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 485085 times)

Offline sky121

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #380 on: January 03, 2013, 05:10:21 PM »
well my wife and I would love to relax on the beach but we dont mind doing some day trips as well like taking the helicopter tour and visiting other beach etc.
id rather save my spg points for europe since they have a better presence than hyatt


Next time I go to Kauai I would definitely consider splitting up my time since there were a bunch of places I enjoyed on the north side and it would be nice to have a few days without having to make the 45 minute drive there and back each time I wanted to take a hotel break. 

"Not all who wander are lost"

Offline jmansour

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #381 on: January 03, 2013, 05:11:41 PM »
regarding the travel book you guys suggest this a must?

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #382 on: January 03, 2013, 05:12:18 PM »

Next time I go to Kauai I would definitely consider splitting up my time since there were a bunch of places I enjoyed on the north side and it would be nice to have a few days without having to make the 70-100 minute drive there and back each time I wanted to take a hotel break. 
ftfy
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Offline Dan

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #383 on: January 03, 2013, 05:12:30 PM »
regarding the travel book you guys suggest this a must?
Yes.
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Offline jmansour

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #384 on: January 03, 2013, 05:13:50 PM »
and whats the deal with kosher at the hyatt? i can get kosher meals?

Offline Dan

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #385 on: January 03, 2013, 05:15:37 PM »
and whats the deal with kosher at the hyatt? i can get kosher meals?
Not in Kauai AFAIK. But the chef's email has been posted, feel free to ask.
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Offline Amusch

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #386 on: January 13, 2013, 10:08:23 AM »
Hey Dan,

Long time fan. Planning a trip to Hawaii for a conference I have in the summer, and just finished all 26 pgs of the thread. Thanks for the help. I am not so advanced so I wanted your input (in addition to what I have read) about planning, beginning with flights and hotels. My plan is to go to Honolulu/Oahu for Wed-Sun of the conference, and then spend Sun-Thurs in Kaui or Maui, probably Kaui based on what I have read.

I have 40,000+ SPGs points which seem not very helpful with level 5+ hotels in Hawaii and flights being more miles. A friend recommended getting Chase Sapphire and adding the 40,000 free points to my 30,000+ UR points. Does that help me at your highly recommended GH Kaui? How do you get a suite upgrade? Is it worth it to get the Hyatt card just for this?

I have follow-ups but will start with this. Please advise.

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #387 on: January 13, 2013, 12:02:18 PM »
Even though you addressed your question solely to Dan, I though I might be able to provide some insight.

Yes, getting the the Sapphire Preferred's 40k will help you, as they transfer instantly to Hyatt Gold Passport (HGP).

Each night at the Grand Hyatt Kauai is 22,000 HGP (it's a cat. 6).

If you're going to sign up for the Chase Hyatt CC, it's recommended that you apply as a Diamond member to get the two nights in a suite, plus 4 suite upgrades. You can apply as a diamond member after matching from other hotel statuses, e.g. Hilton Gold, SPG Plat, etc.

If you can do that, it'd be worth it to get it, IMO.
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Offline Amusch

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #388 on: January 13, 2013, 07:38:57 PM »
Quote
Even though you addressed your question solely to Dan, I though I might be able to provide some insight.

Thank you.

Quote
Yes, getting the the Sapphire Preferred's 40k will help you, as they transfer instantly to Hyatt Gold Passport (HGP).

Each night at the Grand Hyatt Kauai is 22,000 HGP (it's a cat. 6).

Great. Do I need anything else to use HGP points or it works as is with the Sapphire?

Quote
If you're going to sign up for the Chase Hyatt CC, it's recommended that you apply as a Diamond member to get the two nights in a suite, plus 4 suite upgrades. You can apply as a diamond member after matching from other hotel statuses, e.g. Hilton Gold, SPG Plat, etc.

Is Diamond also free first year? What does that mean practically - I can get 2 free suite nights and then upgrade the next four "paid" nights to a suite even if they were bought with points?

Quote
If you can do that, it'd be worth it to get it, IMO.

Thanks again. I'm just nervous about cancelling. My understanding (tell me if I'm wrong) is that the Sapphire can be downgraded to the regular with no fee, and no need to cancel.

Thoughts?

Offline MEIR613

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #389 on: January 13, 2013, 08:27:29 PM »
Thank you.

Great. Do I need anything else to use HGP points or it works as is with the Sapphire?

Is Diamond also free first year? What does that mean practically - I can get 2 free suite nights and then upgrade the next four "paid" nights to a suite even if they were bought with points?

Thanks again. I'm just nervous about cancelling. My understanding (tell me if I'm wrong) is that the Sapphire can be downgraded to the regular with no fee, and no need to cancel.

Thoughts?
1) You need a HGP account than you can transfer the UR to the HGP

2)The card has a 79 fee the first year but entitles you to diamond (worth it IMO)

3) They need to be paid with cash to get upgraded

4) You could downgrade them but if you cancel you can sign up again later.

 Why you nervous about cancelling?


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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #390 on: January 13, 2013, 09:00:15 PM »
We need some really good hotel recommendations .
Maui dates are Jan 24th 2013 till January 28th
Kauai dates from Jan 28th 2013 - february 3rd

It seems the GHK is over 700 a night, and i cant get it for 22,000 points a night.
Anyone have any hotel connections?
Any other really great hotel options in both islands?

Which island do i need to rent a car ? And wheres the best place to rent a car from? Thanks so much

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #391 on: January 13, 2013, 10:15:53 PM »
We need some really good hotel recommendations .
Maui dates are Jan 24th 2013 till January 28th
Kauai dates from Jan 28th 2013 - february 3rd

It seems the GHK is over 700 a night, and i cant get it for 22,000 points a night.
Anyone have any hotel connections?
Any other really great hotel options in both islands?

Which island do i need to rent a car ? And wheres the best place to rent a car from? Thanks so much

Do you have Starwood points? Try a starwood hotel for Kauai.
And you can use your Hyatt points for Maui perhaps.
I'd rent a car on both islands.

Look for the cheapest rates. I've used Avis in Hawaii.
"Not all who wander are lost"

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #392 on: January 13, 2013, 10:39:14 PM »
For you HI planners, don't forget about the Andaz Wailea opening up this summer in South Maui!  Bookings should open soon and I'd have to guess that it will be a Hyatt category 6.
But it looks oh so awesome and the area is as well.  With the Andaz flag I'll bet it will give other HI hotels a real run for the money.
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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #393 on: January 13, 2013, 10:47:44 PM »
Quote
4) You could downgrade them but if you cancel you can sign up again later.

 Why you nervous about cancelling?

Not sure. I don't like signing up for credit cards and/or cancelling them. I try to keep it simple. Sapphire seems simple; Hyatt card seems less so. If the benefits are that good, I'll consider it. But it seems like the Sapphire is a no brainer?

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #394 on: January 13, 2013, 10:50:03 PM »
Ink will earn more signup points than Sapphire.
And never cancel...leverage.  But this is the wrong thread for this discussion.
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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #395 on: January 13, 2013, 10:57:41 PM »
Quote
Ink will earn more signup points than Sapphire.
And never cancel...leverage.  But this is the wrong thread for this discussion.

Alright, I'll try to find that thread somewhere later. But do you agree with getting the Sapphire or Ink for Hyatt points? What do you think I should do about the Hyatt card? Get it for the free nights and cancel (or leverage) or keep the card and pay or negotiate the annual fee?

Offline Dan

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #396 on: January 13, 2013, 11:02:00 PM »
Alright, I'll try to find that thread somewhere later. But do you agree with getting the Sapphire or Ink for Hyatt points? What do you think I should do about the Hyatt card? Get it for the free nights and cancel (or leverage) or keep the card and pay or negotiate the annual fee?
Please post in the correct thread.
http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=23990
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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #397 on: January 13, 2013, 11:03:01 PM »
Also looking into Kaui hotel options. Hyatt is $700+. Any other recommendations? Is the Sheraton nearby worthwhile at all ($400)?

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #398 on: January 13, 2013, 11:04:03 PM »
Also looking into Kaui hotel options. Hyatt is $700+. Any other recommendations? Is the Sheraton nearby worthwhile at all ($400)?
Get points or use priceline.
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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #399 on: January 13, 2013, 11:13:38 PM »
In other words do what it takes to stay in Hyatt