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 569699 times)

Offline ajs625

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #120 on: December 11, 2011, 11:06:26 PM »
I hope to go to Hawaii iy"h this coming summer. I plan to use airline miles as my way of getting there. I currently have abt 75,000 Amex points and I was wondering what would be the best airline to transfer it to to get 2 tickets? ( I am asking now because of the promo bonus' being offered now).

Offline Dan

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #121 on: December 11, 2011, 11:07:57 PM »
I hope to go to Hawaii iy"h this coming summer. I plan to use airline miles as my way of getting there. I currently have abt 75,000 Amex points and I was wondering what would be the best airline to transfer it to to get 2 tickets?
Check for availability on all the airlines that fly there and then you'll know.
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.

Offline Dan

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #122 on: December 11, 2011, 11:10:05 PM »
All I have are the flights. No other plans yet (I know, it's late).
1) Which Island would you suggest I do for first time in Hawaii? From reading your reports, I guess Kauai.
2) I booked the whole award in UA first via AC (I couldn't find flights for my dates on CO). Would I just add another leg in inter Hawaii hopping to the next island, or do I need to change my inbound - outbound flights altogether?
It depends on what you like to do.  All 4 major islands offer very unique activities, it's hard to offer blanket advice.
I can book interisland flights for people and get 2 free checked bags, just email me.
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.

Offline ajs625

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #123 on: December 11, 2011, 11:11:52 PM »
If i recall correctly AA allows you to make stopovers one way award flights and you blogged about it. Can you post the link for that?

Offline Dan

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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.

Offline ajs625

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #125 on: December 11, 2011, 11:23:29 PM »
Thx, and it can only be done over the phone?

Offline Dan

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #126 on: December 11, 2011, 11:26:11 PM »
Yes.
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.

Offline mcbt

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #127 on: December 19, 2011, 04:55:32 PM »
I want to go to Hawaii this summer for a honeymoon and i am in way over my head.

i just signed up for sapphire preferred, have a delta amex but nothing  substantial on it (missed the bonus)...

What credit card or cards should i get for travel  and hotel?
if i just got my credit checked by chase is it stupid to get the hyatt by chase?

How much do flights go for points from NY?

any help would be greatly appreciated!! 

Offline Mocha

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #128 on: December 20, 2011, 09:11:31 PM »
Dan out of all the Islands would you still recommend Kauai most? Even with a baby given that most the activities on that Island seem physical? Better off in Maui? Being that you just did it, whats your thoughts?
« Last Edit: December 20, 2011, 10:23:32 PM by Mocha »

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #129 on: December 21, 2011, 12:47:25 AM »
Dan - Can you get a RT flight from HNL to Hilo or to Kona on March 9 - 11 for less than $170 with tax in economy?

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #130 on: December 28, 2011, 11:47:04 AM »
Bump...

Offline momo

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #131 on: December 28, 2011, 12:02:34 PM »
cheapest flights for those dates are 172 dan does not have any magical powers ( at least that i am aware of) to make flights go down in price. if you would like assuming there are flights available i would book tickets for you using my miles for you for 150 a ticket

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #132 on: December 28, 2011, 12:11:08 PM »
Thank you for the offer but I'll have enough points to book.

Sometimes it seems like he does have some magical powers...I only asked because earlier in the thread he mentioned to get in touch with him to book inter-island flights. I figured it doesn't hurt to see if he can get a better rate.

Offline momo

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #133 on: December 28, 2011, 12:12:55 PM »
gotcha no problem. Enjoy! I think he was talking about being able to get free bags which would in theory make your flight cheaper

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #134 on: December 28, 2011, 12:23:11 PM »
I think you're right

Offline Dan

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #135 on: December 28, 2011, 12:44:23 PM »
The corp rate is only cheaper when the interisland flights go over $180 RT I believe.
Free bags is the huge savings.
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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #136 on: January 01, 2012, 02:56:06 PM »
Have a March trip planned to Hawaii for Spring Break thanks to the CO glitch. Everyone seems to say that Lanai is difficult to visit if you want to get a good hotel deal, particularly using points.

However, I looked into current promotions with FHR (using Plat card) and found a 'stay 2 get third night free' at Four Seasons Resort Lana'i, The Lodge at Koele. This effectively produces a rate of about $206 per night. IT seems lke a good deal, as the resort does not charge a resort fee, offers a complimentary shuttle and access to all facilities at the other Four Seasons on the island, and includes a $100 spa credit in addition to the other FHR benefits.

There is a ferry to Lanai from Maui.

anyone think that this 3 night visit would be worth doing in conjunction with a trip to Maui or Kauai? I was thinking either redeeming with SPG in Maui or staying on a Hyatt Gov rate of $169 at HR Mauai using a suite upgrade.

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #137 on: January 01, 2012, 03:07:42 PM »
GH Kauai-Island flight to Lanai.
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Offline eliteflyer

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #138 on: January 01, 2012, 03:14:03 PM »
GH Kauai-Island flight to Lanai.

Right, that's also a possibility. Just happens to be that Lanai is closer to Maui. Also, there are no non-stops from LIH to Lanai.

Been to Kauai, Maui and Oahu (briefly) on past trips.

I'm debating whether this is a good idea considering we are arriving in HNL at 1pm on Sun and returning the following Sun at 7:30pm. Flying around that mch within a week would probably defeat the relaxing purpose of a trip to FS Lanai....still a good deal though I think.
« Last Edit: January 01, 2012, 03:20:38 PM by eliteflyer »

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #139 on: January 04, 2012, 11:51:03 AM »
Whats the minimum time I should put in for a connection at HNL? I'm flying in and out on CO in BF via IAH and would prefer not to miss the connection, particularly on the way back to the mainland.

The connection is to a Hawaiian flight to LIH on either end ticketed separately. I figure that on the wau into LIH, I can probably get away with an hour layover. In the worst case scenario, Hawaiian would probably let us onto the next flight out an hour later. On the way back however, I figure I should probably give myself a 2 hour buffer. Any thoughts?