Help with itinerary
 

I have been reading your trip reports and suggestions for several months. I have put together an itinerary...please help with the details! There are 8 of us traveling together, with varied interests. We will be in Hawaii the first week in February, 2004.
Day 1: Arrive Honolulu 4:15pm; dinner at Tikis (unless we're too tired)(we are coming from the midwest)

Day 2: Duke's for breakfast, tour Pearl Harbor, possibly the Dole plantation if time allows, and para-sail on Waikiki; 5:00 pm-fly to Kauai; grocery stop at the Safeway; We will be staying in Kapaa. Kick back for the remainder of the evening.

Day 3: Early start to Kee Beach for a hike, snorkeling, and picnic lunch. Spend the rest of the day snorkeling at various spots and sightseeing-Tunnels Beach, Hanalei Bay, Princeville, Kilauea Lighthouse, Anini Beach.

Day 4: NaPali Catamaran trip, Po'ipu Beach Park, Waimea Canyon, and sunset picnic at Polihale Beach. (I'm curious what companies if any, offer NaPali trips in February...)

Day 5: Helecopter Tour, 12:45-Fly to Maui, shopping in Kahului area, sightseeing on the way to Lahaina (IAO Needle, Scenic Lookout). We will be staying in Lahaina. We will be celebrating a birthday this evening.

Day 6: Snorkel and explore South Maui beaches, Vow renewal ceremony, Old Lahaina Luau.

Day 7: Halakala-some will probably bike, possibly horseback, I am looking forward to hiking a bit and then enjoying the sunset.

Day 8: We are thinking about a snorkel trip, OR possibly renting a boat for the 8 of us to do some exploring and snorkeling on our own. Warren & Annabelle's in the evening.

Day 9: Whale Watching boat excursion, more snorkeling, Fly home @ 10:40 pm.

I would welcome your comments and suggestions, please. I have not included the Road to Hana, basically because I do not think all 8 would enjoy this. They would rather spend their time on the beach & snorkeling. We will have 2 vehicles, so there should be plenty of flexibility. Thanks for your help!

Seems pretty active (but fun). I might skip the Dole plantation and relax at bit at the beach before you fly to Kauai. Best thing at the plantation was the gift shop and the Pineapple Whip. You can get a pineapple whip at the food court in the International Market. They are tasty.

Hey Patter,

Not sure you'll be able to see the NaPali Coast by boat....most companies don't run trips during the winter months as the surf is too rough (at least they didn't when we were there this past Feb.)

Make sure you take a helicopter trip instead (recommend Interisland).

Sounds exhausting! Is this the only time you plan on visiting Hawaii? If so, go for it. If not, think about relaxing and leaving your options open more. We were in Maui for 9 days and didn't do half the things you are planning on. We loved every minute of it but we are going back in April. Haleakala is definitely worth it. We drove up last time at mid morning so can't comment on sunrise. It was still gorgeous. Next time we will do some hiking or horseback riding into the crater. I have heard some horror stories about the bike rides and they also seem too regimented for us. Those are just my opinions. You will love it no matter how you choose to spend your time. Have fun!

If your Helicopter trip is with intersisland you would be better off waiting to see Waimea Canyon that day if possible. Port Allen is where interisland flies from and it would save a trip back up that way.
We do a pretty active vacation ourselves and I hate just sitting on the beach when I could go explore...I think your plans look great (you can tell you did your homework!)
I would definately try to squeeze Hana in if you can....it was my fav part of Maui. Sunrise at Haleakala is great to...had to be the best sunrise I have seen.
ALOHA!

You should develop a contingency plan for snorkeling and boating on Kaui. The winter surf on the north shore very likely will prevent you from swimming, boating and snorkeling that time of year. Even still, the sightseeing on the north coast is spectacular and makes the trip well worth doing. You probably know that you should never swim at Polihale. Wear layers of clothes for Haleakala. Temperature may approach freezing at dark.

Thanks, I appreciate all the suggestions. Any ideas for a contingency plan for our day on the north shore? Like can we still hike on the Kalalau Trail at all? Are there places on the east and south shores we can snorkel in February?

Hey Patter,

Don't worry, you shouldn't have to cancel all your plans for the north shore. My wife and I did the Kalalau Trail to the waterfall (it was a little muddy in spots) and we were able to snorkel at Ke'e and Tunnels.

Enjoy!

If rough surf up north (e.g. ((R))Kee((r)), a snorkeling back up plan would include Lydgate Park (eastern Kauai-&could also visit Fern Grotto), or Poipu Beach in south. Another option would include a drive to Waimea Canyon-hiking optional. Highly recommend Kauai& Maui Guidebooks to get the most out of your stay in paradise, here is link:http://www.wizardpub.com/kauai/kauai.html
:S-