40 TH birthday..where to stay..??

Hello All,

I am planning on spending a week in Maui during October for my 40 th Birthday.I have found an excellent price on a flight from the mainland but i need a reasonable,clean,all-inclusive place to stay on the west side close to Lahaina/Kannapali area.I got a price on the Weston for an ocean view room but the price was way over my buget....any suggestions...!!!???

Thanks.

40 TH birthday..where to stay..??

I also turned 40 in Hawaii, however I was on the island of Kauai. Well, I have heard that the only all-inclusive in Hawaii is on the Big Island . . . I would suggest checking out vrbo.com - you will find many excellent places to stay that probably fit your budget better. Don%26#39;t hesitate to mention it%26#39;s your birthday when you get there. I got a free upgrade on my car and also free dessert for that special day. I can%26#39;t think of a better place to make some wonderful 40th birthday memories - hope you have a great time! :)

40 TH birthday..where to stay..??

I%26#39;m going to Hawaii for my 40th in October too! :) we aren%26#39;t going to Maui though.

Bump

Kona Village Resort is the only all inclusive I am aware of in all of Hawaii (it is on the Big Island).

Cheapest rate for one week - $4,410.

The reason there are not more is that Hawaii is not like the Caribean or Mexico, you really do NOT want to just stay in the resort and miss everything there is to see and do.

We are staying at the Lahaina Shores Beach Resort in July. The rates for a ocean view studio are very reasonible. Large lania close to the water. Looks wonderful and can hardly wait to go. Check them out.

Try the various condo%26#39;s in Napali. They have always sounded good to me.

Happy 40th to you both! That was a fun one.

Many great T.A. people have suggested www.vrbo.com (vacatin rentals by owner) if you want a condo at a good rate. I have not used this myself but keep reading about it. What is a good rate exactly?

Hello,

Still looking for a decent place to stay that won%26#39;t break the bank..!!

I tried VRBO.COM for condos but the 2 or 3 places i liked where already rented.

Reading travel books i have found the whaler and Resort quest Mahana seem to be recommended...anyone have any opinions on either of these two places...???

Thanks...!!

We stay at the Whaler every year. Each condo is different . I have been in some of the large, ocean front units and and I have been in studio units. Some nicer than others, but all were clean and decent. The location can%26#39;t be beat. You are right on the beach. The Kaanapali walkway is at your front door. Whalers village for eating or shopping is right next door and you can even use your room key to take the shortcut from the back of the condos to the village. The pool isn%26#39;t fancy and new but it has tons of chairs and places to hang out in the sun. There are lots of BBQ%26#39;s if you choose to eat in. If you choose to eat out you can%26#39;t walk to many of different places, have a few drinks and not worry about driving! There is a pretty nice gym that they just remodeled and a small beauty salon/spa. We really like it there.

Try the Maui Kai. Next door to the Mahana. Great location, and all units are oceanfront and have A/C.

How can I reuse ugly old blankets

Best Car Rental Service without long waits

Which car rental company at or near airport etc will stress us the least? Thanks

Best Car Rental Service without long waits

Some times its just dumb luck. If you get a member type pass from a rental company like Hertz Gold you can allegedly avoid the lines. You need to relax. You will be in Maui. Some one should get the car while someone gets the luggage. The luggage can sometimes take longer than the car. As I said before relax and feel the soft air and smell the flowers while you wait.

Best Car Rental Service without long waits

we went through Avis and had only two people in front of us and it took about 15 minutes. like shanty said, i think it%26#39;s luck too, depends on when you%26#39;re flights coming in, etc. from what i gathered, it looks as if all the rental car agencies are just down the road a bit, you check in and take a shuttle over to the actual rental place where you will pick up/return the car.

Hertz #1, Budget Fastbreak, etc. are great time-savers.

Second the notion of ';one gets the wheels %26amp; the other the bags'; and the reverse even helps a little upon departure.

If you both want to be able to drive the car, can you leave one person waiting on bags? or do you both need to be present at the car rental counter?

Yes %26amp; no.

If you accept the LDW/CDW then both drivers need to produce ID. However, if you%26#39;re going to rely on your own insurance, and both drivers are named on the policy, then one renter is sufficient; to be safe, suggest you verify with your Insurance Agent. (If State Farm, don%26#39;t bother, it%26#39;s OK with them.)

I personally like Aloha. If you show up late they will leave the car at the airport with the keys. They do not charge for a second driver, which is often a hidden extra. Courteous staff and clean cars.

Hertz gold. Never had to wait or had a problem. However, since spending a lot of money stresses me out, you may also consider that it is probably the most money. We saved a bundle and used alamo thru costco on our last trip. We had a few issues that we%26#39;ve never had to deal with using Hertz but in the end I thought it was worth it.

Hertz number one club GOLD (not just #1 club) will get you through the lines faster than anything. Officially, it costs $$ to join, but sometimes you can find it for free. I use it for business all the time and it is faster than any other program I%26#39;ve experienced it.

Thrifty BlueChip is free and good -- they at least have a special line, although they are not as fast as Hertz Gold.

Otherwise, everything depends on the day, the time, and the number of rentals the company has ... I don%26#39;t think any of them are consistenly that much better than the other.

Pemco requires that both ( or more) persons driving be signed up on the rental agreement for our coverage to work on both of us! So you both have to present your DL and sign the rental agreement!

Funny! I just called and asked them today for that information!

Hilton Hawaiian Village

Which tower would be best for a family of 4. I stayed in Rainbow 2 years ago and found it quite dated even though it had a balcony, dining room, corner suite on the 27th Floor. Do any of the towers have true suites (bedroom separate from the living room area)?

Hilton Hawaiian Village

Try for a xx29 or xx30 in the Tapa Tower. These corner rooms/suites are very large with a full on ocean view.

The Whaler

We just got back from a week long trip to Maui, (sept. 9-16th) we stayed at The Whaler at Kaanapali Beach. We were real nervous about going because of all the negative posts about the resort, but we had not one complaint. Rooms were very clean, spacious, great views. The other couple that went with us stayed in another room and they also said the samething. We did many things from snorklin

to parasailn, went to the old fashioned luau, and many other things. So in my mind The Whaler was perfect for our first trip to Maui!! I am telling everyone about this place, I%26#39;m sure there are many nice places to stay, but we didn%26#39;t drive to dinner but a couple

different times, because The Whalers Village was right beside us so we could walk there. very nice!! 2 thumbs up!!!

The Whaler

Which unit did you stay in? Did you rent directly from an owner?

The Whaler

Funny that your screen name is Metallica....my friends%26#39; were in Maui in July and saw James Hetfield and his son on the beach. My friend said hi but didn%26#39;t get a pic.

Great review! I agree, and love The Whaler as well! It would help others if you posted your opinion of the property also on TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews under The Whaler.

kauai beach villas

Hi all, a friend has offered us a week of their timeshare with the Kauai beach villas to celebrate our honeymoon in March 07...anyone have any experience with the property? I know the pool is not the best but how about the rooms? Proximity to dining? bars? Thank you very much!

kauai beach villas

How well you will like this place depends a lot on which unit you get. Some apparently are quite nice and others pretty down at the heels. Also, only a few have ocean views. The pool is just there, not much to write home about. The beach is pretty, but, not particularly swimmable there -- lots of dangerous surf conditions. However, you are centrally located and just a short drive to many shops and restaurants. Also right next door to the county golf course, which is a great bargain.

kauai beach villas

We just stayed a week there in early Sept. I must say we were disappointed, as the resort is listed a topnotch by the timeshare trading company RCI. We do not feel the resort deserves that high a rating. That said, though, if someone is offering you a week there..that would be nice. The pool is awful and dirty, I wouldn%26#39;t plan on using it...but there are so great places to go on Kauai, you probably won%26#39;t spend a lot of time there anyway. It%26#39;s located between Lihue and Kapaa, so you are convenient to the restaurants in Kapaa. It%26#39;s about 45-60 min drive to the north, which is so beautiful. The condos at the resort are ok, the outside as you drive in is pretty grim, but the lagoon side is very pretty. Can%26#39;t swim at the beach there, but we spent some evenings sitting on the beach, drinking wine, watching the moon over the ocean...very romantic.

If using this condo means the difference of going to Kauai or not going for your honeymoon, I%26#39;d say take it.

I may be a little prejudice as a timeshare owner there, but we very much like the place. I do agree, though, that if you don%26#39;t get a 1 bedroom/2bath or a 2 bedroom unit, you may not find it as attractive. The 1 bedroom/1baths face the parking areas. If you%26#39;ld like to see some pictures I took around the place, feel free to check them out here:

www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html…

2 hour layover in Honolulu

On our way back from our trip we will have a 2 hour lay over in Honolulu. Is there any thing very close to the airport we would be able to see?

2 hour layover in Honolulu

Considering that you should be at the airport 1 1/2 hours before your flight to the mainland, there really is nowhere else you can go.

If I only had 2 hours, I wouldn%26#39;t leave the secured area %26amp; stand in line to get back in.

The airport has shops, restaurants %26amp; a garden that you can visit.

2 hour layover in Honolulu

Yes, that is what I thought, but I thought maybe there was a chance to see something. :)

no way. consider that getting off the plane and getting to a taxi might take 15-20 min ... you%26#39;re down to 1 hr 40 min ... going anywhere will take at least 10 ... you%26#39;re down to 1 hr 30 min ... coming back will take at least 10 (if you can get a taxi immediately...)

Don%26#39;t chance it, or try to change your flight home to a later one.

Grab a bite to eat and get a flower lei to take home with you. The time will go by quick. You can smell your lei and cry like I did!

NatureCat

=^..^=

And have one last Mai Tai to drown your sorrows over having to leave!

I can%26#39;t believe it. I will be packing tomorrow for Maui!!! The trip is finally here! You all have been so help full. Thanks :)

pets

Kamaole Sands....Building 4, 8, or 9???

We are three families who have reservations at Kamaole Sands. Any advice as to whether building 4, 8, or 9 is best?

Kamaole Sands....Building 4, 8, or 9???

I looked at a map of the the condos and these three buildings seem the least favorable but they contain the %26#39;standard%26#39; units that we reserved through expedia. Any advice?

Kamaole Sands....Building 4, 8, or 9???

You nailed it ! These 3 are the least desireable. Building #9 is probably the best of this bunch by a slim margin as it%26#39;s the closest to the beach. The best you could do is to stay high, preferably 4th floor, to minimize road and parking lot noise and possibly pick up some views.

whiteheads

Hiking recommendations

Am hoping for a few options of easy/moderate hikes for two 30-year-olds. We are hoping to be able to hike to waterfalls and/or rivers. We are looking for something with a defined trail that will take between 2-4 hours. Is there anything like this on the Big Island? We are staying in Waikoloa but don%26#39;t mind driving. Thanks!

Hiking recommendations

There lots of hikes - U can pick any loop from within VOlcano national park. We did the %26#39;Big Island Revealed%26#39; suggested

Kilauea Iki

Descends 400 feet through rain forest, crosses the crater floor, passes Pu%26#39;u Pua%26#39;i cinder cone, and returns via the crater%26#39;s rim. Of interest: Rain forest, birds, insects, 1959 lava lake, steam vents, cinder and spatter cone.

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Distance and hiking time: 4 mile loop, 2 to 3 hours

Distance from Visitor Center to trailhead: 2 miles. Trail begins at the Thurston Lava Tube parking lot on Crater Rim Drive.

Bring water. Expect wet and windy weather and some steep and rocky terrain. Follow the ahu (rock cairns) across the crater floor.

Link to Lisa Frein%26#39;s journal of her hike on the Kilauea Iki trail (2003).

Then there is Polulu valley trail which should not take more than an hour. There are many more including some shore/beach trails. Just buy the book and choose whatever u fancy. Then if u get a chance to see lava or the cone ( a 7 mile loop in the rainforest) don%26#39;t miss it.

Hiking recommendations

I agree Kilauea Iki is a prime hike for you giving the specifications you asked for.

Pololu%26#39;s hike is another good one as mentioned above, my favorite actually. We hiked over into Honokane Nui (the next valley), but if you hike just to the top of the ridge in between, it%26#39;s georgious.

Another shorter hike that may interest you is Bird Park that%26#39;s mauka and just south of HVNP. Look for it on your HVNP map.

Trail to avoid: In Big Island Revealed, the forest trail from Glenwood to see the lava cone is so troublesome, the local newspaper published an article telling people NOT to take it--too many rescues out there. I believe it has finally been removed from the guidebook.

The Pololu Valley trail is wonderful when the ground is really dry. Take a picnic lunch.

Look at the trails in ';Hawaii The Big Island Trailblazer'; (book). Excellent directions and details, too.

If you are going to the Volcano, stay in that area a night or two, as that is a long drive from Waikoloa--2-3 hours each way, whether you go north or south. The visitors%26#39; center has lots of trail maps for you--or look on their website. Expect chilly weather at the visitors center elevation, and hot! windy weather at the coastal trail. Google for B%26amp;B%26#39;s up there. If you were staying in the Hilo area, you wouldn%26#39;t have to drive so far, either.

The Bird park is soothing, quiet, unspoiled. Just a dirt trail looping through the ancient forest. No cages, no pavement. Picnic area nearby.

Down in Puna, you can walk across the former Kaimu Bay in Kalapana, to the new (12-13 yrs?) blacksand beach. It%26#39;s about 1/2 hour each way, kind of rough, but you%26#39;re only 30, so no problem. Wear shoes with covered toes.

If your knees will take it, walk down into Waipio Valley. It%26#39;s beautiful, similar to the way it was a few hundred years ago.

Get the Trailblazer book and have a good read. It hasn%26#39;t let us down yet.

There is a new book out in the Trailblazer series - Hawaii Big Island Trailblazer. See www.trailblazertravelbooks.com. Just published Sept. 2006. Sounds promising for hiking advice.

Top Memorable Restaurants...

What were your Top Favorite Restaurants in Maui? What made it so memorable...

Top Memorable Restaurants...

Our favorite is Lahaina Fish Co. on Front Street. The outside porch area is lovely - especially at sunset. The food is amazing, and the Mai Thais and Strawberry Dacquari%26#39;s are incredible. The service is great too. The prices are very reasonable - for Maui anyway. Really about the same as a nice restuarant in our area.

We would eat here every day if we could afford it! It really is wonderful - be sure to try it out.

Top Memorable Restaurants...

Kimo%26#39;s in Lahaina........view and service is great. Request a table upstairs at sunset. PS.....best MaiTai%26#39;s on Maui

In Kehei......5 Palms Restuarant. 5 Star with the cost to match.The view of the cinder cone and bay there is breath taking. BEATUIFUL !!

Car rental booking?

Aloha

Our first trip to Maui is getting closer, we leave in November. To be excat its November 10th, not that I%26#39;m counting. With the help of this forum I have made bookings for our activities through Tom Barefoot who have been brilliant. I do have another question though and wondered if anyone can help....... We would like to hire a car for the second week, nothing flash, and wondered if we need to book this as well or just wait till we get there. We are staying in KBH, would the hotel be able to sort us out?

Thanks for your help guys, I know I will get good advice on this forum.

Lizzyr

Car rental booking?

For the best deal go on line and do a search, could save you a lot. As far as booking ahead, it%26#39;s always a good idea. Even though November is not yet peak season but it will be getting busier.

Try Walmart or costco for possible good prices and availibility. Always a good idea to book ahead for your car and the most popular activities.

1 question...why not rent for both weeks? The best way to see the Island is by car and the mass transit there is poor.

Car rental booking?

Check the websites of any credit cards you have (visa, etc) and see of they have any rental car discount codes. Plus if you have a costco membership there is a discount code on there. We used the code for our visa and ended up getting an SUV for a week (next week!) for only $102 plus taxes/etc (came to ~$130). It was actually cheaper than the compact car 9more on gad but we need it for surfboard, etc). I think we rented from national.

Hotel Resort reccomendations

Hello everyone!

We were hoping to get some hotel reccomendations for Kauai! We%26#39;ve stayed in Maui (Westin-nice) and Big Island (Sheraton-not so nice). We loved Big Island and all of it%26#39;s natural beauty. Seems Kauai is the next island to visit! We%26#39;re celebrating our 10th anniversary and want to stay at a nice place that%26#39;s under 300 a night. We don%26#39;t mind paying more but it has to be for excellent accomodations! Any suggestions on which part of island and hotels/resorts?

Thanks!!

DJHS

Hotel Resort reccomendations

THE HYATT!!! We just got back and I can%26#39;t say enough about this hotel. The grounds are incredible, one of the coolest pools you will ever see, the location is great, and Tidepools, one of their restaurants, is one of the most romantic dining experiences you will ever have. It will probably cost you a little more than $300, but if you do a little research you can get a good deal. We paid $320 through Expedia and then were upgraded when we checked in.

Hotel Resort reccomendations

We%26#39;re staying at the Hyatt for our upcoming honeymoon.

Here%26#39;s a little tip I picked up from this board for getting a good rate...

Call the hotel directly and tell them you are getting some Elite Stay Certificates as a gift and ask if they are valid for the dates you%26#39;ll be there. Sometimes they%26#39;ll be blocked out so its always a good idea to call first. We%26#39;ll be there for 7 nights, but only 3 nights were available for the Elite Stay Certificates. For however many nights they%26#39;re available, you can then buy the certificates from the Hyatt website for $250/night. Once you receive the certificates in the mail, call back to make your reservation and give them the number printed on the certificates. We are paying $250 for 3 nights of our stay and $316 for the other 4 nights (AAA rate). The only catch is when I made the reservation with the certificates, the guy quoted me a really high rate for the other 4 nights. So we made a separate reservation on their website to get the AAA rate. They%26#39;ll just merge our 2 reservations at check-in. Good luck!

Wow, thanks for the tips! We%26#39;re looking to go during Feb so we can%26#39;t find any rated under 500! I%26#39;ve looked at every travel site! Any other tips on places other than the Hyatt?

bump

parameter order

Kanaloa Condos on Kona

Has anyone stayed or have any infornmation on this property ?

I%26#39;m having trouble locating it on the web

Thanks

Rich in Sacramento

Kanaloa Condos on Kona

It%26#39;s an ocean front (rocky, no beach) complex in Keauhou about 10 miles from the center of the town. It has three pools (one for adults only) and three tennis courts. There is an onsite restaurant (very expensive for a poolside restaurant) and most of the units are managed by Outrigger. It%26#39;s an older, wooden complex and it is in a ';hole'; so I would recommend only an ocean front unit there.

Kanaloa Condos on Kona

Where are you looking on the web? Try this link:

www.outrigger.com/hotels_detail.aspx?hotel=24

I%26#39;m staying there in 3 weeks, so I%26#39;ll be able to tell you more next month.

Driving to the Beach -- Where do put your Wallet and Keys?

If you drive to a beach (in an obvious rental car, of course), and you want to spend time swimming, where do you put your wallet, your keys, and your clothes?

I%26#39;ve heard that car breakins are very common on the island and I%26#39;m wondering how people drive to the beach, leave their car, and go swimming at the same time while keeping their wallets and keys dry (and not lost in the ocean).

Driving to the Beach -- Where do put your Wallet and Keys?

Get a waterproof wallet. We got one called a PakPak for a trip to Mexico and it worked out very well. It%26#39;s inexpensive, small, but large enough for credit card, cash and room key. Even comes with a neck cord and arm band. Kept everything secure and dry.

Check it out here:

http://www.waterproofcases.net/pakpak.html

Hope this helps!

Tina

Driving to the Beach -- Where do put your Wallet and Keys?

Unless you are with someone who can watch over your stuff while you are in the water...

The answer is don%26#39;t take your wallet with you.

During the past three decades of surfing/body boarding in Hawaii, my unfailing solution has always been:

1. All you need for a day at the beach are your car and room/unit keys, drivers license, one credit card and maybe a couple of twenties.

2. When you go in the water, tie your keys into the drawstring of your swim trunks.

3. Place a stout rubber band around your license, credit card and cash, and place it in your swim trunks pocket (which should be ';sealed'; with a snap, velcro or button).

Ta-da, the ultimate in personal security.

So, your license and money get wet; they are still ';good'; and will quickly dry-off.

Or, you can buy these little waterproof gizomos to stick your stuff in and attach to your body at dozens of stores (ABCs particularly). Very touristy.

I do the same as amberloo, except I%26#39;ll put a few dollars and my license in a ziploc bag. The best option is to take it in the water with you in a secure pocket. If I don%26#39;t have a pocket, I will sometimes leave my ziploc bag with license, cash, and house key in the car, locked in the glove box, lock the car and fasten the car key ring firmly to my swimsuit. I might also leave the ziploc under my towel on the beach and keep the car key on me. Yes, the ziploc could get stolen with either of these last two options. If it does, I%26#39;m out $10 and I%26#39;ll go get a new license.

Yes, I keep things pretty simple for beach days - I have a very small wallet that I put my drivers license in along with just a few dollars - enough for some shave ice at the end of the day. :) I always bring a back pack with my lunch, sunscreen, etc. When I get to the beach, I lay out my beach mat, put my car keys in my shorts, shove them to the bottom of my back pack, (where my small wallet is as well or sometimes I leave that in the locked car) and go swimming and snorkeling . . . I have never had a problem - I can always see my spot on the beach, and someone would have to be pretty daring to start digging thru someones bag in the open like that. There are some nifty lock bags - which you need to attach to a secured object, such as a tree or picnic table. . . anyhow, these bags you would need steel cutters to get thru. We got these for Mexico, where petty theft is more common. They only cost about $25 and can be found at most travel/back packing type places, as well as on line. Good luck! :)

The link below is the case I use when snorkeling and going to the beach.

leisurepro.com/Prod/鈥?/a>

I got mine at the Maui Dive shop in Whalers village. It holds my license and my wifes, room key (if it%26#39;s a card), credit card, insurance card, and some folding money just fine. And if in the past I even fit the car key in it without the fob on it. Most of the cars now have huge keys and like our last one for the Jeep Cherokee it had a electronic key. For that I did the double ziploc thing and it was OK but the next time I will just get another one of those cases. They are small and I drop them inside my shirt or wetsuit and don%26#39;t even know their there. If you don%26#39;t somewhere they can float around but they are plenty small enough to put in a secured (velcro) pocket in swim trunks.

Hope this helps.

We use the AquaPac Keymaster. It%26#39;s half the cost of the Pak Pak, and so far, so good.

http://www.aquapac.net/usstore/

the thing that annoys me the most is why rental car companies give you keys in triplicate, but fasten them to a keychain that%26#39;s an unbreakable rope (which i understand, but... - THEN give you a keyless entry remote attached to that(which I obviously couldn%26#39;t go into the water with since it%26#39;s a piece of electronics.)

What do you guys usually do with that?

I wish rental companies would just give you a key on a chain and call it done!!!

I am sure a lot of brands of swimming trunks. (mine are speedo) have a waterproof pocket. I used it this summer on Maui and never lost anything, and nothing ever got wet.

I am sure a lot of brands of swimming trunks. (mine are speedo) have a waterproof pocket. I used it this summer on Maui and never lost anything, and nothing ever got wet.

We never take a wallet to the beach. I usually put the DL, car keys and a $20 in a ziploc bag. If we%26#39;re all going to be in the water at the same time where we can%26#39;t see our stuff, I%26#39;ll put the ziploc in a regular nylon fanny pack. As long as I%26#39;m in the water, no one can see how dorky it looks ;-)

If we won%26#39;t be far from shore, I usually just bury the ziploc in the bottom of the backpack or beach bag, where we would notice if someone were to dig through it for the valuables. Putting it in shorts pocket as posted above is a good idea too.

whiteheads

airport hotel for one night-6 people no car

My sisters and I will be taking our granddaughters(11, 13, 13) to Hawaii next summer. We plan to spend 8 days on Kauai, and will be on Oahu for one night between flights at the beginning of the trip.Don%26#39;t want the hassle of renting a car for that short a time(arrive 6pm leave 2pm the next day),. I figured we could stay at one of the hotels near the airport , which all say they have free airport shuttles, get up early in the am(no problem as we%26#39;ll be on east coast time) and take The Bus to Pearl Harbor, spend some time there, then back to the hotel check out and go to the airport. Does this sound like a reasonable plan? Any input on hotels inexpensive places to eat, and transportation given our time constraints?

Mahalo

airport hotel for one night-6 people no car

hi there i logged onto your thread because i am trying to get some info about how yucky the hotels are near the airport.

i was there in 2005. we took an organised tour to pearl harbour. the tour bus picked us up at 5.50am, and after a few others, we arrived at pearl harbour around 7.30am the line for tickets to go out to the ?Arizona were already one hour long.

so you can do that by yourself, but make sure you get out really early. not sure what time public buses go, but the buses in oahu are really frequent. jsut watch teh time, and even maybe check out, and have them mind your bags, then if you are running late, you hav e one less thing to do on your return to the hotel.

which hotel are you staying at?

i stayed at the honolulu airport hotel. the foyer was nice, but the walk to the rooms and the drab, and yucky paint peeling was a real turn off. the photos look like they have altered the pool to something you might actually go in, and they do say they were renovating this year, so i think of the two maybe i should stick with the one i know. i am doing that in waikiki. with one night on our return from the islands to be at near the airport.

hope my thougths help you decide.

Island Helicopters

Anyone know of this outfit? Cheaper than the others that are usually recommended. Frommer%26#39;s likes them. Blue book says you have to sit thru a promo for the cheaper rate which I could not verify.

Also would like some advice about the doors-off option some outfits have. Excitement and thrills and constant wind are not high on my priority list but I don%26#39;t know that I%26#39;d be able to really experience the trip and take some photos from a middle seat in the back. I am not worrying about falling out, just that the wind buffeting would be rough on us old geezers. But I don%26#39;t want to miss a thing either!

Thanks for all the advice on this forum, btw. Really helpful!

Island Helicopters

Geezers like you and me have nothing to lose...fly on the wild side! No need to ';miss a thing';. I think you will be real happy opting for an open-door policy. Is there a significant difference in cost so the trade-off, sitting thru a presentation, is worth your while? I know about geezer budgets first hand. If the wind does not knock your socks off, soaring above the beauty that is Kauai certainly will!

';Just do it.';

Island Helicopters

Just came back and we went with Inter-Island. They were the ones with no doors and it was incredible. Two people sit up front with the pilot and two in back. This way everyone gets a great view. The larger copters have middle seats and someone will get stuck looking over someone else, and since they place people based on weight, you have no choice. I ended up sitting on the outside, in the front, with the wife in between the pilot and me. You really are on the edge of your seat, so if you have any fear of heights at all, this might be pretty scary.

Ironically I%26#39;ve never flown doors off here on Kauai. However I did take a flight without the doors on the Big Island this year and I will NEVER take another flight with the doors ever again.

If you can get a doors off flight... take it. It%26#39;s well worth it. Photos come out MUCH better without windows.

starting point for helicopter tour?

Would appreciate feedback on best ';starting point'; for helicopter tour of Kauai: Princeton, Lihue or Port Allen? (and any other helpful hints such as which tour, etc.)

starting point for helicopter tour?

Hi Botz

We were in Kauai in mid-Aug. We went on a heli tour with Air-Kauai from Port Allen. Our pilot was called Bill and he was excellent - very knowledgable and he had a great sense of humour!! The whole process of booking, arriving and being greeted was all very professional. Yes these trips are expensive - but they are most definately worth it!!

Have a great time.

starting point for helicopter tour?

Helo tours, where to start:

First, need to mention that AIR KAUAI does NOT fly out of Port Allen Airstrip.

AIR KAUAI flys out of Lihue Heliport, and their facility in near the UPS building. Superb organization, smooth and quiet flying aircraft. Flew ith Air Kauai about a month ago. fantastic, and highly recomend.

JACK HARTER also is out of the Lihue area, and we flew with, Jack, himself, about 11 years ago. Excellent !! They also now have a doors off helo, in addition to the normal door on flights.

INTER ISLAND: Does fly out of PORT ALLEN AIRSTRIP, up on the west side. They started the doors off tours....which we did with

them about three years ago. Outstanding.

PRINCEVILLE: We stayed in Poipu as visitors, and now live in puhi, and have not flown with the North Shore outfits, since we didnt feel like driving up there, when other highly professional organizations were only a 20 minute drive instead of over an hour.

Not sure that it would make much difference, as to where to start, since they pretty much all cover the entire island.

Perhaps those who have flown with a north shore company can help you out, and give you more info on that.

Denny

Sorry i was a bit confused!!!!

channel

I just returned from Oahu & Maui!

I just returned from Oahu %26amp; Maui and I’m still filled with visions of the beautiful beaches, the blue, blue waters, starry skies, rainbows, swaying palm trees and scents of plumeria.

We had such a fantastic time. When we drove to the airport I literally had tears in my eyes.

I have returned to tons of work and hopefully will get a chance this weekend to write a trip report for Oahu %26amp; one for Maui.

Thanks for all your wonderful advice! Hawaii is paradise!

I just returned from Oahu %26amp; Maui!

Happy to hear you had such a nice time, scorchestra. Looking forward to reading your trip reports!

I just returned from Oahu %26amp; Maui!

We%26#39;re leaving on Monday for Oahu and Maui. Hope to get some last minute tips. ???

Jerry

Lots of Oahu ideas:

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g29222-i37-k647862…

On Maui, I liked Haleakala sunrise, strolling Lahaina, Road to Hana %26amp; Iao Valley.

www.visitmaui.com

www.mauihawaii.org

Best Way: Lana'i to Moloka'i

What is the best way to take a day trip from Lana%26#39;i to Moloka%26#39;i?

Thanks...

NatureCat

=^..^=

Best Way: Lana'i to Moloka'i

sorry nobody answered this one, i am bumping it up. i asked around, but unless at the lodge on lana%26#39;i someone knows, it would be possible if some fishermen or boaters go between the islands. otherwise some small airline has flights between these two islands. or you would stop over on maui and then come here?

Best Way: Lana'i to Moloka'i

Judging by air traffic, you%26#39;d probably have to head to a bigger airport first as mentioned. You%26#39;d have to get lucky to find a flight from one to the other I think (both are so small). Most flights head to Kahului or Honolulu first. Kinda out of the way, but it might be your best bet. Expect a layover if you have to visit a bigger airport first. I don%26#39;t imagine tons of flights make it out to either island daily.

Try this website:

http://www.paragon-air.com/

Looks like they will fly you from Lanai to Molokai, for 231 bucks a head. Other than that it is as has been mentioned, a stopover on some other Island, probably Oahu by air, or Maui by Ferry.

Somewhere to stay just outside of Waikiki

My fiance and I are going to Hawaii for 2 weeks for our honeymoon. We are staying in Waikiki for one week. We were thinking about staying in Maui for the other week. We don%26#39;t like the fact that we have to fly from island to island though.

So my question is, is there somewhere driving distance from Waikiki that%26#39;s a bit more secluded/non commercial? Somewhere with a nice beach, some restaurants/shops and not too expensive hotels/condos?

I have read a bit about Turtle Bay (or beach?) but that looks to be way out of our budget.

Thanks!

Somewhere to stay just outside of Waikiki

I%26#39;m not sure what your budget is, try the Marriott%26#39;s Ko Olina Beach Club or JW Ihilani Resort %26amp; Spa at Ko Olina. Both of these hotels are located in the city of Kapolei which is about 30 minute drive from Waikiki. If you do a search here on TripAdvisor you can read reviews %26amp; see photos of the hotels.

Somewhere to stay just outside of Waikiki

Turtle Bay, Ko%26#39;Olina, or Kahala Mandarine.

They are all pricey, of course.

This is Hawaii!

Give keikibeach.com a look; have stayed there several times and made reservations for next February earlier this week.

North Shore Oahu: a (wonderful)world removed from Waikiki!

Check it out:

tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60653-d87212-R鈥?/a>

Dear softeigal,

Look at www.vrbo.com (vacation rentals by owner). Haleiwa on the north coast is very nice. My daughter spent her honeymoon there last year and is still talking about it.

The north shore would be a nice change from the fast times at Waikiki.

If you plan to rent a car, then anywhere on Oahu is fine. The island is not thet big. If you don%26#39;t plan to rent a car, then Waikiki is where you ought to stay.

Turtle Bay on the North Shore and Ko%26#39;Olina are an hour away from Waikiki.

I agree.....check out VRBO.com. We are staying on the windward coast in little cottages right on the beach. It%26#39;s alot cheaper than turtle bay too with all the privacy and amenities you could want.

Thanks everyone for your help! I will check out all the links etc.

We just got back from the Ko Olina. I DO NOT recommend for a honeymoom. After you have had kids - think about staying there- BUT they have the worst sheets that I have ever encountered.'; I travel a lot for business and have stayed at some really fine hotels and some ';not-so-fine';. However, ALL of them had better sheets and cleaner towels than this ';5 star'; timeshare. The room did not feel clean and there was a previous guest%26#39;s trash - under the bed.

The Ihilani hotel in Ko Olina is a far different experience than the timeshares nearby. I would definitely call the Ihilani a 5 star hotel right up there with the Kahala Mandarin, Turtle Bay and a couple of Hotels in Waikiki.

whiteheads

surf casting spots

bringing my pole. good spots for surf casting in kauai?

surf casting spots

What part of the island are you visiting? I have seen lots of surf casting on the east side at ';Fishing Access'; pathway just off Leho/Nehe Roads. This is located just before you enter the newly created campground area and just behind Wailua Municipal Golf Course, and practically in front of the Castle Kaha Lani Resort. I have seen folks drop line at Akuhini Harbor (old cane train loading area just about a mile north of the airport) and along the old roadway between Kalapaki Beach and Nawiliwili Harbor. On the south side, I have seen lots of folks fishing at Salt Point...mostly using small rigs with multiple hooks, pulling in strings of red eye (?proper name).

You can get the real lowdown on fishing at the Waipoli Variety Store (4-901 Kuhio Hwy in Kapaa) in Waipouli Plaza. The Shell Factory is the first shop you will see. The variety store is along the back side. They have a huge fishing equipment department, rigs and jigs) and souvenir items as well.

surf casting spots

Cool, thanks, I am staying at the Hyatt so would like to go around there, early AM while the Wife sleeps in.

Aloha Tim...I meant Salt Pond (not ';Salt Point'; in NoCal) which is near Poipu. Ask around.

The Waipouli Variety store I mentioned above is about a 35-minute drive from Poipu to the Kapaa area.

Closer to you at about 15 minutes is Rainbow Paint and Fishing Supplies in the town of Eleele (sounds like alayalay) on Ala Ula St on the way to Port Allen. As I recall they provided my cousin with a print out of local fishing.

There is also Lihue Fishing Supply is on 2985 Kalena just off Rice St in Lihue, about two blocks east of Kress St (site of Hamura%26#39;s, the saimin restaurant).

Copy and paste this site for fun:

www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/fish_regs/kauai.htm

If you are staying at the Hyatt there is a hike up a rock formation to the left if you are facing the ocean. Right on top of the huge rock formation on the point there are some pvc tubes attached to the ground which I would assume are fishing rod holders. What a great place to go sit and watch the sunrise or sunset even w/out a pole. You may get a real treat if the local boys decide to jump off that point into the ocean. Crazy!

Thank you all - we are leaving TOMORROW! %26amp; have watched for info about shore fishing as my husband is also bringing gear. This is the best info I%26#39;ve seen on the forum %26amp; perfect timing! If you see a white haired, khaki shorted, Hemingway wannabe on the shore this coming week, it%26#39;s probably him!

Thanks again for all the info. Can%26#39;t wait to get there next week.

Hopfully I%26#39;ll be hitting the surf on Tuesday AM.

tim peacock bass and other bass in fresh water. surf casting build your own pvc pipe carrier or use golf bag hardshell cover carrier. Other carrier tubes may need reinforcing. Do pay attention for rogue waves (don%26#39;t turn back to water) and stay away from blow holes. Enjoy and come back and post.