ChiSue

You might get a nice agent at KOA who would through-check your luggage to Boston, but don't plan on it. You will pay luggage surcharges at Hawaiian, and probably pay Delta again out of HNL.

If you do not have the Hawaiian Airlines flight from KOA as part of your Delta ticket you will have to leave security when you arrive at HNL; claim your luggage from HA; re-check your luggage with Delta for through-check to Boston; get your boarding passes; go back through TSA security; await your flight to the mainland.

See if you can still pay Delta to put the interisland tickets on your Delta ticket. Then you will not have to pay two luggage fees coming home, nor do the re-check/TSA dance.

At this time of year, Maui is a better weather bet than Kauai.

iris1745

Good information ChiSue; If we can not get Delta to add the inter island flight to their ticket, then we will not take a chance with Hawaiian Air.

Our flight leaves HNL for home at 6pm and I saw an HA flight arriving at HNL at 4pm that I thought looked good.

But with your thought we don't mind sitting at an airport and will now look at something arriving at HNL from KOA at 2pm.

Should then give us plenty of time for security, luggage pick-up and anything else.

And thanks for the heads up on Maui over Kauai.

Ozarksbill

Always wanted to get to Hawaii and a few years ago (2010) we did. It was a Road Scholar program with a few days in Honolulu staying Hotel Waikiki and then aboard Pride of America ship for lectures and transport to other islands...Hawaii, Maui, Kauai. We toured many volcano, crater, forest areas. Very satisfying experience.

iris1745

Thanks Bill; We intend to do as much as possible, including some of your experiences.

ChiSue

Wise to allow time at HNL on your return. Your flight to the mainland will probably start boarding 40 minutes before departure. We allow two hours between flights *withou*t doing the claim/recheck/TSA line. Although most major airlines can transfer luggage in as little as 20 minutes, HA has always required much longer. Our mainline carrier (AA) won't book too close together due to HA's requirements for more time. It won't hurt to ASK the attendant at KOA about through-checking; just don't count on it. BTW, we travel with one suitcase. You don't need a lot of clothes, shoes, etc. Hawaii is extremely casual.

HNL has a pretty interior courtyard in the Japanese style. DH and I usually kill some time at Dewar's pub there with a Longboard beer -- one of my two beers per 'summer'.

LeslieC

I would skip downtown Honolulu, Chinatown, and the Dole factory and instead spend a day driving up to North Shore stopping at Waimea Beach (not to swim but to see big waves and possible surfers since you'll be there in the winter). Then spend most of your afternoon and evening at the Polynesian Cultural Center. It's wonderful!

In Waikiki, can you stay at the Sheraton Waikiki, instead? Its right on the beach rather than a block in.

Kihei is not the best place to stay on Maui. I recommend Kanapali Beach instead.

If you are going to the big Island and not going to see the Volcanos National Park, then I don't really see the point of going to that island. Kona / Kailua is cute for about 1/2 day. No real beaches there. The Kohala Coast has the best beaches, but also covered with volcanic rock and not very scenic, except for at the hotels and beaches. I'd go to Kauai and stay in the Poipu area.

iris1745

Hi LeslieC; This will be our only trip to the islands and have now determined the 3 islands that seem to interest us.

I thank you for your input.

iris1745

Just booked our inter island air fare, HNL to OGG to Koa to HNL at $280 PP and I thought that was OK.

The key was the last flight getting back to HNL at 2pm for a 6pm flight home on Delta.

simpsonc510

LeslieC... I happen to LOVE exploring the big island. It has such diverse landscapes. Volcanic rock to lush green vegetation. Not boring at all. And the "cowboy town" of Waimea I find very pleasant. Views from up country are awesome! On my several trips to the big island I have spent maybe a total of 2 hours looking at the volcano park area.

Just my two cents.....

iris1745

<Just my two cents....>

but very helpful.

maryanntex

If you plan the Diamond Head hike for Saturday, you could go here before for breakfast and/or afterwards for lunch: http://www.kapiolani.hawaii.edu/project/farmers-market/ It's right across the street from Diamond Head and one of my favorite places to go in Oahu. Grilled margherita pizza is the best, but they sell out early.

iris1745

Mary, thanks.

Patty

And if you're a fan of Vietnamese food, I love the Pig & the Lady booth at the KCC farmer's market http://thepigandthelady.com/farmers-market-menus/ The market can get pretty crowded.

suze

Funny I disagree with much of what LeslieC proposes I don't like the Sheraton in Waikiki. I would not miss the day in Honolulu and Chinatown for a trip to North Shore and PCC.

iris1745

Hi suze; Thanks. We are locked in at the Sheraton Princess with points for 5 days. Plus less points than the Waikiki.

We will be spending a day in Honolulu and Chinatown.

Walk Diamond Head one day.

Visit Pearl Harbor on another day.

I think I have decided not to rent a car for a few days.

Will find a tour for half a day or more outside of Honolulu.

Rented the car today for Kona using Priceline bidding. Five days for $266. I might add Collision insurance for $11 dollars per day.

Thanks Patty.

sylvia3

Remember to check your own cc coverage; you might not need additional insurance. We recently got an SUV in koa for $500 for 20 days; try discount Hawaiicarrental.com before you commit.

sylvia3

Oops, didn't notice PL.

iris1745

Thanks Sylvia3; Still have not booked a car for Maui and will look at the site you suggested.

ChiSue

If you are a Costco member, check their travel dept. for car rentals.

Ask your insurance agent which parts of your policy apply to rental cars. We don't buy anything extra. (Hope your $266 at KOA is 'all in'. The rate is one thing. The TAXES can almost double the bottom line.)

Do not plan to drive Big Island at night. (The straight stretch from KOA to the Waikoloa Beach hotels is OK.) Drugs are a problem all over the US, but Big Island has more than its fair share of DUI-related traffic fatalities.

Also...the police often drive unmarked cars. Watch your speed.

I'm rather 'meh' about climbing Diamond Head -- but it will only take an hour of your time. Iolani Palace, yes. Bishop Museum, yes. I'd rather rent a car for one day to drive Oahu counter-clockwise than put up with a 'tour' that includes the driver's cousin's in-law's gift shop. Easy driving if you avoid rush hour craziness by driving against traffic.

simpsonc510

Also, try to do your island drive mid week. Friday thru Sunday traffic to/from the north Shore is crazy! I also prefer counter clockwise starting out by going around the back side of diamondhead.

Packing now, flying to HNL in the early morning! Can't wait! I am so ready for a shrimp truck lunch.