Hawaii help needed

[brownsnest]

Hubby has conference on Maui in Nov. for 5 days but afternoons will be free to see island.

We arrive 5 days before conference and do not have a clue where to spend the most time, and which
island to just ignore maybe.

1. what about the interisland travel? is ferry best, or plane, or both?

2. We love nature, scenery, flowers, and forest.......but we can't hike many miles.
Hubby has bad hip....my neck is bad. Just had surgery and headed for another.
Any suggestions?

3. What about driving? Which islands would you DRIVE on and which would you take a TOUR of?

4. Which island is not worth visiting if you can see everything on other islands?

5. Where do you visit pineapple growers and purchase some to bring home? Macadamia nuts?

6. What is weather like in November?

Thanks so very much for your kind help with getting us started.
Any websites would be welcomed also.
Happy New Year to all,
nan

[everyann]

1. what about the interisland travel? is ferry best, or plane, or both?

My preference would be by plane and I've seen some last minute deals on Hawaiian airlines that offers travelers dirt cheap rates just to fill the aircraft.

2. We love nature, scenery, flowers, and forest.......but we can't hike many miles.
Hubby has bad hip....my neck is bad. Just had surgery and headed for another.
Any suggestions?

I would suggest the Kuloa Point Trail, it's only about a half a mile. If you're looking for a bit longer, then the Wai'anapanapa Coastal Trail, but it's a bit rugged...read more about it here.

3. What about driving? Which islands would you DRIVE on and which would you take a TOUR of?

I would drive Maui and Oahu. Tours...depends what kind of tour your looking for. Each island has great tours. What kinds of tours do you prefer, scenic or exciting?

4. Which island is not worth visiting if you can see everything on other islands?

Hm. If you want to do the more tourist type of things then don't miss Oahu. However, if you want to see some of the volcanoes then you can't miss the Big Island.

5. Where do you visit pineapple growers and purchase some to bring home? Macadamia nuts?

If you're on Oahu there's the Dole plantation that you can visit to get the Pineapples. As far as Macadamia nuts, I'm pretty sure you can find those on any island.

6. What is weather like in November?

Well on average you'll probably get something around high 60s to low 80s. On some years it can be the beginning of the rainy season but just keep your eye out on the forecast.

[brownsnest]

Thanks so much for the GREAT advice.....you asked what kind of tours...we would want scenic, and
I also love to snorkel, and would prefer the BEST reef.
Thanks,
brownsnest

[everyann]

Hm. As far as tours go, consider a helicopter tour. They're available on Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island. I guess it'll just depend if you fly out of Maui. Each island has a great aerial tour. However, if you're not into the aerial thing, there's always island tours.

Maui has great adventure tours in addition to the helicopter tours.

Oahu offers a cruise option for touring the island. Personally, I'd rather be surrounded by the landscape or as close as possible. However, if you're more into the great views from a distance, this may be the option for you. If not, there is and island tour that drives around the island. Mind you, this will take up a big chunk of your day but it's always nice to see all of the sights.

The Big Island offers a circle island tour that will take you around for the entire day. This would be your chance to see all of the natural wonders of the Big Island.

Here are some links of interests for your tours:

Oahu Tours
Kauai Tours
Maui Tours
Big Island Tours

In regards to the snorkeling, I'm a bit biased but I would say you should try Oahu snorkeling and you can't do no better than Hanauma Bay. If you don't have a fear of sharks, then there's always Shark's Cove on the North Shore of Oahu. For this location, it's best to get there early.

Now that doesn't mean that the other islands aren't worthy of snorkeling. Maui snorkeling is great at Honolu’a Bay from what I hear. It is also a popular surfing area, so if you're out there with the surfers, watch for the boards!

I've listed them as separate events, but they could very well be part of your tours. I have seen tours that offer snorkeling in addition to the normal tour. My preference would've been to do them on separate days but hey you may like to get it all done at once. The choice is yours, I hope you have a great time in Hawai'i!

[Sarahchance]

If you love nature and scenery you should definitely take the "Road to Hana" trip. You can either drive it yourself and go at your own pace or take a bus tour of it. Either way you should plan an entire day for it as it is a long drive but it is so beautiful it doesn't seem like a long drive at all. You wind up the coastline of Maui with beautiful beaches on one side and the rainforest and beautiful waterfalls and some short hiking trails on the other. Before you go, there is a gas station where you can stop and get a cd guide to the trip. The gas station is shown on maps of Maui you can get at your hotel.

[jamesandrew408]

Hawaii honeymoon vacations could take you to a miracle trip to the most enchanting beaches of Hawaii. There are beaches, long and beautiful across the world but none of them could be a match for the ultimate Hawaii beaches. The Big Island of Hawaii especially has activities like scuba diving and snorkeling to enjoy. Some of the well known beaches in the Big Island are at Kohala coast, Kona District, Hilo District, Puna and Kau districts.

[travelonly]

head to maui. it has it all. fly or drive everywhere!!

[hawaii-lisa]

Hi! what a wonderful opportunity :) and at a great time!

1. what about the interisland travel? is ferry best, or plane, or both?

The ferry only goes from Oahu to Maui and back at this time. It won't come to the Big Island for about a year they say and who knows when it will go to Kauai - there is a legal battle going on right now. The plane will be much quicker than the ferry, and the ferry will be a little cheaper at regular rates.

3. What about driving? Which islands would you DRIVE on and which would you take a TOUR of?

Hmm, I wouldn't take a tour of *anything* - but that's me. If you like tours than they may be the easiest way to go on most islands.

4. Which island is not worth visiting if you can see everything on other islands?

all the islands have something unique and wonderful to offer - is there anything in Hawaii that you REALLY want to see or do - I would use that criteria to whittle down your choices - with 5 days before I would only do 1 other island.

5. Where do you visit pineapple growers and purchase some to bring home? Macadamia nuts?

Farmer's markets are good for pinapples to eat while you are here. For macadamia nuts, I would go to Walmart - you can buy tons at the best available prices.

6. What is weather like in November?

beautiful :) The windward and northern shores can be fairly rainy in November but the Southern and leeward (western) shores are hot and sunny just about all the time.

[davidstuff]

Originally Posted by jamesandrew408

Hawaii honeymoon vacations could take you to a miracle trip to the most enchanting beaches of Hawaii. There are beaches, long and beautiful across the world but none of them could be a match for the ultimate Hawaii beaches. The Big Island of Hawaii especially has activities like scuba diving and snorkeling to enjoy. Some of the well known beaches in the Big Island are at Kohala coast, Kona District, Hilo District, Puna and Kau districts.

Hi james you have great knowledge on Hawaii resorts and islands. May i know which is best suitable for couples for romantic getaways?

[ahiredgun]

Avoid the Paradise Cove Luau. The food and service is terrible. The sound system is a joke. The Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu has the best luau.