[bjc]

we have never been and like outdoorsy things..we will be doing a bike trip on the big island and then wanted to know what other islands to go to...we have heard lanai and kuawi are nice... would love to hear from anyone who has been any thoughts

[SodScrap]

Kauai for sure!! It's the garden aisle. I haven't been to the other islands, but I hear that Kauai isn't as "commercialized" as the other islands.

[AnnBK]

And Lanai used to be a great stop...until they took out all the pineapples and put in a big resort. Don't miss Kauai, it's beautiful. And if you spend any time on Maui, the one thing you should do is take the drive to Hana...it's a real white knuckle trip! And if you have a little time on Oahu, you MUST visit the USS Arizona memorial. Have a great time!

[lorac]

I've been to Hawaii at least six times and I've been to all the Islands. My favorite is the Big Island and I also love Oahu. Pearl Harbor is on Oahu and so is the Byodo Inn Temple as well as the Polynesian Cultural Center. Kauai is lush and gorgeous and Waimea Canyon, also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, is a must see. Of course, Maui has the road to Hana which is not to be missed. Waterfalls abound on the road and it's full of lush tropical flowers and lots of birds. If you need to know anything else, just pm me.

[KatieGrace]

I've only been to two islands, Oahu and kauai. In Oahu we saw Pearl Harbor,the Dole pineapple operation, and the Polynesian Cultural Center. I loved those but for natural beauty, Kauai is incredible. When my husband told me that he was able to get a time share in Kauai I was a little disappointed. We may never go again and I wanted to see the better known islands. Little did I know how incredible Kauai is, and I would go there again in a heartbeat. As Carol said, Waimea Canyon is amazing. We went several times to see it in different weather conditions. One time there was a slight mist and there were rainbows everywhere. There are lots of waterfalls including the one in the opening scenes of Fantasy Island if you are old enough to remember that. It's also the location of the movie South Pacific and has the mountain they called Bali Hai. It's got beaches and cliffs and areas that you can only hike into. We went horseback riding, snorkeling and swam with sea turtles. I believe it is less commercialized than some of the other islands so I wouldn't recommend it for shopping. I would doubt that you could go wrong with any of the islands, it is truly a paradise there.

[BarbaraC1977]

Are you taking your children with you? I have not been to Kauai, but my understanding is it's less of a "family place" than the other islands, and the wave action can be too much for small ones.

Be cautious with back country hiking--in some places you can stumble onto a pakalolo farm (marijuana) and these farmers don't like visitors.

On the Big Island; it's great to see the contrasting climates just 90 miles east to west. 9" precip vs. 135". The fish auction at Hilo Harbor, 8am most days, is very interesting--they serve the boats coming back from overnight fishing. We've seen 8' - 10' tunas being being graded for sashimi. Big Island is good for horseback riding. Visit the volcano. Got to go now, but more later.

[bjc]

Thank u all for the ideas. It's just me and dh going, Barbara

[ladyscrapalot]

I vote for Kauai! Take a helicopter tour it's amazing!!!!! I also recommend getting a copy of Hawaii for Dummies. It gives some information of little out of the way places. For example on the Heavenly Highway to Hana it tells you how to get to a secret waterfall. It tells you there is a no trespassing sign but to go ahead and jump the fence. We did and followed the directions in the book. There was even signs telling you which way to go. We think they had no trespassing signs up in
case something happen someone wouldn't try to sue them. Oh and rent your snorkle gear from snorkle Bob's you can take it the different islands and the can match your glasses to the mask if you happen to need that.

[B&K Mom]

My only suggestion is to stay as long as you can!

[BarbaraC1977]

Have done helicopter tour on Big Island--FABULOUS.

On Maui, take van to top of Haleakala, ride bikes down, 10,000" to sea level, with disk brakes. Snorkeling is awesome all over Maui. Rent gear for entire time you're there--if it's in the car, you can try little coves on spur of the moment.

I can recommend great condo (not in enormous facility) to stay right on the beach, just north of Kaanapali. Road to Hana worth doing at least once in your life, along with "seven pools" and visit to Lindbergh's grave.

Outrigger rides on Oahu look corny, are great fun when you catch a wave to ride.

[Belle]

My only suggestion is that you take me with you.

[Sara Arell]

Belle just said what I was fixing to say - my only suggestion is that you take me with you - please! I'll fit in a suitcase easily and I promise I won't eat much!

[bjc]

we decided to do kauai before the big island...wont get a chance to do much more than that but i think those two will be great for our first time... thanks for all your ideas..you got us excited about the trip

[Jo Corne]

been twice and still trying to convince dh that we should move there, especially as the winters in Melbourne are getting worse and worse... he just won't listen, LOL
but, Maui is beautiful and Oahu there is so much to do.

we hope to go in two years with the kids...

have a ball Bobbi, it really is paradise

[CRS]

Have a great time!

[ValerieT]

I'm jealous, enjoy your trip.

[anemone1983]

I have itineraries from three trips which include places and things to do on Kauai, Maui, Molokai, and the Big Island (Hawaii). If you're interested in PDF copies, PM me with your email. One of my friends found these books (sold everywhere on each island now) that have lots of recommendations. They also have updates on their website (you get links/access codes if you buy the books). The one for Hawaii is here on Amazon, from there I'm sure you can find the Kauai book.

HTH

[ladyscrapalot]

too bad we couldn't have a meet up in Hawaii lol