Post by saywhatnow on Apr 17, 2015 13:43:49 GMT -5
DH just won 2 first class airline tickets to anywhere in the US and $2000 spending/hotel money at his national sales meeting! Woo hoo! We're thinking that we HAVE to use this for Hawaii because, HELLO, that is when it makes the most sense to fly first class and we've both never been. Question is, we can probably only swing 4-5 nights because we'd need to secure child care for our two kids. Are we crazy for even considering that short of a trip? We'd be flying non-stop from Chicago. I'd also be open to where you think we should stay/ which island. Thanks, all!
Yes! Especially a nonstop flight and ESPECIALLY in first class. I feel like I'd rather be in a 10 hour first class flight than at home? But I've never flown in first class - so maybe it's not quite the shangrila I imagine. Hawaii is worth it though.
Yes! Especially a nonstop flight and ESPECIALLY in first class. I feel like I'd rather be in a 10 hour first class flight than at home? But I've never flown in first class - so maybe it's not quite the shangrila I imagine. Hawaii is worth it though.
I've done it twice in my life. Amazing. Really depressing the next time you get on a flight and no one offers you a hot towel. FWP.
Post by fortnightlily on Apr 17, 2015 14:05:13 GMT -5
Do it! Though I would probably choose Maui or Oahu. I've only been to the Big Island, but given its size you need more time to really explore everything it has to offer.
Is jet lag an issue for you? Considering the length of the flight and the 7-hr or so time difference, I'd try to find childcare for 7 nights.
4-5 depending on daylight savings (Hawaii doesn't observe).
saywhatnow, I'd go for it, although if you're flying United your first class experience to/from Hawaii may be pretty poor (ours was the one time we got upgraded). Still better than coach, though!
Lots of people have suggested Maui. What are the must see/do things? And most importantly, what should we EAT?
If you go to Maui - Mama's Fish House (I think that's the name) and Leoda's. Leoda's is a little hole in the wall but OMG SO GOOD. We ate there twice and I still dream of how good it was.
Post by MixedBerryJam on Apr 17, 2015 17:25:20 GMT -5
I'd definitely do it, but I'd probably just stay on Oahu. There's more to do there than people realize; it's not JUST Waikiki. You can spend one day at Pearl Harbor and environs, one day driving around the north shore, one day climbing Diamondhead; and if you're there on a Sunday, they have a wicked flea market at the ... whatever the big stadium in Honolulu is called. There's a ton of scenic driving you can do.
ETA: And congratulations! It'll be a long flight, of course, but not bad in first class. First time I flew there I had two kids in car seats and my husband's work gave us first class tickets. Whoo hoo!
holy crap, YES. the airfare is the most expensive part of the whole trip!
while i adore maui, i feel like oahu is a great "starter" island. there's a ton of stuff to see, and like MBJ said, there's more than waikiki beach there.
Lots of people have suggested Maui. What are the must see/do things? And most importantly, what should we EAT?
You want this:
www.amazon.com/Maui-Revealed-The-Ultimate-Guidebook/dp/0983888736 It is filled with the insider's knowledge of great hikes and free tours. We also loved Haleakala at sunrise and at sunset. Go on your first day when your body is still on Chicago time. We also had a great meal with great music at the Stella Blues Cafe in Waimea (sp?).
Post by MixedBerryJam on Apr 17, 2015 18:47:56 GMT -5
If it were even five days instead of four i might suggest a second island, but for just the four days, you'll be at the airport/in the air for half the time you're on vacation. That's why I say stick with Oahu. Depending on where you're starting from, you may have pretty remarkable jet lag, dont forget.
I'd do Oahu because that's where you can get to directly and might as well make the most of your limited time. You can go to the other islands next time
I'd do Kauai and stay at the Hyatt. It's smaller so you can just wander and discover things. I'd definitely go to Waimea canyon and then throw your suit in the car and go up to the north shore and find all the little beaches.