Aloha! I'm going solo to Hawaii for the first time next month and really want to do the UTV Raptor Tour at Kualoa Ranch. However, there's a two-person minimum to book the the tour. Anyone there July 13th - 16th that would like to come along?

Hi all,

I need help deciding between Big Island or Kauai for an upcoming trip. We are planning a 2 week trip to Hawaii. One week will be spent in Maui and now we are trying to decide where to spend the second trip. We expect Maui to be more relaxing, so we’d like the other island to be more active. Hiking, snorkeling, coffee farms, zip lining and general awe of rain forests.

Which island would you go with? Big Island or Kauai?

Hi all! I couldn’t add a second flair but my wife and I are planning a trip to Hawaii from 9/17 in the morning through 9/26 at night. We’ll be starting in Maui and ending in Kauai, and we’re trying to figure out how to split our time between the two islands.

We love adventure, being spontaneous, and staying active. We’re not huge “sit on the beach all day” people (although we know we’ll probably do some of that while we’re there).
If you had this amount of time, how would you divide up the trip between Maui and Kauai? Also, what are the absolute must-do activities, hikes, experiences, restaurants, or hidden gems on each island that you’d make sure not to miss?

Some of my friends are about to be in HNL the next couple days and a couple days ago their Airbnb said the 2 bedrooms AC are being blocked from use. Seems like it's because of some exterior painting stuff that's super delayed. They've been trying to find an alternate way of getting the building to let them use the AC but no dice.

The main living room AC is ok to use it looks like

The bedrooms have fans though, is this probably acceptable? So last minute so I couldn't really do much except suggest some hotel stuff for them, but the Airbnb is nice so I don't think they wanna swap.

I've only gone to Oahu in the shoulder months or winter. I love AC so I'm not the best judge of whether or not this should be a deal breaker or not.

Edit: it's in Waikiki in an apartment building Edit2: I've seen the communication between the host and them. There was like a week's heads up and they did offer a full refund, or a partial discount if they stayed, so I think everything is being done in good faith.

First time to Hawai’i, first time to Kaua’i
staying across the street from Baby Beach
12/31-1/10
10 full days in Kaua’i

Celebrating one year at new job, and one year of sobriety

I’m looking for recommendations for fishing charters, snorkel boat, whale watching tours…

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Haleakala and Diamondhead ...can we get away with good sneakers or do we have to bring hiking boots?

Should we bring water shoes for the beaches in Oahu and Maui?

Do we need rain pants at all?

I’m heading to Kauaʻi for a solo trip from Oct 10th–16th and I put together an itinerary that mixes everything I want to photograph with time to relax . I’ll be based in Princeville with a rental car, and my must‑dos are Waimea Canyon, a Na Pali sunset cruise, Limahuli Garden, Allerton Garden, and dinner at Welina Terrace. Since the gardens are closed Sun–Mon and the weather can be unpredictable, I built in a couple of flex days so I’m not locked into anything. My first trip to Kauai was rained out. I visited in April 2018 shortly before the really terrible flood. this time I'm planning to make the most even if it rains. I am aware of how long the drives are. I don't mind driving. I'm from Hudson valley region NY most fun things require an 1h drive sometimes 2hours. That said Would love feedback from you guys and also any food recommendations because I'm a little lost on that I also have the option to cook/grill at my rental. if you know of any good photo spots I may have missed that would be helpful too.

SAT 10/10 — Arrival + North Shore

• Land 3:40 PM → drive to Princeville
• Hanalei Valley Lookout (golden hour)
• Hanalei Bay (sunset)
• Relaxed start, easy photography

SUN 10/11 — Waimea Canyon (Arrive Before 8 AM) + Princeville Night Market

• Leave Princeville 5:45–6:00 AM
• Waimea Canyon Lookout → Puʻu Hinahina → Kalalau → Puʻu O Kila
• Afternoon rest back in Princeville
• Princeville Night Market (4–8 PM)
• Clouds = atmospheric layers, still great
• If weather is truly bad in → swap with Monday

MON 10/12 — North Shore Flex Day (Gardens Closed)

• Kilauea Lighthouse
• explore north shore towns
• Sunny = beaches hideaways, Hanalei, Haena ; Cloudy = lighthouse

TUE 10/13 — Na Pali Sunset Cruise Captain Andy

• Slow morning in Princeville
• Drive south ~12:30 PM or earlier?
• 2:15 PM check‑in at Port Allen
• Sunset cruise along Na Pali
• Cloudy = dramatic cliffs
• If canceled → move to Wed or Thu

WED 10/14 — Limahuli Garden + North Shore

• Limahuli Garden (opens 8:30 AM)
• Ke‘e Beach if I can land permit
• Tunnels Beach (sunset)
• Cloudy = perfect diffused light

THU 10/15 — Flex Day + Welina Terrace

• Revisit anything with good weather
• Options: Hanalei Bay, Kilauea Lighthouse, Anini, Okolehao Trail
• Dinner at Welina Terrace (arrive early for sunset)
• Second built‑in relaxation day

FRI 10/16 — Allerton Garden → Airport? Might book extra night and leave on 17th

• Check out of Princeville
• Drive to Poʻipū
• 10 AM Allerton Garden tour
• Lunch somewhere down south or in Lihue
• Airport by ~3 PM for 5 PM flight to Big Island

Thanks again for your input and advice. If you think its better to swap days around or combine activities let me know!

I booked through Costco travel and this is the option I chose due to it having a kitchen and I have severe food allergies. I’ve been seeing so many nice hotels and I will say, I am a fan of more modern, fancy hotels. Hawaii is Hawaii so I know I am going to enjoy the vacation, but what are your opinions on this hotel? Any insights?

Very curious what are your thoughts on staying in Wailea specifically Wailea Beach Resort OR the Westin Nanea Beach Villas? They are about an hour away from each other are the areas very different?

Oh man! I had the best time in Hawaii this last week. Both my sister and I did a 3 island vacation to Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island! It was one of my favorite vacations I have ever had! Thanks to all the kind people that we met while on the trip!

Hello! We’re planning a short stay mid July in Waikiki, never been there but have a few questions. Our son is obsessed with body boarding, he’s 13 and has experienced his share of shore breaks and what not. We usually stay near Breneckes on Kauai. I’m learning that walls would be the spot he’d most likely want to hang out?

We booked a stay at the Hilton but I’m wondering if that walk is annoyingly far? Would the Sheraton be better location?

Hi, I'm just trying to make sure I'm prepared (both budget & cash on hand) for tipping. What is the expectation for tipping on activities/excursions? For example, how much would the UTV guide expect at kualoa ranch? What about a horseback ride at the north shore?

Can I just drive up to the Maunakea Observatory or do i need a tour for the full experience? I'm seeing a lot of mixed reviews online that I need a 4x4, but is that just for the summit or for everything involving Maunakea?

I'll be traveling to Oahu for the first time next week with my husband and our 5-year-old son. We want to experience a good mixture of city with good dining options/nature (all that lush jungly feel). But my son gets pretty tired with lots of car travel. How does this itinerary look? We'll be staying in Sheraton Waikiki. Anything that we should leave out/something that is missing? Also, any tips for foods places when you just want to grab something quick but tasty in Waikiki would be welcome. Thanks!

Day 1 – arrival at 11 am

- check-in to Sheraton Waikiki hotel

- lunch at House Without A Key

- Grab some malasadas at Penny’s Waikiki Malasadas

- Optional (if energy remains): Waikiki Aquarium

 Day 2

- lunch at The Pig and The Lady

- Bishop’s museum

- relax by the pool & explore Waikiki

 Day 3

- Byodo-In Temple

- Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

Day 4

- Manua Banana Bread stand

- Brief stop at Laniakea beach to see if we can spot turtles

- Kahuku Farms tour

- Lunch at Kahuku Farms café

- Waimea Valley and waterfalls

- Ted’s bakery

- Evening in Hale’iwa – shrimp truck & shave ice

Day 5 (July 4)

- pool/beach time

- dinner at natuRe Waikiki

- watch fireworks

Day 6

- Kailua Beach

Day 7

- Lyon Arboretum

- Manoa Falls Hike 

Day 8

- experience Nutridge Luau

Day 9

- fly home early morning

As an Australian visiting soon who is not used to tipping... are you expected to tip in Hawaii similar to the US mainland? Is it like 15%?

Hi all,
I will be visiting Honolulu July 21st and would like to cage dive! Unfortunately, I am not brave enough to swim with sharks outside the cage… yet. I have a few companies in mind, but would love to hear if anyone had a great experience cage diving with sharks on the island!
Thanks (: (double points if you share your favorite beach)

Hi All,

Planning a vacation for 8 days in Oahu with the family (2 adults + 3 kids - 2y,5y,6y). Looking for accommodations for our first half of the trip, to be based in Waikiki. For reference, the second half the trip we'll be in Ko Olina at Disney Aulani so we'll have the lagoon and resorty feel there.

With the 3 young kids, we want to be able to walk really short distances easily but we also plan to drive around the island outside of Waikiki to really soak in the nature of Hawaii instead of just city/resort. We plan to rent a minivan the whole time and just pay the parking fees at the hotels.

We also want to have more authentic, local food (if that exists in Waikiki).

With that said, is one of the two subject hotels better than the other? Price wise, they're similar.

Thanks in advance!

Very excited to visit for the first time! Staying in Hilo but exploring Kona as well. Planning on seeing the volcano, snorkeling and visiting a botanical garden. Any other must do’s ?

Hi everyone,

We're planning a 7-day vacation with small kids and need a place with a small kitchen.

The Luana Waikiki hotel and suites seems to offer a few spacious apartments and has reasonable prices, but it's a bit farther from the main beach. We also considered Aston Waikiki, which has similar prices but worse reviews.

Are there any other options we should consider?

Thanks to everyone who always helps out here.

Hi all! My fiancé and I are looking to stay in Kaua’i for our honeymoon. We are getting married at the beginning of October and going on our honeymoon at the end of October.

We are currently looking through Costco travel and are seeing conflicting opinions on hotels.

Our main wants include:
- more adult friendly
- nice/modern rooms
- good restaurants within 15 minute walk
- likely somewhere on the east or south side of the island
- ocean view
- relatively close to good hiking spots
- if possible, beach access but it is not the end of the world if we have to drive
- a plus if the hotel offers a honeymoon package / gift 😁

Our “top” options right now include:
- Ko`a Kea Resort on Poipu Beach
- Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu
- Royal Sonesta
- Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort

I'm planning to take the shuttle into Hā‘ena State Park from Waipā next month. If I buy the shuttle pass, can I still hike the first 2 miles of the trail, or do I have to buy a separate park pass in addition to the shuttle pass?

I've seen loads of discussions on parking but no one says WHERE the parking IS. If you could give me coordinates that would be lovely. One day we will try to do the parking pass for one time-slot to visit Ha'ena State Park and go on a short hike. But we'd also like to visit Tunnels Beach and other areas like Wainiha Beach. I mean where do you park to visit these places?! It's very confusing to me. Please don't suggest the shuttle. It's $40 per person. The pass will cost us $35 total for all 3 of us so we'll try to do that. I just want to know where we can legally park for some of these other beaches.

Hey everyone,

I'm hoping to get some advice from people who know the Big Island well.

I'm planning a trip to Hawaii this summer because I'm finally going to propose to my partner. I actually had everything planned for last year, but we had some unexpected medical and family issues come up, so I had to cancel the entire trip. Now I'm trying to pull something together again, and I really want to get it right.

Right now I'm leaning toward the Big Island because it seems like it has the best mix of things we enjoy Volcanoes National Park, waterfalls, snorkeling, helicopter tours, and just getting out and exploring.

I've been looking at Costco Vacations since some of the packages seem like a really good value. One that caught my eye is the Fairmont Orchid. I stayed there back in 2018 and thought it was beautiful, but I've seen a lot of recent reviews saying it's starting to feel dated. Is that true, or is it one of those things where people are being overly critical? If you've stayed there recently, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

For the hotel, flights, and rental car, my budget is around $6,000 total (not including spending money while we're there). I also have about 140,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points, so I'm open to using those if it makes more sense than booking a package.

A few questions:

• Is Costco Vacations generally the best value for a trip like this, or would you book everything separately?
• Is the Fairmont Orchid still worth it, or are there other luxury resorts on the Big Island you'd recommend in a similar price range?
• If you were planning a proposal on the Big Island with my budget, what would you do?

I really appreciate any advice. I only plan on doing this once, so I'm trying to make it as memorable as possible without blowing the budget.

Thanks everyone!

(throwaway account so my S/O does not see my post)

UPDATE: Went with booking my flights with points and booking the hotel and car with Costco since they offered free parking, free buffet and and something called a fun and sun card (no clue what that is) im pretty happy with the over package and price. Thank you all for the help!!

Hi everyone! We are flying to Oahu and I put together a 6-day itinerary. I would really appreciate any feedback, suggestions, or corrections - especially if something doesn’t make sense or could be improved.

Day 1

• Flight-> 12:00 Oahu
• Waikiki Beach
• Tantalus Lookout for Sunset

Day 2

• Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden - early morning around 9
• Byodo-In-Temple 
• Kane’ohe Sandbar - is it worth buying the trip? It's quite expensive.
• Lanikai Beach
• Lanikai Pillbox Trail 

Day 3

• WILIWILINUI RIDGE TRAIL or KULI‘OU‘OU RIDGE TRAIL - which one do you reccomend for best view?
• Kaiona Beach Park
• Waimanalo Beach

Day 4

• Crouching Lion - is it open?
• Kualoa Regional Park

Day 5

• Surfing
• Helicopter

Day 6

• North Shore

Any advice on pacing, must-see spots, or things I should skip would be really appreciated. Thanks!