suze

I just wanted to be post #100 to say...

ALOHA!!!!

iris1745

dusty; I think we might rent a car for 2 days. nights.

We only have 5 nights at the Sheraton Princess.

The first day will be arriving at 4pm after an 11/12 hour flight/day. Tea time!

Pearl and Chinatown will be one day.

Walking Diamond Head, the beach and perhaps more time in Chinatown will be another day.

Then we could rent a car for 2 days and we will decided while there---thanks

suze---ALOHA!!!! YES

lynni

I was on the Big Island last year for my first ever trip to Hawaii!

I am so glad that we took the time to see the Volcano, the Painted Church, the church in downtown Kona made of coral (its beautiful and has such an interesting historical story of how it came to be), along with the palace directly across the street. The Four Seasons Ulu Grill Restaurant had an incredible view and very gracious service. I will never forget the views and the feel of that resort... it's incredible.

Hope your trip is all you ever dreamed!

JoyceSimpson

Hawaii is one of my favorite places! I would suggest when on Oahu to drive to the North Shore and enjoy a beautiful beach. When on Maui Check out Napili Bay. Two of my favorite spots to relax and enjoy swimming and the beach.
Joyce

iris1745

Thanks Joyce and Lynni; It's coming quick now and we are looking forward to the holidays first, then get excited about our trip.

dusty56438

All of the Sheratons on Oahu have a mandatory resort fee.

Parking is included in the resort fee at the Sheratons.

http://travel-hawaii.com/hawaiiresortfees.html

iris1745

Thanks dusty; The Big Island also has a resort fee.

Good to know that parking is included in the resort fee.

iris1745

OK we are going back to Hawaii again in January 2017 for my wife's 80 BD.

Well she will only be 79 in 2017, but we are concerned about losing value of our Starwood AX points with the Marriott takeover.

The plan.

1. Fly BOS to SAN R/T for $329 PP. Leave on the 26th of January and return home on the 7th of February.

2. Stay in San Diego for 2 nights using Starwood points.

3. Fly R/T SAN to HNL to LIH to HNL and back to SAN for $568 PP.

4. San Diego the 26 and 27th.

5. Sheraton Princess using dollars on the 28th, 29th and 30th.

6. Kauai for 5 nights at the Sheraton using Starwood points.
January 31st thru and including February 4th.

7. Return to San Diego for 2 nights using Marriott points on February 5th and 6th.

8. Fly back to Boston on the 7th.

uncfan

Just skimmed previous comments on this thread. I knew you would go back : ) I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on each of the islands from your last trip.

I love Kauai....it's my favorite island. I'm not sure if you are locked into staying at a Sheraton....or can it be any Starwoods Property? If the latter, then I would recommend that you spend at least a couple of days on the North Shore (the prettiest part of the island, other than the Napali Coast, is from Princeville and west toward Ke'e Beach). Maybe three nights in Poipu for guaranteed nice weather, then two days in Princeville? The St. Regis (would be an amazing 80th birthday present) and the Westin are both Starwood properties located in Princeville.

iris1745

uncfan; We had a great time on Waikiki without rushing everywhere. Pearl Harbor was a priority
.
On Maui Mama's Fish House was a priority and we just drove and stopped for sights that were an interest.

On the Big Island, my wife did a helicopter ride for 2 hours and loved it and I just stayed behind and relaxed.

You do have me thinking that YES, my wife deserves perhaps 2 nights at the Westin in Princeville.

Will book flights first, as the the dates are certain and then decide on hotels.

Thanks.