Kauai in Dec 2009 - Questions
 

So after posting under the topic, Hawaii Virgin - need help, I now have a more focused view after all of your very generous responses.

We have decided to travel Saturday Dec 26th from Chicago to Honolulu. Due to using air miles on American Airlines, we are limited to certain dates.

We will spend Saturday night in Honolulu and spend all day Sunday. I am a history teacher and Marine veteran - cannot pass up Pearl Harbor. We'll fly to Kauai late on Sunday afternoon and stay there until Friday Jan 1st when we'll fly back to Honolulu and onto Chicago on an overnight.

The Questions -
1. Suggestions on where to stay in Honolulu - near airport?

2. How necessary is a rental car for one day on Honolulu? Can we see more than just Pearl Harbor in a day?

3. We are considering stay at Kuhio Shores Condos on the South side of Kauai. Any suggestions as to specific condos at this location?

4. Must see or must do's on Kauai?

5. Any other thoughts or comments?

The airport hotels have not had good reviews in the past so you probably won't get too many replies for them.
The Breakers or the Hawaiian hotels are in a good location for restaurants and stores.
A car isn't a necessity on Oahu and the Bus is usually pretty good for around Honolulu. The advantage of a car is making the most out of your time normally.
You should be able to go to the Punchbowl after Pearl.
On Kauai we like the Napali Coast cruise however at that time of year very few of the operators go out Liko's on the westside may.
The Waimea Canyon is very scenic and Polihale Beach.

Thank you.

As ex-military, you should be eligible to stay at Hale Koa Hotel on Waikiki which has an excellent location. Not at all worth staying at airport hotels.

My understanding is that that hotel is only for active duty and retired military. I only served for 9 years and as such am not considered "retired" from the military.

When we are in Waikiki for only a night or two, we like the Waikiki Beachside Hotel. Used to be an Aston hotel, now I think it's Resortquest. It's across the street from the beach.

Loved the location right across from Kuhio Park. Great views. We looked down on the Duke statue from our lanai. Price is right for an oceanfront room. Very simple place. Get the highest floor possible.

Nothing worth staying at near the airport. Waikiki is not far and you'll enjoy the lively atmosphere.

I've always looked at Kuhio Shores if we ever stay in Poipu, but we always end up staying on the north shore. I've heard great reviews for Kuhio Sh. When I've looked I always used vrbo.

Happy planning. ((R))

Must sees and do's on Kauai--

--helicopter tour of island

--Waimea Canyon

--Hanalei

--Hyatt at Poipu Beach

Sunset at Polihale if reopened or Kekaha.

20-30 ft waves on the North Shore that fill up Hanalei Valley with ocean spray.

Hawaiian monk seals snoozing on the beach.

Whales winking at you as they pass by so close to the beach at the Sheraton Poipu.

Whales dancing below the Kealia overlook at sunrise.