Hawaii questions

[OurDogCisco]

ummm ... Kauai most certainly does have Costco and Wal-mart - we stock up there all the time (and fill up gas at Costco Gas) when we visit Kauai.

In general, Kauai is more rural, more rustic - not much in terms of nightlife. If you want nightlife in terms of clubbing/lounges, you're looking at Oahu and Maui (in that order). But I think of Kauai as a more back to nature, laid back type of vacation, Maui as being a more touristy, active type of vacation, and the Big Island as having the volcano(s) and very high end hotels (and a few cheap ones).

And, they have a mall too with Macys and Sears and one of the best bakeries on the island called Kauai Bakery and Cinnamon (it is right next to Sears).

 

[mkunichi]

If you're going to spend a good chunk of time in Aulani, it means you'll have plenty of time to get in good relaxing beach time and water sports. There are some great snorkeling opportunities on Oahu and plenty of places for surfing, windsurfing, and boogieboarding.

With that in mind, I'd say that the Big Island would provide opportunities for a different experience for you and the kids. I love hiking around Kilauea (and I've only gotten lost in the lava fields once and that was at night and before GPS).

I'd recommend buying a couple of travel and activity books on the different islands and seeing which one appeals to you more. I like the Wizard Publications series of "Revealed" books (Big Island Revealed, etc), but there are plenty of good ones out there.

 

[spleen]

There certainly IS nightlife! I went with a bunch of friends years and years ago when we were 20 and all we found was line-dancing in a sad little bar, in a strip mall. We livened it up for them...for about 45 minutes.

: yeah, that pretty much matches our experiences as well ...

 

[spleen]

And, they have a mall too with Macys and Sears and one of the best bakeries on the island called Kauai Bakery and Cinnamon (it is right next to Sears).

Yes, forgot to mention that as well - right across the street from Costco, as a matter of fact. Deli Bread and Connection which is one of the best delis anywhere in Hawaii is located in that mall as well - one of the best lobstah rolls I've had outside of New England ...

 

[spleen]

Wow, they got a Costco gas before us! That ! Sorry haven't been to Kauai in several years, didn't realize they had some of the big box stores now! We have a Costco here but no gas station yet ...

Yeah, don't know why Maui doesn't have Costco Gas yet. Maybe no place to put it? Tear down the Krispy Kreme and put it in its place??

 

[ACDSNY]

one of the best bakeries on the island called Kauai Bakery and Cinnamon (it is right next to Sears).

Thanks for the tip, we're headed to Kauai and Maui in January. I'm impatiently waiting for Monday to get here so I can try to get a few nights at Aulani on our way to Kauai.

 

[disneydenisel]

Thanks for the tip, we're headed to Kauai and Maui in January. I'm impatiently waiting for Monday to get here so I can try to get a few nights at Aulani on our way to Kauai.

Good luck with your Aulani reservation! From others, it sounds as if most are getting their choice at 7 months out .

 

[ACDSNY]

Good luck with your Aulani reservation! From others, it sounds as if most are getting their choice at 7 months out .

Thanks! I had no problem booking a studio, island view for 3 nights in January 2012 at Aulani at the 7 month booking window.

Now we'll be doing a three island hop Ohau, Kauai & Maui!

 

[Anal Annie]

My vote would be for visiting at least 3 islands. Try to go for 10-14 days minimum. It is simply too far & too expensive to GET THERE to not spend enough time to do it justice. Each island has its own personality. Maui is our fav. The Big Island is neat because of the volcanoes & different climates. While it has some GREAT snorkeling opportunities the beaches there aren't all that (mostly lava rocks). We like the beaches on Maui the best. Maui offers a lot to do OR plenty of relaxation. Do you golf? Try a round of golf on Maui (you can rent clubs). GORGEOUS! Kauai is too quiet for us. Beautiful, yes, but more of a honeymoon spot (we bring DS so not looking to do the quiet romance thing). Oahu is our least fav. but that may be because we've only ever stayed in Waikiki. Honolulu is a big city. There is traffic & noise & high rise buildings. Honestly, for it to be such a famous beach I don't really like the beach there. It's pebbly & short but does offer some tremendous views of Diamond Head (you have to see Diamond Head). And Pearl Harbor! In the past we've been good with staying on Oahu for 2-3 nights. With Aulani tho we'll likely do 4-5 nights to get the most out of our points before we move on to Maui. I think it will have a completely different feel than staying in Waikiki. But you should allow time to go there to sightsee & shop.

I'd seriously consider making this trip worthwhile and try to visit 3 islands while you're doing it and spend 3-4 nights on each island.