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 485022 times)

Offline ushdadude

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Apr 2013
  • Posts: 6301
  • Total likes: 925
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY

Offline nirc

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Nov 2014
  • Posts: 937
  • Total likes: 27
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: USA
Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2421 on: October 11, 2019, 01:06:25 AM »
If flying interisland on Hawaiian Airlines out of OGG/LIH, how much before the flight should I be at airport if have precheck/global entry? Wondering if can make the 9pm flight after Shabbos if over around 730pm.

On the assumption it's not doable, is a 4:30pm interisland arrival into LIH on erev shabbos too close for a 6:30pm sunset (candle lighting 6pm ish)? would stay at Marriot coconut beach (6.7 miles from airport) and take Uber/taxi.
« Last Edit: October 11, 2019, 01:46:45 AM by nirc »

Offline Ergel

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2010
  • Posts: 12818
  • Total likes: 905
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2422 on: October 11, 2019, 05:56:03 AM »
I would think you would be fine motzsh if you leave immediately after shabbos and aren't returning a car
The Friday afternoon situation is way too close for my comfort
Life isn't about checking the boxes. Nobody cares.

Offline SSLPhD

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jul 2015
  • Posts: 764
  • Total likes: 276
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: My couch
Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2423 on: October 11, 2019, 06:00:36 AM »
If flying interisland on Hawaiian Airlines out of OGG/LIH, how much before the flight should I be at airport if have precheck/global entry? Wondering if can make the 9pm flight after Shabbos if over around 730pm.

On the assumption it's not doable, is a 4:30pm interisland arrival into LIH on erev shabbos too close for a 6:30pm sunset (candle lighting 6pm ish)? would stay at Marriot coconut beach (6.7 miles from airport) and take Uber/taxi.
Once did something similar to your first option and I absolutely would not want to do it again.  Don't think we had PreCheck back then, but the hold up was at check-in.  We were flying J(?) so were able to use the Priority lane, and made it to the gate just as they started boarding.  Your other option is even worse.

Not to say these aren't doable, but a Hawaiian vacation is usually to decrease stress, not increase it.
44/50, 46/63

Offline shaulyaakov

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2013
  • Posts: 2781
  • Total likes: 326
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2424 on: October 11, 2019, 12:10:34 PM »
I'd just get the first flight Sun AM rather than messing around with this for an interisland. You're going to be in HI regardless, no sense running around right before or after shabbos.

Offline Cat18

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Nov 2016
  • Posts: 476
  • Total likes: 32
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2425 on: October 12, 2019, 10:18:45 PM »
So it's decided. We are going to Hawaii for January [Sunday-Thursday morning, giving us 8 full days to roam] with a 2 year old.

Just need help in deciding which 2 islands to go to and only have 24-72 hours to decide.

Let the ideas flow. Thank you


Offline ual902

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2013
  • Posts: 1843
  • Total likes: 52
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2426 on: October 12, 2019, 10:53:40 PM »
So it's decided. We are going to Hawaii for January [Sunday-Thursday morning, giving us 8 full days to roam] with a 2 year old.

Just need help in deciding which 2 islands to go to and only have 24-72 hours to decide.

Let the ideas flow. Thank you
Maui #1
As for the second Island maybe Kuai

Offline SSLPhD

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jul 2015
  • Posts: 764
  • Total likes: 276
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: My couch
Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2427 on: October 12, 2019, 10:55:29 PM »
So it's decided. We are going to Hawaii for January [Sunday-Thursday morning, giving us 8 full days to roam] with a 2 year old.

Just need help in deciding which 2 islands to go to and only have 24-72 hours to decide.

Let the ideas flow. Thank you
This has been discussed 24-72 times in this thread already, but in that time frame, I'd just go to the BI (moving between Hilo and Kona).  Really want a second island, spend a night in HNL on the way to the BI and go to Pearl Harbor.

I've been to the BI 3 times with a 2 year old.  Absolutely recommend.  There are plenty BI TRs with kids on here for you to peruse.

To simplify things, fly into and out of ITO.
44/50, 46/63

Offline Cat18

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Nov 2016
  • Posts: 476
  • Total likes: 32
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2428 on: October 13, 2019, 12:40:15 AM »
This has been discussed 24-72 times in this thread already, but in that time frame, I'd just go to the BI (moving between Hilo and Kona).  Really want a second island, spend a night in HNL on the way to the BI and go to Pearl Harbor.

I've been to the BI 3 times with a 2 year old.  Absolutely recommend.  There are plenty BI TRs with kids on here for you to peruse.

To simplify things, fly into and out of ITO.

"In that time frame"? Will be in Hawaii for almost 2 weeks, 8 full travel days not counting Shabbos or arrival/departure days.
« Last Edit: October 13, 2019, 01:15:09 AM by Cat18 »

Offline Cat18

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Nov 2016
  • Posts: 476
  • Total likes: 32
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2429 on: October 13, 2019, 12:45:24 AM »
Maui #1
As for the second Island maybe Kuai

thought those 2 are quite similar (outside of $$$ activities) - lots of beautiful nature, snorkeling, beaches...

Was thinking about BI/Maui or BI/Kaui combo. Want to have as many different opportunities as possible, is why am pushing to visit 2 islands.

Don't have time to research islands before booking flight so will have to decide based on user posts. Wont be doing any big hikes since have 2 yr old and we're not in our peak physical shape :)

Offline SSLPhD

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jul 2015
  • Posts: 764
  • Total likes: 276
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: My couch
Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2430 on: October 13, 2019, 05:45:56 AM »
"In that time frame"? Will be in Hawaii for almost 2 weeks, 8 full travel days not counting Shabbos or arrival/departure days.
Yes, I understood your time frame. Perfect for the BI, unless there are specific things you want to do on another island.  The two main things people here like to do on Maui, sunrise on Haleakala and RTH, are not exactly kid-friendly, so why shlep there, when just about everything else can be seen/done on the BI?  Same with Kauai, but even more so.

I've spent about 2 and 1/2 months on the BI over the years (less on the other islands), always finding new/fun things to do with the kiddos.

We've done the island-hopping vacations, and had a great time, but the time we stayed for almost two full weeks on the BI, just moving between Kona and Hilo was the most idyllic.
44/50, 46/63

Offline TripsPls

  • Dansdeals Bronze Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Aug 2019
  • Posts: 46
  • Total likes: 8
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2431 on: October 31, 2019, 11:30:17 PM »
Hoping to fly into OGG arrive around 2 on a Sunday and leave from KOA flight at 6 on the following Sunday.
All inter island flights seem to be smack in the middle of the day.

Soooo spend the extra time in Maui or the Big Island?

Thinking to leave Maui on wed SW arrive at the BI at 2. But that leaves Thursday as the only full day. Or we could leave Tuesday similar flights. Can we get enough outta Maui Sun afternoon - Tuesday morning, Monday being the only full day?

Thanx!

Offline nirc

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Nov 2014
  • Posts: 937
  • Total likes: 27
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: USA
Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2432 on: November 01, 2019, 12:25:52 AM »
Hoping to fly into OGG arrive around 2 on a Sunday and leave from KOA flight at 6 on the following Sunday.
All inter island flights seem to be smack in the middle of the day.

Soooo spend the extra time in Maui or the Big Island?

Thinking to leave Maui on wed SW arrive at the BI at 2. But that leaves Thursday as the only full day. Or we could leave Tuesday similar flights. Can we get enough outta Maui Sun afternoon - Tuesday morning, Monday being the only full day?

Thanx!

Don't use SW. Hawaiian Airlines fly interisland all day.

To preempt other user comments on your questions- what are your interests? taking any kids? why the push for 2 islands?

Offline shaulyaakov

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2013
  • Posts: 2781
  • Total likes: 326
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2433 on: November 01, 2019, 07:08:51 AM »
Hoping to fly into OGG arrive around 2 on a Sunday and leave from KOA flight at 6 on the following Sunday.
All inter island flights seem to be smack in the middle of the day.

Soooo spend the extra time in Maui or the Big Island?

Thinking to leave Maui on wed SW arrive at the BI at 2. But that leaves Thursday as the only full day. Or we could leave Tuesday similar flights. Can we get enough outta Maui Sun afternoon - Tuesday morning, Monday being the only full day?

Thanx!
Not worth going to 2 Islands in thst time frame.

Offline TripsPls

  • Dansdeals Bronze Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Aug 2019
  • Posts: 46
  • Total likes: 8
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2434 on: November 01, 2019, 08:49:13 AM »
The main reason for two islands are ticket prices/times from each island, make our trip work.

Traveling with four boys ages 5-14.
Yes we’re OK with flying with those ages. And these boys are OK with adventures.
5  year old really wants to see lava. ;D

 Not sure when we’re going to be able to or want to go back so kind of want to get two islands in anyway.

 Being now we know I must go to both islands for our flights which one should we spend a bit more time on?

Thx!!!

Offline TripsPls

  • Dansdeals Bronze Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Aug 2019
  • Posts: 46
  • Total likes: 8
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2435 on: November 01, 2019, 08:51:34 AM »
Don't use SW. Hawaiian Airlines fly interisland all day.

To preempt other user comments on your questions- what are your interests? taking any kids? why the push for 2 islands?

The Hawaiian Airlines times are not that much better. Being as the last one would land in the island still around 3 something which is still basically a  smack in the middle of the day flight. Also with them I would need to pay extra money for luggage, six people traveling it adds up. SW right now $29👍

Offline shaulyaakov

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2013
  • Posts: 2781
  • Total likes: 326
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2436 on: November 02, 2019, 07:41:20 PM »
The main reason for two islands are ticket prices/times from each island, make our trip work.

Traveling with four boys ages 5-14.
Yes we’re OK with flying with those ages. And these boys are OK with adventures.
5  year old really wants to see lava. ;D

 Not sure when we’re going to be able to or want to go back so kind of want to get two islands in anyway.

 Being now we know I must go to both islands for our flights which one should we spend a bit more time on?

Thx!!!
Big Island.

Offline shilo dude

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Mar 2015
  • Posts: 11
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York
Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2437 on: January 02, 2020, 11:18:25 PM »
Hi guys so i have a weeks (maybe i can get a bit more time) time to vacation in the beginning of February and have two round trip tickets from NY TO HNL i got using turkish miles (thx dan) thing is im almost fainting looking at the rates of hotels and airbnb’s.. like 2 1/2 k minimum for a week stay at a “basic” air bnb.. any ideas? Should i just go to South America or Southeast Asia Instead? (did thailand already) any help would be greatly appreciated

Online Something Fishy

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: Jan 2011
  • Posts: 8708
  • Total likes: 6077
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 44
    • View Profile
    • Kosher Horizons
  • Location: Iceland
Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2438 on: January 13, 2020, 12:40:27 AM »
Crazy what Southwest has done with interisland flights. I just booked HNL-LIH for a ridiculous 2105 points when Hawaiian wanted something like $85 + $45 for bags - and that was one of the cheaper flights of the day.
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

Offline shaulyaakov

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2013
  • Posts: 2781
  • Total likes: 326
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #2439 on: January 13, 2020, 07:36:32 AM »
Hi guys so i have a weeks (maybe i can get a bit more time) time to vacation in the beginning of February and have two round trip tickets from NY TO HNL i got using turkish miles (thx dan) thing is im almost fainting looking at the rates of hotels and airbnb’s.. like 2 1/2 k minimum for a week stay at a “basic” air bnb.. any ideas? Should i just go to South America or Southeast Asia Instead? (did thailand already) any help would be greatly appreciated
How many bedrooms do you need? What islands are you looking at?