kcd

Hey everyone! Just got back yesterday from 10 glorious days in the Hawaiian islands. Here's a brief low down:
Oahu: First time there. Yes, there's crummy traffic driving through Honolulu on week days, but otherwise liked the island! USS Arizona is very interesting and moving; hiked Diamond Head - not an easy climb - bring water and amaaaazing views!!!; Waikiki Beach - loved it - great water, beach, bars/restaurants right on the beach, streets were crowded, so mainly stayed right on the beach; drove up to the North Shore, but missed the monster waves - was still fun to watch the body boarders; stayed at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider - beautiful lobby/reception area, but wasn't crazy about the room. It was small, the bathroom was really small, and the hallway was kind of dank. Weather was great for 3 days!
Maui - our favorite, and third time there. Stayed at the Marriott on the time share promotion. Great rate and the presentation was about 1 hour and VERY low pressure. Weather was perfect up until Thursday when the winds picked up (30 mph) and had some sun showers, but they produced great rainbows! Hiked to Big Beach and Little Beach in Makena - beautiful beaches and views of Molokini. Saw some whales right in front of Whaler's Village (ironic, huh). Had good eats at Kimo's, Hula Grille, and Va Bene (at the Marriott). Wasn't impressed with Canoe's.
Had a bumpy plane ride back b/c of the wind, and came back to snowy, cold Boston! Yuck! Can't wait to go again!!!!

Lenore

Your trip is exactly what my husband and I are planning....we've never been to Hawaii. If you had it to do over again, would you split up the time/days differently? How much TOTAL TIME does it take to get from one island to another? We are thinking about doing 3 islands over 11 day/10 night trip. Is this pushing it? Your advise will be greatly appreciated....thanks!

kcd

Lenore,
I would limit your trip to 2 islands. This was our 3rd trip to Hawaii, all of which were 10 day trips. We stayed 4 days in Oahu and 6 in Maui. I think that time is just right. Our past trips were 2 in Kauai and 8 in Maui, which worked for us b/c although Kauai is beautiful, there's not as much to do there, so 2 days was enough. The inter-island flights are about 35 minutes, however with security, dropping off and picking up your rental car (you need a car on any of these islands), and waiting for your bags, it takes a good 3 hours. And that's all time in the airport. Depending on where you're staying in Maui, it can take about 45 minutes to get to your hotel (Kaanapali is about 35 minutes, Kapalua is about 45, and I'm not sure about Wailea).

Lenore

A lot of people are advising us to keep it to two islands. We live in South Florida, so the to and from flights will be horrendous! That's why we want to make the most of it. You never know if and when you'll get another chance. Have you been to the Big Island? I really wanted to see the Volcano National Park, plus the waterfall areas. Everything looks like a lot of driving on that Island though. Anyway, we'll probably end up doing exactly what you did!! Thanks for the 411.

bob

lenore, i went to hawaii in may 2000, spent 18 nites, 7 in maui, 6 in kauai and 5 on big island. in april im going back for 4 on oahu, 4 on lanai and 7 on big island, which is my only repeat island because it is so different and incredible and is stayed on kohala coast which is beautiful but i feel i have so much more to see. big island isnt for everyone, but i think it is amazing.

lori

kcd,
What part of the Sheraton Moana did you stay in? I'm going to be staying there next month for a few nights. We have been in the lobby before have never stayed there. Did you eat in any of its restaurants? If so, what did you think?
Thanks!

e

Stay in the old part of the hotel !!!

kcd

Lori,
We stayed in the historic Banyon wing, which I think was the reason for the small rooms and the dankness in the hall. We had a great view of Diamond Head, but no lanai, and the windows only opened about 4 inches (I guess for safety reasons, but it was kind of a bummer). The restaurants (as far as food goes) in the hotel were OK, nothing great. The Banyan courtyard was very pretty, and they serve tea in the afternoon, but we weren't into sipping tea in Hawaii. There are plenty of good places that you could walk to right on the beach though. One of our favorite's was the Tiki Bar, which is at the Sheraton Waikiki.
Lori - We've never been to the Big Island, but definitely want to do it on our next trip, whenever it is. I'm from Boston, so I can sympathize with the long plane ride, but if you have less than 2 weeks, I would only do 2 islands. Don't worry, once you see the beauty of Hawaii, you'll find a way to get back there!

Sarah

Lori I also stayed at the Moana and would only request the Banyon wing. Make sure that you request two double beds and you will have more space then you ever had in a standard hotel room, that was my experience anyway. I think these rooms at that hotel are on corners. Some people do complain about noise when rooms face the street this was not a problem for me because I am from a city. I just loved looking out of the facade of the building front through the room at night. These rooms remind me of the golden age of Hollywood when a lot of attention was paid to high ceilings, wide spaces and ornate detail.

I just love the Moana and would consider a stay in Waikiki just to visit this hotel. I am not wild about Waikiki but it's proximity to fine Dining (Alan Wong's, Roy's 3666(?), Ward Warehouse (kincaids), and other Honolulu restaurants is inviting).

KCD what do the crowds look like this season?

Sarah

PSS most of the finer hotels in Waikiki and all over Hawaii will change your room if you complain and availability exists. I would have called down on the window Jam. I find that services in Hawaii is better than most mainland hotels.