Upcoming 1st Hawaii trip in July (infos needed for planning)
Dec 28th, 2012, 06:58 PM
#21
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This is the studio we rented in Feb 2011 http://www.vrbo.com/256023
It is a few blocks walk to the beach, in a quiet residential neighborhood. The photos are very representative of what it looks like. My only complaint is that the room is quite small. It was clean and in good repair. It is also a short walk to Ted's Bakery which is a popular place to eat. There is a paved walking/bike path that is nice for getting to other beach areas. It is just a lovely area.
It is a few blocks walk to the beach, in a quiet residential neighborhood. The photos are very representative of what it looks like. My only complaint is that the room is quite small. It was clean and in good repair. It is also a short walk to Ted's Bakery which is a popular place to eat. There is a paved walking/bike path that is nice for getting to other beach areas. It is just a lovely area.
Dec 29th, 2012, 08:02 AM
#23
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Yeah, I'll have to continue checking. Splitting my Oaha stay in 2 different places (like 4 days each) might lead to having a harder time to find a condo and add extra costs.
I the traffic really bad in Oahu so it's hard to visit the North Shore while staying in the Waikiki area (or vice versa)?
But the first thing would be to buy the flight tickets. I hope the fares will go down soon...
I the traffic really bad in Oahu so it's hard to visit the North Shore while staying in the Waikiki area (or vice versa)?
But the first thing would be to buy the flight tickets. I hope the fares will go down soon...
Dec 29th, 2012, 08:55 AM
#24
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Re driving from Waikiki to the north shore, it takes about an hour. I personally just like to be able to get up in the morning and walk to a beach, without having to pack whatever i will need for the day and then drive to the beach, find a parking spot.
I love spending time in Waikiki, but the feeling on the n. Shore is very different and i like to soak up that atmosphere.
I haven't found that most rentals require a week minimum.
I love spending time in Waikiki, but the feeling on the n. Shore is very different and i like to soak up that atmosphere.
I haven't found that most rentals require a week minimum.
Dec 29th, 2012, 10:30 AM
#25
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You might also check out www.discounthawaiicarrentals.com, I got a very nice Avis car from them my last trip and they get good reviews on TA.
Also keep checking the pricing, as often (not always) the price may drop closer to your date.
Also keep checking the pricing, as often (not always) the price may drop closer to your date.
Dec 30th, 2012, 01:57 PM
#27
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I'd just stay Waikiki without a car, then rent one for a day to tour Oahu's pretty east and north shores. You can do your 'beach time' on Maui.
I'd book a condo on Maui for a week or more. 'Home away from home' is great. You can cook some meals. Your fridge is your 'room service'. You'll have a washer and dryer. There will probably be no 'resort fees' or parking fees. You'll get a better rate on condo and car with a stay of at least seven nights.
I would not book anywhere in Hawaii at any time of year if the place doesn't have A/C. Your car can be the smallest, cheapest; no need for midsize or larger.
I wouldn't book air yet. Keep your eye on prices. Also, I consider flights as long as these to be part of the trip. I don't want to 'suffer' coming or going just to save a little. Look for a widebody nonstop in and out of HNL for the long leg. I avoid 757's and west coast connections. Of course, you are going to have to get from home to that nonstop; can you use Hawaiian out of JFK? You'd be wise to use Hawaiian between islands and have it all on one airline. (Island Air is a very small line. If they have a schedule change -- quite likely -- you'll pay to change your ticket.) We fly ORD-HNL and hop to Maui; same on the return. We check baggage through and 'float through' HNL without leaving security.
We go in a 'high season' too, but we go Jan.-Feb. Our fare has been around $900 for coach last year and this one. Rental car $28/day all in. We own in South Kihei; July would be a nice time to stay Napili though.
I'd book a condo on Maui for a week or more. 'Home away from home' is great. You can cook some meals. Your fridge is your 'room service'. You'll have a washer and dryer. There will probably be no 'resort fees' or parking fees. You'll get a better rate on condo and car with a stay of at least seven nights.
I would not book anywhere in Hawaii at any time of year if the place doesn't have A/C. Your car can be the smallest, cheapest; no need for midsize or larger.
I wouldn't book air yet. Keep your eye on prices. Also, I consider flights as long as these to be part of the trip. I don't want to 'suffer' coming or going just to save a little. Look for a widebody nonstop in and out of HNL for the long leg. I avoid 757's and west coast connections. Of course, you are going to have to get from home to that nonstop; can you use Hawaiian out of JFK? You'd be wise to use Hawaiian between islands and have it all on one airline. (Island Air is a very small line. If they have a schedule change -- quite likely -- you'll pay to change your ticket.) We fly ORD-HNL and hop to Maui; same on the return. We check baggage through and 'float through' HNL without leaving security.
We go in a 'high season' too, but we go Jan.-Feb. Our fare has been around $900 for coach last year and this one. Rental car $28/day all in. We own in South Kihei; July would be a nice time to stay Napili though.
Dec 30th, 2012, 06:41 PM
#28
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I have to disagree with Chisue's recommendation to only have one day to explore O'ahu outside of the city. There are many lovely beaches, and other sites of interest, which deserve more than a quick drive by.
Jan 2nd, 2013, 08:28 AM
#31
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Just rented a car on Oahu in November for 4 nights. $111.00 total. Parking at the hotel was 25.00 a night. We stayed at the Waikiki Shore which is a Castle Resort. They are condos right on Waikiki Beach. I love the location of this hotel but my one complaint is the beds are like bricks. The Outrigger is right next door. It couldn't hurt to check their prices. It's a nice property. We like driving around the island and having our choice of beaches to stop at. We like the freedom of having a car. The island of Oahu is so beautiful you really need to venture out of Waikiki to appreciate it. I would consider not renting a car if your hotel has a complimentary shuttle from the airport though. There are plenty of places to get a car rental once you are in Waikiki and decide you want one after all.
We also spent 5 nights on the BI. It was my first time to the BI and I absolutely fell in love with it. We stayed at the Kona Bali Kai. Loved the condo they put us in. Beautiful view of the ocean from the lanai. It was also very affordable and parking was free. Just incase you change your mind on which island to visit.
We also spent 5 nights on the BI. It was my first time to the BI and I absolutely fell in love with it. We stayed at the Kona Bali Kai. Loved the condo they put us in. Beautiful view of the ocean from the lanai. It was also very affordable and parking was free. Just incase you change your mind on which island to visit.
Jan 2nd, 2013, 09:21 AM
#32
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Thanks for your input annikany. Big Island looks to be great as well, but we'll miss some time to do it this time. Hopefully, we'll be able to do a 2nd trip to Hawaii in the future and visit BI and Kaui.
As for a car in Oahu, I think I'll go for it. A lot of the condos I checked out so far have free parking included, so that's a plus compared to most of the hotels. If only the flight fares can go down soon, I'll be able to go on with the whole reservation process.
As for a car in Oahu, I think I'll go for it. A lot of the condos I checked out so far have free parking included, so that's a plus compared to most of the hotels. If only the flight fares can go down soon, I'll be able to go on with the whole reservation process.
Jan 2nd, 2013, 09:38 AM
#33
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My husband and I went to the Big Island for our belated honeymoon July of 2011. We were there for 8 days and it was a bit much. We rented a car and that was the best part of the trip. We spent most of our time driving around the island, the Volcano park was a must see for my husband and we did play a day trip to Honolulu to visit Pearl Harbor. We are not big beach people so only spent a little time on the beaches. We did visit the black sand beach and I would have liked to see the green sand beach but it requires quite a hike to get there. I found very little travel information about the Big Island, most was for Maui, Kaui, or Oahu but we did enjoy our stay. I found most of the information online rather than in travel books.
Jan 2nd, 2013, 10:21 AM
#34
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I bought these books to plan my trip: http://www.hawaiirevealed.com/books-apps
They all have lots of useful infos about all islands.
They all have lots of useful infos about all islands.
Jan 16th, 2013, 10:37 AM
#36
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I think you have lots of time to schedule your airfare but don't wait as long as I did. We fly out Jan 28th and I decided to change my itinerary last week. I got the flight but had to pay extra for economy plus as all the economy seats were gone. 
Check with VRBO.com to see what condo's they have and also if you have an IPhone you can download your Hawaii Revealed books for $5.99 it has a gps ans will map out your destinations. I just downloaded one to my IPad and it is easy to use!
Check with VRBO.com to see what condo's they have and also if you have an IPhone you can download your Hawaii Revealed books for $5.99 it has a gps ans will map out your destinations. I just downloaded one to my IPad and it is easy to use!
Jan 17th, 2013, 07:23 AM
#37
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I think you should consider to a cruise, specifically on Pride of America (NCL). We've done this cruise and its awesome. it starts from Oahu, and end back in Oahu...7 days cruise. you visit all the best spots, hilo, kona, maui and kauai. You get to spend 2 days in Maui and 2 days in Kauai so you have lots of time to see everything. we arrived in oahu 3 days before our cruise so we enjoyed honolulu and waikiki beach. you really get to do it all. we found great tours through www.hawaiicruiseexcursions.com . definitely do the volcano tour in hilo and the tasting tour of Maui, both were absolutely fabulous! i really think you should put cruising the islands on your list of ideas for this trip, i really think you guys would love it!!!!
Jan 17th, 2013, 07:57 AM
#38
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While I am normally not a big cruise fan - an "intro" cruise -a 7 dayer to the places mentioned - is a great way to see the most of Paradise and then kick back for a week in a condo on Maui.
It calls at Hilo - so you should have enough time to get up to see the Volcano - which some people come from all over the world to view, and if possible - also try to get to Akaka falls - just north of Hilo.
It calls at Hilo - so you should have enough time to get up to see the Volcano - which some people come from all over the world to view, and if possible - also try to get to Akaka falls - just north of Hilo.
Jan 17th, 2013, 07:58 AM
#39
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And the reason I would go to Maui with the 2nd week is that you can usually find some type of bargain/combo trip to Oahu - with airfare and lodging - so you can see Ohau more in detail the next time you go - and then decide which of the other islands you want to spend more time exploring.
