Just home from Waikiki
Aug 18th, 2003, 08:07 AM
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Just home from Waikiki
Just returned from my Hawaii trip. I stayed for one week on Oahu at Hilton Hawaiian Village, Ali'i Tower. It was wonderful!
There were lots of tourists in Hawaii and Waikiki Beach was quite busy. But, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Ali'i Tower and pool and hot tub were a lovely quiet respite from the hoards.
The trolleys were usually full, as I traveled around the city and along the east coast drive routes. We saw clouds every morning that looked to be threatening, but no heavy rainfalls. Just a brief shower or two, that's all. The sun comes right back out. You really don't need to interrupt what you are doing when these "mists" hit.
I took two 1-day tours to outer islands. I traveled with Polynesian Adventures both times. One day was to Maui, there were 10 in my tour group. The other day was to Kauai and there were only 3 of us. The drivers both days were excellent and very well versed in the flora and fauna and sites on their islands.
Maui was quite busy and has been developed for tourists a lot more than Kauai. I noted several very beautiful quiet beaches on Kauai where you were almost alone! Both islands are very expensive to visit. I did not price hotel rooms as I did not stay on the islands, but the drivers made things sound pretty pricey.
The price of each of the day trips was $231. I paid $42 (I think) for a 4-day pass on the 4 trolley lines in Waikiki, and I made good use of all of the routes. If you buy a 1-day ticket, it will cost you $20.
I did not need to rent a car at all. Frankly, I would not have enjoyed driving in the traffic on Oahu! But, if you venture up to the north shore, the traffic is probably less of a bother.
If anyone has questions, just ask. I'll try to visit this page often in the next few days.
ALOHA!
There were lots of tourists in Hawaii and Waikiki Beach was quite busy. But, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Ali'i Tower and pool and hot tub were a lovely quiet respite from the hoards.
The trolleys were usually full, as I traveled around the city and along the east coast drive routes. We saw clouds every morning that looked to be threatening, but no heavy rainfalls. Just a brief shower or two, that's all. The sun comes right back out. You really don't need to interrupt what you are doing when these "mists" hit.
I took two 1-day tours to outer islands. I traveled with Polynesian Adventures both times. One day was to Maui, there were 10 in my tour group. The other day was to Kauai and there were only 3 of us. The drivers both days were excellent and very well versed in the flora and fauna and sites on their islands.
Maui was quite busy and has been developed for tourists a lot more than Kauai. I noted several very beautiful quiet beaches on Kauai where you were almost alone! Both islands are very expensive to visit. I did not price hotel rooms as I did not stay on the islands, but the drivers made things sound pretty pricey.
The price of each of the day trips was $231. I paid $42 (I think) for a 4-day pass on the 4 trolley lines in Waikiki, and I made good use of all of the routes. If you buy a 1-day ticket, it will cost you $20.
I did not need to rent a car at all. Frankly, I would not have enjoyed driving in the traffic on Oahu! But, if you venture up to the north shore, the traffic is probably less of a bother.
If anyone has questions, just ask. I'll try to visit this page often in the next few days.
ALOHA!
Aug 18th, 2003, 12:25 PM
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Hi,
Glad to hear that you had a wonderful time! I will be going to Oahu from Sept. 1-7 and staying at the Waikiki Beach Marriott. Have you seen that hotel? How is it?
Can you give me some sample itineraries or "must sees?" I'll have a rental car for the last 4 days. I'd like to do the tourist things, preferably do the sites in the same area in one day or less.
Also, I'd like to hear about how to get to the other islands. Did you get there by plane?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Glad to hear that you had a wonderful time! I will be going to Oahu from Sept. 1-7 and staying at the Waikiki Beach Marriott. Have you seen that hotel? How is it?
Can you give me some sample itineraries or "must sees?" I'll have a rental car for the last 4 days. I'd like to do the tourist things, preferably do the sites in the same area in one day or less.
Also, I'd like to hear about how to get to the other islands. Did you get there by plane?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Aug 18th, 2003, 02:02 PM
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I'm sure I saw the Marriott, but it doesn't pop into my head. All the hotels on the beach at Waikiki look very nice. I'm sure you'll be happy with your selection.
As far as "must see" things to do, I really enjoyed riding the trolley routes, especially the city tour, where I stopped and looked at the Iolani Palace and state capitel building. You might also enjoy, as I did, taking the trolley ride to the Sea Life Park. It was a great opportunity to see the gorgeous southeastern coastline of Oahu. I did not go into Sea Life Park, but it looked interesting. Please also consider the Polynesian Cultural Center.
If you enjoy shopping, you'll enjoy Honolulu. There is Ala Moana, the third largest outdoor mall in the US (??? they said) but I'm not so sure of that one. Then there is Hilo Hattie's for all kinds of things Hawaiian. I spent about 2 hours in that store. You can catch a free shuttle there from several spots on the main thoroughfare thru Waikiki... Kalakawa Ave. There is also Ward Warehouse, Ward Center, the Aloha Tower, and an outlet center which I did not make it to this time. There aren't a lot of bargains out there tho.
The trips to the outer islands are by plane. It's a 20 minute ride. I took tours offered by Polynesian Adventures and was very pleased. There are several companies that do them. Some tour companies take you around on big buses but with PolyAd you ride in a smaller van. The big buses are not able to go to the summit of Haleakala volcano on Maui, where the smaller vans can. I went to Maui and to Kauai on two separate days and enjoyed both very much. (but Kauai is my preference)
I traveled alone (female in my 50's) and never felt in jeopardy, although I do not stay out very late at night. There are lots of people along Waikiki Beach, lots of hotels, lots of activity. Since you have a car, please visit the north shore sometime. There are some nice little towns, and huge surfing waves (to watch!!).
Aloha!
As far as "must see" things to do, I really enjoyed riding the trolley routes, especially the city tour, where I stopped and looked at the Iolani Palace and state capitel building. You might also enjoy, as I did, taking the trolley ride to the Sea Life Park. It was a great opportunity to see the gorgeous southeastern coastline of Oahu. I did not go into Sea Life Park, but it looked interesting. Please also consider the Polynesian Cultural Center.
If you enjoy shopping, you'll enjoy Honolulu. There is Ala Moana, the third largest outdoor mall in the US (??? they said) but I'm not so sure of that one. Then there is Hilo Hattie's for all kinds of things Hawaiian. I spent about 2 hours in that store. You can catch a free shuttle there from several spots on the main thoroughfare thru Waikiki... Kalakawa Ave. There is also Ward Warehouse, Ward Center, the Aloha Tower, and an outlet center which I did not make it to this time. There aren't a lot of bargains out there tho.
The trips to the outer islands are by plane. It's a 20 minute ride. I took tours offered by Polynesian Adventures and was very pleased. There are several companies that do them. Some tour companies take you around on big buses but with PolyAd you ride in a smaller van. The big buses are not able to go to the summit of Haleakala volcano on Maui, where the smaller vans can. I went to Maui and to Kauai on two separate days and enjoyed both very much. (but Kauai is my preference)
I traveled alone (female in my 50's) and never felt in jeopardy, although I do not stay out very late at night. There are lots of people along Waikiki Beach, lots of hotels, lots of activity. Since you have a car, please visit the north shore sometime. There are some nice little towns, and huge surfing waves (to watch!!).
Aloha!
Aug 19th, 2003, 09:27 AM
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I, too recently returned from two weeks in Waikiki, and I was traveling alone as well (female, 47 years old). It was the most wonderful trip of my life. I am miserable being back home and am planning the next trip for the end of March!
The Waikiki Marriott is a nice hotel and just across the street from the beach. They have a great show up on the third floor - pool area - every Monday night, starting at about 6:30. It's a local group, they also have hula dancers during the 2nd & 3rd set, the show is really nice. They sing some songs by local entertainers, not just the usual "Tiny Bubbles" fare. They serve all the fun tropical drinks, sandwiches & burgers and the like. It's a great time to see the sunset go down while overlooking Kalakaua and Waikiki up there on the third floor terrace.
As far as "must sees" mine included the $20 tour through the Iolani Palace downtown. I took the bus down to the State Capital bldg and walked through the courtyard there to the Palace which is just on the other side. The tour was excellent - I love the rich and colorful history of the islands and they show a video and then a guide takes you through the Palace. You have to wear little booties over your shoes to protect the koa wood floors. It's a marvelous tour and worth the $20.
After the Iolani tour I walked on King Street to Chinatown and had a blast! Street after street of produce and delectable pastries! Yum! I bought all kinds of stuff - the most delicious, red, ripe mangos, papayas, apple bananas, coconut custad bread (great with coffee in the am), and other miscellaneous pastries, and of course some manapua. When I had all I could carry I hopped back on the bus to my hotel.
Although I was travelling alone, my boyfriend lives there, so I had an advantage in having my own personal tour guide. Because of his taking me around, and the fact that The Bus came right behind my hotel, I didn't rent a car.
My boyfriend took me out to the Dole Plantation and treated me to a delicious pineapple ice cream cone in a waffle cone, complete with a stalk of fresh pineapple. I wandered the gift store while he waited in line for the ice cream cones (his idea - what a nice guy he is) and bought several Maui onion products - so far the best was the Maui Onion Salsa - I'm already ordering more from their sight on the internet!
We went out to North Shore, past Waimea Bay which looked lovely but crowded. We drove through Haleiwa, which is a cute little town. My guy found me a gorgeous beach - complete with a legal parking space - with no one ont he beach! We hung out there until nearly sunset and I got some amazing pictures. On the way back into town we saw two complete, vibrant rainbows - they were beautiful.
On another day he took me up to Tantalus - exquisite views of the entire city of Honolulu and then some. We took the Round Top Drive around to Punchbowl. His parents are both buried there so our visit to Punchbowl was a solemn experience.
One of my "must do's" was have macadamia pancakes. A girlfriend who lives in Kaneohe told me Boots & Kimo's in Kailua was the best place for that. My boyfriend took me there for breakfast and those pancakes were to die for! We went by Makapu'u Beach afterwards and then planted ourselves on Waimanalo Beach for a couple of hours. It was gorgeous and nearly deserted, were it not for the boogie-board classes they were teaching next to us.
Another fun thing to do is on Friday nights, starting at 7:30 pm, in the Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel - this is the beach bar. There's a great little trio, very inter-active with the audience, very enjoyable.
I took the free historical tour at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel - the oldest hotel on Waikiki. The hotel has been restored and is beautiful The tour was interesting. They offer it Mon/Wed/Fri at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. It's worth the hour and a half if you have the time.
As far as shopping - you "must" go through the Int'l Market Place - it's great in there and they barter with you, great fun! Also - for cheaper prices on souvenirs and stuff you want to take home - go to the swapmeet out at the Aloha Stadium. There are free admission (50 cents) coupons in the what-to-do books all over Waikiki. I took The Bus, but there are shuttles too. If you go, take your carry on suitcase (especially if it has wheels on it) so you don't have to carry all your treasures in those hot, sticky plastic bags.
I had a nice experience making a lei - for $5 - in the lobby of the Outrigger Reef Hotel - the lei stand is right near valet. It was fun to talk stories with the lady while we sat and strung leis together.
I'm so jealous of anyone going to Hawaii before I get to go back! Have a great trip!
The Waikiki Marriott is a nice hotel and just across the street from the beach. They have a great show up on the third floor - pool area - every Monday night, starting at about 6:30. It's a local group, they also have hula dancers during the 2nd & 3rd set, the show is really nice. They sing some songs by local entertainers, not just the usual "Tiny Bubbles" fare. They serve all the fun tropical drinks, sandwiches & burgers and the like. It's a great time to see the sunset go down while overlooking Kalakaua and Waikiki up there on the third floor terrace.
As far as "must sees" mine included the $20 tour through the Iolani Palace downtown. I took the bus down to the State Capital bldg and walked through the courtyard there to the Palace which is just on the other side. The tour was excellent - I love the rich and colorful history of the islands and they show a video and then a guide takes you through the Palace. You have to wear little booties over your shoes to protect the koa wood floors. It's a marvelous tour and worth the $20.
After the Iolani tour I walked on King Street to Chinatown and had a blast! Street after street of produce and delectable pastries! Yum! I bought all kinds of stuff - the most delicious, red, ripe mangos, papayas, apple bananas, coconut custad bread (great with coffee in the am), and other miscellaneous pastries, and of course some manapua. When I had all I could carry I hopped back on the bus to my hotel.
Although I was travelling alone, my boyfriend lives there, so I had an advantage in having my own personal tour guide. Because of his taking me around, and the fact that The Bus came right behind my hotel, I didn't rent a car.
My boyfriend took me out to the Dole Plantation and treated me to a delicious pineapple ice cream cone in a waffle cone, complete with a stalk of fresh pineapple. I wandered the gift store while he waited in line for the ice cream cones (his idea - what a nice guy he is) and bought several Maui onion products - so far the best was the Maui Onion Salsa - I'm already ordering more from their sight on the internet!
We went out to North Shore, past Waimea Bay which looked lovely but crowded. We drove through Haleiwa, which is a cute little town. My guy found me a gorgeous beach - complete with a legal parking space - with no one ont he beach! We hung out there until nearly sunset and I got some amazing pictures. On the way back into town we saw two complete, vibrant rainbows - they were beautiful.
On another day he took me up to Tantalus - exquisite views of the entire city of Honolulu and then some. We took the Round Top Drive around to Punchbowl. His parents are both buried there so our visit to Punchbowl was a solemn experience.
One of my "must do's" was have macadamia pancakes. A girlfriend who lives in Kaneohe told me Boots & Kimo's in Kailua was the best place for that. My boyfriend took me there for breakfast and those pancakes were to die for! We went by Makapu'u Beach afterwards and then planted ourselves on Waimanalo Beach for a couple of hours. It was gorgeous and nearly deserted, were it not for the boogie-board classes they were teaching next to us.
Another fun thing to do is on Friday nights, starting at 7:30 pm, in the Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel - this is the beach bar. There's a great little trio, very inter-active with the audience, very enjoyable.
I took the free historical tour at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel - the oldest hotel on Waikiki. The hotel has been restored and is beautiful The tour was interesting. They offer it Mon/Wed/Fri at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. It's worth the hour and a half if you have the time.
As far as shopping - you "must" go through the Int'l Market Place - it's great in there and they barter with you, great fun! Also - for cheaper prices on souvenirs and stuff you want to take home - go to the swapmeet out at the Aloha Stadium. There are free admission (50 cents) coupons in the what-to-do books all over Waikiki. I took The Bus, but there are shuttles too. If you go, take your carry on suitcase (especially if it has wheels on it) so you don't have to carry all your treasures in those hot, sticky plastic bags.
I had a nice experience making a lei - for $5 - in the lobby of the Outrigger Reef Hotel - the lei stand is right near valet. It was fun to talk stories with the lady while we sat and strung leis together.
I'm so jealous of anyone going to Hawaii before I get to go back! Have a great trip!
Aug 19th, 2003, 09:46 AM
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I forgot to mention the inter-island stuff - a friend of mine owns & operates an inter-island tour service out of Honolulu. It's called "Commercial Flyer" and they have an excellent reputation. Check out their website - they may be less expensive than some of the bigger companies.
Aug 19th, 2003, 09:55 AM
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Thank you both for such great ideas. You both sounded like you had such a wonderful time! I have so many ideas swirling in my head on what to do. I would love to go to Maui, but I'm a bit scared of flying in those small planes, especially upon hearing of a crash recently. I thought it took an hour to get to the other islands. I was checking out the major airlines flying out of Honolulu to Maui and the flight was an hour long. I didn't know it was only 20 mins. So the plane takes you to Maui, and there's a tour bus that takes you around?
I'll be there on for my honeymoon, my husband would want to go to Maui.
Do you know of a good Luau to go to? I've heard of so many- Polynesian Cultural Center, Paradise Cove and Kodak, etc.. Which is the better one, especially the better food and experience?
Also, I heard that you have to wait a long time for the bus/trolleys. Is that true?
Thanks for all your help!
I'll be there on for my honeymoon, my husband would want to go to Maui.
Do you know of a good Luau to go to? I've heard of so many- Polynesian Cultural Center, Paradise Cove and Kodak, etc.. Which is the better one, especially the better food and experience?
Also, I heard that you have to wait a long time for the bus/trolleys. Is that true?
Thanks for all your help!
Aug 19th, 2003, 10:06 AM
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As far as the size of the planes for inter-island tours, "Commercial Flyer's" plane seat 9 passengers, which is bigger than some, smaller than others. I know I wouldn't be comfortable on anything smaller.
Depending on which bus or trolley you're waiting for, it never seemed I waited more than a few minutes. Most of the busses run every 10-20 minutes in both directions. One thing I learned this last time that is different than here in Las Vegas - get a transfer from the driver when you get on The Bus, even if you don't intend to transfer. You can use it for your return trip if it's within two hours. That's pretty cool - you get a free ride home that way.
I've heard that the Feast at LeLe (on Maui) is the best luau. The luau on the grounds of the Royal Hawaiian is supposed to be one of the best too.
If you do go to Maui, be sure to schedule a sunrise tour up to Haleakala - the volcano. It's amazing to see the sunrise from up there. But bring a sweater - it's REALLY cold up there at dawn. You should rent your own car, though, to drive to Hana. They sell plate lunches at the snack bar on the beach and it's a great way to unwind after the long drive.
You're going to have such a good trip.
Depending on which bus or trolley you're waiting for, it never seemed I waited more than a few minutes. Most of the busses run every 10-20 minutes in both directions. One thing I learned this last time that is different than here in Las Vegas - get a transfer from the driver when you get on The Bus, even if you don't intend to transfer. You can use it for your return trip if it's within two hours. That's pretty cool - you get a free ride home that way.
I've heard that the Feast at LeLe (on Maui) is the best luau. The luau on the grounds of the Royal Hawaiian is supposed to be one of the best too.
If you do go to Maui, be sure to schedule a sunrise tour up to Haleakala - the volcano. It's amazing to see the sunrise from up there. But bring a sweater - it's REALLY cold up there at dawn. You should rent your own car, though, to drive to Hana. They sell plate lunches at the snack bar on the beach and it's a great way to unwind after the long drive.
You're going to have such a good trip.
Aug 19th, 2003, 10:38 AM
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Aloha Airlines, the airline used by my PolyAd Tours group, uses "larger" jets, like a 737. 3 seats/3 seats with aisle in between, and 1st class compartment as well. No 9-seaters!
Aloha is like Southwest (?) that does not reserve seats. It's a cattle call to get on the plane, standing in line and taking the next seat available, that sort of thing. I never got stuck in the middle seat at any time, always got the window, great for taking photos of the approach to Maui. Kauai (my favorite) is approached on the west side, coming from the east, as it is the next island over from Oahu, so you don't get a good island photo before landing because you can't see it before landing. Oh well... Anyway, Aloha Airlines has regular flights and good service. I wouldn't hesitate to take their 20 minute flights between islands.
Aloha is like Southwest (?) that does not reserve seats. It's a cattle call to get on the plane, standing in line and taking the next seat available, that sort of thing. I never got stuck in the middle seat at any time, always got the window, great for taking photos of the approach to Maui. Kauai (my favorite) is approached on the west side, coming from the east, as it is the next island over from Oahu, so you don't get a good island photo before landing because you can't see it before landing. Oh well... Anyway, Aloha Airlines has regular flights and good service. I wouldn't hesitate to take their 20 minute flights between islands.
Aug 19th, 2003, 10:47 AM
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Most memorable? Hmmmm... this was my 4th time to Oahu, so I didn't do a lot of the sight seeing things this time. But, in the past I guess seeing Pearl Harbor and Punchbowl Cemetary were VERY touching. Also, seeing the coastline and beaches around the island and snorkeling Hanauma Bay when it wasn't soooooo crowded.
My day trips to Maui and Kauai were the most memorable this time, since I've done so much of the tourist things on Oahu in the past.
Also, sitting on my balcony at Hilton Hawaiian Village Ali'i Tower, watching the sun come thru in the morning, feeding the little birds that came to eat my muffin crumbs every morning... it was just soooooooo relaxing! And relaxation was what took me to Waikiki this time, after all. And I LOVE traveling there alone because I can shop when I want to shop, sit on my balcony when I want to, ride a trolley when I want to... You get the idea. There's no one else to consider when making "plans"... It's the greatest! When my hubby comes along, we do some things together and pretty much eat where HE wants to eat (but he DOES choose nice restaurants).
Anyway, enjoy enjoy enjoy! Oahu is a wonderful vacation spot.
Aloha!
My day trips to Maui and Kauai were the most memorable this time, since I've done so much of the tourist things on Oahu in the past.
Also, sitting on my balcony at Hilton Hawaiian Village Ali'i Tower, watching the sun come thru in the morning, feeding the little birds that came to eat my muffin crumbs every morning... it was just soooooooo relaxing! And relaxation was what took me to Waikiki this time, after all. And I LOVE traveling there alone because I can shop when I want to shop, sit on my balcony when I want to, ride a trolley when I want to... You get the idea. There's no one else to consider when making "plans"... It's the greatest! When my hubby comes along, we do some things together and pretty much eat where HE wants to eat (but he DOES choose nice restaurants).
Anyway, enjoy enjoy enjoy! Oahu is a wonderful vacation spot.
Aloha!
Aug 19th, 2003, 12:59 PM
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Community events are great venues for Hawaiian culture. You can check out entertainment at Mele.com. or gohawaii (Hawaii visitors information bureau) for details of what is happening on your stay. If you are going to be on Maui many suggest Old Lahaina luau.. Community centers or churches also have great luaus and advertise widely for fund raising.
You want to see a performance from a dedicated halau (hula school) or member of, not someone that is dancing exclusively for the tourist dollar. Just a richer experience in my opinion. I saw old style hula right in Waikiki for free at sunset near the Duke Statue
PBS just had a great documentary on Hula. It was called ?American Aloha? you might want to check your local station?s website for repeat airings. You can read about hula, contradictions in style, how the young and old dancers are facing these questions. Check it out.
You want to see a performance from a dedicated halau (hula school) or member of, not someone that is dancing exclusively for the tourist dollar. Just a richer experience in my opinion. I saw old style hula right in Waikiki for free at sunset near the Duke Statue
PBS just had a great documentary on Hula. It was called ?American Aloha? you might want to check your local station?s website for repeat airings. You can read about hula, contradictions in style, how the young and old dancers are facing these questions. Check it out.
Aug 19th, 2003, 01:21 PM
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The interisland tours can be found from Roberts of Hawaii:
http://www.robertshawaii.com/roberts...5CBXF1TWCUBS67
http://www.robertshawaii.com/roberts...5CBXF1TWCUBS67
Aug 19th, 2003, 01:28 PM
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OOOOO Sarah I saw a Hawaii special on PBS just this weekend. They had a male group from Ni'ihau that did chant and hula. Was mesmerizing. Other obligations prevented me from seeing the whole show so I'm hoping they repeat it!!!
Aug 19th, 2003, 01:47 PM
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Cool Suzie. You know EVERYONE I know that watched the hula special said just what you did. Something came up, I had to go somewhere. Funny.
Here is the web address http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2003/americanaloha/
ANYWHO? The Niihau dancers must have been impressive.
You live in California don't you? You have some interesting hula happening out there. It is a sad fact that there are more Hawaiians living in California than the islands. The Kuma hula teacher that did some of the music for Lilo and Stich has a halau in Oakland. Looks like he just openned another in Monterey? I really like Patrick Makuakane and would want to take in one of his performances in San Francisco if I made more regular visits. You have it made if you live out there Suzie.
Here is the web address http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2003/americanaloha/
ANYWHO? The Niihau dancers must have been impressive.
You live in California don't you? You have some interesting hula happening out there. It is a sad fact that there are more Hawaiians living in California than the islands. The Kuma hula teacher that did some of the music for Lilo and Stich has a halau in Oakland. Looks like he just openned another in Monterey? I really like Patrick Makuakane and would want to take in one of his performances in San Francisco if I made more regular visits. You have it made if you live out there Suzie.
Aug 19th, 2003, 01:50 PM
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Island Mom You must be one of the people that had the show interrupted
. One of the Kumu hula teachers was living in California but there were three kumus all together. Unless one or more was teaching without that title.
. One of the Kumu hula teachers was living in California but there were three kumus all together. Unless one or more was teaching without that title.
Aug 19th, 2003, 03:06 PM
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To hc317
Roberts isn't the only tour company for the interisland flights. There are several, and for various prices from what I could see, but some add on extra taxes and such, in the FINE PRINT so don't be fooled by the first price you see. If you want a small group, say 10-15 people or less on your tour, then I suggest you do what I did and go with Polynesian Adventures. There were 10 on my Maui one-day trip and only 3 on the Kauai one-day. I was very pleased with the service, and we did NOT have to wait on a big bus for 40+ people to finish taking photos and shopping, which can delay a big bus's departure from site to site. The Roberts groups I saw were on the big buses.
Aloha!
Roberts isn't the only tour company for the interisland flights. There are several, and for various prices from what I could see, but some add on extra taxes and such, in the FINE PRINT so don't be fooled by the first price you see. If you want a small group, say 10-15 people or less on your tour, then I suggest you do what I did and go with Polynesian Adventures. There were 10 on my Maui one-day trip and only 3 on the Kauai one-day. I was very pleased with the service, and we did NOT have to wait on a big bus for 40+ people to finish taking photos and shopping, which can delay a big bus's departure from site to site. The Roberts groups I saw were on the big buses.
Aloha!
Aug 19th, 2003, 06:02 PM
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Thanks all, I will research the tour groups on the web. I'm sure I'll have a great time with any of them.
Haven't left for my trip yet and people are asking for souvenirs already. Any suggestions on where to get souvenirs that are cheap but not too cheap looking or made? I've heard of Hilo Hattie's. Is that a good spot? Oh, and also the aloha stadium (I think that's it), I read from one of the posters' that its a great place too.
Haven't left for my trip yet and people are asking for souvenirs already. Any suggestions on where to get souvenirs that are cheap but not too cheap looking or made? I've heard of Hilo Hattie's. Is that a good spot? Oh, and also the aloha stadium (I think that's it), I read from one of the posters' that its a great place too.
