Since this site helped me plan a fabulous trip to New Orleans and Puerto Rico I am hoping for the same great suggestions fo our trip to Hawaii. My daughter and I will be going over Thanksgiving (I wish we could stay longer than 6 days but I’m lucky to get her that long with her school schedule) and need suggestions…love sightseeing, history and local flavor…What are the can’t miss things to do? Thanks in advance for any and all recommendations.
If you want to see something amazing, try a night snorkel at on of the manta ray sites.
Which island(s)?
Do you mean Hawaii the Big Island?
Haven’t picked an island yet…just beginning plans…I’m hearing from several to pick Maui?
I’ve lived on the island of Hawaii (Big Island) and spent considerable time on Maui. Between those 2, I’d say Big Island, hands down. In my opinion, the Big Island offers everything Maui does…PLUS an active volcano and a chance to see lava flowing. The volcano area itself is otherworldly, my D & I call it “being on the moon” (we’ve never been on the moon) - there are beautiful beaches, incredible waterfalls (which are strangely scarce on Maui), fabulous galleries and eateries, and a ton of historical sites to visit.
My D is moving to O’ahu in October to (finally) start her design firm. She would eventually like to move to Big Island, but is realistic and understands business means starting on the most populated island until she’s more established. I’m actually making plans right now to spend 10 days with her in January, so would love to hear of some off-the-beaten-path things to see/do on O’ahu - I’m abundantly aware of all the historical/touristy stuff, I’m looking for “hidden gems”
Each island is different. I’ve been to Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island, so can’t saying anything about Maui. I think a couple of days on Oahu is sufficient (either at beginning or end of trip). Love the lushness of Kauai and the beauty of Waimea Canyon, the Kalalau Valley, and the North Shore by Princeville and Hanalei. Big Island for the beautiful Kona Coast, the volcanic landscape, Kilauea (which is still erupting), the rainly eastern coast by Hilo, and of course, Mauna Kea. I don’t think you can do more than Oahu and another island in 6 days, so pick one and enjoy.
I have not been to the island of Hawaii, but Maui and Kauai are our favorites.
If you’re very laid back and into hiking/nature, then Kauai is the island I’d recommend.
Maui is our favorite, because it has a lot to offer for everyone.
I’ve heard Hawaii is very spread out, so you need to plan to drive a lot to get places.
I’ve been twice to the Big Island of Hawaii, once to Oahu and once to Maui. Of these three, the Big Island is my favorite as it has so much to offer and is so interesting. I liked Oahu and athough it’s probably more than 15 years since I’ve been there, I enjoyed my time in Honolulu and felt that the trip to Pearl Harbor was very memborable and moving and well done. I wasn’t as big a fan of Maui but there is a lot to see and do there as well.
I live on Oahu. Each island has its own charms. It all depends on what you’re interested in. As always, if you try to cram too much in, it won’t be nearly as enjoyable. I’d say do some research about each and then just choose one or two and you will have a great time. Traffic on Oahu is brutal but otherwise I like it pretty well. It’s the most urban of the islands and most crowded.
We are on vacation on Maui now and have done a lot of snorkeling this trip.
As people have said, each island is different. Oahu is good for shopping, gourmet dining, and Pearl Harbor type history. The big island is amazing for geology, especially if you can afford helicopter rides. Maui has lots of snorkeling (diving if you are already certified), waterfalls on the north shore Road to Hana drive. Kauai is probably my favorite. It’s less crowded and the north shore has the lush jungle look with lots of waterfalls that you see in movies. (Some of that on the north of Oahu.)
You mentioned sightseeing and history. Maui has sugar plantation history. They all have some old Polynesian historical sites outdoors, but not too many museums I think.
Oahu has history stuff at Pearl Harbor and the Bishop Museum.
Oahu also has a usable bus system: http://www.thebus.org/
I asked this same question many years ago on CC. My son and I spent a wonderful week in Maui. I don’t think there is a wrong choice.
I’d stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Rainbow Tower, but ask for a room facing Diamond Head. Great beach and within walking distance to Waikiki shopping. Hit Hilo Hatties (free bus) to and from for all your sovenirs and mac nuts, and the ABC store for incidentals.
We went late last year for 2 weeks. We had two weeks and eventually decided on a couple “themes” that made our pick of locations easier. We spent time on Oahu for the history/culture “theme” - Pearl Harbor, Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, art museum, etc. We stayed on Waikiki with a rental car which worked for us. DH is not a water person, but we had a balcony with ocean views of surfers, hiked Diamond Head and explored along the coast with the car seeing Hanauma Bay, Makapuu Lighthouse Trail, etc.
Second week was “geology/gardens” themed spent on the Big Island with several days at Volcano National Park, several days in Hilo - Hawaii Tropical Botanic Gardens, Akaka and Rainbow Falls, Lyman Museum and explored the Kona Coast as well.
Everyone I talked to had a different opinion as to what was best. If we did the trip with our adult kids, it would be a more active one including water sports as well as the hiking that DH enjoys. For DH and me, staying at a resort would not have worked, but I can imagine that it would be perfect for many travelers.
Does your 6 days include travel time? You might check logistics of transport from your home base to see what could save time. We decided on Oahu since we could fly direct, then later we took an inter-Island flight to the Big Island. With only 6 days, I would do just one island - but I am the sort of person who likes to see things in depth, not jump around; I know others have a different travel style. If you want to visit the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, check the website now to see how soon you can reserve your tickets, they do become quickly unavailable.
I live on Oahu also. Much depends on if you prefer staying in an urban setting (e.g Waikiki) or a less densely populated area, such as is common on Kauai and Hawaii Islands. The erupting volcano on Hawaii Island is a breathtaking sight, but the air quality can sometimes be troublesome for those with respiratory issues. As HIMom said, traffic on Oahu can be brutal. Many airlines offer direct flights to Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii Island so you don’t always need to connect through Honolulu.
The Hawaii Revealed series of travel guides for each major island give good insights of the various attractions available, many of which aren’t commonly known http://www.hawaiirevealed.com/. The books can sometimes be found in chain bookstores if there are any left in your area as well as on amazon.com.
Thanksgiving is a peak time for tourists so good luck booking your travel. Many of the better hotels may already be booked for Thanksgiving week. Costco Travel as well as airline and travel websites sometime offer good package deals that include airfare, hotel, and rental cars.
We stayed at the Sheraton in Maui. My son joined others jumping from the Black Rocks. There were 7 pools. We snorkels a few times, hiked, drove to Hana, where son joined others for the long hike and I did the 2 mile one. Watched a sunset, son rode bike down the mountain, went to a luau, ate very well. Son convinced me to take a helicopter ride over the island. There was so much to do all 7’days.
We stayed at the Sheraton in Maui. My son joined others jumping from the Black Rocks. There were 7 pools. We snorkels a few times, hiked, drove to Hana, where son joined others for the long hike and I did the 2 mile one. Watched a sunset, son rode bike down the mountain, went to a luau, ate very well. Son convinced me to take a helicopter ride over the island. There was so much to do all 7’days.
We stayed at the Sheraton in Maui. My son joined others jumping from the Black Rocks. There were 7 pools. We snorkels a few times, hiked, drove to Hana, where son joined others for the long hike and I did the 2 mile one. Watched a sunset, son rode bike down the mountain, went to a luau, ate very well. Son convinced me to take a helicopter ride over the island. There was so much to do all 7 days.
We stayed at the Sheraton in Maui. My son joined others jumping from the Black Rocks. There were 7 pools. We snorkels a few times, hiked, drove to Hana, where son joined others for the long hike and I did the 2 mile one. Watched a sunset, son rode bike down the mountain, went to a luau, ate very well. Son convinced me to take a helicopter ride over the island. There was so much to do all 7 days.