We aregoing to Hawaii in July,and there is so much info on where to go and what to do. We are middle aged cou?

Question

We don't like the beach, don't golf, or other sports.
We want to relax, but see the interesting sites, go shopping, see the Hawaiian culture..
If we have to pick 2-3 islands, which would they be, and why? How long should we allow for each island. We have about 2 weeks.

Answer 1

KAUAI without a doubt! I found the people there to be the most friendly and I have been to all the islands. There is a great, reasonably priced hotel in Kapaa, the Kauai Sands. Central location, 2 pools, on the beach and most rooms have microwave/fridge etc. Great places to eat in Hanalei (north shore near Princeville area) include Hanalei Dolphin, Postcards and Zelo's. There are so many beautiful places to see and visit, I recommend a book called "The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook" by Wizard Publications. It has more info than any other book I have ever used on trips, and it is in paperback so it is easy to carry with you. Also, you must take a helicopter ride to get the full view of the island's beauty, and plan to do it early in your trip in case the weather happens to be bad you then have extra time to reschedule. Your best place to get souvenirs is still the Wal-Mart in Lihue, best prices, awesome selection. Sunset must be seen from Poipu area, don't forget to take the drive to the top of Waimea Canyon (I prefer afternoon here to the mornings). In Koloa town TomKats is a must for a meal, another place frequented by locals for great food, and large portions at reasonable prices. Also when you land in Lihue and are waiting in baggage claim area, pick up ALL the travel brochures and papers about the island. Read thru them, many have valuable coupons for tours, dinners, luaus (another must) and then you can discard what you don't need. Enjoy your trip to paradise.....ALOHA!!

Answer 2

I would say Oahu and Maui. You would probably like the sites at Pearl Harbor: within a small area you can see the Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri, the Bowfin submarine and museum, and the new Pacific Aviation Museum. That could be a whole day, and is really very interesting. There is also the Polynesian Cultural Center, which is a compact way to find out about Hawaiian culture and those of four other Pacific Island nations.

Maui is great and has some interesting sites now--a lavender farm, goat/cheese farm and winery, all the slopes of the Haleakala Crater. Beautiful views and interesting tours/tastings/gift ideas! There is a wonderful nature center in historic Iao Valley that has a guided walk through the rainforest. I haven't been yet, but the Maui Ocean Center is supposed to be very good, and gives you an overview of sealife around Hawaii.

Check out the Big Island of Hawaii--there are two very different sides and lots to do. foremost is the Volcanoes National Park, where you can walk on recent lava flow! Lots of beautiful drives, including different ecosystems on the drive from the Hilo side to the Kona side (Hilo=wet and green, Kona=sunshine and drier). You can fly in one side and fly out the other (w/the same rental car).

Have a great trip! Don't take any lava home--it's very bad luck!

Answer 3

If you have 2 weeks, you should only visit 2 islands, maximum. The islands may be quite a bit smaller than what you are used to in terms of land area, but there is a LOT to see on each one! My recommendation for you would be to spend the entire two weeks on the Big Island (Hawaii). The island is quite large (bigger than the other 7 Hawaiian islands put together) and very diverse. Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain on earth (from its base on the ocean floor) and South Point is the southernmost point in the United States. Kilauea is an active volcano -- it has been erupting steadily since 1983! There are lots of good hikes on the island -- many of which originate and end within Volcanoes National Park. You will have to buy a pass to get into the park for $10, but it allows you entry for an entire week!

Get a copy of Big Island Revealed by Andrew Doughty and Harriett Friedman -- it's a great guide for anyone visiting the islands. FYI, they have Kauai, Oahu, and Maui books as well.

Answer 4

Oahu is a beautfiul island with many site for nature and volcanoes. Also, it is preserved by locals so the forrest and waterfalls, etc are especially pretty. If you dont want to many tourists in your way, you shouldnt go to the big island (Hawai'i) for a long time. Another island that would be good is Molokai, which has the most "authentic" Hawai'ian culture.There are beaches, obviously, but there won't be many people, and there are beautiful rainforrests and old towns. Lana'i is more tourist-friendly, but it is still beautiful. Of course, you should visit Maui, the "honeymoon island" and Hawai'i because its like the norm. Hope this was helpful! Have fun!!

Answer 5

Maui ~ at least a week
~ Maui Ocean Center
~ Whaler's Village & Old Lahaina Town Shopping
~ sunset helicopter tour 10,000 ft above Haleakala Crater
~ drive to Hana, drop off rental car at Hana Airport, helicopter or small plane back to Kahului Airport, pick up another rental car, or have limousine take you.
~ Old Lahaina Luau Hawaiian Culture exhibits & demonstrations
Oahu
~ Bishop Museum Hawaiian Museum & Culture
~ Polynesian Culture Center
~ Aloha Stadium Swap Meet Shopping
~ Shop newly renovated Waikiki Shopping Plaza, Beachwalk & Ala Moana Shopping Center
~ Arizona Memorial (lines start at 6:30 am, no bags, 1-3 hr wait, no tickets after noon)
~ USS Missouri USS Bowfin Submarine Museum
~ Pacific Aviation Museum
The Big Island of Hawaii
~ swim with Manta Rays at Night
~ see the volcano
Kauai "The Garden Isle" is beautiful & smaller than Oahu.
Kauai - 552 sq. mi.
Oahu - 597 sq. mi.
Maui - 727 sq. mi.
Hawaii - 4038 sq. mi.

Answer 6

Oahu is great. It has history and culture. Don't forget about the U.S.S. Arizona in Pearl Harbor. Kauai has Waimea canyon and the NaPali coast. I know you said you dislike beaches, but if you go to one beach, you must visit a black sand beach. You can find them on the Big Island or Maui. The Big Island also has the active volcano, which you can visit in a helicopter. Maui has the Haleakala crater.

Answer 7

I'd suggest 7 nights on Maui, 3 on Oahu, 4 on Kauai.

Oahu is worth seeing for Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, Polynesian Cultural Center. But it is too crowded for a longer stay. Kauai is beautiful but not enough to do for a longer stay.

Maui is beautiful AND has a lot to see and do, and is not as crowded as Oahu. Lots of Maui sights, restaurants, activities, hotels, condos, etc, including reviews and photos, are at
http://www.mauihawaii.org

Answer 8

well, what my cousin and hey husband wanted to go over to Hawaii and couldn't chose a place to go they decided to go on a cruise. They liked it because they could relax, and enjoy the scenery and all the perks of the ship. Plus the islands were pretty cool and my aunt got a tan. Which for her is a schoker. Hope this helps. OH and if you wanna see where they got the info from here is the site: http://www.18ktravel.com