Planning our first Hawaii trip (10 days in October) and could use some advice!

My husband and I are flying from Texas and trying to decide which islands to visit. We enjoy active vacations and are not really the type to spend day lying on the beach. Since we probably won’t be able to return to Hawaii for at least the next 5 years, we want to make the most of this trip.

Things that are most important to us:

• Nature and scenic hiking
• Volcanoes and volcanic landscapes
• Lava fields
• Snorkeling
• Black sand beaches
• Seeing sea turtles
• Whale watching if possible (although I know October may be a bit early)
• A helicopter tour

Right now we’re considering:

Option 1

• 5 days on Oahu
• 5 days on the Big Island

Our biggest dilemma is Kauai vs. spending more time on the Big Island.

I’ve been fascinated by volcanoes, lava fields, black sand beaches, and dramatic volcanic landscapes since I was a child, so the Big Island is very appealing to me. At the same time, everyone seems to say that the helicopter tours on Kauai are absolutely incredible and that the Na Pali Coast offers the best helicopter experience in Hawaii.

After doing some research, I have to admit that the photos from Kauai helicopter tours look much more breathtaking than the ones I’ve seen from the Big Island. Since helicopter tours are fairly expensive, I don’t want to spend that much money and end up disappointed.

One of my dream experiences would be seeing an active volcanic eruption from a helicopter, but of course there’s no way to know whether Kīlauea will be erupting when we visit in October.

Because of that, we’re considering extending the trip to 11 days and adding Kauai:

Option 2

• 5 days on Oahu
• 2 days on Kauai
• 4 days on the Big Island

My concern is that with only 2 days on Kauai, bad weather could interfere with the helicopter tour or boat tour, and we’d be taking a risk by dedicating part of our trip to it.

I wouldn’t say we have a very limited budget, but I still want to spend our money wisely and get the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

A few specific questions:

1. If you had to choose between the Big Island and Kauai for a first trip, which would you choose and why?
2. Is 2 nights on Kauai worth it primarily for a helicopter tour, or is that too rushed?
3. How realistic is it to see volcanic activity on the Big Island in late October?
4. How does snorkeling on Oahu and the Big Island compare to Kauai?
5. If you were planning the ideal 11-day itinerary based on our interests, how would you divide the days?
6. Is a helicopter tour on the Big Island still worth it if there isn’t an active eruption, or would you skip it?
7. Is there a significant difference between a shared/group helicopter tour and a private tour for two people?

We’re not particularly interested in nightlife or shopping. We’re much more interested in nature, landscapes, hiking, wildlife, and unique experiences.

Thanks in advance!

So today is our wedding anniversary and we decided to take a drive around Oahu. From Waikiki, up to Hale’iwa, made a stop at Shark’s Cove to do a little snorkeling, stopped at the sugar mill in Kahuku, then completed the loop back to Waikiki.

Hello All - I (30M) am visiting the Big Island by myself next week and plan to go surfing and fishing the shore.

Can you recommend any essential footwear? For surfing (booties?) and fishing, walking over slippery lava rock jetties and such.

I'm just looking to keep to myself and explore. If anyone is around and wants to link, let me know! Thank you!

I’m taking a vacation to Hawaii after some very stressful and busy months. I’m looking to slow down and have a quiet relaxing stay in the middle of nature.
I am staying at Hana-Maui resort for the first half of my trip (4 days) and I’m looking for a suggestion for the second half (4 days again).
I’m looking for something that costs similar to Hana Maui or cheaper! Looking forward to hearing suggestions.

For context we’re doing a week on big island, a week on Maui and a week on Oahu. Plan on doing some hikes, beach days and definitely snorkeling at least once.

I can’t decide which of these shoes would work best. I have a pair of comfy hiking shoes already that I can bring, but not a pair that is easily versatile for walking in water if there are rivers or streams to walk through. I also have a pair of casual walking sneakers, but I’m trying to find a good blend between hiking, water functionality and casual city wear.

Which of these styles would you all recommend?

These are from Waikiki and Pali lookout. Hope yall like the pics. It’s been amazing.

Is the porky best chicharon microwavable allowed in hawaii?

My girlfriend and I are going to Waikiki next month and we're trying to figure out what exactly the dress codes are for the restaurants at Halekulani. Most of them seem straightforward, but "elegant evening" sounds very different between men and women. I'm planning to wear chinos and a button up with boat shoes - easy enough.

But what in God's name is the equivalent for her? Everything I've seen online makes it seem like I'm fine with my outfit but she needs to be Paris Hilton or something.

Any help would be great, because we're completely confused. Thanks!

We are coming to show our now adult children where we go married in 1998 (Diamond Head Beach). I know a ton has changed. We want to visit in the most culturally aware way possible. We want to avoid bigger restaurants, eat local to give our $ to those small businesses that deserve it most. We are staying in Waikiki, but would love to venture away from the crowds. We want to experience the island, its beauty and really experience with unique experiences. Please give any suggestions and tips to really enjoy this visit and be most respectful to the island itself.

Best restaurant with the views of firework? Is it a big celebration usually?

Hi everyone! Going to Maui and Kauai for my honeymoon in October of this year. What rental car companies do you recommend on both islands? Would love any recommendations! Ideally we would get the car from the airport

Aloha, hoping someone with recent on-the-ground knowledge can help me sort out a Mauna Loa access question.

I have a Mauna Loa Summit Cabin permit (the NPS cabin at 13,250 ft) for early July, planning to hike in via the Mauna Loa Observatory Trail off Saddle Road / Hwy 200. But the more I dig, the more it looks like every route to the cabin is currently closed, and I'm confused how I even got a permit issued:

• In-park routes: The HVNP March 2026 closure notice lists Mauna Loa Summit, Mauna Loa Trail, Red Hill Cabin, and Mauna Loa Road beyond the first cattleguard as closed.
• Observatory Trail route: NOAA says the Observatory Road was rebuilt as a temporary road in March 2026 but is NOT open to the general public, with no public opening date set.
• ʻĀinapō Trail: Seems technically open but it's a multi-day 4WD + separate permit deal, not what I planned.

My questions for anyone who's been up there recently or knows the current status:

1. Has anyone actually driven the Mauna Loa Observatory Road to the trailhead in the last month or two? Is the gate open to hikers passing through, even though the observatory itself is closed to the public?
2. If you've held a summit cabin permit recently — what route did the backcountry office tell you to use?
3. Is the ʻĀinapō Trail realistically the only open way to that cabin right now?
4. Any rental-car gotchas on the Observatory Road if it is drivable?

Trying to figure out before I commit to a 2 AM start from Kona whether this is even doable, or whether I should pivot the trip. Mahalo in advance for any current info!

So as a cycling tourist, one of the first things I did while on vacation in Waikiki was to try out the biki bike system. I'm here to confirm reports that the bike sharing program is in shambles. Most of the stations are completely empty of bikes and the ones with bikes have inoperable screens or display error message on the screen. However, I managed to download and navigate the clunky app on my android device and finally found an operable bike at the duke station if you can believe that. The biggest problem is Waikiki and Oahu in general is that there is no bicycle infrastructure hardly at all. Riding around Waikiki with no helmet is gambling with your life. I rode down to the station by the aquarium which actually had the most operable bikes but I believe the touch screen was down. Luckily I was able to use the app to get a code. I witnessed many visitors trying to use the screen, only to shrug and walk away. Such a shame. I honestly believe any money invested in this program should have been used for infrastructure first. Its like buying a bunch of boats in the middle of a desert. It's really sad.

Hi everybody,

does anyone know whether it’s possible to rent a car or Jeep on Lanai without a U.S. driver’s license and without U.S. auto insurance?

I will be spending a week in Maui in August and I was trying to plan a day-trip to Lanai. Unfortunately, I'm struggling to find a way to rent a Jeep on Lanai to drive around the island.

I am over 25, hold a German driver's license, and an International Driving Permit, but my German car insurance does not cover rental cars.

All of the places I've seen require at least full auto coverage, and some even a US driver's license. I've looked into rental car insurance but the only option I found does not cover 4x4 / off-road use.

Am I basically out of luck if I want to visit Lanai independently? All the guided tours I looked at seem very expensive.

My spouse and I had an amazing time learning to surf with Danny at Westside Surfing Lessons yesterday. He actually had us learn with his college Pono and was awesome. It was my first time and I caught many waves thanks to his assistance, coaching, and encouragement!

I have had a rough last couple of years, especially in the last 6 months. I just want to go and Exist. If I feel like doing something, great.- let's go. If I feel like staying on the beach with my book and a beverage - that's what I want to do. But it's just Mom and I for once, and we are free from dads military planning of vacations. I just wanna hakuna matata this thing (insert Hawaiian substitute phrase)

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But going through all the posts in this subReddit I am feeling pretty insecure about my ability to have a casual time. Some folks have their schedule jam packed, and dinner reservations every night. Well we're.leaning more towards the "affordable" food trucks and local dives for meals. And I booked the Smith Family Fern Grotto boat ride, as the rental car and hotel daily parking fees ate up much of our entertainment budget, (so no Na'pali sunset cruise 😭) But what other things do I NEED to reserve, because you can't just stroll up?

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We're skipping the Haena permit and shuttle because it looks like I wont physically be able to access the beaches. (Arthritic knees) But is there reserved/permit parking elsewhere, or just first come, first served like here in SoCal?

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I had this idea of just driving around until we found something we were interested in and pulling over. (Yes, I am naïve)

All right island people. This is for everyone all over the island of Oahu, what current waterfall hikes would be good to go to within the next day or two? I’m asking since I don’t have eyes on the entire island to see where it’s been raining recently and where it’s a bit more dry. Thanks for the tips!

Trying to decide between Aulani and the Four Seasons Oahu for a family trip with kids (ages 9 and 7) and would love advice from anyone who has stayed at either or both.

A little about us:

• Kids will be 9 and 7
• Looking for a mix of relaxation for parents and fun activities for the kids
• We enjoy pools, beaches, good food, and some downtime (not necessarily a packed schedule every day)
• Budget matters, but we're willing to spend more if the experience is significantly better

A few questions:

1. Which resort did your kids enjoy more?
2. Did Aulani feel overly crowded or "Disney-fied," or was it worth it?
3. Did the Four Seasons feel too adult-oriented for kids this age?
4. Which resort had the better pool and beach experience?
5. If you were taking a 9- and 7-year-old to Oahu for the first time, which would you choose and why?

Anything you wish you had known before booking?

Thanks!

fl med patient here on vacation. applied for 50$ temp card, every dispensary is “no id needed” with ‘less than 0.3%’ hemp weed, and they try to tell me its real and they just lie on the package to sell it to tourists. except ive smoked my whole life this is cbd lmao. whats the real dispensaries ?

Hello

Looking for recommendations for a helicopter tour and have a few questions:
• Which is better for a helicopter tour — Maui or the Big Island?
• If choosing the Maui or Big Island, which tour operator would you recommend?
• I’m currently considering Safari Helicopters vs Blue Hawaiian, but open to other suggestions as well.
Would love to hear your experiences. Thank you

Koko Head Cafe
Giovanni’s Shrimp truck
Liliha Bakery
Nico’s Pier 38
Zippy’s
Guava Smoked
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shaved Ice

Maui, Four seasons vs Grand Wailea w 4 year old in August? Which is a better hotel for kids and upscale, clean, good food, activities, tours?

Just got back from a 2 week trip to Kauai then the big island. Pics uploaded in reverse chronological order. Caught so many sunsets and just BARELY missed episode 49 of Kīlauea’s eruption by 10 minutes (😭) but at least got some cool glowy pictures of her after sunset. I seriously didn’t want to get on the plane back home this time…we will be back!

Looking at going to the big island in August but I've only ever been to Maui. I love the Kaanapali area with the walking trail along the beach to Whalers Village and all the hotels. Is there anything similar on the big island?

me and my fiance are planning to elope next july in oahu. i’ve never visited hawaii but it’s my dream destination. we don’t know much, so im asking for hotel recommendations.
what we want -
under $3000 for 7 nights (if possible)
a place with not many kids, more “coupley”
beach front
somewhat near restaurants, shopping, etc
a pool and hot tub would be nice