Going to Hawaii...suggestions?

turbolapp

turbolapp

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Aug 10, 2007
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...On exactly where to go? We're going during off season around November, but haven't decided on the exact island. It's mostly going to be a relaxing by the beach type trip but certainly wouldn't be opposed to doing some volcanic exploring. Any suggestions on specific islands, resorts, beaches, activities...etc?
 


Oahu sucks if you want to get away from tourists. If you want to shop, then Waikiki is the place. My sister used to live in Hawaii and she says Maui and Kauai are very nice and quiet. Maui has better surfing and scuba diving, and Kauai is super tranquil (according to her).

I've only been to Oahu and wouldn't waste my money going there again. I'd like to see to other islands though.
 
I stayed at a ridiculous resort, but I liked driving around the best. No activity sticks out in my mind, but if you never leave the hotel you might as well be any where.

Some resorts have man made beaches and lagoons which kind of suck.
 
Oahu is actually amazing -- just need to get out of Wakiki.

Any more info you can give us before getting advice? budget? family trip? favorite things to do on vacation? Active versus chill? explore vs chill?
 
I go twice a year. If your going with Family, then there are specific places youd wanna see. If your going with significant other but no kids, thats another issue.
I like the big island for sites, volcanic scenery etc..Kohala coast is the best..
Maui is VERY chill, and has some nice sites. Check out Kaanapali there...
Kauai is the most original and non developed and tropical if you want something very laid back... Poipu beach FTW there...
Only place I WOULDNT go to is waikiki beach on oahu..basically Los Angeles with a nice beach. If you go Oahu, go north shore...
Whatever you do, respect the local culture. They are very sensitive to their heritage (rightfully so) and despise tourists who dont show respect and care for the islands heritage and history.
 
I'm not a fan of the big island because I grew up there BUT if you want to do family stuff Kona on the big island or Lahaina, Maui might be the best places to visit. Of those two places the big island is the only one were you can see a volcano so that might be the best bet.

The great thing about Kona is there are a bunch of great hotels to choose from and the beaches there are always usually in the top 3 beaches in the U.S. Also resist the temptation to visit the Hilo side of the island because there really isn't anything to see there unless you've never been to a Wal-mart before.
 
I grew up on the Big Island, which you may or may not want to visit depending on your view on the active volcano right now. Active volcano means it will be cooler to check out up close, but it also means a good part of the island is covered in "vog" -- smog-like volcano fumes.

Don't go to Oahu. Maui is probably the best place for what most people would consider a typical Hawaiian vacation (in a good way). Kauai is more rural (and green and beautiful), good for more of an outdoorsy away-from-it-all type of experience.
 
Maui - Wailea - South Maui - there's lots to see on that island and tough to do in a week. Snorkeling is great and you can take a day trip over to Lanai for a diversion.
We stayed at the Renaissance, next to Grand Wailea, highly recommend the little beach there at the hotel, it's got a nice reef for snorkeling, saw sea turtles . .

Enjoy, am jealous . .
 
Sure, Waikiki is touristy, but it is still damn fun. Gorgeous weather, gorgeous people, amazing hotels and food. Hawaii is an amazing place. Loved it there.
 
SEO_Mike said:
Oahu sucks if you want to get away from tourists. If you want to shop, then Waikiki is the place. My sister used to live in Hawaii and she says Maui and Kauai are very nice and quiet. Maui has better surfing and scuba diving, and Kauai is super tranquil (according to her).

I've only been to Oahu and wouldn't waste my money going there again. I'd like to see to other islands though.
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I was in Oahu in Feb. and it was amazing. The Polynesian Cultural Center on the north shore is an excellent place to bring the kids and yourself for a bit of Disneyish kitschyness with a south seas touch. It's a theme park/informational center that covers the distinct culture of the Pacific islander people. They have a great buffet, and I can't wait to go back for the teriyaki chicken.

The Dole planting fields was very interesting, and of course there's Pearl Harbor which is now a memorial museum. And Diamond Head, not far from Waikiki, a state park which was once a live volcano.

Hawaii is just so tough to get to from the east coast.
 
Requested info: Just me and the honey, no kids. I'm a beach bum, hubby likes to go exploring so we'll probably mix it a bit. Budget? Maybe a couple hundred a night or so? We'll stay for the week.
 
maui is for old people. Expensive and very disappointing for anyone wanting to have some beach fun.

I say you reconsider and book a trip to Antigua. It's way cheaper, much better beaches water and less random rain showers, and the people and resorts are a ton more fun. Not to mention there are very few american tourists who tend to be assholes with obnoxious kids and a lot more european tourists which tend to be more outgoing and friendly. The same goes for the locals. Hawaiians are assholes to tourists but carribeans (or whatever they're called) are hella cool. Plus if you've never been to hawaii the water looks great in the pictures but honestly it kinda sucks. It's super mega salty there's a lot more coral all over so they really limit the water sports and the sand is really no different then california sand. In the carribean the sand is pure white and the water is pure clear and not salty. There's hardly any coral and you can do everything there except for scuba diving for some odd reason (i think only st thomas has any form of scuba diving for tourists). Also if you go to hawaii make sure you check with your resort (especially in maui) if it has a curfew. One time i found out after i got there that they had an 8pm curfew, everyone had to be quiet, in bed and no lights by 8pm. I was sooo pissed.

Sorry i have a lot to say about it after one trip to the Caribbean i swore i would never go back to Hawaii ever again.
 
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