HAWAII bound!!!

Piglets · #1 (**permalink**) 06-12-2004, 07:37 AM

We r gooing 2 visit the ALOHA state in July and I am so excited!!! Anyone been there and have any good pointers 4 us??

jystmekathie · #2 (**permalink**) 06-13-2004, 09:24 AM

Ooh no advice whatsoever, but I just wanted to say Congratulations & have a wonderful trip!!

**ajrsmom** · #3 (**permalink**) 06-13-2004, 09:39 AM

Im afraid I cant offer any tips either but I wanted to wish you a Happy and Safe farewell!!

OOOHHH, I wish that I was going with you!!!!!

Have Fun! Dont forget to take lots of pictures so that you can make us all green with envy! ;-)

Cant wait to hear all about it!

Tami

Piglets · #4 (**permalink**) 06-13-2004, 10:57 AM

THANKS guys!!!!!

trainlady · #5 (**permalink**) 06-16-2004, 02:38 PM

Piglets,
The beaches in Hawaii are out of this world but for sure, You MUST see the island of Maui!! Absolutely Breathtaking!!!
And don't forget to sign up for one of the islands Luaus!!!

It was 12 years ago we went there for our honeymoon and I will never forget Hawaii for as long as I live!! You will have such a great time!!

Enjoy your vacation!!!!
hugs,train

Piglets · #6 (**permalink**) 06-28-2004, 08:13 AM

Maui is 1 of the islands that we will b visiting!!! I am sooo ready 4 this vacation!
Wendy

terrymill · #7 (**permalink**) 07-04-2004, 06:24 AM

We went to Hawaii two years ago in July also and we loved it. We went to Maui and Kuaui. Both are beautiful islands. Maui is a bit more commercial with lots of hotels and shopping center type of malls and tourist attractions. Kuaui is more reserved and subdued but extremely beautiful too. Some of the absolute must sees in Maui is Mount Haliakala. It is the most breathtaking mountain I have ever seen. It is an old volcano that is now a 10,000 ft mountain. There are biking tours on the mountain but we just drove up to the top where there is a lovely park and visitors center. I cannot ever describe the beauty at the top except to say that it felt like you literally were on top of the world. The clouds were below you and you could see the entire island and ocean from above. Beware because it is cold up there...about 50-55 degrees so take a jacket. We stayed in Kapalua which has one of the top rated beaches in the world. Snorkeling on that beach is absolutely unreal and fun. My kids had a great time.

Kuaui was even nicer! The natural waterfalls is a site to see. I could have stood there for days just looking at them. We went siteseeing to Princeville (truly for the rich and famous) but you can still walk around. That is where Matt Leblanc got married. We also went on the Princeville Ranch Hike and Kayak adventure. That was outstanding. It takes half a day. You hike through one of the mountainsides and kayak down a little quaint river to where you started. You stop at a watering hole for lunch where the group swims and lays on hammocks. It's a great time.

In any case you are going at the best time of the year.....the beaches are prime in June and July. Have a great time.

Liza44 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-04-2004, 07:50 AM

We've been there twice, the first time to Oahu and the second to Kauai.
The most important advice I can give is to leave nothing of value in your car, even in the trunk. They know that you have a rental car and will break into it while you are on the beach.

Most of all, rent a car, a convertible is a must!!! pay the extra, you'll be glad you did, we were, and explore all the beaches along the coasts. Most are secluded and empty. We found lots of beautiful spots this way.
Definitely go to the north shore of Oahu where they surf, and go more than once, as they waves can be high one day and the ocean flat another. It is quite the sight!!! The waves are magnificent and the surfers are exciting to watch.
Walk along the street parallel to Waikkii beach...forgot the name!...in the evening and go to the open air market , International Market Place. Lots of stalls and interesting people, very pretty at night. Of course, a walk along the beach in the evening is
breathtaking.
Waimea Canyon is a great trip on Kauai, take the western road up and the eastern road down. Very beautiful. Driving the coastline to the western spot offers some great stops.
Explore, explore.....we found wonderful little spots all over. Have
a wonderful time, I just love the islands and hope to go back someday. Eat the fish!!! Yum, especially the Opa. and stop and get finger bananas at the little roadside stands.
Let us know how you enjoyed the trip.
P.S. The best guide I had was one by Moon Publications, beat the others by a mile. Do purchase one, it is a great help. And don't forget your camera, we had our pictures developed before we left and got some great little softcover albums to put them in at the camera shop.

dnjkilbey · #9 (**permalink**) 07-04-2004, 01:17 PM

We too went to Hawaii almost 5 years ago. Our first morning there we went to a Breakfast Luau at our hotel which was free. They gave you different ideas of things to do along with the pricing. You could also take a helicopter ride the Big Island and see the volcano.
Just enjoy your time and take your time. Don't plan a lot of things. This is a vacation and sometimes the best times are just doing nothing. Have fun!!!

Liza44 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-05-2004, 05:04 AM

I agree with Janele, we didn't plan a single thing except just relaxing. Which we did lots of The only thing we planned was going to Waimea Canyon, other than that, we found things along the way.
Enjoy!