Trip report: BI, Kauai, Molokai, Oahu
Jun 28th, 2001 | 06:06 PM
#1
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Trip report: BI, Kauai, Molokai, Oahu
We were there 5/18 through 6/5. This is our fourth trip. Therefore, some of the "mostly recommended" activities on BI and Kauai were tried on previous trips. So we did different things this time.
Oahu: We stopped here for one night. After checking in to our hotel, we strolled down Kalakaua Ave to the International Market. We had dinner at Todai. The next morning we went to Aloha Stadium and bought some souvenir. Afterwards, we flew to BI.
Big Island: We hiked the Old Puna trail to beautiful Haena beach (black sand). We went to Isaac Hale State Park and enjoyed the small warm pond in the vine jungle (so romantic). The Mackenzie State Park has larger warm pond (naturally heated). It is less crowded on weekday. The Lava Tree State Park was interesting and did not take long to visit. We drove to the Kohala side using the north route. On the way, we stopped by Rainbow Falls, Boiling Pots, Akaka Falls, World Botanical Garden (to see the three-tier Umauma waterfalls), Laupahoehoe Point. We hiked Pololu Valley to beautiful black sand beach. The beach is not suitable for swimming due to high surf. We spent one morning at Mauna Kea Beach. It is beautiful here with white sand and a shower facility is close by. We took an afternoon snorkel cruise to Kealakekua Bay with Fairwinds. It is one of the highlights of our trip. There were many fishes, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, corals, etc.
For restaurants, we tried Thai Thai in Volcano Village (one of the best Thai restaurants that we've tried), Kilauea Lodge, Royal Siam in Hilo, Bamboo Restaurant (on the way to Pololu Valley), Donatoni at Hilton Waikoloa Village. They were all very good, except Donatoni is overpriced (but the setting is very nice - on the hotel lagoon). We also tried Oodles of Noodles in Kailua-Kona but did not like it.
Kauai: We stayed in Hanalei Bay at a vacation rental, Hamaguchi Hale. Hanalei town is so peaceful and the North Shore is very lush. The water at Hanalei Bay in late May was swimmable. We kayaked from Hanalei River to Hideaway Beach. The trip on the river is calm. The sea was not very rough so it was fun. We stopped briefly at Tunnels Beach. We went to Kilauea Lighthouse and took the Crater Hill Hike. The crater view is gorgeous. This is a hike that must be reserved in advanced with the Lighthouse. The kids enjoyed feeding the fish at Lydgate Beach Park.
We went on a trail ride with CJM Stables in Poipu. This is also one of the highlights of our trip. The horses were well-trained and the view along the beach was incredible.
We went to Waimea Canyon, hiked the Pihea Trail and had a great view of Kalalau Valley from the trail.
For restaurants we enjoyed Zelo's Beach House, Hanalei Dolphin, Tropical Taco (all are in North Shore). The shave ice from Wishing Well Van is very good with ice cream at the bottom. We also ate at Cafe Hanalei in the Princeville Hotel. The Hanalei Bay sunset view from this restaurant was gorgeous. The food was very "Ono". It was one of the most memorable dinner of our trip. In Kapaa, we ate at Duke's near the Marriott Hotel. We also tried Hamurai Saimin Stand but were very disappointed. Since we live in a city with a large Asian population, the noodles here are much better. However, the BBQ chicken on a stick for $1 is very good though.
Molokai: This is a very small island. It is very rural and laid back. We really relaxed here. The people are so friendly. This island is not known for dining out at restaurant.
We went to Kamakou Preserve with the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii. This is a 3 mile round trip on 8" wide boardwalk. To hike the boardwalk, you must about 5 miles in on very rough road (four-wheel drive only).This area is so beautiful with many unusual plants. Along the drive to the boardwalk, we saw the famous Sandalwood Pit (made the same size of the ship that would transport the wood) where ancient Hawaiians measured their load of sandalwood before transporting it by ship to Asia. We stopped by the Woodcarver's place. Robin Baker turns bowl and carves wood. His price is so much cheaper than buying turned bowls in the store.
We drove around the island to see the ancient Hawaiian fishpond, Halawa Valley, Kalaupapa Lookout, Phallic Rock. We enjoyed 2 sunsets on the beach near our condo, Paniolo Hale, with a bottle of wine. It is simply gorgeous with no crowd. The Papohaku Beach is three miles long. We only saw two people in the distant when we were there. Our kids enjoyed picking shells at this beach. The waves are very, very strong here. We also stopped by the Windkite Factory on our last day. We only ate at Molokai Pizza Cafe. Other nights, we bought fish from the Ice House and grilled them after watching the sunsets.
Oahu: We stopped here again for one night and had dinner at Singha Thai Restaurant (very ONO). The next morning we set out to see Pearl Harbor and the USS Missouri. It is emotional to watch the short documentary and see the memorial with all the names of the men and women that went down with the Arizona.
We stopped at the Dole Pineapple Plantation. The kids went to the maze and ate Dole whip before we caught our late PM plane home.
It's been more than 3 weeks back home, and I miss the flowers, floral scents, the Aloha spirit, the beautiful landscape, etc. already. I know that we will be back again.
Cathy
Oahu: We stopped here for one night. After checking in to our hotel, we strolled down Kalakaua Ave to the International Market. We had dinner at Todai. The next morning we went to Aloha Stadium and bought some souvenir. Afterwards, we flew to BI.
Big Island: We hiked the Old Puna trail to beautiful Haena beach (black sand). We went to Isaac Hale State Park and enjoyed the small warm pond in the vine jungle (so romantic). The Mackenzie State Park has larger warm pond (naturally heated). It is less crowded on weekday. The Lava Tree State Park was interesting and did not take long to visit. We drove to the Kohala side using the north route. On the way, we stopped by Rainbow Falls, Boiling Pots, Akaka Falls, World Botanical Garden (to see the three-tier Umauma waterfalls), Laupahoehoe Point. We hiked Pololu Valley to beautiful black sand beach. The beach is not suitable for swimming due to high surf. We spent one morning at Mauna Kea Beach. It is beautiful here with white sand and a shower facility is close by. We took an afternoon snorkel cruise to Kealakekua Bay with Fairwinds. It is one of the highlights of our trip. There were many fishes, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, corals, etc.
For restaurants, we tried Thai Thai in Volcano Village (one of the best Thai restaurants that we've tried), Kilauea Lodge, Royal Siam in Hilo, Bamboo Restaurant (on the way to Pololu Valley), Donatoni at Hilton Waikoloa Village. They were all very good, except Donatoni is overpriced (but the setting is very nice - on the hotel lagoon). We also tried Oodles of Noodles in Kailua-Kona but did not like it.
Kauai: We stayed in Hanalei Bay at a vacation rental, Hamaguchi Hale. Hanalei town is so peaceful and the North Shore is very lush. The water at Hanalei Bay in late May was swimmable. We kayaked from Hanalei River to Hideaway Beach. The trip on the river is calm. The sea was not very rough so it was fun. We stopped briefly at Tunnels Beach. We went to Kilauea Lighthouse and took the Crater Hill Hike. The crater view is gorgeous. This is a hike that must be reserved in advanced with the Lighthouse. The kids enjoyed feeding the fish at Lydgate Beach Park.
We went on a trail ride with CJM Stables in Poipu. This is also one of the highlights of our trip. The horses were well-trained and the view along the beach was incredible.
We went to Waimea Canyon, hiked the Pihea Trail and had a great view of Kalalau Valley from the trail.
For restaurants we enjoyed Zelo's Beach House, Hanalei Dolphin, Tropical Taco (all are in North Shore). The shave ice from Wishing Well Van is very good with ice cream at the bottom. We also ate at Cafe Hanalei in the Princeville Hotel. The Hanalei Bay sunset view from this restaurant was gorgeous. The food was very "Ono". It was one of the most memorable dinner of our trip. In Kapaa, we ate at Duke's near the Marriott Hotel. We also tried Hamurai Saimin Stand but were very disappointed. Since we live in a city with a large Asian population, the noodles here are much better. However, the BBQ chicken on a stick for $1 is very good though.
Molokai: This is a very small island. It is very rural and laid back. We really relaxed here. The people are so friendly. This island is not known for dining out at restaurant.
We went to Kamakou Preserve with the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii. This is a 3 mile round trip on 8" wide boardwalk. To hike the boardwalk, you must about 5 miles in on very rough road (four-wheel drive only).This area is so beautiful with many unusual plants. Along the drive to the boardwalk, we saw the famous Sandalwood Pit (made the same size of the ship that would transport the wood) where ancient Hawaiians measured their load of sandalwood before transporting it by ship to Asia. We stopped by the Woodcarver's place. Robin Baker turns bowl and carves wood. His price is so much cheaper than buying turned bowls in the store.
We drove around the island to see the ancient Hawaiian fishpond, Halawa Valley, Kalaupapa Lookout, Phallic Rock. We enjoyed 2 sunsets on the beach near our condo, Paniolo Hale, with a bottle of wine. It is simply gorgeous with no crowd. The Papohaku Beach is three miles long. We only saw two people in the distant when we were there. Our kids enjoyed picking shells at this beach. The waves are very, very strong here. We also stopped by the Windkite Factory on our last day. We only ate at Molokai Pizza Cafe. Other nights, we bought fish from the Ice House and grilled them after watching the sunsets.
Oahu: We stopped here again for one night and had dinner at Singha Thai Restaurant (very ONO). The next morning we set out to see Pearl Harbor and the USS Missouri. It is emotional to watch the short documentary and see the memorial with all the names of the men and women that went down with the Arizona.
We stopped at the Dole Pineapple Plantation. The kids went to the maze and ate Dole whip before we caught our late PM plane home.
It's been more than 3 weeks back home, and I miss the flowers, floral scents, the Aloha spirit, the beautiful landscape, etc. already. I know that we will be back again.
Cathy
Jun 29th, 2001 | 03:29 AM
#2
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Cathy, nice report. Would you please tell me more where you stay in Hawaii and also more details about the place
on both Kauai and Molokai. How did you find all these places? Did you reseve them directly? DO you know their websites? What hotel did you stay on Oahu?
The islands you visited are the same we are planing to visit in December
on both Kauai and Molokai. How did you find all these places? Did you reseve them directly? DO you know their websites? What hotel did you stay on Oahu?
The islands you visited are the same we are planing to visit in December
Jun 29th, 2001 | 09:31 AM
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Aloha Gene,
We booked all lodging directly because we flew on frequent flyer tickets.
In BI, we stayed at Hi'iaka House in Volcano Village for a few days. We stayed there last year and liked it. It has 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 bath, lush gardens surrounding the house, breakfast makings are included (eggs, milk, juice, pastries and fruits). The pantry is fully stocked with spices, tea, etc. We paid $125 for 4 people because we booked in 2000. The rate increased January of this year by about $10 or $15.The manager is Kathryn Grout. You can also request certain types of fruits that you prefer if they are in season. We asked for apple banana,lychee, etc. The tea bread is very good. I think the website is www.volcanoplaces.com. It is also listed in www.volcanogallery.com. I think for the # of bedrooms you get more for your money than other B&B around Volcano Village. Kathryn also manages a few other houses that is listed on volcanoplaces.com. If this site does not work then reply here and I will look it up in my favorites at home. I am posting this during my lunch at work.
In Kohala side we stayed at Hilton Waikoloa because I have some Hilton points. It is nice but very large (over 3,000 rooms). If you walk from one tower to the others, use the walking trail that is along the shore and it would take about 10 to 15 minute stroll. If you use the walkway close to the lobby, it is a lot longer. You can take the tram or the boat but you have to wait for them. My husband did not like it because it is too large. The refrigerator in the room is stocked with candies and drinks so you can't stock your own stuff. They charge local calls, in-room coffee, etc. When we were there, there was not a lot of kids, but I've heard that it gets crowded with family in the summer. If you are honeymooning I would not recommend this place. The Outrigger Waikoloa next door is smaller. I did not check out the rooms but the pool and landscaping are beautiful. It also has a beach. The Hilton has an artificial beach. The reasons we stayed are because the kids wanted to (they saw it last year when they did the Dolphin Quest) and of the points.
In Kauai, I found Hamaguchi Hale on the internet. I will have to get you the site later. It is a large house that is broken down into 3 separate units that you can rent separately or together. You can book this house with Hanalei Vacation (do a search on Yahoo). However I booked with the owner directly because I wanted only 4 nights and Hanalei Vac. only take bookings for 5 nights. The owner's own website said minimum of 5 nights but may accommodate less nights if there is vacancy. We stayed in the 3 bedroom units and it has a small counter kitchen (not built in)with electric plug in stove. There is a dishwasher and refrigerator and a small sink which were adequate for us. All beds are double-size and could not accommodate myself and my husband on the same bed. Somehow, their double bed just seems smaller than hotel's double bed. We paid $135 per night but cleaning fee was expensive at $135. It is about 5 minute walk to the beach. Houses for rent that is on the beach are about $185 a night when I checked.
We also booked 2 nights in Kokee Lodge so we could hike. We booked last August and requested new cabins (since guide book said so), figuring we booked almost a year ahead we could be accommodated. They gave us an old cabin that was very well used, with plenty of graffiti on the wall. The guide book also said it is clean. I found the mattresses to be very old and has stains all over. The sheets and towels are delivered to you in large plastic bag. The blankets also had lots of stains on them. I don't even know how often they get laundered. The check out instructions asked you to undo the sheets and pillowcases and put them in a pile to be washed. So I know the blankets do not get wash after each visit. I piled them together with the sheets anyway. I guess for $45 a night, you can't expect much. We checked out after the first night and went the the Marriott. We stayed at the Marriott last year (we used frequent flyer last year too) and loved it. It is close to the airport and the noise is very minimal. It did not bother us. The Hyatt was too expensive for us.
In Molokai, we booked directly with Paniolo Hale for a one bedroom (2 levels)and 2 baths. They have a large screened lanai, very nice for dinner and breakfast here. Lower floor is hardwood. Bedrooms are upstairs and are carpeted. We got AAA discount and paid $98 + tax for garden view. The beach near this condo is nice too. If you don't like crowd, this is perfect. The Kaluakoi Hotel next door has been closed for a few months. Therefore, the golf course has not been watered (grass is dying). Be ware that the west side beaches on Molokai are not suitable for swimming. The West side is more dry, not as lush as east side. There are only B&B or rental on the east side. The Wavecrest Condo and some other condos are more on the south side of the island near Kaunakakai.
We stayed at Doubletree in Oahu and got 1/2 price using the Entertainment coupon. Don't expect luxury here. It is very adequate. The pool is heated (not as warm as I expected but not cold for swimming). It is at one end of Waikiki, closer to Ala Moana shopping center. About 7 blocks from International Market place. Rooms are clean. Bathtub is on a small side, about 2/3 as long as traditional tub. We were upgraded to oceanview suite the first night. The last night was full booked so we did not get upgraded but it was very adequate. They give you 2 water bottle and refrigerator is included as well as a safe.
If you have any other question, let me know.
Cathy
We booked all lodging directly because we flew on frequent flyer tickets.
In BI, we stayed at Hi'iaka House in Volcano Village for a few days. We stayed there last year and liked it. It has 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 bath, lush gardens surrounding the house, breakfast makings are included (eggs, milk, juice, pastries and fruits). The pantry is fully stocked with spices, tea, etc. We paid $125 for 4 people because we booked in 2000. The rate increased January of this year by about $10 or $15.The manager is Kathryn Grout. You can also request certain types of fruits that you prefer if they are in season. We asked for apple banana,lychee, etc. The tea bread is very good. I think the website is www.volcanoplaces.com. It is also listed in www.volcanogallery.com. I think for the # of bedrooms you get more for your money than other B&B around Volcano Village. Kathryn also manages a few other houses that is listed on volcanoplaces.com. If this site does not work then reply here and I will look it up in my favorites at home. I am posting this during my lunch at work.
In Kohala side we stayed at Hilton Waikoloa because I have some Hilton points. It is nice but very large (over 3,000 rooms). If you walk from one tower to the others, use the walking trail that is along the shore and it would take about 10 to 15 minute stroll. If you use the walkway close to the lobby, it is a lot longer. You can take the tram or the boat but you have to wait for them. My husband did not like it because it is too large. The refrigerator in the room is stocked with candies and drinks so you can't stock your own stuff. They charge local calls, in-room coffee, etc. When we were there, there was not a lot of kids, but I've heard that it gets crowded with family in the summer. If you are honeymooning I would not recommend this place. The Outrigger Waikoloa next door is smaller. I did not check out the rooms but the pool and landscaping are beautiful. It also has a beach. The Hilton has an artificial beach. The reasons we stayed are because the kids wanted to (they saw it last year when they did the Dolphin Quest) and of the points.
In Kauai, I found Hamaguchi Hale on the internet. I will have to get you the site later. It is a large house that is broken down into 3 separate units that you can rent separately or together. You can book this house with Hanalei Vacation (do a search on Yahoo). However I booked with the owner directly because I wanted only 4 nights and Hanalei Vac. only take bookings for 5 nights. The owner's own website said minimum of 5 nights but may accommodate less nights if there is vacancy. We stayed in the 3 bedroom units and it has a small counter kitchen (not built in)with electric plug in stove. There is a dishwasher and refrigerator and a small sink which were adequate for us. All beds are double-size and could not accommodate myself and my husband on the same bed. Somehow, their double bed just seems smaller than hotel's double bed. We paid $135 per night but cleaning fee was expensive at $135. It is about 5 minute walk to the beach. Houses for rent that is on the beach are about $185 a night when I checked.
We also booked 2 nights in Kokee Lodge so we could hike. We booked last August and requested new cabins (since guide book said so), figuring we booked almost a year ahead we could be accommodated. They gave us an old cabin that was very well used, with plenty of graffiti on the wall. The guide book also said it is clean. I found the mattresses to be very old and has stains all over. The sheets and towels are delivered to you in large plastic bag. The blankets also had lots of stains on them. I don't even know how often they get laundered. The check out instructions asked you to undo the sheets and pillowcases and put them in a pile to be washed. So I know the blankets do not get wash after each visit. I piled them together with the sheets anyway. I guess for $45 a night, you can't expect much. We checked out after the first night and went the the Marriott. We stayed at the Marriott last year (we used frequent flyer last year too) and loved it. It is close to the airport and the noise is very minimal. It did not bother us. The Hyatt was too expensive for us.
In Molokai, we booked directly with Paniolo Hale for a one bedroom (2 levels)and 2 baths. They have a large screened lanai, very nice for dinner and breakfast here. Lower floor is hardwood. Bedrooms are upstairs and are carpeted. We got AAA discount and paid $98 + tax for garden view. The beach near this condo is nice too. If you don't like crowd, this is perfect. The Kaluakoi Hotel next door has been closed for a few months. Therefore, the golf course has not been watered (grass is dying). Be ware that the west side beaches on Molokai are not suitable for swimming. The West side is more dry, not as lush as east side. There are only B&B or rental on the east side. The Wavecrest Condo and some other condos are more on the south side of the island near Kaunakakai.
We stayed at Doubletree in Oahu and got 1/2 price using the Entertainment coupon. Don't expect luxury here. It is very adequate. The pool is heated (not as warm as I expected but not cold for swimming). It is at one end of Waikiki, closer to Ala Moana shopping center. About 7 blocks from International Market place. Rooms are clean. Bathtub is on a small side, about 2/3 as long as traditional tub. We were upgraded to oceanview suite the first night. The last night was full booked so we did not get upgraded but it was very adequate. They give you 2 water bottle and refrigerator is included as well as a safe.
If you have any other question, let me know.
Cathy
Jun 29th, 2001 | 05:22 PM
#4
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Gene,
Kauai's North Shore beaches are rough in the winter, just fyi since you asked about lodging there.
Here are some sites that I used:
http://www.volcanogallery.com/hiiaka.htm
http://www.hanalei-vacations.com/
http://molokai-aloha.com/
http://molokai-hawaii.com/
http://www.hawaiicondosbyowner.com/
http://www.vacationspot.com/showproperty.htm?key=11118&siteid=1
http://www.vrbo.com/
http://www.paniolohaleresort.com/
Kauai's North Shore beaches are rough in the winter, just fyi since you asked about lodging there.
Here are some sites that I used:
http://www.volcanogallery.com/hiiaka.htm
http://www.hanalei-vacations.com/
http://molokai-aloha.com/
http://molokai-hawaii.com/
http://www.hawaiicondosbyowner.com/
http://www.vacationspot.com/showproperty.htm?key=11118&siteid=1
http://www.vrbo.com/
http://www.paniolohaleresort.com/
Jul 2nd, 2001 | 02:48 AM
#5
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What a great report Cathy. My husband and I will be on Big Island, Maui, Molokai and maybe Kauai too in April. Is this a good time of the year to go? Is North Side on Kauai calm enough for snorkeling? Where are the best places to snorkle on each island? Thank you
Jul 2nd, 2001 | 09:29 PM
#6
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Cathy,
Great trip report. We too have stayed at Hi'iaka House and were very pleased with the welcome there. (And did the Hilton on the same trip- too crowded but the kids loved the dolphins. I was also impressed by the grounds and beach area next door at the Outrigger.)
I am curious about your overall impression of Molokai. Would you go back for a longer stay? Would you ever consider a home rental on the east end? We have done a number of Hawaii trips that sound similar in scope, activities and islands visited but have never been to Molokai. It's hard to get advice on that island. Any insights would be great, ie: as an active person with kids and a sense of adventure, would a week long stay on Molokai appeal?
Thanks.
Great trip report. We too have stayed at Hi'iaka House and were very pleased with the welcome there. (And did the Hilton on the same trip- too crowded but the kids loved the dolphins. I was also impressed by the grounds and beach area next door at the Outrigger.)
I am curious about your overall impression of Molokai. Would you go back for a longer stay? Would you ever consider a home rental on the east end? We have done a number of Hawaii trips that sound similar in scope, activities and islands visited but have never been to Molokai. It's hard to get advice on that island. Any insights would be great, ie: as an active person with kids and a sense of adventure, would a week long stay on Molokai appeal?
Thanks.
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Jul 3rd, 2001 | 06:52 PM
#8
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Aloha, my post did not go through the first time. So, let's try again.
Nicole,
Check out "BI Revealed" and "ultimat Kauai" guidebooks and Andrew Doughty for more info. They were our bibles. North shore Kauai is calm from May to October. In other months, water is calm in Poipu.
BI snorkel: Kahalu'u Beach on Alii, Kealakekua Bay
Maui: Black Rock by Sheraton on Kaanapali Beach. Molokini was very nice 11 years ago. I hear now that too many boats go out there making it not as nice as in the past.
Kauai: Lydgate is nice to feed fish. Heard that Tunnels is very nice. Did not snorkel there, just strolled.
Mary,
Molokai does not have night life nor fine cuisine. I'd recommend it as the last stop of your trip to unwind. I've heard you either like it or don't.
There are other activities you can try: Kayak in north shore, mule ride to Kalaupapa, Moomomi Preserve and Kamakou preserve with Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, Molokai Ranch also offer mountain biking and various activities, hike to Halawa falls with Pilippo, etc. I think that will keep you busy for a week. Keep in mind that most businesses and some tours are not operated on Sunday (they value family time). Go to the 2 Molokai sites I gave Gene and there are links for Nature Conservancy and other activities. Molokai ranch is at www.molokairanch.com, I believe.
Did not stop at other east end beaches besides Twenty Mile beach (which were advertised as clear for snorkeling). I was not impressed. Beach is small with too many people the day I visited (weekend, figure). Cannot give you a opinion on east end vacation rental since I did not try more east beaches.
I can vouch for west beaches being clear. Beware of the waves. Not very lush because west side is try. I would go back to Molokai again because: people's friendliness, laid back, no traffic (we are from Houston. Molokai is not as lush as Kauai, though. I think Kauai is the prettiest of all the island. But that is my humble opinion.
Tracey,
I've heard that Kilauea Lodge is very nice, especially Tutu Cottage. The restaurant is excellent. We ate there 4 times the last 2 trips and all meals were wonderful. Duck soup and rabbit entree were some of the items I've tried. There are not that many restaurants in volcano village. Thai Thai is good. But of all Thai restaurants that we've tried, Singha in Oahu is the best (more expensive though). You can also order dinner delivered to your door on china plates through the Culinary Crusader. He has a stand at Sunday's farmer market too. Stuff chicken is delicious for $6. Veggies and fruits are very reasonable at Volcano farmer market (at Cooper Ctr). Soursop for $1.50, most vegetable bag for $1. Hilo's open market has 6 Puna mangoes for $1 (they are small, but grocery store prices can't beat that. Hilton room services charges $7.50 for 1/2 mango).
Ladies, hope that helps. Enjoy your trip. No matter which island you choose, you will have a great time because it is HAWAII. Maybe a couple more years for me.
Aloha,
Cathy
Nicole,
Check out "BI Revealed" and "ultimat Kauai" guidebooks and Andrew Doughty for more info. They were our bibles. North shore Kauai is calm from May to October. In other months, water is calm in Poipu.
BI snorkel: Kahalu'u Beach on Alii, Kealakekua Bay
Maui: Black Rock by Sheraton on Kaanapali Beach. Molokini was very nice 11 years ago. I hear now that too many boats go out there making it not as nice as in the past.
Kauai: Lydgate is nice to feed fish. Heard that Tunnels is very nice. Did not snorkel there, just strolled.
Mary,
Molokai does not have night life nor fine cuisine. I'd recommend it as the last stop of your trip to unwind. I've heard you either like it or don't.
There are other activities you can try: Kayak in north shore, mule ride to Kalaupapa, Moomomi Preserve and Kamakou preserve with Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, Molokai Ranch also offer mountain biking and various activities, hike to Halawa falls with Pilippo, etc. I think that will keep you busy for a week. Keep in mind that most businesses and some tours are not operated on Sunday (they value family time). Go to the 2 Molokai sites I gave Gene and there are links for Nature Conservancy and other activities. Molokai ranch is at www.molokairanch.com, I believe.
Did not stop at other east end beaches besides Twenty Mile beach (which were advertised as clear for snorkeling). I was not impressed. Beach is small with too many people the day I visited (weekend, figure). Cannot give you a opinion on east end vacation rental since I did not try more east beaches.
I can vouch for west beaches being clear. Beware of the waves. Not very lush because west side is try. I would go back to Molokai again because: people's friendliness, laid back, no traffic (we are from Houston. Molokai is not as lush as Kauai, though. I think Kauai is the prettiest of all the island. But that is my humble opinion.
Tracey,
I've heard that Kilauea Lodge is very nice, especially Tutu Cottage. The restaurant is excellent. We ate there 4 times the last 2 trips and all meals were wonderful. Duck soup and rabbit entree were some of the items I've tried. There are not that many restaurants in volcano village. Thai Thai is good. But of all Thai restaurants that we've tried, Singha in Oahu is the best (more expensive though). You can also order dinner delivered to your door on china plates through the Culinary Crusader. He has a stand at Sunday's farmer market too. Stuff chicken is delicious for $6. Veggies and fruits are very reasonable at Volcano farmer market (at Cooper Ctr). Soursop for $1.50, most vegetable bag for $1. Hilo's open market has 6 Puna mangoes for $1 (they are small, but grocery store prices can't beat that. Hilton room services charges $7.50 for 1/2 mango).
Ladies, hope that helps. Enjoy your trip. No matter which island you choose, you will have a great time because it is HAWAII. Maybe a couple more years for me.
Aloha,
Cathy
