Aulani - Island hopping?

[wendypooh]

Thanks Annie - you've given me tons of info and lots to think about and research!! I appreciate all of your help!!!

 

[taaren]

Unfortunately between the financial collapse of Aloha Airlines, and the environmental shutdown of the SuperFerry between Oahu and Maui a few years ago (don't get me started on the politics behind those two incidents ...), its very expensive these days to go between islands. So much so that I rarely do it, even though I live here I'm more likely to head to the mainland since the flights don't cost very much more by comparison (I can get to San Diego or Oakland, and sometimes Seattle for $150 each way and going to Oahu will usually cost me about $90 ... KWIM?).

I recommend flying into one island, hopping to one other, then leaving from the second island if you want the most cost effective way. You can either book two one-way fares into and out of the different islands or book as an "open jaw" reservation; depending on the dates and airline prices may or may not be better for one or the other.

Rumor has it that in the next few years Southwest Airlines is going to be extending their routes to Hawaii, and I'm hoping they'll attempt to do a few interisland flights as well so that there's some competition in that marketplace, but we'll see.

 

[wendypooh]

Thank You so much for your advice!! That's exactly what I was seeing, it was almost as expensive to island hop as to fly out there from new orleans. It's nuts!! I do appreciate the insight from a local!! If we had to pick just one other island, I'm thinking the big island - but as a local, what would you recommend? We think we want to do a helicopter tour as well to see Kilauea, but again, we'd have to get to the big island, as I've not found as of yet a tour leaving from Oahu to do that. If there is one, please advise where I can find it. Thanks again for any info you can give, I sincerely appreciate it.

Unfortunately between the financial collapse of Aloha Airlines, and the environmental shutdown of the SuperFerry between Oahu and Maui a few years ago (don't get me started on the politics behind those two incidents ...), its very expensive these days to go between islands. So much so that I rarely do it, even though I live here I'm more likely to head to the mainland since the flights don't cost very much more by comparison (I can get to San Diego or Oakland, and sometimes Seattle for $150 each way and going to Oahu will usually cost me about $90 ... KWIM?).

I recommend flying into one island, hopping to one other, then leaving from the second island if you want the most cost effective way. You can either book two one-way fares into and out of the different islands or book as an "open jaw" reservation; depending on the dates and airline prices may or may not be better for one or the other.

Rumor has it that in the next few years Southwest Airlines is going to be extending their routes to Hawaii, and I'm hoping they'll attempt to do a few interisland flights as well so that there's some competition in that marketplace, but we'll see.

 

[podsnel]

Be careful if you book Go Airlines- they are significantly less expensive, but were having BIG issues when we were in Hawaii this past August- people were stranded in the airport for days waiting for a flight to Maui or Kauai. It was not pretty. Every person we spoke with swore up and down they would never book them again just to save a few bucks.

I just want to throw my 2 cents in for Kauai- there was SO MUCH to do there, it broke my heart we were leaving after only 4 days. Unparallelled natural beauty, hiking, ziplining, kayaking, biking, boating, dining.....the list goes on as a PP mentioned. The only things it's missing are interstate traffic and nightlife.

 

[wendypooh]

Thank You Podsnel!!!


AGAIN, anyone with anymore or other suggestions, advice, etc..... PLEASE share!!! Thank You

 

[heaven2dc]

WOW Annie, Thanks for so much information, I appreciate it!!! I think we'll def. take the advice of many here and try to stay 2/3 days on each island at least - there is a lot we want to see and do, but with our son moving there, I'm sure we'll make many trips!!! Again, I appreciate your post!!!

Also, if you or ourdogcisco have any specific recommendations, hotels, tours, sites to see, restaurants, etc... anything really - PLEASE let me know!!

I would also like to thank you, Annie! My son is surprising his gf next week for a trip to Maui and he ended up paying $1600 for airfare from L.A. to Maui, hotel for 8 nights (Maui Seaside Hotel - not the best but he is on a TIGHT budget) and car rental for 9 days. He would like to take a helicopter tour of an active volcano and I am trying to find the least expensive way for him to get from Maui to the Big Island. I researched airfare after I read your post and found rt for $135 which departs Maui around 8:15 am and returns around 11 pm (I think). Then the helicopter tour is $380 for both of them, car rental around $40 so this day will cost them around $800 including food. I think they'll have enough time to do the helicopter tour, and see a little bit of the island.

Sorry I hijacked your thread, Wendypooh!! I got so excited that I found someone else is trying to find ways to island hop lol.

Here is a tour I found that doesn't include seeing the volcano from a helicopter:
http://www.hawaiiweb.com/maui/bundl...g-eco-tour-from-maui.html#detaileddescription

This would be something I'd like because it includes airfare, a tour guide and seeing more than just the volcano and not worrying about renting a car. Anyone else have any thoughts on island hopping or touring ideas?