Where to go in Hawaii
May 19th, 2005 | 12:04 AM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Where to go in Hawaii
Hi, I'm new to this site and have noticed that most people who use this site are experts when it comes to Hawaii. I am planning to travel to Hawaii for the first time in about a month with my husband. We are in our late 20s and have no idea which island is better to visit. We are going for 2 weeks and plan to go to 2 different islands. We would also love some advice on where to stay. I'm fairly fussy when it comes to hotels. I prefer smaller boutique hotels with lots of character. I don't even know if these kind of hotels exist in Hawaii. Help would be much appreciated.
May 19th, 2005 | 01:46 AM
#2
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Suki 7, if you want a very special place, and you want to spend some money, get a searanch cottage at Hotel Hana Maui. Expensive. The searanch cottage is your own private cottage with your own private jacuzzi on your own private deck with view of ocean in the distance. Every little amenity has been thought of inside your cottage. Cannot even tell you how cool this place is! Very romantic. The searanch cottages are scattered up the hill from the ocean view, so understand that you aren't right on the beach or anything, but it's a very special stay.
Nice pool, we had it to ourselves. Very fresh seafood dinners at the main dining room, you can get a table with a romantic view if you make a reservation and request the best view tables.
I have some photos if you want to see them. [email protected] Write Hotel Hana Maui in the subject line because I preview e-mails before deciding whether to open them.
happy planning...aloha!
Nice pool, we had it to ourselves. Very fresh seafood dinners at the main dining room, you can get a table with a romantic view if you make a reservation and request the best view tables.
I have some photos if you want to see them. [email protected] Write Hotel Hana Maui in the subject line because I preview e-mails before deciding whether to open them.
happy planning...aloha!
May 19th, 2005 | 04:13 AM
#3
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,121
Likes: 0
suki- I would concentrate on Maui and Kauai.
My husband and I went to Kauai 2 years ago.It is not as developed as other islands..but still offers good dining and shopping.Check out this website for accommodations on Kauai www.rosewoodkauai.com..she has cottages,condos and the B&B.We stayed in the main house of the B&B it was a great place to stay.The grounds are landscaped beautifully.
During summer..the north shore beaches of Kauai are the calmer ones.In my opinion also the more beautiful ones.Points of interest are: Kee beach for snorkeling,Queens Bath,Wailea Falls,Waimea Canyon,Spouting Horn,Secrets beach,the Napali coast for hiking,Wailua River for kayaking,glass beach on South shore.Kauai is so beautiful..I think that you would love it.
Maui is our next island to visit.If you ever go to the Big Island..you would need to have atleast 10 days to really see the whole island as it is the largest.
One other nice hotel is the Princeville Resort if you would prefer a resort.Good luck and have fun!!
My husband and I went to Kauai 2 years ago.It is not as developed as other islands..but still offers good dining and shopping.Check out this website for accommodations on Kauai www.rosewoodkauai.com..she has cottages,condos and the B&B.We stayed in the main house of the B&B it was a great place to stay.The grounds are landscaped beautifully.
During summer..the north shore beaches of Kauai are the calmer ones.In my opinion also the more beautiful ones.Points of interest are: Kee beach for snorkeling,Queens Bath,Wailea Falls,Waimea Canyon,Spouting Horn,Secrets beach,the Napali coast for hiking,Wailua River for kayaking,glass beach on South shore.Kauai is so beautiful..I think that you would love it.
Maui is our next island to visit.If you ever go to the Big Island..you would need to have atleast 10 days to really see the whole island as it is the largest.
One other nice hotel is the Princeville Resort if you would prefer a resort.Good luck and have fun!!
May 19th, 2005 | 05:20 AM
#4
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,798
Likes: 0
You're going next month and you haven't made hotel or plane reservations yet? Yikes! Summer is high season. Make your decision soon.
Boutique hotels are far and few between in Hawaii. Hotel Hana Maui is the only one that I can think of. There may be some in Waikiki like the W.
My suggestions for islands would be Kaua`i and B.I.
Princeville Hotel-Kauai
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel-B.I.
Kona Village-B.I.
-Bill
Boutique hotels are far and few between in Hawaii. Hotel Hana Maui is the only one that I can think of. There may be some in Waikiki like the W.
My suggestions for islands would be Kaua`i and B.I.
Princeville Hotel-Kauai
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel-B.I.
Kona Village-B.I.
-Bill
May 19th, 2005 | 06:14 AM
#5
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 98,198
Likes: 12
Which island is the *better* pick for you is tough to say without knowing what you want to do...
Kuaui or Big Island for less people, more dramatic nature, laid back. Maui is gorgeous, with Haleakala crater, road to Hana, high end resort properties, but more touristed. Personally I like Oahu (including time in the city of Honolulu/Waikiki) because it is the most diverse of the islands IMO and easiest to get to.
If you're traveling in 1 month, and are picky about hotels, I would try to make your reservations sooner than later!
Kuaui or Big Island for less people, more dramatic nature, laid back. Maui is gorgeous, with Haleakala crater, road to Hana, high end resort properties, but more touristed. Personally I like Oahu (including time in the city of Honolulu/Waikiki) because it is the most diverse of the islands IMO and easiest to get to.
If you're traveling in 1 month, and are picky about hotels, I would try to make your reservations sooner than later!
May 19th, 2005 | 08:13 AM
#6
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,025
Likes: 0
Summer is the peak tourist time in Hawaii. I agree with the others. You need to make reservations soon.
I like Oahu because of the variety of things to do and see. My next favorite is Maui, then Big Island, the Kauai.
Here is a lot of good info, mostly for Oahu, but a lot of the websites are good for all islands.
List of things to do on Oahu
These are some hints/suggestions for things to do and see on Oahu.
Arizona Memorial: (free) get there early, preferably by 8am. Opens at 7:30am. If you get there after 10am the lines can get long and you may spend 1-2 hours in line. Battleship USS Missouri and Submarine USS Bowfin are in the same area. These are about $15 each so you can go or skip them. Look for coupons in brochures for two for one. You can take pictures of them from Arizona Visitors Center and the Arizona tour ferry. Go on the lawn behind the Visitor's Center. You can also walk around the Bowfin Memorial area for free without taking the tour. Its worth the time. The Swap Meet is only a couple blocks from here at Aloha Stadium.
Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC): www.polynesia.com General Admission about $40, but I prefer the buffet package ($55) or the luau buffet package ($75). The evening 'Horizon' show is the best Polynesian show in all of Hawaii. It comes with all ticket price options. The higher priced ticket packages get the better seating for 'Horizons'. Also the earlier you get there, the better the seating is for 'Horizons'. The Ali'i Luau Show that is part of the luau package is also a good Polynesian show. IMAX, Canoe Pageant, Samoa and Tonga villages and Canoe ride are the best other attractions (these are included with any type ticket). Plan on this as an all day event. Get there by 1pm (earlier if possible), leave around 9:30pm. When I take visitors, I try to keep on this schedule: IMAX 1:30, Canoe Pageant 2:30, Samoa 3:00, Tonga 4:00, Canoe Ride around 4:30, regular buffet or Ali'i luau buffet 5pm and 'Horizons' at 7:30. The other villages are nice also, but there is not enough time for all of them. You will have time to do some shopping or looking around between the buffet or luau and 'Horizons'. Closed on Sundays. You can go back for free for two days. Check with PCC employees for instructions before leaving the Center if you want the extra days.
Diamond Head Summit: Drive right into the crater and hike to the top. ($5 per carload or $1 each if you walk into the crater). I prefer to drive in. Awesome 360 degree view from the summit. Best time is around 8am or around 4pm. In between it can get hot walking to the top. Takes about 1 - 1 1/2 hours roundtrip.
Punchbowl (National Cemetery of the Pacific): (free) While you are there, drive to the overlook area. Short walk to the summit that overlooks the entire city. If you have time, take the Mt. Tantalus/Round Top drive through a rain forest. Stop at the Puu Ualakaa State Wayside about 2/3 of the way to the top of the mountain. It has an awesome view of the city from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor. Punchbowl is near the bottom of Mt. Tantalus.
Hanauma Bay: Snorkel. Its for any age. You can rent snorkeling equipment there or some places in Waikiki or bring your own. Closed on Tuesdays. Try to get there as early as possible. If you drive, the parking lot gets filled up by 9:00 or 10:00. ($1 for parking, $5 for each person). You can reserve snorkel tours with several companies. They provide equipment, transportation, etc. They seem to have better equipment than the park does. You can also take the city bus. But the first city bus doesn't leave Waikiki until 8:30 am. Website: http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/parks/f...ay/welcome.htm
Byodo-In-Temple (Valley of the Temples): $2 each. Just past Kaneohe.
Chinaman's Hat: (free) Kualoa Regional Park is just past Byodo-In-Temple. Nice for pictures, picnic, swimming.
Swap Meet: You can buy almost any souvenirs here much cheaper than anywhere else. All items are new. Vendors wrap around the stadium twice. Located at Aloha Stadium near Arizona Memorial. Open Wed, Sat, Sun.
Hilo Hattie's: Nice place to shop. Higher prices than swap meet, but not too much more on many items. Has good selection of clothing, candies and souvenirs. Check brochures for coupons. Can take free Hilo Hattie's shuttle from Waikiki.
Ala Moana Beach Park: (free) Nice beach. Great sunset location in the winter. Walk all the way out to the end of Magic Island. Great view of Waikiki, Diamond Head, Ala Wai Boat Harbor (shown in opening scene of Gilligan's Island).
Hike to Manoa Falls: (Free) You can drive right up to the trailhead and park for free. Or you can pay a few bucks in a nearby lot to have someone "watch" your car. One mile one way. Short hike through a rain forest also bamboo there. Treetops restaurant there (at the previous Paradise Park site) has a good Chinese buffet.
Hike to Makapuu Point Lighthouse: (free) Great view from here. Easy one mile hike. In winter months (mid-November to mid-April) it's great for whale watching.
Other Hiking on Oahu:
http://www.hawaiitrails.org/
http://www.backyardoahu.com/
http://home.hawaii.rr.com/oahuhikingtrails/home.html
http://oahuhiking.com/
North Shore Beaches: Haleiwa, Banzai Pipeline (Ehukai Beach), Waimea Beach, Sunset Beach, Shark's Cove & Chun's Reef. Chun's Reef has sea turtles. Other nice stops for pictures in the area. Can be huge waves in winter. Good snorkeling at Shark's Cove and Chun's Reef in the summer.
Other beaches: There are close to 100 beaches on Oahu. Besides North Shore and Waikiki beaches these are some of the better ones: Makaha Beach (west shore), Waimanalo Beach, Lanikai Beach, Sandy Beach, Hanauma Bay and Kailua Beach (east/Windward side), Ala Moana Beach Park (south shore). All public beaches are free except Haunama Bay.
Dole Pineapple Plantation: On H-2 just past Wahiawa. Can visit on the way to or back from the North Shore. Nice gift shop to browse, but expensive. Go behind the center for pineapple exhibits and carp feeding pond.
Kualoa Ranch: Several movies have been set here: (Jurassic Park, Mighty Joe Young and others), ATV rides, horseback riding, tours. Located across from Kualoa Regional Park.
Waikiki: Beaches, shopping, dining, nightclubs, shows, some museums. Wide range in dining prices. $3-4 breakfasts, $6-10 lunch buffets, $20-$25 fine dining and anywhere in between. Best Waikiki shows: Creation: A Polynesian Journey, John Hirokawa's Magic of Polynesia, Society of Seven, Blue Hawaii (Elvis impersonator), many more to chose from. Many Waikiki shows offer cocktail show along with the dinner show. They seat you after everyone else has eaten. Regular price of shows around $40-$60. Cocktail show about $25-$35. There are several short free hula shows and other demonstrations in Waikiki daily. Check the brochures for location, days and times. Check brochures for coupons for shows/dining/shopping, etc.
Downtown Area: Aloha Tower (take elevator to the top, nice view), Chinatown, Hawaii Maritime Center, Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, other museums.
Botanical Gardens: Oahu has many botanical gardens. Most are free, the others charge a few bucks. Haiku Garden in Kaneohe is nice and is a nice stop if you are taking an island driving tour. Located near Byodo-In-Temple (Valley of the Temples). Check brochures or get info on-line. Search: oahu botanical gardens
Other: Sea Life Park, Zoo, Aquarium, Dinner cruise, whale watching cruise, submarine tours, parasailing, helicopter tours, horseback riding, Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, scuba, surfing lessons, other luau shows (Germaine's, Paradise Cove). Many other attractions, things to do. Check the brochures.
Brochures: (free) Can be found in the airport baggage claim area or at hundreds of news stands throughout Waikiki, in hotels, in stores, and at some attractions. These are excellent "things to do and see" guide books (maps, attractions, beaches, dining, night clubs, etc.). There are a lot of coupons in these for dining, shopping, etc. The best brochures are: 'This Week on Oahu', 'Oahu Gold', '101 Things Oahu', 'The BEST of Oahu'. Some of these brochures can also be found for other islands (Maui, Kauai, Big Island) unique to that island. Most of these brochures also have on-line versions.
Websites:
www.thisweek.com 'This Week On Oahu' They will send up-to-date brochures for a few bucks. Also This Week Maui, Kauai, Big Island.
www.spotlighthawaii.com 'Oahu Gold' They will send up-to-date brochures for a few bucks. Also Maui Gold, Big Island Gold, Kauai Gold.
www.gohawaii.com This is the official site for Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. They will send a free brochure.
www.101thingstodo.com
www.visit-oahu.com Oahu Visitors Bureau, for free brochure 1-877-525-6248 (toll free)
www.hawaii.com Good site for comparing hotel locations, prices, etc.
www.hawaiiweb.com
www.alternative-hawaii.com
www.hawaii-hotels.com Compare hotels
www.bookit.com Compare hotels
www.alohafriends.com
www.honoluluadvertiser.com one of two main Honolulu newspapers, has dining & entertainment guides, TGIF calendar
www.starbulletin.com one of two main Honolulu newspapers, also has dining & entertainment
Automobiles: Oahu is the only island that you can get around by bus. Oahu has a good bus system, but a rental vehicle gets around a lot better. Parking in Waikiki can be a problem at times. If you plan on renting a car, make sure your hotel allows parking at the hotel or in a nearby lot or garage. Get the parking pass at the hotel registration area. Probably $8-$14/day to park at the hotel. You can get city bus passes at any ABC store in Waikiki for $20 for 4 days. Or you can pay $2.00 per trip. There are also many shuttles, tour buses and vans and trolleys that go to many places (some are free).
Internet Search Engines: Use Yahoo, Google, Dogpile or any other search engine to find information on any thing else on Oahu (or other island) that may interest you. Type in: hiking hawaii, hiking oahu, bed and breakfast oahu, condominiums oahu, botanical gardens oahu, oahu hotels or any other terms that will get you information.
Hotels: Most hotels (or hotel chains) have their own 800 numbers and/or websites: www.outrigger.com www.sheraton.com www.ohanahotels.com, etc. Or you can use a search engine to find the website or use the search engine's yellow pages for the phone number.
Entertainment Book
Entertainment books for Hawaii and many other locations can be purchased online at www.entertainment.com. They cost around $35-$40 plus shipping or if you wait until mid-March, the price is reduced to about $25 (or less) with free shipping. Expires November 1.
Coupons include half price tickets for John Hirokawa's Magic Show. Hundreds of other coupons for reduce price luaus, shopping, dining, movies, attractions, etc. The Hawaii book also has many mainland coupons for hotels, car rentals, Universal Studios, Sea World, etc.
Phone Cards: If you don't have a cell phone, the best phone cards right now can be found at Costco or Sam's Club. Right now they are only $.03/m, 24 hours a day, seven days a week with no monthly charge. Can be used from pay phones ($.25 or eight units surcharge from pay phone), hotels, homes.
I like Oahu because of the variety of things to do and see. My next favorite is Maui, then Big Island, the Kauai.
Here is a lot of good info, mostly for Oahu, but a lot of the websites are good for all islands.
List of things to do on Oahu
These are some hints/suggestions for things to do and see on Oahu.
Arizona Memorial: (free) get there early, preferably by 8am. Opens at 7:30am. If you get there after 10am the lines can get long and you may spend 1-2 hours in line. Battleship USS Missouri and Submarine USS Bowfin are in the same area. These are about $15 each so you can go or skip them. Look for coupons in brochures for two for one. You can take pictures of them from Arizona Visitors Center and the Arizona tour ferry. Go on the lawn behind the Visitor's Center. You can also walk around the Bowfin Memorial area for free without taking the tour. Its worth the time. The Swap Meet is only a couple blocks from here at Aloha Stadium.
Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC): www.polynesia.com General Admission about $40, but I prefer the buffet package ($55) or the luau buffet package ($75). The evening 'Horizon' show is the best Polynesian show in all of Hawaii. It comes with all ticket price options. The higher priced ticket packages get the better seating for 'Horizons'. Also the earlier you get there, the better the seating is for 'Horizons'. The Ali'i Luau Show that is part of the luau package is also a good Polynesian show. IMAX, Canoe Pageant, Samoa and Tonga villages and Canoe ride are the best other attractions (these are included with any type ticket). Plan on this as an all day event. Get there by 1pm (earlier if possible), leave around 9:30pm. When I take visitors, I try to keep on this schedule: IMAX 1:30, Canoe Pageant 2:30, Samoa 3:00, Tonga 4:00, Canoe Ride around 4:30, regular buffet or Ali'i luau buffet 5pm and 'Horizons' at 7:30. The other villages are nice also, but there is not enough time for all of them. You will have time to do some shopping or looking around between the buffet or luau and 'Horizons'. Closed on Sundays. You can go back for free for two days. Check with PCC employees for instructions before leaving the Center if you want the extra days.
Diamond Head Summit: Drive right into the crater and hike to the top. ($5 per carload or $1 each if you walk into the crater). I prefer to drive in. Awesome 360 degree view from the summit. Best time is around 8am or around 4pm. In between it can get hot walking to the top. Takes about 1 - 1 1/2 hours roundtrip.
Punchbowl (National Cemetery of the Pacific): (free) While you are there, drive to the overlook area. Short walk to the summit that overlooks the entire city. If you have time, take the Mt. Tantalus/Round Top drive through a rain forest. Stop at the Puu Ualakaa State Wayside about 2/3 of the way to the top of the mountain. It has an awesome view of the city from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor. Punchbowl is near the bottom of Mt. Tantalus.
Hanauma Bay: Snorkel. Its for any age. You can rent snorkeling equipment there or some places in Waikiki or bring your own. Closed on Tuesdays. Try to get there as early as possible. If you drive, the parking lot gets filled up by 9:00 or 10:00. ($1 for parking, $5 for each person). You can reserve snorkel tours with several companies. They provide equipment, transportation, etc. They seem to have better equipment than the park does. You can also take the city bus. But the first city bus doesn't leave Waikiki until 8:30 am. Website: http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/parks/f...ay/welcome.htm
Byodo-In-Temple (Valley of the Temples): $2 each. Just past Kaneohe.
Chinaman's Hat: (free) Kualoa Regional Park is just past Byodo-In-Temple. Nice for pictures, picnic, swimming.
Swap Meet: You can buy almost any souvenirs here much cheaper than anywhere else. All items are new. Vendors wrap around the stadium twice. Located at Aloha Stadium near Arizona Memorial. Open Wed, Sat, Sun.
Hilo Hattie's: Nice place to shop. Higher prices than swap meet, but not too much more on many items. Has good selection of clothing, candies and souvenirs. Check brochures for coupons. Can take free Hilo Hattie's shuttle from Waikiki.
Ala Moana Beach Park: (free) Nice beach. Great sunset location in the winter. Walk all the way out to the end of Magic Island. Great view of Waikiki, Diamond Head, Ala Wai Boat Harbor (shown in opening scene of Gilligan's Island).
Hike to Manoa Falls: (Free) You can drive right up to the trailhead and park for free. Or you can pay a few bucks in a nearby lot to have someone "watch" your car. One mile one way. Short hike through a rain forest also bamboo there. Treetops restaurant there (at the previous Paradise Park site) has a good Chinese buffet.
Hike to Makapuu Point Lighthouse: (free) Great view from here. Easy one mile hike. In winter months (mid-November to mid-April) it's great for whale watching.
Other Hiking on Oahu:
http://www.hawaiitrails.org/
http://www.backyardoahu.com/
http://home.hawaii.rr.com/oahuhikingtrails/home.html
http://oahuhiking.com/
North Shore Beaches: Haleiwa, Banzai Pipeline (Ehukai Beach), Waimea Beach, Sunset Beach, Shark's Cove & Chun's Reef. Chun's Reef has sea turtles. Other nice stops for pictures in the area. Can be huge waves in winter. Good snorkeling at Shark's Cove and Chun's Reef in the summer.
Other beaches: There are close to 100 beaches on Oahu. Besides North Shore and Waikiki beaches these are some of the better ones: Makaha Beach (west shore), Waimanalo Beach, Lanikai Beach, Sandy Beach, Hanauma Bay and Kailua Beach (east/Windward side), Ala Moana Beach Park (south shore). All public beaches are free except Haunama Bay.
Dole Pineapple Plantation: On H-2 just past Wahiawa. Can visit on the way to or back from the North Shore. Nice gift shop to browse, but expensive. Go behind the center for pineapple exhibits and carp feeding pond.
Kualoa Ranch: Several movies have been set here: (Jurassic Park, Mighty Joe Young and others), ATV rides, horseback riding, tours. Located across from Kualoa Regional Park.
Waikiki: Beaches, shopping, dining, nightclubs, shows, some museums. Wide range in dining prices. $3-4 breakfasts, $6-10 lunch buffets, $20-$25 fine dining and anywhere in between. Best Waikiki shows: Creation: A Polynesian Journey, John Hirokawa's Magic of Polynesia, Society of Seven, Blue Hawaii (Elvis impersonator), many more to chose from. Many Waikiki shows offer cocktail show along with the dinner show. They seat you after everyone else has eaten. Regular price of shows around $40-$60. Cocktail show about $25-$35. There are several short free hula shows and other demonstrations in Waikiki daily. Check the brochures for location, days and times. Check brochures for coupons for shows/dining/shopping, etc.
Downtown Area: Aloha Tower (take elevator to the top, nice view), Chinatown, Hawaii Maritime Center, Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, other museums.
Botanical Gardens: Oahu has many botanical gardens. Most are free, the others charge a few bucks. Haiku Garden in Kaneohe is nice and is a nice stop if you are taking an island driving tour. Located near Byodo-In-Temple (Valley of the Temples). Check brochures or get info on-line. Search: oahu botanical gardens
Other: Sea Life Park, Zoo, Aquarium, Dinner cruise, whale watching cruise, submarine tours, parasailing, helicopter tours, horseback riding, Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, scuba, surfing lessons, other luau shows (Germaine's, Paradise Cove). Many other attractions, things to do. Check the brochures.
Brochures: (free) Can be found in the airport baggage claim area or at hundreds of news stands throughout Waikiki, in hotels, in stores, and at some attractions. These are excellent "things to do and see" guide books (maps, attractions, beaches, dining, night clubs, etc.). There are a lot of coupons in these for dining, shopping, etc. The best brochures are: 'This Week on Oahu', 'Oahu Gold', '101 Things Oahu', 'The BEST of Oahu'. Some of these brochures can also be found for other islands (Maui, Kauai, Big Island) unique to that island. Most of these brochures also have on-line versions.
Websites:
www.thisweek.com 'This Week On Oahu' They will send up-to-date brochures for a few bucks. Also This Week Maui, Kauai, Big Island.
www.spotlighthawaii.com 'Oahu Gold' They will send up-to-date brochures for a few bucks. Also Maui Gold, Big Island Gold, Kauai Gold.
www.gohawaii.com This is the official site for Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. They will send a free brochure.
www.101thingstodo.com
www.visit-oahu.com Oahu Visitors Bureau, for free brochure 1-877-525-6248 (toll free)
www.hawaii.com Good site for comparing hotel locations, prices, etc.
www.hawaiiweb.com
www.alternative-hawaii.com
www.hawaii-hotels.com Compare hotels
www.bookit.com Compare hotels
www.alohafriends.com
www.honoluluadvertiser.com one of two main Honolulu newspapers, has dining & entertainment guides, TGIF calendar
www.starbulletin.com one of two main Honolulu newspapers, also has dining & entertainment
Automobiles: Oahu is the only island that you can get around by bus. Oahu has a good bus system, but a rental vehicle gets around a lot better. Parking in Waikiki can be a problem at times. If you plan on renting a car, make sure your hotel allows parking at the hotel or in a nearby lot or garage. Get the parking pass at the hotel registration area. Probably $8-$14/day to park at the hotel. You can get city bus passes at any ABC store in Waikiki for $20 for 4 days. Or you can pay $2.00 per trip. There are also many shuttles, tour buses and vans and trolleys that go to many places (some are free).
Internet Search Engines: Use Yahoo, Google, Dogpile or any other search engine to find information on any thing else on Oahu (or other island) that may interest you. Type in: hiking hawaii, hiking oahu, bed and breakfast oahu, condominiums oahu, botanical gardens oahu, oahu hotels or any other terms that will get you information.
Hotels: Most hotels (or hotel chains) have their own 800 numbers and/or websites: www.outrigger.com www.sheraton.com www.ohanahotels.com, etc. Or you can use a search engine to find the website or use the search engine's yellow pages for the phone number.
Entertainment Book
Entertainment books for Hawaii and many other locations can be purchased online at www.entertainment.com. They cost around $35-$40 plus shipping or if you wait until mid-March, the price is reduced to about $25 (or less) with free shipping. Expires November 1.
Coupons include half price tickets for John Hirokawa's Magic Show. Hundreds of other coupons for reduce price luaus, shopping, dining, movies, attractions, etc. The Hawaii book also has many mainland coupons for hotels, car rentals, Universal Studios, Sea World, etc.
Phone Cards: If you don't have a cell phone, the best phone cards right now can be found at Costco or Sam's Club. Right now they are only $.03/m, 24 hours a day, seven days a week with no monthly charge. Can be used from pay phones ($.25 or eight units surcharge from pay phone), hotels, homes.
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May 19th, 2005 | 10:16 PM
#8
Original Poster
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Thanks Dusty for all your tips. I will have to sit down and read through it again. I definitely have a lot to consider.
I'm actually going to Hawaii late July, early August, so hopefully I will be able to find some accommodation. I think the Hana Maui will be way out of my budget unfortunately. I didn't realise how expensive Hawaii is.
I would like one of the islands I'm staying on to have good shopping and the other to have beautiful beaches.
I'm actually going to Hawaii late July, early August, so hopefully I will be able to find some accommodation. I think the Hana Maui will be way out of my budget unfortunately. I didn't realise how expensive Hawaii is.
I would like one of the islands I'm staying on to have good shopping and the other to have beautiful beaches.
May 20th, 2005 | 04:37 AM
#9
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,798
Likes: 0
Hi suki,
Oahu has both and Kaua`i has the beaches. Look into a condo/house rental on the north shore of Kaua`i (lots of condo rentals in Princeville), it's usually cheaper than a hotel.
For Kaua`i try these guys.
www.kauaivacationrentals.com
www.napaliproperties.com
-Bill
Oahu has both and Kaua`i has the beaches. Look into a condo/house rental on the north shore of Kaua`i (lots of condo rentals in Princeville), it's usually cheaper than a hotel.
For Kaua`i try these guys.
www.kauaivacationrentals.com
www.napaliproperties.com
-Bill
May 20th, 2005 | 06:31 AM
#10
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 98,198
Likes: 12
Honolulu/Waikiki has the shopping. They are not small boutique hotels but the two historic ones are Royal Hawaiian and Sheraton Moana Surfrider; they are lovely elegant old hotels.
You might split a week on Oahu between the city for touring, shopping, and nightlife and a resort or cottage around the island somewhere else. Then your other week on Maui or Kauai just for the beach.
You might split a week on Oahu between the city for touring, shopping, and nightlife and a resort or cottage around the island somewhere else. Then your other week on Maui or Kauai just for the beach.
May 20th, 2005 | 11:09 PM
#11
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
May 21st, 2005 | 07:26 AM
#13
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
I have only been to the Big Island but you don't want to miss the volcano if it is flowing. Going to see it at night is awesome. The kileauha lodge is a nice spot near the volcano great food. The Fairmont Orchid is an awesome spot too 5 star
May 21st, 2005 | 08:18 AM
#14
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 0
I will agree with others who advise you to go to Oahu and then another more quiet island. If you are going for your first time, then you really must include Oahu! There is so much to do. You can be as active or as lazy as you like. If you want to get away from Waikiki/Honolulu, rent a car and drive to the north shore!
I have not been to the BI but have made it to Maui and Kaua'i. IMHO I would try Kaua'i for a contrast to the bustling Oahu.
You really must get busy and book your trip though. You don't want to have to "settle" for what is left... and then not enjoy yourself after paying a lot for a vacation!
I have not been to the BI but have made it to Maui and Kaua'i. IMHO I would try Kaua'i for a contrast to the bustling Oahu.
You really must get busy and book your trip though. You don't want to have to "settle" for what is left... and then not enjoy yourself after paying a lot for a vacation!
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