SDS Posted March 28, 2019 Report Share Posted March 28, 2019 Went there on my honeymoon for 13 days and am looking to return. Want to take the teenage kids this summer to celebrate some stuff... We technically have 16.5 max to use on travel (Fri night to a Sun night). That is probably enough time for 2 islands. I could also see one island and maybe some time in San Francisco/California for variety. Any big travelers here want to pontificate on their Hawaiian experiences? Suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wyldnwoody44 Posted March 28, 2019 Report Share Posted March 28, 2019 4 minutes ago, SDS said: Went there on my honeymoon for 13 days and am looking to return. Want to take the teenage kids this summer to celebrate some stuff... We technically have 16.5 max to use on travel (Fri night to a Sun night). That is probably enough time for 2 islands. I could also see one island and maybe some time in San Francisco/California for variety. Any big travelers here want to pontificate on their Hawaiian experiences? Suggestions? I went to Kuiai for a medical conference 5 years ago, it was wonderful, it's the quiet island.... The middle of the island is a rainforest surrounded by all the beauty of dry Hawaii, Honalai Bay up north and Waimea canyon are spectacular, I recommend and ATV into the rainforest and go right by where they Jurassic world.... I haven't been to other islands, but I highly enjoyed Kuiai and would reccomend Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zamboni Posted March 28, 2019 Report Share Posted March 28, 2019 (edited) I was married on the beach on Kauai in 2007 in Princeville. Then spent 20 days island hopping. We went back in 2017 and spent 18 days island hopping. we went all over Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island. We budgeted where we could, and splurged where we could. lots of lower cost or free “nature” destinations if you and your family like doing nature stuff. If you are more of a city sights, shopping family, you’re gonna pay pay pay in most cases. Keep in mind the devastation of the recent lava flow of Kilauea on the Big Island will limit where you can go and what’s available to see/do. Edited March 28, 2019 by Zamboni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KD in CT Posted March 28, 2019 Report Share Posted March 28, 2019 I went 25 years ago on my first honeymoon so no help on specifics like hotels, etc., but I thought the Big Island was very cool. Wild variation in climates to explore on the one island, active volcano, black sand beaches, small enough to drive around in one day or spend a few days doing it. Only spent two days on Oahu which was more than enough. Honolulu is just another big city that happens to be on a beach; Pearl Harbor was the only memorable thing there. Not recommended. Maui was beautiful, stayed at some resort near Lahaina. A lot to see there or just hang on the beach. If you come to SF, plan to spend a day doing something like hiking the Marin Headlands. So much awesome natural beauty here to enjoy. Wine country is an hour away but save that for a trip without the kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
North Buffalo Posted March 28, 2019 Report Share Posted March 28, 2019 SF Marin is great, China town and Presidio is awesome to walk around, Acatraz tour is cool they have 70-75 tickets available if you get there by 5:45-6am before the line. My brother lives there and Trolley rides are fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SDS Posted March 28, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2019 We previously spent 7 days on Kauai, 4 days on Maui and one night on Oahu. Most of the advice I have seen is to limit the island transfers and just spend your time at one island unless you were there for 2-3 weeks or more. Tips on logistics are helpful. How to handle the layover, travel days, etc... There are a lot of things I'm sure I won't think about until I'm dealing with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derrico Posted March 28, 2019 Report Share Posted March 28, 2019 (edited) We actually just booked a family vackay to Hawaii. We're on a 9 night Disney Cruise from Vancouver to Hawaii (four ports of call I believe) and then booked a 5 night condo stay just outside of Honolulu for afterwards. Trip isn't until May 2020 but we've already got a count down board started!! My son is obsessed with Dolphins so I'm looking into swimming with the dolphins excursions right now. This thread is very appropriate timing. Looking forward to some suggestions as well. Edited March 28, 2019 by Derrico Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottysabres Posted March 28, 2019 Report Share Posted March 28, 2019 Was stationed at Pearl 89-90, it's probably changed some since those days though. Definitely do Maui if you can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steveoath Posted March 28, 2019 Report Share Posted March 28, 2019 We stayed in Kauai for one of the weeks of our honeymoon. It really is ace. Book a car though. Buses are.... Relaxed. Apparently there are companies that rent out older cars for cheaper than the ones at the airport. Smith family luau (sp?) was great. Waimei canyon was cool. Gotta surf too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IKnowPhysics Posted March 28, 2019 Report Share Posted March 28, 2019 Throw the kids in the volcano and take the wife to the beach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zamboni Posted March 28, 2019 Report Share Posted March 28, 2019 It took us 36 hours after landing to feel “acclimated” to the 6 hour time difference. Shave ice with macadamia nut ice cream is a must have. With the help of my wife, later I’ll list a bunch of things we did and liked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irregularly irregular Posted March 29, 2019 Report Share Posted March 29, 2019 Kona. Several Hilton and Marriott time-share condo locations in the area. Agree to do the "tour" and get your lodging for a greatly reduced price. It's about $100/night for the each additional bedroom. That way you can save $$$ by not eating out for every meal, although there are some local places that are reasonably priced. Costco on the north side of Kona. Stock up there for whatever you need. Also a Walmart and Safeway in town. Tons of stuff to do. Make sure you spend at least a couple days just relaxing by the pool. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthEbriate Posted March 29, 2019 Report Share Posted March 29, 2019 I have friends with who swear by Maui with kids/teens as it's generally the resort/beach island and it's gorgeous. From my experience, stay clear of Oahu unless you're going for Pearl Harbor. Kauai is the the one I'd recommend. It's still the adventure island (beach, jungle-touring on horse or ATV, ziplining, kayaking, surfing, snorkeling) and has more than enough amenities. The dry Waimaea (sp?) canyon west side and the jungle north/east side are only a couple hours apart. Lots to do and explore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrueBlueGED Posted March 29, 2019 Report Share Posted March 29, 2019 1) Take me 2) Kauai 3) See #1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zamboni Posted March 29, 2019 Report Share Posted March 29, 2019 A few Suggestions... KAUAI ... hiking the kalalau trail from ke’e beach. Waimea canyon state park Na Pali coast dinner cruise MAUI Maui ocean center Haleakala star gazing guided tour snorkeling/snuba diving OAHU diamond head Pearl Harbor Waikiki beach and shopping THE BIG ISLAND Mauna Kea sunset tour with Summit Adventures. Mauna Kea has different countries observatories at the summit. You can’t drive to the summit in a rental. You need to be part of a tour group. See green or black sand beaches Hawaii volcano national park. Possibly see lava flowing. i could give you a ton more, but I know your time is limited. A few of those suggestions are free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Formerly Allan in MD Posted March 30, 2019 Report Share Posted March 30, 2019 If you're into rows of idling, stinking tour buses and oodles of Japanese tourists, Honolulu is for you. Otherwise, head to the Big Island and Kauai. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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