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Need Tips for Hawaii -Thks

We are planning a staying in Hawaii from Jan. 27 to Feb. 7 -arrival and departure from Honolulu airport. Since it's our first time there any kind of information would be highly welcome. We are flying all the way from Italy, soooo we are going to be ON A BUDGET:((( -but are ready to "splurge" for 2 or 3 nights.... In particular we would like to know: 1) WEATHER: is it going to be nice? Or should we move our trip to another period of the year? We are trying to flee our dreadful European winter and therefore we 'd be really disappointed to find mostly rainy days -even if tropical. 2) ISLANDS: since we are arriving and departing from Honolulu -Jan.27 / Feb.7- we are planning to spend a week or so in Oahu and then visit one other island -which one would you suggest we pick? WHAT are the places we should definitely see in Ohau and in the other island? We 'd love to just kick back in lush tropical beaches with little surf, we are into moderate hiking and historic places. 3) ACCOMODATIONS: As I wrote, we are going to be on a budget and therefore we would like to stay at moderately priced hotels/B+Bs/etc. as long as they are clean and decent and hopefully with some local character -perhaps I 'm asking too much?... At any rate, we are ready to "splurge" for 2 or 3 nights at any place that's really worth the $$$$$! 4) TRANSPORTATION: is flying the only way to get from one island to the other? Any ferries? Would they be cheaper? Any advice on car rentals? We are planning to use one of the big companies: Hertz, Avis or Alamo 'cause it 's easier to book them from Italy, but are there any other RELIABLE local companies that you 'd suggest? Would you book in advance or wait until you get there for "last minute" deals? THANK YOU very much for your help, P-M Mazzadi, Florence, Italy p.s.: I 'll be happy to reciprocate any kind of help with info. about travel to Tuscany -and Italy

The weather will be great when you arrive here (Oahu) - so no worries about it being warm and sunny. I'd suggest doing an internet search for Bed and Breakfasts - there are many on every island, in every budget. The only way to travel between Oahu and the other islands is by plane. I'd recommend reserving your seats well in advance with either Hawaiian Airlines or Aloha Airlines. You can make the reservation without purchasing a ticket. Recently flight scheudles have been cut back - so it is a good idea to book your seats in advance. Once you arrive in Oahu contact a local travel agent and buy 'interisland flight coupons' for your flights. They will be about $60-70 each way. This is generally the cheapest way to make the interisland flight. Other major car rental agencies are Budget, Dollar, and National. These are all large national chains. You may want to check rates with several agencies and book whoever is cheapest. Also, consider taking the bus on Oahu if you are staying in Waikiki as parking in Waikiki is expensive and sometimes hard to find. If you stay on another area of Oahu then you won't have any problem. There are loads of great things to do on Oahu: Pearl Harbor, visit the North Shore, poke around Waikiki, Kailua Beach Park (the most beautiful on Oahu, in my opinion), TONS of hiking, etc. For your other island I'd suggest either The Big Island (Hawaii) with a visit to Volcano's National Park or Kauai (very lush, good hiking, very laid back pace of life). Have a great trip!

Hello P-M, Firstly, the weather should be great. Asking "which island" will get you a thousand replies as everyone recommends their favourites ! Hard to recommend not knowing your likes & dislikes. If it were me I'd stay two or three days on Oahu then head for Kauai or Maui, (southern or eastern Kauai at this time of year). I don't know how busy this season is so far - places may be full already. You have to fly between the islands, there are no ferries. I have rented cars there from Alamo with no problems. Take a look at www.gohawaii.com for some ideas or even here on fodors.com too !! Have a wonderful trip Paul

1) When on Oahu, be sure to get away from Honolulu. It's not unlike Milan on a beach. The beach is fine, but you're not going all the way to Hawaii to listen to honking horns and look at asphalt corridors. Other parts of the island (north side) are beautiful and unique. 2) Kauai is the most verdant and beautiful of the islands, but is the quietest, and its beaches aren't quite as good as some of the other islands. Best hiking in Hawaiian islands. Most spectacular scenery. 3) Maui is the most visited island aside from Oahu. Plenty of lodging, restaurants, etc. Very good beaches, lots to do. Travelling up Mount Haleakala is a highlight. 4) Big Island has an active volcano which is beautiful to see in the evening. Volcanoes National Park is very unique and worth visiting. Big Island is big and driving times can add up. Poorest beaches of all the popular islands. 5) Lanai is too restricted as far as things to do and see for a first visit in my opinion. Hope you have a great time. Italy is one of my favorite places outside the USA.

I agree with the poster who says that in response to "Which island?" you'll get a thousand different replies; however, I will tell you why I like the Big Island as much as I do. While it's true that it doesn't have the best beaches in Hawaii, it does have some lovely beaches. We also like the fact that it's a working island; tourism is not its only industry. A number of the B&B's that you can stay at are working coffee plantations; the one we stayed at (and loved) has a website: hawaiicountry.com. People suggest reading a book called "The Big Island Revealed" - I haven't actually read it but my daughter has and highly recommends it. If you're primarily interested in resorts and luxury hotels, there are probably other places to stay that are just as good or better, but we preferred the other end of the spectrum - it just seemed more real to us and gave us a chance to learn more about Hawaiian culture and history. Have a wonderful trip!

Sounds like a wonderful trip. My suggestion would be to stay on the North Shore and then visit the Big Island as your second choice. The Volcano is worth it. We are going in May and are staying on the Big Island for 4- 6 nights (not sure yet) and then on the North Shore of Oahu for about 10 nights. The North Shore is a different world. Check out this place, it is not glamorous, but is right on the water and really quiet. http://www.cyberrentals.com/HI/BlackOAHU.html The water is about 30 feet from your front door. This will be our 3rd time staying here. It is actually west of North Shore, kind out in the middle of nowhere but within driving distance of everything. (And no, I don't own it or have any financial interest in it) Have a great time, Duane

Couple of things not to miss on Oahu- Bishop Museum in Honolulu for a wonderful introduction to the history of the islands. Haunama Bay for great snorkling. Can rent equipment on site. It's closed one day a week so check ahead. Can take public bus to either of these.

Couldnt help but notice people say the Big Island does not have beautiful beaches. This is simply untrue. The North Kohala Coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii - Hapuna, Mauna Kea, and White Sands Beach are all GREAT! You HAVE to know where to go for the great beaches on the Big Island. I found them much more beautiful and less crowded than Maui and most beaches on Oahu. Speaking of Oahu, if you go there, someone mentioned Kaihlua beach. Down the road from Kaihlua is Lanikai which is even more beautiful, secluded, and less crowded - by far the best Hawaiian beach we saw - and we saw about 20. The Big Island was our favorite. Hike down Pololu Valley to a beautiful deserted black sand beach with breath taking views. Check out the volcano park and take a helicopter tour - that was great. Be sure to rent a car and see both sides of the island - one is desert, one is rainforest - great diversity! Also check out Hilo, Akaka Falls, and Waipio Valley. And dont forget at least a day trip to Kona if you dont stay on the Southeastern coast.

Folks (as you say in the US), I just wanted to say THANKS for all the information you have given me so far... it has already been very helpful in planning our trip. THANK YOU for taking the time to share your knowledge of Hawaii with me. One last thing: this forum is a living testimony to the true nature of Americans... your "GENEROSITY" and openness never ceases to amaze me. Grazie ancora/Thanks again, I 'm sure that my partner and I are going to have a wonderful time in Hawaii -we always do whenever we visit your great country, P-M (Peter) Mazzadi