Considering a trip in the Summer of 2019. 4 adults, a 7 year old & a 13 year old.
1. Pro/con travel agent?
2. Ideal/reasonable amount of nights to sleep over for once in a lifetime visit.
3. One or two islands? Which. (We like like beaches, none of us hike)
4. Any must see suggestions?
5. Any hotels you loved?
Thank you.
I lived in Hawaii up until last year. I don't want to get too into detail here or else I'll be writing a book, but from a mainland perspective this is how most of the "accessible" islands play out:
Oahu - Very crowded, touristy, but will have most everything you need/are familiar with. But also gives you the feel for the Hawaii culture if you venture out a bit. You have more food options, and there are some great beaches, most are crowded, but if you choose this island, let me know and I can point get you to some less crowded spots that will blow your mind. Places to stay - Waikiki endless options, Ko'Olina (west side) with Disney resort available, Kailua (best area for that Hawaii feel but will be paying for it). Someone else said the Luau's are a bit lame, I can agree, but will say its pretty much like that anywhere you go, its a fun little tradition the people of Hawaii put on for tourists. If you find one that features more fire dancing, that's where the magic really happens. BTW, for as much traveling as Ive done and combined with the friends world travels, not one of us can say we have found a better place to watch the Sunset than West Side Oahu.
Maui - Has every bit of greatness Oahu has, but without the crowds. Seriously, you can walk up to great restaurants with no waiting lines where as Oahu you could be waiting an hour or more. Its quieter on the south side, which can lend to more of the intimate feel of Hawaii. If you choose to stay in a resort type, the Lahaina area has everything you'll need without venturing too far. Great Snorkeling and an opportunity to go night snorkeling with Manta Rays - out of this world.
Big Island (Hawaii) - Best island in terms of balance with things to do and places to see. Choosing this island for your main area of stay, you can't go wrong. You will find things to do, and you will see Hawaii in all its wonders, and certainly not as crowded as Oahu, but can be tight in certain areas.
Kauai - My favorite island, and its not even close. However, I am a hiker. This island will be more of the wild hawaii side, hence why it's known as the "Garden Island". If you want adventure, you come here. Without hiking you can take helicopter tours over the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, the Jurassic Park Waterfall (recommend open door helo ride), and the Na Pali Coast. There is a massive double waterfall that you can drive to, no hiking involved. It has a resort area on the east side, so if you want the comfort of that, its there, but in all honesty the beauty of this island rests with its mixture of jungle areas, open canyons and wildlife. It does however have an ridiculously awesome water float ride through an old sugar cane factory, sounds like a kiddie thing to do, but I can personally attest that adults have just as much fun - book early tho, it has grown in popularity.
There are a few other islands that are less accessible, but if you want more info, let me know. Wherever you decide to go, if you decide against a travel agent, I can help point you in a general direction of fun things to do and great food options (seriously, want to swim with dolphins in the open ocean without paying $150 to do so?) Either way, you will have a great time!
Oh and a note on the native islanders not liking whites - while it may be concerning to most, this is mostly false. You should be careful, just as you would traveling to any other place in the world. yes, it's technically a US State, but they have a different culture. As long as you respect their culture, respect the land and don't be stupid or act like a jerk, you'll be fine. I've met some of the best people camping on the beaches with Hawaiian's. Haole is a real term they use for whites, even to your face, but I've only been called that by friends, not out of disrespect. Honestly, I've left my truck in some real shady places, surrounded by real shady looking people, overnight while hiking in the mountains of Oahu. Not once was it messed with. I moved to the suburbs of San Antonio and within a week, someone breaks into my truck. Take out of that what you will.
Don't hesitate to message me direct if you need info, enjoy!
