My wife and I are visiting Hawaii for the first time this September. What should we do on which island?
jimwrobleski asked:
We arrive Sept 4 in Maui and plan to stay on West Maui coast in a condo. Then we will go to Kona on the Big Island until we fly back to Detroit on Sept 14. (Only flights open to use my award miles
We are looking for snorkeling, nature sight seeing, beach time, dolphins, and experiencing anything Hawaiin.
We arrive Sept 4 in Maui and plan to stay on West Maui coast in a condo. Then we will go to Kona on the Big Island until we fly back to Detroit on Sept 14. (Only flights open to use my award miles
We are looking for snorkeling, nature sight seeing, beach time, dolphins, and experiencing anything Hawaiin.
How would you split your time between the 2 islands and what acitivities are better experienced on either island?
Mahalo
September 7th, 2009 at 12:55 am
First of all, while on Maui, I recommend a helicopter ride. Snorkeling will be great. You need to go to a Luau. I recommend you to that the last night you are in Hawaii. Go to the Wailea Marriott’s luau.
While on Kona, you will have to go to the Hard Rock Cafe. I tend to try and go visit the Hard Rock Cafe when I am in a city that has one. I would try jet skiing. Do a volcano lava tour would be good. There are still some active volcanos.
September 10th, 2009 at 6:31 am
i haveneverbeen there but my suggestion is to spend it randomely i mean i **** plans for my holiday.on holidays time is useless.live free without squedules u’ll see the color of life.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
On Maui, I would see the Lahaina Luau - Make reservations in advance, they sell quickly. The Luau is the top rated and really gives you a sense of old Hawaii. Shopping in Lahaina is neat as well.
Take a trip up Haleakula, start early in the morning for the best views. Head to Hana, Fly there or Drive out (long and windy) but Hana is just worth it.
The Big Island, book a Helicopter Tour for fabulous views of the Volcano. Meet the locals, it’s much slower lifestyle on the Big Island, so meeting locals is much easier. They’ll be sure to point you in the right direction for your trip.
September 14th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
i suggest a luau it is perfect and romantic i have been to one.
September 18th, 2009 at 1:57 am
Ok… this is a little difficult because the Big Island is….well,*big* and it’s hard to see it all in such a brief period of time. That being said, here is what I recommend:
While on Maui, I suggest you snorkel in two different coves (The Aquarium and Fishbowl) along La Perouse Bay. It’s not an easy spot to get to, but it’s well worth the trek. Once you are there you will see schools upon schools of fish, eels, a turtle or two and a vast quantity and variety of stunning sealife. The visibility is amazing (particularly in the early a.m. hours). Another activity I would recommend is going to a luau. Old Lahaina Luau is certainly fun and entertaining, but there is also another one called The Feast At Lele which is a bit more intimate and has more of a romantic feel (table served meal vs. buffet). I’ve been to both (Old Lahaina Luau three times) and I’m not sure which I prefer. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either one. Front Street is cool to walk along. There are so many shops, restaurants, bars and an awesome view of the ocean. I never grow tired of seeing the sunrise on Haleakala. This is something to do early in your trip since you will still be suffering from jetlag. Chances are you will be up rather early so you mine as well hop in the car and see the sunrise atop of an inactive volcano.
If time allows, I would certainly take the Road to Hana. There are interesting stops along the way (The Seven Sacred Pools… Charles Lindbergh’s grave…etc.) and the hairpin turns throughout the journey make it truly an adventure. Once in Hana there is a black sand beach which you should spend some time at. In Sept. the surf may be a little too rough to go for a swim but chances are you will see some local fishermen out there looking for a catch. There are also some really awesome hikes and sights of nature. Given the time frame, I would opt for Iao Valley State Park which isn’t too far from where you will be.
As for the Big Island… hmmm. Ok, you are staying in Kona which is a good thing.
You should definitely go snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay. It has incredibly clear water, an amazing assortment of colorful fish and frolicking spinner dolphins. 
Probably one of the best spots on the Big Island to snorkel. I would also recommend going to Volcanoes National Park. I’m not sure what Kilauea is up to these days but it is certainly a great park to visit regardless. There are so many different hiking trails and interesting areas of discovery. One of my favorite hikes is the Devistation Trail and also the Thurston Lava Tube. If time allows you may want to visit Hilo. It is quite far from Kona but a pretty interesting town to see. The weather may or may not be the best (it tends to rain a lot there) but I enjoyed visiting for a few days during my trip. There is a quaint movie theater which I adore. If you get a chance, I recommend catching a flick in Hilo. It will be worth the effort. 
If you’re into star gazing, then I suggest you and your wife go to the summit of Mauna Kea to see the night time sky. It is by far one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.
No matter what you choose to do, you will be happy. It is hard not to be while visiting any of the islands. As long as you remember to enjoy the surroundings, soak in the scenery and let the Aloha Spirit take over…. you should be fine. I’m a bit jealous you will be going there but I hope you have a great time.
September 21st, 2009 at 12:33 am
Maui has nice beaches — snorkeling is pretty good there. You can take a boat out to Molokini and do some pretty amazing snorkeling out there! The aquarium on Maui is also very nice (on the road between Kihei and Lahaina — sorry, I can’t remember the name). Wailea Beach is one of my favorites. La Perouse Bay is also very pretty. The Old Lahaina Luau is supposed to be very good — I would opt for it over most of the ones on the Big Island which tend to be very kitschy.
Visit Pu’uhonua o Honaunau on the Big Island (Place of Refuge). Very Hawaiian, very interesting, very historical. You will get lots of great pictures there, especially if you go late in the day and catch a sunset. You can experience dolphins up close (for about $170 pp) at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. My son did it for his 6th birthday this past January and it was wonderful! You may get lucky and see spinner dolphins if you take a boat tour like Fairwinds, but they are protected by law so it’s best not to get into the water with them on excursions like this. A great nature hike is the “back way” to the Pu’u O’o vent (Kilauea volcano). Buy a copy of Big Island Revealed by Andrew Doughty and Harriett Friedman (there is a Maui version also) and it will tell you how to get there. Driving down Chain of Craters road in Volcanoes National Park is a must! You have to see the flowing lava at night. Just spectacular!
Have fun
September 24th, 2009 at 3:51 am
If you ever plan on going to Ohau, Honolulu, stay at the Kahala Hilton (5000 kahala street). It is the nicest hotel in the entire world! The staff, food, and environment is amazing!!!! My family has been going there for over 50 years!!! I recomend hiking diamond head, my aunt and uncle did it last year and loved it!!! sorry, i know it is different from your question. good luck though!