Hawaii (Big Island) Travel Forum

I would like to have some ideas as to how to plan my vacation to Hawaii. I am finally making this dream come true. I have been in many places but never been here before. I was thinking probably visiting two islands? How can I plan my vacation to Hawaii in two weeks? Any suggestion is greatly appreciated. My husband enjoys diving too much. Where is a good place to go diving in Hawaii? Should I book airline tickets firt to Honolulu and from there we go somewhere else?

Any ideas and suggestions are greatly appreciated!!

Thank you in advanced
Baronesa

Your Title suggests that you are wanting to go to the Big Island, ie Hawaii.

All of the islands have great diving but that varies also. Probably Maui and the Molokini crater are the best known of the spots. Try this URL: http://imagine-hawaii.com/diving.html

All of the islands are unique in there own right, can you give us a little more insight as to what else would make your perfect dream vacation?

Hi...

Heard that you're going to Hawaii, Good choice!
Not too sure about where to Dive in Hawaii but you might want to check out
http://www.101thingstodo.com

But since you're going there... Oahu is the must! and is the only island that have buses but you can rent the car as well. but going to other island... no buses around.

You can buy tickets from Honolulu perhaps it may be cheaper there.

Regards,

Bangkok Paradise

I've dove on both the Big Island and Oahu. The diving on Oahu is average. However there is a WW2 wreck called the Corsair. It is an intermediate to advanced 100'-105' dive and is Oahu's most popular dive site. You can both snorkel in Hanauma Bay, which is a must see on Oahu. The diving on the Big Island is much much better. The Kona side is world renowned. A popular dive is the night dive with the Manta Ray's.

My friend just got back from diving the Big Island. She said she prefered Maui to the Big Island for diving. She said the water was bluer and the colors more vibrant. I've never been but most diving magazines reccomend Kona.

Hi. Sounds like you're going to the Big Island of Hawaii. This is the largest island and the most laid-back. You will need to go out to sea to find the dive spots. If you yourself don't like diving and prefer snorkeling, both you and your husband can try the Body Glove Cruises. They offer both. There are several active volcanoes on the Big Island and if you can, do the helicopter tour by Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. They are the best. You can probably get a discount off the tours by enduring a timeshare sales pitch. It's worth it if you want to do a lot of tours. Attend the ones given over at Kona Beach Resort by Shell Hospitality. The island of Maui would be another good island for you to visit plus there's a fast catamaran that goes from Maui to Molokai that you can board in Lahaina. You can also drive the road to Hana on Maui - it's a twisty, narrow road. Kauai is probably the most unspoiled of the islands but it is more expensive to stay there. Hope you have fun!

Try to get to Kauai. It has the most spectacular scenery of the islands. For a second island, do either Maui or the Big Island. In all cases, you will need to rent a car to get around.

I live on the Big Island, but we have a vog problem from the volcano. Resorts 30 miles north of us, such as Hilton or Marriott, have better air. There is lot's to see here and we are further back in time than the other islands.
We just came back from Maui and I highly recommend http://www.mauicoasthotel.com if you go to Maui. It's a nice mid-priced hotel that has been completely remodeled this spring and looks great. Has nice pool, food & beverages. Three airlines keep their flight crews here and it's quiet. It's across the road from the ocean so the rates are cheaper than the expensive hotels. You can get a 1 bedroom unit or 2 room unit (1 BR & 1 living room)with 2 flatscreen TV's with a couch, table & chairs, tiny kitchen, and large bathroom. No charge for parking and free use of 2 computers in the lobby. The lady operating the gift shop is a friend of ours. There is also a travel desk for booking activities. The Hana road is famous for curves, bridges, and waterfalls, but if you go around the northern tip of the island you will really see the undeveloped portion. Sometimes just one lane. It makes Hana highway look like a freeway.
The island of Kauai is the prettiest and most lush. Helicopter tour is great.
I always suggest visitors book their room for the night they are leaving even though you wont be here. That way you have a place to rest and shower before your flight leaves if it's a late one. Nothing worse than checking out at noon and spending the day driving around killing time until your plane leaves. That's if it's a late flight like a lot of them are.