The Beginning of Research

Hi there guys,

I know this is a very vague post so I apologise in advance. We are looking to arrange a holiday to Hawaii, and are particularly interested in exploring and seeing the different types of scenery I know can be found.

I am wondering where people think it is best to go and who they have travelled with? I do not want to go to Mauii as everyone I know who has been there disliked it. Maybe for a start honolulu? Any opinions or help offered would be great. I know this is vague but as I am only just starting to look around I don%26#39;t know alot yet!

Thanks alot

The Beginning of Research

My suggestion is not very popular because it requires a little bit of effort and work on your part, and not as easy as blurting out a question and having other people tell you what to to. So here goes: Go to a book store and get a tourist book on the Hawaiian Islands. Read it. When you are done, you will know where to go and what to do. Chuck...

The Beginning of Research

As Chuck said -- you need to do some reading. Hawaii for Dummies is popular, as it covers all the islands and does spend too much time on hotel/restaurant page filler. Also - get a map.

Determine what time of the year you want to go -- and if you are flexible, great!

Figure a nightly accomodations budget ... and, of course, how long (how many nights) you plan to stay.

Tell us what you like to do ... water sports, natural wonders, shopping, restaurants, historical sites.

And -- will you rent a car? With the exception of Oahu, a car is essential on the other major islands. On Oahu, a car is helpful to reach the areas outside of Honolulu - but there is a good bus system and plenty of excursions you can take.

Given that Maui has the best balance and variety of any of the islands ... I have NO idea why all of your friends disliked it. Maui is considered the most popular visitor destination/island in the world. Large enough, but not too large, natural wonders, beaches, great restaurants and music. Enough people to make it interesting, but no big cities. Places for seclusion or interaction.

Anyway -- read, read, read. Feel free to post your questions here.

All your friends disliked Maui? really? Wow. Maui is amazing. I love it there. I would read up on the different Islands and see which one is of most interest to you and then form your opinion, don%26#39;t just go based on what other people have told you.

What kinds of things are you interested in doing?

For the biggest contrast in scenery look at Kaua`i and the Big Island (Island of Hawai`i). Kaua`i is lush and green on one side, almost desert on the other. The Big Island is mostly black lava on one side, rain forest on the other. You really need a week on each. Kaua`i is quite manageable in one week, but expect to do some driving on the Big Island.

Aloha Rosie! Actually, looking thru a basic guide book that describes each island is really helpful - that is what I did for my first trip to the islands. Each Hawaiian island is different/unique - as well as each island has several microclimates, so things vary dramatically on each island.

What also might help in selecting an island is what are you hoping to do in Hawaii besides enjoy the scenery? What did your friends not like about Maui that you want to avoid? What types of hotels/restaurants/activities are you hoping to enjoy? As well, what time of year are you planning to visit and for how long?? That will help others in helping you find the one or two islands that might suit you the best. We all have our favorites for various reasons.

Then once you have decided on the island(s), there are some other specific island books that will be very helpful in planning a great holiday to Hawaii. Good luck! :)

well....Maui is the best first Island.....very good variety of food, rooms outstanding beaches, all sorts of recreation....

I am sorry to say but I doubt you will or they would enjoy any other island, all of which are rural and sparce in comparission..... What did your friends say the hated about Maui? I am very curious.

it would help us.... what dp you want out of a Hawaiian trip...what do you expect.

Some expect grass shacks on the beach. picking wild friuts off the trees, swimming in jungle pools, with tropical birds singing. monkeys swinging through the trees.

Loving simple natives in awe of the civilized world travler....

Its like saying all my friends went to Paris and couldnt find good food..... what places do they love??

First, I would question the taste of your friends or whom ever told you they didn%26#39;t like Maui!! Just remember one mans trash is another mans treasure. Do the research as suggested by the op. Get a real feel for what your expectations are. Let us know the time of year, age group, budget etc. then we can help you!!

As some of the posts above said,doyour research,then decide what you want.When we visited Hawaii for the first time in 1992, I read seeral books,and decided on Waikiki Beach, and the Kaanapali Beach on Maui-we go back frequently, to the Waikiki,and Kaanapali.

';I do not want to go to Mauii as everyone I know who has been there disliked it.';

I don%26#39;t know anyone who dislikes Maui.

More to see %26amp; do on Oahu than any other island. If you don%26#39;t plan to rent a car, then go to Oahu. A car on Oahu is better, but Oahu has decent public transportation you can use to get to most attractions.

If you plan to rent a car, then any island(s) is good.

Lots of info including sites with free brochures for all islands:

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g29222-i37-k647862鈥?/a>

Well, Southampton, the first time I went to Maui, I wasn%26#39;t overly excited about it ~ I%26#39;d been to Kauai 3 times and absolutely loved it . . . . BUT! Maui gets in your blood, and I couldn%26#39;t stop thinking about it, and I have been back three times and each time I love it more and more! It has a really good blend of rural and city and being a city girl, I felt comfortable staying at a Bed %26amp; Breakfast in the town/city of Wailuku. I%26#39;d reconsider Maui. Maybe your friends only went once and didn%26#39;t give Maui a real chance.

That being said, MOONS is a good guide book as it covers all the islands. If you only want to buy one book, give that one a try. I also like to look at Magazines, like Hawai`i. It%26#39;s only $4.50 per issue, and in each issue, they discuss something from each island. And since it%26#39;s a magazine, the coupons are more current than a guide book. The pictures are beautiful, as well.

The research part, for me, is almost as much fun as the actual trip! And you do need to do your homework to have a great vacation.

jc