Topic Wiki

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 485192 times)

Offline Chai

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #300 on: November 29, 2012, 09:15:53 PM »
HI ALL!!! we are 3 girls going to Hawaii Jan 25  ( Friday ) - Feb 3rd ( Sunday)

I read 20 pages of this forum and found it super informative and helpful. THANK you for that.
Being that Hawaiian Air has rates for about $400 and change that time, i think we will book on that airline.. correct?

A- Do i fly directly into Honolulu as thats the only direct flight and then take inter air flights to other islands?
B- How many Islands should i research for those amount of days? and which would you vote as the top 3?
C- Any great hotel rates or deals youve seen around? I do have SPG amex and have about 100,000 points on it? Should i book hotels threw that? ive never booked with points yet, so im new to this ( ducking my head )
D- Being that we will be there 2 shabbosim and truly dont want to carry so much food, where is the nicest place to be for shakos
E- Any sit down kosher restaurants there?
F- if anyone has ANY additional info, tips, ideas, recommendations, itinerary, activities, car rental info, ALL suggestions would be amazing.
G- If i know which islands i must go to i will go out and buy the tour book you recommended.

THANKS!!!!  ;D

Offline Fan of Dan

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #301 on: November 30, 2012, 01:11:18 AM »
HI ALL!!! we are 3 girls going to Hawaii Jan 25  ( Friday ) - Feb 3rd ( Sunday)

I read 20 pages of this forum and found it super informative and helpful. THANK you for that.
Being that Hawaiian Air has rates for about $400 and change that time, i think we will book on that airline.. correct?

A- Do i fly directly into Honolulu as thats the only direct flight and then take inter air flights to other islands?
B- How many Islands should i research for those amount of days? and which would you vote as the top 3?
C- Any great hotel rates or deals youve seen around? I do have SPG amex and have about 100,000 points on it? Should i book hotels threw that? ive never booked with points yet, so im new to this ( ducking my head )
D- Being that we will be there 2 shabbosim and truly dont want to carry so much food, where is the nicest place to be for shakos
E- Any sit down kosher restaurants there?
F- if anyone has ANY additional info, tips, ideas, recommendations, itinerary, activities, car rental info, ALL suggestions would be amazing.
G- If i know which islands i must go to i will go out and buy the tour book you recommended.

THANKS!!!!  ;D
A: correct
B: I would think Kaui, Maui and the Big island. I would not do more than 2 though over 8 days. Right now there is alot of volcanic activity on the big island (it is all over the news so that is something to consider)
C: SPG is not that great in Hawai
G: MAui revealed on the islands you pick

Offline sky121

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #302 on: November 30, 2012, 01:16:26 AM »
HI ALL!!! we are 3 girls going to Hawaii Jan 25  ( Friday ) - Feb 3rd ( Sunday)

I read 20 pages of this forum and found it super informative and helpful. THANK you for that.
Being that Hawaiian Air has rates for about $400 and change that time, i think we will book on that airline.. correct?

A- Do i fly directly into Honolulu as thats the only direct flight and then take inter air flights to other islands?
B- How many Islands should i research for those amount of days? and which would you vote as the top 3?
C- Any great hotel rates or deals youve seen around? I do have SPG amex and have about 100,000 points on it? Should i book hotels threw that? ive never booked with points yet, so im new to this ( ducking my head )
D- Being that we will be there 2 shabbosim and truly dont want to carry so much food, where is the nicest place to be for shakos
E- Any sit down kosher restaurants there?
F- if anyone has ANY additional info, tips, ideas, recommendations, itinerary, activities, car rental info, ALL suggestions would be amazing.
G- If i know which islands i must go to i will go out and buy the tour book you recommended.

THANKS!!!!  ;D


I'd do Maui and Kauai and perhaps the big island. What kind of things are you interested in doing?

Also, how was your trip to Spain? We never got a trip report.


You can use your SPG points to book the St. Regis Princeville or the Westin on the north side of Kauai.

"Not all who wander are lost"

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #303 on: December 03, 2012, 06:13:04 PM »
Hey Folks,

When would be the best time to visit Hawaii between now and the end of February?

Offline sky121

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #304 on: December 03, 2012, 06:14:32 PM »
Hey Folks,

When would be the best time to visit Hawaii between now and the end of February?

Anytime really though I would imagine you'll have a harder time with availability during the holiday season as well as Winter Break and Spring Break.
"Not all who wander are lost"

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #305 on: December 04, 2012, 01:52:52 PM »
Do you suggest going in February? Or is that still considered to be holiday time?

And what is the weather usually like around then?

Cheers

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #306 on: December 04, 2012, 01:53:58 PM »
The weather in HI is perfect year-round.
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 #307 on: December 04, 2012, 02:37:07 PM »
And do you think there will be lots of award availability end of January beginning of February from LA?

BTW, Nice menorahs you sponsored at Farbi last night!

Cheers

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #308 on: December 05, 2012, 03:08:54 PM »
Folks! any ideas on best time to go for award availability up until end of February?

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #309 on: December 05, 2012, 03:14:24 PM »
Folks! any ideas on best time to go for award availability up until end of February?


Why not just look at the award chart availability and work your way from there if you are flexible?
"Not all who wander are lost"

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #310 on: December 05, 2012, 04:17:22 PM »
Where do i find this chart? Excuse  my ignorance :)

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #311 on: December 09, 2012, 08:32:28 PM »
Where do i find this chart? Excuse  my ignorance :)

What airline are you looking to fly on? What points are you looking to book with?
"Not all who wander are lost"

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #312 on: December 10, 2012, 07:37:57 PM »
What airline are you looking to fly on? What points are you looking to book with?

Iam looking to use Avios and UR points . any airline that will accept these is fine.

Much appreciated.

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #313 on: December 10, 2012, 07:41:18 PM »
Iam looking to use Avios and UR points . any airline that will accept these is fine.

Much appreciated.
And where are you travelling from?
"Not all who wander are lost"

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #314 on: December 10, 2012, 10:11:17 PM »
And where are you travelling from?

Los Angeles.

I also have United miles...

Would like to go to Kaui as the main stay and maui and Ohau as a pass by.

Thanks!

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Re: Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #315 on: December 10, 2012, 10:14:17 PM »
Los Angeles.

I also have United miles...

Would like to go to Kaui as the main stay and maui and Ohau as a pass by.

Thanks!

So maybe start searching with your BA miles.  Would be a good use of miles.
"Not all who wander are lost"

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Re: Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #316 on: December 10, 2012, 10:19:07 PM »
So maybe start searching with your BA miles.  Would be a good use of miles.
+1 I wish I lived in LA so that I could get to HI so easily!

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Re: Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #317 on: December 10, 2012, 11:09:44 PM »
So maybe start searching with your BA miles.  Would be a good use of miles.

I can search for miles but i am unsure how to go about looking for hotel availability with my available miles. Can you help me with this?

Cheers

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Re: Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #318 on: December 10, 2012, 11:10:49 PM »
+1 I wish I lived in LA so that I could get to HI so easily!

Living here there is not much cashed left to visit hawaii! :)

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Re: Re: Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #319 on: December 10, 2012, 11:10:56 PM »
I can search for miles but i am unsure how to go about looking for hotel availability with my available miles. Can you help me with this?

Cheers

do you gave any Starwood points? Or Chase UR points? 
"Not all who wander are lost"