magnumholmes

We have been wanting to go to Hawaii for years, not for the beaches or parties though. We would like to go see the attractions, i.e. USS Arizona, DiamondHead, etc.

I have priced out vacations and for flight and hotel for four nights in March, the cheapest is $845 plus airport transfers and any of the activities we choose to do.

Does this sound reasonable? I really have to get this trip set up if you all think it's worth it at that price.

Where would you recommend staying, right in Waikiki, on the outskirts or what?

Thanks for the replies in advance.

dusty56438

Most of the things in Hawaii are free or inexpensive.

Most stay in Waikiki. But others choose to stay outside of Waikiki as there are less tourists.

I recommend renting a car so you can get out & see Oahu. But, some take buses around. If you do not plan to rent a car, then stay in Waikiki.

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

Andrew

Whether $845 is reasonable depends on where you are flying from. In December I flew non-stop from Portland to Honolulu for $290 round-trip and booked my own hotel. It would have cost a lot more flying from Boston.

When I went, I rented a car and drove all over Oahu plus saw the attractions you mention. I also did four nights, which honestly was perfect for the rainy December I was taking a break from. I am glad I went - had a great time, took lots of pictures (I'm a photographer).

As for where to stay: if you will stay in a conventional hotel and want to stay on Oahu, then Waikiki is probably the best place to stay. I found a bargain hotel 1 block from the beach at the south end of Waikiki and was glad to have the oppotunity to go for a morning swim. The rest of Oahu has few hotels, but if you like the idea of a bed and breakfast, there are a number of them around Oahu. I disliked Waikiki myself and liked the rest of Oahu much better and would seriously consider staying at a B&B next time - but for a first trip I'm glad I stayed in Waikiki, because it was close to much I wanted to see.

hulajake

Where are you flying out of and what days of the week for departure and arrival. Need to know that info to say whether or not you are getting a good deal.
For years we never thought we would ever be able to go to Hawaii now we are planning our fourth visit. With only four nights I think I would get a hotel in Waikiki. There are so many things to see and do on Oahu that you could very easily do a couple of weeks.
You will want to climb Diamond Head either early in the morning or late in the day as the sun gets very warm inside and little wind.

magnumholmes

We are flying from the Midwest (MO), going from Saturday through Wednesday.

Bed abd Breakfast sounds great, we like that. But there aren't any package deals I've found that offer a B&B. We love B&Bs.

mikeshamokin

Hawaii is definitely worth visiting and that's a pretty decent price if you are staying at a nice hotel in Waikiki. Pearl Harbor is a great place to visit, but make sure you get there early. The last time I went, I got there at opening hours and didn't have to wait long (can be hours) for my tour to begin.
Diamond Head is a nice hike and picture spot and is pretty safe. There are other spots on the island if you like hiking that aren't as busy with tourist as Diamond Head. You just have to make sure your car is locked and your with someone in some of these areas.

For 4 days, you'll probably be best staying in Waikiki. I spent 2 weeks at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach the last time I was there and it was modestly priced with excellent service. This year, I'm getting married and having a reception at the New Otani Hotel. It's got GREAT rates, but I've never been there.

Good luck with your trip!

Swaying_Palms

I think a lot of people would consider four nights really too short for departures from anywhere other than the W. Coast.

hulajake

I looked at a couple of Saturday departures in March on Expedia. Tried the 17th first and then the 24th the 17th was higher I figure because of it being St Patricks Day. The other thing I saw was the arrival time in Honolulu it was in the evening which would mean that you spent one of the four and didn't see anything.
There are several search engines though plus Ohana and some of the other hotels have air and hotel packages.

suze

That sounds cheap to me if it includes plane ticket and four nights hotel. If the hotel is included in a package deal, most likely it will be in central Waikiki.

Have you priced plane tickets separately? I ask because my favorite hotel is $125/night and quite nice with kitchenettes and pools, not exactly a B&B but not a big-box high-rise which is likely what will be included in a vacation package.
www.hawaiianahotelatwaikiki.com

There is so much to see and do in Honolulu/Waikiki that has nothing to do with beaches or parties, don't worry about that. The places you already mentioned plus Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, military museum at Fort de Russey, Natatorium, the Zoo, etc. And that's not even talking about the rest of the island of Oahu!

I would *strongly* urge you to stay at least 7 days, if possible. It's a LONG flight to Hawaii & basically your first and last day are spent with the airport/hotel/etc. With your proposed plan of four nights only, you are spending a lot of money and traveling a long way to end up with barely 2-3 days actual vacation time.

(I just got back a couple weeks ago, my third trip to Waikiki, great place!)