Hi there! I've spent a lot of time on the Caribbean board and am now looking for your help with Hawaii. My parents and another couple (both retired in their 60s) are looking to go to Hawaii for the first time in Feb or Mar 2002. Having not been in a dozen years, I'd love some advice. I'd like some opinions as to which islands to hit in a 10 day to 2 week period (Maui is a definite - I've been to Kauai but not the big island and don't know which way to go), as well as if Oahu is important to visit. Also, I'm thinking they'd appreciate condo-type living where they don't have to eat out every meal. Are there any specific web sites which could help get me started? Even the name of a great tour operator (other than Pleasant Hawaiian) who could put the whole thing together at a not so outragious cost? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Karen

Before I recommend it would be helpful to know what kinds of activities or entertainment your folks enjoy. Are they active and interested in being in the ocean, do they enjoy hiking, what do they like to do when they vacation? I think they might enjoy Ohau for many reason including seeing the Arizona but if they prefer quiet and outdoors I might recommned Kauai.

Suzie: Thanks for your quick reply. I knew I'd leave out crucial info. My parents love the ocean, like to walk (but not necessarily hike) and enjoy window shopping. They enjoy doing some sightseeing daily (although they could be convinced to spend a day here and there completely relaxed at the beach). I'm just having a problem getting started with this. Am I better off trying to put this trip together piece by piece or is a tour operator the better bet? Thanks again.

Karen, I'd put it together myself that way you'll get the best entertainment and activities their money can buy. The one problem I have found with a tour operator is that they get commissions from certain places so they direct their clients there and it may not be the best bang for the buck. The foderites have had some really great reviews that help stear you to or away from certain operators. If you do a search of Hawaii on this board you'll get a really great source of activies, restaurants, hotels and such. That might help you get started in your planning. Good luck.

Suzie: I know there are a lot of tour operators (or maybe I'm using the wrong term and mean "wholesalers" in this case) who provide air/transfers/accomodations and can offer excursions on the side as options. That's what I had meant. Sorry for the confusion. I had done a Hawaii search but didn't come up with any websites. Maybe I need to refine it or search further back. That's where I was hoping you all could help!

I'd like the same info because I've never been to Hawaii but plan to this summer and am looking for the most economical airfare. Web info is overwhelming. I'm gathering I should stay away from online services and go with a reputable travel agent. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm flexible.

Karen-Try these companies as a starting point. I have priced packages and airfare, hotel etc seperate. The package deals are hard to beat.

Globus Tours, www.globus.com,
Cosmo Tours, www.cosmos.com
Classic Hawaii: www.classiccustomvacations.com
Funjet Vacations
Apple Vacations
United Vacations
Delta Vacations
American Airline Vacations
Continental Vacations

Karen, I'm going to Kauai in September and I'm arranging all the activites myself. But then I've already decided which island and where I'll stay. With that out of the way I can now plan which activities I want to do. So far I've done it all online including airfare through expedia.com. Fortunately reading the posts on this site has helped me alot. The first bit of advice I used was to get the Ultimate Kauai guidebook. There are guidebooks by the same author for other islands. That helped me narrow down what I wanted to do. Now I just go directly to the provider to book the activity. If your folks go to either Kauai or the BI they should rent a car. If they go to Oahu they can get around by taking tours though we used the bus to beaches and the Arizona. Either way you do it this site can help you with specifics. Do your folks want to see the Arizona? Wakiki?

karen, i would allow a reputable tour operator to arrange their flight to and from oahu and hotel in oahu, but put the maui and kauai legs together myself. from what you say about your parents, seems they would like somewhere a little more civilized where they could get some shopping in with sightseeing and overall relaxation (sounds like my parents), nothing too rugged, right? i would separate the two weeks as follows: 5 days oahu, 4 days maui, 3 days kauai, 1 day oahu again. oahu has the most to see and do, and has the most opportunities for tours and shopping. maui is less built up and smaller. there is plenty to do, but in my opinion, tour type sightseeing of the island can be done in a few days, unless they want to hike or do bike rides. kauai is even less built up, and more quiet, which will allow them time to relax on the beach, then back to oahu to finish up whatever shopping they missed on the way in. that's the itinerary i would set for my folks!

Karen,

We just returned from a cruise around Hawaii and loved it. We were in Kauai 2 days, Maui 2 days, Hilo, Kona, and Honolulu for a day. It was great as we got to see a lot. Maybe doing that and extending the trip for several days on one island would be an option. We got a really great deal on the Patriot with air included for about $1200 from St. Louis. I don't know if that is available now or for the East coast but you could check.

Aloha, and just my two-cents worth to above replies looking for affordability: hubby and I making our 1st trip to Hawaii this Aug. Planned and booked the whole thing through the internet. Rental cottage: vacationspot.com; airfare: travel-hawaii.com; and car rental: goalamo.com. Spent many (MANY) hours researching, but really feel like we got the absolute best prices for the perfect vacation for us. Worked out to be about $1325.00/ea. for 10 days/9 nights in paradise, for air, lodging, and car (this from the midwest). Am still checking prices (second-guessing myself) and can't find anything more affordable than what I've booked, so I'm still happy w/arrangements. No way to know till we get there if I've done well or not.

And I absolutely CANNOT WAIT till August.....

I've only been to Maui Karen, but have been 3 times. If good service is most important to you, I recommend the Four Seasons in Wailea. If price is more of a focus, I recommend the Westin in Kaanipali. The Westin is not as good as service but isn't bad, plus the beach is great and only a few hundred yards from Black Rock, which is one of the best snorkeling spots on the Island. I also recommend a dinner at Mama's Fishhouse in Maui. Absolutely the best. Plan a dinner for sunset!!!

Karen,
Before you even book any flights or hotels buy yourself the Unofficial guide to Hawaii. The information in this book is very helpful and correct. As far as Oahu goes, you should go there or you will regret it. Pearl Harbor is a must see. The big island is also very interesting. Make sure you visit the Hawaii Volcano. Have fun and good luck.

Mike: Actually, I've been to Maui (I don't think I was clear in my original post). Thanks for the tip on Mama's Fishhouse(you're not the first to tell me about it). However, as for accommodations, my folks are leaning towards going the condo route. I want to thank everyone for their helpful info. I think I have sufficiently overwhelmed my dad with information and he's well on his way to planning his January getaway!

the best condo deal in waikiki is at the ROYAL KUHIO. You can get a rate of $100/night if you book threw placestostay.com The condos are exceptionally clean and the parking is FREE,which is a rarity in waikiki. Its only about 2 blocks from the beach and the international market place is a 10 minute walk.

Aloha Karen, I have to agree with Rheianne. Neighbor islands can be visited pretty easily, and driving is a breeze for the most part (no freeways). For Honolulu, in addition to Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays, the larger wholesalers include Classic Vacations, Hawaii World, and also American Flyaway Vacations. It seems that Classic had at one time the best customer support, though I don't know if that's still true or not. Unlike the mainland market, Hawaii does alot of Wholesale business, so chances are you can find some pretty good deals. Consider a air/room deal and see the sites independently. Oahu is a must-see; the Arizona memorial is #1 on the list for places to visit, though I hear now that the wait to get on to the memorial (it's in Pearl Harbor, constructed over the USS Arizona) is over 2 hours. Despite this, it is well worth the wait. On the same day you can also visit the USS Missouri and the USS Bowfin Submarine (by the way, check out the Entertainment book for price breaks on the admission). I could go on and on, but will end here. Have a great trip!

Hi Karen,
Just back from 2 weeks in Maui and Kaui and on Maui I definately reccomend the Pacific Whale Foundations snorkeling tour which goes to Molokini and Lanai. My 80 year old father snorkeled and had the time of his life. They give you lessons, floatation devices and really anyone can do it.
The fish that you see are the most beautiful and amazing that I have ever seen. Their new boat Odyssey takes you to two locations and from Lanai you see a whole pod of spinner dolphins playing around your boat. We saw a mother and her baby putting on quite a show for us and the captain stayed longer than usual because we all wanted to. On the way back they stopped to show us sea turtles. Everything first rate and they are a nonprofit org. so you are actually paying for their research and rescue of these wonderful creatures.
Aloha,
Barb