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Hawaii Vacation

4pointplay

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4pointplay

4pointplay

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In the process of researching Hawaii vacation this summer as a college graduation present for the family.

 

My wife and I went there 10 years ago for 20th anniversary and spent 10 days on 3 islands, Oahu, Maui, and Big Island.

 

Taking the two boys adds in some additional cost and we do have some type of budget. Do we need to hit 3 islands or can we get the full Hawaii experience just visiting Maui or Kona or even another island?

 

Was least impressed with Oahu last time but everyone in family is history buff and the Pearl Harbor Memorial was one of the highlights of the last trip. We could probably do everything that we need to do on Oahu in a one day trip?

 

June vacation takes us out of whale watching season but we would still be kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, etc.

 

Any thoughts, suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

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Clyde

Clyde

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A few thoughts:

 

Oahu is really nice when you get out of Honolulu. Some really nice beaches and beauty.

 

Maui gives you a lot of what you're looking for. I'd check out VRBO to find lodging. We found a great condo right on the water for less than $200. This was in April of 2012.

 

If you are in Maui take a day and do the Road to Hana. Great casual trip. Many, many stops along the way. You might swim in a waterfall. You might have some cool local cuisine at a roadside stand. You'll see some really cool things. It's a must do.

 

I'd also do the trip up Haleakala. I've never been on the moon but the top of this place makes me feel like I have. Haleakal? National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

 

We also went to Kauai. It feels like the most "Hawaii" to me. Very laid back. Not much commercialism.

 

We did not do the Big Island.

 

I need to get back. It's one of the rare vacations where at the end of it I wasn't ready to go home.

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Cuban Missile

Cuban Missile

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Three islands I've been to ranked in order from most to least likely to go back to...

 

1) Kauai - As Clyde said, a lot less commercialism than Oahu and a great place to relax for a week with that touristy feel. Plenty of natural beauty (i.e. hidden beaches off dirt roads, waterfalls, snorkeling locations). On the north side of the island, the Hanalei/Princeville area is breathtaking - a must see in my opinion.

 

2) Big Island - Somewhere in the middle of Kauai and Oahu in terms of a touristy feel. Lots of cool things to do and go see: volcanoes, black sand beaches, coffee plantations, Kona Brewing Company. Beaches and snorkeling opportunities aren't as nice as Kauai in my opinion, but there may be a better variety of things to do with a family (if you don't like sitting on the beach all day).

 

3) Oahu - Went here on my first trip to Hawaii. The Honolulu area is different from the rest of island, not a huge fan. North shore is pretty neat (known for the big waves and movies that have been filmed in that area). Pearl Harbor memorial is very cool, especially for those 'history buffs'. Went to the Dole plantation which was just okay. Definitely wouldn't spend my whole trip here but still some interesting things to see.

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coldweatherfan

coldweatherfan

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For MrsC and I, Maui is the place to be. We've been there 10 times. We are rest and relaxation people and that is Maui.

 

Some of the best beaches in the world with great snorkeling and diving. - go to a different beach each day.

 

We did the Road to Hana once. Not our thing. If you have someone who gets carsick do not go. We do usually go around the backside to 7 Sacred Pools.

 

I agree with Clyde on Haleakala. Way cool, but take some cold weather clothes.

 

Best zipline in the world if you're into ziplines.

 

Ride bikes down the volcano. Pretty spectacular.

 

We like Kihei, and always rent a condo at Maui Vista in Kihei. 2 bedroom will run you around $1400 for a week taxes and fees all in. For beach purposes you don't want to rent north of there. All of the best beaches start there at Charlie Young park and continue to be great south of there. Kihei averages something like 16 rainy days a year.

 

Be quick about learning happy hours and specials, it will save you a bunch of money.

 

Ka'anapali is the posh hotel area if that's your thing. The west side is beautiful. Only 1 really good place to snorkel though. Much pricier too.

 

Get this book, Maui Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook: Andrew Doughty: 9780971727991: Amazon.com: Books just don't do some of the stuff he says about going on people's property. It is a great guide to all of the best places. Read it in advance to plan your stuff.

 

 

 

Really should go to Oahu to see Pearl Harbor. Many people never get there again and it's pretty darn cool. Honolulu is pretty much New York city on the beach. Lot's of night life and things to do, just not my cup of tea.

 

 

The Big Island is mostly agriculture, but if you want to see a live volcano, that is where it's at.

 

Kuai is a tropical rain forest.

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justsayin

justsayin

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Waimea Canyon, and the Napali Coast on Kuaui, are breathtaking! I'm not sure if they still do helicopter tours, but the one we did on Kuaui was spectacular!!

 

The Kaanapali area on Maui is special. The sunsets are hard to describe; they're so vivid. I would agree about Haleakala, but thought the road to Hana was a little overrated. As mentioned, if you get car sick easily, it might be too much, especially if you are the driver. Hard to keep eyes on the road and the scenery.

 

I've heard people hire locals to be tour guides and show you things off the beaten path. If I were going back, I would investigate that.

 

I enjoyed Kuaui the best, followed by Maui. Agree that Oahu is a must, just to see Pearl Harbor. Chilling to stand there and envision the planes coming over the horizon.

 

Enjoy!!

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TAC

TAC

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If you are in for rest and relaxation we enjoyed the big island. Others on the trip did some activities, but we just chilled and ate good. Maui was were we did all the activities and it seemed more commercialized and crowded. Also ate good there too. Lol

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4pointplay

4pointplay

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If you are in for rest and relaxation we enjoyed the big island. Others on the trip did some activities, but we just chilled and ate good. Maui was were we did all the activities and it seemed more commercialized and crowded. Also ate good there too. Lol

 

I remember eating VERY well on our last trip! :ylsuper:

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4pointplay

4pointplay

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I probably have 1000 pictures.

 

It's a pretty incredible world under the surface.

 

The best is January - March and you can hear the Humpbacks singing while you're down there.

 

We were there in March 10 years ago and had one of the most fantastic whale watching experiences. We were in one of those 20 foot boats and somehow ended up between 2 pods of Humpbacks. For 3 hours we had whales breeching and going directly under our boats as they moved between pods. Even our guide was blown away saying it was one of his best days on the water.

 

Unfortunately with the kids graduation and work schedule we are pretty much limited to June this time around.

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