<p>bookiemom - I’ve spent quite a bit of time on vrbo.com, and it seems as if there are still plenty of options open regarding a rental. I have yet to see one place that requires a two-week stay. Some of the rentals I looked at already have a portion of the time we’re looking at booked, and some have the entire time frame booked, but there are still plenty of options.</p>
<p>I had forgotten (until I talked to D1 this morning) that H’s best childhood friend has a brother who lives in Honolulu and has for a long time. So we could probably start out by asking him his opinion. He very likely might have some contacts for us as I know family from the mainland has been out to visit and they’ve traveled the islands. </p>
<p>Almost every place does have a minimum of a week, but that’s not a problem as we’re probably looking at 9 nights on Maui, anyway, and it’s somewhat flexible.</p>
<p>OK, just stumbled upon this thread. Since I live in Hilo Hawaii thought I would offer my two cents. First of all, thanks for thinking about visiting. We welcome you to the islands and hope you enjoy your stay. Living on the island of Hawaii, I have a slight bias towards our island, but I have spent time on all the islands except Molokai, so perhaps I can help answering questions. There are many ways to enjoy Hawaii, the resorts have beautiful pools and spas, but I would recommend spending as much time as you can in places off the beaten path. You can always stay in a nice hotel anywhere IMHO (I spent time in nice hotels in Miami, Boston and New York City this year!). I think there is a book called “Hidden Hawaii” or something similar that would be a nice start. Otherwise, PM me and I’ll give you my 2 cents. I just asked for advise on New England on CC college thread and got some great advice! Aloha and Mahalo. MPI</p>
<p>OP, have a wonderful trip. As a frequent traveler to Hawaii, I can give you two pieces of advice based upon my past experience. First, if you want to experience the “real” Hawaii, you won’t find much of it on Maui (which is NOT to say that Maui isn’t a lot of fun and a great place to vacation). The Big Island, Lanai and Molokai will each give you a different taste of Hawaiian culture and more exposure to the locals. Second, do make sure that you find the time to return to Hawaii to visit Kauai, particularly the North Shore – there are very few places on Earth that are more beautiful.</p>
<p>Ditto on Kauai, northshore. Beautiful. Best to view on a bike and by foot. Some Big Island updates here. King Kamehameha Hotel in Kailua-Kona recently renovated and is surprisingly very pleasant and in-expensive. Royal Kona also has made some renovations but not as extensive as King Kamehameha. There are tons of new condos in Waikoloa and Mauna Lani area. The Mauna Kea Resort reopened and is very nice, although I prefer the Hapuna Prince next door because I like the beach there. Snorkelling is great further south, especially in Kealakekua Bay where you may inadvertantly end up swimming with dolphins. Volcano House is closed, but the volcano is erupting in 2 spots. See billions and billions of stars at night from Hale Pohaku at the 9,000 foot level on Mauna Kea. Buy fresh and pure Kona Coffee from Samurai Coffee. Eat local food at Cafe 100, Big Island Cafe and Kuhio Grille. Shop for fresh poke (seasoned raw fish) at KTA markets. Hike to Pololu valley from the end of the road in North Kohala. Golf anywhere and everywhere…hmm, maybe I should take the day off tomorrow.</p>