Hawaii Spring Trip

bkidd · #1 28th January 2005, 09:48 PM

My husband and I are planning a vacation in April to Hawaii. Never been. Have you? What do you suggest we do/don't do? We're really excited and would love your vacation advice!

haleyandmark · #2 29th January 2005, 09:41 AM

I have not been but I really want to!! What part of Hawaii are ya'll going to? Are ya'll taking a cruise or flying?

Sorry I have no advice to offer for you on what to do - I just want to hear all about the trip and be jealous that I'm not going

courtney323 · #3 29th January 2005, 10:29 AM

Yes, what part of Hawaii are you going to visit?

We honeymooned in Maui (Four Seasons Wailea) and I thought it was fabulous. Can't wait to go back! Other than that, I have not been to any of the other islands

Have fun

Loke · #4 29th January 2005, 03:25 PM

I lived on Oahu for 3 years. What island are you visiting?

littleone · #5 30th January 2005, 10:36 AM

OOOH, I'm jealous - last trip to Hawaii was over 11 years ago. I've been twice & it's beautiful! I'd avoid Waikiki (did it for 2 days on the 1st trip), it reminds me of Miami. Did Maui on both trips, it's a wonderful island, but added Kauai on the second trip and I'm very glad I did. Kauai isn't called the "Garden island" for nothing! I'd suggest going & seeing places like:

- Haleakala (spelling?) on Maui. It's an active volcano and surreal - looks like a moonscape. You'll need to drive the Hana highway to get there, it's a rough road, very twisty/turny, quite narrow. If I remember right, it's only about 30 or so miles from the Kaanapali beach area (this is where we stayed), but does take a lot of time to drive based on the type of road you take. If you do it, try to get there to see the sun rise, it's absolutely spectacular, but do dress warmly, it's bitter cold up there.

- on Kauai, if you can swing it dollar wise, do the helicopter over the Waimea canyon, incredible views! You fly over rain forest, see the most breathtaking scenery. I'll never forget flying over this canyon, getting caught in a quick rain shower and seeing three (3!!!) rainbows in a row spanning a canyon.

Let us know what you decide,
Penny

bkidd · #6 30th January 2005, 11:03 AM

We're thinking Maui or the big island, but listening to everyone's threads to help decide. What's the best island for snorkleing, waterfalls and relaxing on not so busy beach. We plan on starting a family this year so we want to make this a very special honeymoon-like vacation for just the two of us! Leave your input...we need every little bit of advice we can get. We have questions like how much does it cost to eat out there, best place to buy souveniers, etc. I've heard about beaches there with black sand? Is this true/where? Leave a thread for us to read, thanks!

courtney323 · #7 30th January 2005, 12:23 PM

Bkidd -

You forgot the most important part - what is your price range!!!

If price is not so important (ie, you want to splurge on your last trip as a couple with no kids), I would recommend one of 2 places:

Four Seasons Wailea in MAUI: an 8 night trip costed us about $4500 (that was just air+hotel, taxes). Also, this was about 3-4 years ago. If you go to Maui, I have heard time and again that you need to stay in Wailea. That is the area with the calmest sunniest weather and is just beautiful. We also took a helicopter tour there over Western Maui and Molokai. I would HIGHLY recommend that.

If you want to go to the Big Island, the Four Seasons there is supposedly phenomenal. There is a helicopter tour you can take there that goes over a volcano

My understanding is that the Big Island is more remote. That can be a plus AND a minus, because in my opinion, Maui has more (fabulous) restaurants. We had a great meal at Roy's in Maui (Chef Roy Yamaguchi)

Anyway - I'm sure you will be happy at either place! Keep us posted

Loke · #8 30th January 2005, 02:46 PM

There are beaches with black sand on the Big Island. I don't know about the others, we never found any on Oahu. :lol

Oahu is definitely the most touristy. I would love to go to Maui.

bkidd · #9 2nd February 2005, 03:10 PM

Maui it is for us! We've decided the destination and are now looking for a resort to spend the week there, and car rental. We already have flight arrangements. So far we have liked the resorts we have viewed in the kahana area, but are certainly open to educated vacationers. Also, is it better to rent a car before you arrive or is it better to choose one when you get there? Any info would be awesome and suggestions about anything to do, see, or experience while we're there will just make us more excited!!! Thanks for all the info already and I can't wait to hear from you all again!

Loke · #10 6th February 2005, 09:03 AM

Get a car reserved before you arrive. IT's quicker and guarantees one.

crashsmom · #11 7th February 2005, 09:31 AM

I'm so glad I ran across this thread. My fiance and I are in the process of booking our honeymoon trip. We knew we wanted to go to Hawaii but we weren't sure what island to stay on. Now we know. Maui it is for us too!! We'll be there in April also!
I love this website. You guys have great information on all kinds of topics.

bkidd · #12 9th February 2005, 07:40 AM

We're getting sooo excited about our trip to Maui! We've made our reservations for our stay and rental car (BTW thanks Loke.) Our flight plans are almost done as well. Speaking of flying...this will be my first time ever and I'm kind of nervous. Actually I'm most nervous about losing my luggage. I'm carrying on the limit! Ha! Any comfortable flying tips or what to bring to pass the time away? And once we get there...I just can't even imagine finally getting to see such a beautiful place! We've been given alot of advice as to what to do while there. My only question and very dear to me...where can we take a horse back ride on the beach? And my husbands dying to go snorkling. Well I guess you can understand why were soooo excited and anxious! Will April ever arrive? Ha!