Planning a Hawaiian Holiday
 

How should I begin to plan a two week vacation to Hawaii. Which Islands, which resorts or hotels, and should I go through a travel agent or do it independently? We'll be flying for free so I'm just concerned about land packages. We don't like huge resorts, but want to be on the water and have a kitchenette. We plan to spend the majority of our time in Mauii, but should we include other islands in our itinerary? Is the end of April, beginning of May a good time to go? <BR>Any help, much appreciated.

Hi, I think you should do this on your own,a couple of suggestions for starters are; Royal Lahaina resort, and AtsonMahana Kaanapali. these are right on the beach. I stayed at the Mahana and found it to be very nice. this is only two places to look into. I think Maui for 2 weeks would be ok, I was there for 9 days and still felt I did not see everything. there are many boat trips to other islands. we went at the end of May, and thought it to be a ok time. have a good trip. <BR>

I have been to Hawaii 5 times. It is beautiful. The main island of Oahu has much to see and do and alot of it is free. Don't miss Pearl Harbor, the Iolani Palace, the Kodiak hula show in the park, & snorkeling in the early morning at Hanama Bay. If you don't like high prices and gobs of people, avoid Waikiki, but you should drive down thru it once. <BR>The outer islands are rural and each has it's own look. I have made day trips to the other islands and it worked out great. Fly out on the first morning flight and back on the last flight to your base. Roberts of Hawaii has lots of good package deals and you can call them yourself on their 800 number (call 800-555-1212 and ask for their number). <BR>Aloha! <BR>

Skip Oahu, the other islands are paradise. Oahu is like New York City with a beach. We prefer Maui but always visit another island as well. Feb 99 will be our 7th trip in last 15 years and we are going to Big Island and Maui. Maui has everything -spectacular sites, Haleakala and Road to Hana, etc. The Big Island with the active volcano is definatley worth visiting. Kauai is the garden isle and the best place for a helicopter ride. <BR>We always stay in hotels so I can't comment on accomadations.Aloha

<BR>You should look into package deals that include airfare/hotel. I have been to Hawaii 13 times, and in the last ten years it has become less expensive than booking things yourself seperatly. If you want to be at a beachfront hotel you will pay alot more than at a hotel just one block from beach(at least in Waikiki) Without knowing where your from and what your budget is, it's hard to recommend any specific hotel. ALOHA!

Our airfare is going to be covered with frequent flyer miles so we can go to$150/night for a condo or efficiency on the water. Only one person has suggested accomodations in Mauii and they looked nice. Any suggestions for Kuaii? And has any one been to Molokai? <BR>

Message: Erin, we stayed at the Kahana Sunset on Maui in early May. It's probably about 10 years old, right on a nice beach, beautiful landscaping, nice pool. We reserved our 2 bedroom condo over the internet - I think they are also available through agencies. We had 7 people (3 generations) and the condo worked out nicely. We usually ate breakfast and dinner there. (Restaurants are expensive for 7 people) There are several gas grills and tables right beside the beach. The waves crashed loudly right below us. A web sight for the Kahana Sunset is: http://www.maui.net/~vacation/KS_Index.html. It is about a 10 minute drive to Kaanapali and farther to Lahaina, but we liked it because it didn't seem so touristy. On Kauai we stayed at the Pali Ke Kau condominiums in Princeville. The view of Bali Hai was incredible and the condo was nearly new. A web site for them is: http://www.hshawaii.com/kvp/hce/prince.html. At both places (or any place, in my opinion) ask for oceanfront, as opposed to oceanview - you'll be right on the water. Good snorkeling at both condos.

Have you considered a bed & breakfast? I am leaving for Hawaii (Maui & Kauai) July 10-20. We are staying at the Hale A'Ha in Kauai. It looks like a really quaint place, very affordable ($95 - 210/night). They have a web-site at: www.oceandream.com/kauai/hale_aha <BR>or you can call for more info: 1-800-826-6733.

I would suggest Kauai and Maui as the 2 islands that I would visit/ I go to Hawaii for a month each winter and these are my favorite islands. Hotels on the beach are expensive and I think you can get a bigger bang for your buck in a condo. They have so much more room, and all the conveniences of home, washers/dryers, kitchen, etc.. besides if you will be there for any length of time, eating out gets old and expensive. <BR>I would look into package deals as they nmay be less expensive than booking separately. Tryu some of the Hawaii websites for accommodations.. Hers are 2 for Kauai. www.Kauairentals.com or www.poipu-beach.org. <BR>2 condo recommendations. On Maui, try the Maui Hiil. On Kauai, try Lawai Beach Resort or Kiahuna Plantation. Both in Poipu area, sunniest part of Kauai. Finally, you have to rent a car to get anywhere on the islands except in Waikiki. And do go to a book store and grab some of the excellent books that are out there in Hawaii. Lots of good advice and Info. Have a great trip. yu will love it.