Travel Answers

Is there a lounge area for overnighting in the airport in Honolulu?

We are going to the Big Island at the end of May with a group from my husband's work. There is one day earmarked for exploring the island. We will be staying on the Kona Side (Four Seasons Hualalai).....help me plan this day! Sun up to sun down baby! We are also foodies...so recommend stops along the way for can't miss Hawaiian treats!

I will be there in June 2013. I want to do my itineray with price of all activities. I want to do something everyday.

Big Island - Lava flow- Kilauea
Have a couple of days to decide if I would:
1) see the crater in the Volcanoe Ntl park
2) take a lava boat tour
3) helicopter tour
I will spend one night only in that area. So, I must decide which one I would choose to see the lava after sunset.

I have read lots lots lots of reviews on lava boat tours. Some people say its incredible. Some it's not worth it, cos the lava is not flowing into the sea anymore.

I may also decide to take the helicopter tour, which is quite expensive. I have to choose between the boat and the helicopter. But if the weather doesnt permit, the helicopter tour is not an option.

I need help. Thanks

My husband and I, and our 2 teenage sons 17 & 15 need to plan a vacation for July, we both have 2 weeks off and every year I go to plan an Hawaii trip and I get overwhelmed and we end up making other plans but now we have seen so much of the US and I would love to now plan a wonderful 10 day trip to Hawaii but I just can't decide where to go and it's overwhelming because I know it's very expensive so I want to make sure we make the best of it. We need a hotel/place that has 3 beds, my sons won't share a bed so that is a must. I thought about splitting up the time between 2 islands. We have never been to Hawaii and this trip might be the only time so I want to see everything that we can to make it the best. We love to hike and sight see the most and the beaches we are more the type to walk on them or relax for a little bit, we won't spend even half our our time on the beaches but I would LOVE to see wildlife and waterfalls, and everything that makes Hawaii so beautiful. Also my husband and I are Vegans, is there a lot of options for Vegans, I wasn't finding much when I google it.
Thanks!

Unit 962 has anyone stayed in this unit?

How good is the road from Kona to Hilo. It looks like a 3 hour drive time. I am flying to Kauai and can save money if I fly from Hilo. Is it worth the savings. Flights are $20 more and there is a $60 drop charge for the car. should I suck up the expense or drive to Hilo

When we vacationed in oahu we went on a ghost tour that to my surprise was a lot of fun. In july we will be visiting Maui and i havent been able to find any ghost tours. Does Maui offer tours like this?

Hello all!
I will be in Maui 5 days beginning of May and 5 days on the Big Island.

I've done quite an extensive research, but still undecided as where I should stay.

I've tried to identifiy the distances (I'll have a car on both islands) between points of interests.

Would like to stay near an interesting beach (Kapalua, Kaanapali, Makena) in Maui. I will of course do the road to Hana, but not sure if I would spend overnight in that area ... or perhaps one night to do Haleakala the morning after?

Is it advisable to book all the 5 nights on the West side ( I mean Kapalua area) and drive more ? Or should I split my stay, i.e. 3 nights around Kapalua and 2 nights near Hana?

Same dilemna with the Big Island. 2 nights near Hilo and 3 nights on the Kona side? The distances are bigger on The Big Island.

Although I will have a car, it could be nice to limit the time spent in the car :)

Thanks for your help

Anyone been there ? We are going in 3 weeks with my 21 mo. old Grandson. Is it far from the water and main facilities of the Resort ? Any recommendations ?

Hi all! We are a family of 2 adults and 2 kids (ages 12 and 10); and have 10 days on the BI, leaving Apr 11. We love nature, outdoors, hiking and wildlife, but also want to experience a bit of the beaches and try out some easy snorkelling.

I have listed our itinerary below and would appreciate any thoughts or advice. I also have a few questions within the descriptions below:

1. On day 1, we arrive at 11am and plan to spend the afternoon at the North Kona Beaches (Kekaha Kai State Park, Makalawena Beach, etc). We are novice snorkellers, so are looking for something safe where we can see some water life including if possible part of a reef. Would these two beaches provide that for us?

2. On day 2, we are planning to go on the Pu'u Wa'awa'a Trail to the cinder cone, before mixing short hikes and beach time at Kiholo Bay, Mauna Kea Beach and Anaeho'omalu Beach (there is a nice-sounding hike from thre to Keawaiki Bay that looks good for the evening). Same question as (1) about these beaches?

3. Day 3, we plan to split between visiting Polulu Valley and an evening at the Mauna Kea Visitors' Center for star-gazing. At Polulu Valley, we were hoping to do some of the trail up the opposite wall (Honokane Nui). Not the full trail, but just up the wall to a viewing point. We found a website BigIslandHikes.com which narrated this path. How are the conditions on this hike? And is the trail clearly marked? FYI, we are all fit and avid hikers, so does this sound like a reasonable plan?

4. Day 4: we plan to hike down to Waipi'o Valley and do a little of the Muliwai Trail (guide book suggests to the 3rd switchback for a great view).
---> How different is this from Polulu Valley? Same question as (3) about conditions and trail marking.

5. After finishing Wai'pio, we plan to drive the Hamakua Coast to Hilo stopping in a few places like Akaka Falls. We also saw there is a nature trail in Kalopa Native State Forest. Is this worth doing?

6. For Day 5, we planned to split time between doing a couple of miles of the Pu'u O'o Trail along Saddle Rd to see some of the native bird-life, followed by exploring the Puna area.
--> We have read extensively about bacterial issues in the pools around Puna. The advice was to avoid the day after weekends and go early morn. We will be there on Tues. How much of a problem is this? Are we taking a big risk if we sit or swim in Kapoka Tide Pools, Champagne Pond, Ahalanui Spring, etc.?

7. Days 6-8 we are spending at Volcano National Park. We wanted to hike close to the lava, but learnt that given orientation and difficulty, this can only be done with a guide. We have spoken with a gentleman called David Ewing, whose tour receives some good reviews on this site. Any thoughts on this vs. other tour companies?

8. We were looking forward to doing the Ranger-guided Pua Po'o Lava Tube hike, but unfortunately, it is not being run due to sequestration cuts. Could anyone recommend an interesting and safe lava tube we could go to? We read about Thurston Lava Tube, but I know there are others also (e.g. Emesine on Saddle Road near Hilo).

9. Has anyone done the Ka'u Desert (Footprints) Trail. Any thoughts on this?

10. Day 9, we plan to spend around Ka'u/South Point, starting with the hike to Green Sands Beach. We also noticed that the Kahuku section of Volcano Park is close to here. Can anyone advise on the hikes in this section? Are they anything special?

11. Then planned to drive in the evening to Puuhonua Nat Historic Park (we are spending the night close to this) and roam around as it approaches sunset.

12. On our final day, we were planning to do some snorkelling at Kahulu Beach and then visit Kaloko Honokohau Nat Hist Park, just N of Kona.

We also came across a cloud forest near to Kona (Kaloko Drive) - has anyone any experience of hikes in this area, and any thoughts on these?

Many thanks in advance for any help on all this!

We are arriving late on 4/28 for a week in Maui and our hotel made an error in our reservation, showing us checking in 4/29. The only remedy they offer is to have us stay in a different room (at $200/night) then CHECK OUT AT 10 -- wait until 4PM and Check in to our reserved room!

If I could cancel, I would. But I'd prefer not to even give them any more of my business now for our needed first night.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a one-night stay? Most of the reasonably priced places I've looked at either have poor reviews or require a minimum 3-day stay. I don't need to be in any particular location.
And in a way, since this is going to be our first trip to Hawaii, I'd sort of enjoy checking out some other location besides the standard hotels.

Hello,

We will be returning to Kauai for a 5 day trip. We went 2 years ago and stayed 4 days, we didn't know much about the island at that time and are searching to plan our next trip better.

On the first visit, we stayed in a hotel in Kapaa, we liked the area, being kind of central.

On this visit, we are looking at condos (we will be 4), we have spotted some at Princeville, at first view it seems kind of far from Poipu and the Canyon... what do you guys think?

To help you out, here's a list of things we are looking forward to do during our 5 day trip.

- Waimea Canyon + hang out at Poipu beaches/area,
- Kalalau trail
- Kayak to Secret Falls
- Snorkelling
- Queen's bath
- Hang out at beaches

We did visit Kauai once and know our way around it, but are not so aware of the special places.

So here are my specific questions :

- Does the east/north (somewhat max 30 minutes from Princeville) of Kauai offer a good enough variety of beaches and snorkelling to cover 2-3 days, so that we do not have to run around the island for those activities?

- Is there any special places that you would suggest (beaches, treks, waterfalls, activities) ?

- Would Kauai be a nice place to learn to surf (similar to Waikiki), and if yes, where at?

- Does Waimea Canyon offer treks that are spectacular? (In my opinion, simply looking at the Canyon from the observation areas is spectacular), are we missing out by just looking at it without walking right into it?

- So Helicopter rides leave from the airport? Are you aware if you must book in advance, or are you able to get in just a few days prior?

- Golf, how good is Kauai for golf? Any specific courses to recommand? I know golfing in Hawaii can be expensive, let's say something in the range of 40$ - 90$ for the round (not sure what those prices get you..)

Thanks all,

Hello-
My family is wanting to go on a family vacation next year (age range 23 - 60) so we were thinking about Hawaii. We narrowed it down to Oahu and we are thinking about renting a house on the beach for a week. I have done some research and found that the best weather occurs during the months of April - October, that it is the least expensive in the spring or fall and it gets busy during holidays, more specifically the last two weeks of December, the last week of April and the first week of May. With that said, it seems like we should go either the first couple of weeks of April or in September/October. The vacation we are picturing involves visiting Pearl Harbor but for the most part - relaxing on the beach (nice beach). We aren't really interested in going from island to island or being on the go from morning until night. Since we want to rent a house, we were thinking of going to the grocery store to buy groceries so we would really only eat out a couple of times during the week (meaning - take advantage of the kitchen). Please provide tips or suggestions. Thank you!

This might be a stretch but does anyone know about visiting the area(s) in Hawaii that Lost was filmed?

Which period between 1st Dec - end Mar is the best time to visit Hawaii. We plan on 4 days Oahu, 5 days Maui & 5 days Big Island? This will be our first time to your beautiful islands. Is it worth while to rent a car on Oahu, we will definitely for Big Isl & Maui? I have a ton of questions but I think I can get most info from the forum
Thanks for your responses
Jack

Wow. thanks to all! What good pieces of advice I have received so far!
Well as many told me, Hawaii as so much to offer!The more I read on it the more I question myself... Choices are tough to make...

So... here are a few more questions.
1) I am wondering if I should wait upon my arrival on Big Island to make a reservation for a helicopter tour - Hilo- over the waterfalls and volcanoe- or if I should make the reservation via Internet right now. I'll be in Hilo around May 12. Should I wait to see if weather permits?

2) I've read that car rental companies don't allow renters to drive up to the Green Sand Beach (unless one rents a 4 wheel drive). My interest would be to see the color of the sand only because I will have a car anyway and I can go to swin or snorkel to any other beach. Not sure I will rent a 4 wheel drive for that. Any advice?

3) Would like to visit a coffee plantation. Any recommendations ? I'll be in the Kona aera for at least 3 days.

4) I am a bit confused : what's the difference between Road of Craters and Craters Rim road? Are they the same? If not, which one is better (if I have time to do one of the 2 only)?

5) the Haleakala Bike ride from the top is about 23 miles? is that correct? Well I don't know if it is worth it. I know I could take a tour that would allow me to start the bike ride down from the top (10 000 feet) or from around 6500 feet. Would I miss a lot starting the bike ride at 6500 feet instead of 10000 feet?

6) I am considering to go on a LAVA BOAT tour. How close from the lava does the boat go? If one of you VT fellow have done it, would you please give me advice and recommendations. And should I wait to be on the Big Island before making the reservation or should I make it right now on the Internet?

THANKS ALL AND I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP :)

We are flying into Honolulu for the day to go to Pearl Harbor - will have all afternnon on Oahu before flying back to Kona that night .... what should we do/not do?

Hello all! I am still planning my trip to Hawaii - 14 days - beginning of May. I will spend 4 nights in Honolulu, 5 in Maui and 5 on the Big Island.
After reading a lot, I have now very specific questions.
1) I will go snorkeling and decided to go on Maui (Molokini) and on Big Island (Hapuna). My question is: I've read it could be very crowdy at Hanauma Bay in Oahu, so I've decided to skip it due to time constraints. Will I miss something if I don't go to Hanauma?
2) I am not too sure if I would go to a Luau show because it seems to be more of a tourist trap... Is there any Luau where locals go or that you would recommend? Ulalena in Maui? Paradise Cove in Oahu?
3)Where is the best beach to see and swim with turtles? Black Rock Kanapaali? Turtle town?
4) I will not have a car in Honolulu, except for one day perhaps to go to the North Shore. Where should I stay? What area would be convenient if we have to take the bus? Waikiki ? If so, What part of Waikiki6
5) Is the Blow Hole in Oahu worth it? I wll see the volcano on Big Island and the Craters Road. Should I skip the Blow Hole?
6) Finally are there any buses or transportation means at all on Maui in the Kapalua area?
Thanks all!

I have noticed during my research that Hana seems to be a must visit spot. Research also tells me it is a big day. Is too much for one day? And a very important consideration for me are there guard rails along the side of the road on the steep parts. I ask because on a trip to Yosemite a couple of years ago there wasn't and the drop was spectacular! Very unnerving! Ha ha especially when you drive on the wrong side of the road!!
We are spending 6 nights on Maui and 5 in Honolulu. That uses up my 2 weeks school vacation time to the full. I am sure we will want to return. :)

One review says its a 5 mile hike while another says a local will drive ... is there alwasy someone who will drive you there without making you broke?

I m wondering if is there a ferry from LA to Hawaii Honululu ??

I'll be in Hawaii at the beginning of May for 14 days.

I have decided I would visit Honolulu plus 2 more islands only. My choice is Maui and Big Island.

I am just wondering how many days I should spend on each of the 3 (Oahu, Maui and Big).

I will rent a car on Maui and on Big Island, but not in Honolulu.

Would you please help me with the following:

1) Are 3 days enough in Honolulu? Think one day in the north on the beach, one day at Pearl Harbour and one day on Waikiki, although it seems that Waikiki is not necessarily worth it.

2) On Maui, I've been told it can be more rainy on the West Coast. I've planned to spend 5 days there, split my stay 3 days in the North West area (Kapalua? Kihei?) and 2 days in the East (including one day road to Hana).

3) On the Big Island, I would split my stay : 2 or 3 days around Kona, 2 days around Hilo including the national park). One day around Mauna Kea.

I'd like to spend 2 days at the beach each on the Big Island and Maui.

Should I spend more time on the Big Island? Do you believe that 3 days in Honolulu, 5 days on Maui and 6 days on the Big Island is a good split?

thanks!!!!

Years ago (1998) I was on Kauai and Maui. Now that I look on my photos, I do not remember where the beach on the photo was.
Here is the link to my uploaded photos: members.virtualtourist.com/p...

Does anyone know?

Hi, does anyone know if I can easily walk to Gorilla in the Cafe from the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel?

Mahalo.
Joanie

Hey!
My brother and I are going to Maui for ten days in the end of May and are looking for where to stay during pur vacation. We are planning on renting a car at least for 4-5 days to be able to go to Hana etc... We are 24 years old and are looking for some kind of mix I would say between the "Hawaii experience"- that is not TOO touristy all the time, but also not TOO quiet when it comes to activities and night life... We do not have to live next to a bar or a club but we would enjoy having the opportunity to go out and have a beer and listen to live music etc. We are on a budget and I guess a hostel is what we are looking for even though it would be nice not to stay in a dorm with noisy teens... I really can't decide between south and west. We want beautiful beaches, opportunity to snorkel/surf and also access to the rest of the island, both with car and transportation to airport when we are going home, and when we leave the car which we will rent from the Kahului airport. Would be so thankful if you had any good answers to my bible of questions...

Hi,
Our TA has recommended we hire a car while visiting Maui in September 2013. It seems it is an hours drive from the airport to Kaanapali. We will have come from Australia and wonder if we will feel up to driving for an hour on arrival. Also we probably do not need a car on the first or last day.
Is it feasible to get transfers to and from the airport and pick up and drop off a hire car in or near Kaanapali?
Thanks

We will be in port for two days in Honolulu and would like to go from our ship Celebrity Solstice to the beaches and back what is the best way to do this that won't cost a bomb.

I am travelling to Maui on honeymoon at the end of October. Ideally looking for a smart apartment /condo . I am not sure why on the island is good. Would like a central location for bars resturants beach etc . Any suggestions.

looking for budget accommodation in Maui in May for 4 days . We are not renting a car but are planning a couple of tours. Is there any public transport in the main area in order to get around? Also, happy for hotels or b&bs. any suggestions? Thanks

Is it cheaper to rent a car from the airport or in a downtown location in Kona? Also, has anyone used costco to rent a car and how does it compare to the other agencies. Thank you