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 485103 times)

Online Something Fishy

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #500 on: June 14, 2013, 12:47:08 AM »
Hey, I am surprising my wife with tickets to Hawaii and accommodations all set up already..
I am looking for a non-hotel, non resort, secluded house or cottage to rent for 4 nights.  It can be on any island.  I am looking for a place that is a beachfront property on a beach or cove or lagoon that is no shared by any other house.  They are really hard to find.  I have found a few options..some are either insanely expensive, or the other one or two were not available for our dates.  I am planning on going sept. 29-oct 3.  I am willing to pay up to $450 a night.
If anyone can please please please find me the perfect place I would forever be grateful. 
If you have any ideas, or leads please share...thanks!

If your point is privacy on the beach i think you're out of luck. There are many beaches where you'd have privacy, but they're all secluded, i. e. away from civilization, not in front of some condo.

You may want to check out this place though - not on the beach, but on a fairly private stretch of river.
http://www.bamboohale.com/
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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #501 on: June 14, 2013, 12:52:06 AM »
I don't mind being secluded..we don't need civilization.  we are kinda going with that in mind.
What I am looking for is someone who lives on one of the islands, on a lonely, secluded part, where there house is beachfront (not necessarily leaking sand into the house, but within 100 yards I would say).  Doesn't have to be gorgeous house. 
I have found a few places like this, but I am looking for better options (cheaper, or more secluded, or nicer). 

I should mention, the reason I am bothering going to hawaii even though I am not planning on doing many activities is because I will be in Los Angeles anyways, so its "only" 5 hours"
(and my wife has had this childhood dream of going to hawaii that will buy a couple weeks worth of brownie points)
« Last Edit: June 14, 2013, 12:57:06 AM by D-Mohel »

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #502 on: June 14, 2013, 01:04:07 AM »
Maybe post some links to the places you found, it'll give us a better idea of what you have in mind.
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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #503 on: June 14, 2013, 10:52:06 AM »
I don't mind being secluded..we don't need civilization.  we are kinda going with that in mind.
What I am looking for is someone who lives on one of the islands, on a lonely, secluded part, where there house is beachfront (not necessarily leaking sand into the house, but within 100 yards I would say).  Doesn't have to be gorgeous house. 
I have found a few places like this, but I am looking for better options (cheaper, or more secluded, or nicer). 

I should mention, the reason I am bothering going to hawaii even though I am not planning on doing many activities is because I will be in Los Angeles anyways, so its "only" 5 hours"
(and my wife has had this childhood dream of going to hawaii that will buy a couple weeks worth of brownie points)

http://www.hawaiianbeachrentals.com/Hawaii/Kauai/Princeville/HaleEmmalani.htm
http://www.hawaiianbeachrentals.com/Hawaii/Kauai/Poipu/KiahunaSunsetHouse.htm
http://www.hawaiianbeachrentals.com/Hawaii/Kauai/Kalihiwai/KalihiwaiBeachHouse.htm#description


http://www.exoticestates.com/destinations.shtml?view=map&highlight=3
I stayed in this one above. Loved it. Around a 4 min drive to the beach(15 min walk). Not totally secluded, but felt private. In maui it'll be very touch to find something with your criteria. Kauai in general has a more secluded feel, esp in the north shore. That's what I'd suggest.

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #504 on: June 14, 2013, 06:16:57 PM »
http://www.hawaiianbeachrentals.com/Hawaii/Kauai/Princeville/HaleEmmalani.htm
http://www.hawaiianbeachrentals.com/Hawaii/Kauai/Poipu/KiahunaSunsetHouse.htm
http://www.hawaiianbeachrentals.com/Hawaii/Kauai/Kalihiwai/KalihiwaiBeachHouse.htm#description


http://www.exoticestates.com/destinations.shtml?view=map&highlight=3
I stayed in this one above. Loved it. Around a 4 min drive to the beach(15 min walk). Not totally secluded, but felt private. In maui it'll be very touch to find something with your criteria. Kauai in general has a more secluded feel, esp in the north shore. That's what I'd suggest.

Thank you very much!!  I am going to look into those options!!

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #505 on: June 18, 2013, 07:32:05 PM »
Android apps now out:
http://www.hawaiirevealed.com/hawaii-revealed-apps
Would this work (as far as auto location etc) on a nexus 7 (Wifi Only)?? I have a Galaxy s2 but I'd rather be using the tablet...
Also, if I purchase the app, will it work on both devices?

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #506 on: June 18, 2013, 07:39:58 PM »
Would this work (as far as auto location etc) on a nexus 7 (Wifi Only)?? I have a Galaxy s2 but I'd rather be using the tablet...
Also, if I purchase the app, will it work on both devices?

The Nexus 7 has a GPS even in the Wi-Fi only model (unlike the iPad), so yes, auto location would work fine.

Not sure about using it on both devices though.
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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #507 on: June 18, 2013, 08:44:03 PM »
The Nexus 7 has a GPS even in the Wi-Fi only model (unlike the iPad), so yes, auto location would work fine.

Not sure about using it on both devices though.
Nice to know. I presume the maps will be preloaded from that app as our can't stream the data.

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #508 on: June 18, 2013, 09:17:51 PM »
Nice to know. I presume the maps will be preloaded from that app as our can't stream the data.

Correct, everything will be preloaded.
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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #509 on: July 09, 2013, 01:21:38 PM »
going to maui and kaui. Where should i go surfing?
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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #510 on: July 09, 2013, 01:23:46 PM »
going to maui and kaui. Where should i go surfing?

If you're a beginner they say the best place to learn is in Hanalei Bay in Kauai.
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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #511 on: July 09, 2013, 01:29:18 PM »
If you're a beginner they say the best place to learn is in Hanalei Bay in Kauai.
Thanks. I'm really trying to get in shape before this trip, last thing I need is to go on one hike and spend the rest of my trip in bed (even if that bed happens to be in a suite in the GHK).
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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #512 on: July 09, 2013, 01:29:45 PM »
If you're a beginner they say the best place to learn is in Hanalei Bay in Kauai.
Depends on the season.
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 #513 on: July 09, 2013, 01:53:35 PM »
Depends on the season.
leaving 2 days after 9 av
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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #514 on: July 09, 2013, 03:10:10 PM »
Thanks. I'm really trying to get in shape before this trip, last thing I need is to go on one hike and spend the rest of my trip in bed (even if that bed happens to be in a suite in the GHK).

My wife and I went last summer and learned to surf in Maui with the Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy in Lahaina, http://www.royalhawaiiansurfacademy.com/.  We really liked them (TripAdvisor does, too! http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60634-d1226680-Reviews-Royal_Hawaiian_Surf_Academy-Lahaina_Maui_Hawaii.html).  The "waves" are minimal at best, which makes for an easy and fun learning environment.  Midway through the lesson we were both riding the waves together into the beach.  They also have a photographer who takes great pictures of you and your party while surfing, and you can purchase a CD with the pictures for $20.  Highly recommended experience.

For a different flavor of adventure - if you can swing it (and stomach it), I HIGHLY recommend Birds in Paradise in Kauai http://www.birdsinparadise.com/.  An unforgettable experience.   
« Last Edit: July 09, 2013, 03:13:17 PM by adam0619 »

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #515 on: July 09, 2013, 03:15:21 PM »
For a different flavor of adventure - if you can swing it (and stomach it), I HIGHLY recommend Birds in Paradise in Kauai http://www.birdsinparadise.com/.  An unforgettable experience.   
Buy a good life insurance policy first :P
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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #516 on: July 09, 2013, 03:19:46 PM »
Buy a good life insurance policy first :P
-1 I felt very safe in it. Not that it should ever come to it, but the trikes have built in parachutes just in case. Pilots are extremely well trained, and I'd take being out in the open flying myself over being flown in an enclosed helicopter any day. Helicopters crash too ya know :P

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #517 on: July 09, 2013, 03:21:59 PM »
Helicopters crash too ya know
The percent of helicopter crashes in Hawaii is something like 1 in a million.

The percent of trike crashes is far greater than that.  There were several fatal crashes in just one year in Kauai and there is a tiny fraction of trike flights versus heli flights.
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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #518 on: July 09, 2013, 03:35:31 PM »
The percent of helicopter crashes in Hawaii is something like 1 in a million.

The percent of trike crashes is far greater than that.  There were several fatal crashes in just one year in Kauai and there is a tiny fraction of trike flights versus heli flights.

That maybe true but just as with helicopters, who you choose is the most important factor. I don't think birds of paradise have experienced any crashes(may be wrong), and it seemed to me that they maintained their trikes very meticulously and took safety precautions seriously. I can't give you a statistical analysis or tell you your numbers are incorrect. Just saying it felt very safe, and the thrill is unparalleled. I've sent many people on these things and the feedback was the same.

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #519 on: July 09, 2013, 03:35:47 PM »
The percent of helicopter crashes in Hawaii is something like 1 in a million.

The percent of trike crashes is far greater than that.  There were several fatal crashes in just one year in Kauai and there is a tiny fraction of trike flights versus heli flights.

True, but they've had a good safety record for a number of years now, and still, the probability is infinitesimal.  But, like I said...
For a different flavor of adventure - if you can swing it (and stomach it)
:)