cblaisd

There are several parks I could name on the Big Island and Moloka`i that simply do not have the same kind of guard-railing that most mainland folks would assume would be present in any park -- particularly ones with steep and slippery (e.g., Akaka Falls Park after a rain -- which is to say most days! , or the county lava tube park in Hilo which can be incredibly slippery) slopes and pali (cliffs).

Put more precisely, those whose "nature park" experience is from most mainland parks I've been to would assume that the lack of guardrails in an area means it must not be hazardous.

This is not an assumption to make in Hawai`i.

Mary2e

I've always said one of the easiest places to get yourself seriously hurt or killed is in Hawaii and hiking trails or even going to some tourist attractions, like Akaka Falls.

bocastephen

This is very true - outside of doing something stupid like walking the ledge of the Grand Canyon or swimming in a thermal pool in Yellowstone, Hawai'i is probably the most dangerous place in the USA and accidents occur easily, quickly and often with deadly consequences.

WRCSolberg

Indeed.

We had someone local here die a few months ago in Maui. She was hiking and stepped into what she thought was a slow moving stream just upstream of a xx ft waterfall. The stream swept her feet out from under her, she went over the falls and ended up dieing of severe head injuries.

http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/294...fall-in-Hawaii

IIRC, more people die each year worldwide from coconut related injuries than they do from lightning.

mgchan

I'm planning a trip with my girlfriend to Hawaii next June and wanted to get some advice. We will be going for a wedding in Waikiki on the weekend but have 5-7 extra days to spend (before, after, or spread out on either side). Other than that I was looking into either splitting another 2 days at the Sheraton Waikiki (total of 4 days in Waikiki) and 4 days at the St. Regis Princeville since I can use Cash & Points to get decent rates, possibly one more night on the way home in Maui. We could also do something like 3 nights in Waikiki, 3 nights at the St. Regis, and 3 nights in Maui (probably the Sheraton, though we are not necessarily tied to SPG).

Activities we might be interested in would include scuba diving, lounging at the beach/pool, and exploring the islands more. I picked the St. Regis because it would stretch our money a little more by using the points, would probably spend at least a day and a half at the resort itself, but I've heard the area doesn't have as much to do (conveniently) as Maui. However, at Maui we'd either be going with a less luxurious resort or be spending more money on a nicer hotel, probably nothing close to what we'd experience at the St. Regis.

Is there really not much to do around Princeville (I probably won't be golfing...)? Would maybe 2 nights at the St. Regis and a couple extra days in Maui be better for activities beyond the resort? Is 4 days in Waikiki too much if we aren't going to be doing much in terms of nightlife and shopping?

Thanks in advance

DavidO

Personally, I don't think there's much to recommend about Waikiki Beach. It's a beach that happens to be in the middle of a big and busy city. Kauai, on the other hand, has a lot to offer if you like secluded beaches, hiking, and exploring an island with varied features that's small enough to get to know in a week.

ILuvParis

There is plenty to keep you busy for as long as you plan on spending in Princeville. I'd guess you'll want to spend some time at the pool (it's beautiful) and/or beach. At the amazingly beautiful Ke'e beach begins one of the great hikes in the world - the Kalalau Trail. Depending on how much of a hiker you are, you can do a few hours or all day. Princeville Ranch Adventures has great ziplining and horseback riding. If you're into gardens, you're right by the Limahuli Gardens, part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden. There are also spectacular views at the Kilauea Lighthouse, which is right above the secluded and beautiful Secret Beach, where some people have been known to remove some clothes! If you decide to skip Maui, there is plenty more elsewhere on the island.

WRCSolberg

I agree. I was done with Waikiki after a couple days. It reminds me of the Vegas strip with a small beach, minus the casinos. And it is a small beach.

Spend more time in Kauai, you'll thank us.

longleaf

I've never been to any of the islands, and i do plan a full vacation there at some point in the future. However, i am heading to Japan very soon (with my brother), and only have time for likely just a 2 night stopover at either OGG or HNL.

Is one of these vs the other more suited for such a short trip? Which would be more fun to explore so quickly? We likely won't be spending any time lying on the beach/swimming, but I sure wouldn't mind seeing some nice beaches of course for next time I come to Hawaii.

DJGMaster1

If you won't be doing much if any beach during the 2 days, and you've never been to any part of Hawaii, I'd do Oahu/HNL. But I'd try to avoid Waikiki and head for the North Shore, or the Kailua area.

Lavarock7

Oahu (HNL) is a great place to visit a couple of times, perhaps to see the Palace, Waikiki, North Shore and Pearl Harbor, etc. Please keep in mind that every island is different enough and Maui (OGG) will be nothing like Oahu.

I am glad that you didn't say you could have 2 days on the Big Island because that would like going Europe and never getting out of the airport. Most islands need at least a couple of days and the Big Island perhaps a week or more.

Still, even with Oahu or Maui you will get a chance to enjoy the weather and see part of the state. Then try to plan a trip back to visit another island or two.

Over the years I made 13 trips before moving here. I visited every neighbor island but Lanai and Niihau and did things many tourists usually don't. I was trying to become a resident all along.

Each island is an experience. Just pick one and go with the flow.

Kölner

Oahu isn't only Waikiki. Many People like you only stay in Waikiki and then think this is Oahu. But Oahu is much more than only Waikiki.
Small beach? Waikiki has a very long beach, and there is not only one beach in Waikiki. Waikiki has many beaches. How long do you were at Oahu? One night?

!?
That makes no sense, you can not compare an Island (Kauai) with a City (Waikiki).

djp98374

It depends on what your interests are....and when you are traveling

If you are into history then you probably want to do Ohau and visit Pearl Harbor.

If you like to see whales --especially humbacks you can find them off of Maui during the first months of the year.

I would look at this and say what you would be interested in doing that if you were to travel there with a significant other you wouldnt do.

Shanye2233

I have 5 nights coming up in nov with my mother she's 56 it's just me and her. We have never been and never will probably go again. We are landing in hnl I have status with Hilton ,Marriott and Hyatt. Does anyone of their resorts have lounges for free food throughout the day and where would you guys recommend to go with are coming from Sydney.
P.s she's a fit lady who doesn't mind walking around. And I do have a cert 6 to use with spg.

I am also landing in hnl and can't get cheaply to the other islands.

I found jw Marriott any good there for platinums ?

Lavarock7

I wrote this a few years ago when I booked excursions in Kona. It may help those visiting the Big Island. Note that the directions assume Kona and if you are at a resort, you are perhaps 15 minutes to half an hour further north that these starting points. Also, I have not updated items in a while and some info may be stale. Still, it gives you an idea of why I suggest staying a week on the Big Island. These trips cover at least 2 and 1/2 days of driving with not much time to spend at any location.

--

Day Trips From Kona

These notes cover 3 different “road trip” suggestions. The Northern trip can be done in ½ to ¾ day but the other two require a full day’s drive. Gas up before returning to save worries.

Northern Route

Take 19 north. There is a lava tube almost exactly 2 miles north of the airport stoplight on your right. Be careful if you slow or stop.

Follow along the coast (this is where the Ironman bike race happens) and make a left at 19/270 and follow that road into Hawi.

In Hawi, check out Bamboo Restaurant (closed Monday) or Luke’s Place at 270/250 (closed Tuesday), if you want lunch up there. See the King Kamehameha statue.

Follow 270 to end of road and enjoy view of Pololu Valley.
Come back along 270 to 250 and make a left towards Waimea.
Enjoy the view of cactus, Mauna Kea and the observatories and a view down the coast.

If still wanting lunch, Merriman's (closed Sun) just before you get to Waimea, or other places in town.

Waimea is home to the sprawling Parker Ranch.

Perhaps go along 19 East to the Waipio Valley (Tex’s drive in - Honoka’a has malasadas)

Return by 190 down the upper road and see Maui and the old lava flows below you.

Southern Trip

Leave Kona early at perhaps 7am. Go south to milepost 111 and head downhill on Napoopoo Road.

At the 3-way intersection, continue downhill to the bottom. Make a right, go a short distance and see Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument in distance).

Leave the bay and continue along the ocean road for about 3 miles. (If snorkeling, just before the state park tollbooth, there is a right turn and the snorkeling spot called two-step).

When you leave the park, make a right to go up the hill and then a left onto Painted Church Road. Watch carefully for a right turn into the Painted Church (less than ½ mile).

Leave the church and go back to previous road and go left up the hill again and make a right onto 11. There are few stores/restaurants along the way. An hour or so later, stop at Punaluu for bread, etc and past that make a right to the black sand beach at the golf course and sign.

Exit the beach on the far end, get back to 11 and continue towards the volcano.

Stop at P.T. Café in Pahala (up the road from the hospital) Kamani at Pikake Streets, snacks and drinks (used to be called Tex’s).

Continue on 11 to Volcano town. Perhaps see the winery. Get gas in town

Turn right to enter the park (be careful at that intersection). Go directly to the Welcome Center. Continue to steam vents and the observation point. Parts of the park may be blocked off based upon recent volcanic activity.

Exit park and return to Kona (did you get gas?)

Eastern Route

(FAST ROUTE)

Take 19 north along coast. At about 2 miles north of the airport stoplight, watch on right side for a lava tube!

At Kawaihae, take 19 through Waimea to the east side.

(SCENIC ROUTE)

Go up Henry, past Safeway (or Palani) and take 190 past Waikoloa to Waimea, continue along east on 19. We do NOT recommend taking route 200 across the island and your rental car contract may specifically restrict that!

After Waimea you may want to take route 240 to see the Waipio Valley from the overlook. Then perhaps stop at Tex’s (Honokaha) for malasadas.

Watch for Route 220 (on your right) to Akaka and Kahuna Falls. Go through town (make a left then right). Don’t leave valuables in car. They are doing some construction, so you may only see 1 waterfall. Still, worth the trip!

Exiting 220 you will continue to the right (Southward) towards Hilo.

At Hilo, take Waianuenue Ave to the falls, then back down to Hilo’s main road.

Stop for shaved ice along Kamehameha Ave, Café Pesto or Ken’s House of Pancakes [across from the airport at the route 19 and 11 intersection] (they have lots besides pancakes).

Get gas across from airport!

Past Hilo to the South, stop at Pana’ewa Rainforest zoo to see the white Bengal tiger. The place is somewhat small but entrance is free and where else will you see a tiger on vacation?

Perhaps drive down 11 to 130 (Kea`au) to the Kalapana lava viewing area (info 961-8093) and a 20-minute walk over lava and road. You may see steam, smoke and glowing before sunset, but certainly better later at night. Parking from 2pm to 8pm. The last car must be out by 10pm. You need good shoes, some water and flashlights.

You got gas, right?

Back up Route 130 to Route 11.
Make a right and come around the top route, following 19 all the way through Waimea
Continue along the coast on 19 and then south to Kona.


Note that there is a separate $10 for entrance to each of the Place of Refuge and Volcano Parks. If one of you is 62 or older, get a Senior Pass instead. That is a permanent park pass for America. Cost is $10 and allows all in the car to enter any National Park in the U.S.

Kalapana viewing area hours are 5pm to 10pm (Last car in at 8pm). [This info may be outdated] This may change based upon recent volcano activity.
INFO LINE: 808-961-8093