Planning first trip to Hawaii...
 

We're planning our first trip to Hawaii for first week in May. Need help knowing the best Islands to go to. best places to stay and things to do. What are the must do things for first timers? I know that's a lot but I appreciate any help you can give us. We are just putting our plans together and want to avoid in big mistakes if possible. Thanks for your input.

Ken - theres a ton of info on Hawaii. You need to list your interests to get better ideas or do a search on Hawaii. Ie) history - Pearl Harbor, volcanoes - Big Island or Haleakala on Maui, scenic beauty - anywhere, nightlife - Honolulu, Lahaina, R&R - Kaui...

Hurry! Hawaii is "hot spot of the month" on Frommers.com (August) <BR> <BR>Also, see my post "List of Travel URL's" <BR> <BR>

Hi there Ken, my husband and I have been <BR>to Maui once and Kauai twice. Both places were great, but we liked Kauai the best! For a reasonable price and great location in Lihue, the Garden Island Inn was super. Waimea Canyon early in the morning was beautiful, and we had it all to ourselves. We went both times in the spring, and the beaches were almost deserted. Kee Beach was great as we were beginner snorkelers. We kayaked to the Fern Grotto once which was an awesome experience, but the tours are fun too. Kauai is a nice size in that you can see almost everything in a week or so. Luau's are a must! Beware of time share resort people at info. centres. Whatever you do or wherever you go in Hawaii, it is all wonderful. Aloha from Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. <BR>

The islands of Hawaii are so different! If you want to see volcanos you must hit Hawaii, the big island. Oahu has the largest population, so if your looking for night life you have the right island. The other islands are more layed back. All the islands have beautiful beaches and mountains, so you can't go wrong. Since you only have a week, I would hit Oahu if you love the city feel and night life. Wakiki is a very popular beach and somewhat crowded, but Oahu has many other wonderful beaches if you want to get away from the crowds and have a beach to yourself! If you want the relaxed vacation stay on the north shore of Oahu or go to the other islands -Maui, Kauai, big island. There is plenty to see on each island for a week, so you can stay on one island or very easily hit two islands in a week.

Hi Ken, we've been to all the islands and there's only two that we don't want to go to again. One's Oahu and the other's Lanai, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't. <BR>If you're going for the first time I would not go to Oahu, because that's not <BR>probably the picture that you have of Hawaii. It's very congested unless you go to the north shore. My sister went there for her first time this year and doesn't want to go back to Hawaii now. <BR>We love Maui,lots to see and do there and not quite as busy as Oahu. <BR>Kauai in my opinion is the most beautiful of all the islands. <BR>Molokai is also very beautiful. There's many places where you can have a whole beach to yourself and they look picture postcard perfect. <BR>Hawaii the big island is very versatile. <BR>Seeing the volcano erupting is amazing. <BR>Lanai, well it has lots of red dirt and the reason that I mention that is that if you're out driving around in a jeep with the top off by the end of the day you'll be covered in it. Also you can see and do everything there is in a day. <BR>Also purchase an entertainment book before you go it gives you 50% off hotel's and lot's of two for one's. Also you get great deals for car rental's and also interisland flights. The number is : 1-800-374-4464 and they're $28.usd. <BR>each. Have Fun!!!!!!!

It's true, each island has it's own specialties. but here's my suggestions. Spend one or two nites on/near Waikiki Beach (Oahu) so you can experience ....night life, Pearl Harbor, THE beach, etc... then spend the rest of your time on the other islands... my favorite was HAWAII... Hilo has fabulous rain forest botanical garden, and you must experience volcanoes... if by chance it is active.... you're in for a special treat...watching lava cross the road...viewing it from a helicopter... or watching a lava /(natural fireworks show) at nite as it seeps into the ocean..incredible!! Check with Hawaii volcanoe information before going..truly is worth seeing if there's activity.. <BR>but oh yeah, I almost forgot... the Na Pali coast line on Kauai... hiking, helicopter rides... breathtaking!!! Alo HA from Texas!!!