Help me plan Hawaii

[kcbmarek]

So for my college graduation gift, hubby is taking me back to Hawaii.  We plan on spending a week on the Big Island but would like to spend another week (or less) on another island.  We did the NCL cruise around Hawaii in 2005 and took all three of our teenagers (at the time) to Maui for a week.  Talk to me about Kauai, Molaki or Lani .... any suggestions?  This trip will be in February probably.

[chicago]

Kauai is my favorite island - green, lush, laidback. It's what I picture Hawaiian paradise to be in my head. It's nice to recharge and relax, but there's still a fair amount to do if you feel up for an adventure. In February, I'd look at the South Shore, Poipu area. We loved the Grand Hyatt, though it's definitely a large resort. I've also heard that Koa Kea is beautiful.

Lanai would be nice for the Four Seasons, though I don't think there's as much to do there. I'm not as familiar.

[CloudBee]

Kauai is incredible. We loved the Hyatt there. The Marriott is fantastic as well.

Rent a car. You must. Drive up to Princeville and back one day.

Google "Glass Beach". Go there, and pair it with a trip to "Salt Pond" for a day trip.

Consider a whale watch up the Na Pali coast. You will see a whale, I promise. They are all over! A sailing dinner tour is a nice way to view the Na Pali coast. A helicopter tour is amazing as well. I'm guessing on NCL you already cruised by them, but you can get closer on a private cruise. Some take you out in a medium sized sail boat, then you can hop into kayaks and spend a day on a private beach.

You can book tours (private or group) through the Hyatt.

If you want to try out surfing for the day in gentle waters, go to the Marriott. They have a great beach that's protected by a cliff, board rentals, and lessons. They also have a place to rinse off. They make you think you have to pay to park, but if you tell them you're there for lunch, etc., they will let you park for free.

Kauai Coffee is a fun plantation to walk around. Self-guided tours, free coffee tastings, and it's all FREE.

You also have to visit the canyon!

Poipu beach is a great place to see monk seals. There are always a few on the beach sunning themeslves. Local hotels rope them off so you can get close, but no one will go for a run and fall on them.

If interested in Honolulu/more action, the Dole Plantation is on Oahu, then there's the North Shore where you can get a quiet hotel to relax. Or spend a nighr or two on Waikiki?

[Deleted]

In February, I would do Maui to see the whales. We're going in February of next year for DS to see them. They are amazing.

[mdgirl]

Excellent choice on the Big Island! You could probably stay there the whole time and not run out of things to see.

I have a couple of posts in my blog about Kauai (here and here). I like it a lot -- very pretty, lots of outdoorsy stuff to do, some good food options. I've stayed at the Sheraton, which I didn't like but I hear it's a lot better if you stay in the ocean side area (the "garden" wing is across the street); the Hyatt which is great but it's a big resort; and the Koa Kea, which was fabulous. Beautiful room, relaxing atmosphere, almost no kids.

I haven't been to Lanai or Molokai, so this is just second hand. The only resort on Molokai closed down a few years ago, so your lodging options are going to be limited, and the locals have a reputation for not liking tourists.  It and Lanai are both pretty rural so if you're just looking to sort of hang out and relax they could be a good option.

And don't discount Oahu just because of Honolulu. It has some beautiful beaches, great hiking, excellent culture, and fantastic food.

Sept 4, 2013 14:26:56 GMT -5 dbsk8dance said:

In February, I would do Maui to see the whales. We're going in February of next year for DS to see them. They are amazing.

You can see whales from any of the islands, although Kauai gets them first and last.

[rootbeerfloat]

Lanai is beautiful, but a week there would get boring and extremely expensive; 3 days is about right. You can also take a ferry there from Lahaina, Maui for the day.

Molokai is the opposite... very rustic, no nice hotels.

And yes, you can see whales from any island. The Big Island is my favorite to visit, and either Kauai or Oahu would be good for the rest of your time since you've already spent time on Maui.

[heyney]

Sept 4, 2013 11:06:59 GMT -5 CloudBee said:

Kauai is incredible. We loved the Hyatt there. The Marriott is fantastic as well.

Rent a car. You must. Drive up to Princeville and back one day.

Google "Glass Beach". Go there, and pair it with a trip to "Salt Pond" for a day trip.

Consider a whale watch up the Na Pali coast. You will see a whale, I promise. They are all over! A sailing dinner tour is a nice way to view the Na Pali coast. A helicopter tour is amazing as well. I'm guessing on NCL you already cruised by them, but you can get closer on a private cruise. Some take you out in a medium sized sail boat, then you can hop into kayaks and spend a day on a private beach.

You can book tours (private or group) through the Hyatt.

If you want to try out surfing for the day in gentle waters, go to the Marriott. They have a great beach that's protected by a cliff, board rentals, and lessons. They also have a place to rinse off. They make you think you have to pay to park, but if you tell them you're there for lunch, etc., they will let you park for free.

Kauai Coffee is a fun plantation to walk around. Self-guided tours, free coffee tastings, and it's all FREE.

You also have to visit the canyon!

Poipu beach is a great place to see monk seals. There are always a few on the beach sunning themeslves. Local hotels rope them off so you can get close, but no one will go for a run and fall on them.

If interested in Honolulu/more action, the Dole Plantation is on Oahu, then there's the North Shore where you can get a quiet hotel to relax. Or spend a nighr or two on Waikiki?

Thanks for posting some great info, which Marriott?

[CloudBee]

Sept 4, 2013 23:37:14 GMT -5 heyney said:

Sept 4, 2013 11:06:59 GMT -5 CloudBee said:

Kauai is incredible. We loved the Hyatt there. The Marriott is fantastic as well.

Thanks for posting some great info, which Marriott?

Kaua'i Marriott Resort

Kalapaki Beach, 3610 Rice Street · Lihue - Kauai, Hawaii 96766 USA

www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lihhi-kauai-marriott-resort/