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 484973 times)

Offline SSLPhD

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2300 on: March 19, 2019, 07:09:59 PM »
Oahu probably has the most for kids and adults to enjoy together, but it's not too relaxing, and the driving situation (which you can't really avoid, especially with kids) is awful.

I haven't found Kauai to be very kid-friendly.

Maui is OK, but things like sunrise on Haleakala, I wouldn't want to do with kids. And the RTH has like one thing of interest to kids.  In my mind, kids get to sit in the car for hours.  Maybe the train on the West side is something they'd enjoy.  I haven't done it, because it sounds extremely boring for adults.

The BI, on the hand, has quite a bit for kids to enjoy. Read through @PBaruch 's TRs; he covers a lot. https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=101581.0
I don't think he mentions the zoo, which I believe is mentioned in another TR, I forget whose.  Also, an octopus farm, which looks interesting.

Your kids are the perfect ages to do the Wee Tots program with Dolphin Quest, one per parent.  For that alone, I'd go to the BI.
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Offline elya

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2301 on: March 19, 2019, 08:15:30 PM »
Oahu probably has the most for kids and adults to enjoy together, but it's not too relaxing, and the driving situation (which you can't really avoid, especially with kids) is awful.

I haven't found Kauai to be very kid-friendly.

Maui is OK, but things like sunrise on Haleakala, I wouldn't want to do with kids. And the RTH has like one thing of interest to kids.  In my mind, kids get to sit in the car for hours.  Maybe the train on the West side is something they'd enjoy.  I haven't done it, because it sounds extremely boring for adults.

The BI, on the hand, has quite a bit for kids to enjoy. Read through @PBaruch 's TRs; he covers a lot. https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=101581.0
I don't think he mentions the zoo, which I believe is mentioned in another TR, I forget whose.  Also, an octopus farm, which looks interesting.

Your kids are the perfect ages to do the Wee Tots program with Dolphin Quest, one per parent.  For that alone, I'd go to the BI.
I really appreciate you taking the time.
Thank you very much.

From the little bit of research I did, it seems RTH and sunrise are not be missed at Maui, but your right it dosent sound too kid friendly.


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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2302 on: March 20, 2019, 06:13:12 AM »
Usually when someone asks what's the best credit card I just ignore it.

I will now be linking to this post every time I get a question about what's the best CC to get.

Offline mmgfarb

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2303 on: March 20, 2019, 08:14:52 AM »
I will now be linking to this post every time I get a question about what's the best CC to get.
Lol
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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2304 on: April 12, 2019, 04:06:44 PM »
Hey Dan – Planning a honeymoon to Hawaii, was going through the posts – planning on going for 10-12 days. Looking to hit up 2 islands Maui and Oahu question is which one to spend shabbos in. Also which hotels to stay in in each one. And best way to save on flights hotels and rental, as well as what the main attractions I must hit up in each – if you can help me out that’ll be great. Thanks!

Offline mochjas

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2305 on: April 15, 2019, 02:54:08 PM »
Hey Dan – Planning a honeymoon to Hawaii, was going through the posts – planning on going for 10-12 days. Looking to hit up 2 islands Maui and Oahu question is which one to spend shabbos in. Also which hotels to stay in in each one. And best way to save on flights hotels and rental, as well as what the main attractions I must hit up in each – if you can help me out that’ll be great. Thanks!
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Offline PBaruch

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2306 on: April 15, 2019, 03:03:20 PM »
Hey Dan – Planning a honeymoon to Hawaii, was going through the posts – planning on going for 10-12 days. Looking to hit up 2 islands Maui and Oahu question is which one to spend shabbos in. Also which hotels to stay in in each one. And best way to save on flights hotels and rental, as well as what the main attractions I must hit up in each – if you can help me out that’ll be great. Thanks!

There is a wealth of information in the forums and from reading various trip reports.  I suggest you start there and then, if you have additional questions, post.

As for Shabbos, if a minyan is important to you, you are pretty much only guaranteed a minyan from Chabad in Honolulu.  They also offer communal Shabbos meals for purchase. 
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline Zalc

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2307 on: May 19, 2019, 04:22:58 PM »
Planning 2nd trip to Hawaii, I'd like to fit in add much as possible into 2ish weeks.

I've already been to the Big Island and Oahu. (last time)

If I spend a week+ in Maui, how much time is suggested to do the things that are not available in Maui or better in Kauai?

Suggestions on which of the small islands to try and drop in on?

I'm traveling alone and don't care for resorts.

Thanks!
« Last Edit: May 19, 2019, 04:26:47 PM by Zalc »

Offline shaulyaakov

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2308 on: May 19, 2019, 04:47:39 PM »
Planning 2nd trip to Hawaii, I'd like to fit in add much as possible into 2ish weeks.

I've already been to the Big Island and Oahu. (last time)

If I spend a week+ in Maui, how much time is suggested to do the things that are not available in Maui or better in Kauai?

Suggestions on which of the small islands to try and drop in on?

I'm traveling alone and don't care for resorts.

Thanks!
A week plus in Maui is a lot if you're not into beach time.

Maybe overnight in Hana.

Offline Netster

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2309 on: May 19, 2019, 05:06:13 PM »
What would be the best points to use for flights to Hawaii (any of the Islands) from LA?

Offline Zalc

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2310 on: May 19, 2019, 05:13:49 PM »
A week plus in Maui is a lot if you're not into beach time.

Maybe overnight in Hana.
Beach time is fine, I'd rather hike to a more secluded one than stay at a resort.
Are there beaches like that on Maui?
(On the big island there were plenty hike-only beaches)

Bonus Question:
Does united charge to change the date of the free excursionist perk flight?
« Last Edit: May 19, 2019, 05:53:05 PM by Zalc »

Offline SSLPhD

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2311 on: May 19, 2019, 09:12:21 PM »
If I spend a week+ in Maui, how much time is suggested to do the things that are not available in Maui or better in Kauai?

Suggestions on which of the small islands to try and drop in on?
They each have enough unique wonders that I'd split my time about even.  From Maui, looks like you can fly to Molokai, or take ferry to Lanai.  Or from Kauai, helicopter to Ni'ihau.  Been to Lanai, not interested in going again. Would love to go to either of the other two.  Might not be worth the time if this is your first trip to Maui/Kauai.

Secluded beach on Maui: Red Sand Beach in Hana.  Definitely stay the night in Hana if possible.
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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2312 on: May 21, 2019, 06:58:54 PM »
Dan, my wife and I are planning on going on a vacation this August. We were originally planning Hawaii, however after some research and hearing 10 days are needed we are not sure whether to do Hawaii or not. The dilemma is as follows either we do LA Thursday - Sunday, Sunday morning leave for Kona and head back to NY on Thursday (as we are unsure about the hole Shannon’s situation) the other option is to do 10 or 12 days in Cancun.

Question is if Hawaii is that much nicer and if we should go for option A or just do Cancun.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Thanks!

Offline mochjas

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2313 on: May 22, 2019, 10:17:49 AM »
Dan, my wife and I are planning on going on a vacation this August. We were originally planning Hawaii, however after some research and hearing 10 days are needed we are not sure whether to do Hawaii or not. The dilemma is as follows either we do LA Thursday - Sunday, Sunday morning leave for Kona and head back to NY on Thursday (as we are unsure about the hole Shannon’s situation) the other option is to do 10 or 12 days in Cancun.

Question is if Hawaii is that much nicer and if we should go for option A or just do Cancun.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Thanks!
10-12 days in Cancun is ridiculous.

Why are you unsure about the Shabbat (Im assuming) situation? Did you ask your Rav?

Lots of people do the LA/Hawaii vacation and it is well worth it. Sun-Thursday is a perfect amount of time for 1 Island

Offline shaulyaakov

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2314 on: May 22, 2019, 10:27:54 AM »
10-12 days in Cancun is ridiculous.

Why are you unsure about the Shabbat (Im assuming) situation? Did you ask your Rav?

Lots of people do the LA/Hawaii vacation and it is well worth it. Sun-Thursday is a perfect amount of time for 1 Island
Some would even say spending 10 days in Hawaii is worth doing a day of 'half shabbos' (ie deorisas) on Friday, as you could realistically spend a day at the beach or on a tour bus without violating a Deorisa. Even if it's 2 full days of shabbos, some would do it.

Obviously some poskim frown on elective trips to Hawaii in the first place, but if you fall into a camp with specific prohibitions on Friday laid out, they could be worked around.

Regardless, one island sun-thurs from the west coast is complely doable.

I agree that Cancun is a 5+ day trip max, as there's very little to do outside the resorts. If you were thinking of somewhere like Costa Rica that has hiking and jungles etc, it could be a different story.

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2315 on: May 22, 2019, 10:49:05 AM »
Which is the best island if I'm traveling with 2 toddlers? Also how long would I need in that island? TIA

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2316 on: May 22, 2019, 11:07:51 AM »
Which is the best island if I'm traveling with 2 toddlers? Also how long would I need in that island? TIA
Big Island (I explain upthread my reasoning), but could depend on their exact ages.  As much time as possible, not less than a week/5 days excluding Shabbos.
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Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2317 on: May 22, 2019, 11:15:46 AM »
10-12 days in Cancun is ridiculous.

Why are you unsure about the Shabbat (Im assuming) situation? Did you ask your Rav?

Lots of people do the LA/Hawaii vacation and it is well worth it. Sun-Thursday is a perfect amount of time for 1 Island

Thank you, which island in Hawaii would be best for sun-thurs?

I know Cancun has nice hotels as far as I’m seeing in Hawaii the hotel situation is lacking, do you have any knowledge of any nice places?

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2318 on: May 22, 2019, 11:20:09 AM »
Which is the best island if I'm traveling with 2 toddlers? Also how long would I need in that island? TIA
I'd split between Maui and Kauai. I'm saving TBI and Molokai until my kids are older.
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 shaulyaakov

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2319 on: May 22, 2019, 11:22:06 AM »
Thank you, which island in Hawaii would be best for sun-thurs?

I know Cancun has nice hotels as far as I’m seeing in Hawaii the hotel situation is lacking, do you have any knowledge of any nice places?
I don't know where you are seeing that HI hotels are bad.

Maui has some fantastic ones (Grand walia, walia Beach, Andaz, Hyatt regency). Kauai has the Grand Hyatt. Either island has plenty to do for 5 days.