Been along time reader, first time poster. Retiring after 32 years in education the wife and I want to celebrate with Hawaii vacation this Aug.-Sept. we are clueless how to go about it. We would take any info. Average budget I would guess always interest in saving lol, 5-7 days, would rent car for some of it. Thanks
OT: Hawaii Travel
- Thread starter Theolddog
- Start date
Start by picking an island. There is a place in Omaha called Enchanted Honeymoons, they will book it all for you for free, they get kickbacks from the property they book you into. Doesn't have to be a honeymoon, wife and I used them for our Punta Cana trip and I was very happy with it. It will narrow down your options as far as properties.
I just got back, we were in the Kailua-Kona area (Big Island) for a bit and then Maui. Main difference is Maui has had more time without big lava flows, so it's more green, more vegetation, pretty beaches. The Big Island is still very active so you're going to see more fields of lava rock and less vegetation.
The resorts (Marriott, Hilton) are about 45 mins out of town in the Kona area, not many people understand that. You're up there in "gotcha" town with two hotels and a mall and the prices reflect that. If you stay in Kona itself, the prices are better. In town there's Costco, Walmart, Safeway close by. Get a Safeway card IMMEDIATELY or borrow somebody's phone number who has one. It will cut your grocery bill by 1/3 - 1/2, no joke. Groceries are expensive there as well.
My parents own a condo in Kona and stay there like 4-5 months a year now that they're retired. You can get condo rentals at a pretty reasonable price, especially outside school break times. In August-September you should be able to book just about anywhere for relatively cheap. You'll save a lot of money by doing some of your own meals. We usually do cereal for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, then either dinner out or grill something. Lots of properties have grills on-site you can use. Everything in Hawaii is expensive and dinners out are no exception. But man if you like fresh fish...amazing.
Use Priceline for your car rental. I'll never rent a car another way again. Do the bid process and start just stupidly low, like $15 a day. Go up by a dollar each time until you get a hit. You'll be shocked how low you can book a full-size car. Gas is expensive there, fuel mileage is your friend.
If you like resort hotels, Maui is probably the better bet. There is a stretch along Ka'anapali beach where it's like 4 resorts right next to each other, if you didn't watch the signs you'd think it was all one giant hotel. Definitely more people, but also more options as far as eating, you can walk up to the mall, it was cool. The beach is much bigger, finer grain sand.
I could go on, but that's probably enough info to start you off.
Pick an island first (or two), it is a long flight and the time change will mess with you, I discourage a short trip because of that. I have gone for vacation and work both. Oahu is the closest to mainland life, very touristy. Kauai is the most natural, Maui is a mix and the Big Island is the most varied experience.
I've come to love the flights that get in in that 4:00 - 7:00 range island time. By the time you have dinner and get checked in, you're ready to sleep when it's night there and you wake up around 5:00-6:00 local time excited and ready to have a full day.
Loved the big island. Beach and rain forest on the same island. I recommend the big island but make sure you see Pearl harbor
I've been to the 4 main islands over the years. I definitely recommend trying to visit no more than 1 island per week, since each of the 4 main islands has plenty to see and do without the hassle of hopping on and off flights constantly. If you want a tropical getaway with lots of outdoor activity and little nightlife, Kauai is the way to go (my favorite). Oahu has historic sites and more nightlife (north coast is better for getting away and enjoying the beach). Maui has become busier in recent years but also has a lot of natural areas and the impressive Hana area. The Big Island has a couple resort areas but also the volcanoes and impressive waterfalls (and long stretches of desolate lava flows). You can't really go wrong with any of them (they all have great beaches, warm weather, and luaus).
We always rent a townhome on the island rather than stay in a hotel. It's much cheaper, gives you more space, and a full kitchen etc so you can make your own meals before heading out each day (food in Hawaii is more expensive and this can blow up your budget). The islands aren't huge so you can stay in one place and drive to the daily destination. Do rent a car.
Finally, winter has higher, rougher seas, so keep that in mind if you want to kayak or snorkel.
Never been to the big island but I’ve been to Maui and Oahu multiple times, and Kauai. My favorite spot is Napili, on Maui. It has a few 60s era hotels, not resorts by any stretch. The beach has become more popular and is busy at times, but has an awesome shorebreak and you can snorkel the coral reef literally steps from your hotel room. I try to stay here
https://www.mauian.com/
Book as close to the beach as you can so you get the ocean breeze and wave sounds to put you to sleep. Fly into OGG Kahului and hit Costco on the way out to west Maui.
https://www.mauian.com/
Book as close to the beach as you can so you get the ocean breeze and wave sounds to put you to sleep. Fly into OGG Kahului and hit Costco on the way out to west Maui.
ive been to oahu 5 times for business. I have wanted to visit the big island and maui but havent gotten around to it after i backed out during the latest eruption. anyway, if you are a military retiree or a GS employee there are fantastic affordable lodging available. if you dislike the city and the hassles that it brings then i would avoid Wikiki. the northshore has some of the best beaches my favorite is at "alligator rocks". the Windward side offers a different vibe--Bellows beach is my favorite there. its protected by the air force and not very populated. i can get a 6 person condo there== 50 meters from the water for 130 a night.. at the Leeward side are more of locals--as a haole if your chill then they will be chill with ya. there are plenty of touristy and hipster and islander things to do ---i can tell ya all sorts of other tips. like others have said--i recommend cooking a lot of your meals and experiment with local food--make sure ya try poke--i luv it and go to a shrimp truck--giovannis.
I will say this. Agree with stay as close to the beach as possible. I have never slept as good as I did in Kona Hawaii. Something about that whoosh, whoosh, whoosh of the waves. So peaceful. Great fruit and NO flies or bugs!!
Can't wait to go back someday.
Can't wait to go back someday.
Been to the Islands 5 times. I have stayed on all 4 of the main Islands. All are beautiful. Big Island and Kauai are our favorites. Kauai is gorgeous and laid back, not as crowed. Spend the money and take a helicopter tour, best money we spent in Hawaii. Last several times, we rented condos/houses through VRBO/homeaway. Worked very well, nicely priced and gorgeous places. Stay 10 days if you can, as many has said, long flights and time change.
The real key is what do you want to do or see? Do you enjoy being active (hike, bike, swim, kayak) or just chill and read? Do you prefer going out to eat or cooking yourself? Do you want to see whales or lava on your visit? Do you like being in developed areas with more amenities/activities or prefer fewer people and do your own thing. Tell me more about the experience you are looking for and I can add more guidance. I have visited Oahu, the Big Island, Maui, Kauai and Molokai. Regardless of when/where you go, I would highly recommend more days rather than fewer and a rental car for your entire stay (unless you don't plan to leave the hotel/resort/condo/vrbo.
Advice...go to the Florida Keys 
So fun and SOOOOOOOO LAID BACK
So fun and SOOOOOOOO LAID BACKMy 35 years of living in Hawaii and traveling makes the following recommendations ...
1 - go for at least 7 days and ideally 9
2 - provided you go for 9 days, go to Oahu for 4 days and Maui for 5 days
3 - on Oahu, go to the USS Arizona and USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor.
4 - on Oahu, go to the North Shore for the day
5 - on Oahu stay and hang out in Waikiki for a day and walk up to Diamond Head lookout
6 - in Maui, see the sunrise a stop Haleakala and have brunch in Paia. While here, got to Jaws surf beach and see the surfing and kit boarding
7 - in Maui, see the sunset at Merrimans in Kapalua
8 - in Maui and depending on the season, take a whale watching tour.
9 - in Maui, take the ferry to Lanai for a day trip, go to the village and Manelele Bay
10 - in Maui, go to Warren and Annabels comedy club
11 - in Maui have dinner at sunset at the plantation house
A lot of other stuff if your a diver, golfer, swimmer, hiking, etc
1 - go for at least 7 days and ideally 9
2 - provided you go for 9 days, go to Oahu for 4 days and Maui for 5 days
3 - on Oahu, go to the USS Arizona and USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor.
4 - on Oahu, go to the North Shore for the day
5 - on Oahu stay and hang out in Waikiki for a day and walk up to Diamond Head lookout
6 - in Maui, see the sunrise a stop Haleakala and have brunch in Paia. While here, got to Jaws surf beach and see the surfing and kit boarding
7 - in Maui, see the sunset at Merrimans in Kapalua
8 - in Maui and depending on the season, take a whale watching tour.
9 - in Maui, take the ferry to Lanai for a day trip, go to the village and Manelele Bay
10 - in Maui, go to Warren and Annabels comedy club
11 - in Maui have dinner at sunset at the plantation house
A lot of other stuff if your a diver, golfer, swimmer, hiking, etc
Don't go for just 5-7 days. You will want to be there 10-12 at least. Rent a car through Costco Travel if you are a member. I always rent a condo so we have a kitchen. We eat breakfast and grill something simple for dinner at the condo and usually find a fun local place for lunch. Our schedule is too get up super early (time change) walk/hike, breakfast, go for a drive, lunch, go to the beach for most of the afternoon, happy hour (can be the best part of the day if a good game is on and you will meet people from all over) and finally dinner. On Maui I like to go to the town of Paia, Napilli for snorkeling, Big Beach at McKenna, Lahaina for bars and restaurants and the drive up to Haleakala. On the Big Island there is Hapuna and Beach 69 for my favorite beaches, Waimea in the up country for a great farmers market and Big Island Brewhaus, the drive from Kona around the Southend of the island to Hilo, stop at the volcano and the black beach and then just cut back across the center of the island to get back to the condo. I usually rent a beach cruiser (bicycle) as well. You don't want to get a DUI coming back from happy hour or picking up more beer. Its too much fun. One of my favorite cheaper places on Maui to eat is the Aloha Mixed Plate behind the Safeway in Lahaina. If you want to spend the big bucks go to Mama's Seafood. Remember all games televised from the mainland start really, really early over there.
You can top the Costco price on car rental by bidding on Priceline. You have to bid it up a dollar at a time bit I always get them dirt cheap.
If you want to see every island on your first trip consider a cruise. You can get a flavor for each one and then decide where to stay on your next trip.
Fellas thanks a lot , feel free to ad , we are looking into everything , already changing plans and budget to 10 days
some things to do on Oahu. Makapu'u point and light house, Manoa falls--many episodes of lost were filmed near by, dole plantation--touristy but required--have the dole whip--its even better if you bring a shot of rum or tequiila to put in it. visit greenworld coffee farm---sample alot and buy some of the 100% oahu coffee. northshore beaches--by regulation there are many public beach access locations between houses--these are sometimes tricky to find but worth the seclusion. Teds Bakery--have some pie and their massive cinamon roll. Turtle watching at north shore--dont get too close. Giovannis shrimp truck get the scampi and some of their amazing hat sauce. Kailua and the public beaches there, Bellows beach--need military pass as active duty, retired or fed employee with military access. There is a very cool botanical garden---Hoomaluhia botanical i think somewhat near Kailua. excellent sunset at the Hale Koa hotel beach bar in Wikiki--its Army owned but regular civilians can go there. Maiu brewing company for food and drinks in wikiki. china town near wikiki, for very very affordable keepsake and gifts from hawaii go to the flea market at the honolulu stadium on saturdays , sunday and wed 0800-1500 in the parking lot--barter for some stuff it will be cheaper and may save time shopping. Pearl Harbor memorial--its free but ya need a ticket. go to i think peir 57 bar right at pearl harbor for drinks. on the southern-Leeward side are the Ko-Olina lagoons---very manicured and developed for the disney hotel, 4 seasons, marriott beach club---awesome sunset. Up the west shore to the northwest point is a huge federal or state park--it gets very hot there--some great tide pools--alot of walking to get there. Hawaii can be very expensive or fairly reasonable. it depends on your creature comfort needs and wants. if you eat every meal in a resturant--you will spend a lot of dollars. go to costco after you get your rental car for food, and beverages. remember if you stay in wikiki that it will often tack on 20 minutes exiting and returning to your hotel when you venture out via car. also there is parking expense. also for some awesome guava chicken go to kiki's on the way to north shore--it's a hole in the wall family owned place--but good eat in or take out. if ya love to walk stairs then walk or run up koko head. Also very touristy but go up diamond head --it's amusing to people watch--particulary the japanese women that hike up diamond head and the sorts of things they are wearing. some of the best and better priced Poke is attained from foodland. clean protein with bold bold flavor---must have. DO NOT leave items in your car in plain sight. regardless if you are very active and have your days filled with activity or if you just chill---make sure you relax (your'e on island time) and get your toes in the sand. my last visit was for 17 days in november for work. i wish i could have stayed for another 17 days.
When you go through Priceline can you use Budget's Fastbreak number and Avis's membership number? I like being able to bypass the counter. A bad experience renting a car at Denver is the reason why I joined the membership to these car rental companies . The line was huge and I was there for over an hour. With these memberships you just grab a car, show your driver's license at the exit booth and you are on your way. I would rather be on the road than wasting time standing in line.
If you use Priceline can you cancel your trip? Using Costco I don't pay until I pick-up the car.
It’s cheaper to ship a metal shipping container than to fly comercial. The trip by boat only takes 7-19 days. I got seasick and fell ill from lack of vitamin d but it was worth it.
You book in advance and I doubt you can skip the line. But I get full-size cars for like $15-18 a day. Everyone has their priorities.
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