October in Hawaii
 

We are three girls from England planning to travel to the Hawaian islands in October '98. We would like to stay somewhere quite lively but hopefully not too commercialised. Could you recommend a island and a resort? What is the weather temperature likely to be in October? Is there any scuba-diving - PADI?
Thankyou, Jill, Faye, Marina

WHICH islands? I love the Big Island of Hawaii, lots to explore as it is still ever growing! The Mani Lani Bay on the Kona Coast is wonderful, very discreet but not inexpensive. Rent a car and drive the entire island, there is a great deal to see. My first visit I concentrated on Oahu, the big Island and a day visit to Kauai. My second (my honeymoon) was concentrated on the Big Island, Maui and a 2 day stop on Oahu. SEE OAHU but make it your first stop - it is very commercial but of course there are some historic sights to see however know that your next island will reveal a totally different side of hawaii. Visit Maui, Hawaii or Kauai to truly experience the warmth and magic of Hawaii. You can't choose a "wrong" island!

I have been to 5 of the Islands and each is such a different experience it really is hard - and a shame - to have to limit yourself to one. Oahu has some beautiful beaches and is the livliest, but is definitely the most commercial. Kauai is absolutely stunning. It has lots to do in the way of sightseeing, (such as the BEST helicopter tours, kayaking, snorkeling) but is very laid back, not lively. Hawaii (the Big Island) is very interesting and has lots of history, but, again, I wouldn't consider it lively. Nor would I choose it as a snorkeling destination. Based on your question I would have to pick Maui. It has activity, some commercialism (but not like Oahu), sightseeing and snorkeling. Although I haven't snorkeled there, I believe there is a boat you can take to Molokini, a sunken volcano that is teeming with underwater life.
As for weather, there really isn't a BAD time of year to go (though the waves are roughest December-February). I've been there in November and the weather was great. The only thing I didn't like was coming home and having the whole winter ahead of me.

I'm sure you'll enjoy yourselves wherever you wind up.

My husband and I went to Hawaii in October 1994. We snorkeled and found that the water is warm in October.

Kauai is our favorite Island. If you call or look up the American Automobile Association (AAA) they offer many great packages deals. We went to Kona, Molokai and Maui too. We spent a total of 14 days in Hawaii.

If you go to Kauai I would recommend staying at the Princeville Resort. This is a gorgeous resort and AAA can assist you w/a special room rate if you get a package deal including a rental car. If I remember correctly the Princeville Resort offers Padi Certified Scuba Diving. Princeville also serves a great afternoon tea!

The scenery in Kauai is spectacular! If you take a helicopter ride be sure to use a reputable co. We found out 1 day before our sceduled helicopter ride that the co. that we planned to use had ANOTHER helicopter crash. So chk out their maintenance record before signing on.

Kona is another place we really enjoyed. Both Kona and Kauai we found to have very few touristy areas. Molokai is the least tourist of all the Islands however, one day on Molokai and you've seen the whole Island. Although there isn't much to do on Molokai we enjoyed the serenity.

Have fun!

Last December we went to Big Island, Kauai, Maui and Honolulu. We had 16 days. When we go back I think it will be to Maui and Kauai. One long day in Honolulu was enough.

We stayed at Marriotts on each island and they were wonderful. In Maui the Marriott is on Kaanapali Beach. Right in the midst of many other resorts. Still the beach, the hotel service and the Luau are wonderful. We did the Zipphur snorkel trip to Laani. It was great. May I suggest you ask Kay Ryan to help you plan the details of your trip? She is a native who knows all the ins and outs. You will feel like she is your friend in Hawaii. (e-mail: [email protected]) Be sure to eat at Cheeseburger in Paradise.

In Kauai the Marriott is in a very secluded area all by itself with a fine beach. (It is also 15 minutes from the Lihue airport) We did the South Seas Helicopter Tour with pilot Rob. We felt very safe and Rob was great. I wouldn't take any helicopter ride without checking out the company and pilot. The Princeville Resort is more formal and more expensive.

There's no way you won't love your trip! I can't wait to go back!

Andrea

Coming to NY in August we are interested in in
adresses for quality bargain shopping.NY is just
so big if you are not at home here, you can´t find
your way in a couple of days.Thank you for your
help!

Coming to NY in August we are interested in in
adresses for quality bargain shopping.NY is just
so big - if you are not at home here, you can´t find
your way in a couple of days.Thank you for your
help!