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 570659 times)

Offline DavidMelamed

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #60 on: February 14, 2011, 10:22:07 AM »
No problem!
But probably a good idea to post where he wants to go...



I want to go to Maui (OGG)

How many more miles would business class be?

I am planning on going economy unless it is less than double the amount for business.

Thanks for all the help.

Offline aussiebochur

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #61 on: February 14, 2011, 10:32:37 AM »
Business is 60k Aeroplan (Air Canada) miles.


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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #62 on: February 14, 2011, 10:36:55 AM »
Does anyone know anything about keeping shabbos in Hawaii?
Someone told me that you need to keep 2 days because its near the international date line...

Offline aussiebochur

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #63 on: February 14, 2011, 10:40:01 AM »
Does anyone know anything about keeping shabbos in Hawaii?
Someone told me that you need to keep 2 days because its near the international date line...

Ask your local orthodox rabbi.

Offline aussiebochur

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #64 on: February 14, 2011, 11:18:22 AM »
Time to get those miles...
Honeymoon to Hawaii and Vegas in Business Class

Wed 2/23, UA7 JFK-SFO, 8:15-12:02, Business Class
Wed 2/23, UA37 SFO-OGG, 13:25-17:09, Business Class
8 nights in Maui
Thurs 3/3, UA48 OGG-LAX, 23:05-6:18+1day, Business Class
Fri 3/4, UA746 LAX-LAS, 8:12-9:24, Business Class
4 nights, 5 days in Las Vegas
Tue 3/8, CO369 LAS-EWR, 22:10-5:45+1 day, Business Class

Offline DavidMelamed

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #65 on: February 14, 2011, 11:22:23 AM »
 
Time to get those miles...
Honeymoon to Hawaii and Vegas in Business Class

Wed 2/23, UA7 JFK-SFO, 8:15-12:02, Business Class
Wed 2/23, UA37 SFO-OGG, 13:25-17:09, Business Class
8 nights in Maui
Thurs 3/3, UA48 OGG-LAX, 23:05-6:18+1day, Business Class
Fri 3/4, UA746 LAX-LAS, 8:12-9:24, Business Class
4 nights, 5 days in Las Vegas
Tue 3/8, CO369 LAS-EWR, 22:10-5:45+1 day, Business Class

do you have any idea how many miles this itinerary is?

Offline aussiebochur

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #66 on: February 14, 2011, 11:35:00 AM »
Well, depends which miles you use...

Aeroplan (Air Canada)-60,000
ANA-85,000
Continental-80,000
Singapore Airlines-60,000 (but charge extra fuel surcharge)
US Airways-70,000
United-80,000

To name a few...

Aeroplan is your best bet ;)


Offline Dan

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #67 on: February 14, 2011, 11:51:10 AM »
Time to get those miles...
Honeymoon to Hawaii and Vegas in Business Class

Wed 2/23, UA7 JFK-SFO, 8:15-12:02, Business Class
Wed 2/23, UA37 SFO-OGG, 13:25-17:09, Business Class
8 nights in Maui
Thurs 3/3, UA48 OGG-LAX, 23:05-6:18+1day, Business Class
Fri 3/4, UA746 LAX-LAS, 8:12-9:24, Business Class
4 nights, 5 days in Las Vegas
Tue 3/8, CO369 LAS-EWR, 22:10-5:45+1 day, Business Class
Its not bad, but 8 days in Maui is too much and shabbos on the strip in vegas would be fairly miserable.
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 DavidMelamed

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #68 on: February 14, 2011, 11:59:46 AM »
Its not bad, but 8 days in Maui is too much and shabbos on the strip in vegas would be fairly miserable.

What would you recommend given the dates 2/23-3/8 with plans to go to Maui, and Vegas ?

Should I do shabbos in another island, and go to vegas sat. night or sunday?

Also, I can't seem to replicate this itinerary on aeroplan.com, and I also have no idea if I can transfer amex from someone elses account to my aeroplan account...
Any ideas?

Offline aussiebochur

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #69 on: February 14, 2011, 12:17:34 PM »
What would you recommend given the dates 2/23-3/8 with plans to go to Maui, and Vegas ?

Should I do shabbos in another island, and go to vegas sat. night or sunday?

Also, I can't seem to replicate this itinerary on aeroplan.com, and I also have no idea if I can transfer amex from someone elses account to my aeroplan account...
Any ideas?
Amex MR points will transfer to an account with a different name. SPG will not (most likely), besides SPG it can take time to transfer.

If you do two islands and Vegas you will need to either buy an inter-island flight or use another 5k miles. Reason is you're only allowed 1 stopover (Vegas) and one open jaw (between two islands).
So, the award will be for example, NYC-LIH (open jaw) OGG-LAS (stopover)-NYC. LIH-OGG would have to be separate.

You will probably have to call to book.

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #70 on: February 14, 2011, 12:46:23 PM »
It seems that from NY the best flight to Hawaii is EWR-HNL direct on CO in BusinessFirst.

My question is, anyone ever see 2 seats available?
They must release seats but can never find them (even with a Plat account...)
03/08 and 03/15 now have EWR-HNL BF seats.
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 #71 on: February 14, 2011, 12:52:51 PM »
How about doing Maui and Kauai?

Wed 2/23, UA7 JFK-SFO, 8:15-12:02, Business Class
Wed 2/23, UA37 SFO-OGG, 13:25-17:09, Business Class
10 nights to split between Maui and Kauai.(will require separate ticket, paid or 5k miles)
Sat 3/5, UA64 LIH-SFO, 22:45-5:58+1 day, Business Class
Sun 3/6, US310 SFO-LAS, 7:00-8:27, Business Class
2 nights/3 days in Las Vegas
Tue 3/8, CO369 LAS-EWR, 22:10-5:45+1 day, Business Class

OT, but now when I'm trying to post, all the smilies and other icons (to bold or italic text etc) are gone. How do I get them back?

Offline elikay

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #72 on: February 14, 2011, 01:08:35 PM »
http://www.star-k.org/kashrus/kk-trav-dateline.htm
As mentioned, always ask your LOR.

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #73 on: February 14, 2011, 01:13:45 PM »
AFAIK Chabad considers the international dateline as the dateline to use for shabbos.

There is a chabad house on all 4 major Hawaiian islands and the local communities there all observe shabbos on the local Saturday.

But ask your LOR, as always.
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 #74 on: February 14, 2011, 01:30:04 PM »
AFAIK Chabad considers the international dateline as the dateline to use for shabbos.

There is a chabad house on all 4 major Hawaiian islands and the local communities there all observe shabbos on the local Saturday.

But ask your LOR, as always.

I wonder what their source is. According to this letter of the Rebbe (sere under the header "Alaska"), it's left in the open (though the Rebbe says it doesn't make sense that one side of the street should be Shabbos and the other side not).

DDF FFB (Forum From Birth)

Offline Hudi

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #75 on: July 31, 2011, 09:29:24 PM »
I hope it's ok to reopen this thread...

Using my free nights for the SPG stay 3 Get 1 promo (thanks Dan posting it to the forum) which would you recommend in Hawaii for a trip in November? (location and island aside, just trying to compare hotels here) the St. Regis Princeville or the Royal Hawaiian Waikiki?

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #76 on: July 31, 2011, 09:34:17 PM »
St Regis.

How many do you have?

Offline damaxer91

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #77 on: July 31, 2011, 09:41:05 PM »
I hope it's ok to reopen this thread...

Using my free nights for the SPG stay 3 Get 1 promo (thanks Dan posting it to the forum) which would you recommend in Hawaii for a trip in November? (location and island aside, just trying to compare hotels here) the St. Regis Princeville or the Royal Hawaiian Waikiki?

St. Regis Princeville 100%. Unless going for Shabbos, don't waste precious time in Waikiki. You'll be very dissapointed

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #78 on: July 31, 2011, 09:45:37 PM »
Do you want a shul or kosher food within walking distance?  Then go with the Royal Hawaiian.

Kauai is a much more laid back island than Oahu and is amazing, but the truth is that Oahu is underrated.  Most people stick around Waikiki and Pearl Harbor where there are thousands of other tourists and that's why they have such a bad taste of Oahu.
Make it out to Banzai or to the amazing offshore islands reachable by kayak and you'll love Oahu as well...http://www.dansdeals.com/archives/6045

The St Regis is supposed to be magnificent, but I never stayed there.  The GH Kauai is in a much better location, especially in the winter time when it's very rainy on the north shore (where the SRP is) but dry and sunny on the south shore (where the GHK is).  Besides for the raininess in the winter on the north shore, the waves make the water on the north shore unswimmable, while the south shore is excellent then.  Also from the SRP you are hours away from Waimea and Polihale, 2 of my favorite spots on Kauai, whereas they are much closer to the GHK.
On Oahu the Royal Hawaiian is definitely where to be but on Kauai I wouldn't say the same for the SRP IMHO, although to be fair again, I have yet to stay there.

Anyway what about the Cat. 6 Westin Resort Villas on Maui?
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 #79 on: July 31, 2011, 09:55:45 PM »
St Regis.

How many do you have?

I have four free nights. Isn't it very rainy on the north side of Kauai in November? (that's when I plan to go)