thinking of 2010 vacation in Hawaii

[dis2cruise]

we were thinking of NOT doing dw and using points. Here is the thing, we are clueless about hawaii, is there nicer islands to visit than others?? Can someone please recommend some islands to us??

thanks
cheryl

 

[lapeter]

We live half the year on Maui and I am prejudiced, but we have visited all the islands and still think Maui is the best. Oahu (Honolulu) is too congested for us and feels like Miami in the Pacific. Our first time, eons ago, we visited four islands in about 12 days.

 

[Dean]

we were thinking of NOT doing dw and using points. Here is the thing, we are clueless about hawaii, is there nicer islands to visit than others?? Can someone please recommend some islands to us??

thanks
cheryl

Assuming you haven't been I'd plan a few days on Oahu to do the touristy things. Maui is our favorite. I would not go less than about 2 weeks. If you're looking at an exchange, your options will be fairly limited for that time. You could use the CC to simplify but it's a lot of points. If you can squeeze 2 weeks plus the extra weekend I'd do a few days on Oahu, a week on Maui and a week either on Kauai or the Big Island as see those as a toss up for this situation. I'd plan to fly in and out of Oahu regardless to give yourself more options and flexibility. The Wyndham resort on Oahu might be available for points exchange and you could try to the Hilton. Either would be good for a few days or a full week if you can get them. The Ilikai is also OK if you can do with a studio.

 

[ccigliano]

I do think Oahu gets a bad rap as most people just think of Honolulu which is a Miami in the Pacific but there is more to Oahu than that. I think that the Ko Olina area where Disney is building and there is a Marriott hotel and timeshare is also nice as well as the north shore but I am not sure what type of timeshare you could get. I have also been to Maui and Kauai and the northern shore, Princeville, in Kauai is by far my favorite. Hanalei Bay and Bali Hai I think is the most spectacular view I have ever seen. Whales breach in the bay and the turquoise water with the mountains with waterfalls flowing down are just incredible. I did like Maui but have yet to visit the Big Island which is hear is also incredible. So for me Kauai is a definite - preferrably north shore Princeville area. I own a 2 bedroom timeshare at the Hanalei Bay Resort in Princeville and while the appliances are in desperate need of an update the location, impecable grounds, and the view from the balcony can't be beat. Rent from an owner, not Hanalei Bay as the inventory that they use for rentals is in disrepair. Have fun planning!

 

[ccigliano]

One thing I forgot to mention. Rent out your DVC points and then do a cash rentals in Hawaii either for timeshare accommodations or hotels. I rent to friends and coworkers who save almost half on deluxe studio accommodations than they would pay through Disney. I think your money will go farther and you'll be much happier with the accommodations than the RCI choices that you will have. Good Luck!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I'm also in the group that thinks Maui is best - even decided to get married there!

Anyway, I agree that Oahu gets a bit of a bad rap and I've enjoyed my time there even if I don't visit as long. There are lots of sights to see - especially if you are a history buff at all. And once you get out from Honolulu it's a different place. I'll be back in Kauai within a month after not visiting there for 20 years and I'm looking forward to it. I also love the Big Island. The fun thing about Hawaii is the diversity. I look at it this way: Oahu - history and more tropical cosmopolitan (should you wish). Maui - sun and relaxation and large variety of things to do. Kauai - Green, lush, tropical and quiet. Big Island - big, Volcano's and diverse eco system. Oh - and did I mention it's big! There's also a lot of Hawaiian historical spots to visit on the Big Island. It's also more sparsely populated than Oahu and Maui.

A lot is going to depend on what your interests are. Ocean? Snorkeling? Hiking? Beaches? Touring? Relaxing? Nightlife? The island recommendation would probably change depending on what you want to do.

 

[MissMet]

I love Oahu!

Yes, it has a city feel, but take a little drive & it's like a whole other island! We felt the other islands were nice & relaxing but too slow for us- we are from NY though.

Next trip we will be going back to Oahu & just taking day trips to Maui & the other islands.

It's all subjective though. Go to www.robertshawaii.com & look at all the things offered on each island & then decide what island fits you best.

But I agree Oahu gets a very bad rap- the area DVC is building is GORGEOUS!!

 

[Anal Annie]

Each island has its own personality. They are ALL gorgeous. We always go for about 10 nights as it's such a big trip.

Kauai is our least favorite. It's beautiful but too quiet for us. Too honeymooner-ish. We always spend just a couple nights on Oahu. Honolulu is a city with a famous beach (Waikiki). If you're going all that way, esp. for your first time, you really need at least 3 n on Oahu and you should go there to say you did, at least once. Pearl Harbor is both stunningly beautiful and one of the most moving experiences you could ever have. The last time we went we also got to tour the USS Missouri which was really neat. Pearl Harbor can occupy a good bit of a day if you go early and stay for the Missouri. Once you have "been there / done that" you can decide if you ever want to return to Oahu. I agree that the new DVC resort at Ko'Olina will be QUITE different since it won't be right in Waikiki - it will have more of a resort feel.

The Big Island of Hawaii is very different from the others. It has the active volcano, Kiluea, and offers a fantastic opportunity for sightseeing with helicopter rides that include flying over Kiluea and seeing some beautiful coastline and waterfalls. REALLY, really pretty. It also has different climates. You can go from rainforest to desert in the blink of an eye. It also has the Black Sand Beach and some FANTASTIC snorkeling right off the shore (at Keauhou). We're happy with about 3 nights on The Big Island.

Maui is our absolute favorite island and we always finish our trips with about 4 nights there. We have stayed in Kaanapali and in Wailea. I think that the resorts in Wailea are considered more "upscale" but we were perfectly happy with the Sheraton at Black Rock in Kaanapali the last time we went. Beautiful beach, nice property and just a 10 minute walk to Lahina. Maui has a lot to offer with sightseeing (The Road to Hana, Haleakala Crater etc.) and it is also great for just relaxing and enjoying being in paradise.

If you golf I'd suggest trying to play a round on Maui somewhere (you can always arrange to rent clubs). I surprised my DH with a round for his birthday one time. Before we went I called the concierge desk where we were staying and the girl hooked me up with where to play and with a guy to rent clubs from. He was REALLY surprised.

It's a tough decision for your first trip on where to go. There is a lot to see and do so you really need to go for as long as possible so you can squeeze in some time for relaxing too! If you can go for 2 weeks that would be your best bet! Too bad DVC is switching to RCI - you just lost some great trade possibilities on Maui that were only thru II. Aloha.