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Has anyone been to Hawaii? How is it?!
- Thread starter Christopher
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Christopher
BDE (Big Dad Energy)
I've decided I'm going to go on a 16 day cruise to Hawaii 
4 days at sail and back suck, but 4 awesome days of Hawaii should be awesome.
4 days at sail and back suck, but 4 awesome days of Hawaii should be awesome.
Christopher
BDE (Big Dad Energy)
Can someone tell me some MUST do things in Hawaii? Here's where we are going:
Hilo, HI
Honolulu, HI
Kauai (Nawiliwili), HI
Kona, HI
Maui (Kahului), HI
Hilo, HI
Honolulu, HI
Kauai (Nawiliwili), HI
Kona, HI
Maui (Kahului), HI
Check out Lahaina on Maui. Great place with a great vibe.
Brianimaniac
Banned
I always heard that roaches were a big issue, even in the cleanest places.
Coming from Australia (originally New Zealand) - went to Hawaii (Oahu) for 2 weeks. I liked it; but everything was crazy expensive and there was (unsurprisingly) a huge amount of tourists.
Everyone was really friendly though and I didn't really have any *bad* experiences.
However, I went to Vanuatu about 2 months before Hawaii and that coloured my opinion of it. Vanuatu was cheaper, easier to get around and had better spots for snorkeling/diving because it wasn't too busy - recommend it to everyone.
Also - the single BIGGEST reason to avoid Oahu; Shopping. If you go with a significant other that likes to shop, expect to spend half the time waiting outside a Coach store. If you like to shop, go nuts.
Vanuatu has 0 real shopping opportunities except for markets and local wares. Love it.
Everyone was really friendly though and I didn't really have any *bad* experiences.
However, I went to Vanuatu about 2 months before Hawaii and that coloured my opinion of it. Vanuatu was cheaper, easier to get around and had better spots for snorkeling/diving because it wasn't too busy - recommend it to everyone.
Also - the single BIGGEST reason to avoid Oahu; Shopping. If you go with a significant other that likes to shop, expect to spend half the time waiting outside a Coach store. If you like to shop, go nuts.
Vanuatu has 0 real shopping opportunities except for markets and local wares. Love it.
Various Artists
Banned
The only place I visited where I legit thought life would be better if I lived off the beach in a tent and scrounged for change for food. GOOOOO!
Where do you live? Im an Aussie and when we went over last year we thought everything was very cheap compared to home.
Oahu is awesome but going to one of the other islands would probably be what youd like.
juliushandle
Member
just spent 7 days in Maui, 3 of which were in the Hana area. I forget the names of the places but will report back with details.
Christopher
BDE (Big Dad Energy)
To me I just want to do stereotypical Hawaii things I want to see a hawiann fire show they do and maybe a houla dance/party and bum on the beach 
johnny_park
Member
To me I just want to do stereotypical Hawaii things I want to see a hawiann fire show they do and maybe a houla dance/party and bum on the beach
Go to Germaine's luau if you want to see that stuff. It's expensive, $80 for an adult ticket, maybe I could meet you somewhere and buy the tickets for you. I think kamaaina rate is $30 dollars off. I haven't been there in forever so the prices could be wrong.
Pretty much been going yearly during the summers for a bit over a week each time, for more than a decade, it's amazing. We rotate between Maui/Hawai'i proper/Kauai.
We do the whole calm relaxing vacation thing, chill by the beach, drive around. Enjoy the amazing restaurants, and just enjoy the serene beauty and vibe that is pervasive in much of the islands
I'll never get tired of it, every time we step off the plane it feels like I pick up where I left off, like one continuous experience.
Last year I had a great time, played alot of Pokemon White 2 on a DSi XL late at night on the hotel balcony, normally I also bring a backpack full of books, mostly history/scifi, two years ago I went full on Chinese/Japanese/Korean history mode and that was fantastic reading on the beach and elsewhere. Definitely recommend going yourself and finding out what you enjoy most, if you need food recommendations (and I mean really damn good places) PM me.
We do the whole calm relaxing vacation thing, chill by the beach, drive around. Enjoy the amazing restaurants, and just enjoy the serene beauty and vibe that is pervasive in much of the islands
I'll never get tired of it, every time we step off the plane it feels like I pick up where I left off, like one continuous experience.
Last year I had a great time, played alot of Pokemon White 2 on a DSi XL late at night on the hotel balcony, normally I also bring a backpack full of books, mostly history/scifi, two years ago I went full on Chinese/Japanese/Korean history mode and that was fantastic reading on the beach and elsewhere. Definitely recommend going yourself and finding out what you enjoy most, if you need food recommendations (and I mean really damn good places) PM me.
shoplifter
Member
The wife and I rented a house right off of Kehena Beach on the Big Island last year for our 10th anniversary. Kehena is a natural beach just north of Kalapana at the bottom of a cliff that used to be a relatively popular beach but is now a mildly difficult hike down the cliff due to an earthquake a few decades ago. Now it's a defacto nude beach frequented pretty much only by locals, with hippy drum circles on Sundays. Super awesome.
We spent 9 days there, and we never even got to the Kona side of the island, but that didn't break my heart as it sounds like Kona is a little more touristy than the Hilo side. There were tourists, but it never seemed overbearing or too crowded anywhere.
It's easily drivable pretty much anywhere, but I *would* recommend getting a 4wd for certain places. You can drive to the top of Mauna Kea easily enough with a 2wd as long as you're not a moron, but the drive down was definitely a little nerve wracking if there was traffic coming the other way.
Ate poke like a madman. Stuff *is* more expensive, but I think if you were smart about it you could eat pretty well as there are regular farmer's markets with good prices, and lots of places selling fruit/veg on the side of the road. Meat's definitely not cheap.
I'd definitely recommend the blue book, at least as far as my experience goes. There were tons of little spots in there that were completely deserted besides us, including some nice secluded lava-tube heated tidal pools where outdoor sexy time was easily achieved (if you're into that).
I can't wait to go back. We might go to Lanai or Molokai though just for a small change, but I'd be perfectly happy going back to the Big Island. I could actually see myself buying a stupid cheap lot on Kalapana (where Kiluea destroyed an entire town in the 90s, nothing but lava for miles) and building right there even though you'd have to be entirely off the grid.
Whoever said that they'd be perfectly happy selling everything they own and living in a tent was right though.
We spent 9 days there, and we never even got to the Kona side of the island, but that didn't break my heart as it sounds like Kona is a little more touristy than the Hilo side. There were tourists, but it never seemed overbearing or too crowded anywhere.
It's easily drivable pretty much anywhere, but I *would* recommend getting a 4wd for certain places. You can drive to the top of Mauna Kea easily enough with a 2wd as long as you're not a moron, but the drive down was definitely a little nerve wracking if there was traffic coming the other way.
Ate poke like a madman. Stuff *is* more expensive, but I think if you were smart about it you could eat pretty well as there are regular farmer's markets with good prices, and lots of places selling fruit/veg on the side of the road. Meat's definitely not cheap.
I'd definitely recommend the blue book, at least as far as my experience goes. There were tons of little spots in there that were completely deserted besides us, including some nice secluded lava-tube heated tidal pools where outdoor sexy time was easily achieved (if you're into that).
I can't wait to go back. We might go to Lanai or Molokai though just for a small change, but I'd be perfectly happy going back to the Big Island. I could actually see myself buying a stupid cheap lot on Kalapana (where Kiluea destroyed an entire town in the 90s, nothing but lava for miles) and building right there even though you'd have to be entirely off the grid.
Whoever said that they'd be perfectly happy selling everything they own and living in a tent was right though.
Don't bother with Oahu unless you absolutely have to see bad touristy bullshit. Stick to Kauai and Maui and you'll have a much better time. The big island is hard to get around on so I give it a "meh."
And no, Hawai'i doesn't have any particular issue with roaches. You can see some crazy scary centipedes near sugar cane fields, though!
And no, Hawai'i doesn't have any particular issue with roaches. You can see some crazy scary centipedes near sugar cane fields, though!
hyp
Member
I live on Oahu and love it. Yes there are tourist traps but if you venture out a bit there's a whole world of culture to explore.
hyp
Member
My favorite local spot is The Alley in Aiea (Oahu). Absolutely can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
Here is the definitive guide based on types of people:
1. If you love nature and want a mellow, bucolic experience that is a photographic cataclysm of awesome: Kauai. If you like hiking, double good. North Shore for amazing, Poipu/Kapaa'a for sun and easy.
2. If you want variety and don't mind driving, Big Island. It's got everything except Honolulu, plus volcanos and five of the world's seven climate zones within like, two hours drive of each other.
3.If you like shopping and clubbing and surfing, and little bits of everything Hawaiian except volcanoes, then Oahu. I admit it.
4. If you want a sort of generic blend of things that is safe, Maui.
5. If you want to feel what racism is like for a white guy, Moloka'i but honestly, most people will be nice. Go to a shitty town and stand out, and someone will be a dick to you.
6. If you want to be bored as fuck but incredibly pampered and content, Lanai. Four Season upcountry or beach. There are two, and that's basically the whole island.
1. If you love nature and want a mellow, bucolic experience that is a photographic cataclysm of awesome: Kauai. If you like hiking, double good. North Shore for amazing, Poipu/Kapaa'a for sun and easy.
2. If you want variety and don't mind driving, Big Island. It's got everything except Honolulu, plus volcanos and five of the world's seven climate zones within like, two hours drive of each other.
3.If you like shopping and clubbing and surfing, and little bits of everything Hawaiian except volcanoes, then Oahu. I admit it.
4. If you want a sort of generic blend of things that is safe, Maui.
5. If you want to feel what racism is like for a white guy, Moloka'i but honestly, most people will be nice. Go to a shitty town and stand out, and someone will be a dick to you.
6. If you want to be bored as fuck but incredibly pampered and content, Lanai. Four Season upcountry or beach. There are two, and that's basically the whole island.
I've been to Oahu, the Big Island and Maui. I don't drink/party and preferred the Big Island by far. Here is my advice:
- Oahu - Do all of the touristy stuff here and get it out of the way. Luau, Diamondhead, North Shore, etc. Don't worry about beaches or snorkeling. They are much better on the other islands. Beaches are fine for time fillers, but don't make a day out of it.
- Hilo - Find out the status of the volcano near your trip and plan accordingly. It changes all the time. A day trip might be feasible or night viewing might be better. You may or may not be able to see the crater.
- Maui - Despite what the rental car companies may say you can drive around the whole island. When you do the road to Hana keep driving all the way around the island. You can always turn around if you have to, but I had zero issues and it was cool driving on the other side. The beaches around Kanaapali area are great and offer good low-impact snorkeling. Relaxing doesn't get any better than a Kanaapali beach.
- Kona - There are a ton of good snorkeling spots near Kona. Get a snorkeling book if you're into it at all. Kahaluu, Napoopoo and Kealakekua bay were all great. Another cool spot is right on the far northern side of the bay in town (on the right side of the pier). You can rent a kayak, walk to restaurants for lunch and then walk right back out to snorkel in the same spot. The farmers market in downtown Kona has huge bags of macadamia nuts and fresh fruit for cheap. Enjoy it here while you can. Lots of great places to eat here without breaking the bank.
Lucian Cat
Kissed a mod for a tag; liked it
I'm loving the sound of Kauai. Does it have volcanoes as well?
Depends on your definition of big issue, I guess. You won't really notice them in the big city, tourist areas, but if you're living in the suburbs or out in the boonies you will. Get up to 2 inches long and some can fly.
You'll get big, hairy cane spiders if you're in an area that was formerly a pineapple/sugar cane field, but again these are mostly residential areas.
For vacationers you mostly will be worried about mosquitos.
Well, not active ones. Gotta go to the Big Island for that.
got those flying motherfuckers down here in Texas. Nightmare fuel. But fueled by that tropical weather in Hawaii I'm full of NOPE thinking about them in that area
:x
Haha, you get used to it after a while I guess. Can usually take the fly swatter to them before any crazy shit happens. My house was pretty old though, I imagine newer places are harder for them to get into.
Lucian Cat
Kissed a mod for a tag; liked it
Hmm. Thankyou for the info! I'd love to go to Hawaii one day but would prefer to stay away from heavy tourist areas. still think Kauai would be my best bet.
No, not active,it's actually the oldest and least tectonically active of the islands, but the Alkii Swamp on the top of the island, is a remnant, but filled with THE CRAZIEST JUNGLE ASS SWAMP EVER. Complete (in small part) with a boardwalk that makes it strangely accessible. But that hike is not for grandparents.
Honestly, any Hawaiian will admit it is incredibly beautiful and amazeballs. But it's a bit small, sometimes cooler (oooooh 76 degrees!) and pretty mellow.
As for cockroaches: I have been to Hawaii about thirty times and only ever had one meaningful run in with a flying roach, and it was one newspaper away from solved. Normal roaches, only saw dead ones. Centipedes, I stupidly let one bite me because I heard hyperbole about how painful it was. (was not hyperbole as it turns out. AT ALL) and cane spiders are you know, in cane fields, where you're not. Although I did see a few beautiful literally metallic spiders.
In terms of tropics it is EASILY the best tropics for (lack of) bugs. No contest.
Christopher
BDE (Big Dad Energy)
Do all islands have touristy hawiann shows and volcanic tour? I want a lay too and that'd it!
Lucian Cat
Kissed a mod for a tag; liked it
Nice. Hiking to a jungle swamp sounds awesome.
And bugs don't worry me, Australian here
Will keep this in mind if the time comes that I plan to visit
You will almost literally come back trying to explain the "dangers" of the Hawaiian Kissing bee.
I have more bug trouble (mosquitoes aside) here in rainy shithole Seattle.
And an interesting fact, Hawaii had no skeeters before Captain Cook dumped egg-filled bilge water into their bays.
(they smashed his head in. Can't blame ;em)
That's why these guys are awesome, aside from the fact that they look really cool and evolved 200 million years ago:
For Oahu, Honolulu, I would go to Pearl Harbor if history is your thing. You need to get there early to get to the memorial, there is always people going, probably around 7 to be done by 10.
Luaus are fun, hit one up there like another poster said, if you don't like alcohol, want to go to a dry luau, Polynesian Cultural Center has one. Heard it is really good experience, lots of history. Believe this is an all day thing, not sure though.
We went to Paradise Cove. It was pretty cool. They start around 4 and have a few things to do, like Hula lessons, making bracelets and things and a cove canoe ride and fish net hauling demo. At dusk they start the show and have dinner. First they present the Prince and Princess or King and Queen, forget which, the pig, which is cooked in a pit. Then have the fire dancing and stuff as a stage show while eating. I recommend going with the cheap package for seats, as you sit with everyone and get the experience. If you want a more intimate time, the expensive package seats you at a table for 8-10, so probably you and another party. You also get your food brought to you and a couple drink coupons.
If you like museums, I really enjoyed the Iaolani Palace. Takes about an hour and is self guided. This tour really points out the last days of the Hawaiian Kingdom and is interesting in that respect. You might also watch Princess Iolani before leaving home, just to have a little more background.
Bishop Museum was also pretty awesome, especially the Hawaiian building. The rest of Bishop is like stuff you see anywhere else. Probably expect to spend half a day at Bishop if you want to just go through the Hawaiian history building, all day could easily be spent there. When we went, they had an interesting Hawaiian Shirt Exhibit. Also have a pretty cool Geology exhibit where you go through a volcano. Meant for kids, so you can hit it up in maybe 10-15 minutes, plus the time of the movie.
Plantation Village is fun, they have some good history there, explains the culture of the islands and has some local fruit tasting at the end. Probably takes about a half a day and is outside Honolulu. Really thought it was a little long, but has a nice blend of the history if the cultures that came to the islands and explains why one of the Hawaiian restaurant chains has Bangers and Eggs/something on the menu.
The Mission Houses was an alright tour, seeing New England style houses in downtown Honolulu is kinda cool. These are also pretty close to Iolani Palace and the tour is about an hour. You learn about some of the mistakes the early white people to the islands made in architecture and stuff, so that is kinda cool.
For shopping, if you are on the island on Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday, Aloha Stadium has a flea market. There are tons of stalls with a ton of souvenir type stuff all pretty cheap. Starts pretty early and the stadium is kinda far from Honolulu, in Aeia, maybe 15-20 minute drive from Waikiki.
There are tons of shops around to get stuff as well. ABC stores have a ton of stuff and International Market does as well, though a little more expensive then the flea market. International Market also has Hanks Hawt Dogs, lots of cool types of dogs, just get there around lunch if you want Alligator dogs. My favorite noodle bar is down around there as well, get some Udon and half boiled tempura eggs really cheap.
Speaking of food, my favorite breakfast, for the price, was Koa Pancake House. They are about the same price as IHOP on the mainland (who is higher than near Disneyland prices on the island, like $15 plates) with a fantastic menu. Recommend listening to Jack Johnson's 'Banana Pancakes' then getting a plate of those.
Yummy's is good Korean food on the island. In Honolulu you will find tons of touristy spots to eat as well, just choose one. Heads up, Saimin (ramen) at McDonalds is trash, but the seasonal pies are fantastic. Stop by and grab one, especially if it is Taro pie.
Also, make sure you get a shaved ice with ice cream. It is great for an afternoon refresher. My daughter really enjoyed the Rainbow ones. And stop in 7-11 and get Spam Musubi.
The zoo is just a zoo. I don't remember seeing anything there that was really native or seeing anything that was memorable. Sea Life Park was also a let down to me. But, if you want to swim with dolphins, guaranteed, they have it.
Once again, I would do all the touristy stuff here. Wakiki is pretty, but the surf is pretty lame and really busy. Might be a nice place to get a beginner surf lesson if it is cheap, but is so crowded you probably don't want to surf there if you have surfed before. Snorkeling is also kind of the same on the island, if your going to a different island do these there.
North Shore is also pretty nice, and if you have dates, I would see if you can check a surf competition. If it is winter, I would also make sure to go up there just to see Pipeline wave and check out the surfers. Especially if you have tried surfing and have caught a wave, makes you appreciate it that much more.
Also, you should try to plan at least one day to ride The Bus if you aren't renting a car, just to check out the whole island. There is a guide you can get that has plans all made out for you on Bus tours. It is public transit, so don't be looking like too much of a tourist, but it can be fun. If you have a car, make sure to take the H-3, really a beautiful drive.
Looks like this is pretty long right now, but hope it gives you some ideas. I really hope you hit at least one museum, just to get a little more understanding if the culture if the islands. As long as you are in Honolulu and it is before ten, I wouldn't be too afraid to go to anyplace, but after ten I would stay near the hotels or be doing touristy things (luau or whatever) just to make sure you don't wander into anyplace too seedy. Never had problems there, but there are big city crimes just like anywhere else.
Luaus are fun, hit one up there like another poster said, if you don't like alcohol, want to go to a dry luau, Polynesian Cultural Center has one. Heard it is really good experience, lots of history. Believe this is an all day thing, not sure though.
We went to Paradise Cove. It was pretty cool. They start around 4 and have a few things to do, like Hula lessons, making bracelets and things and a cove canoe ride and fish net hauling demo. At dusk they start the show and have dinner. First they present the Prince and Princess or King and Queen, forget which, the pig, which is cooked in a pit. Then have the fire dancing and stuff as a stage show while eating. I recommend going with the cheap package for seats, as you sit with everyone and get the experience. If you want a more intimate time, the expensive package seats you at a table for 8-10, so probably you and another party. You also get your food brought to you and a couple drink coupons.
If you like museums, I really enjoyed the Iaolani Palace. Takes about an hour and is self guided. This tour really points out the last days of the Hawaiian Kingdom and is interesting in that respect. You might also watch Princess Iolani before leaving home, just to have a little more background.
Bishop Museum was also pretty awesome, especially the Hawaiian building. The rest of Bishop is like stuff you see anywhere else. Probably expect to spend half a day at Bishop if you want to just go through the Hawaiian history building, all day could easily be spent there. When we went, they had an interesting Hawaiian Shirt Exhibit. Also have a pretty cool Geology exhibit where you go through a volcano. Meant for kids, so you can hit it up in maybe 10-15 minutes, plus the time of the movie.
Plantation Village is fun, they have some good history there, explains the culture of the islands and has some local fruit tasting at the end. Probably takes about a half a day and is outside Honolulu. Really thought it was a little long, but has a nice blend of the history if the cultures that came to the islands and explains why one of the Hawaiian restaurant chains has Bangers and Eggs/something on the menu.
The Mission Houses was an alright tour, seeing New England style houses in downtown Honolulu is kinda cool. These are also pretty close to Iolani Palace and the tour is about an hour. You learn about some of the mistakes the early white people to the islands made in architecture and stuff, so that is kinda cool.
For shopping, if you are on the island on Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday, Aloha Stadium has a flea market. There are tons of stalls with a ton of souvenir type stuff all pretty cheap. Starts pretty early and the stadium is kinda far from Honolulu, in Aeia, maybe 15-20 minute drive from Waikiki.
There are tons of shops around to get stuff as well. ABC stores have a ton of stuff and International Market does as well, though a little more expensive then the flea market. International Market also has Hanks Hawt Dogs, lots of cool types of dogs, just get there around lunch if you want Alligator dogs. My favorite noodle bar is down around there as well, get some Udon and half boiled tempura eggs really cheap.
Speaking of food, my favorite breakfast, for the price, was Koa Pancake House. They are about the same price as IHOP on the mainland (who is higher than near Disneyland prices on the island, like $15 plates) with a fantastic menu. Recommend listening to Jack Johnson's 'Banana Pancakes' then getting a plate of those.
Yummy's is good Korean food on the island. In Honolulu you will find tons of touristy spots to eat as well, just choose one. Heads up, Saimin (ramen) at McDonalds is trash, but the seasonal pies are fantastic. Stop by and grab one, especially if it is Taro pie.
Also, make sure you get a shaved ice with ice cream. It is great for an afternoon refresher. My daughter really enjoyed the Rainbow ones. And stop in 7-11 and get Spam Musubi.
The zoo is just a zoo. I don't remember seeing anything there that was really native or seeing anything that was memorable. Sea Life Park was also a let down to me. But, if you want to swim with dolphins, guaranteed, they have it.
Once again, I would do all the touristy stuff here. Wakiki is pretty, but the surf is pretty lame and really busy. Might be a nice place to get a beginner surf lesson if it is cheap, but is so crowded you probably don't want to surf there if you have surfed before. Snorkeling is also kind of the same on the island, if your going to a different island do these there.
North Shore is also pretty nice, and if you have dates, I would see if you can check a surf competition. If it is winter, I would also make sure to go up there just to see Pipeline wave and check out the surfers. Especially if you have tried surfing and have caught a wave, makes you appreciate it that much more.
Also, you should try to plan at least one day to ride The Bus if you aren't renting a car, just to check out the whole island. There is a guide you can get that has plans all made out for you on Bus tours. It is public transit, so don't be looking like too much of a tourist, but it can be fun. If you have a car, make sure to take the H-3, really a beautiful drive.
Looks like this is pretty long right now, but hope it gives you some ideas. I really hope you hit at least one museum, just to get a little more understanding if the culture if the islands. As long as you are in Honolulu and it is before ten, I wouldn't be too afraid to go to anyplace, but after ten I would stay near the hotels or be doing touristy things (luau or whatever) just to make sure you don't wander into anyplace too seedy. Never had problems there, but there are big city crimes just like anywhere else.
Mr. Wedgewood
Member
http://youtu.be/lEazFUrOr7s
If anyone is wondering most of of us locals don't think like this anymore...
If anyone is wondering most of of us locals don't think like this anymore...
Well that's good to hear. I got a low tolerance for bugs especially fucking roaches. Will never forget moving to to Texas and experiencing a flying Roach for the first time Wtf. Traumatizing.
I'm going to Hawaii for my honeymoon in june.. I'm thinking of doing the shark diving THING. Bringing it up to my fiancé terrifies her... Which makes me want to do it even more even if I have a slight case of NOPE as well.
Has anybody ever done this?
Is it a dive in the open water or in a cage? I did the cage swim and it was great. I highly recommend it.
Omegasquash
Member
Yep, spent two weeks there for my honeymoon. Go to the top of Mauna Kea at night (get a service, don't try to drive it on your own). That alone is worth the trip.
aorange999
Member
Spent a week in Kauai a couple of years ago with my SO and had an amazing time. We stayed in Hanalei for a few days and then Po'ipu for a few more days. We had a rented jeep and I took it off road on a trail, let me just say when they say 4 wheeler recommended in the guidebook please listen. We got stuck and had to dig for about an hour as the sun was going down.
My buddy lives there so it was nice to have someone to take us about. All in all after visiting tons of islands around the world it was one of my favorite places I've ever been. Very quite and secluded, the Napali coast trail is unbelievable, we took a doorless helicopter ride that was bananas (buddy is a pilot so he hooked us up).
I'm planning a trip back end of this year and might just head back to Kauai.
My buddy lives there so it was nice to have someone to take us about. All in all after visiting tons of islands around the world it was one of my favorite places I've ever been. Very quite and secluded, the Napali coast trail is unbelievable, we took a doorless helicopter ride that was bananas (buddy is a pilot so he hooked us up).
I'm planning a trip back end of this year and might just head back to Kauai.
Tiger sharks only eat people sometimes.
shoplifter
Member
At night? Yeah I'm not driving that myself. During they day it's definitely doable if you actually know how to drive a car.
Amazing view from the top. Seriously, it's the most incredible thing I've ever seen. I can't imagine what it must have been like to have had that view of the sky every night 200 years ago.
DavionStriker
Member
Hawaii is my favorite place on the planet. We honeymooned at Kapalua on Maui. Highly recommend the Haleakala volcano bike ride. It's the first time I saw galaxies with my naked eye.
Then we went to a friend's wedding in 2008 on the big Island. Stayed in Kona. I am a very high stressed person. That week in Kona was simply the best time and most relaxed I have EVER been in my life. It's hard to explain buy the island does something for me. I dream of going back. If you do the big island, do a few days at a B&B on Kilauea (Kilauea Lodge).
Then we went to a friend's wedding in 2008 on the big Island. Stayed in Kona. I am a very high stressed person. That week in Kona was simply the best time and most relaxed I have EVER been in my life. It's hard to explain buy the island does something for me. I dream of going back. If you do the big island, do a few days at a B&B on Kilauea (Kilauea Lodge).
ParaCanKor
Member
The Helicopter tour I went on in Kauai is breathtaking.
My wife and I went frugal on other parts of the trip just to spend on the heli tour and it was worth every penny.
Compared to heli tours in other tourist sites it lasted much longer and totally felt I got my money's worth
My wife and I went frugal on other parts of the trip just to spend on the heli tour and it was worth every penny.
Compared to heli tours in other tourist sites it lasted much longer and totally felt I got my money's worth
You won't regret it. Its not scary in the slightest, just a really amazing experience. And I am terrified of sharks too.
HerbertFish
Member
Hawaii is the worst vacation spot I've ever been. Too much rain.
My wife and I stayed on the big island, Kauai, and Oahu for our honeymoon. Of the three, Kona was our favorite mainly due to snorkeling, but Kauai wasn't too bad either on the north shore.
If you have an open water diving license, I VERY HIGHLY recommend you take the night dive with manta rays. It is by far one of the most amazing experiences of my life having rays with 10-16' wingspans flying within inches of you. Even if you don't have an open water license, my wife went snorkeling and still had a good time.
If you have an open water diving license, I VERY HIGHLY recommend you take the night dive with manta rays. It is by far one of the most amazing experiences of my life having rays with 10-16' wingspans flying within inches of you. Even if you don't have an open water license, my wife went snorkeling and still had a good time.
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