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| Map of the Hawaiian Islands |
A friend of mine asked for help planning her dream vacation to Hawaii. Tara wrote, “We are looking at planning a trip to one of the Hawaiian islands. We love Maui but would like to try somewhere new. Any recommendations on the other islands?”
Tara, I asked my friend Jennifer who lived in Hawaii for many years to help me answer your question, because when I went (not during the rainy season), we got hammered with 35 inches of rain in five days! It wasn’t the Hawaii I dreamed of, but I did discover how very kind Hawaiians are. I’m still waiting on a do-over. Hopefully soon!
Get to know the Hawaiian islands
Kauai
Kauai is a laid back island, offering more wilderness options than the others. If you visit Kauai, you can entertain the family with ziplines through the rain forest, luaus and mountain climbs. The Kalalau Trail which begins at the end of the road at the north end of Kauai offers breath-taking views of the Pacific as you trek up the mountain. The first couple miles of the hike is fairly manageable, but the full trail is more suited toward experienced climbers.
Oahu
The Island of Oahu offers big city entertainment geared toward guests. The North Shore offers great surfing. Pearl Harbor is located here with several different tours related to Pearl Harbor and World War II. Opened last year, Disney’s Aulani Resort offers that Disney experience, Hawaiian style. Of course, other accommodations are available across the island, including private rentals at a variety of price points.
The Big Island (Hawaii)
The Island of Hawaii, known as The Big Island, might offer the best of both worlds. Tourist friendly resort accommodations abound. Tourists can experience luaus and swimming with manta rays, but the Island of Hawaii also offers Volcanoes National Park and other more laid back adventures.
In short, each island offers a unique experience, so there’s something for everyone!
Perhaps the best tip Jennifer had to offer is purchasing Hawaii Off the Beaten Path, 9th: A Guide to Unique Places (Off the Beaten Path Series). She does caution not to let the locals see it: “hide it in your trunk or cover it or something. The locals don’t like for the tourists to know all of the good places to go on the islands.”
This post doesn’t cover everything there is to see and do in Hawaii, but hopefully it gives you a great place to start! Tara, please write a guest post about your Hawaiian vacation once you go!
So excited to see this post as we plan our trip for next year!
I’m so excited — and a bit jealous — for you! If you have any questions, I have lots of contacts who are experts on Hawaii and will be glad to ask!
The only Hawaiian island that I have been to was Maui, twice. Oh my gogeous, it was a lot of fun and that is where I learned to surf! I would love to move next to the coast and surf everyday… if only I could get over the skiing thing. 🙂
I've only been to Maui, and loved it. So gorgeous and we went during perfect weather. It was amazing and I'd love to go back again. But, I really want to visit the big island of Hawaii. I've heard it's pretty awesome and a “must do” trip at some point in life.
Years ago I went on a cruise that stopped in the Cayman Islands. I had my first snorkeling experience in that beautiful warm water that was so clear it was like being the bathtub. With fish all around me! Haha! Anyway, after that trip was when we visited Maui and we went snorkeling there as well. I struggled with this snorkeling trip because the water isn't as see through. I was told the best place for snorkeling is Grand Cayman Islands… and I have that to be true so far. 🙂
Blessings,
~Rosann
Hawaii is one of those places that ignites the imagination! Sadly I think I am the least travelled person in the world. Not sure I will ever get there beyond my imagination.
I've been to Maui and Oahu, and the way I saw it, Oahu was just like a more lush Long Beach, lol. Lots to do and packed with tourists. We had a blast, but we had gotten trapped in a “tourist-y package” thing, and ended up charging a LOT on our credit cards. It made for some great memories, but one of these days I'd love to take our boys and do things a little more low key, ya know? And maybe, a little less expensive.
Visiting (and following) from Voiceboks! Feel free to stop by any of my “homes” anytime!
~SortaSuperMom
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I LOVED LOVED Hawaii. While in the Military I went to Hawaii 3 times. I was even there for the Pearl Harbor Premier! 😉 I was on board the USS John C Stennis. It was amazing.
The last year in the military I spent a whole month in Hawaii. Beautiful place! I was only on the Island of Oahu, and still loved it.
And wow, a Disney resort is there now! ooooo I wish it was there when I went. Would have loved to try that. 🙂
I would love to go to Hawaii one day! My best friend spent her first two years of her marriage there and she adored it! The long flight freaks me out a bit, but someday!! You have such great tips here Karen!! I really am enjoying your site!!
Mrsmomof6 and Kristie W,
Hawaii is such a wonderful and unique treasure for our country. YES, Kristie, it's a long flight (14 hours from NC), but oh my goodness! It's gorgeous!!! Even in the rain 🙂
My second son is currently requesting a trip to Hawaii as his graduation gift. YAY!!! Something we would all enjoy! 🙂
Tara,
I hope that information helps you plan your trip. Our rainy trip was to the island of Kauai. Though every single thing we planned to do, except hike the Kalalau Trail, was rained out we can't wait to return. It's simply gorgeous!
And the one advantage of going during rain is we saw a TON of waterfalls (10 times their usual size).
Please keep in touch as you plan. You can always email and/or contact me through my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TravelingFamily
Mahalo!
Erin,
I have not begun posting special offers on the blog yet. I'm trying to figure out how to do that without posting ten offers a day! AND sometimes those “special offers” aren't really the best price out there. (I may post on that one day).
I DO tweet special offers, free travel contests and other newsworthy travel tidbits often. You can follow me @karen_dawkins.
Also, on my facebook fan page, you can find special travel deals, travel sweepstakes and article links: https://www.facebook.com/TravelingFamily.
I hope that information helps!
I would LOVE to go to Hawaii! I wish it didn't take so long to get there from NJ. I think I will have to live vicariously through the peeps who have been there! 🙂 Can't wait to see your next post!
I need to look into this, I HAVE to get to Hawaii someday before I die.
All that rain, huh? But was it still pretty?
What a wonderful surprise! How awesome to come back to your blog to see a post written for me! Thank you so much for the tips. We'll definitely pick up the book you recommended. I think we are leaning towards Kauai. Especially now that you mentioned zip lining. Our family did that in Honduras and had a blast. Can't wait to go! Thx again!
Karen,
Do you ever post of special travel deals? I love your site. It's so informative and really answers the questions we have when we'd like to research a location!
Thanks,
~Erin