Need itinerary help for Oahu & Maui
 

I will be staying at the Outrigger Reef for 3 nights and the Sheraton Maui in June for 4 nights.

Can anyone recommend some activities for us to do? We are a couple in our mid 20s on our honeymoon.

Also, can anyone tell us about the hotels we are staying at and the interisland flights with Aloha Airlines.

Thanks!

I think you'll like both resorts. Look at their websites and tripadvisor.com. Sheraton Maui has a great snorkeling location on Black Rock and the torch-lighting each evening is magical. In Oahu, I would definitely walk around the Waikiki area and take a drive up to the north shore area. On Maui, I would definitely visit the Iao Valley and Haleakala. The drive up the west shore to the Olivine Pools and on around is really neat. I probably wouldn't do the Road to Hana with only four days. The Old Lahaina Luau is fun. Do build in some relaxation time...

I second Crazy4Hawaii .... along with adding a trip to Pearl Harbor on Oahu. I completely agree about NOT doing the road to Hana during a four-day Maui stay. And you're in good hotels on both islands! We enjoyed our interisland flights on Aloha ... although some people complain about the time it takes to fly island to island, I've always enjoyed them, love the scenery! :-)

I, too, would recommend Pearl Harbor (go VERY early) and I would definatly recommend a visit to the North Shore.
Very beautiful.
In Maui, I'd make sure you go to Lahaina for shopping. The island of Maui is very beautiful.

Waikiki: Outrigger Reef has a great spa, Serenity Spa (went for a facial myself last trip) I know they offer couples massage among other services. The high-end restaurant downstairs is beautiful, go at sunset. The more casual one is too noisy and hectic for me but I have seen posts from people who liked it. For another nice dinner I highly recommend Banyan Veranda at the old Moana Surfrider hotel, again try to seating at sunset. Along the main boulevard a guy runs each evening and lights all the torches, kind of cool. Also free Hawaiian dance and music demos on the stage at the Royal Hawaiian shopping center.

Because I am not interested in military history Pearl Harbor is not a must do in my mind. If you want something cultural I personally would choose Bishop Museum or Iolani Place which are right in Honolulu to visit.

Maui: I recommend either Feast of Lele or Old Lahaina Luau, make reservations early as they are popular. Both are in Lahaina which is a great town to walk around... lots of fun galleries, shops, restaurants, bars, etc. The crater of Haleakala is the one "must do" I would suggest for Maui.

Outrigger Reef has lots of good gift shops in the huge open air lobby that cuts thru from the street to the beach out back. Shore Bird is the casual bar restaurant I didn't care for. Ocean House is the name of the more formal dining room which had excellent food, service, and atmosphere.

"Because I am not interested in military history Pearl Harbor is not a must do in my mind."

Suze, I assume that you are not interested in honoring the soldiers who defended and preserved your freedom? How sad.

Road to Hana is the best part of Maui. Don't skip it! Also Haleakala and stroll Lahaina. Skip the Old Lahaina Luau. It does not have a fire knife dancer which is the best part of any Polynesian show.

On Oahu, Arizona Memorial is a must.

For Maui:

www.mauihawaii.org

www.visitmaui.com Official Maui Visitors Bureau. They will send you a free brochure.

For Oahu:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34652188

<I assume that you are not interested in honoring the soldiers who defended and preserved your freedom? How sad.>

leelane911, That's a whole lot of bad attitude you are dishing out to a person you know nothing about. Please let's not derail this thread for nice activities for a young honeymooning couple.

Suze, the problem is not a bad attitude on my part. We are talking about an incredulous one, that an American citizen could be so ungrateful. If not for our military history that you are not interested in, life would be very different in this world.

Geez Louise leelane! That was so uncalled for. :(

Because this is a honeymoon trip I was trying to suggest *romantic* activities.

Not romantic, but absolutely amazing and fun is the Warren and Annabelle show in Lahaina on Maui. Warren is an incredible magician and Annabelle is a...ghost who plays piano. But book early, maybe a couple of weeks in advance. Cost of the show is $45 a person, plus you can add an appetizer plate plus 2 drinks (any drinks you want, not just well drinks)for $27 more per person. The appetizer plate is BIG.

If you like the ocean, I recommend snorkelling, perhaps taking one of the many boats to Molokini. They'll supply everything you need (except sunscreen and a towel).

Even for youngsters like you, I think you will exhaust yourselves if you do Haleakala, Iao Valley and the Road to Hana, especially the last. All are very worthwhile, but I think it's too much to do in 4 days. Pick one.

If you like Japanese/Sushi, I recommend Sensei. They have an early bird 25% discount (50% on a couple of nights and also discounts after 10 PM. That's in Kapalua, maybe a 20 minute drive from the area where you are staying.

Congratulations and Aloha.

On Waikiki beach right near your hotel are places that rent out paddle boats, floats, surfboards, etc.

'The Bus' is a great way to get around. You can catch it down to the Zoo, over to Ala Moana shopping center, into Chinatown in Honolulu.

There are van tours for snorkeling at Hunama Bay with hotel pick up, equipment, and brief instruction included.

I agree with Davethecat about Warren & Annabelle's. Make the reservations before you leave, or you may not get them!

We opted for the dinner. It was one of the best of the trip! The show is fantastic fun!

Belle

I was also somewhat offended by the remarks of Suze about Pearl Harbor not being a must.

I think anyone visiting Hawaii, especially Oahu, should take a couple hours of their time to visit the USS Arizona Memorial, one of the treasures of our country.

I won't go as far as leelane and state that suze is not interested in honoring the soldiers.

Pearl Harbor may not be the most romantic thing to see or do in Hawaii. But, it is one of the most cherished things one can do in Hawaii. And it should be #1 on anyone's list of things to do regardless of the reason they are in Hawaii.

Aren't strong opinions fun?!

Pearl Harbor is A MUST!
The Road to Hana is A MUST!
Fire knife dancers are THE BEST part of any Polynesian show!

Actually I've seen all of the above and none of them are even in my top ten favorite things to see/do in Hawaii. It's patently ridiculous to think that one must see Pearl Harbor to appreciate/honor our country's military history. That's like saying one must see "The Passion" to be a good Christian! With only seven days in Hawaii, I'd spend as little time as possible sitting in a car or waiting in a line. And I still think the best luau I've seen (and I've seen a few) is the very authentically-Hawaiian Old Lahaina Luau. Let others be "incredulous" and "offended" all they want to be! Do what YOU want to do, relax, enjoy the ambience.

An opinion about a restaurant vs another is just that, an opinion. It hurts no one.

An opinion about a luau vs another is just that, an opinion. It hurts no one

An opinion about a favorite snorkeling spot vs another is just that, an opinion. It hurts no one.

An opinion about whether a road is worth traveling is just that, an opinion. It hurts no one.

A negative statement that implies that the Arizona Memorial isn't a place to see on a trip to Hawaii is a sacrilege to any veteran. It should offend any veteran.

I don't know if you are a veteran. I am. I was offended by suze negative statement about the Memorial as was leelane. I don't know if leelane is a veteran or not.

The Arizona Memorial is recognized as one of the most significant memorials to veterans in the world.

Suze would have been much better off if she didn't mention the Arizona Memorial at all rather than to make such a negative statement.

I have many opinions on things to do and see in Hawaii. I have many opinions on mnay other things in life. But, I would never say anything negative about such an important memorial to those that served our country.

The Arizona Memorial isn't important to see because you are on your honeymoon because it isn't romantic. But taking a bus around town is. How pathetic!

That is the point I'm making.

An opinion about a restaurant vs another is just that, an opinion. It hurts no one.

An opinion about a luau vs another is just that, an opinion. It hurts no one

An opinion about a favorite snorkeling spot vs another is just that, an opinion. It hurts no one.

An opinion about whether a road is worth traveling is just that, an opinion. It hurts no one.

A negative statement that implies that the Arizona Memorial isn't a place to see on a trip to Hawaii is a sacrilege to any veteran. It should offend any veteran.

I don't know if you are a veteran. I am. I was offended by suze negative statement about the Memorial as was leelane. I don't know if leelane is a veteran or not.

The Arizona Memorial is recognized as one of the most significant memorials to veterans in the world.

Suze would have been much better off if she didn't mention the Arizona Memorial at all rather than to make such a negative statement.

I have many opinions on things to do and see in Hawaii. I have many opinions on mnay other things in life. But, I would never say anything negative about such an important memorial to those that served our country.

The Arizona Memorial isn't important to see because you are on your honeymoon because it isn't romantic. But taking a bus around town is.

That is the point I'm making.

We went to Oahu, Maui and Kauai on our honeymoon when we were in our mid 20s, we have been back three times (now in our early 50's) as recently as five years ago. Just like raising kids and getting advice, read all our advice, search the web, read some guidebooks, and it will all come together what will interest you the most. Save some time to enjoy being together and on your honeymoon. Usually you are tired after your wedding and exhausted, also perhaps from the flight, but I don't know where you are flying from. We ran around so much by the time we got to the third island I was sick with a fever, had to see the hotel doctor and my husband did everything on his own while I lay in the hotel room or sleeping in the shade. Don't run crazy, you can always go back ! That being said, here is what I would consider: Although we weren't staying at the Sheraton Waikiki, we were still able thru them to go out on a snorkeling trip just us and one guy on a boat who took us to some cool places - we also did Hunama Bay but it can be crowded and we saw basically the same fish. I would recommend renting a car for one day and doing the drive to the north shore. You can stop all along the way at lookout/photo points, Hunama Bay, Blowhole, etc and stop when you want. Lovely views. If you want, snorkel at Hunama on the way.
Finish and rest on the beach at your hotel and have a romantic dinner. We didn't do a Luau on honeymoon, but did with kids on Oahu - it was a hoot and I could go either way on them. The one we did included taking a bus ride (which we still laugh about b/c the bus drivers had us doing games with the other bus on the way out-the type of stuff like - quick we are passing the other bus, I am going to put the lights on and everyone turn and look the opposite way away from them...haha...we laugh not b/c it was so funny but b/c what were we doing here? anyway, the dancing was nice but I would say find one closer to home. -or someone mentioned one in Maui and that sounded good, so you could wait and do it there. hers sounded better than ours. I loved Lolani and Bishop if you like that type of stuff look into it on the web.
As far as Arizona Memorial/Pearl harbor we did do it on our honeymoon and took our kids back there. I am glad we went, it put some history in perspective and was time well spent - we went first thing in the morning and were back on the beach for lunch both times. It wasn't long. But do not feel guilty if you don't want to go, save it if you want for the trip that isn't your honeymoon. Truthfully, when we first went it was b/c my mother was so intent on my seeing it. I hadn't gone when I'd visited Hawaii in college - I was glad I went, the generation that most remembers it is older, and it gave me a clearer sense of what and how it affected them and our country at that time. You can decide when you get there. In Maui I agree about road to Hana, you need to read about that and decide if that is what you want to do for one of your days, and youneed to leave early and it is a long day but magnificent.
Haleakala willb e easier for you to do and is extremely lovely and one of my favorite spots. Snorkel in Maui too is beautiful.
We did a 1/2 day excursion with the kids to a quiet spot and after snnorkeling it ended with a bbq on the beach. very nice. But if you like the beach, pool, etc leave time to sit and relax and have leisurely lunches and dinners and be romantic. Don't feel you have to run 24/7. The beaches and views alone, with a little exploring, will satisfy you. Congratulations and Aloha.

Uhhhhhhhh, honeymoon and Pearl Harbour memorial should not be in the same sentence. Terming something as not a must do, DOES NOT denigrate the honor of US Soldiers.

I completely support suze's comments.

______________________


Karina123 : While on Maui, have you considered a nice kayak/snorkel "tour"? We had the greatest time kayaking to Ahi'i Cove and snorkeling with the exotic fish there. We then kayaked along the coast and swam with sea turtles (we did not violate the laws, etc) and took an expensive camera in a "dry bag" to protect it. I still reflect on those photos.

Have you also considered doing the Trilogy "tour" on a catamaran sailboat? We went with 30 people on a good sized boat with 4-man crew to Lana'i and snorkeled there, played volleyball, suntanned, BBQ was prepared and served by the ship's crew on the island, and we had a chance to see dolphins and whales. Depends on the season of course.

Have you considered golf?

Have you considered the Ulalena theatre show?

Have you considered shopping in Wailea?

Have you considered dancing at Tsunami at the Grand Wailea Resort?

While we enjoyed the round trip Road to Hana, it might be exhaustive for your 4 days there. I must say that one of the highlights was buying fresh starfruit and coconut, etc. from a farmer's stand.

Have you considered renting bikes and a tour guide for a downhill ride beginning at the top of Haleakala?

Have you considered Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea Resort? Out of this world luxury. It may not be necessary to be a guest at the hotel to make reservations there...

These are all great things for honeymooners.

I strongly recommend sidestepping any of the hecklers who offer discounts and incentives for listening to a timeshare presentation. On my honeymoon? Fehgeddaboudit!!

Sheraton and the nearby Westin are both under Starwood management so you have free access to the Westin pool as a Sheraton guest. The Westin pool is nicer.

Actually, I gave the US Navy eight years of my life. A small contribution compared to those who gave their very lives... I have reread this thread and still haven't seen ANY negative comments about the memorial at Pearl Harbor???

We took the Trilogy tour to Lanai. The boat ride was fun but rough. The snorkeling was not as good as that we experienced offshore at the south Maui beaches. And it took a whole day... But it was a fun excursion.

I would not miss Pearl Harbor. Also, we took surfing lessons in Maui while there. I recommend that. Very fun and they give Lots of personal attention to beginners. You have to do a luau too. There's great snorkeling in Maui at a place called Black Rock. I think it's right near the Sheraton. Hawaii is such a romantic place. You cant go wrong no matter what you do. You will have a great time!

I was three weeks in Hawaii for work, but had plenty of time to tour around. I flew to the Big Island also for a couple of days on Aloha Airlines. It was a short (40 min.) flight. They don't assign seats, only general boarding so it's first come first serve. Sit on the right side of the plane if you want to have a view of Honolulu. You'll see some of the other islands from either side.

Here are some things to do in Honolulu and around the island:

Honolulu

Waikiki Beach – Most of my time was spent on the beach, swimming, or just walking up and down.

Arizona Memorial – Very moving, go early or plan to wait around the visitors center until your timed ticket.

Battleship Missouri – Interesting tour, even though it is next to the Arizona you have to take a bus into the base to see it.

Aloha tower and marketplace – The view from the tower is not what it once was. The maritime center in the marketplace is a rewarding visit.

Diamond Head – A moderately difficult hike to the top. This is where you get the best views. Absolutely breathtaking.

Creations at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani – This is the best of the Waikiki Hotel shows. We didn’t do dinner, just the show.

Catamaran ride – I took the Mai Tai catamaran on a one and a half hour cruise. It was a fun trip.

Oahu

Polynesian Cultural Center – This is probably the most interesting thing to do. Every Polynesian culture has a small village with a show and different activities. It really is an all day excursion. We didn’t have time to see all the villages and the Horizons evening show is specatular. The Lu’au buffet was pretty good, but you have to eat quickly, when I went back for seconds everything had been cleared and dessert was set out.

Pali pass – Great views of the winward coast from here.

Manoa Falls – A nice hike though the rain forest to the waterfall. You can’t go into the water here because of some sort of tropical parasite, but it is beautiful.

Hanauma Bay – Snorkeling is good here, lots of fish, but also lots of dead coral. I was disappointed after all I had read about it. If you’ve gone somewhere where there is a pristine coral reef, you’ll probably be disappointed here too.

Halona Blowhole – Interesting to look at for a short while. The spurts are intermittent so stay a few minutes to be sure to see a big spout.

Shrimp Trucks – There are a lot of shrimp farms on the coast around Laie. Stop for lunch at one of the trucks, we stopped at Kaya’s which was painted yellow and had big signs.

Turtle Bay – The Turtle Bay Hilton has public beach access. A calm beach between the resort and golf coast was totally deserted and very peaceful.

Paradise Cove – A different kind of lu’au. Drink tickets are included with your admission. A few activities, nothing on the scale of the Polynesian Cultural Center, but still a lot of fun.

I don't think it is for us to tell people what they "must do" on their vacation. When I post a suggestion, either pro or con, I have thought about it and try to match the activities with what the OP asked about... interests they expressed, occasion of the trip (in this case a honeymoon).

"Because I am not interested in military history Pearl Harbor is not a must do in my mind."

Suze, you said a lot when you made the above statement. You wanted to make a statement because otherwise there was reason to say it at all. Why would you? Why would you mention Pearl Harbor except that you wanted to slide in your little anti-military tidbit?

Funny how people can read the same sentence and come to such different conclusions. I fail to see any "anti-military" sentiment in Suze's statement.

tom42 -

I'm with you! Someone must have forgotten to take their "crazy pills" this morning...

Jeez, I'm starting to wonder if there isn't something else going on here - like a personal dislike that has spilled rather bizarrely into a thread.

I didn't see anything wrong with suze's comments, either.

Whether you decide to visit Pearl Harbor or not is up to you. Everyone has different interests.

You might want to try renting a 2 person kayak in Kailua and kayaking off Kailua/Lanikai beach. The beaches are my favorites on the island - the last time we did this I had a turtle swimming next to me for a little bit.

"Because I am not interested in military history, Pearl Harbor is not a must do in my mind."

and

"Because this is a honeymoon trip I was trying to suggest *romantic* activities."

I believe visiting the memorial is a "must see". If it is not to some, I can also see that.

If you don't recommend spending a couple of hours at something as important as the USS Arizona Memorial, just don't say anything about it rather than implying that it isn't important enough or romantic enough.

Leelane:

>>Why would you mention Pearl Harbor except that you wanted to slide in your little anti-military tidbit? >>

Anti-military? WHAT? I didn't see that at all. So let's see. When they erect the 9/11 monument to honor the people who lost their lives, and I don't go when I'm in New York, will that make me "Pro-Taliban?" Please!

I just got back from Waikiki last week. We went to Pearl Harbor and the zoo. In addressing this post to a honeymooning couple in their 20's who only have 2-3 days, I'd recommend the zoo. I learned a lot at the memorial, but I had a more romantic time strolling the near empty zoo with my husband. BTW, I am not a commie!

Karina did not say anything about wanting to do "romantic" things, Suze did. It is laughable in this day and age when most married couples have been living together for months or years before marriage to consider a honeymoon such a sacred, "romantic" time that you cannot pay your respects to the people who are responsible for your freedom. I cannot even comprehend your attitudes. Such ingratitude is truly sad.

So then you're saying that anyone who visits Oahu and does not visit Pearl Harbor is ungrateful?

I can't comprehend that attitude.

Honestly, there was NOTHING wrong with Suze's comments. Sometimes the way people jump to the wrong conclusions about people they don't even know on this board is ridiculous. She was hardly being anti-military. Get a life, people.

I have no problem with suze or anyone else who does not visit the Arizona Memorial. I don't know if she has been there or not.

My problem with suze is the way she recommended not seeing it. She shouldn't have mentioned it at all.

For me this also goes back to her being against going to Polynesian Cultural Center. First it was because it was too commercial. The next thread about PCC it was because it was run by Mormons and "some of us have a problem with that". She also stated she has never been there.

Religion should play no part in a travel forum. Nor should the comments she made about the memorial. I am not religious at all, but I wouldn't think about bashing a place because of religion.

Its a dagger through the heart of any veteran to read "Because I am not interested in military history Pearl Harbor is not a must do in my mind." or "You're on your honeymoon".

I didn't see anything in her comments that were anti-military. Just a lack of respect!

I have been to Maui numerous times, including our honeymoon 11 years ago. Although we have never stayed at the Sheraton, some suggestions that I would have for Maui are:
1. Snorkel! I find the best snorkeling right off the beach. Go to any dive shop for wonderful, detailed maps of where to go and level of difficulty. Morning is better visibility, by far. I have gone on snorkeling and diving trips to Molokini, and find them very time consuming and you don't see much more than what you do from the beach. The exception to that would be, that if you scuba dive, the wall dive on the back of Molokini is quite an experience.
2. If your budget allows, a helicpoter ride around the island is very special. We did a sunset flight and landed on the slopes of Haleakala for a glass of champagne. Beautiful scenery. Especially if you decide not to drive to Hana (very, very long and winding road), the helicopter will fly you right over that part of the island as well. You will see the lush vegetation and waterfalls. We flew with Blue Hawaiian, and they were excellent.
3. Hookipa beach - it's world famous for wind surfing. This is where the Big Dogs go! Unless you are an expert, just go and watch. It's unbelievable.....and free! If you do the helicopter tour, allow time before or after to go to this beach. They are very close together.
4. Tandem parasailing (behind a boat) with your honey. Certain times of year it is not allowed due to whale migration, but I believe you can do it in June.
5. Luau - Our favorite is the Old Hawaiian Luau, but there are other good ones, too.
6. Enjoy the sunsets. Find your special spot on the beach and remember the moment. Time goes by fast.

I haven't been to Oahu as often as Maui, but some things for you to think about:
1. North Shore - check out the surfing! You can stop at the Polynesian Cultural Center on the way.
2. Pearl Harbor - I went there thinking that it seemed like a "good thing to do", and left there with a whole new perspective and appreciation for our servicemen. Was it "fun"...no. Was it moving, thought provoking and significant...yes.
3. Take a surfing lesson. Waikiki is a great place to learn. It's a kick in the pants. Just be sure to wear a rash guard or t-shirt.

Above all, do what YOU want to do. You can't have a bad time in Hawaii! Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

With regards to the Sheraton Maui, get a Starwood card now if you don't already have one. It will get you free candy, calendar and most importantly a FREE UPGRADE. Once you have your card #, call the Sheraton and tell them that: 1) you are a Starwood member and 2) that you will be there for your honeymoon.

>>A negative statement that implies that the Arizona Memorial isn't a place to see on a trip to Hawaii is a sacrilege to any veteran. It should offend any veteran.<<

Hmm. Well, my dad, who is a verteran visited last year. I asked him if he wanted to visit Honolulu and see Pearl Harbor. His response? "Nope. Not interested. I saw enough war in my time. I want to go fishing. This is my vacation."

I guess my dad just insn't a good American.

Here Today: Don't forget, he's "ungrateful" too! (wink wink)