Any advice for going to Hawaii for the first time?

[lytalbayre]

I've earned up enough hilton honors points to go to hawaii for a week and rent a car for a week.

I'll have to pay airfare and food, etc...

I was thinking of going to the Big Island (Waikoloa Village Resort). I heard it is not as crowded as Oahu/Honolulu. Plus, the active volcano and jungle on the big island are definitely some stuff I want to see.

Any advice, hints, tips?? I can stay at any Hilton Resort or affiliate on any of the islands...

I do want to try to keep the costs to a minimum, so nice cheap restaurants, that sort of thing would be appreciated.

Thanks all.

 

[dainthomas]

-Mauna Kea obvervatory
-Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
-Black sand beach at Punalu'u

 

[Cheesetogo]

I think that Maui is probably one of the better islands to be on for a vacation. It still has quite a bit of interesting stuff, but I think it's much more geared towards tourism (although not in the junky way that Oahu is). If you aren't really interested in that though, the big island is probably a good choice. There's a lot of natural things to see, and it's still quite beautiful.

I have not been to Kohala, so I can't really tell you what that's like. However, I spent some time in both Hilo and Kona, and they were drastically different from each other. Hilo almost felt rural. Since I was there on a science trip I really enjoyed it, but for a vacation it probably wouldn't have been to good. Kona on the other hand was very densely populated with hotels and geared for tourism.

 

[lytalbayre]

Well, I know the Waikoloa resort is in the Kona area. I like the idea of seeing a more domestic hawaii vs. that geared toward tourism.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[mrrman]

Ive been to Waikiki about 4 times now and I am tired of the hustle and bustle. I am going to Maui in June and will be staying at the Maui Westin. It should be quieter there.

 

[iamwiz82]

The Hilton Waikoloa is a freaking monstrosity. It's so big there is a train and a boat system to get you around it. Not exactly seeing the real Hawaii

 

[lytalbayre]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
The Hilton Waikoloa is a freaking monstrosity. It's so big there is a train and a boat system to get you around it. Not exactly seeing the real Hawaii

I just plan to sleep there... it's free and the only Hilton I could find open in March on the big island.

What I'm attracted to are the other things the big island has to offer.

 

[BoomerD]

I've been to the Hilton Waikoloa...not a bad resort. (but IMO, their luau sux.)

We prefer Maui to Hawaii, although it IS more crowded. (but much less so than O'ahu.)

BUT, IIRC, Hilton doesn't have a Maui Resort.

Have you considered Kauai? VERY lush and tropical, lots of things to do, far fewer people than any of the other islands that you have to choose from.

Given the list of Hilton's in Hawaii, my order of preference would be:

Kauai
Hawaii (big island)
O'ahu

Hawaii does have some cool things to do; volcano, Mauna Kea observatory, Kona coffee plantations and roasting companies, etc.
The eastern side of the island is lush and green...unlike the western side (Kona/Kohala coast) Hilo is the biggest "city" on the island, and is also in a lush area with lots of shopping opportunities, and (IIRC) is where you'd catch the SuperFerry.

Oh yeah...BTW, don't forget:

sunscreen
sunglasses
flip-flops
water shoes.
(the beaches are rocky, and if you step on a urchin spine...you'll know it for a long time)

 

[foghorn67]

Everyone there is lazy. Even birds are lazy. They will walk along side the highways instead of flying.
Forget your golf clubs unless you are at a resort with a course. Most are exclusive. If you are looking for something besides an ABC store, prepare to go insane.
Try not to look too hysterical after you look at the price of groceries. Dole Pineapples, not there anymore.
Maui is awesome, perfect mix of development and isolation, IMO. But try to get more than one island.
Maui can get friggin hot on some spots. I mean, damn.
Don't hit on any of the native chicks. They hit back.
Try their kettle fried chips. AMAZING.
Don't rush anything. It might take you a day or so to get used to it. Try to acclimate yourself by finding one of those bars on the beachfront, and sip your favorites all day long. In fact, ask for a bartender's recommendation if he or she is the friendly sort.

 

[Kanalua]

If you go to the Big Island, you will not regret it. Place to hit:

Hapuna State Beach park
Waimea Town
Kona Town
Mauna Kea Summitt (can chance it on a rental, if the ranger lets you go).
City of Refuge (Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park)
Pu'ukohala Heiau (learn about the great people that were there first)
Volcano's national park - check out the burned out villages, too.
Ahalauni Pool: http://www.bestplaceshawaii.co...ces/ahalanui_pool.html
Makalawena Beach: http://www.bestplaceshawaii.co.../makalawena_beach.html
One of mY favorites - Saltwater Swimming hole: http://www.bestplaceshawaii.co...es/saltwater_hole.html
Mookini: http://www.bestplaceshawaii.co...ces/mookini_heiau.html
Check out Waipio valley
Hike out to see the lava hit the ocean...time it so you get there around sunset and enjoy the natural fireworks... (kinda long hike)
Take the road up and around North kohala.
Eat at Ken's Pancake house in Hilo (right as you leave the airport to go to Hilo Town)...
Almost forgot...South Point...

Seriously find a beach, and lay out all day...when you go home you'll have wished you did more beach time...

 

[ranmaniac]

Try the Spam breakfast at McDonald's.

 

[ttown]

before I went to oahu last summer, i found a lot of info on:

http://www.gohawaii.com/ -- and sent away for their visitor guide

http://www.tripadvisor.com/

http://www.budgettravel.com/ - look for snap-guide

http://www.fodors.com/

the "Hawaii revealed" book (I got the Oahu revealed book and it was well worth the money)

and bought an Entertainment book before I went -- and focused on local (non-state-side-chain) places to eat. It had a ton of Oahu coupons in it so there may not be many big-island coupons in there -- but i don't know for sure.

i'd recommend going scuba diving. I had a great time off oahu and i'm sure hawaii has good places too. Snorkeling is good too.

Things i wanted to do but didn't: parasailing; trike glider ride (powered hang-glider like) or helicopter ride

 

[MikeMike]

I stayed on Maui when i was there, about 8 yrs ago... Stayed at the Maui Mariot right before they were adding slides the next summer into the pool...
Went to oahu once, it was like any major city, especially waikiki beach.
Maui was amazing though.... and if on maui, try and find Hula Pie.. omfg... that is all that can describe it.

 

[JMapleton]

I've been to Oahu and the Big Island and the Big Island is must quieter and easier to enjoy although there is little else besides the beach in terms of things to do. The small towns like Kona are pretty boring.

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: Cheesetogo
I think that Maui is probably one of the better islands to be on for a vacation. It still has quite a bit of interesting stuff, but I think it's much more geared towards tourism (although not in the junky way that Oahu is).

I'd agree with that. Also went to Kauai and if you're a nature guy that's the place to be but it wasn't for us for 3-4 days straight.

We've been on numerous cruises and trips but Maui is still our top favorite spot.

 

[stag3]

take the atv tour where they filmed jurassic park/wind talkers etc... that was awesome

 

[Adul]

its expensive, if you got a costco membership, they still charge the same cheap prices for food . When I went last year I did a lot of cooking there as the condo had a kitchen. Saved a lot of money.

 

[Hammerhead]

Originally posted by: stag3
take the atv tour where they filmed jurassic park/wind talkers etc... that was awesome

That is actually on Oahu and I'd rather take that tour on horseback. That way you can enjoy the sites while you let the horse follow the trail.

I'm not sure why Oahu is getting a bad rap. My guess is that all that is coming from people who have never stepped foot of waikiki. You can still find paradise in oahu if you know where to look. Contrary to popular haole belief, there are some awesome trails, secluded beaches, and spectacular views on Oahu. And when your done doing that during the day, you can party all night with the awesome nightlife. You wont find that on the other islands.

 

[lytalbayre]

Thanks all for your opinions and advice. It's much appreciated!

Decided I'm going to the big island!

 

[dainthomas]

Originally posted by: Hammerhead

Originally posted by: stag3
take the atv tour where they filmed jurassic park/wind talkers etc... that was awesome

That is actually on Oahu and I'd rather take that tour on horseback. That way you can enjoy the sites while you let the horse follow the trail.

I'm not sure why Oahu is getting a bad rap. My guess is that all that is coming from people who have never stepped foot of waikiki. You can still find paradise in oahu if you know where to look. Contrary to popular haole belief, there are some awesome trails, secluded beaches, and spectacular views on Oahu. And when your done doing that during the day, you can party all night with the awesome nightlife. You wont find that on the other islands.

Agreed. There are plenty of small, quiet towns on the windward side and north shore. You can chill all day and still party it up in Honolulu at night.

A lot of the dissing is probably coming from people who only stay in Honolulu and do the bus tours. That would drive me nuts too. We have the advantage of being friends with someone who's native Hawaiian though, so we really get to see a different aspect when we stay out there.

 

[BoomerD]

Originally posted by: Hammerhead

Originally posted by: stag3
take the atv tour where they filmed jurassic park/wind talkers etc... that was awesome

That is actually on Oahu and I'd rather take that tour on horseback. That way you can enjoy the sites while you let the horse follow the trail.

I'm not sure why Oahu is getting a bad rap. My guess is that all that is coming from people who have never stepped foot of waikiki. You can still find paradise in oahu if you know where to look. Contrary to popular haole belief, there are some awesome trails, secluded beaches, and spectacular views on Oahu. And when your done doing that during the day, you can party all night with the awesome nightlife. You wont find that on the other islands.

I agree that O'ahu is beautiful once you get out of metro Honolulu...LOTS of beautiful places there. Honolulu however is a sewer...just a tropical version of San Francisco.

 

[MasonLuke]

If its your first time, then go to Maui. The big island is just all lava except for your resort. You will see the best of Hawaii if you go to Maui. One word of advice. do NOT attend those time share seminars or what ever they are trying to sell. you may get a free dinner or snorkeling or what ever, but its not worth the high pressure tactic they use.

 

[BoomerD]

Originally posted by: MasonLuke
If its your first time, then go to Maui. The big island is just all lava except for your resort. You will see the best of Hawaii if you go to Maui. One word of advice. do NOT attend those time share seminars or what ever they are trying to sell. you may get a free dinner or snorkeling or what ever, but its not worth the high pressure tactic they use.

Since he's using Hilton Hotel points for his stay, that's not an option...No Hilton resort on Maui.

Otherwise, I agree with your post.