Oahu and Maui with senior citizens?
 

We are planning our first trip to Oahu and Maui next year (April) with our teen sons and my husband's parents. They are both in their 70's, and not in the best of health. They won't be able to handle long walks or walking on rocky terrain. My mother-in-law has emphysema and runs out of breath very quickly.

I am trying to plan out some of the things that they'll be able to handle that we can all do together. Can someone tell me if they think the following activities seem suitable for them? I am trying to find out amount of walking involved, places to sit down and rest, distance from parking area to actual sight - things like that. Finally, everyone is OK with the idea that we don't have to do everything together, and that there will definitely be times when we split up and go our own ways.

OAHU:
Polynesian Cultural Center
We (me, husband & kids) don't want to go to this, but the in-laws do, so they would be going own their own.

Valley of the Temples

Pearl Harbor

MAUI:
Haleakala - Obviously they won't hike it, but what about driving to the summit/observation area? We would probably have to leave Mother-in-law back for this one due to the high altitude.

Road to Hana - Are there many waterfalls and sights that you can see without having to hike to get to them?

Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach - Is it easy to get to from the parking area?

Iao Needle

If anyone has any other tips for making this trip a success, I would really love to hear them. Thanks!

I personally would not take frail-ish senior citizens on the Road to Hana. There are a few things that are spotted through the car window BUT several of the things do not have any safe areas to pull-over and park to linger at the view. Also, it's a long windy trip. Not a lot of facilities along the way, though there are some. My biggest concern would be being cooped up in the car basically all day long! It's a big time investment with little return (in my opinion).

Have you ever been to the PCC? It's really a lovely place, with little shows from the various islands, a buffet for dinner (okay, not the best food but certainly tolerable). The evening show is, IMO, the best Hawaiian show on the island. Their fire-knife show is awesome. I'm confident your teenagers would enjoy this as well. Plus it's quite a drive up there, and you could enjoy all the scenery along the ride.

Of course, Pearl Harbor is a worthwhile morning. The only walking really is from the parking lot, which is all flat. There is a movie and then you take a boat over to the memorial. If FIL was in the war, he will certainly want to do this.

The Hana road is pretty twisty and long, and there are a number of turn-outs where you can see waterfalls. But the seven pools at the end will require walking if you want to get down into the pools. MIL could stay up on top and watch you down below.

If I recall the Needle, there is a hike up a flight of stairs to get the best viewing spot.

I am getting ready to accompany my folks (75/80) to Oahu next week. They enjoy walking on the beach, listening to music at dinner, and driving around the island, stopping at the turn-outs along the way. Of course, for them a trip would not be complete without a luau. Dad also likes going to the harbor and seeing the boats come in with their catch of the day.

In Honolulu there are a number of historic or cultural things to do that would not require stamina. I'm thinking of places like Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, ShangriLa Estate, etc. I have no idea if these would be of interest to any of you but they fit the easy physical activity needs.

Be aware of long lines on some days in Pearl harbor outside before you can go into the visitorcentre.

An entertaining, less crowded alternative that both your sons and parents would probably enjoy is the Alii Mac Nut tour near Kualoa. The tour escorts are very entertaining, they have a fire dancing show (same performers that work the PCC), there is a little boat ride in the historic Molii fish pond, then a bus ride (little old school bus) through the botanical gardens. My future in-laws (in their 60's) enjoyed this much more than the PCC because of less crowds and they got to learn more about the culture. They felt with the PCC, they never got to learn much because each presentation was too busy focusing on tourists, you know..the 'where you from' bit, calling them up from the crowd to do their speils. They did enjoy the night show.

Here is a link to photos I posted in a TR that include the tour: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ggflie...82OyCB8ZWdNVe3

Also, re: Pearl Habor, since they give you a ticket while for your departure time to see the memorial, you can always venture over the to the USS Bowfin submarine, we thought it was really interesting. If none of you have visited Pearl Harbor before, it's definitely worth the wait.

Other than the hiking, your MIL should be able to do all of these things:

List of things to do on Oahu

These are some hints/suggestions for things to do and see on Oahu. Many of the websites listed are good for all islands.

Arizona Memorial: (free) get there early, preferably by 8am. Opens at 7:30am. If you get there after 10am the lines can get long and you may spend 1-2 hours in line. Battleship USS Missouri and Submarine USS Bowfin are in the same area. These are about $15 each so you can go or skip them. Look for coupons in brochures for two for one. You can take pictures of them from Arizona Visitors Center and the Arizona tour ferry. Go on the lawn behind the Visitor's Center (Circle of Remembrance) for great pictures. You can also walk around the Bowfin Memorial area for free without taking the tour. Its worth the time. The Swap Meet is only a couple blocks from here at Aloha Stadium.

Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC): www.polynesia.com General Admission about $50 or the luau buffet package ($80). The evening 'Horizons' show is the best Polynesian show in all of Hawaii. It comes with all ticket price options. The higher priced ticket packages get the better seating for 'Horizons'. Also the earlier you get there, the better the seating is for 'Horizons'. The Ali'i Luau Show that is part of the luau package is also a good Polynesian show. IMAX, Canoe Pageant, Samoa and Tonga villages and Canoe ride are the best other attractions (these are included with any type ticket). Plan on this as an all day event. Get there by 1pm (earlier if possible), leave around 9:30pm. When I take visitors, I try to keep on this schedule: IMAX 1:30, Canoe Pageant 2:30, Samoa 3:00, Tonga 4:00, Canoe Ride around 4:30, regular buffet or Ali'i luau buffet 5pm and 'Horizons' at 7:30. The other villages are nice also, but there is not enough time for all of them. You will have time to do some shopping or looking around between the buffet or luau and 'Horizons'. Closed on Sundays. You can go back for free for two days. Check with PCC employees for instructions before leaving the Center if you want the extra days.
Coupon in Entertainment Book to save $36.

Diamond Head Summit: Drive right into the crater and hike to the top. ($5 per carload or $1 each if you walk into the crater). I prefer to drive in. Awesome 360 degree view from the summit. Best time is around 8am or around 4pm. In between it can get hot walking to the top. Takes about 1 - 1 1/2 hours roundtrip.

Punchbowl (National Cemetery of the Pacific): (free) While you are there, drive to the overlook area. Short walk to the summit that overlooks the entire city. If you have time, take the Mt. Tantalus/Round Top drive through a rain forest. Stop at the Puu Ualakaa State Wayside about 2/3 of the way to the top of the mountain. It has an awesome view of the city from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor. Punchbowl is near the bottom of Mt. Tantalus.

Hanauma Bay: Snorkel. Its for any age. You can rent snorkeling equipment there or some places in Waikiki or bring your own. Closed on Tuesdays. Try to get there as early as possible. If you drive, the parking lot gets filled up by 9:00 or 10:00. ($1 for parking, $5 for each person). You can reserve snorkel tours with several companies. They provide equipment, transportation, etc. They seem to have better equipment than the park does. You can also take the city bus. But the first city bus doesn't leave Waikiki until 8:30 am. Website:

http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/parks/f...ay/welcome.htm

Byodo-In-Temple (Valley of the Temples): $2 each. Just past Kaneohe. Haiku Gardens in Kaneohe is close by.

Chinaman's Hat: (free) Kualoa Regional Park is just past Byodo-In-Temple. Nice for pictures, picnic, swimming. Also nearby is Macadamia Nut Farm Outlet just before Kualoa Regional Park. Kualoa Ranch is across the street.

Swap Meet: You can buy almost any souvenirs here much cheaper than anywhere else. All items are new. Vendors wrap around the stadium twice. Located at Aloha Stadium near Arizona Memorial. Open Wed, Sat, Sun.

Hilo Hattie's: Nice place to shop. Higher prices than swap meet, but not too much more on many items. Has good selection of clothing, candies and souvenirs. Check brochures for coupons. Can take free Hilo Hattie's shuttle from Waikiki.

Ala Moana Beach Park: (free) Nice beach. Great sunset location in the winter. Walk all the way out to the end of Magic Island. Great view of Waikiki, Diamond Head, Ala Wai Boat Harbor (shown in opening scene of Gilligan's Island).

Hike to Manoa Falls: $5 for parking at Treetops. One mile one way. Short hike through a rain forest. Also small bamboo forest there. Treetops restaurant there (at the previous Paradise Park site) has a good Chinese buffet. Lyon Arboretum is nearby. It is a nice botanical garden. You can park there and walk a short distance to Manoa Falls trail.

Hike to Makapuu Point Lighthouse: (free) Great view from here. Easy one mile hike. In winter months (mid-November to mid-April) it's great for whale watching.

Other Hiking on Oahu:

http://www.hawaiitrails.org/ (good for all islands)

http://www.backyardoahu.com/

http://home.hawaii.rr.com/oahuhikingtrails/home.html

http://oahuhiking.com/

North Shore Beaches: Haleiwa, Banzai Pipeline (Ehukai Beach), Waimea Beach, Sunset Beach, Shark's Cove (Pupukea) &Laniakea Beach. Laniakea Beach has sea turtles. Other nice stops for pictures in the area. Can be huge waves in winter. Good snorkeling at Shark's Cove in the summer. Laniakea Beach is located about 1/2 way between Waimea Bay and Haleiwa.

Other beaches: There are close to 100 beaches on Oahu. Besides North Shore and Waikiki beaches these are some of the better ones: Makaha Beach (west shore), Waimanalo Beach, Waimanalo Bay Recreation Area, Lanikai Beach, Sandy Beach, Hanauma Bay and Kailua Beach (east/Windward side), Ala Moana Beach Park (south shore). All public beaches are free except Haunama Bay.

Dole Pineapple Plantation: On H-2 just past Wahiawa. Can visit on the way to or back from the North Shore. Nice gift shop to browse, but expensive. Go behind the center for pineapple exhibits, gardens and carp feeding pond.

Kualoa Ranch: Several movies have been set here: (Jurassic Park, Mighty Joe Young and others), ATV rides, horseback riding, tours. Located across from Kualoa Regional Park.

Waikiki: Beaches, shopping, dining, nightclubs, shows, some museums. Wide range in dining prices. $3-4 breakfasts, $6-10 lunch buffets, $20-$25 fine dining and anywhere in between. Best Waikiki shows: Creation: A Polynesian Journey, John Hirokawa's Magic of Polynesia, Society of Seven, Blue Hawaii (Elvis impersonator), many more to chose from. Many Waikiki shows offer cocktail show along with the dinner show. They seat you after everyone else has eaten. Regular price of shows around $40-$60. Cocktail show about $25-$35. There are several other short free hula shows and other demonstrations in Waikiki daily. Check the brochures for location, days and times. Check brochures &Entertainment Book for coupons for shows/dining/shopping, etc.

Downtown Area: Aloha Tower (take elevator to the top, nice view), Chinatown, Hawaii Maritime Center, Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, other museums.

Botanical Gardens: Oahu has many botanical gardens. Most are free, the others charge a few bucks. Haiku Garden in Kaneohe is nice and is a nice stop if you are taking an island driving tour. Located near Byodo-In-Temple (Valley of the Temples).
Here is a nice site for gardens in the state:

http://www.hawaii.edu/sciref/botgarden.html (all islands)

Check brochures or get info on-line for others. Search: oahu botanical gardens

Other: Sea Life Park, Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, Children's Discovery Center, dinner cruises, whale watching cruise, submarine tours, parasailing, helicopter tours, horseback riding, Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, scuba, surfing lessons, other luau shows (Germaine's, Paradise Cove). Many other attractions, things to do. Check the brochures.

Brochures: (free) Can be found in the airport baggage claim area or at hundreds of news stands throughout Waikiki, in hotels, in stores, and at some attractions. These are excellent "things to do and see" guide books (maps, attractions, beaches, dining, night clubs, etc.). There are a lot of coupons in these for dining, shopping, etc. The best brochures are: 'This Week on Oahu', 'Oahu Gold', '101 Things Oahu', 'The BEST of Oahu'. Some of these brochures can also be found for other islands (Maui, Kauai, Big Island) unique to that island. Most of these brochures also have on-line versions.

Websites:

www.thisweek.com 'This Week On Oahu' They will send up-to-date brochures for a few bucks. Also This Week Maui, Kauai, Big Island.

www.spotlighthawaii.com 'Oahu Gold' They will send up-to-date brochures for a few bucks. Also Maui Gold, Big Island Gold, Kauai Gold.

www.gohawaii.com This is the official site for Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. They will send a free brochure.

www.101thingstodo.com

www.visit-oahu.com Oahu Visitors Bureau, for free brochure 1-877-525-6248 (toll free)

www.hawaii.com Good site for comparing hotel locations, prices, etc.

www.hawaiiweb.com

www.alternative-hawaii.com

www.portaloha.com/SecretsOfHawaii

www.alohatower.com

www.chinatownhi.com

www.honolulu.hawaii.edu/tours (driving and walking tours)

www.driveguidemagazines.com Good island maps including many detailed maps. Also good restaurant guide. Good for all islands

www.discoveringhawaii.com Free (pdf) circle island tour map. Also free (pdf) download Oahu movie location map.

www.hawaii-hotels.com Compare hotels

www.bookit.com Compare hotels

www.alohafriends.com

www.alohafriendshawaii.com

www.honoluluadvertiser.com one of two main Honolulu newspapers, has dining and entertainment guides, TGIF calendar

www.starbulletin.com one of two main Honolulu newspapers, also has dining and entertainment guides

Automobiles: Oahu is the only island that you can get around by bus. Oahu has a good bus system, but a rental vehicle gets around a lot better. Parking in Waikiki can be a problem at times. If you plan on renting a car, make sure your hotel allows parking at the hotel or in a nearby lot or garage. Get the parking pass at the hotel registration area. Probably $8-$14/day to park at the hotel. You can get city bus passes at any ABC store in Waikiki for $20 for 4 days ($40/month). Or you can pay $2.00 per trip. There are also many shuttles, tour buses and vans and trolleys that go to many places (some are free). Also 1 or 4 day Waikiki Trolley passes available.

www.thebus.org

www.waikikitrolley.com

Internet Search Engines: Use Yahoo, Google, Dogpile or any other search engine to find information on any thing else on Oahu (or other island) that may interest you. Type in: hiking hawaii, hiking oahu, bed and breakfast oahu, condominiums oahu, botanical gardens oahu, oahu hotels or any other terms that will get you information.

Hotels: Most hotels (or hotel chains) have their own 800 numbers and/or websites:

www.outrigger.com

www.sheraton.com

www.ohanahotels.com

, etc. Or you can use a search engine to find the website or use the search engine's yellow pages for the phone number.
also try www.vrbo.com for more options

Entertainment Book
Entertainment books for Hawaii and many other locations can be purchased online at:

www.entertainment.com.

They cost around $35-$40 plus shipping or if you wait until mid-March, the price is reduced to about $25 (or less) with free shipping, $15 after mid-May. Expires November 1.

Coupons include half price tickets for John Hirokawa's Magic Show. Hundreds of other coupons for reduce price luaus, shopping, dining, movies, attractions, etc. The Hawaii book also has many mainland coupons for hotels, car rentals, Universal Studios, Sea World, etc.

There are lots of things to see on the Road to Hana that your MIL will be able to do:

www.mauihawaii.org

ww.visitmaui.com Free brochure

www.alternative-hawaii.com Good drive guide including Road To Hana

http://www.dartmouth.edu/~volcano/te...Haleakala.html

http://www.hawaiianstylemedia.com/Gu...ana-Deluxe.htm

http://www.alohafriendshawaii.com/roadtohana.html

Based on my own experience taking trips with relatives with emphysema and heart problem, I think you are wise to plan carefully. For specific places, I have had good luck calling to ask about walking distances, level ground, etc.

At Byodo-in temple (Valley of the Temples) I think there is an outdoor seating area next to the small gift shop.

Also at Pearl Harbor, I think there are benches. There can be a lot of standing at Pearl harbor.

I agree that I'olani Palace is well worth a visit, but there are no elevators in this historic building, and MIL may not be able to make it up the long staircase to the second floor, and if not she will miss half of the tour.

If you are staying at the Moana, that is a great location in itself. you can sit in the rocking chairs on the front porch and watch the tourists go by, or just walk out to the beach.

I enjoy just driving around O'ahu. the discoveringhawaii.com link that Rusty lists gives info about the "Driving and Discovering" books, which I think would be a worthwhile investment as they are full of pictures and give detailed directions. If you drive out of Waikiki east past Diamond Head, you will pass some gorgeous beaches. There are pullouts where you can just get out of the car and have an amazing view: Halona blowhole and the small cove; Sandy Beach, where you can watch body surfers and kite fliers is very entertaining (but not safe for the inexperienced to get in the water); Makapu'u overlook gives a long view up the coast.

Your sons may enjoy having a surfing lesson in Waikiki, and the grandparents would no doubt enjoy watching them.

Thank you all for the great information! This is, by far, the toughest vacation I have planned yet!

Actually, it's only tough because of all the options. I find it fun to plan. But sometimes it's better not to over plan or schedule. Do some scheduling, but leave space for free time. Especially with seniors that have health issues. We went to Oahu with my folks, staying at the Hale Koa (they were mid to late 80's at the time). They were still ambulatory but my dad couldn't walk very far. He mostly stayed at the Hale Koa and HHV complex next door. We did take him out on a couple short excusions. So we younger folks had fun exploring, though did hang out with my folks and on the beach there part of the time. My mom was up to doing some of the shorter excursions with us. :-)

I forgot to ask about mention Waimea Valley Audobon Center (I think I have the name right - not sure). Do you have to do a lot of walking to see the waterfall, or is it pretty easy to get to?

It's nice to know so many people have gone with older parents and have had a wonderful trip!

ttt