Which Island??
 

Hi All, <BR> <BR>Thinking about travelling to Hawaii in October - don't like crowds, but love swimming, hiking, kayaking and all things outside and natural. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! <BR> <BR>Happy Travels...

Well, you just described my mom and me, and after a lot of research we chose Kauai for our vacation in October! Lots of wonderful ideas and photos in Frommers' Hawaii 2000 book, including recommendations for kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, etc.

Just so you know, the Big Island is usually not very crowded but October is Ironman. This time of year we get lots of visitors and prices skyrocket. Any other time, I would say it is what you are looking for. We have lots of hiking, kayaking and natural beauty. Just keep that in mind

Hi Beth, <BR> <BR>The 2000 Ironman Competition will be held on 10/14. The majority of visitors arrive 10/10 and depart 10/18. On the day of the race Kona is very hectic, and unless you want to view the race, you should try touring Hilo and hiking its beautiful rain forests or Volcano Nation Park. <BR> <BR>Hope this info is helpful.

Try the Island of Lanai.... great hiking,snorkeling and being almost alone while doing it.

Maui has a little of everything. Great beaches & snorkeling, jungle areas (the drive to Hana), the drive to the Haleakala crater and hiking in it. Kaanapali is crowded, don't stay in Lahaina, just visit, Wailea/Kihei area has good condo bargains.

Beth- THere is no better place for you than the island of Kuaui. Most people don't travel there (why, i don't know). We went there a couple of years back, along with oahu and maui, and maui and kuaui were best, with kuaui being best for nature sort of things. The snorkeling is amazing, and there was so much hiking we could not even begin to do it all. While there, definitely take a helicoptor ride, it's worth teh extra money. You might recognize the Na'Pali coast from the famous kissing and rolling scene in some old movie (can't remember which) and the scenery and waterfalls were used in numerous movies, including Jurassic Park. While in town, ask around and you'll find the restaurant that they eat at (it's cool, we took a picture). If you're into hiking, seriously, then definitely hike to the Na'Pali Coast, I here it's spectacular, and well worth the challenge. Good luck!

Beth- THere is no better place for you than the island of Kuaui. Most people don't travel there (why, i don't know). We went there a couple of years back, along with oahu and maui, and maui and kuaui were best, with kuaui being best for nature sort of things. The snorkeling is amazing, and there was so much hiking we could not even begin to do it all. While there, definitely take a helicoptor ride, it's worth teh extra money. You might recognize the Na'Pali coast from the famous kissing and rolling scene in some old movie (can't remember which) and the scenery and waterfalls were used in numerous movies, including Jurassic Park. While in town, ask around and you'll find the restaurant that they eat at (it's cool, we took a picture). If you're into hiking, seriously, then definitely hike to the Na'Pali Coast, I here it's spectacular, and well worth the challenge. Good luck!

The following is from a post 'The Greatness of Kaua`i'. I think some of you will appreciate it, especially the last poster. <BR> <BR>"Around a year ago, when I first started becoming seriously interested in <BR>Hawaii and learining about it, my cousin who has been to all of the islands <BR>(at least the big four) told me that Kauai was his favorite and that <BR>probably prejudiced me in favor of it. While I have seen pictures of <BR>spectacular beauty on all of the islands, the abundant lush beauty of Kauai <BR>combined with the relative seclusion seem to be a winning combination. <BR>Notice I say _relative_ seclusion. Compared to some of the islands in the <BR>Bahamas and Caribbean, the South Pacific and perhaps even Lana'i, Kauai does <BR>not seem so secluded and undeveloped. In many ways, I consider that an <BR>advantage. Kauai seems to have much of the appeal of a secluded, exotic <BR>destination while having the advantages of being part of the U.S. including decent roads, <BR>telecommunications, medical facilities, lack of tropical diseases, etc. <BR> <BR>I would like it if Kauai were more predictably warm in winter though. <BR> <BR>Aston's Kauai pamphlet says that "Kauai has been voted the friendliest place <BR>in the United States." Would like to hear comments on that. " <BR>

It would seem that a majority of responders prefer Kauai. I'm thinking about booking a cavation in mid to late July to Kauai. Can anyone recommend a condo or good hotel package? <BR> <BR>Thanks! <BR>John

We just returned from Hawaii and stayed at the Hanalei Bay Resort on Kauai. If was a beautiful place. It is condos and is right next door to the Princeville resort. I would definately stay on the North Shore, it is so beautiful. I have also stayed at the Hyatt in Poipu and it was very nice, but the views in Hanalei are gorgeous. Hope you have a great trip. Don't miss snorkeling at Kee Beach. We saw huge sea turtles and great fish.

Chuck (molokai44), any reason why you didn't suggest the island which is in your email address? Just curious. <BR>