direct vacation rentals from it's owners. This is an excellent resource. Also, Tripadvisor.com is a wealth of info from travelers like us who make comments, rate, review and share photos on properties/locations. Good luck! |
I have to disagree with adventureseeker:
1. Lahaina is a very touristy town, by far the most touristy on the island of Maui. As an example, you have to get there by about 8:30 am to get a parking place. You will be walking past innumerable T-shirt/souvenier shops to get to your fine dining. It is worth a one-day visit, but it is nothing at all like what you have listed as your want list. 2. Kihei is a cheap version of Lahaina filled with condos. Filled. 3. Paia is becoming a cool place to visit- for everyone. Traffic is unbelieveable. Mama's is a great restaurant, but really very touristy and expensive. My party felt it was overpriced on our last visit. $57 for an entree? The beach cottage adjacent is perfect for someone who wants to spend their time in Hawaii eating at Mama's, (Which has an immense appeal), but the water is far far too rough for snorkeling, and it's hardly private and secluded. 4. Waimea/Kamuela is a half rainy/half windy town. You would be better off on the beach at Puako, although there are only houses or limited condos for rent. The drive from Kamuela to the beaches is not one I would be happy with doing every day. I think adventureseeker has given you advice centered around dining. None of the restaurants mentioned are inexpensive. I think you should look at north Kauai- Hanalei or Ha'ena. |
privacy, secluded, lush
inexpensive great restaurants I'm afraid, yes, that you are "asking too much". I don't think your list is realistic for anywhere in Hawaii I can think of. You can get many of those things, but not all of them in the same place. |
What Suze said ... :)
|
You could not get a decent room at a Great Western in Fresno for $150, so why set yourself for a disappointment.. Just head back to Negril.
Anna Roz |
You may want to check B&B's on Maui in the Upcountry area (Haiku or Kula maybe). Also, check out Molokai.
|
Character,
You bring up some excellent points. We all agree that the OP has a tall order for the price she'd like to spend and will not (likely) get <u>all she wants in a single location</u>....especially the beachfront. Hence, she may need to drive to fulfill the need for excellent snorkeling, dining, beaches, etc. I still stand by my choices of <b>Waimea/Kamuela</b> for pure relaxation and lush tropical environs. Climatically diverse, it's not always rainy/windy. Since most folks stay in the resort areas of Wailea and Kaanapali, <b>Lahaina</b> is more of a "destination". I'm offering that there are low key laid back places to stay within Lahiana....not necessarily in the heart of the village. And if so, the OP will more than likely be walking to dine/shop than looking for a parking spot. Although Mama's (which I personally don't think is worth the high price tag, but MANY are willing to and do pay) and Haliimale are not inexpensive, Paia and Makawao have a huge variety of inexpensive good eats with many options to choose from. Good luck Catherine73....you may not get it all, but there is something in Hawaii for you. |
Wailea/Kamuela may be diverse. However, that drive down and back up that road to go to a state park beach every day would make me insane. When I read OP's comments about the snorkeling and beach access, I just don't picture loading up the car, driving down to Hapuna, parking in the parking lot, setting up on the public beach area and then re-packing and driving back up again. For example, I just love Hapuna Beach, but I stay in the Hapuna Beach hotel so I can be on the beach any minute that I want. I agree that there are excellent restaurants in Wailea, but they are far pricier than OP describes.
I have to agree with others, unless you turn up a hidden gem, $150 a night is not going to buy you what you want in Hawaii. |
Funny, my very first trip outside the U.S. was to Negril Jamaica! Our room was $4/night at that time
:-) |
Catherine73:
I could have written your post! Thank you for posting this as this is how we travel too...and the same age. I am arriving in Maui in April. Upon my searching, here is a site that might help you. http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/index.html |
We spent 4 days of our honeymoon at POMAIKA'I "LUCKY" FARM B&B. It's in South Kona on the Big Island.
www.luckyfarm.com We stayed in the coffee barn. ($85 a night) It was exotic, rustic and clean. A bit secluded from the rest of the property and very private with an outdoor shower. Specific amenities: expansive view of the night sky, hint of exotic florals in the air, realistic soundtrack of tropical birds accompanied by the rhythm of a banana tree brushing across the tin roof. From the brochure: "Experience living on a century-old working macadamia nut/Kona coffee farm, surrounded by birds, tropical fruit, and exotic flowers. Eat all the mac nuts you can pick up, plus a hearty farm breakfast." There is not direct access to the water, but it is very near the Captain Cook Monument which is an excellent snorkeling site. Washer/ Dryer was available for use. The innkeeper had snorkels/fins for use by guests who didn't bring their own as well as coolers and ice. She helped us save a lot of money with snorkel, other trips. Not for those who prefer Hawaii as created by a resort. Perfect for anyone who wants a real Hawaiian experience. |
Aloha Catherine...
What time of year will you be traveling? North shore Kauai and Oahu are great for what you describe, but snorkeling out the door will only happen in summer months there. Big swells in winter months. mhc, lucky farm looks heavenly!!! Def one to bookmark for BI. mahalo ((R)) |
Hi Catherine & Everybody,
Okay, the place that has it all is North Kohala, and the tiny former sugar towns of Hawi and Kapa'au. http://www.gokohala.com/pages/about.html http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/special/bink.htm This is one of the oldest places in Hawaii, and the birthplace of King Kamehameha. Since I'm a vegetarian also, I'll start with restaurants. The best known is The Bamboo, which is in the old Takata's market, and is "Old Hawaiian" decor and "New Hawaiian" cuisine, which means delicious local produce and fish, and innovative styling. Friday and Saturday nights are wonderful local musicians, especially John Keawe. Many dishes have vegetarian versions with tofu, and I love their grilled polenta and greens salad. Fish is superb. Then, just down the road is Sushi Rock, which is gaining a world class reputation. We love the baked mac nut chevre salad, the caterpillar roll (avocados thinly sliced to create scales) and the Mac nut torte. The chefs are young and very innovative, and supposedly Alan Wong is a big fan. Wonderful, creative sushi. Tiny, charming old building which is a gift shop by day. Then, there is a new restaurant that I love called "Pico's Bistro". It's is delicious Greek/Hawaiian food, spanakopita, spinach quiche, almond torte, etc.(closed Tuesdays). Just up from the restaurant on the same property is a tiny museum devoted to the man who lived there all his life and was an artist of sorts. Up from that is a great art gallery/cooperative with reasonable prices. Luke's Place has live music every night and a living room-like lounge, and Sammy D's (burgers & plate lunches) is owned by the family of Miss Aloha Hula. Short & Sweet is a high end bakery with good sandwiches and pizzas on Fridays. HuLaLa for burritos. North Kohala has lots of local musicians, and many colorful characters. There is a great community park with a 6 hole golf course overlooking the ocean where anyone can play for $6! There are several significant archeological sites (Lapakahi, Mookini Heiau) beautiful views (Pololu). http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/activity/bihckoh.htm There are no resorts, condos, it is secluded, tropical, lush, rural, great view of Maui and the Kohala mountains, great whale watching, low-key adventures, very nice galleries, wonderful family owned businesses including a big grocery store that stocks organic local products. If you can be there for King Kamehameha Day, there is the most wonderful ceremony at the statue of Kamehameha in Kapa'au, as well as the most picturesque parade on the planet. http://www.kamehamehadaycelebration.org/ If you are there for the Iron Man Triathlon in October, Hawi is where the bikes turn around, and everyone comes and cheers. On Sundays, locals sing at the Kohala Coffee Mill. You might have a 90 year old lounge singer or a garage type cover band, and someone may offer to paint your portrait for free. There are many affordable guest houses, and the Kohala Village Inn which is $75 a night and is right in town. http://www.kohalavillageinn.com/index.shtml I don't know about this next place, but there are a lot of alternative type healing energy places to stay. http://kohalasanctuary.com/ There are many tiny churches and graveyards, lots of birds, geckos, wild boar. Great organic fruits and vegetables and farmer's markets. Oh, Kapa'au has the largest used bookstore in the state with the best collection of antique Hawaiian texts. Some of the links include info about snorkeling, and you are only 20-30 minute drive to the beautiful resort beaches at Hapuna and Mauna Lani. It is also a half hour drive on the most beautiful road to Waimea, with an amazing view of Mauna Kea. Waimea has the paniolo charm mentioned above, and many great restaurants, my favorites being Daniel Thiebaut's (tofu napoleon) and Merriman's. |
Kailani....
Aloha! Loved all your tips. We'll be on the BI in a couple weeks and you've become our honorary tour guide. Mahalo nui loa. |
Oh, that is so exciting! I'll write up some more ideas. I don't think I've oversold it. The Big Island is a very special place. Families have lived there for 1000 years. Hopefully, you will still see whales. Lapakahi and Pu'ukohola, are two beautiful, and free state/national parks, and are very sacred places.
http://www.hawaiiweb.com/hawaii/html...ical_park.html Maybe you'll be there for the Merrie Monarch in Hilo festival (March 30-April 5). The tickets sell out, I think, but it is on television every night and the Kahiko (traditional & chants) is stirring. I think there will be a parade & craft fair in Hilo towards the weekend. http://www.merriemonarchfestival.org..._festival.html Later in April is Earth Day. Here is a link, including the North Kohala recycled art Fashion show. http://konaearthfestival.org/events/Trash-Bash.htm Stop at Takata's grocery store in between Hawi and Kapa'au. Takata's is still run by the family who lived in the original store in Hawi that is now the Bamboo. We always buy $5 Takata hats, $8 Takata store t-shirts, and cheap flip flops. Takata's also sells lots of local organic products, including delicious macadamia nut butter grown in North Kohala. http://kokoikinaturalfarm.com/ There are farmer's markets at the Banyan tree, and a local flower and fruit stand. The Kohala Coffee Mill, Short & Sweet, Kohala Rainbow Café, and Nanbu Courtyard in Kapa'au also have great, inexpensive veggie meals (primarily lunch). The Mauna Lani has an amazing "Full Moon Talk Story" night at the Saturday closest to the full moon. Also free. There are so many great snorkeling places, and many other small cities with just as much aloha and places to discover. Have a wonderful trip! |
THANK-YOU Kailani & others!!
Some of the area's you've described is right up our alley. The restaurants, farmers markets, local art shops etc etc -super sweet!! I was starting to give up.. We've been searching online like crazy & could find places but I'm not Donald trump. Just a middle class couple that loves to travel. Though I think that with the suggestions made, I'm going to find that piece of heaven we're looking for :) Thank-you everyone for your suggestions!! |
| All times are GMT -8. The time now is 11:50 PM. |