Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Travel Forum

I would like to go to Hawaii the third week in Oct.08 and need help in planning my first ever trip there. I want to rent a condo from a private owner instead of staying at a hotel because I thought that would be more economical since I am on a budget and it will be 2 adults traveling. I can't make up my mind where exactly to go, meaning which island would give me more bang for my buck and the sightseeing part of the trip as well. I know it is very expensive to go to Hawaii but I want to do my best and go. I am a recent cancer survivor and I now want to do things that I said where on my to do list and never got around to do. Now is the right time and I need help in planning out the trip of a lifetime for me and my best friend who was with me thru the hardest time of my cancer and recovery which has lasted going into 14 months now. I was just told that I am cancer free and I want to do something to celebrate my victory, so anyone who can advise me of how to go about planning this trip I would greatly appreciate it, I need discount airline info. to where to stay and I already know that I want to see and do as much as I can within a 7 day period because that is how much time we will be staying there. From 10-22-08 thru 10-30-08. I would love to see the main attractions such as the volcanoes, black sand beach,tropical rainforests, waterfalls, a luua, hula dancing, go parasaling, see the giant turtles, go whale-watching, and perhaps take in a helicopter ride. So please all info. / advice is appreciated. I would like to start making my plans for this trip asap, so that is why I am inquiring now.

Hello


This trip is based on travel from Baltimore to Honolulu

Air

from $697 with tax Roundtrip avg/person (2 Adults $1394 with tax)
Depart Baltimore (BWI)WED 22, Oct 2-Stops
Arrive Honolulu (HNL) WED 22, Oct
Return Wed 29, Oct
Expedia.com

Private Condo/Beach Style Cottage

Contact the owners direct to confirm dates;

Private Weekly Rates Approx $800 - $1000 Average Daily Rate $135, Compared to Standard Hotel $190

vacationhomes.com
vacationrentals.com
ownerdirect.com
findrentals.com

You should budget for $1150, Air/Accommodation (2 @ $2294)


Waikiki and downtown Honolulu can realistically be done without a car. Waikiki itself is walkable, and public shuttles and buses connect it with the downtown area and the most important sites (Pearl Harbor, Polynesian Cultural Center, etc.)

If you plan to further your explorations on Oahu, rent a car. Reserve your vehicle in advance, particularly during peak travel times and during major special events. Most large rental car companies have airport counters and complimentary transportation for pickup/drop-off back at the airport upon departure.

If you are staying in Waikiki, consider renting a car only on the days you plan to use it. You don't need a car in Waikiki itself, and hotel parking garages charge everyone (even hotel guests) close to $20 a day, plus tips. Parking is another reason to consider taking The Bus or a shuttle to downtown Honolulu.

Top Atttactions

Wild Side Eco-Adventures
Wale watching and other sea going attractions
sailhawaii.com


Hiking Tours / Rainforest
hikingtours.net/tours/tourDetail.cfm?tour_id=3079

Pearl Hobour Tours
pearlharborhq.com

Other most visited places to see
allhawaiitours.com


Best wishes

Thank you so much for all of the info. that you posted and so quickly I might ad. I am going to start researching the info., that you provided right away. I am very excited about this trip as I have been thru alot this past year and need a big pick me up. I will definately let you know how my planning goes as with your giving me tips to get started with. Thanks again and Aloha.

If on Oahu, altho Waikiki good start, why not reserve a bed & breakfast, or rooms (not hotel) out at Northshore. If no car, TheBus (#52 of #55) will get you there (check their website). Northshore is wonderful, great beaches. The giant turtles are at Laniakea Beach. No matter where you stay, I suggest taking TheBus from the Ala Moana Center using the Circle Island Route (again #52 or #55) All for $2 or if you are a senior $1 plus show Medicare card) an since it circles the island, you only pay once. Ask for transfer since if you get off TheBus at Polynesian Culteral Center, you can get back on again after you are ready. Shark's Cove at Pupukea on North Shore, great safe snorkeling and spying all the beautiful fish. All on Oahu as I don't know details about the other islands, but they are all wonderful. I was born here 84 years ago and have never lost my great love for Hawaii and the Aloha spirt - especially prevalent at North Shore. Jackie

You may want to check out www.vrbo.com.
The site is Vacation Rentals By Owners and there is a tremendous selection for all of the islands.

Kauai is the most beautiful island. We have the active volcano on the Big Island, but vog is often heavy in Kona and sometimes over the whole island.