Any Hawaii tips?

[adamak]

Do you rent a car in Oahu, and then another car in Maui? Do I really need a car in either places?

 

[4greatboys]

We didnt rent a car on Oahu. There are busses that take you lots of places and when we went to the Polynesian Cultural Center we did a group tour type thing.
We did rent a car on the big island. We stayed in Kona and wanted to drive over to Hilo. If you want to do some exploring it would be good to have a car.

 

[Gramto6inPa]

adamak Been to Hawaii twice(1993,1998).Loved it.Was hoping to go back in 2008,but that is on delay for now.On Oahu-we :went to the Arizona Memorial both times(a must),hiked to the top of Diamond Head(both times),saw Kodak Hula Show(cute but touristy),swam in Hanama Bay, saw Byodo(sp) Temple,drove the Island Circle Drive(seeing many sights and views along the drive).Sunset were spectacular on Waikiki Beach. There's a lot more. On Maui we-drove to the top of Haleakala in the afternoon(while we were there,the clouds rolled in and we were above the clouds-awesome!)and drove up to see the sunrise-spectacular!!!,drove to Hana Both times,went to the Ioa Valley both times spent a lot of time in Lahaina, and just drove around to take in the views. Great Trips. Hope you get to go,I'm sure you'll have a great time.

 

[Muffy]

We're going to Kauai at the end of July for 9 days. You're right about airfare being high! DH had to buy 5 tickets, $$$$! We are doing a helicopter tour and hiking the Napli Coast. This is our first visit to Hawaii and we are all very excited!

Muffy

 

[trishy]

Since you asked for opinions, I would skip Oahu unless you want to do the Pearl Harbor (Arizona Memorial) tourist stuff. We stayed at Hilton Hawaiian Village, did the Diamond Head hike and all the tourist stuff, but the really great Hawaiian adventure began in Kauai. It is by far the most beautiful place I've been. There's great snorkeling there. The Hyatt is a gorgeous resort. Saw the most beautiful sights there - sea turtles floating on the waves on the beach, the thick foliage of the most beautiful varieties. It's not even close to being as commercial as Oahu. Maui is a party place. Lots of nightlife, lots of bars - but a gorgeous, fun place. If I were going, I'd do Maui first for about 3-4 days and hop over to Kauai for the remainder of my vacation - to relax. Just depends on the type of vacation you want. Have you checked into Pleasant Holiday Hawaiian Vacations? Around here they are always running ads in the newspapers with tremedous specials/packages to Hawaii - very hard to not jump onto a plane for a quick getaway. Check them out.

 

[DawnCt]

We use our frequent flyer miles to get to Hawaii. In fact, thatl is probably the only way that the five (six in the past) of us would get there. It does take planning. I set the alarm for midnight 330 days prior to the day we want to go and then do the same thing for the return, and then the return from the connection. (time changes). I have even used expiring ff miles for interisland flights. I book the cars as soon as I know we are going and am sure about the dates. I then watch for lower rates. So far, rates have only gone up. I think its going to be a busy summer in Hawaii this year. We are going to Oahu, Hawaii and Maui in July. Can't wait. I found some restaurants that are considered affordable and that also give extra mileage through the IDine program. Might as well be working on the miles for the next trip!

 

[aprincessmom]

We got some great airfare to Maui but we are going to San Francisco on the way in for a few days and then San Diego on a few days on the way back. One week in Maui. To do a direct from BOS to Maui (with layovers) was about $400/person more than to break it up BOS-SanFran-Maui-LAX-BOS. All are non-stops, too. I was surprised.

I think DawnCT is right...when I was making reservations for surfing lessons and such, the people on the other end were telling me things were filling up much faster this year. Either people are just better planners now or there are going to be lots of us there this summer!

 

[DawnCt]

Originally posted by aprincessmom
I think DawnCT is right...when I was making reservations for surfing lessons and such, the people on the other end were telling me things were filling up much faster this year. Either people are just better planners now or there are going to be lots of us there this summer!

I usually wait to book surfing lessons with the hotel concierge. What part of Maui are you staying in? With whom did you book the surfing lessons. My youngest likes to surf.

 

[aprincessmom]

What part of Maui are you staying in?

Ka'anapali Beach

With whom did you book the surfing lessons.

Goofy Foot...a friend of mine from work lived in Maui for a number of years and is friends with the owner. They were really nice and I've since heard lots of good things about them.

 

[DawnCt]

Originally posted by aprincessmom
Ka'anapali Beach



Goofy Foot...a friend of mine from work lived in Maui for a number of years and is friends with the owner. They were really nice and I've since heard lots of good things about them.

Did you book on line or on the phone? Are they on Ka'anapali Beach or do you have to go to Kihei?

 

[aprincessmom]

They are located in Lahina

The Goofy Foot Surf School Shop on the beach!
505 Front Street Shops, Suite 123, Lahaina, Maui
(808) 244-WAVE

Here's a link to their site

http://www.goofyfootsurfschool.com/goofyframeset.html