Has anyone been to Hawaii?

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   healthylife2posted 10 years ago

   Has anyone been to Hawaii?
   
   What are the best things to do and see in Hawaii? We will be staying on Lanai because we are on a budget but can travel to the other islands.

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   Bk42authorposted 10 years ago

   I went to Maui about 10 years ago (not far from Lanai) and I loved it. The island of Molokai isn't too far either and I went snorkling there. Have fun!

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      healthylife2posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Snorkeling sounds fun BK42author. Looks like there is a ferry or plane to get to Maui. I can't wait to go!

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      Bk42authorposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      You will love it!

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   Rusti Mccollumposted 10 years ago

   I just got back and its expensive but we did 15 days touring the islands

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      healthylife2posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Are there any tours you can recommend Rusti? We will spend a few days on the other islands.It's expensive just to get there! Sounds like an awesome vacation.

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      Rusti Mccollumposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Horseback riding, volcano and the waterfall tours are reasonable. However the submarines are great. Everyone sold out pearl harbor tour and they all loved it! Oh yes the luas gotta do those

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      healthylife2posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I have never seen a volcano and looks like the best luau is on Maui. A submarine does sound interesting and riding horses in Hawaii would be a dream come true. Thanks for the help!

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   fpherj48posted 10 years ago

   Just to be able to say, "Yes," I've been to Hawaii (Honolulu/Maui) I'm responding to your question.  I doubt I'll be of much help in sharing my trip, since it was in 1969.  You were either a tiny tot or not even born yet.
   Thousands of young wives went to Hawaii in the late '60's......to meet up with their husbands for R&R from their tour in Viet Nam....(yet another one of our country's HUGE mistakes)
   Suffice it to say you will LOVE it.....it's beautiful, peaceful, WARM, relaxing and there's more to do than time to do it in.  In short, it's no secret, it's a Paradise on earth.
   I remember we saw the Dolphins entertain.....that's not so popular these days with all the protests for animal rights.....but I did get a kiss on the cheek from one of those precious mammals....
   I doubt that "Don Ho & Tiny Bubbles" means a thing to you......but we saw him sing and play his piano at the infamous "Duke Kahanamoku's" Night Club......who knows if it still exists and by now, Don Ho must be 100 years old...LOL    Are you having fun yet?
   You absolutely MUST attend a Luau and take a Hula Lesson!   
   Hey, healthylife.....tell you what.....just take me along and I'll be your personal  guide.  I can wing my way through any thing!
   Have a SUPER FABULOUS time!!

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      healthylife2posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I loved your answer and cool perspective on Hawaii fpherj48!! Loved the history and although those things were before my time it is supposed to still be paradise. Will definitely attend a luau and take a hula lesson and would love to take you along:)

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   novascotiamissposted 10 years ago

   We spent 2 months in Hawaii last year on 4 different Islands (Big Island Hawaii, Maui, Kaua'i and Oahu). Believe me, we are also Budget travellers but with some good planning Hawaii doesn't need to be expensive. Rule no. 1: Condos are the best choice as they are generally cheaper than hotels and you don't have to go out all the time for drinks & eating. Try to stay in each condo for at least 1 week as you will get better rates. Also, if you go during low or shoulder season prices are usually negotiable.
   2: I doubt that Lanai is a good budget choice. You have to get there by ferry from Maui and the choice of accommodation is limited (and probably quite expensive, same as food, trips, entertainment etc.). I would personally recommend Maui. It has a huge choice of accommodation & restaurants which keeps the price down. Maui has the most awesome beaches and the snorkelling is out of this world (right fro the beach - so you don't have to go on an expensive boat trip). If you have a rental car you can probably spend a whole month on Maui and go to a different beach every day. Take note: All beaches are public on Hawaii!!! So you don't have to go to a super fancy resort to go to a nice beach.  There are plenty of out of the way beaches which are totally uncrowded. We rented cars from various car companies, you have to shop around to compare deals. On Maui we used a local car hire which was a lot cheaper than the big companies and also provided a free shuttle from the airport. One of our highlights on Maui was the Haleakala Nationalpark where you can drive up to 10'000 ft  for awesome views and do some great volcano hikes.
   
   Unless you go in peak season do not pre-book any local trips. Pick up coupon booklets at the airport and look for the cheapest deals locally (great savings).
   
   I booked all our flights together and the inter-island flights worked out to approx. 60 dollars per flight that way.
   
   And last but not least. Buy the Lonely Planet Guide for Hawaii. It gives you all the information you need for easy trip planning. Generally, you can do most of the activities by yourself if you know how and this book will tell you where to go, where to park, where to eat etc.
   
   Have a great trip and enjoy Hawaii.

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      healthylife2posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you noviascotiamiss! You have no idea how grateful I am for this information. I was nervous about doing Hawaii on a budget but now I think it is possible.I am so excited to go!

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      novascotiamissposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Another important Point. The islands usually have a side where it's dry and a side where it rains a lot. Also it rains more during the winter months and is generally overcast

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      healthylife2posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I'm hoping the Spring is a little less rainy. I just ordered the book you recommended.

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