Hawaiian Vacation Itinerary-Last visit 30+ years ago so I need your suggestions!
Jun 6th, 2007, 10:56 AM
#21
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Hi OSB, yes I realize she knew to get their early. We did too, our relatives who live on Oahu told us a million times to get their early. We just the hotel at 7:00 and rambled along, visited a few places along the way, didn't really believe it would make much difference.
Jun 6th, 2007, 11:11 AM
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I took my 17 year old daughter and her 20 year old friend to Maui and they would rather stick a pencil in their eye than do the road to Hana, but only you know your boys. What we did that they enjoyed was go north of Kapalua and hiked down to the blowhole. This only consumed about 2 - 3 hours.
Also, the trip to Lanai is fun but takes up an entire day. What we have done is take one of the snorkle trips that pick-up on Kaanapali beach and motor to Honolua Bay, snorkel, and then sail back. We have always used the Kapalua Kai. Pick-up is at 9:30 and return around 2:30.
Just some thoughts, but your trip sounds great anyway you plan it.
Also, the trip to Lanai is fun but takes up an entire day. What we have done is take one of the snorkle trips that pick-up on Kaanapali beach and motor to Honolua Bay, snorkel, and then sail back. We have always used the Kapalua Kai. Pick-up is at 9:30 and return around 2:30.
Just some thoughts, but your trip sounds great anyway you plan it.
Jun 6th, 2007, 12:19 PM
#23
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All of your suggestions just make me more excited about our trip in July so thanks so much! As a single mom, it's not fun to arrive somewhere and listen to boys argue about what to do. Over the years, I've learned to plan vacations before we go, but we often change our schedules to allow for spontaneous activities. I like to "information gather" prior to the vacation so I can relax knowing as much as possible before arriving (There will plenty of other things to contend with!)and all of you are helping me tremendously!
Nanabee- I will heed your warning to not ramble when we head to Hanauma Bay. I read the parking lot is often full by 9:30 plus the best snorkeling is before sand is kicked up by multiple people. However, your warning will serve as extra incentive to my boys to get moving early!
Olesouthernbelle - Thank you for emailing PakePorkChop. I hope he is still giving tours of Chinatown; I look fw to meeting him!
Elsiemoo - I will keep your advice in mind about the PCC. If it doesn't work out, another poster recommended an excellent luau w/ culture on Maui. I've had several friends mention Duke's at the hotel which sounds wonderful. I'm sure we will go once or twice-already looking fw to it! I had wondered about the heat and hiking in Diamond Head, but someone recommended early AM or around 4 PM, but of course, this could depend on the season/weather. We could possibly do this our last morning and then take a quick dip in the water before cking out; this might be a great idea. We will be careful on Haleakala; I read another post about recent accidents. I have a neighbor who recently went, and I will consult w/ her also. My experience has been keep the boys active - but certainly not dangerous. (Although ATVing near Bryce NP is almost in the dangerous category!) I'm torn about the Road to Hana which several other posters agreed w/ you that my boys would be bored silly! My thought is to start, make a few stops and hikes, and when we are ready, turn around; I don't think we will make it all the way to Hana. Lastly, thank you for the kind words. I value our family vacations the past few years; what someone once called "bookend" moments. My oldest son who recently graduated from college will not be w/ us this year since he will start work in DC. We raise them to be independent and then they are!
Finally, Stevemac, you agree w/ several others about the Road to Hana. I don't have Hana as an absolute destination - just want to see the scenery and get into the countryside. The trip to Kapalua and the blowhole is an awesome idea. I don't have as good a handle on activities on Maui as I do on Oahu so this is all good info to know - plus I probably need to go read somemore about just Maui! Another poster also suggested Honolua Bay for snorkeling. I've wondered if we will have snorkeled so much we would enjoy time on a sailboat - which I always find relaxing-but your suggestion does sail back. Interesting!
You all have given me lots to think about and often raise questions I need to research further. Thanks so much!
Nanabee- I will heed your warning to not ramble when we head to Hanauma Bay. I read the parking lot is often full by 9:30 plus the best snorkeling is before sand is kicked up by multiple people. However, your warning will serve as extra incentive to my boys to get moving early!
Olesouthernbelle - Thank you for emailing PakePorkChop. I hope he is still giving tours of Chinatown; I look fw to meeting him!
Elsiemoo - I will keep your advice in mind about the PCC. If it doesn't work out, another poster recommended an excellent luau w/ culture on Maui. I've had several friends mention Duke's at the hotel which sounds wonderful. I'm sure we will go once or twice-already looking fw to it! I had wondered about the heat and hiking in Diamond Head, but someone recommended early AM or around 4 PM, but of course, this could depend on the season/weather. We could possibly do this our last morning and then take a quick dip in the water before cking out; this might be a great idea. We will be careful on Haleakala; I read another post about recent accidents. I have a neighbor who recently went, and I will consult w/ her also. My experience has been keep the boys active - but certainly not dangerous. (Although ATVing near Bryce NP is almost in the dangerous category!) I'm torn about the Road to Hana which several other posters agreed w/ you that my boys would be bored silly! My thought is to start, make a few stops and hikes, and when we are ready, turn around; I don't think we will make it all the way to Hana. Lastly, thank you for the kind words. I value our family vacations the past few years; what someone once called "bookend" moments. My oldest son who recently graduated from college will not be w/ us this year since he will start work in DC. We raise them to be independent and then they are!
Finally, Stevemac, you agree w/ several others about the Road to Hana. I don't have Hana as an absolute destination - just want to see the scenery and get into the countryside. The trip to Kapalua and the blowhole is an awesome idea. I don't have as good a handle on activities on Maui as I do on Oahu so this is all good info to know - plus I probably need to go read somemore about just Maui! Another poster also suggested Honolua Bay for snorkeling. I've wondered if we will have snorkeled so much we would enjoy time on a sailboat - which I always find relaxing-but your suggestion does sail back. Interesting!
You all have given me lots to think about and often raise questions I need to research further. Thanks so much!
Jun 7th, 2007, 06:28 AM
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Sounds like you have planned quite a trip. We have been back from Oahu and Maui a month now and had a wonderful trip. We also live on the East Coast, The long flights might be the hardest part of the trip for your sons. I don't think I ever adjusted to the time difference. Just a couple of suggestions: If you go to the North Shore on Oahu, take a little extra time and drive down Farrington Road. There are some really beautiful beaches and interesting sites there. This is the beach location where they shoot many of the scenes from LOST. There is also a beach there where they do a lot of kite surfing (which is fun to watch). On the road to hana, you will go through a really cute town of Pa'ia. There are some good restaurants there. We ate at the Pa'ia Fish Market a couple of times. The food was great, the portions large and the price was right. Also had a great breakfast (at lunchtime at Charley's). Enjoy your trip!
Jun 7th, 2007, 09:04 AM
#26
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I sure hope I've planned "quite a trip", LindaLa, w/ the helpful hints of Fodorites. One of my boys favorite shows is Lost so seeing the beach would be great - I'll have to ck a map for Farrington Rd. How far along the Road to Hana is Pa'ia, and is Charley's in Maui, Hana, or where? Thanks!
Jun 8th, 2007, 11:51 AM
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I am a fan of LOST and found out this information post trip. Here is a website with filming locations on Oahu.
http://www.lostvirtualtour.com/lost/...orthshore.html
Pa'ia is just at the beginning of the Road to Hana. The Pa'ia Fish Market and Charleys are both in Pa'ia. We stopped in Pa'ia on the way out to Hana and on the way back (we stayed in Hana 2 nights) and then hit it again after driving up to Haleakala.
http://www.lostvirtualtour.com/lost/...orthshore.html
Pa'ia is just at the beginning of the Road to Hana. The Pa'ia Fish Market and Charleys are both in Pa'ia. We stopped in Pa'ia on the way out to Hana and on the way back (we stayed in Hana 2 nights) and then hit it again after driving up to Haleakala.
Jun 8th, 2007, 02:12 PM
#28
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I live on the East Coast too, and like another poster said, you'll easily be up at 6:00am every day. And that's if you force yourself to stay asleep!
I also agree with the poster who suggested:
Combine North Shore/PCC (although your boys will probably want to linger a little longer at North Shore)
Combine Hanauma Bay/ Diamond Head (you could easily do both before 1:00pm and have the rest of the day to relax)
Combine Ionali and/or the Aloha Stadium with your tour of downtown and Pearl Harbor. Use your East Coast jet lag to your advantage, get to Pearl Harbor when it opens, and you'll avoid a long wait. The flea market is missable, IMHO. Lots of the same ol' souvenirs you can find along Beachwalk in Waikiki.
On Big Island, make sure you do the Kilauea Iki hike too! It takes under two hours and is awesome.
I also agree with the poster who suggested:
Combine North Shore/PCC (although your boys will probably want to linger a little longer at North Shore)
Combine Hanauma Bay/ Diamond Head (you could easily do both before 1:00pm and have the rest of the day to relax)
Combine Ionali and/or the Aloha Stadium with your tour of downtown and Pearl Harbor. Use your East Coast jet lag to your advantage, get to Pearl Harbor when it opens, and you'll avoid a long wait. The flea market is missable, IMHO. Lots of the same ol' souvenirs you can find along Beachwalk in Waikiki.
On Big Island, make sure you do the Kilauea Iki hike too! It takes under two hours and is awesome.
Jun 8th, 2007, 02:23 PM
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If you are looking for the LOST filming sites, here's another extensive thread:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34573063
If you are headed downtown and need to stop for something to eat, visit me at Aloha Tower Marketplace! Here are some coupons:
http://www.alohatower.com/promotions.html
The souvenirs here, as I've been told by tourists, are cheaper than in Waikiki.
You will find this magazine at the rental car office, but here's a preview of the maps inside to help you plan:
http://www.driveguidemagazines.com/oahu_maps.html
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34573063
If you are headed downtown and need to stop for something to eat, visit me at Aloha Tower Marketplace! Here are some coupons:
http://www.alohatower.com/promotions.html
The souvenirs here, as I've been told by tourists, are cheaper than in Waikiki.
You will find this magazine at the rental car office, but here's a preview of the maps inside to help you plan:
http://www.driveguidemagazines.com/oahu_maps.html
Jun 8th, 2007, 02:37 PM
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I cked out the website for Lost, LindaLa; thanks for the info. This will be fun for my boys to look at. Also, Pa'ia looks like a great suggestion for restaurants on either the Hana or Haleakala day-or both as you did.
Karameli - Thanks for the 2nd to combine some of my choices on Oahu. I was going to buy tickets early for PCC, but I think I will wait at this point - or maybe pose that 1 question later on the board - to see which day we want to go. Sounds like I can totally eliminate the flea market at Aloha Stadium. We definitely want to see Chinatown/downtown, but I'm waiting to hear from another poster about a tour guide she suggested. There is just so much to see, but we will enjoy time to relax at the north shore and Hanauma Bay and even at Waikiki and Duke's. I just have to make sure this vacation is a mixture of fun, education, culture, and some relaxation w/o a ck-list in hand (which I can have a tendency to do). I'll ck out the hike you suggested on BI.
Karameli - Thanks for the 2nd to combine some of my choices on Oahu. I was going to buy tickets early for PCC, but I think I will wait at this point - or maybe pose that 1 question later on the board - to see which day we want to go. Sounds like I can totally eliminate the flea market at Aloha Stadium. We definitely want to see Chinatown/downtown, but I'm waiting to hear from another poster about a tour guide she suggested. There is just so much to see, but we will enjoy time to relax at the north shore and Hanauma Bay and even at Waikiki and Duke's. I just have to make sure this vacation is a mixture of fun, education, culture, and some relaxation w/o a ck-list in hand (which I can have a tendency to do). I'll ck out the hike you suggested on BI.
Jun 8th, 2007, 03:13 PM
#32
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Momof3boys, here is an article written by a fellow fodorite on 3 perfect hours in chinatown. the contact information is in there.
http://homescape.honoluluadvertiser....r06/hs0906_st6
http://homescape.honoluluadvertiser....r06/hs0906_st6
Jun 8th, 2007, 04:24 PM
#34
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Oh la la, MelissaHI! What a wealth of info you shared! I'll spend all evening trying to absorb this! Sensory overload w/ the driveguidemagazine site, but so meaty w/ info! I'm not a big shopper, but my boys will want to indulge so I already printed out the coupons at alohatowers. I noticed they expire June 30th, and our trip is in July so if it's OK, I'll contact you before the trip for newer ones. I've got to grab some nourishment before I tackle the 3 perfect hrs in Chinatown article, or I'll collapse on my keyboard! Thanks so much for your help.
Jun 8th, 2007, 04:35 PM
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Aaaah that's to keep people coming back to the site. the coupons are updated every month. IF you don't get them online, you can get the coupons in person at our guest services kiosk, on the side of Chai's.
Mari808 wrote that article. She is a fantastic writer, one that I try to pimp off often (long story).
Mari808 wrote that article. She is a fantastic writer, one that I try to pimp off often (long story).
Jun 9th, 2007, 12:33 PM
#36
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Great article about Chinatown, MelissaHI, and very handy to carry and refer to as we wander. We will visit w/ coupons in hand when the boys are ready to shop. Appreciate everyone's advice!
Jun 10th, 2007, 02:41 PM
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Good suggestions from readers....a few more:
Arriving Honolulu:
Hotel check in time is 3pm...and many times you can't check in early because late departures and room clean up. So
here's what I do when I take people to visit for first time.
of course this depends if you got some sleep on the trip over,and have energy to keep going!))
Send someone to gather the luggage, and I go get the rental car.((have to take shuttle bus to rental car area)).
Call the hotel from the airport and let them known I have arrived and will be checking in around 5pm.
Pick up the folks and luggage.
Head down H1 to the Pali Hwy.
First stop is the Pali Lookout. Great place to start a Hawaii vacation. Proceed around the southern part of the island ((I usually stop at Kailua Beach to get my feet wet in the water.)) Get to hotel in Waikiki and check in....and then go for dinner on the beach to watch the sunset((the green flash!!)
Generally: I think your itenary is a bit too ambitious. But your basic itenary is set ((# days on each island, accommadations, etc.))
Honolulu:
Consider surfing lessons at Waikiki.
Agree PCC is marginal
Agree 1 Luau is enough...would do it on Maui...later in trip, more relaxed.
Big Island:
Looks like you get into Hilo ((assume that is where you are flying in to)) about 4-4:15pm. It will take you an 1-1/2 hr. get car and drive to VNP -Volcano House. Would consider doing lava trip that evening. ((2 lava trips are okay!!...but if something happens...like weather....down pour...it could spoil your plans))Looks like that is your plan...I agree
Maui:
The boys are going to love Maui
Agree Hana trip marginal
Bike ride and sunrise - fun time, but if you have done sunrise on a mountain before, no great shakes here. But the bike ride is fun.
Agree..Lanai trip marginal
The drive around the west end of Maui is great also.
((FYI: I have done 5 island in 10 days - but had been to Hawaii many times before. - still it was ambitious))...Slow down...enjoy what you do and see, don't worry about getting all the activies in if time does not allow. HAVE FUN!!!
Hawaii....it's all good!!!
Arriving Honolulu:
Hotel check in time is 3pm...and many times you can't check in early because late departures and room clean up. So
here's what I do when I take people to visit for first time.
of course this depends if you got some sleep on the trip over,and have energy to keep going!))Send someone to gather the luggage, and I go get the rental car.((have to take shuttle bus to rental car area)).
Call the hotel from the airport and let them known I have arrived and will be checking in around 5pm.
Pick up the folks and luggage.
Head down H1 to the Pali Hwy.
First stop is the Pali Lookout. Great place to start a Hawaii vacation. Proceed around the southern part of the island ((I usually stop at Kailua Beach to get my feet wet in the water.)) Get to hotel in Waikiki and check in....and then go for dinner on the beach to watch the sunset((the green flash!!)
Generally: I think your itenary is a bit too ambitious. But your basic itenary is set ((# days on each island, accommadations, etc.))
Honolulu:
Consider surfing lessons at Waikiki.
Agree PCC is marginal
Agree 1 Luau is enough...would do it on Maui...later in trip, more relaxed.
Big Island:
Looks like you get into Hilo ((assume that is where you are flying in to)) about 4-4:15pm. It will take you an 1-1/2 hr. get car and drive to VNP -Volcano House. Would consider doing lava trip that evening. ((2 lava trips are okay!!...but if something happens...like weather....down pour...it could spoil your plans))Looks like that is your plan...I agree
Maui:
The boys are going to love Maui
Agree Hana trip marginal
Bike ride and sunrise - fun time, but if you have done sunrise on a mountain before, no great shakes here. But the bike ride is fun.
Agree..Lanai trip marginal
The drive around the west end of Maui is great also.
((FYI: I have done 5 island in 10 days - but had been to Hawaii many times before. - still it was ambitious))...Slow down...enjoy what you do and see, don't worry about getting all the activies in if time does not allow. HAVE FUN!!!
Hawaii....it's all good!!!
Jun 10th, 2007, 04:48 PM
#38
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Great ideas, Circa2. I knew we would be arriving in Maui early and would need to spend time before cking into our rm, but I hadn't planned what to do when arriving in Oahu. One poster suggested the Bishop Museum or other downtown activities - which would be fine w/ me - but I know the boys will want to get to the beach and water. I like your suggestion to call the hotel from the airport - simple but very helpful idea! If it will be a while before we can ck in, I may follow up on your suggestion to the Pali Lookout and Kailua Beach. The boys will definitely be taking surfing lessons - that is the main activity son #3 is concerned with - and I had planned for them to do that at Waikiki hopefully the 1st afternoon - although, maybe mornings will be better. We head to the north shore 1 day and plan to have additional lessons if needed. I'm surprised so many posters are not impressed w/ the PCC; it certainly looks worthwhile on the website - but I know those of you who have gone recently are much better informed than me.
My plans match your suggestions in VNP - Yes, fly into Hilo and spend 2 evenings -hopefully - w/ the lava flow and the day exploring the park. Lots of other stuff to see on the BI, but this visit will just focus on VNP.
Everyone seems to love Maui; I've never heard anyone complain about it. I had thought a day sailing/snorkeling around Lanai would be different and interesting, but didn't know about the van tour of Lanai w/ Trilogy. I love to see and do - not just sit and relax on the beach - so that is why the Road to Hana appealed to me, but another poster also suggested the west end of Maui and a hike to a blowhole so need to reevaluate this.
My boys have had an interesting time reading everyone's suggestions. When someone agrees w/ them, they make SURE I know it!
My plans match your suggestions in VNP - Yes, fly into Hilo and spend 2 evenings -hopefully - w/ the lava flow and the day exploring the park. Lots of other stuff to see on the BI, but this visit will just focus on VNP.
Everyone seems to love Maui; I've never heard anyone complain about it. I had thought a day sailing/snorkeling around Lanai would be different and interesting, but didn't know about the van tour of Lanai w/ Trilogy. I love to see and do - not just sit and relax on the beach - so that is why the Road to Hana appealed to me, but another poster also suggested the west end of Maui and a hike to a blowhole so need to reevaluate this.
My boys have had an interesting time reading everyone's suggestions. When someone agrees w/ them, they make SURE I know it!
Jun 10th, 2007, 05:38 PM
#39
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Momof3boys...thanks for the reply.
The PCC is fine activity. But when you are getting to see as much of the islands as you plan, there seems to be a bit of redonancy....The Bishop Museum is one of the best for detailing the makeup of Hawaiian history. And the boys will probably like the planeterium
But let's face it....at 16 and 20..the sun and surf is very appealing, and it's great in Hawaii....ah to be that age again!!!
Specifically, I am a B.I. person...., but for the sun and fun...I think Maui is the best, and lots of other activities also.
Lots of locals surf out on the west end (Maui)...not too far from your hotel...
It's nice that you are taking the time to plan out the trip,so all can have fun.
The lava is AWESOME ((I have been within 5 ft. of it flowing into the ocean. I wouldn't suggest that...my particular case was a "once in a lifetime" occurance. Many people have told me I was nuts in doing so!!!!))
Enjoy
The PCC is fine activity. But when you are getting to see as much of the islands as you plan, there seems to be a bit of redonancy....The Bishop Museum is one of the best for detailing the makeup of Hawaiian history. And the boys will probably like the planeterium
But let's face it....at 16 and 20..the sun and surf is very appealing, and it's great in Hawaii....ah to be that age again!!!
Specifically, I am a B.I. person...., but for the sun and fun...I think Maui is the best, and lots of other activities also.
Lots of locals surf out on the west end (Maui)...not too far from your hotel...
It's nice that you are taking the time to plan out the trip,so all can have fun.
The lava is AWESOME ((I have been within 5 ft. of it flowing into the ocean. I wouldn't suggest that...my particular case was a "once in a lifetime" occurance. Many people have told me I was nuts in doing so!!!!))
Enjoy
Jun 11th, 2007, 11:55 AM
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Re the PCC, the whole day is too much of a muchness for me, and the buffet food is not special. The evening show is good.
I really like the road to Hana. The seven falls and the view from the point at the headland there is about as good as it gets. All the scenery is gorgeous. If your boys think they would find it boring, if I were you, I'd go by myself. I didn't think the town itself was interesting, but then I like to keep busy and I'm too old for honeymoon romance.
We are all different, of course, and look for different things. I think Hawaii is the prettiest place in the world and can spend a good deal of time sitting and looking at the scenery.
I really like the road to Hana. The seven falls and the view from the point at the headland there is about as good as it gets. All the scenery is gorgeous. If your boys think they would find it boring, if I were you, I'd go by myself. I didn't think the town itself was interesting, but then I like to keep busy and I'm too old for honeymoon romance.
We are all different, of course, and look for different things. I think Hawaii is the prettiest place in the world and can spend a good deal of time sitting and looking at the scenery.
