My husband and I have just booked our first trip to Hawaii for 6/1/01-6/8/01. While I understand that Honolulu/Waikiki are not the most desirable especially for relaxation,we did get a great air/hotel deal ($1087.00 for both of us.) Since I would like to experience another island, I'm interested in an interisland excursion to Kauai. Can we do this in one day/night or do we need more time? Any suggestions are much appreciated!

Lisa,

I didn't do a 1 day excoursion from Oahu to Kauaii but have traveled by plane between the 2. Since you only have a week there, I don't think I'd spend the time traveling between the isles. By the time you pack up, get a taxi or drive to airport, take flight, etc, you've wasted a good 4 hours one way. That's just my opinion. Maybe there's another way to get between isles that's faster/less hassle, I don't know. Maybe someone else can help with that.

While Oahu isn't my first choice of isles in Hawaii, it is still beautiful and there is much to do aside from Waikiki Beach (Pearl Harbor, Hanama Bay, hiking volcano), so with it being your first time in Hawaii, I'd focus my time on that island. Just my humble opinion!

Feel free to email me if you're looking for specific details on restaurants/things to do there.

Lisa-Where did you get such a great deal? I would go to the North Shore of Oahu and hang out...

'Robert's Hawaii' operates day tours to other islands from Oahu, including Kauai. The price includes pick-up from your hotel and r.t. air and I think at least one meal as well. It comes out to be very reasonable, relateively speaking. Seems like a good way to get a taste of another island but remember that it's only a taste!

www.robertshawaii.com

It is very true that Oahu is much more than just Waikiki and Honolulu. Be sure to get some guidebooks and do some reading so you'll be informed and educated and can decide which things to see and do.

I've heard that there is a spectacular view from the Denny's in Waikiki- One of the cheapest attractions!

Wondering:

We made our plans through Worry-free vacations. Air fare and seven nights at the Ohana Maile Sky Court - definitely economy but it will do!

I did a day tour to Kauai on my first visit to Oahu. Honestly, I wouldn't do it again. They come to pick you up at, I think, 5:45am. I enjoyed the first part of the tour (a ride down the river to fern grotto). Then we stopped for lunch by one of the beaches. Next was the ride up to see Waimea Canyon and Na Pali lookout. It was a long winding drive and I found it very hard to stay awake after getting up so early! Back to the airport and I think I was returned to my hotel by 6:30pm. It was an extremely long day and I was too tired to even go out for dinner that evening!

On subsequent visits to Oahu, I concentrated on just this island and there is so much to see. Public buses can get you almost anywhere. There's more than enough to keep you busy for a week. While Waikiki beach is busy (fun though with lots of activites), there are other quieter beaches you can go to for the day. There's a lot of great hiking trails on Oahu. There's also a lot of free entertainment all around Waikiki. Catamaran rides from Waikiki beach are a good deal at about $10-12 for an hour. Like someone else said, pick up an Oahu guidebook from the library or bookstore. I think Lonely Planet has a good one.

I would advise against a day trip to Kauai--you see very little other than airports, and there's plenty of neat stuff on Oahu.

Thanks for the advice. We already decided against trying the day trip. I assume the quieter beaches are on the North shore. Would it be worthwhile to try to camp there a few nights? I know the parks require reservations and a permit. What restaurants can be recommended? Thanks again.

Hi Lisa, I just saw something on the travel channel about a "people only" ferry that operates from Waikiki to Lanaii(hope I spelled that correctly) for $25.00 pp each way. They said it's the way the natives of HNL "get away from it all". Apparently it's the only ferry operating between any of the islands. Hope your trip is fun!

lisa- Oahu is fun and you'll find lots to do here. If you want to experience something really different, take a day trip into Hilo on the big Island. Pick up a car and drive to Volcanoes national park to see the vbisitor center, then go to the end of the road where you can hike out over the fresh lava. you can get to a point where you can see the lava dripping into the ocean. it is an incredible sight. you'll still have time to visit Thurston lava tube, and then do a little sightseeing in Hilo town, and fly back to Honolulu. I live here and have done this a few times, including once with my 4 year old, 6 year old and my 75 year old parents who do not do hikes. All of us had a great time.

Lisa:
I stay at the Maile SkyCourt frequently when I go to Honolulu. It's in a good location walking distance from the beach and near the bus stops. While not the nicest hotel on the island, it will serve your needs. Ask for a corner room overlooking the ocean-you won't spend a lot of time in the room but it's a nice view to wake up to. TheBus is only $1 and will take you all around the island if you want. Walk up Diamond Head, go to the North Shore, shop at Ala Moana, see Pearl Harbour and there's a flea market every weekend at Aloha Stadium. There's so much to do and see on Oahu-you'll have a great time!

Hi Lisa,

There's also some very nice quieter beaches on the windward side. I've been to Waimanalo and Kailua beach parks. Waimanalo is the easiest to reach by bus. Waimea Bay is my favorite on the North Shore. Big waves in winter, but I think it's calm in the summer (not sure).

Lisa,
Can you divide your trip & spend like 1/2 on Oahu& 1/2 on Kauai?
I would hate to see you only go to Oahu-if you were also wanting ot experience Kauai. I my opinion If you only go to to Oahu you will not really experience true Hawaii-- Tho,don't take me wrong, you will truly enjoy yourself on Oahu also! The other Islands are MUCH more laid back & show more of what Hawaii really is!!Enjoy what ever you do!Kauai& Maui were my favorites-Kauai is more relaxed than Maui- so Oahu & Kauai would be a good first experience !ALOHA!

Lisa, I second an earlier post recommending a visit to Kailua Beach Park. The drive over the Pali Highway from Honolulu is spectacular and you'll be rewarded with one of the best beaches in all of Hawaii. You can rent a kayak and paddle out to the Mokulua Islands if you feel adventurous and you'll feel like your a world away from Waikiki. Lanikai Beach is right next to Kailua Beach and since this is a residential area you will have a mile stretch of the most breathtaking beach almost all to yourselves. Shhh... it's our secret!

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. We plan on having a rental car for four days and will spend that time on the North and windward shores. The remaining three days will be spent at the main attractions in the city, e.g., Bishop Museum, Punchbowl, hiking Diamond Head. Still not sure about the Polynesian Cultural Center. I think we will be able to fill a week up without going to another island; we'll save that for next time! Thanks again for all the great advice.