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Please post your questions in the correct thread. This thread, as the title clearly states, is for general Hawaii questions only.

If you have any questions that pertains to a particular island, post it in the appropriate island thread. See below for links to all island threads.

You'd get far better answers there, and chances are that your issue was already discussed at length too.

DansMeals: Hawaii For The Kosher Traveler:
-Part 1: General Info And The Island Of Oahu
-Part 2: The Big Island of Hawaii
-Part 3: Maui
-Part 4: Kauai

Related DD Posts:
-Ultimate Hawaii Mileage Chart and Everything You Need to Know About the Hawaiian Islands (2015)
-Trip Notes: Maui No Ka ‘Oi (2014)
-Trip Notes Kauai: Heaven On Earth (2014)
-The Hawaiian Islands. (2011)
-Traveling To Hawaii…With A 5 Month Old (2011)
-View From The Room (2011)
-Pearl Harbor…70 Years (2011)
-Shaloha! (2011)
-Hawaii Trip Notes: Kauai (2009)
-Hawaii Trip Notes: Oahu (2009)
-Which Miles To Use To Fly To Hawaii?

Related DDF Destination Threads:
-Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
-Kauai Master Thread
-Maui Master Thread
-Oahu Master Thread
-Lanai, Molokai, and Niihau, Hawaii Master Thread

Background on Hawaiian Islands
You've probably heard of Honolulu. That's the state capital and is located on island of Oahu, the main island with the largest airport. Honolulu hosts the famous Waikiki Beach and if you look at pictures, it looks like Miami. One long beach with a strip of hotels. Most DDFers say to go to one of the other 3 main islands which are less touristy and the hotels are more spread out. In no particular order, the other islands are Maui, Kauai and Hawaii (yes, that's the name of one of the islands. It's also known as The Big Island - confusing because Big Island sounds like it's the "Main Island", but Oahu is the main island). Direct flights from NYC only go to HNL. You can get direct flights from other cities (LAX, SFO, OAK, SJC, SAN, DEN, DFW, PHX, SEA, ORD as examples) to the other islands. Hawaii is amazing - have fun! The main airport codes are:
Oahu: HNL
Maui: OGG
Kauai: LIH
The Big Island: KOA, ITO (2 airports on 2 different sides of the island)

Interisland flights:
Hawaiian is the main interisland carrier and flies HNL, LIH, OGG, KOA, and ITO. They have countless flights each day and are nearly always on time - often even early. Never book a tight connection hoping that the interisland flight will be delayed.

Go and Island Air fly from HNL. Mokulele flies from HNL and KOA, as well as to Kapalua (JHM), Hana (HNM), Molokai (MKK), Lanai (LNY), and Waimea-Kohala (MUE) on the Big Island. Hawaiian's subsidiary Ohana flies HNL to MKK and LNY.

You can also use 5k AA, 6k UA or 7.5k HA miles each way to fly interisland. You can use 15k DL pesos for a RT interisland. United allows a free stopover on a round-trip, so for instance you can fly HNL-LIH-OGG-HNL for just 12K miles.
HA has several tiers, similar to DL, the lowest tier is the only one that's available using partner miles, but with HA miles you can purchase tickets that are otherwise unavailable for additional miles.

@Yehuda's thoughts on deciding between Kauai and Maui:
Here's a list of the main activities on both islands. Decide what interests you, and then you'll know where to go.

Kauai has what many say to be one of the best hikes in the world - Kalalau Trail. Most people will only do the first part, but it's still very highly regarded. The views atop Waimea Canyon are breathtaking, yet Maui also has breathtaking views at Haleakala. Kauai also has some supposedly awesome off-roading on Miloli'i Ridge Road. Sunset at the 12-mile long Polihale Beach is supposed to be quite the sunset. A helicopter tour of Kauai is generally said to be much better than a heli tour of Maui. If the water is calm, Queen's Bath, which is a natural pool in the ocean you can swim in that's protected from the ocean's force by hardened lava, is SICK, but Maui has the same thing by the Olivine Pools. Kayaking down the Wailua River to "Secret Falls" is supposed to be great as well. Of course, the luxurious, tropical amazingness of the Grand Hyatt Kauai is a huge boost for Kauai, except for its beach, but the great Po'ipu Beach is 5 minutes away.

Maui has the Road to Hana, which is an incredible drive through what feels like a rainforest with tons of opportunities to take small hikes to waterfalls and pools. It's just wow wow wow. Sunrise at the top Haleakala is not to be missed. A boat trip to snorkel by Molokini Crater offers what is supposedly some of the best snorkeling visibility in the world. Warren & Annabelle's Magic Show is supposed to be a great night out. The hotels are also magical, perhaps to a lesser degree than GHK, but the beaches by the main hotels are a big plus over GHK's beach. EDIT: The Grand Wailea in Maui is a gorgeous hotel that rivals the GHK (and its lazy river actually moves as opposed to GHK's ). Add in the fact that its beach (Wailea Beach) is swimmable and doesn't require the albeit short drive to Po'ipu Beach that the GHK does, I'm not sure that the GHK should be a reason enough to tip the scales in favor of Kauai over Maui anymore.

So, pick the types of activities you'd want to do and then you'll have your island. I personally liked Maui better mostly because of the Road to Hana, but to be fair, I did miss out on the Kalalau Trail in Kauai due to weather.
« Last edited by jj1000 on December 25, 2023, 10:30:33 AM »

Author Topic: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?  (Read 484994 times)

Offline JJP

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #160 on: February 23, 2012, 03:56:58 PM »
The better question is why the 4 nights in Oahu instead of Maui or the Big Island?

Well the 4 nights could be in Maui (even if I am still waiting for your trip notes for that island  :D) and for the big island there is no hyatt there... I don't have any points for hotels like Fairmont or Westin; but the question still stands whichever hotel I choose... how should i make good use of those awards/upgrades/$??

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #161 on: February 23, 2012, 04:22:24 PM »
Don't know anyone you can trade UR points for SPG points with?
I think you should use the 2 suite certs at each hotel and book the following 2 nights with points, they probably won't downgrade you.  Though you may need a few more points.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #162 on: February 23, 2012, 04:27:13 PM »
Don't know anyone you can trade UR points for SPG points with?
No I don't. Do you think the Fairmont or Westin are that much better than the Hyatt Maui?

I think you should use the 2 suite certs at each hotel and book the following 2 nights with points, they probably won't downgrade you.  Though you may need a few more points.
So no use of my upgrade certificates??

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #163 on: February 23, 2012, 04:28:45 PM »
No I don't. Do you think the Fairmont or Westin are that much better than the Hyatt Maui?
So no use of my upgrade certificates??
I don't think the Westin Maui is nicer than Hyatt Maui, but the Westin Waikiki kicks the Hyatt Waikiki to shame.
And the Fairmont Maui does the same to the Westin/Hyatt Maui.
There is also SPG and Fairmont on the Big Island but not Hyatt.

I don't think you'll need to use the upgrades.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #164 on: February 23, 2012, 05:17:31 PM »
I don't think the Westin Maui is nicer than Hyatt Maui, but the Westin Waikiki kicks the Hyatt Waikiki to shame.
And the Fairmont Maui does the same to the Westin/Hyatt Maui.
There is also SPG and Fairmont on the Big Island but not Hyatt.

I don't think you'll need to use the upgrades.
Shouldn't I try to use my points for standard rate rooms and then try to get the front desk to use my upgrade certificates... I know it's YMMV, but I ll use much less points...
Should I bother trying to get spg points for the fairmont or the hyatt maui will do? (if you were in that situation...)

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #165 on: February 23, 2012, 05:28:59 PM »
You should use points for a regular room (in fact you can't use points for a suite for just 2 nights).  What I'm saying is a hotel is unlikely to downgrade you in middle of a stay.
You should call in advance to see if you can get a manager to confirm you in the suite for the entire stay for free.

The Fairmont isn't SPG, you'll have a very hard time getting nights there.

The advantages of Waikiki for frum people though is the kosher restaurant/store and shul within walking distance, other than that the other 3 islands win in every way.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #166 on: February 23, 2012, 05:36:41 PM »
You should use points for a regular room (in fact you can't use points for a suite for just 2 nights).  What I'm saying is a hotel is unlikely to downgrade you in middle of a stay.
You should call in advance to see if you can get a manager to confirm you in the suite for the entire stay for free.

The Fairmont isn't SPG, you'll have a very hard time getting nights there.

The advantages of Waikiki for frum people though is the kosher restaurant/store and shul within walking distance, other than that the other 3 islands win in every way.
Great thanks Dan! I appreciate the help! Hopefully, I ll be able to contribute a nice trip report as well B"H.

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #167 on: March 07, 2012, 12:12:03 PM »
Hey Dan, or experienced United/Continental users,

there is no supersaver business availibility on the united website for NYC-LIH for July (everything is @ 80,000 one way)... do u think i should wait for june to book based on your experience? Are business awards @ 40,000 more available a couple of weeks before the flight? Or should I just book right now since I saw a 20,000 economy supersaver I m scared to lose.

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #168 on: March 07, 2012, 12:46:49 PM »
Hey Dan, or experienced United/Continental users,

there is no supersaver business availibility on the united website for NYC-LIH for July (everything is @ 80,000 one way)... do u think i should wait for june to book based on your experience? Are business awards @ 40,000 more available a couple of weeks before the flight? Or should I just book right now since I saw a 20,000 economy supersaver I m scared to lose.
http://www.dansdeals.com/forums/index.php?topic=7249
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #169 on: March 07, 2012, 01:10:38 PM »
http://www.dansdeals.com/forums/index.php?topic=7249

I m not sure how this can help me even if I break the trip down... NYC-LAX in business is minimum 25k and LAX-OGG is 45k... Total: 70k. It is cheaper than the 80k in one single trip but I will never be able to have the 40k supersaver business trip JFK-LAX-OGG i found if booked in one single search. Hence, my question, should I wait for june so that United may release 40k business supersaver or it's just not gonna happen, and whatever is here now is what is gonna be then...
« Last Edit: March 07, 2012, 01:16:33 PM by JJP »

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #170 on: March 07, 2012, 01:12:24 PM »
You sir, would be the target market for this: http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=13978
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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #171 on: March 07, 2012, 01:16:04 PM »
You sir, would be the target market for this: http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=13978

Well for sure I'll be there! You could have known only by looking at the post count :)
Any quick answer to my problem as a preview to the meeting?? :)

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #172 on: March 07, 2012, 01:19:23 PM »
Saver awards can be combined no matter how many flights it takes to get there, if you find JFK-xxx and xxx-LIH in saver it can be booked for 20K in coach or 40K in business each way.  You just need to call to book.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #173 on: March 07, 2012, 01:27:30 PM »
Saver awards can be combined no matter how many flights it takes to get there, if you find JFK-xxx and xxx-LIH in saver it can be booked for 20K in coach or 40K in business each way.  You just need to call to book.

So if i find JFK-xxx for 25k in business and xxx-LIH for 45k in business; are they gonna charge me 70k or 25k for the whole JFK-xxx-LIH by calling?

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Re: Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #174 on: March 07, 2012, 01:45:34 PM »
So if i find JFK-xxx for 25k in business and xxx-LIH for 45k in business; are they gonna charge me 70k or 25k for the whole JFK-xxx-LIH by calling?
Neither. 40k
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Re: Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #175 on: March 07, 2012, 01:46:30 PM »
Neither. 40k

lol. care to explain where that number comes from?

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #176 on: March 07, 2012, 02:13:17 PM »
That is what they charge for a one way biz ticket to Hawaii

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #177 on: March 07, 2012, 02:17:49 PM »
That is what they charge for a one way biz ticket to Hawaii

So to sum up, the price is still gonna be 40k even if a search on the website comes up to 70k when each leg is booked separately and no availability when everything is booked together...

over the phone, should i first ask for the 1st leg, ask the price and then go to the second leg or should i just say jfk-lhi??

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Re: Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #178 on: March 07, 2012, 02:25:56 PM »
So to sum up, the price is still gonna be 40k even if a search on the website comes up to 70k when each leg is booked separately and no availability when everything is booked together...

over the phone, should i first ask for the 1st leg, ask the price and then go to the second leg or should i just say jfk-lhi??
Tell them JFK-lhi and tell them which legs you found
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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #179 on: March 09, 2012, 01:47:41 PM »
I'm going to Hawaii in May, staying 4 days on Maui, and 3 days on Oahu. I have 20k SPG points, any hotel recommendations Dan?