Placename

Some people like to just play it all by ear, depending on how everyone is feeling, the weather, the mood.

I am one of those. I really hate to end up in Hawaii on a schedule.

RTH is essentially a day-long trip. The dawdling along the route is part of it, so you could plan on 3 or 4 hours from Paia.

voyager61

We left our condo around 8:30 and thought it was a perfect time to be on the volcano (around 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.)...that road is very difficult to drive, lots of curves and narrow; I can't imagine driving it in the dark, although I know a lot of people do it. And there is trying to get two teenage boys awake that early...not sure it's worth it. My son is 19, so I know the challenge.

I would get a Maui guidebook and read up on the road to Hana...Maui Revealed is a detailed one, and you will have all the info you need to make a decision.

As far as just driving around, it's not all that relaxing because there is traffic on both islands in different areas. I would choose a destination and make it a day or partial day with lunch. For example, we combined Haleakala with a visit to Paia and lunch at the Paia Fishmarket; I recommend that. Also close to Haleakala is the Kula Botanical Gardens.

Placename

Or you could also combine a Haleakala visit with a trip to the winery and lavender farm.

tenthumbs

I have done the NCL cruise around the islands and enjoyed it. Although NCL isn't as plush as Princess or Royal Caribbean, it's better than Carnival, IMHO. What I liked about it was that we got a taste of all of the islands......

About what suze said regarding getting up gawdawful early (I avoid getting up early at all costs) to see the sunrise~if you do it, remember that it's COLD.

suze

Even later in the morning it's FREEZIN up there. Excellent tip! I hadn't brought any cold weather clothes so had to pile on almost everything in my suitcase!

Tomsd

To each their own and getting the young ones up early can be a challenge - but they can sleep on the way up - and I think the sunrise is worth the extra effort to get up early. IMO - the drive isn't that bad, plus in the dark - you have headlights on so you know if somebody is coming down the hill - which rarely happens at that hour in the morning anyway. And you don't have the bike riders to possibly worry about.

Again, I don't think it's that scary of a drive - and doesn't really have any big dropoffs as I recall. Have driven much hairer/fun roads than that.

Tomsd

And for snorkeling equipment rental (assuming you don't take your own gear) - check out the Snorkel Bob's of this world. (Also check the tourist mags at the airport when you arrive). I believe you can even rent stuff on one island and turn in on another, and the weekly rentals are fairly inexpensive - for the basic stuff - which works just fine usually. If they haven't really snorkeled before - practice in a pool somewhere to get comfortable - and make sure there aren't any hairs underneath the mask - as that can lead to some water trickling down into the mask and mess up the visibility.

http://snorkelbob.com/cgi-local/Soft....htm?E+scstore

Tomsd

One more thing. The drive to Hana takes time - what - with some 600 curves. If anyone is prone to car sickness - have them sit up front and also plan to stop along the way - which is fun to do anyway.

Start early - and on the way home - you can drive it in the dark - and some locals prefer that - as then they can tell by the oncoming lights if anyone is coming around the next curve.

lifeisanadventure

We will play getting up early by ear dep on how everyone feels to see sunrise. Thanks for everything! Now what shouldnt we miss on oahu

sf7307

On Oahu, you should not miss:

1) Kailua and Lanikai beaches (kayaking is great)
2) Hanauma Bay (snorkeling)
3) Hike up Diamond Head if it's a clear day
4) Drive across the middle of the island (spectacular) from southeast to northwest
5) Haleiwa for shave ice
6) North shore beaches
7) Pearl Harbor
8) Waikiki

carolyn

Oahu, continued

9) Punchbowl Cemetery
10)Pali Lookout
11)Meal at Cheeseburgers in Paradise for the boys

lifeisanadventure

Thanks all

Tomsd

Also for Oahu: Plate lunches, Thai food, Hono Chinatown great dim sum there too,, walking along Waikiki beachs, Sea-Life Park, and definitely snorkeling at Hanauma Bay - my #1 choice above all else.

And assuming you get over to the Kailua side - the Valley of Temples is cool: http://www.trekaroo.com/activities/v...-kailua-hawaii

tenthumbs

I second the Oahu votes for:

Hanauma Bay snorkeling
Pearl Harbor
shave ice (as often as possible!)
Punchbowl Cemetery

DanM

We can spend a week plus on the North Shore, never run out of things to do, and be sad when we leave. Our family of four recently spent 8 days there and the vacation total was $3761 (we flew with miles). Including taxes and fees, out condo near Turtle Bay was $158/nt. We did everything sf suggests but the Punchbowl, never felt rushed, spent lots of time snorkeling, lots of time reading, and pleanty of time relaxing. I love Oahu, but I am planning my 11 days on the Big Island right now. It was tough to not go back to Oahu, but we are looking forward to July in Hilo and Kohala.

Tomsd

Pls be sure to let us know what you finally schedule, ok?