Hawaii Vacation

[hairyteeth]

If I live to get over this flu...The wife and I have always wanted to see Hawaii. I might have made a mistake not going with a tour company, but I wanted to do and see things at my pace. I'm looking for suggestions from those knowledgeable of Hawaii, sights that you loved and maybe even sights that were more hype than worth it. The airline tickets are for 5 nights each at 4 islands, Hawaii, Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. We like mountains, beaches, culture, history, beautiful sights you can't find in the 48. Things on my bucket list are Pearl Harbor Memorials, Dole Plantation, Volcano National Park, Waimea Canyon, Haleakala National Park. I know 20 days isn't enough but I have a feeling like alot of vacation time it's never enough. Thanks Mark

[Valker]

Great snorkeling in Hanuma(SP?) Bay on Oahu.

[Otus]

My in-laws went, they really enjoyed the helicopter Tour. Said it was a little pricey for the amount of time you were up but still said they were glad they did it. Then they went on a bicycle trip where they drive you to the top of a mountain and you ride back down. My Mother-in-law crashed and got stitches in her head but this says nothing about the skill level needed. She is very accident prone, I've seen her trip on a painted line.

[PAVALKER]

Take another week, don't rush it.   If you are a Vet you have a Military Friendly hotel at the Hale Koa on Waikiki Beach.

I got sick 2 or 3 days in to a trip there.....was miserable and when the others went to tour, I took a cab to Tripler Army Medical Center.... They got me all better, just in time to leave.   Fortunately I have been there before while I was in the Navy.  

[scooperhsd]

If I live to get over this flu...The wife and I have always wanted to see Hawaii. I might have made a mistake not going with a tour company, but I wanted to do and see things at my pace. I'm looking for suggestions from those knowledgeable of Hawaii, sights that you loved and maybe even sights that were more hype than worth it. The airline tickets are for 5 nights each at 4 islands, Hawaii, Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. We like mountains, beaches, culture, history, beautiful sights you can't find in the 48. Things on my bucket list are Pearl Harbor Memorials, Dole Plantation, Volcano National Park, Waimea Canyon, Haleakala National Park. I know 20 days isn't enough but I have a feeling like alot of vacation time it's never enough. Thanks Mark

The wife and me went back in '94 (spent 10 days on Oahu and the Big Island) - Stay in Hilo , not  Kona. Oahu is like Washington DC on an island - don't drive unless you have to (I did). Spend your first morning putting together what you're going to do when, and allow plenty of "slack time" to enjoy it. since you're short on time for each - while on Oahu - take one of the all day tours that should cover most that you listed. The "Real" hawaiian shirts can be found at the flea market in the Aloha Bowl.

You will LOVE the Volcano Nat'l Park (if I could figure out a way to make a living - I'm not sure I would ever left). If you can find MC rentals - DO IT !  Take lots of pictures and be friendly with the residents.

Enviously yours,

scooperhsd

[dragonslayer]

Years ago I spent some time on Kauai.Awsome place .the main road around the island dead ended at an overlook that really let you see the beauty of the island.The other deadend was at a very secluded beach.There also was a hotel where Elvis shot Blue Hawaii.If you really want to see some sites stop at the old post office and talk to the locals,very friendly people.It's been a long time but from what I've read the outer islands haven't changed much.Enjoy.

[sandy]

Search for Cruiser Bob's Mt Haleakala Downhill. That's the bike ride down the volcano.

[Chrisj CMA]

Don't bother with Oahu, spend the time on the other islands.  I grew up (HS years) on Maui.  You will regret most of the time wasted on the big crowds and traffic on Oahu.

[IamGCW]

Oahu
Haunauma Bay is more commercial than it used to be.  Good spot for beginners but there is better.  I would go over to Sharks cove (just past Waimeia Bay) for snorkeling.  There are one day snuba classes that will get you on air and deeper than snorkeling.  Hotels have flyers with that are helpful. 
Bring gloves (cloth) to wear and carry food to feed the fish.  They will swarm you, I use canned squirt cheese.  Peas or bagel pieces work well. 

Tantaulous drive runs in the hills above Honolulu.  Nice drive.

There are also some hiking trails above Honolulu that make for good nature hikes. 

The Pali lookout is also nice to visit.  As stated Oahu is commercial.  But the USS Arizona is a must see location. 

Turtle cove can be interesting.  Do not turn your back on the ocean!  Many drown there each year.  Good water shoes help for walking on the lava rock in some of the swim points.  Many beaches have fresh water showers for rinsing off.  Enjoy the country, avoid the cities.  Try Hawaiian shaved ice.  Enjoy a luau or two.  Suntan lotion and stay hydrated.   There are spelling errors in this due to the Hawaiian names being a challenge after being gone from there.

The local 7-Eleven is called ABC store.  Good for food and cheap tee shirts.  Fresh fruit and drinks.

Gil

[billyjakester]

We were there in May of '13.  On the big island we stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa Village (amazing), went ziplining (BIA Zipline) on the north end, did the helicopter ride (Blue Hawaiian), visited Kona and drove south along the west coast into some very remote interesting areas.  I would not do the sub ride in Kona again, but a good breakfast and lunch at Fish Hopper.  I'd recommend the helo ride that covers the entire island including the Volcano park, Hilo, the eastern (cliffs) side of the island, etc.

On Oahu stayed at Hilton Waikiki beach, very busy (a little like Miami), but interesting.  Pearl Harbor/USS Arizona is a must, sorry we didn't do the Missouri also.  The Punch Bowl (National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific) is another must see. It's a fun drive around the bottom of Diamond Head and then up the eastern shore.  Lots of beautiful scenery, beaches, etc.  Came back down to Waikiki thru the center of Oahu.  Dole plantation OK, nothing outstanding. 

Rent convertibles, great fun.  On Oahu stop in Hilo Hatties.......a giant Hawaiian tourist place, but fun.  The

[Black Pearl's Captain]

If I live to get over this flu...The wife and I have always wanted to see Hawaii. I might have made a mistake not going with a tour company, but I wanted to do and see things at my pace. I'm looking for suggestions from those knowledgeable of Hawaii, sights that you loved and maybe even sights that were more hype than worth it. The airline tickets are for 5 nights each at 4 islands, Hawaii, Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. We like mountains, beaches, culture, history, beautiful sights you can't find in the 48. Things on my bucket list are Pearl Harbor Memorials, Dole Plantation, Volcano National Park, Waimea Canyon, Haleakala National Park. I know 20 days isn't enough but I have a feeling like alot of vacation time it's never enough. Thanks Mark

I can only speak of Oahu. Yes on Pearl Harbor and Dole Plantation. From Dole take the short drive on north to the North shore beaches. Including going west to the old Dillingham airfield. You snorkel? (you should) Snorkel right off of Dillingham and be sure to snorkel just west of Pupekea beach park (there is parking). Continue on around the north shore and come back down the windward shore (eastern). The shrimp shack at Hauula is great.

http://www.shrimpshackoahu.com/Shrimp_Shack%21.html

If you are retired military I'd suggest you stay at Bello's airforce station recreation base at least a night. You'll stay within 100 feet of the shore. Do the Luau at the Hale Koa (if you are military). Otherwise I wouldn't waste money on a Luau. They're all BS buffet's now.

Do the Punch bowl for sure.

Snorkel (free) just east of the Makai pier.

Hike up to the Makapu'u lighthouse.

Hanauma bay park is just OK to me. Do it if you have extra time otherwise snorkel elsewhere for free

Avoid Wakiki at all cost HAHA.

Don't leave anything visible in your car anywhere. Theft is bad all over.

Eat at McDonalds for breakfast, the menu is totally different. Spam and rice.

Drive across hwy's 61 and 63.

Honolulu-Waikiki traffic at 6 to 8 am is some of the worst anywhere. Afternoon not much better.

Kane'ohe bay is awesome if you can get a boat ride out to the sandbar. Snorkeling at the sand island is super awesome (coral reef). We saw 40 sea turtles there.

[Chrisj CMA]

For military and business travelers that only went to Honolulu (Oahu) They cannot know the feeling you get on the other islands, away from crowds and hustle and bustle.

I spoke to many tourists when I lived on Maui that just got to Maui after spending their time on Oahu.  The overwhelming majority said they wished they skipped the Oahu part. 

The big Island and Kauai are even more remote and more that island feel.  The only snorkeling you should pay for is from a boat that takes you out to a location you cannot get to from shore!