Hawaii - Tell me a little something about Hawaii

I am traveling to Hawaii in 2 weeks with my girlfriend.
I have yet to book hotels, so I want some input on the things to do, places to go, etc.
Any suggestions?
Thanks

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Which island(s)? FT also has a dedicated Hawaii forum.

What type of things interest you?

You can spend all day on a beach or find great areas to hike, just depends on what you like.

Which islands? Each one of the primary four that most people visit can be a very different type of vacation.

Since we do have a specific Hawai'i forum, we'll move this thread over there for further discussion. Enjoy your trip! :) /JY1024, TravelBuzz co-moderator

Thanks.
I am flying into Honolulu. I know nothing about Hawaii, just want to relax, go surf a bit, and maybe do some kayaking, etc. My girlfriend gets bored sitting on the beach when I surf, so I will teach her one day.
No hiking, more water sports.

Honolulu fireman have a surfing class might be lots of fun

Thanks.
I am flying into Honolulu. I know nothing about Hawaii, just want to relax, go surf a bit, and maybe do some kayaking, etc. My girlfriend gets bored sitting on the beach when I surf, so I will teach her one day.
No hiking, more water sports.

It may be a good idea to peruse through the threads in the Hawaii forum so that you can get a better idea of what's available. Numerous people that I've spoken who don't know much about Hawaii have the perception that Honolulu is the place to be, whereas I think the time in Hawaii is more wisely spent away from the city. There are some exceptional places that you can see on a few different islands. I think the best strategy is to devote a few hours, possibly an entire evening, on researching Hawaii before you plan out the itinerary. I spent about 2 months researching Hawaii before my first trip :)

Maui 2 nights Kauai island 6 night is the final plan.

What is your budget for lodging?

I think I'll probably stay at Koa Kea in Kauai. I am not sure where I want to stay in Maui yet?

Any suggestions?

KOa Kea offered me a rate with breakfast and $50 resort credit for $369 / night..Partial Ocean View. I would stay in the full ocean view, but the lady on the phone said that partial ocean view rooms are much quieter and less noisy? May be subjective though.

I would stay in the full ocean view, but the lady on the phone said that partial ocean view rooms are much quieter and less noisy?
Look at the hotel in Google Maps, you'll see it's a U-shape, and the full ocean view rooms are at the end, right next to the public beach path. You'll have a pretty consistent stream of beach-goers and runners passing by your room. The Waiohai timeshare guests next door use that path for access to Poipu Beach Park. I'm guessing that's why the lady recommended the interior room.

Look at the hotel in Google Maps, you'll see it's a U-shape, and the full ocean view rooms are at the end, right next to the public beach path. You'll have a pretty consistent stream of beach-goers and runners passing by your room. The Waiohai timeshare guests next door use that path for access to Poipu Beach Park. I'm guessing that's why the lady recommended the interior room.

Thanks, great advice! I just want quiet at night time, and during the morning. Since I won't be at the hotel during the day or night, partial view works fine.

Has anyone stayed? Costco has a good package at the St Regis with car rental, but Koa Kea seems to be in a better area, especially during March.

Has anyone stayed? Costco has a good package at the St Regis with car rental, but Koa Kea seems to be in a better area, especially during March.

"better" in what way? Both areas are nice, but definitely different.

"better" in what way? Both areas are nice, but definitely different.

Not sure, my coworker was actually born on the island and lived there until he was 15. He was explaining some stuff and rambling, I zoned out.

Ok. So my final flight information ->

March 20 Land in Maui at 9:00 pm
March 28 leave Maui at Noon.

I would primarily like to spend my time in Kauai.
But does anyone know a good place in Maui?

i have a question:

Debating between St Regis and Koa Kea. Any recommendations on both?

The rate for Koa Kea is $369 or $469, with $50 resort credit and free breafast.
St regis is $450 or $600, with 35% off all dining and services on the resort.

Maui hotels..staying in Wailea at the Wailea Inn.

i have a question:

Debating between St Regis and Koa Kea. Any recommendations on both?

Again, as noted up-thread, both the St. Regis and Koa Kea are two different locations with a very different feel. If I were you, I'd read up on Princeville and Poipu and see which one sounds more appealing.

No one on this forum can make uninformed choices for you. But if you provide us with what you're looking for, that will help us help you.

Same goes with Maui. It's a large island with a number of hotels. What are you looking to do on the island? What kind of experience are you looking for?

Again, as noted up-thread, both the St. Regis and Koa Kea are two different locations with a very different feel. If I were you, I'd read up on Princeville and Poipu and see which one sounds more appealing.

No one on this forum can make uninformed choices for you. But if you provide us with what you're looking for, that will help us help you.

Same goes with Maui. It's a large island with a number of hotels. What are you looking to do on the island? What kind of experience are you looking for?

My coworker grew up on the island. From what I understand, Poipu has better weather whereas Princeville is more scenic. since I am going in March, Poipu may be the better choice, but I am attracted by the nmber of starpoints I can get at St Regis. :rolleyes:

Maui I am staying in wailea. Just looking for good surf and sailing. I like the Four Seasons, but a bit pricey for just a 2 night stay. Does the Four Seasons offer AAA or other discounted rates?

My coworker grew up on the island. From what I understand, Poipu has better weather whereas Princeville is more scenic. since I am going in March, Poipu may be the better choice, but I am attracted by the nmber of starpoints I can get at St Regis. :rolleyes:

Maui I am staying in wailea. Just looking for good surf and sailing. I like the Four Seasons, but a bit pricey for just a 2 night stay. Does the Four Seasons offer AAA or other discounted rates?

I would also look into the Grand Hyatt Kauai. It even has a good surf spot right on their beach, I think it's called shipwreck. I booked through priceline and got it for $181 for 4 nights earlier this month. But they also have specials on their facebook page right now too I think.

We stayed at the Fairmont Kea Lani and it was excellent. Find a Virtuoso agent to get better benefits with staying at Four Seasons Wailea. I found a rate around $449 for March 5-9th when I was searching a cpl months back. Enjoy your trip!

The Fairmont rates I find are similar to the ones they have on their website.
I might look into using Hotwire for a 5 star in the area. There are only so many places they can put you into.

Hotel Wailea has good reviews. May consider staying there. I will be gone all day doing things, surfing, etc, so I don't need the most luxurious place. I will have to figure this ot tonight.

edit: nevermind, not on the beach. Big turnoff.

The Fairmont rates I find are similar to the ones they have on their website.
I might look into using Hotwire for a 5 star in the area. There are only so many places they can put you into.
I think the Fairmont is also virtuoso but if not amex FHR if you have a platinum card. You will get some nice benefits and guaranteed upgrade most likely.

Did you look into the Grand Hyatt Kauai? It's also on hotwire once in a while from what I recall.

Also I don't think there are any really good surf spots near Wailea but since you got 6 days on Kauai I'm sure you'll get your fix there

I think the Fairmont is also virtuoso but if not amex FHR if you have a platinum card. You will get some nice benefits and guaranteed upgrade most likely.

Did you look into the Grand Hyatt Kauai? It's also on hotwire once in a while from what I recall.

Also I don't think there are any really good surf spots near Wailea but since you got 6 days on Kauai I'm sure you'll get your fix there

Yea, but unfortunately, no availability for the Grand Hyatt. Looks like Koa Kea or St Regis, but more then likely, Koa Kea.

In regards to Maui, I can go to another location besides Wailea. I just need to make sure my girlfriend can keep entertained while I am gone in the morning. She can surf, but throwing her in 5-8 foot waves is NOT a good idea. I know all the traditionl spots, but if anyone can recommend another area, outside of Wailea, that would be great.

Kauai - The advice on looking at both Poipu and Princeville is good advice. The Poipu side is dry, the Princeville side is more rainey. That might help you make a decision.

Maui - We have always stayed on the west side of Maui. We enjoy the Kapalua area. There are many great places in Kaanapali/Napili area on the west end. Lahina is a great place to shop and get the local flavor. Reminds me of Kona on the Big Island.

Yea, it looks likes Kapalua or Wailea is where I will stay at Maui. Ritz Carlton in Kapalua looks nice, albeit not right on the beach.

Looking like there is surf in both Kapalua and Wailea, but surf breaks less in Wailea then it does near Kapala. that is something to consider.

I will figure it out by the end of the day.

I just spoke to my coworker.
Since I am landing in HNL but departing from OGG, I am going to go to Kauai first. Apparently the security lines out of OGG are awful, and my flight leaves at noon.
I am still debating between KOa Kea or St Regis. Triple star points though. I wonder if you can earn Star Points even if you book through Costco?

I just spoke to my coworker.
Since I am landing in HNL but departing from OGG, I am going to go to Kauai first. Apparently the security lines out of OGG are awful, and my flight leaves at noon.
I am still debating between KOa Kea or St Regis. Triple star points though. I wonder if you can earn Star Points even if you book through Costco?

Security at OGG is no worse than anywhere else. The issue in Hawaii is that you also have to go through an agricultural inspection as well. Just takes a bit longer. Weight checks on baggage are somewhat more closely monitored departing from HNL or OGG from my experiences.

Either way, looks like Ill be ending my stay in Maui.
May stay at the boutique Paia Inn, right on the North Shore. I'm still unsure of hotels.
OH well.

I would also look into the Grand Hyatt Kauai. It even has a good surf spot right on their beach, I think it's called shipwreck. I booked through priceline and got it for $181 for 4 nights earlier this month. But they also have specials on their facebook page right now too I think.

We stayed at the Fairmont Kea Lani and it was excellent. Find a Virtuoso agent to get better benefits with staying at Four Seasons Wailea. I found a rate around $449 for March 5-9th when I was searching a cpl months back. Enjoy your trip!

While shipwreck beach is popular with locals for surfing, tourists should be advised that it can be a very dangerous beach and you really need to know what you're doing to not get into trouble there.

While shipwreck beach is popular with locals for surfing, tourists should be advised that it can be a very dangerous beach and you really need to know what you're doing to not get into trouble there.

I will be fine. I surfed other dangerous breaks, even moreso then Shipwrecks.
^

Maui 2 nights Kauai island 6 night is the final plan.

I would do more nights in Maui.. We always stay at the Fairmont Kea Lani. Great value and in Wailea, the nicest area of all the islands.

Thanks, great advice! I just want quiet at night time, and during the morning. Since I won't be at the hotel during the day or night, partial view works fine.

Has anyone stayed? Costco has a good package at the St Regis with car rental, but Koa Kea seems to be in a better area, especially during March.

I booked through www.costcotravel.com, rental vehicles.. Better price I found than the websites I surfed. Full size for a week on HNL for $153 all in.

Well this is what I booked (I leave on tuesday at 5 am).

March 20-22 Grand Hyatt
March 22-25 St Regis
March 25-28 4S

Well this is what I booked (I leave on tuesday at 5 am).

March 20-22 Grand Hyatt
March 22-25 St Regis
March 25-28 4S

Cool.. we're leaving Thursday for Honolulu

March 22-27 Trump Waikiki (Oahu)
March 27-April 6 Fairmont Orchid (Big Island)
April 6-12 Fairmont Kea Lani (Maui)

Cool.. we're leaving Thursday for Honolulu

March 22-27 Trump Waikiki (Oahu)
March 27-April 6 Fairmont Orchid (Big Island)
April 6-12 Fairmont Kea Lani (Maui)

Awesome trip !!
^
Too bad I can't take that much time off of work.

Awesome trip !!
^
Too bad I can't take that much time off of work.

Last year we took off 24 nights for spring break, so I'm thinking that this year's trip is unusually short. but with a 2 year old and 6 year old travelling, we need to take our time.

Regardless of the length of time.. yes, Hawaii is awesome!:)

Well this is what I booked (I leave on tuesday at 5 am).

March 20-22 Grand Hyatt
March 22-25 St Regis
March 25-28 4S

Dang! Way too much packing and unpacking :)

I get splitting on one island, we do that too on Kauai, but two islands, three hotels in nine nights sounds like work..... I can't say any of the hotels will disappoint you though. I think breakfast on the Makana Terrace at the SR is about as good as life gets.