Hawaii-which islands-what hotel?
Jun 21st, 2007, 10:25 AM
#21
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mrscpa10 - there are LOTS of things to see and do on Oahu. I think you'll like the Hilton - it's a nice place. Just across the street is a 24 hr coffee shop called Wailana's - they have a much less expensive menu than ANY place in the HHV and the food's good. There are food courts in the Ala Moana Center and the Int'l Market Place and other restaurants all over the place.
From the HHV you can walk all over Waikiki, or take the bus. If you're there on the weekend, be sure to go to the Paradise Lounge (in the HHV) and see Olomana - they are a very good local recording group. There's no cover charge in there either, just buy a drink or two - very laid back, open-air lounge.
If you like history take the Iolani Palace tour, or the free tour of the Moana Surfrider Hotel (the 1st hotel built on Waikiki), of course Pearl Harbor is a must. Chinatown is fun - lots of good produce, lei, pastries and other goodies. The Int'l Market Place is wonderful (IMO) and shouldn't be missed. The swapmeet at the Aloha Stadium is a great place for souvinirs and gifts - they are open Wed/Sat/Sun.
You should rent a car for a day or two to drive around and see the rest of the island - the North Shore, Waimea Bay, Kailua & other beaches all are worth visiting. Whatever you do, don't overplan - remember to RELAX and enjoy just being there.
From the HHV you can walk all over Waikiki, or take the bus. If you're there on the weekend, be sure to go to the Paradise Lounge (in the HHV) and see Olomana - they are a very good local recording group. There's no cover charge in there either, just buy a drink or two - very laid back, open-air lounge.
If you like history take the Iolani Palace tour, or the free tour of the Moana Surfrider Hotel (the 1st hotel built on Waikiki), of course Pearl Harbor is a must. Chinatown is fun - lots of good produce, lei, pastries and other goodies. The Int'l Market Place is wonderful (IMO) and shouldn't be missed. The swapmeet at the Aloha Stadium is a great place for souvinirs and gifts - they are open Wed/Sat/Sun.
You should rent a car for a day or two to drive around and see the rest of the island - the North Shore, Waimea Bay, Kailua & other beaches all are worth visiting. Whatever you do, don't overplan - remember to RELAX and enjoy just being there.
Jun 22nd, 2007, 03:36 AM
#23
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Hi Mrs.,
We did almost the exact same trip last August -- 10 days split between Oahu and BI, and stayed at the Hiltons on each. Both excellent hotels.
OAHU: If you plan to see Pearl Harbor, go EARLY one day (use jet lag to your advantage) to beat the lines, which can get up to three hours by early afternoon.
Spend a day at Kailua Beach -- rent a kayak, eat lunch at Bubba's, relax on the beach, maybe try windsurfing.
Also spend a day exploring the North Shore -- Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay, etc. Eat at Haleiwa Joe's and/or a shrimp truck. Yum.
Don't miss Hanauma Bay on Oahu!!!
On Big Island, you'll be about 2 hours or so from the volcano. Easy roads, so convertible vs. minivan won't make much difference. The active crew might like kayaking at Kealakekua Bay and snorkeling at Place of Refuge. Place of Refuge is also worth visiting even without snorkel gear.
Have fun!
We did almost the exact same trip last August -- 10 days split between Oahu and BI, and stayed at the Hiltons on each. Both excellent hotels.
OAHU: If you plan to see Pearl Harbor, go EARLY one day (use jet lag to your advantage) to beat the lines, which can get up to three hours by early afternoon.
Spend a day at Kailua Beach -- rent a kayak, eat lunch at Bubba's, relax on the beach, maybe try windsurfing.
Also spend a day exploring the North Shore -- Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay, etc. Eat at Haleiwa Joe's and/or a shrimp truck. Yum.
Don't miss Hanauma Bay on Oahu!!!
On Big Island, you'll be about 2 hours or so from the volcano. Easy roads, so convertible vs. minivan won't make much difference. The active crew might like kayaking at Kealakekua Bay and snorkeling at Place of Refuge. Place of Refuge is also worth visiting even without snorkel gear.
Have fun!
Aug 4th, 2007, 09:56 PM
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We just came back from 2 weeks on Maui & the BI. The Maui hotel was the Marriott Ocean Club. It is a bit more expensive, but you get a full kitchen, washer/dryer. It is a beautiful resort.
On the Big Island I would highly recommend the Marriott Walikoloa. It is a teriffic resort and the prices are very reasonable.
One item I will add - we used Pacific Wings Express airlines between airlines. Te
It looks like you have a lot of responses already, but if you have any specific questions I am glad to help.
On the Big Island I would highly recommend the Marriott Walikoloa. It is a teriffic resort and the prices are very reasonable.
One item I will add - we used Pacific Wings Express airlines between airlines. Te
It looks like you have a lot of responses already, but if you have any specific questions I am glad to help.
Aug 5th, 2007, 10:04 AM
#26
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mrscpa10: Here's a website you might like to peruse for info on restaurants on Oahu & BI.
http://www.10best.com/Big_Island/
Chia's Island Bistro at the Aloha Tower is good, but no water view, if that's what you're looking for.
This link may help you decide whether or not you want to invest in the ET book:
http://tinyurl.com/22l8en
We enjoyed diving with www.divemakai. They do snorkel tours as well. I'm sure they'd make recommendations regarding the lava tour. They are a friendly bunch.
http://www.10best.com/Big_Island/
Chia's Island Bistro at the Aloha Tower is good, but no water view, if that's what you're looking for.
This link may help you decide whether or not you want to invest in the ET book:
http://tinyurl.com/22l8en
We enjoyed diving with www.divemakai. They do snorkel tours as well. I'm sure they'd make recommendations regarding the lava tour. They are a friendly bunch.
Aug 5th, 2007, 11:00 AM
#27
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Hello everyone. You guys are great. I have not checked back for a month because of other family and work commitments. I came on at 2:08 today and found my thread right at the top as the first one. Olesoutherbelle logged in at 2:04. Amazing.
This is what I have so far. Honolulu from 08/21/07-08/26/07, staying at the Hilton. From 08/26/07-08/31/07-Big Island staying at the Hilton. Inter island flights on Aloha. Car rental-Alamo. I know some said not to use Alamo, but it was the cheapest and I figured someone has to have some luck there and since I am an optomistic person, it is going to be me. Per suggestions, I have 2 Entertainment books-we are five adults.
Now I need an Itineray and restaurants. Per suggestions, we are planning Pearl Harbor on Wed. I would like to do a snorkeling boat trip. Mild rafting trip. (Husband has heart problems and can't do too much exertion.) Walking okay, small climbs okay but nothing really strenuous. Tubing, waterfalls.
For trips that require reservations, can you suggest company names. I'd rather use ones that you recommend, than picking out of the phone book.
Are there any dinner boat trips where we can see flowing lava on BI?
Also, has anyone renewed their wedding vows? Since my children will be with us, I thought it might be nice. Can the decision be made at the last minute or do I need to make advance reservations? Where?
This is what I have so far. Honolulu from 08/21/07-08/26/07, staying at the Hilton. From 08/26/07-08/31/07-Big Island staying at the Hilton. Inter island flights on Aloha. Car rental-Alamo. I know some said not to use Alamo, but it was the cheapest and I figured someone has to have some luck there and since I am an optomistic person, it is going to be me. Per suggestions, I have 2 Entertainment books-we are five adults.
Now I need an Itineray and restaurants. Per suggestions, we are planning Pearl Harbor on Wed. I would like to do a snorkeling boat trip. Mild rafting trip. (Husband has heart problems and can't do too much exertion.) Walking okay, small climbs okay but nothing really strenuous. Tubing, waterfalls.
For trips that require reservations, can you suggest company names. I'd rather use ones that you recommend, than picking out of the phone book.
Are there any dinner boat trips where we can see flowing lava on BI?
Also, has anyone renewed their wedding vows? Since my children will be with us, I thought it might be nice. Can the decision be made at the last minute or do I need to make advance reservations? Where?
Aug 5th, 2007, 01:24 PM
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Konaboys.com on the BI ( Google search & come up with a 10% off coupon )is great for all kinds of info as well as booking a kayak trip to Cook Monument to snorkel.
You can arrange for DH not to have to do any of the actual paddling but it will of course cost extra. It's only a mile across the bay.
They pack a lunch for you, depending on your diet requirements. Ours was from Teshima's which is a small, local place with great food! We ended up ordering from there a couple more times ourselves.
Another rec they had, since we like sushi/sashimi, was Fugimama's. I was more upscale than Teshima's, along with the price, but totally delicious!
It's located directly behind another popular place, Pancho & Lefty's on the main drag in Kona.
http://tinyurl.com/382b59
Kilauea lodge is reputedly the best restaurant on the island. We found it to be great! Make the reservations for this one before you even leave home, since they book up way in advance, sometimes.
If you're in the area, stop at Keei for lunch or dinner - we did lunch. It's on the road back to Kona from Kona Boys.
Between Mile Marker 113 & 112 on Highway 11.
We did, but did not enjoy the Kona Brewery as much as the brewery on Kauai.
Very busy and limited menu. If you like beer, it may be the place for you though (DS does, I don't).
About the renewing of the vows: The beach is always beautiful, but may be becoming alittle too expected in my opinion. If you want something a little different than the norm: On the Big Island, I think I might ask Kilauea Lodge about doing it on their property. They have some dreamland/fairyland looking sections that would make for a unique atmosphere.
If I did do a beach, I'd consider a black sand beach (Kapahola BSB was gorgeous, but is clothing optional if that makes a difference) or some beautiful tidepool areas (Kealakekua?), or even Honaunau, if they allow that there.
The most beautiful area. also dreamlike to me was the Green Sand Beach. It's a 2 1/4 mile hike though, so perhaps not too practical for a ceremony.
You can arrange for DH not to have to do any of the actual paddling but it will of course cost extra. It's only a mile across the bay.
They pack a lunch for you, depending on your diet requirements. Ours was from Teshima's which is a small, local place with great food! We ended up ordering from there a couple more times ourselves.
Another rec they had, since we like sushi/sashimi, was Fugimama's. I was more upscale than Teshima's, along with the price, but totally delicious!
It's located directly behind another popular place, Pancho & Lefty's on the main drag in Kona.
http://tinyurl.com/382b59
Kilauea lodge is reputedly the best restaurant on the island. We found it to be great! Make the reservations for this one before you even leave home, since they book up way in advance, sometimes.
If you're in the area, stop at Keei for lunch or dinner - we did lunch. It's on the road back to Kona from Kona Boys.
Between Mile Marker 113 & 112 on Highway 11.
We did, but did not enjoy the Kona Brewery as much as the brewery on Kauai.
Very busy and limited menu. If you like beer, it may be the place for you though (DS does, I don't).
About the renewing of the vows: The beach is always beautiful, but may be becoming alittle too expected in my opinion. If you want something a little different than the norm: On the Big Island, I think I might ask Kilauea Lodge about doing it on their property. They have some dreamland/fairyland looking sections that would make for a unique atmosphere.
If I did do a beach, I'd consider a black sand beach (Kapahola BSB was gorgeous, but is clothing optional if that makes a difference) or some beautiful tidepool areas (Kealakekua?), or even Honaunau, if they allow that there.
The most beautiful area. also dreamlike to me was the Green Sand Beach. It's a 2 1/4 mile hike though, so perhaps not too practical for a ceremony.
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madisonmichelle
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May 30th, 2007 02:35 PM
