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Post by jumperhop on Aug 29, 2017 18:50:14 GMT
How would you split up 13 days between Oahu and The Big Island?
Any recommendations on where to stay in Oahu that is relatively not too crowded but still close to beaches?
I have never been to The Big Island so any advice you have would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jen
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Post by 950nancy on Aug 29, 2017 18:57:06 GMT
I would spend more time on the Big Island. Oahu is gorgeous, but many places are really crowded and the beaches are packed. That was my experience. It has some fantastic places to visit though. I'd maybe do a week + on the Big Island and a little less on Oahu. When we were there, we got a hopper plane pass so we could go to the other islands for the day. Maui was all kinds of wonderful.
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perumbula
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,439 
Location: Idaho
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Post by perumbula on Aug 29, 2017 18:58:56 GMT
We stayed in Ko'Olina in March. It's a resort area with about five or six large resorts on man made lagoons. It wasn't very crowded because only the people at the resorts went there. We stayed at the Hilton and it was lovely. It's about 20 minutes out of Honolulu on the leaward side. If you want to go farther afield, the North Shore or Windward are both good options. We also stayed at the Hilton in Laie. It's really new and very nice. It's also across the street from one of my favorite beaches in Hawaii. The beach is a bit narrow, but it's very private. No crowds ever. (But this is my personal feeling on this and I know most tourists wouldn't agree with me about the beach. I have some nostalgia love for it from my college days.) North Shore is awesome, though. Lots of big waves and gorgeous scenery. It's fun to see small town Hawaii.
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Post by KikiPea on Aug 29, 2017 19:00:28 GMT
We stayed on the Big island for 10 days. 7 would have been plenty. There was only one thing we wanted to do that we didn't get to. We had the time, just not the money.
Have a blast!!!
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Post by jumperhop on Aug 29, 2017 19:30:39 GMT
I would spend more time on the Big Island. Oahu is gorgeous, but many places are really crowded and the beaches are packed. That was my experience. It has some fantastic places to visit though. I'd maybe do a week + on the Big Island and a little less on Oahu. When we were there, we got a hopper plane pass so we could go to the other islands for the day. Maui was all kinds of wonderful. Thank you, I had such a hard time deciding on Oahu since I am a Maui girl at heart. Our last three vacations have been to Maui. The last trip to left me wanting to try something else. Jen |
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Post by jumperhop on Aug 29, 2017 19:35:05 GMT
We stayed in Ko'Olina in March. It's a resort area with about five or six large resorts on man made lagoons. It wasn't very crowded because only the people at the resorts went there. We stayed at the Hilton and it was lovely. It's about 20 minutes out of Honolulu on the leaward side. If you want to go farther afield, the North Shore or Windward are both good options. We also stayed at the Hilton in Laie. It's really new and very nice. It's also across the street from one of my favorite beaches in Hawaii. The beach is a bit narrow, but it's very private. No crowds ever. (But this is my personal feeling on this and I know most tourists wouldn't agree with me about the beach. I have some nostalgia love for it from my college days.) North Shore is awesome, though. Lots of big waves and gorgeous scenery. It's fun to see small town Hawaii. Right now I am leaning towards staying up in Laie. My 16 year old son keeps telling me he doesn't want to go to a church school. I am hoping maybe BYU Hawaii will change his mind. Thanks |
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perumbula
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,439
Location: Idaho
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Post by perumbula on Aug 30, 2017 15:12:48 GMT
We stayed in Ko'Olina in March. It's a resort area with about five or six large resorts on man made lagoons. It wasn't very crowded because only the people at the resorts went there. We stayed at the Hilton and it was lovely. It's about 20 minutes out of Honolulu on the leaward side. If you want to go farther afield, the North Shore or Windward are both good options. We also stayed at the Hilton in Laie. It's really new and very nice. It's also across the street from one of my favorite beaches in Hawaii. The beach is a bit narrow, but it's very private. No crowds ever. (But this is my personal feeling on this and I know most tourists wouldn't agree with me about the beach. I have some nostalgia love for it from my college days.) North Shore is awesome, though. Lots of big waves and gorgeous scenery. It's fun to see small town Hawaii. Right now I am leaning towards staying up in Laie. My 16 year old son keeps telling me he doesn't want to go to a church school. I am hoping maybe BYU Hawaii will change his mind. Thanks I was like your son. My mom was pushing me to Ricks, but my sister's experiences didn't really make me excited to go there and I'm not one to be excited about a school where it's traditional for it to snow on graduation day. I adored my time at BYUH. It was an amazing, mind opening experience. I made friends from all over the world. I highly recommend it. Make sure you contact the school and get an official tour so you get to see all the good stuff and definitely go to PCC and visit with the performers. 75% of them are students and will be able to visit with your son about their experience. |
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Post by scrapcat on Aug 30, 2017 15:19:16 GMT
I liked Turtle Bay and the north shore for a change from Waikiki. But I would look into the Haleiwa area. Not sure about beach access, but there were a lot of rental signs along the way.
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Post by Delta Dawn on Aug 30, 2017 15:23:27 GMT
We are going to the Big Island and Waikiki in January. The Big Island we are staying 2 weeks in Kona at the Wyndome Hawaiian Resort and will do minimal amounts of beaching. BFF is joining us for the BI trip. We will go to the volcano, Black Sand Beach and this amazing bakery on the way. We are going to Hapuna State Park for a day and then maybe a snorkeling cruise. My dad will be golfing he said. There are other parks and beaches we go to, too. We rent equipment at Snorkel Bob's and buy lawn chairs and stuff at Walmart. We shop at Safeway for groceries as it is really close to where we are staying.
In Waikiki we will have about 4 days. We are going up to the North Shore, shopping and Pearl Harbor? That's all I can think of now.
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Post by jumperhop on Aug 30, 2017 15:34:05 GMT
We are going to the Big Island and Waikiki in January. The Big Island we are staying 2 weeks in Kona at the Wyndome Hawaiian Resort and will do minimal amounts of beaching. BFF is joining us for the BI trip. We will go to the volcano, Black Sand Beach and this amazing bakery on the way. We are going to Hapuna State Park for a day and then maybe a snorkeling cruise. My dad will be golfing he said. There are other parks and beaches we go to, too. We rent equipment at Snorkel Bob's and buy lawn chairs and stuff at Walmart. We shop at Safeway for groceries as it is really close to where we are staying. In Waikiki we will have about 4 days. We are going up to the North Shore, shopping and Pearl Harbor? That's all I can think of now. Elannah! Sounds like a fabulous itenary on the BI. I think I will have to steal it. Jen |
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basketdiva
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,615
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Post by basketdiva on Aug 30, 2017 15:51:09 GMT
This website is one I use before every trip to the Big island www.101thingstodo.com/bigisland101/If you like snorkleing, try to book a trip on the Kona Style- catamaran. Amazing staff- the captain is a true Hawaiian and gives so much history. For eating- Lava Lava Club ( even just a drink at sunset is amazing) Hugo's (either place) The petroglyph fields are interesting and there are lots of coffee plantation tours Many beaches on the Big island are rocky. There are some up in the Waikola area that are sandy |
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Post by Delta Dawn on Aug 30, 2017 15:55:57 GMT
We are going to the Big Island and Waikiki in January. The Big Island we are staying 2 weeks in Kona at the Wyndome Hawaiian Resort and will do minimal amounts of beaching. BFF is joining us for the BI trip. We will go to the volcano, Black Sand Beach and this amazing bakery on the way. We are going to Hapuna State Park for a day and then maybe a snorkeling cruise. My dad will be golfing he said. There are other parks and beaches we go to, too. We rent equipment at Snorkel Bob's and buy lawn chairs and stuff at Walmart. We shop at Safeway for groceries as it is really close to where we are staying. In Waikiki we will have about 4 days. We are going up to the North Shore, shopping and Pearl Harbor? That's all I can think of now. Elannah! Sounds like a fabulous itenary on the BI. I think I will have to steal it. Jen Let me talk to my dad and see if we have anything else planned. The place we stay at has nice pools so we read by them as I am not a big water person. It's really nice! There is a great coffee producer (and macadamia nuts) on the way to the volcano, too on the left side of the road. They make excellent coffee so we buy a pound there. It's better than Kona coffee we have found. There is a species of bird at the bakery and it doesn't exist anywhere else. It is a little cardinal maybe? I forget but that's the only place bird watchers have ever seen it. The bread pudding there is to die for. World's best. I have photos of it because it is that good. You need a good while at the Black Sand Beach because turtles beach themselves for a while and they are fun to look at. The banyan trees are amazing and very big. The park ranger at the volcano has a talk he gives. You want to sit in on that because it's very interesting. Try to stay to hear it. Costco is convenient to Kona and there is a Macy's and I shop at the King's Mall because they have the stores I like there. (Love King's Mall!!!) and we go out for dinner to this one particular restaurant. I will ask Dad when he gets home what it's called. I know the hotel is white but the food is excellent. I don't like seafood except for mussels, shrimp and lobster. They make something that caters to picky eaters like me! Amazing! |
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Post by jumperhop on Aug 30, 2017 16:03:08 GMT
This website is one I use before every trip to the Big island www.101thingstodo.com/bigisland101/If you like snorkleing, try to book a trip on the Kona Style- catamaran. Amazing staff- the captain is a true Hawaiian and gives so much history. For eating- Lava Lava Club ( even just a drink at sunset is amazing) Hugo's (either place) The petroglyph fields are interesting and there are lots of coffee plantation tours Many beaches on the Big island are rocky. There are some up in the Waikola area that are sandy Thank you for the website. The snorkeling trip sounds fun! Some of are favorite memories are talking to the locals. |
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Post by dazeepetals on Aug 30, 2017 16:12:37 GMT
While I can offer no advice on Oahu, as I've only been in the airport for a few hours, I can give advice on the Big Island as I've been there 3 times already (and will go back again soon). We love the Big Island. First, I would recommend you spend the greater amount of time on the BI as it's quite big and can take time to get places. For that reason, I would recommend renting a condo as it's typically more economical and can offer some things hotels don't. The place we have stayed the last 2 times we went was the Fairways at Mauni Lani. Although this isn't the exact condo we stayed in (stayed in the same one both times) this gives you an idea of how they look. If you go in the off season, most were around $200 per night. The bonus for this place in particular is you get access to the "private" beach just off the Mauni Lani main property that has a beach club. The easiest way to get to this beach is by the gate (which you are given a key card to) so it's usually pretty empty and doesn't get many of the hotel guests walking that far over to it. It has great snorkeling and the waters are very calm. We took friends the last time we went (so split the cost of the condo) and the LOVED the beach. We spent so much time there. Things to do: I can give you specific recommendations if you can tell me what kind of things you like to do. DH and I are very outdoorsy so we like hiking, snorkling, etc so I have PLENTY of recommendations for those if you are interested. One thing I would highly recommend is driving over to the other side of the island to Hilo for the day. Go on a farmers market day (Wed or Sat) as the market is phenomenal! So many fruits, the BEST avocados, and other vegetables all grown locally. We went there on our first day on the island (since we were up at 5 am due to time difference) and bought most of the groceries we would use for the week there. Then drive back via the North route and see some of the waterfalls, Waipoi Valley Outlook, and drive through Waimea. I'll wait for your response to give other recommendations so I can direct them based on your interest. |
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Post by jumperhop on Aug 30, 2017 16:14:51 GMT
Let me talk to my dad and see if we have anything else planned. The place we stay at has nice pools so we read by them as I am not a big water person. It's really nice! There is a great coffee producer (and macadamia nuts) on the way to the volcano, too on the left side of the road. They make excellent coffee so we buy a pound there. It's better than Kona coffee we have found. There is a species of bird at the bakery and it doesn't exist anywhere else. It is a little cardinal maybe? I forget but that's the only place bird watchers have ever seen it. The bread pudding there is to die for. World's best. I have photos of it because it is that good. You need a good while at the Black Sand Beach because turtles beach themselves for a while and they are fun to look at. The banyan trees are amazing and very big. The park ranger at the volcano has a talk he gives. You want to sit in on that because it's very interesting. Try to stay to hear it. Costco is convenient to Kona and there is a Macy's and I shop at the King's Mall because they have the stores I like there. (Love King's Mall!!!) and we go out for dinner to this one particular restaurant. I will ask Dad when he gets home what it's called. I know the hotel is white but the food is excellent. I don't like seafood except for mussels, shrimp and lobster. They make something that caters to picky eaters like me! Amazing! We are definitely going to try the bread pudding. It's my husbands favorite dessert. I can't wait to see the black sand beach, its on my bucket list. I am thinking about doing a tour when we do the volcano. I feel like we always miss things and don't hear the history when we try and do things on our own. I am planning on staying over in Hilo for 3 nights and the other side of the island for 5 nights. Which leaves five nights in Oahu! Jen |
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Post by Delta Dawn on Aug 30, 2017 16:20:20 GMT
Let me talk to my dad and see if we have anything else planned. The place we stay at has nice pools so we read by them as I am not a big water person. It's really nice! There is a great coffee producer (and macadamia nuts) on the way to the volcano, too on the left side of the road. They make excellent coffee so we buy a pound there. It's better than Kona coffee we have found. There is a species of bird at the bakery and it doesn't exist anywhere else. It is a little cardinal maybe? I forget but that's the only place bird watchers have ever seen it. The bread pudding there is to die for. World's best. I have photos of it because it is that good. You need a good while at the Black Sand Beach because turtles beach themselves for a while and they are fun to look at. The banyan trees are amazing and very big. The park ranger at the volcano has a talk he gives. You want to sit in on that because it's very interesting. Try to stay to hear it. Costco is convenient to Kona and there is a Macy's and I shop at the King's Mall because they have the stores I like there. (Love King's Mall!!!) and we go out for dinner to this one particular restaurant. I will ask Dad when he gets home what it's called. I know the hotel is white but the food is excellent. I don't like seafood except for mussels, shrimp and lobster. They make something that caters to picky eaters like me! Amazing! We are definitely going to try the bread pudding. It's my husbands favorite dessert. I can't wait to see the black sand beach, its on my bucket list. I am thinking about doing a tour when we do the volcano. I feel like we always miss things and don't hear the history when we try and do things on our own. I am planning on staying over in Hilo for 3 nights and the other side of the island for 5 nights. Which leaves five nights in Oahu! Jen My parents did a helicopter tour of the volcano years ago and enjoyed that a lot. Bring a sweater. It's the only place you will need it! We drove to this town when we had about 8 hours to kill. I wish I knew where it was other than it wasn't Hilo nor Kona but it was on the island. It was really neat. There was a farmers' market and stuff to see. It was really cool up there, too. I think it's where the residents of the Big Island live if you will. There is/was a Ben Franklin there I remember that (I didn't go in but you could search it). It was a one street light town kind of place. Very nice and not tropical like Kona is. You might like to do a day trip there for something to do, too! |
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casii
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,461
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Post by casii on Aug 30, 2017 16:26:32 GMT
When we've gone to the Hawaiian islands, we always get the updated versions of the 'island name' revealed books. Big Island Revealed, Oahu Revealed, etc. These are put together by islanders and have been invaluable.
I've only been to Oahu once, mainly on the North Shore and to see Pearl Harbor. We've been to the Big Island several times and it's always an adventure. I don't think I've seen hiking to lava tubes mentioned? I kind of scrolled through quickly. And I'm not sure if they still do it, but there is a secret lava tube hike at the Volcano park that you have to call the park and reserve with a ranger. They only allow 12 people on the hike and you go to an undisclosed location. There is a good reason for it.
Our first stop is HI is always Costco is they are open to stock up on groceries, wine/liquor and fill up on gas. Snorkel Bobs for equipment fitting/rental.
I'm jealous! So exciting for you!
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Post by jumperhop on Aug 30, 2017 16:30:36 GMT
I can give you specific recommendations if you can tell me what kind of things you like to do. DH and I are very outdoorsy so we like hiking, snorkling, etc so I have PLENTY of recommendations for those if you are interested. One thing I would highly recommend is driving over to the other side of the island to Hilo for the day. Go on a farmers market day (Wed or Sat) as the market is phenomenal! So many fruits, the BEST avocados, and other vegetables all grown locally. We went there on our first day on the island (since we were up at 5 am due to time difference) and bought most of the groceries we would use for the week there. Then drive back via the North route and see some of the waterfalls, Waipoi Valley Outlook, and drive through Waimea. I'll wait for your response to give other recommendations so I can direct them based on your interest. I will look into The Fairways, condos are definitely the way to go since we quickly get tired of eating out. We are a snorkeling family. My husband likes to go from beach to beach to beach trying to find the best snorkeling spot. Waterfall and cliff jumping would be a hit! We also like hiking but my husband had knee surgery has put a damper on any strenuous hiking trips. We aren't into extravagant things or crowds. Beauty and Old Hawaii! THANK YOU! Jen |
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Post by jumperhop on Aug 30, 2017 16:34:41 GMT
When we've gone to the Hawaiian islands, we always get the updated versions of the 'island name' revealed books. Big Island Revealed, Oahu Revealed, etc. These are put together by islanders and have been invaluable. I've only been to Oahu once, mainly on the North Shore and to see Pearl Harbor. We've been to the Big Island several times and it's always an adventure. I don't think I've seen hiking to lava tubes mentioned? I kind of scrolled through quickly. And I'm not sure if they still do it, but there is a secret lava tube hike at the Volcano park that you have to call the park and reserve with a ranger. They only allow 12 people on the hike and you go to an undisclosed location. There is a good reason for it. Our first stop is HI is always Costco is they are open to stock up on groceries, wine/liquor and fill up on gas. Snorkel Bobs for equipment fitting/rental. I'm jealous! So exciting for you! The lava tube hike sounds like so much fun. I will figure out how to make a reservation. Jen |
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basketdiva
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,615
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Post by basketdiva on Aug 30, 2017 16:38:37 GMT
If you would like, I'll share the name and location of our favorite Kona coffee supplier in Captain Cook. Best prices for 100% Kona and a delightful gentleman that owns the place.
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Post by dazeepetals on Aug 30, 2017 17:10:43 GMT
I will look into The Fairways, condos are definitely the way to go since we quickly get tired of eating out. We are a snorkeling family. My husband likes to go from beach to beach to beach trying to find the best snorkeling spot. Waterfall and cliff jumping would be a hit! We also like hiking but my husband had knee surgery has put a damper on any strenuous hiking trips. We aren't into extravagant things or crowds. Beauty and Old Hawaii! THANK YOU! Jen First, I would highly recommend you check out the Trip Advisor Island of Hawaii Travel Forum. The are huge helpers and can give valuable advice. I learned a lot from them. Beach/Snorkeling Recommendations: Makaiwa Bay/Beach Club at the Mauna Lani This is the one you get gate access to if you stay at a condo on the Mauni Lani resort property. Great snorkeling and calm waters. Direct beach access to snorkeling. Pae'a (aka Two Step). This is on the same property as Pu'uhonua O Honaunau (i.e. Place of Refuge) which you should visit also. Two Step is a step off snorkeling place, where you literally walk out a huge rock and step down (2 steps) into ocean bay water. The waters are a bit more wavey than my other recommendations, but still safe. This place gets busy so go super early (i.e by 8 or 9 am at latest) otherwise you may not find parking. Captain James Cook Monument is another cool place to snorkel. There is only 2 ways to access it. First, hike down which is a 3.8 mile hike with about 1500 ft of elevation through the forest. It's hot and sticky. Only other option is by boat, i.e. a boat tour company. DH did the later option while deep sea fishing and said there is usually quite a few boats in the cove letting people snorkel around it. Kiholo Bay. This is by far my favorite place. It's not a typical place so you can be one of the only persons down there at times. Back in the ancient Hawaiian days, the Kings built this area to make fisheries and their "bath" area, so some of the "islands" in the bay are man made hundreds of years ago by bringing rocks down. The bay is part salt water part fresh water, is naturally cool. We have found this to be one of the best places to find turtles. There is 2 ways to get here. First is to drive down the road (don't need 4 wheel drive) to the Kiholo State Park Reserve which is clearly marked. You will then have to hike/walk along the beach for around a mile to get to the bay. You will go past a lava tube and some ungodly expensive houses (one which looks like it's straight out of Bali), go around the bay until you get to the Wainanalii Pond. The water is shallow and protected. The other way is to hike down from Highway 19. Before you reach the road down (coming from the north) you will see a small spot on the road where people have parked their cars ( I tried to mark it here) where you can park your car then walk down through the lava fields to the beach directly. It's hot and unprotected from the sun, so bring water and dress lightly. It was a shorter walk and you didn't have to walk in the sand (which can tire you out) like the other route. I'll do more recommendations in a bit. Am home watching DS3 and DD6months and they are demanding some attention. |
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Post by chrispeas on Aug 30, 2017 20:57:20 GMT
I would spend more time on the big island. I would stay in Hilo first then come back to the airport side. I would only stay a few days in Oahu. Go see the memorial for sure.
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Post by jumperhop on Aug 30, 2017 21:17:15 GMT
If you would like, I'll share the name and location of our favorite Kona coffee supplier in Captain Cook. Best prices for 100% Kona and a delightful gentleman that owns the place. Thanks for the offer, we are not coffee drinkers. But you should post the info that way other peas looking for info on the Big Island can enjoy! Jen |
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basketdiva
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,615
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Post by basketdiva on Aug 30, 2017 22:17:45 GMT
If you would like, I'll share the name and location of our favorite Kona coffee supplier in Captain Cook. Best prices for 100% Kona and a delightful gentleman that owns the place. Thanks for the offer, we are not coffee drinkers. But you should post the info that way other peas looking for info on the Big Island can enjoy! Jen Ok I will: Hawaiian Product Resources 81-947 Halekii St, Kealakekua, HI 96750 The Wyndham and Worldmark resorts always recommend Emmerich. Lovely older gentleman. They also sell macadamia nuts and do mail order. Not the easiet place to find but worth a visit if you enjoy Kona coffee at a reasonable price. Our recent was $15 for 1 pound bag. many other places charge that for 1/2 lb. |
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