Wife want to go to Hawaii in June....HELP!!!

[txwrangler]

It's our 10th anniversary this summer and she's set on going to Hawaii, no island in particular. A friend of ours mentioned a cruise that starts off in Honolulu and I think she said you're docked at 2 islands over a period of 7 days... That sounds good, but it's like $6000/couple and you spend a lot of time on the islands and not much on the actual ship where everything is paid for. So I'd be paying the $6000 for a place to sleep and food. I guess I need to know if it's better to just fly into one of the islands and stay at a nice hotel, or if the cruise thing would be worth it.

Anyone ever traveled to Hawaii?? Tell me what you'd do different or good experiences you had, cause this is a one time deal for us and I want it to be a good time (I also don't want to have to take out a loan for this trip:supergrin:)

Thanks for your help!

[jrc702]

I've been to Hawaii a couple of times. I wouldn't want to go there to spend time on a cruise ship.
I'd recommend taking a week, spending your first and last nights in Honolulu, and spending the other 5 days in Maui or the big island.
I don't care for the whole cruise ship / guided tour thing, it makes me feel like I'm being herded like cattle.

[itisbruno]

check out APPLE VACATIONS (http://www.applevacations.com)

Sometines they have pretty good 5 day packages.

[jilverthor]

I haven't been to Hawaii for almost twenty years, so I can't be of much help in that regard. My wife and I have taken cruises in the Caribbean, and love them. The first time I worried that I would become bored with the ship and/or become sea sick. Neither thing happened, instead we had a wonderful time both on land and at sea. I think the determining factors on the level of fun are as follows:

1. Did you chose the right cruise line?
Don't pick a Disney Cruise if you don't have kids

2. Did you plan to go at the proper time?
Don't go over spring break if you wish to avoid college students

3. Did you pick a ship that was appropriate for your desires?
A big ship if you want a bunch of things to do, a smaller ship if you are looking for more personalized service.

4. Did you get a nice room?
Rooms with balconies tend to be larger and have better views. They let in more light and are generally worth the money from what I understand.

In short, I think the cruise would be the way to go but only if you pick thre right cruise and take the time to research the options.

Hope this helps,
Tink

[USMCsilver]

check out APPLE VACATIONS (http://www.applevacations.com)

Sometines they have pretty good 5 day packages.

I second Apple. I've used them for Cancun twice and the Dominican once and have been more than pleased.

[*ASH*]

if you run into ole mullet hair DAWG the white trash hunter tell him...

IT'S ON CUZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

[Hawaiiglock]

If I were you I'd rent a beach front house and kick back and relax!!! Tourism is hurting big time here so I am sure that you could find a nice rental for a decent price.

[itisbruno]

If I were you I'd rent a beach front house and kick back and relax!!! Tourism is hurting big time here so I am sure that you could find a nice rental for a decent price.

Where would we find one to rent?

[686Owner]

I don't think I would want to do a cruise there. It's just not my style.

I went to Maui, stayed something like 11 days and it cost $4600 for four people for the condo & plane tickets. We stayed in a condo, so it was cheaper. No maid service, but we had a kitchen & ate some of our meals there.

Maui was just my pace. We went to Oahu for a day to visit Pearl Harbor & Honolulu was just like any other big city. None of the cities on Maui were nearly that big. We drove around West Maui for a day, drove the road to Hana for a day, took a helicopter tour of West Maui & Molokai one day, did a Luau one day, watched the Sunrise from Haleakala one day etc.

It was an amazing trip. Our accomodations were sufficient...we had a view of the ocean from our Lanai, but we were back about 50 yards or so and the beach wasn't suitible for swimming. We only had to drive about a mile to a very nice beach though. If I were going back I would stay in the same place with no hesitation. No sense in spending big money for a room I won't be spending much time in.

[ClydeG19]

I'll have a little more insight for you when I get back from Kauai in three weeks.:wavey:

[intheburbs]

My MIL lives in Maui in Lahaina - the Hololani Resort (http://www.mauihololani.com/new/home.html). A decent amount of the units are rented out. Her unit is an end unit, 50 feet from the beach. Do the rental thing - you won't regret it.

Here's a LINK (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60634-d120745-Reviews-Hololani_Resort-Lahaina_Maui_Hawaii.html) to Trip adviser reviews of it.

Here's my daughter standing on the back patio of the unit:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/100_2254.jpg

[armorplated]

I went to Pearl for a couple of days, stayed on Waikiki, then caught a commuter flight to Maui for a week. On Maui I stayed in a beachfront condo and the whole trip cost a lot less than $6K. That included rental car, the Warren and Annabelle show, helicopter ride, and ATVing in the mountains.

[*ASH*]

6 grand id be going to jamaica ,or costa rica :wavey:

[Hawaiiglock]

Where would we find one to rent?


Most rental places are on the net. If your coming to the Big Island and are looking for a quite relaxing spot near or on the beach I'd suggest Kealakekua bay, nice houses with plenty of swimming, snorkeling, and shore fishing. I would also see if there was anything avalable in Kona Paradise, its a small laid back community about 30 mins from town with its own kick butt beach, the reefs havent been beat up like other tourist spots, plenty of cool marine life.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Kealakekua_Bay.jpg

If you do end up comming to the Big Island drop me a pm, maybee we can do some fishing!!
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/msave/Picture003.jpg

[Hawaiiglock]

http://www.renthawaiihome.com/bay/index.htm

Here's one near Keei beach, close to town, but off the beaten path

[Misty02]

I second Apple. I've used them for Cancun twice and the Dominican once and have been more than pleased.

Don’t take these during hurricane season unless you are extremely adventurous and have a strong stomach.

[doktor doom]

I eloped to Hawaii and honeymooned there for 2 weeks.

Forget about a cruise. Go condo. Way cheaper, way nicer. You can grill your own steaks and then make frozen drinks in your own blender, and kick back every dusk to watch "the show" from your lanai ( trans:watch the sunset from your back porch ). Rent a car and see way more than you will from a ship. And your wife will love it, trust me. Hawaii is super romantic. I mean, honestly, it really is a tropical paradise.

All you have to do is use your computer, and then your telephone. Do a little bit of research, and then call and book it.

[doktor doom]

PS

Each Island has its own personality. Pick the one that suits you and offers the amenities or attractions that are important to you.

[Butch]

Maui was just my pace.
Yup! There's regular time, and then there's 'Maui time'! :-)

This was the view from the condo we rented just a couple hundred yards from the beach off of Wailea Alanui Drive (South end of Maui):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/ButchG17/Hawaii-2007view.jpg

You have to be there the right time of the year for whale watching....January was good:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/ButchG17/Hawaii-1-2007whale.jpg

And we took a day trip over to Honolulu too, mostly for me to see Pearl Harbor:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/ButchG17/Hawaii-2007mightyMo.jpg

The show:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/ButchG17/Hawaii-2007show.jpg



:patriot:

[NashvilleGlock]

If your really serious about going my family lives there and my Aunt has a rental across the street from Waimanalo beach, which is arguably one of the nicest beaches around. I can get her contact information to you and you can go from there. I would be willing to bet it would be a cheaper vacation than staying in a crappy hotel in the stripmall nightmare that is Waikiki.

The rental is a beautiful home tucked away in a local neighborhood with a cute little downtown area within walking distance. There are horse farms and stores galore all right there, but without the tourism. You can rent a car or take a bus to other things Hanauma Bay, Pearl Harbor being a must see.

So many people go to the islands and stay in Waikiki and never leave, then complain about how touristy it is. Get out of the box and stay in Hawaii not some tourist hell. The windward side of Oahu is beautiful with great surfing, snorkeling and secluded beaches. My wife and I were there for 2 hours before we saw our first person the last time we were there.

One more quick thing that is a lot of fun. Right down the street is Sea Life Park, they have Snuba (half snorkeling half scuba) and tons of things to do. It's also the place Adam Sandler worked in 50 first dates :rofl: Anyway PM if you want the info...

[Gareth68]

If you do the cruise ship, don't touch the temporary tatoo cart. No matter how curious you get....

:supergrin:

[eisman]

I've done two weeks on the beach near Makaha (20 North of Honolulu) for less than $1500/couple. (Including Airfare from CA.)

Here's a couple shots to show why I don't reccommend a large condo/tourist ara:
http://i313.photobucket.com/albums/ll371/kgc1960/pokai2.jpg
http://i313.photobucket.com/albums/ll371/kgc1960/pokai13.jpg

[filthy infidel]

If you do the cruise ship, don't touch the temporary tatoo cart. No matter how curious you get....

:supergrin:

:wavey:

My wife's mother is from Oahu, so we've been quite often.
Kauai is our favorite island by far. We usually stay in Poi'pu (where you can see the cruise ships come in). If you stay at the Hilton property you can walk down to to the bridge and have a nice cheap breakfast with the locals at the Kalapaki Beach Hut. You drive clockwise to see the Waimea Canyons (absolutely stunning). Try to go to the top by nine thirty or so, there is a naval radar station there but the views are stunning, usually clouded in by ten or so. Going the other way, going counterclockwise, you'll cruise through the Tree Tunnel (amazing), you have an easy drive that will eventually take you to hana-lei. Incredible beauty, especially the poi fields viewed from above on the way in.

We did Lanai last year (just the wife and I). It is really 'getting away'- there is ONE stop light on the island and not much to do. We did rent a Jeep and do some off roading through the Garden of the Gods and down to the coast, the rest of the time we just took it easy. You can see Maui from Lanai.

Maui is pretty cool (I only went once). You are obligated to drive the 'road to hana'. Amazing scenery, wild road.
Haleakala is the mountain where you can see the sunrise from ABOVE the clouds if the weather is good. When I went with my wife we did the 'bike down haleakala. You hop on a bike and roll down the mountain- the only place on earth where you descend 10,000 feet o the sea in 38 miles.

Kona is very rocky and mountainous with active volcanoes and fissures. Volcano national park is interesting, not very photogenic. The sides of the highway are covered in white stone symbols and sayings, pretty neat.
You can drink your Longboard Lager freshest downtown a the Kona Brewing Company.

Oahu offers a lot as well. If I could bring anything back, it would be a Zippy's or two. They are the Hawaiian version of Perkins' restaurant. You can get your loco moto or my favorite, portugese sausage on fried rice with egg over easy- I could eat it three meals a day.
On the north side of the island, surely enough, you'll find the famous North Shore. There is frequently a surfing competition. You should drop by Matsumoto's for some shave ice.
You can drive east and go through some picturesque jungles and towns, plus the Dole pineapple plantations- worth a visit too. Diamond head means you're getting into Waikiki. The beaches in Waikiki are filled with beautiful people. Be sure to stop by the Surfrider and have a drink under the giant Banyan tree. My oldest boy met the ocean for the first time nearby in the Ala-Moana state park.
Heading West you'll get to Pearl Harbor, and owe it to yourself to tour the Arizonal memorial.

These are things that I remember most, you're sure to have a great time!

[capnjim01]

Went to Maui In August a year ago,airfare from the east coast, condo on the beach, car rental and food for 5 days less than $3000. For $6000 you can have a really good time.

[geminicricket]

My wife and I spent a week on the big island in 2000.

Lessons learned: A: One week is not nearly enough time to spend on the big island.
B: Rent a 4-wheel drive.
C: It really is possible to rent on the big island at a cost which seems low to me, a cheap SOB.
D: Carry your resume with you, and contact a realtor when you get there. It's just a crying shame to have to leave there and come back here.

[BLC]

There is no better place than Kauai. The most beautiful place I have ever seen in my life.

[txwrangler]

I'll have a little more insight for you when I get back from Kauai in three weeks.:wavey:

Yes, definitely let me know how it goes!! We are having trouble figuring out which island to go to... We are want to do some driving around and sightseeing, a little nightlife, relaxing on the beach, maybe a little deep sea fishing... I'd prefer something secluded from the big city... Any ideas??

[BLC]

Yes, definitely let me know how it goes!! We are having trouble figuring out which island to go to... We are want to do some driving around and sightseeing, a little nightlife, relaxing on the beach, maybe a little deep sea fishing... I'd prefer something secluded from the big city... Any ideas??


Then Kauai is for you

[JEP]

Yes, definitely let me know how it goes!! We are having trouble figuring out which island to go to... We are want to do some driving around and sightseeing, a little nightlife, relaxing on the beach, maybe a little deep sea fishing... I'd prefer something secluded from the big city... Any ideas??

My wife and I went to Maui on our Honeymoon-Awesome! Maui has a little night life with luaus, Warren and Annabel's (The best magic show and comedy show I have ever seen. I am not much for magic shows, but I read 6 books on Maui before we went and this place was mentioned as someting NOT to miss in everyone of them. They were right, it was one of the best nights we spent together in Maui at the haunted house) You can drive the road to Hana (basically a one lane dirt road around the island that goes through the jungle, on the edge of cliffs, to the red and black beaches, bannana bread stands, etc.) It can be a days drive if you do the entire loop, but you can also stay the night in Hana. Don't take a tour bus. Do rent a car and take the drive yourself.

You can go snorkeling on Kaanapali beach, right in front of the Sheraton Hotel (where the wife and I stayed). We saw turtles, rays, sharks, and large women in bikinis.:shocked:

Now to the part you were most concerned about. The cost. Nothing in Maui was cheap at the hotel. One time I ordered a sprite at the pool and it cost $5 bucks. We actually bought our tickets and booked the hotel room on Expedia.com. It was the cheapest way for tickets and room that we could find.

I recommend you put a kindey on Ebay and then start searching for tickets on Expedia. If you have a rare bloodtype, now is the time to call the number on that ad for plasma donation you see in the paper on Sundays.:supergrin:

[m814]

The wife and I went to Maui on our tenth anniversary two years ago. We loved it. We both wanted something quite, peaceful, and yet still be able to do some outdoor activities. I did some research and found out that Oahu was definitely not for us. We might as well go to Daytona Beach or some other big city by the water. I booked through Travelocity at a condo and got a good rate on rental car, flight and room. We were at the Napili Shores resort and loved every bit of it. It was exactly what we wanted. I then booked our activities through the Expedia concierge and got pretty good buys on all of them. We went helicopter flying, horseback riding, snorkeling, evening lua, evening dinner cruise, road to Hana, went to the Maui Ocean Center, and just had a blast. That to me was the way to do it, everything scheduled out by someone in the know so that you are not rushed to do everything. We spent about 5K and there was nothing we wanted to do that we didn't do. We were there for 7 days.
We were there in March when the whales were mating. That seemed like a big deal to most of the tourists, it was just whales to us.
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/100_0666.jpg

Of course this little souvenier is going to cost me a whole lot more than the actual trip did.:dunno:
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/100_1522.jpg

[proguncali]

The wife and I did a cruise in Hawaii.
We really liked it. It was a "Freestyle cruise."

I think the ship was called "Pride of Hawaii." It was its second week in service.

Here's a link to some pics: http://164.109.173.139/hawaii.htm

Do yourself a HUGE favor, get a cabin as high up as you can afford. If you don't the water will keep you up at night.... We went the extra yard for a balcony as well. It was nice as a private place to relax outside and we would keep the door open to get fresh air while we were in there.

[txwrangler]

The wife and I went to Maui on our tenth anniversary two years ago. We loved it. We both wanted something quite, peaceful, and yet still be able to do some outdoor activities. I did some research and found out that Oahu was definitely not for us. We might as well go to Daytona Beach or some other big city by the water. I booked through Travelocity at a condo and got a good rate on rental car, flight and room. We were at the Napili Shores resort and loved every bit of it. It was exactly what we wanted. I then booked our activities through the Expedia concierge and got pretty good buys on all of them. We went helicopter flying, horseback riding, snorkeling, evening lua, evening dinner cruise, road to Hana, went to the Maui Ocean Center, and just had a blast. That to me was the way to do it, everything scheduled out by someone in the know so that you are not rushed to do everything. We spent about 5K and there was nothing we wanted to do that we didn't do. We were there for 7 days.
We were there in March when the whales were mating. That seemed like a big deal to most of the tourists, it was just whales to us.
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/100_0666.jpg

Of course this little souvenier is going to cost me a whole lot more than the actual trip did.:dunno:
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/100_1522.jpg


I've already got 2 of those souveniers... I wouldn't trade them for the world, but I dang sure don't want any more (unless you can give me the secret to having a boy...:supergrin:) You got a cute little girl!!

Thanks for the info, keep it coming!!!

[JEP]

Ahah! Maui Ocean Center, very cool. I got one of those Santa Claus Christmas ornaments with him surfing. The Ocean Center is amazing. They had a manta ray there that was bigger than a Cadilac Escalade (even on 20's :)

The had a tiger shark that was 14 feet I believe. Walking around that place made me realize again that when humans swim in the ocean, we are nothing but top water jigs.

[filthy infidel]

Forgot about Hanaouma Bay (quite surely misspelled as likely are most if not all of my Hawaii names) in Oahu (just before Diamond Head going CW from Norht shore). GREAT place to snorkel. Wife and I saw quite a few sea turtles feeding, plus the normal reef fish snorkeling action. Pretty shallow, had to suck in my fat gut.

[jnojr]

The rental is a beautiful home tucked away in a local neighborhood with a cute little downtown area within walking distance.

Doesn't that pretty much translate to, "An area where everyone hates haoles"?

I've heard a few times that if you don't want the angry stares and muttering behind your back, stay in the tourist areas.

[filthy infidel]

Doesn't that pretty much translate to, "An area where everyone hates haoles"?

I've heard a few times that if you don't want the angry stares and muttering behind your back, stay in the tourist areas.



Never had a problem here, but my wifes a 'hapa' !

Hahalo!