Travel
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Hawaii
So we are planning a trip to Hawaii for Oct-Nov 2012. We have never been and a lot of people we know haven't been either, so we are looking for recommendations of cities to stay in, stuff to do, things to see.
We would like a more relaxed area, less commercial and close to a beach or on it even. We are open to renting a condo as well as there will be 3 of us.
Thanks.
Re: Hawaii
What island(s) are you most interesting in, or when you say Hawaii, do you mean the Big Island of Hawaii?
I have stayed on Kauai, Oahu, Lanai, and Maui. I personally love Lanai, but it's very quiet and not for everyone. In Kauai, I'd recommend Princeville (the Westin Princeville has kitchens, in room laundry) or in Maui, I really enjoyed Wailea. It's much more laid back and not quite as touristy as other parts of the island (Lahaina, Kaanapali) but there are a row of hotels that you can explore and a decent mall (high end) if you wanted to shop. The hotels in that area tend to be a little more expensive, but check out the Marriott Wailea.
Our wedding on Wilson Island!
What's your perspective on less commercial? Mine is a cabin in the woods, but for my sister, it only means no high rises.
What do you like to do in addition to the beach?
We dont know what part of Hawaii. Ive heard mixed things about a few places. I think for sure stay away from Waikiki. Im going to google the areas you mentioned.
We dont care for the shopping, so we dont need to be by a mall. We fly to vegas a few times a year to shop. So less commercial = less retail. I would love to do surfing, but its not required, My bfs mom is coming so historical things she will want to do. We are good with doing hiking excursions, seeing the island.
Maybe it's just b/c I was most recently there, but I think Kauai would fit your needs. I don't recommend Princeville, though. It creeped me out. It was like any other gated golf course community, even if it is in a beautiful setting. I'd much prefer staying in Hanalei bay area if you're going to be up on the north shore.
A condo on the beach in Poipu would be nice. There are good restaurants in the area, and it's an easy drive to waimea canyon for hiking. It's also near the port for the boat cruises of the na pali coast, not that anything is all that far away on such a small island.
There's not much that's historical on most of the islands as the most ruins you see are old sugar mills and a couple churches. There's the old leper colony on Moloka'i. O'ahu has the old palaces and churches. There are less commercial areas, but overall it's the most commercial island. But if you really want historical, it's kind of your only option.
If shopping isn't a priority and you're looking for historical sites, the Big Island fits well. It's more driving than the other islands because its, ya know, big, but the geological diversity is fantastic. Most of the hotels are in the Kohala area (north of Kona) and I think the Hapuna and Mauna Kea in particular are known for being on good beaches. Also the hotels are generally pretty spread out, so you don't get the feeling that the area is built up at all.
ETA: The historical sites on the BI are generally Hawaiian cultural sites, like Place of Refuge and the Pu'ukohola Heaiau, not necessarily more modern history.
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.
Mark Twain
My Travel Blog
I'm glad you added that, mdgirl. I was wracking my brain trying to think of anything other than possibly place of refuge.
But, I love the big island, so it's a good suggestion, too. I don't like the Kohala area, but that's my general dislike for resort areas.
We recently went to Hawaii spending 5 days in Maui (wailea) and 6 days in kauai (princeville)
From what you describe you are looking for Kauai would be a great island for you, we spent a lot of time hiking, eating locally and enjoying the island. Hanalei bay is 5 minutes up the road and has a lot of restaurants, bars, hiking, and beaches. There are lots of places to snorkel and kayak also.
The only thing I would say for sure is not to stay at the St. Regis princeville, we really really disliked our time at the resort.
I stayed in a condo in Poipu, Kauai last year and loved it. It was central to visiting the rest of the island, and the condo was right on the ocean where a lot of surfers practice. We'd spend hours just watching them.
I think we may visit kona (the big island) later this year. I've heard fantastic things about it as well.
I agree with all of this. The island of Hawaii is amazing, and so diverse. You can spend a day at the beach and the next day go hiking around volcanos. We really enjoyed our time there.