Advice on Hawaii

[Olaf]

I'm posting this here because I know many of you are veteran Hawaii visitors.

We've been able to get reservations on American with our frequent flyer miles to Hawaii for Spring Break. I'm amazed that the flights are still available. DH is in the AF and it's very hard to plan ahead.

We're planning on leaving 31 Mar, doing a stopover in LA (Disneyland) for three days, and then heading over on 4 April, returning on 12 April. I know it's not long enough, but I take what I get when it comes to my husband's schedule. I don't think we're staying long enough to do any island hopping and DH ain't too keen on it anyway.

Here's the question. The plan is to stay at the Mauna Lani, paying cash, aprox $300 a night. I plan to rent our points for this year. The only time we can get to WDW is in July. We did WDW last Aug, and I've decided that I'm not going in the summer again--too hot, and too crowded. The other option is to go to Honolulu and stay at the Hale Koa (military hotel). I still need to see if we can get in at this late date.

I see from website surfing that the Big Island offers the volcano park (DS will love this), but little else that we'd be that interested in as a family. I don't do the scuba/snorkeling thing. Oahu seems to be packed with things to do.

What do you guys think?

 

[JeffPort]

I've been to Hawaii many times and Oahu is my least favorite island. It's way too crowded and touristy compared to the other islands -- particularly in Waikiki. That said, the Hale Koa is a wonderful hotel on one of the best beach locations. It's a tremendous value for military families and I think you should jump on it if you can get in there. You are correct that there is plenty to do in Oahu, but that is true with just about any of the islands -- that is ... if you like to be outdoors and in the middle of a tropical paradise. Since this is your first trip to our 50th state, you are going to be impressed wherever you stay. Just make sure that you rent a vehicle and get out to explore the islands.

While in Oahu, your children (if they are older than 6) will get a kick out of the "toilet bowl," which is a natural rock formation around the bend from Hanauma Bay where the ocean waves create a flushing effect -- difficult to picture or describe, but trust me ... the kids will rank it up there with just about any Disney ride. Waimea Falls is also a must-see. Bring your camera and get a picture of family members swimming under the waterfall.

With children, Maui would be worth part of your 8 day stay. It has many activities to offer, including a world renowned luau in Lahaina and a spectacular bike ride down from the top of the volcano (where you don't pedal once during a gradual 2 hour decline down the mountain). The resorts in Maui are all quite nice. The Westin in Kaanapali beach is a family favorite with a great pool and a terrific hotel water slide.

Kauai is a great getaway island for adults, but it wouldn't be my first choice for younger kids. There are great hiking opportunities in Kauai and wonderful restaurants. The pace is much much slower, with practically non-existent nightlife.

My wife and I are taking our first trip to the Big Island this summer. Our understanding is that it is much like Kauai in that it is a slower paced atmosphere. However, the Hilton there is considered one of the best family-centered resorts around.

Hope this helps ...

 

[dianeschlicht]

We have been to Hawaii many times also, and our FAVORITE island is the Big Island! We are always on the go there! Great things to see and do, and plenty to more than fill a week. Maui and Kauai are nice too, but our least favorite its Oahu. It is really mostly a big city. That being said, if you have never been to Hawaii, Oahu and Honolulu are not a bad place for a first trip. There is a lot of history to see there, and a great marine museum. The Palace is fun to do too, and the Polynesian Cultural Center is great for the kids, as is the Bishop museum.

 

[Olaf]

Thanks for the input. I really appreciate it.

We were able to get in a the Hale Koa (9 nights). At $111.00 dollars a night, to be on the beach, I'm thrilled. I've changed our stopover at Disneyland to the end of the trip, four nights at the Grand Californian. That will be at $270 a night, not great, but Easter Weekend. DS has never been to Disneyland, so this should be treat.

I'm amazed I've been able to pull this all together. Normally you have to make ressies six months in advance for frequent flyer miles to Hawaii. Now we just have to get DH's boss to sign off on it.

Thanks again, and cross your fingers for me

 

[jekjones1558]

Our first few trips to Hawaii were to Oahu. We always stayed right on Waikiki and drove to other areas (like Polynesian Culture Center and the big surf beaches in the north). We loved the hub-bub of the Waikiki area for people watching. We loved doing outrigger canoe rides. Then we discovered the other islands and much prefer them. Our favorite is also the Big Island because of the varied terrain. Maui is great during whale watching season (Jan. - Apr) and has beautiful areas if you get away from the very crowded Lahaina/Kaanapali areas. That being said, I'm sure your Hawaii vacation will be wonderful no matter where you go. It is paradise!

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

We were just in Oahu last month and were also fortunate enough to stay at the Hale Koa. It is one of the best hotels in Waikiki and the beach area is a million times better than most of the five-star resorts around it. Make sure you go to the Navy Exchange @ Pearl Harbor as it is one of the largest in the world and there is a ticket/tours office that has some of the best sight-seeing prices in town (including the Hale Koa). There is also a great Costco near the airport that we used to buy macadamia nuts, candy, Kona Coffee, etc. They have several aisles of the "touristy" stuff. If you aren't a member, you can normally get a one-day shopping pass.

Now the most important advice of all:
Don't worry about trying to see and do everything even if it might be your only time to visit...just let the kids go to the beach. The best playground is right out your back door at the Hale Koa and the kids will love it! (Don't forget to throw in some shave ice for the kids and a couple of mai tai's for mom and dad!)

 

[TheRustyScupper]

We try to move among islands, but not during the same vacation
. . . one week is not enough time to allow island-hopping
. . . too much time is lost in going to-from airports
. . . one could lose about 3/4--day trying to hop
. . . sometimes we hop to Oahu 1-day before leaving for home

Our experience is
. . . Hawaii - volcano, Parker Ranch, golf, best beaches
. . . Oahu - surf, Pearl Harbor, "OK" golf, nice beaches, nightlife
. . . Maui - beach, whales, best golf, winery, mountain, nightlife
. . . Kauai - VERY lush, beaches not great, golf, Smith's Luau
. . . Lanai - golf, best snorkel & dolphin area, and VERY expensive
. . . Molokai - bare bones

Overall opinion
. . . Hawaii - largest island, with OK activities
. . . Oahu - very commercial and too much like visiting Miami
. . . Maui - the most active and lively
. . . Kauai - best for a veg-out vacation
. . . Lanai - ONLY two golfcourses and a good snorkel beach
. . . Molokai - truly rustic


PERSONAL OPINION:
If this is your first visit to Hawaii, and you have only 7-8 days, I would go to Maui. There is more to do and it is more lively. The last day hop to Oahu and see Pearl Harbor and the shopping areas. (You'll probably fly back to the Mainland from Oahu, so it is convenient.) For those who have not been to Hawaii, each island is surprisingly small. There are few roads, and most islands can be driven in just a day. In fact, due to the way islands are created, you can't even visit the interior of most of the islands as they are almost unaccessible. If you are taking an extended vacation of say 15-days, a popular method is 3-days Kauai, 4-days Hawaii, 5-days Maui, 2-days travel.

 

[Werner Weiss]

Olaf, who started this thread, subsequently wrote, "We were able to get in a the Hale Koa (9 nights). At $111.00 dollars a night, to be on the beach, I'm thrilled."

After that, TheRustyScupper wrote, "If this is your first visit to Hawaii, and you have only 7-8 days, I would go to Maui."

Given that Olaf already has reservations for a great location at a great price in Waikiki, I would advise Olaf keep those reservations. I recognize that TheRustyScupper's opinion is founded in firsthand knowledge, but I don't think Olaf needs to switch to Maui — unless Olaf hates big cities.

TheRustyScupper wrote up an excellent summary of the various islands. I also agree that trying to visit more than one island during a Hawaiian stay of only a week or so is largely a waste of a precious day. It's needless aggravation during what should be a relaxing vacation.

I've been to each of the four major islands at least twice. They all offer the Hawaii that visitors are usually lookng for — beaches, luaus, beautiful scenery, fine restaurants, snorkeling, and so on. But, as TheRustyScupper noted, each island is different. I like them all.

I think that any of the four major islands can be a good introduction to Hawaii.

Most people know that Honolulu is a big city, and that the Waikiki area of Honolulu is a high-density neighborhood — and that for some people, Waikiki is thus a poor choice. But Waikiki has a lot to offer in walking distance. Swimming in the warm, calm ocean water is wonderful. And, with a rental car for few days, the island of Oahu has much to offer; there are attractions for every taste on Oahu.

Aloha!

 

[rocketriter]

Yes, Molokai is "bare bones," but it is also the former home of one of the world's most famous leper colonies, and with some pulling of strings it's still possible to visit there. The peninsula is very isolated and beautiful, the few remaining inhabitants are sweet and relaxed (and leprosy today is neither gross nor contagious), and it's thrilling to visit Father Damien's church, which to most people is only a legend. Just a thought for people looking for something offbeat and much more pleasant than it sounds. Unfortunately, there are no DVC trades into Molokai that I know of.

 

[niks81]

I'm surprised Dean hasn't replied to this one

I was recently in Hawaii on the island of Kauai. It was a lush beautiful island....not too touristy, and very relaxing altogether. I think that each island has something different and unique to offer though

TheRustyScrupper had some really good opinions Smith's Luau was great by the way

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by niks81
I'm surprised Dean hasn't replied to this one

I was recently in Hawaii on the island of Kauai. It was a lush beautiful island....not too touristy, and very relaxing altogether. I think that each island has something different and unique to offer though

TheRustyScrupper had some really good opinions Smith's Luau was great by the way

Sorry, didn't have anything to add. I'll be happy to answer any questions I can, to the best of my ability.