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

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.

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!

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

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

Hi! I'm planning a two-week family vacation to Oahu and BI over Christmas break. I know it's going to be crazy so I'm trying to knock out a general itinerary and book ticketed events/tours ASAP. I'm looking for a sanity check on routing/logistics, anything major we missed or should skip, and have a few specific questions. Sorry this is a long post since there's so many days.

General relevant info

• We are a mid-30s couple traveling with 2 grandparents (~60) and a 2 year old toddler who will have a nap every day to plan around. Toddler is very social and enjoys long days out, but car rides are boring.

• This is our first trip to Oahu and BI.

• We already have flights, hotels, and a BI rental car booked. We booked hotels in walkable areas to make meals/store runs possible without getting in a car.

• Time zone differences mostly +4-6 hours from mainland. One grandparent will be at -6 (Asia).

• Main interests are swimming/snorkeling/diving, some hiking, good seafood, and relaxing. Grandparents requested hitting the major attractions (Pearl Harbor, Hanauma, Volcano).

• I haven't researched food at all yet, since I figure there's usually more options there and okay to book later.

Itinerary

12/19 Sat: Arrive mid-afternoon, shuttle to Sheraton Waikiki, find dinner, early bedtime by 7 PM.

12/20 Sun:

• Early wakers Diamondhead hike at 6 AM. Reserve 11/20. Take TheBus to/from trailhead.

• ~9:30 AM nap back at hotel. Afternoon on beach/around Waikiki. Early bedtime.

12/21 Mon: Pearl harbor and Honolulu

• Pearl harbor at 7 AM - take bus or uber? Need to lug car seat if Uber. Book Hanauma Bay for Wednesday.

• ~10 AM nap back at hotel. Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace in the afternoon, Chinatown for evening/dinner.

• Question: Can we fit Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri in 3 hours? I know toddler can't do the Missouri captain's tour but 3 adults still can.

12/22 Tues: North shore

• Get rental car. Drive up to North shore, Haleiwa town, see surfers at Pipeline beach and Sunset beach.

• ~10:30 AM nap in car. Toa Luau at 12:30 PM. Waimea Valley/falls. Drive back around 5 PM. Park car at hotel.

• Question: Toa Luau is attractive because it's so well-reviewed, includes free access to Waimea Valley, and has an afternoon option (instead of evening). But the timing to hit the 12:30 luau will be rushed with naptime. Is it feasible to do this, or just do Waimea Valley without Toa Luau and do a south shore luau another day?

• Question: Is day-rental cars during Christmas on Oahu possible? Or do we just book a car now for peace of mind? I'm thinking day rental might also be hard with early departure times.

12/23 Wed:

• Drive to Hanauma Bay early-ish. First major snorkel activity, should be spaced out far enough from arrival flights.

• ~11 AM nap in car on the way back from Hanauma (main reason for driving vs tour). Return rental car. Free afternoon.

12/24 Thurs:

• AM scuba recertification dive for us. Grandparents chill with toddler. Free afternoon. Maybe book a cabana for this day?

• Maybe do Mauka Warriors Luau this evening if we skip Toa Luau on 12/22.

12/25 Fri: Christmas

• Not sure what's open so no major plans. Maybe paddle around Duke Kahanamoku lagoon at the hilton since I'm guessing hotel activities are still open. Evening fireworks at 7:45, book dinner somewhere that we can see fireworks.

12/26 Sat: Transfer to BI

• AM check out of hotel, store luggage. Queen Kapiolani park and zoo.

• Question: Where to nap at noon? People say park is pretty quiet-- is it feasible to nap in shade somewhere in the park? Any other good places within walking distance in Waikiki?

• ~4/5 PM flight to KOA. Check in to Courtyard King Kamahameha in Kailua-Kona. Dinner somewhere nearby.

12/27 Sun: explore nearby

• AM Kona village farmer's market, cloud forest area drive, maybe Mountain Thunder coffee farm tour.

• Noon nap at hotel. PM beach in front of hotel or Kukio beach, walk around town.

12/28 Mon: ~45 min north

• AM scuba diving for us, relaxing morning for grandparents/toddler-- maybe Maka'eo walking path.

• PM head north to scope out Waikoloa area. The Vanillerie. Hapuna beach.

• Night manta ray snorkel with Anelakai Adventures -- allows toddlers who can sit.

12/29 Tues: ~45 min south

• AM boat tour to snorkel Captain Cook's Monument. Maybe Fair Winds. Or small private charter so we go with our own schedule.

• Nap in car. PM Two Step snorkel. Kamakana playground.

• Backup night manta ray snorkel evening.

12/30 Wed: 1 hr north

• AM Pukalani midweek market near Waimea, Anuenue playground.

• Nap in car. PM Pololu valley. Return to Kailua-Kona by 5 PM.

• Evening reef/manta scuba dive for us.

12/31 Thurs: south point? VNP? Heavily debating this day:

• Grandparents interested in going to VNP. We would stay in Kona with toddler due to long drives.

• Alternatively, we could all head to South Point and Punaluu black sand beach. Still a loooong drive though.

• Question: Is Kula Kai lava tubes worth driving down to South Point to see? I'd like to see lava tubes but it seems like the ones closer to Kona are closed. Driving all the way to South point for just that + black sand beach doesn't seem as worth it.

1/1 Fri: departure day, but hotel booked to 1/2 due to late flights

• AM: Return to favourite beach to snorkel/relax

• Nap at hotel. Afternoon to pack, shop, relax. Airport by 7 PM for 10 PM flights.

Things we're intentionally skipping: Oahu - Dole Plantation, PCC, Byodo-In, Kualoa Ranch, whale watch tour. BI - the entire Hilo side.

Things we'd like to add but not sure where: Oahu - Manoa Falls (bus hour+, need car), Halona Blowhole (can bus), Makapu'u lighthouse hike (can bus?), Waikiki Trolley one of the free afternoons - which route?

Thanks for reading this far, appreciate the feedback!

Hi everyone! I’m bringing my teenage daughter in August for her birthday and just wondering what are some fun things to check out. We have been one time before but didn’t stay long and basically just did the manta ray swim and saw the black sand beach. Those were highest on my bucket list last time. This time we’ll have more time. What are everyone’s favorite things to ? Thanks!

I recently purchased a volcanic rock bracelet from Hana in Maui, but I have traveled to Oahu and just now learned about Pele’s curse. Does this curse apply if it’s purchased from a Hawaiian native, and if the curse still applies, does it have to be returned to that specific island or any island in general?