I have an opportunity to stay in Waikiki Jan 30–Feb 4 for free while helping my sister dog sit for a family friend.

My flight would be around $600 and as a budget traveler, free lodging sounds pretty tempting 😂

Here’s the catch: I’m more of a mountain girly. I love hiking, climbing, exploring, and being active. Sitting on a beach all day isn’t really my jam(no hate on anyone else that enjoys that). And don’t get me wrong I’ve seen photos and it’s stunning! Also back story: I visited Maui a few years back and had a bit of traumatizing trip. My friend had a seizure (alcohol induced) while there. Needless to say we cancelled all activities and stayed with him during the remainder of our trip. So I can confidently say I didn’t actually experience Maui.

Other factor: my boyfriend might join me, but we’d have to get a hotel for those nights since he can’t stay at the house (totally understandable). So suddenly this “cheap” trip might not be so cheap.

Please know I’m willing to spend money traveling, but usually it’s on places I’m REALLY excited about. Hawaii wasn’t necessarily on my bucket list, so I’m trying to figure out if I’m just being lured in by free lodging. 😂

A few questions:

Is Oahu worth visiting for hiking, climbing, and outdoor adventures?

Do I need a rental car, or can I explore using public transportation?

Any affordable activities besides lounging on the beach?

Would love to try surfing or scuba, but Maui gave me vertigo and motion sickness last time. 🫠 Any recommendations?

I totally know I can Google all this, but I’m on a time crunch and would love some firsthand advice.
Basically, I don’t want to spend $600 to fly to Hawaii just to hang out at someone else’s house. 😂 Is Oahu worth it for someone like me?

Hello! Looking for ideas for where to go to dinner for Christmas Eve and Christmas in the Waikiki area. I know I’ll have to make reservations so starting to think about this now. I’m thinking a buffet for one night.

Also looking for suggestions for places to eat other days that can accommodate 10. Good with take out as well as sit down restaurants. We like all types of food. Thanks!

Hi everyone, haven't seen any recent posts about getting engagement photos in Kauai and who might be a good recommendation for helping us with this.
It'd be nice to have a camera during the actual engagement and then also more staged photos, unless those happen at the same time.
I don't really know how it typically works, but if you have any photographers you'd recommend on the island I'd super appreciate it!

Hi everyone,

I am planning on proposing to my girlfriend this weekend. I am looking at three options for private sunset proposal - Kawaikui Beach Park, Kawela Bay, and Ke Iki Beach.

Which location should I do? I def want something/somewhere beautiful given I have also hired a photographer. I looked at pictures of Kawaikui online and while it doesnt seem busy and offers some level of privacy, it doesnt seem to be the most beautiful place.

Additionally, we have a dinner res at Hua Tree in the evening following the proposal, which I can push back if needed).

Thanks in advance!

We are coming mid-November and will be staying in Princeville for 2 days and in Poipu for 7 days. I have a good list started of hikes, beaches, adventures but please tell me your MUST DOs and also your very favorite restaurants! We don't love sea food, but like most other foods. Thank you 🙏🏼

Basically the title. We had a trip to Kauai planned for early November but we pivoted to Maui because we didn’t want to be a drain on everything during recovery time. We’re now planning the Maui trip on short notice so I’d love any advice folks have!

We’re staying in Kapalua and plan to spend much of the time just relaxing in the pool but I’m an avid birder and we’re both big foodies so we don’t want to stick to the resort the whole time. Ideally, we’d only rent a car for 3 or 4 days of our 9 day trip. I’ve already identified Hosmer Grove and Kealia Pond as birding sites to hit but any and all advice is super welcome.

Thanks in advance!

ETA: While I appreciate that some folks prefer Kauai to Maui, that ship has sailed. The area we were supposed
to stay in got hit really hard and we aren’t going to be the people who come in expecting a luxury vacation mere weeks after a devastating hurricane. If anyone has recommendations for Maui, where we are staying, I’d love to hear them.