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 484936 times)

Offline Dan

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #920 on: August 27, 2014, 12:44:54 PM »
Every Hawaiian island is awesome.

Read the rest of my and others TRs.
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 @Yehuda

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #921 on: August 27, 2014, 04:53:45 PM »
While figuring out where to stay, I'm also thinking about what currency I will need for hotels. Someone want to help fill in the places that you "definitely" stay when in...
Kauai - GHK
Maui - Andaz
Oahu - ???
BI - ???

Offline PBaruch

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #922 on: August 27, 2014, 04:55:53 PM »
While figuring out where to stay, I'm also thinking about what currency I will need for hotels. Someone want to help fill in the places that you "definitely" stay when in...
Kauai - GHK
Maui - Andaz
Oahu - ???
BI - ???

While it may not be as luxurious as some other offerings, the Sheraton in Kona can be had for 10k SPG per night (plus resort fee of about 31 per night) or 8k per night if staying 5 nights (5th night free).  If you know someone with a plat account that you can book through, there is a chance of getting nicely upgraded.
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline Dan

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #923 on: August 27, 2014, 04:56:19 PM »
Without kids the argument can be made for the SR Princeville in Kauai.
In Oahu the Royal Hawaiian is probably the way to go.
On the Big Island in 2008 we rented a treehouse.  The point hotel options there are limited other than a lackluster Sheraton in Kona.
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Offline @Yehuda

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #924 on: August 27, 2014, 05:03:44 PM »
While it may not be as luxurious as some other offerings, the Sheraton in Kona can be had for 10k SPG per night (plus resort fee of about 31 per night) or 8k per night if staying 5 nights (5th night free).  If you know someone with a plat account that you can book through, there is a chance of getting nicely upgraded.
Good to know there's a cheap option, although both of our SPG accounts are at 0. Last cc to go for would be an SPG biz for my wife, but even 30K won't be enough nights.

Without kids the argument can be made for the SR Princeville in Kauai.
In Oahu the Royal Hawaiian is probably the way to go.
On the Big Island in 2008 we rented a treehouse.  The point hotel options there are limited other than a lackluster Sheraton in Kona.
SR - same SPG issue
RH - same SPG issue
Treehouse? That sounds amazing. Too bad you can't pay with points.

So, perhaps my decision of which island will simply be made by which hotel I could stay at and with Hyatt points/nights being easier to come by than SPG, I might just choose between Kauai and Maui.

Offline westman812

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #925 on: August 27, 2014, 05:12:50 PM »
Without kids the argument can be made for the SR Princeville in Kauai.
In Oahu the Royal Hawaiian is probably the way to go.
On the Big Island in 2008 we rented a treehouse.  The point hotel options there are limited other than a lackluster Sheraton in Kona.

I know it's not points, but why not try and get fairmont free nights for use at the orchid on the BI(or Kea Lani in Maui)

Offline @Yehuda

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #926 on: August 27, 2014, 05:15:24 PM »
I know it's not points, but why not try and get fairmont free nights for use at the orchid on the BI(or Kea Lani in Maui)
Thoughts from the HI pros?
Fairmont CC comes with 2 nights for $3K spend...

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #927 on: August 27, 2014, 05:16:11 PM »
Thoughts from the HI pros?
Fairmont CC comes with 2 nights for $3K spend...

depends on how many nights you need.....
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Offline Dan

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #928 on: August 27, 2014, 05:21:52 PM »
I know it's not points, but why not try and get fairmont free nights for use at the orchid on the BI(or Kea Lani in Maui)
Orchid reviews are pretty weak and I preferred the Andaz to the Kea Lani.
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Offline westman812

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #929 on: August 27, 2014, 05:22:26 PM »
depends on how many nights you need.....

I stayed next door at the Mauna Lani(paid with $$), and walked over to the fairmont. It's easily the 2nd highest end property on the island after the Four seasons. I would say it depends on the rate. In low season if prices are $250-300, then most likely not worth it, if high season and over $400 then might be worth it.

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #930 on: August 27, 2014, 05:27:45 PM »
depends on how many nights you need.....
That's also something to discuss. I've been thinking about how to get the most time in HI.

Getting to HI: Is flying Sunday a bad idea because you lost 3/4 of the day? I was thinking of maybe flying to LA for Shabbos and then from there to HI early Sunday morning.
Leaving HI: IINM, you have to leave Thursday night to be home for Shabbos. If I have to be back for work Monday morning, can I catch a flight Motzai Shabbos/Sunday and be back at a reasonable hour Sunday night?

I guess we're talking a minimum of 4 nights and a max of 7 nights.

Offline Dan

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #931 on: August 27, 2014, 05:29:25 PM »
Did you ask a Rov about shabbos?
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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #932 on: August 27, 2014, 05:31:10 PM »
That's also something to discuss. I've been thinking about how to get the most time in HI.

Getting to HI: Is flying Sunday a bad idea because you lost 3/4 of the day? I was thinking of maybe flying to LA for Shabbos and then from there to HI early Sunday morning.
Leaving HI: IINM, you have to leave Thursday night to be home for Shabbos. If I have to be back for work Monday morning, can I catch a flight Motzai Shabbos/Sunday and be back at a reasonable hour Sunday night?

I guess we're talking a minimum of 4 nights and a max of 7 nights.

As for flights, it depends on if you want direct or a stopover.  Hawaiian flies direct from JFK to HNL.  United flies direct from EWR to HNL and AFAIK has the only fully lay flat F seats for direct flights.  If you take a direct flight, you will get into HNL by late afternoon but yes, the day will likely be shot.

Regarding return, again if you want fully lay flat F seats, UA operates an evening flight that leaves about 9:00 p.m. from HNL and gets into EWR around noon the following day.
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Offline efflpetzel

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #933 on: August 27, 2014, 05:34:35 PM »
That's also something to discuss. I've been thinking about how to get the most time in HI.

Getting to HI: Is flying Sunday a bad idea because you lost 3/4 of the day? I was thinking of maybe flying to LA for Shabbos and then from there to HI early Sunday morning.
Leaving HI: IINM, you have to leave Thursday night to be home for Shabbos. If I have to be back for work Monday morning, can I catch a flight Motzai Shabbos/Sunday and be back at a reasonable hour Sunday night?

I guess we're talking a minimum of 4 nights and a max of 7 nights.
If you can find a Motzai Shabbos flight from HI, you'll be back in the east coast Sunday afternoon.
I have a 10pm flight from KOA on Motzai Shabbos arriving in JFK around 2pm with a stop in LAX

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #934 on: August 27, 2014, 05:37:09 PM »
If you can find a Motzai Shabbos flight from HI, you'll be back in the east coast Sunday afternoon.
I have a 10pm flight from KOA on Motzai Shabbos arriving in JFK around 2pm with a stop in LAX

The problem with a motzei shabbos flight is that you will be rushing your kishkas to check out and get to the airport.  We did that one year and it just wasn't worth it.  Then again I was traveling with the family/kids so it was a bit more complicated.  Also, it isn't possible to make that 9:00 p.m. UA flight from HNL if you are connecting from another island. 
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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #935 on: August 27, 2014, 05:37:34 PM »

Regarding return, again if you want fully lay flat F seats, UA operates an evening flight that leaves about 9:00 p.m. from HNL and gets into EWR around noon the following day.
He wont be able to make that flight if he's thinking about leaving HI on Motzai Shabbos from anywhere other than HNL

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #936 on: August 27, 2014, 05:42:56 PM »
Did you ask a Rov about shabbos?
Not yet.
As for flights, it depends on if you want direct or a stopover.  Hawaiian flies direct from JFK to HNL.  United flies direct from EWR to HNL and AFAIK has the only fully lay flat F seats for direct flights.  If you take a direct flight, you will get into HNL by late afternoon but yes, the day will likely be shot.

Regarding return, again if you want fully lay flat F seats, UA operates an evening flight that leaves about 9:00 p.m. from HNL and gets into EWR around noon the following day.
If I end up staying through Shabbos, then I'd be fine with going direct and missing most of Sunday, but the issue is finding avail on that Sunday. That's why I started looking at spending the first Shab in LA since there is probably more availability of going LAX-HI.

Perhaps I can get avail on the Motzai Shab flight out, but either way I imagine this is not going to work with direct flights. Once that's the case, I should probably go for LAX as a stop since LAX-NYC has fully flat options, right? At least have a bed for 1/2 the journey...
If you can find a Motzai Shabbos flight from HI, you'll be back in the east coast Sunday afternoon.
I have a 10pm flight from KOA on Motzai Shabbos arriving in JFK around 2pm with a stop in LAX
Thanks, good to know about the timing.

Yeah, I realize Shab would have to be in Oahu. There are no Sunday morning flights on *A?

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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #937 on: August 27, 2014, 05:46:17 PM »
Why make plans before asking a rov?
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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #938 on: August 27, 2014, 05:46:28 PM »
Yeah, I realize Shab would have to be in Oahu. There are no Sunday morning flights on *A?

If you are referring to UA, no - AFAIK the direct flight from HNL to EWR always leaves at night.  Then again, I actually prefer it.  You get almost a full extra day in Hawaii and get to sleep on the flight.  We took the UA flight this past Jan - ate supper (which was fairly disgusting) and then fell asleep.  Woke up when the pilot announced the final descent into EWR.   :)
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Re: Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
« Reply #939 on: August 27, 2014, 05:52:47 PM »
If you have to keep two days shabbos leaving Thursday is problematic too. You gotta AYLOR before you make any travel plans.
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