If you were going to pick 1 Hawaiian Island to Visit??
Apr 12th, 2005, 06:26 AM
#21
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I'm in agreement with tinathetoad; Pearl Harbor was enough of Ohahu for us as well. A word of advice: it is worth it to see Pearl Harbor but plan on spending the entire day. The lines are long and it takes awhile to go through it all. I think you can get tickets ahead of time. We saw it the day before we left Hawaii after spending almost 3 weeks there. One night and one day was plenty there. I am still voting for Kauai and Maui, Kona was really beautiful as well. Any where you go will be amazing in Hawaii. I agree with all those who wrote about cruising...not a great thing to do unless you have difficulty getting around...travel it yourself at your pace and enjoy!
Apr 12th, 2005, 06:35 AM
#22
My decision would vary also depending if you are traveling solo, with your partner, family, a group of friends?
Traveling solo I prefer Honolulu because there's lots to see and do, and it would be weird for me to be "stuck" alone say out in a condo on a quiet beach somewhere. If I was traveling with others, then that would be perfect! Also whether you plan to rent a car or not would influence my pick.
With only 1 week, I would choose only 1 island (just a personal travel style preference for not feeling like I'm rushing around).
Traveling solo I prefer Honolulu because there's lots to see and do, and it would be weird for me to be "stuck" alone say out in a condo on a quiet beach somewhere. If I was traveling with others, then that would be perfect! Also whether you plan to rent a car or not would influence my pick.
With only 1 week, I would choose only 1 island (just a personal travel style preference for not feeling like I'm rushing around).
Apr 12th, 2005, 06:49 AM
#23
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Kauai! It's beautiful and easiest to get around. It's the REAL Hawaii. I find it's the most relaxing island.
There IS alot to do on Oahu, but the traffic is horrible. Kauai is less commercialized than Maui.
Take the helicoptor ride for sure it is the most scenic island to do this.
Dinner one night at the Beach House in Poipu. We just love Kauai!
There IS alot to do on Oahu, but the traffic is horrible. Kauai is less commercialized than Maui.
Take the helicoptor ride for sure it is the most scenic island to do this.
Dinner one night at the Beach House in Poipu. We just love Kauai!
Apr 12th, 2005, 07:02 AM
#24
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This doesn't help much but I just wanted to chime in with another "It depends on what you want to do." I'm not personally crazy about Maui, but I think it's a good choice if you're only able to go to one island and you've never been to Hawaii. I love the Big Island and Oahu for their diversity, and if you're a more active person either is a great choice.
Apr 12th, 2005, 07:16 AM
#25
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Just pick one island as any form of island hopping takes away time from actually being there and Hawaii is one of the few destinations where the journey pales in comparison to the place.
We chose Big Island for 10 days and loved it. There's plenty to do and save some time to do nothing!!
We chose Big Island for 10 days and loved it. There's plenty to do and save some time to do nothing!!
Apr 12th, 2005, 09:04 AM
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Wow! A trip from Santa Barbara to Hawaii is a Side Trip? For most of us a side trip is an hour drive away and you come back the same day the next day. I would call your side trip a summer vacation!
Apr 14th, 2005, 03:09 PM
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I've been to Maui, Kauai, & The Big Island, and there are special things about each island. Maui & Kauai for great beaches. The volcano on the big island and the scenery is so different with all the black lava everywhere. Beaches are harder to get to, but there are still great ones.Snorkeling & hiking are great on all the islands. I still have a hard time choosing!
Apr 24th, 2005, 11:44 AM
#31
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If you are still trying to decide- just returned from a week in KAUAI and loved it!! You can see and do a lot in a week on Kauai-- want more ideas email me-
[email protected]-- Good luck with your decision
[email protected]-- Good luck with your decision
Apr 25th, 2005, 05:54 AM
#32
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No question on which island - Oahu!! As stated previously, you get more bang for your buck between the shopping, dining and just overall "action" in Waikiki, historial tours and cultural things to see and do, AND you still get gorgeous, secluded beaches to hang out at. A perfect combination of everything on one island. Kauai is pretty, and Maui is okay, but neither offers the diversity that Oahu does. People who say they went to Pearl Harbor "and that was enough of Oahu for me" obviously didn't take the time to see anything but one small portion of this lovely island, and don't know what they're missing. Don't make the same mistake.
Hawaii is so wonderful. Enjoy!!!
Hawaii is so wonderful. Enjoy!!!
Apr 25th, 2005, 12:26 PM
#34
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I also recommend Oahu. It has by far the most to offer.
Honolulu and Waikiki are somewhat crowded.
But that is where the historical sights, Pearl Harbor, etc. are.
If you get away from Waikiki and Honolulu areas, there are plenty of isolated beaches and scenic spots.
Honolulu and Waikiki are somewhat crowded.
But that is where the historical sights, Pearl Harbor, etc. are.
If you get away from Waikiki and Honolulu areas, there are plenty of isolated beaches and scenic spots.
Apr 25th, 2005, 12:34 PM
#36
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List of things to do on Oahu
These are some hints/suggestions for things to do and see on Oahu.
Arizona Memorial: (free) get there early, preferably by 8am. Opens at 7:30am. If you get there after 10am the lines can get long and you may spend 1-2 hours in line. Battleship USS Missouri and Submarine USS Bowfin are in the same area. These are about $15 each so you can go or skip them. Look for coupons in brochures for two for one. You can take pictures of them from Arizona Visitors Center and the Arizona tour ferry. Go on the lawn behind the Visitor's Center. You can also walk around the Bowfin Memorial area for free without taking the tour. Its worth the time. The Swap Meet is only a couple blocks from here at Aloha Stadium.
Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC): www.polynesia.com General Admission about $40, but I prefer the buffet package ($55) or the luau buffet package ($75). The evening 'Horizon' show is the best Polynesian show in all of Hawaii. It comes with several ticket price options. The Alii Luau show that is part of the luau package is also a good Polynesian show. IMAX, Canoe Pageant, Samoa and Tonga villages and Canoe ride are the best other attractions (these are included with any type ticket). Plan on this as an all day event. Get there by 1pm, leave around 9:30pm. When I take visitors, I try to keep on this schedule: IMAX 1:30, Canoe Pageant 2:30, Samoa 3:00, Tonga 4:00, Canoe Ride around 4:30, regular buffet or Ilii luau buffet 5pm and 'Horizons' at 7:30. The other villages are nice also, but not enough time for all of them. You will have time to do some shopping or looking around between the buffet or luau and 'Horizons'. Closed on Sundays. You can go back for free for two days. Check with PCC employees for instructions before leaving the Center if you want the extra days.
Diamond Head Summit: Drive right into the crater and hike to the top. ($5 per carload or $1 each if you walk into the crater). I prefer to drive in. Awesome 360 degree view. Best time is around 8am or around 4pm. In between it can get hot walking to the top. Takes about 1 - 1 1/2 hours roundtrip.
Punchbowl (National Cemetery of the Pacific): (free) While you are there, drive to the overlook area. Short walk to the summit. Overlooks the entire city. If you have time, take the Mt. Tantalus/Round Top drive through a rain forest. Stop at the Puu Ualakaa State Wayside about 2/3 of the way to the top of the mountain. It has an awesome view of the city from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor. Punchbowl is near the bottom of Mt. Tantalus.
Hanauma Bay: Snorkel. Its for any age. You can rent snorkeling equipment there or some places in Waikiki or bring your own. Closed on Tuesdays. Try to get there as early as possible. if you drive, the parking lot gets filled up by 9:30 or 10:00. ($1 for parking, $5 for each person). You can reserve snorkel tours with several companies. They provide equipment, transportation, etc. They seem to have better equipment than the park does.
Byodo-In-Temple (Valley of the Temples): $2 each. Just past Kaneohe.
Chinaman's Hat: Kualoa Regional Park is just past Byodo-In-Temple. Nice for pictures, picnic, swimming.
Swap Meet: You can buy almost any souvenirs here much cheaper than anywhere else. All new items. Vendors wrap around the stadium twice. Located at Aloha Stadium near Arizona Memorial. Open Wed, Sat, Sun.
Hilo Hattie's: Nice place to shop. Higher prices than swap meet, but not too much more on many items. Has good selection of clothing, candies and souvenirs. Check brochures for coupons.
Ala Moana Beach Park: (free) Nice beach. Great sunset location in the winter. Walk all the way out to the end of Magic Island. Great view of Waikiki, Diamond Head, Ala Wai Boat Harbor (shown in opening scene of Gilligan's Island).
Hike to Manoa Falls: (Free) You can drive right up to the trailhead and park for free. Or you can pay a few bucks in a nearby lot to have someone "watch" your car.
One mile one way. Short hike through a rain forest also bamboo there. Treetops restaurant there (at the previous Paradise Park site) has a good Chinese buffet.
Hike to Makapuu Point Lighthouse: (free) Great view from here. Easy one mile hike. In winter months (mid-November to mid-April) its great for whale watching.
North Shore Beaches: Haleiwa, Banzai Pipeline (Ehukai Beach), Waimea Beach, Sunset Beach, Shark's Cove & Chun's Reef. Chun's Reef has sea turtles. Other nice stops for pictures in the area. Can be huge waves in winter.
Other beaches: There are close to 100 beaches on Oahu. Besides North Shore and Waikiki beaches these are some of the better ones: Makaha Beach (west shore), Sandy Beach, Hanauma Bay and Kailua Beach (east/Windward side), Ala Moana Beach Park (south shore). All public beaches are free except Haunama Bay.
Dole Pineapple Plantation: On H-2 just past Wahiawa. Nice gift shop to browse, but expensive. Go behind the center for pineapple exhibits and carp feeding pond.
Kualoa Ranch: Several movies have been set here: (Jurrasic Park, Mighty Joe Young and others), ATV rides, horseback riding, tours. Located across from Kualoa Regional Park.
Waikiki: Beaches, shopping, dining, nightclubs, shows, some museums. Wide range in dining prices. $3-4 breakfasts, $6-10 lunch buffets, $20-$25 fine dining and anywhere in between. Best Waikiki shows: Creation: A Polynesian Journey, John Hirokawa's Magic of Polynesia, Society of Seven, Blue Hawaii, many more to chose from. Many Waikiki shows offer cocktail show along with the dinner show. They seat you after everyone else has eaten. Regular price of shows around $40-$60. Cocktail show about $25-$35. There are several short free hula shows and other demonstrations in Waikiki daily. Check the brochures for location, days and times. Check brochures for coupons for shows/dining/shopping, etc.
Downtown Area: Aloha Tower (take elevator to the top, nice view), Chinatown, Hawaii Maritime Center, Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, other museums.
Botanical Gardens: Oahu has many botanical gardens. Most are free, the others charge a few bucks. Check brochures or get info on-line.
Other: Sea Life Park, Zoo, Aquarium, Dinner cruise, whale watching cruise, submarine tours, parasailing, helicopter tours, horseback riding, Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, scuba, surfing lessons, other luau shows (Germaine's, Paradise Cove). Many other attractions, things to do. Check the brochures.
Brochures: (free) Can be found in the airport baggage claim area or at hundreds of news stands throughout Waikiki, in hotels, in stores, and at some attractions. These are excellent "things do do and see" guide books (maps, attractions, beaches, dining, night clubs, etc.). There are a lot of coupons in these for dining, shopping, etc. The best brochures are: 'This Week on Oahu', 'Oahu Gold', '101 Things Oahu', 'The BEST of Oahu'. These brochures can also be found for other islands (Maui, Kauai, Hawaii) unique to that island. Most of these brochures also have on-line versions.
Websites: These are for any of the islands:
www.thisweek.com 'This Week On Oahu' will send up-to-date brochures for a few bucks
www.spotlighthawaii.com 'Oahu Gold' will send up-to-date brochures for a few bucks
www.gohawaii.com This is the official site for Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. They will send a free brochure.
www.visit-oahu.com Oahu Visitors Bureau, for free brochure 1-877-525-6248 (toll free)
www.hawaii.com
www.hawaiiweb.com
www.alternative-hawaii.com
www.hawaii-hotels.com
www.alohafriends.com
Automobiles: Oahu is the only island that you can get around by bus. Oahu has a good bus system, but a rental vehicle gets around a lot better. Parking in Waikiki can be a problem at times. If you plan on renting a car, make sure your hotel allows parking at the hotel or in a nearby lot or garage. Get the parking pass at the hotel registration area. Probably $8-$10/day to park at the hotel. You can get city bus passes at any ABC store in Waikiki for $20 for 4 days. Or you can pay $2.00 per trip. There are also many shuttles, tour buses and vans and trolleys that go to many places (some are free).
Internet Search Engines: Use Yahoo, Google, Dogpile or any other search engine to find information on any thing else on Oahu (or other island) that may interest you. Type in: hiking hawaii, hiking oahu, bed and breakfast oahu, condominiums oahu, botanical gardens oahu, oahu hotels or any other terms that will get you information.
Hotels: Most hotels (or hotel chains) have their own 800 numbers and/or websites: outrigger.com, sheraton.com, ohanahotels.com, etc. Or you can use a search engine to find the website or use the search engine's yellow pages for the phone number.
Entertainment Book
Entertainment books for Hawaii and many other locations can be purchased online at www.entertainment.com. They cost around $35-$40 plus shipping or if you wait until mid-March, the price is reduced to about $25 with free shipping. Expires November 1.
Coupons include half price tickets for Don Ho & John Hirokawa's Magic Show. Hundreds of other coupons for reduce price luaus, shopping, dining, movies, etc.
The Hawaii book also has many mainland coupons for hotels, car rentals, Universal Studios, Sea World, etc.
Phone Cards: If you don't have a cell phone, the best phone cards right now can be found at Costco or Sam's Club. Right now they are only $.03/m, 24 hours a day, seven days a week with no monthly charge. Can be used from pay phones ($.25 or eight units surcharge from pay phone), hotels, homes.
These are some hints/suggestions for things to do and see on Oahu.
Arizona Memorial: (free) get there early, preferably by 8am. Opens at 7:30am. If you get there after 10am the lines can get long and you may spend 1-2 hours in line. Battleship USS Missouri and Submarine USS Bowfin are in the same area. These are about $15 each so you can go or skip them. Look for coupons in brochures for two for one. You can take pictures of them from Arizona Visitors Center and the Arizona tour ferry. Go on the lawn behind the Visitor's Center. You can also walk around the Bowfin Memorial area for free without taking the tour. Its worth the time. The Swap Meet is only a couple blocks from here at Aloha Stadium.
Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC): www.polynesia.com General Admission about $40, but I prefer the buffet package ($55) or the luau buffet package ($75). The evening 'Horizon' show is the best Polynesian show in all of Hawaii. It comes with several ticket price options. The Alii Luau show that is part of the luau package is also a good Polynesian show. IMAX, Canoe Pageant, Samoa and Tonga villages and Canoe ride are the best other attractions (these are included with any type ticket). Plan on this as an all day event. Get there by 1pm, leave around 9:30pm. When I take visitors, I try to keep on this schedule: IMAX 1:30, Canoe Pageant 2:30, Samoa 3:00, Tonga 4:00, Canoe Ride around 4:30, regular buffet or Ilii luau buffet 5pm and 'Horizons' at 7:30. The other villages are nice also, but not enough time for all of them. You will have time to do some shopping or looking around between the buffet or luau and 'Horizons'. Closed on Sundays. You can go back for free for two days. Check with PCC employees for instructions before leaving the Center if you want the extra days.
Diamond Head Summit: Drive right into the crater and hike to the top. ($5 per carload or $1 each if you walk into the crater). I prefer to drive in. Awesome 360 degree view. Best time is around 8am or around 4pm. In between it can get hot walking to the top. Takes about 1 - 1 1/2 hours roundtrip.
Punchbowl (National Cemetery of the Pacific): (free) While you are there, drive to the overlook area. Short walk to the summit. Overlooks the entire city. If you have time, take the Mt. Tantalus/Round Top drive through a rain forest. Stop at the Puu Ualakaa State Wayside about 2/3 of the way to the top of the mountain. It has an awesome view of the city from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor. Punchbowl is near the bottom of Mt. Tantalus.
Hanauma Bay: Snorkel. Its for any age. You can rent snorkeling equipment there or some places in Waikiki or bring your own. Closed on Tuesdays. Try to get there as early as possible. if you drive, the parking lot gets filled up by 9:30 or 10:00. ($1 for parking, $5 for each person). You can reserve snorkel tours with several companies. They provide equipment, transportation, etc. They seem to have better equipment than the park does.
Byodo-In-Temple (Valley of the Temples): $2 each. Just past Kaneohe.
Chinaman's Hat: Kualoa Regional Park is just past Byodo-In-Temple. Nice for pictures, picnic, swimming.
Swap Meet: You can buy almost any souvenirs here much cheaper than anywhere else. All new items. Vendors wrap around the stadium twice. Located at Aloha Stadium near Arizona Memorial. Open Wed, Sat, Sun.
Hilo Hattie's: Nice place to shop. Higher prices than swap meet, but not too much more on many items. Has good selection of clothing, candies and souvenirs. Check brochures for coupons.
Ala Moana Beach Park: (free) Nice beach. Great sunset location in the winter. Walk all the way out to the end of Magic Island. Great view of Waikiki, Diamond Head, Ala Wai Boat Harbor (shown in opening scene of Gilligan's Island).
Hike to Manoa Falls: (Free) You can drive right up to the trailhead and park for free. Or you can pay a few bucks in a nearby lot to have someone "watch" your car.
One mile one way. Short hike through a rain forest also bamboo there. Treetops restaurant there (at the previous Paradise Park site) has a good Chinese buffet.
Hike to Makapuu Point Lighthouse: (free) Great view from here. Easy one mile hike. In winter months (mid-November to mid-April) its great for whale watching.
North Shore Beaches: Haleiwa, Banzai Pipeline (Ehukai Beach), Waimea Beach, Sunset Beach, Shark's Cove & Chun's Reef. Chun's Reef has sea turtles. Other nice stops for pictures in the area. Can be huge waves in winter.
Other beaches: There are close to 100 beaches on Oahu. Besides North Shore and Waikiki beaches these are some of the better ones: Makaha Beach (west shore), Sandy Beach, Hanauma Bay and Kailua Beach (east/Windward side), Ala Moana Beach Park (south shore). All public beaches are free except Haunama Bay.
Dole Pineapple Plantation: On H-2 just past Wahiawa. Nice gift shop to browse, but expensive. Go behind the center for pineapple exhibits and carp feeding pond.
Kualoa Ranch: Several movies have been set here: (Jurrasic Park, Mighty Joe Young and others), ATV rides, horseback riding, tours. Located across from Kualoa Regional Park.
Waikiki: Beaches, shopping, dining, nightclubs, shows, some museums. Wide range in dining prices. $3-4 breakfasts, $6-10 lunch buffets, $20-$25 fine dining and anywhere in between. Best Waikiki shows: Creation: A Polynesian Journey, John Hirokawa's Magic of Polynesia, Society of Seven, Blue Hawaii, many more to chose from. Many Waikiki shows offer cocktail show along with the dinner show. They seat you after everyone else has eaten. Regular price of shows around $40-$60. Cocktail show about $25-$35. There are several short free hula shows and other demonstrations in Waikiki daily. Check the brochures for location, days and times. Check brochures for coupons for shows/dining/shopping, etc.
Downtown Area: Aloha Tower (take elevator to the top, nice view), Chinatown, Hawaii Maritime Center, Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, other museums.
Botanical Gardens: Oahu has many botanical gardens. Most are free, the others charge a few bucks. Check brochures or get info on-line.
Other: Sea Life Park, Zoo, Aquarium, Dinner cruise, whale watching cruise, submarine tours, parasailing, helicopter tours, horseback riding, Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, scuba, surfing lessons, other luau shows (Germaine's, Paradise Cove). Many other attractions, things to do. Check the brochures.
Brochures: (free) Can be found in the airport baggage claim area or at hundreds of news stands throughout Waikiki, in hotels, in stores, and at some attractions. These are excellent "things do do and see" guide books (maps, attractions, beaches, dining, night clubs, etc.). There are a lot of coupons in these for dining, shopping, etc. The best brochures are: 'This Week on Oahu', 'Oahu Gold', '101 Things Oahu', 'The BEST of Oahu'. These brochures can also be found for other islands (Maui, Kauai, Hawaii) unique to that island. Most of these brochures also have on-line versions.
Websites: These are for any of the islands:
www.thisweek.com 'This Week On Oahu' will send up-to-date brochures for a few bucks
www.spotlighthawaii.com 'Oahu Gold' will send up-to-date brochures for a few bucks
www.gohawaii.com This is the official site for Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. They will send a free brochure.
www.visit-oahu.com Oahu Visitors Bureau, for free brochure 1-877-525-6248 (toll free)
www.hawaii.com
www.hawaiiweb.com
www.alternative-hawaii.com
www.hawaii-hotels.com
www.alohafriends.com
Automobiles: Oahu is the only island that you can get around by bus. Oahu has a good bus system, but a rental vehicle gets around a lot better. Parking in Waikiki can be a problem at times. If you plan on renting a car, make sure your hotel allows parking at the hotel or in a nearby lot or garage. Get the parking pass at the hotel registration area. Probably $8-$10/day to park at the hotel. You can get city bus passes at any ABC store in Waikiki for $20 for 4 days. Or you can pay $2.00 per trip. There are also many shuttles, tour buses and vans and trolleys that go to many places (some are free).
Internet Search Engines: Use Yahoo, Google, Dogpile or any other search engine to find information on any thing else on Oahu (or other island) that may interest you. Type in: hiking hawaii, hiking oahu, bed and breakfast oahu, condominiums oahu, botanical gardens oahu, oahu hotels or any other terms that will get you information.
Hotels: Most hotels (or hotel chains) have their own 800 numbers and/or websites: outrigger.com, sheraton.com, ohanahotels.com, etc. Or you can use a search engine to find the website or use the search engine's yellow pages for the phone number.
Entertainment Book
Entertainment books for Hawaii and many other locations can be purchased online at www.entertainment.com. They cost around $35-$40 plus shipping or if you wait until mid-March, the price is reduced to about $25 with free shipping. Expires November 1.
Coupons include half price tickets for Don Ho & John Hirokawa's Magic Show. Hundreds of other coupons for reduce price luaus, shopping, dining, movies, etc.
The Hawaii book also has many mainland coupons for hotels, car rentals, Universal Studios, Sea World, etc.
Phone Cards: If you don't have a cell phone, the best phone cards right now can be found at Costco or Sam's Club. Right now they are only $.03/m, 24 hours a day, seven days a week with no monthly charge. Can be used from pay phones ($.25 or eight units surcharge from pay phone), hotels, homes.
Apr 25th, 2005, 03:10 PM
#40
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1 Island: KAUAI without a doubt. This island is spectacular. Beautiful beaches, Waimea Canyon, relaxing, nice shopping, good food, GORGEOUS island. The helicopter flight over this island is without a doubt the coolest thing you'll do, and is the best flight of all the islands.
Maui comes in 2nd place. Fun, more touristy, great beaches and shopping. Funky vibe.
Don't do a cruise. Definitely not the way to see these gorgeous islands.
Maui comes in 2nd place. Fun, more touristy, great beaches and shopping. Funky vibe.
Don't do a cruise. Definitely not the way to see these gorgeous islands.
