Haiwii Opinions?

Question

I am looking into spending a week in Haiwii probably in may.

Can some of you who are in the know give me some advise on the best island to visit and the best hotel?

I was thinking of Maui, but I hear that it has gone so commercial and many of the hotels are getting old and run down, but still charge huge prices.

Over all, looking for an island that has both lots to see but also is relaxing. I don't mind spending big money on a hotel, but it has to be nice. I don't want "motel 6" at resort price. I want the resort, no matter what the price.

Any and all advice would be helpful.

Answer 1

I have been to Hawaii about 5 or 6 times and it has gotten more commercial. If you have never been there you will want to do the top things to do in Hawaii:

1. Oahu Island: Go to Pearl Harbor to see history at the US Arizona Memorial. You can drive or take the bus there; no need to book a tour. But you need to go early because the site is popular and the wait for your free tour can be about an hour. In Waikiki you can browse around the International Market across from Waikiki Beach, go on a sunset dinner cruise on Waikiki bay, try an outrigger canoe ride on Waikiki, go for a sail on a catamaran on Waikiki Bay, or visit Diamond Head park. If you like to snorkel go to Hanauma Bay which has perfect flap water for snorkeling on a reef.

2. Oahu Island: If you are on the island of Oahu go to the other side of the island to see the great deserted beaches (get a rental car for a day or two). Take highway 99 north toward Waimea and stop at the Dole pineapple plantation for a tour.

3. Oahu Island: The Polynesian Cultural Center is a great place to learn about authentic Hawaiian life. But understand that its run by the Morman church and there are NO alcoholic beverages served there, not even beer. You can buy tickets to tour the place, and another type ticket that allows you to stay for the evening luau.

4. Maui Island: If you go to Maui, you gotta do the downhill bike ride. I don't recommend the sunrise one because you have to get up at 3:00 AM to get started up the mountain and its cold up there that early. If you are a romantic do it, but otherwise no. There are different bike companies and some don't take you all the way to the top, and some don't guide you back down. You can come down by yourself, there's only one road with just a little traffic, but if you are squeamish about riding in the street, a company that accompanies you down will help watch the traffic for you. I have been twice and prefer Maui Downhill to the others. These companies have web sites They will pick you up at your hotel, take you to their shop to pick out a wet-suit (for the cold and mist/rain shower maybe) and gloves and helmet; then take you up the mountain; then follow your group down so they can block traffic for your ride; then afterwards take you back to your hotel. Expect this activity to take 75-80% or more of the day.

5. Maui Island: The Road to Hana is a great drive (you need a rental car). It’s a 45 mile winding road that takes 4 hours to drive. Its like driving through the jungle; has a bunch of one lane bridges. Then drive past Hana to the Seven-Pools attraction and go for a swim.

6. Big Island of Hawaii: go to the Volcano National Park. Also go see Akaka Falls. If you like horseback riding, go to the Parker Ranch and go for a guided ride. Drive to the south end of the island and see a black sand beach. For information about tours and things to do, click on the link below for Roberts Hawaii. They do tours on all of the islands.

The island of Oahu (Honolulu) is very crowded but the other islands, especially Maui, are not. If you want to stay away from the crowds then stay on MAui and take day trips to the other islands. Roberts and other tour operators can arrange tours or air flights and a car (or you can do it on your own) so you can see other islands.

I recommend the Sheraton or Mariott on Kanapali Beach on Maui. Both are expensive but great resort hotels.


When you arrive in Hawaii look for the free booklets in the airport which describe the activities on the island and have coupons for tours and gifts. The booklets also contain maps and guides, lists of attractions, bus routes and fares, and lists of restaurants and shopping establishments. If you cannot find them in the airport, they will also be available in news racks on the street, in hotel lobbies and in some shops. There will be a booklet for each island with the title Maui Today, or Oahu Today, etc.

Answer 2

Kwaii

Answer 3

http://www.fourseasons.com/hualalai/

nice place, away from torist traps, reasonable for what you get (about $650 night)