5 adults visiting Kauai for 7 days the first week of October 1998 and Maui for 7 days during the 2nd week. Anyone know where to find the best operators and get the best prices or discounts for Dinner Cruise, World Cup ll Tradewind Sail, Parasailing, Biking down the Volcano, Luau, Snorkeling versus Snuba and Hiking. Any other neat ideas welcome. Would love to hear about your own experiences and would you do it again or what would you change if anything.

Kauai: Gaylords Luau; Mauild Lahaina Luau. On all islands the "Gold" and "This Week" publications have loads of discount coupons as well as the car rental areas at airports give you a booklet and there are many spots where you can get plenty more at the airports. "Kamaina" prices are for you if this is your second or more visit there, although for some places they require residency proof (as in interisland flight discounts). Also, re:inter-flights: cheapest waytogo is to purchase booklets of 6 coupons from Aloha air. works out to 52. a ticket US$. With a group like yours, perhaps 2 booklets would do it, and might even be a bargain if you didnt use a ticket or 2! Or maybe it would allow 2 of you to take a day trip to another island. You buy them at the Aloha counter in airport. PS>Can we come, too?

Sandi, Thanks for the reply but what do you mean by "Kamaina" and what is it? As far as coming with us, well,you sound like nice people but we already have a full house so how about we keep you in mind for our next trip to Hawaii. Thanks again.

On our many trips to Hawaii we saved a bundle by purchasing an "Entertainment" book at our local book store. It is filled with "2 for 1" coupons for all sorts of activities as well as dining. It costs somewhere in the neighbood of $25 and can be used on all the islands.
We easily recouped the cost of the book.

MOLOKINI! It is a wonderful must see. We had the best catamaran trip with instruction and beverages and food. Then dive help into the beautyful underwater wonderland. FILLED with hundreds of colorful tropical fish. Very exciting and fresh try their web site. Book a trip.
http://www.snorkelbob.com/molokini.htm

Good deals on tours and activities on Maui from Barefoot Cashback Tours.
LOTS more Maui info, restaurants, sights, activities, hotels, etc, is in the 30-page paper you can print from this web site:
http://members.aol.com/Derm1/index.html

>what do you mean by "Kamaina" and what >is it?

It means "native". That is you are a resident of the state of Hawaii. Often gets you up to 50% discount of things like lodging and golf.

yes, "kama" means native. We were told by a tour guide that your second or more trip back qualifies you for "kama" prices, and we were able to get slightly reduced rates for a few things at the entrance counter when buying some tickets. At the airport, however, we were not able to get kama rates, because the rules there included residency. Doesnt hurt to ask though.

Jim,

First, Get beachfront accomodations in Poipu. The weather is best there. Princeville can be rainy.

Second, try Will Squyres helicopter tours. Excellent! Flies throught the Waimea Canyon and along Na Pali area. Breathtaking and 100% safety record. Don't skimp here.

Third, the sorkel, lunch and sightseeing catamaran tour through Capt.(?) was worthwhile. The outfit is in Poipu.

Last, if you are looking for something IMHO better than parasailing, try Bird of Paradise hang-glider or, my choice, microlight (hang-glider with a motor) tour of the Na Pali coastline. The owner/pilot is a displaced California "dude" who flies micros in competition. Ask for the wing mounted camera to save the experience.

Last - enjoy! I'm jealous.

Geoff

Jim, Pick up a copy of "The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook" from your bookstore. It has very detailed maps and descriptions. A helicopter trip is a "must do" on Kauai. I went with Jack Harter and thought it was excellent. Only problem is that it seated four adults, plus the pilot. So you might want to check if they have a six-seater or else go with another company. Ask if the windows open so you can take pictures. Also ask if there is two-way communication with the pilot. If you've got five people, it'll be like you're on your own charter aand you'll want to talk to the pilot and ask him to hover a little longer here or go a little closer there. And spring for the 90-minute trip! 60 minutes only leaves you wanting more! Have fun!!

Thanks to all for some really good advice. Still confused about "Kamaina" how do we prove we were there three times before? Also, We were really thinking about a Luau on Maui but I just read a post that appeared to say save your money and do something else because the shows are good but the food is poor!! Any comments on that observation. Thanks again.

Jim: We just returned from 10 days in Maui and had a fantastic time. I know everyone recommends the Old Lahaina Luau, but we opted for the Aston Wailea luau. It was GREAT! The food was delicious and (to me at least) seemed somewhat authentic. It was held on the grass right by the ocean. The show was the best, the highlight was a fire dancer. And we managed to save 20% on the cost by going thru one of those activity places in Kihei (didn't even have to attend a timeshare presentation). With our 20% discount I believe the cost was about $42 p/p. I searched for discounts on luaus and--for the good ones--they're hard to find. Let me know if I can answer any more questions. I've only been back 4 days and I'd go again if I could!

Jim,

"Kamaina" rates are for state residents. I have never heard of "Kamaina" rates given if have been to Hawaii before. How would you prove it? I have been to Hawaii several times and some of my best friends are from Hawaii and/or currently living there. I have been with them when they have recieved "Kamaina" rates and they ALWAYS had to show a valid Hawaii drivers license in order to get large discounts on lodging, air and golf. Usually it's a 50% discount for golf and lodging. Sorry Jim you will just have to become a resident of Hawaii...there are much worse things in life.

Russ,
Thanks for the information. Believe me I would love to retire in Hawaii but with 4 children and 7 grandchildren my wife says NO!!! We will not get that far away We now live in Pennsylvania and I'm not sure how far I can move and stay happy.

Erin,
Thank you also, your input is greatly appreciated and I think my mind is made up. The Old Lahaina Luau is out. I will check out the one you suggested and see what the rest of the group thinks. Thanks again.