My husband and I are going to Hawaii in January. We are starting out in Oahu for four days, staying at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider. Has anyone stayed there, and what do you think of that hotel/location? Next we go to Kauai for 2 days, at the Hyatt Regency, and finally to Maui for six days at the Sheraton Maui. Does this sound like the right amount of time at each island?

Nora, my wife and I are headed back for our 8th trip to the islands. Personnally, I would spend 2 days on Oahu and 4 on Kauai. Oahu and Waikiki are not the real Hawaii. Honolulu is like any large US city with a beach. The rest of Oahu is OK but there are numerous military bases and surroundings are not tropical paradise. The only thing of value on Oahu is Pearl Harbor.
In 7 previous trips, we only stayed on Oahu 2 times. Once for 1 night(I called after we arrived and saw Waikiki and managed to get into the Marriott 2 days early) and a couple of years ago my brother recommended The Turtle Bay Hilton and we stayed for 5 nights to see the surf along the north shore in the winter- Bansai Pipeline & Sunset Beach. We have vowed to never go back to Oahu.
The Hyatt is the best property on Kauai and the new Sheraton on Kaanapali is also very nice. You won't be disappointed with either. Make sure you do the helicopter flight on Kauai. It's the best of all the islands- Jack Harter is the company we used butr they all do the same route. It will be the only way to see the Napali coast in the winter.
Aloha and any other questions email me

Bart

Nora,

I would second Bart's comments. I have been to the island chain several times now and the only reason I would stay any length of time on Oahu is because I have good friends that live their. But thats me (and my wife) not necessarily the same holds true for others. As far as making specific recommendations for you and your husband it's difficult without some insight on what activities you are interested in doing (if any) and in general what you consider to be an ideal vacation. Often I see posts such as yours asking for advice about which island is best, where to stay, etc followed by little if any comment about what you like to do. Sorry to rant it's just I want to give you and others sound advice so all that said here it goes.... Plan as much time as possible on the outer islands Maui, Kauai, the big island etc and less on Oahu. Kauai is mine (and my wife's) favorite. We can't get enough of it. We stay along the north shore (Princeville) and enjoy the lush tropical climate and the secluded beaches as well as the good to very good snorkleing it provides. The north shore is quiet and relaxing. There is also great golf in that area of the island if that's your thing. The south side (Poipu) where the Hyatt is located is nice as well as sunnier and drier than the north end. It's simply a matter of choice. Maui has much to offer and shouldn't be missed. Maui has more organized activities than Kauai. Feel free to email me if you have specific questions.

I just got back from Hawaii in September. We stayed at the Moana Surfrider and absolutely loved it. We had an ocean view room in the historic building. Insist on a room with a king bed and a balcony so that you can look out over the courtyard and beach. The staff was wonderful.

As for Oahu, it's a great island if you have a car. Get out and drive around the island. It is really beautiful along the coast and there are a ton of beaches (more than Maui). You just can't expect to find paradise or privacy in or around Honolulu.

We stayed in the best room at the Westin Maui and we were both very disappointed with the room and the staff (though the view was amazing). If I went back, my first choice would be the Sheraton Maui and my second would be the Hyatt. Also, the Sheraton Maui offers free scuba lessons in their pool. If you enjoy it, you can then go diving just off Black Rock in front of the hotel. Amazing! Far better than snorkling.

Don't skip the helicopter ride. It's very expensive but worth the splurge. I would highly recommend Frommer's (sorry Fodor's) guide book. It was a huge help. Feel free to e-mail me with questions.

Have fun!

Completely agree with previous writer. The Moana is one of the original hotels on Waikiki, and when you see the famous old posters of Waikiki in the 20's, you'll see that hotel and the Royal Hawaiian. The atmosphere is fantatic, with afternoon tea, band music in the evening in the cortyard, and a beautifully restored lobby. Also, the location is on central Waikiki Beach--great swimming and people-watching. I truly believe people's experience of Waikiki is much better if they stay right by the beAch instead of one of the hotels a few long blocks away. (And it can be done relatively inexpensively at one of the beachfront Outriggers Hotels.) Also agree that Oahu is a WONDERFUL place to go. Honolulu is much more than Waikiki, and Oahu is much more than Honolulu. Rent a car, drive over the Pali to the lookout point, continue to Kailua, stop at the beach there or at Lanikai, then head 'round the island in either direction
for truly spectacular, lush scnery. Personally, I'd spend more time on Kauai than Maui. Once you settle in at the Hyatt in Poipu, you won't want to leave. Aloha and Bon Voyage--feel free to eamil me for any other "IMHO" tips.

Nora,
My husband and I are also going to Hawaii in January. We are staying in Oahu for 5 nights at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider, then on to Kauai for 5 nights at the Sheridan Kauai Resort and finally 4 nights at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel on Maui. We leave 1/18/98 and return 2/1/98. We are also interested in hearing about what absolutely should not be missed and reasonable, but quality, places to eat.

We prefer Oahu too and I've made suggestions on past posts so won't be redundant here. But wanted to mention the Entertainment book again. Our last trip a few weeks ago, using our local Entertainment book/card, got 50% off the Outrigger Edgewater, paid $45.00 for huge room (that would have slept 4, had fridge). Their "pool" is not that great, but you can use the Outrigger Reef pool across the street, which we always do. There they have poolside massages ($l.00 a minute), and also a pool sports bar so we were able to watch the baseball playoffs (my husband is a diehard Yankee fan!)
Then we bought the Waikiki Entertainment book for '99 (was ok to use for this trip) for $30.00 sold by the Aquarium, and used a bunch of coupons for two for one
dinners. It paid for itself after two days, plus we plan one, possibly two trips to Hawaii in '99 and can use the same book. There's also all kinds of coupons and deals for practically every touristy or sightseeing thing to do over there. I believe it's good for all the islands.

Am planning a trip to the Islands soon also and would like to know if someone can post the E-Mail address or web page of the "Entertainment Discount Coupon Books" I understand their Hawaii book is good for discounts on all Islands Thanks

Their web address is www.entertainment-gold.com
Their email address is [email protected] and an 800 # to call is l-800-374-4464

My husband and I have been to the Hawaiian Islands 6 times, and obviously love it! Our first trip was on our honeymoon, where our travel agent booked us at Poipu on Kauai. Once we laid eyes on the North Shore, & Princeville area, we were frustrated that were not advised to stay there. It is gorgeous!! You are limited as far as hotels, but both Princeville Hotel and Hanalei Bay Resort are great. It just depends on what you are looking for. North Shore is very quiet, so if you like lots of activity, this may not be your place. Hyatt at Poipu is stunning, but lacking the beautiful view of the above-mentioned hotels. The best guidebook without question in "The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook". It's authors live on Kauai, and really know the island! I bought this book before our last visit, and we saw spots we'd never seen on our other 5 visits. If you e-mail me, I'll be happy to answer other questions.

Hi:
Kaui and Lanai are both snoozers!
Beware if you enjoy a night out
(yeah, yeah, the garden Isle is gorgeous, but DULL< DULL, DULL

Skip Oahu and spend the whole time
on Maui

Drink Lots of Mai-Tais and run naked on the beach.

Worked for me !

We are going to Maui in january as well

The Moana is gorgeous. You feel like you're in the Hawaii of old. I have been to Kauai (sp), Big Island and while I enjoyed them I prefer Honolulu. You can have it all..rent a car and enjoy deserted beaches, then back to town for VARIETY... The Royal Hawaiian Art museum is a gem, and perfect for a rainy day ( they have a garden tea room), also the flower market is great. But, then again, I am an urban creature...