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The most popular reviews in /r/HawaiiVisitors:
Are you staying in Waikiki? Waikiki isn't particularly rainy. If you're staying in a windward or mauka area, then that's why it's raining so frequently.
I'm in east Oahu and I've had only scattered showers, yes some heavy, but brief. Right now it's blue sky with scattered clouds here, but it did rain briefly in the morning.
Here's a rain map: https://radar.weather.gov/Conus/hawaii_loop.php
When you go to the Big Island, Hilo will be rainy, Kona not as much.
I haven't done many ridge hikes personally, but that's the type of view that helps make the haiku stairs so picturesque. A good resource of ridge hikes is here. And if you do want the views at the top of haiku stairs, this is the most recommended hike. A simpler, very popular ridge hike is Kuliouou. I've done that and on days where the ridge isn't above clouds the views are amazing. Plus, the terrain changes like 3x along the hike to keep things interesting.
Sorry this post got stuck in the spam filter.
Please look at the amount of rain expected each day, and you will see why it's not a concern.
For instance, on this site: Wonderground Honolulu-10day
You'll see the amounts expected are:
Mon: 0.02"
Tues: 0.06"
Wed: 0.4"
Thurs: 0.1"
Fri: 0.02"
Etc.
Basically, there's a 35% (or whatever %) chance that it's going to sprinkle. You might get a 3 minute rain, but it's going to depend on where you are, etc.
How about Waimea Valley? There's an entrance fee and it's not a difficult hike but it is a beautiful one with a waterfall. The main path is paved but there are various side trails.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/hawaii/oahu/waimea-valley-trail
https://www.waimeavalley.net/about/view/frequently-asked-questions
> The big rental agencies would be twice that.
no, they aren't. the whole myth that the little guys are always half of what the corporate locations would charge is bullshit. everyone is in it to make money... why would you charge half of what your competitors charge? that doesn't even make sense.
11 days will cost you easily under $400 using the "big guys"
Right now all I planned is staying with a family of 5 (we're renting some rooms from them), going to a MOPS group (a mom's group for parents with babies), and joining a couple meetup.com events.
Zero plans for vacation.
>also debating buying a mask and snorkel on the mainland and putting it in my luggage, then buying or renting fins on the island. not sure yet.
This is probably your best bet. Fins are big and bulky and you can find plenty of them to rent. Finding fins your size is usually not that hard of a problem.
Mask though, you'd probably want to own one that you can get used to. For this trip and any other trips you might make to places where you can snorkel. Carrying them from place to place doesn't take that much space in the suitcase either.
I will add one more very useful piece of gear while you're out shopping. Get some neoprene socks. Something like this:
Extremely useful in situations like hot sand (you're going there during peak of summer), rocky beaches etc. Also, if you find yourself near a well contained, shallow bay or something (depends on your own comfort level of course), you should be able to swim/snorkel with just the socks, mask and snorkel without bothering with the fins. It's much more freeing and the socks will protect your feet somewhat from edgy rocks etc. in shallow water AND protect whatever minimal coral is left in these waters (not much alas) from your hard fins.
https://www.alltrails.com/hawaii/oahu
you can filter off of length, difficulty, elevation, etc.
I don't think you'll find any hike THAT hard. The hardest part is going to get used to the heat and humidity while hiking. Bring LOTS of water if you're not used to it. But you'll have more oxygen at least.
Wanting to be in walking distance of the beach and wanting a "noisy, crowded area" with restaurants and other attractions will just leave you in Waikiki. Like that is literally going to be your only option.
- Airbnb listings for Waikiki that can accommodate your group.
I would avoid Craigslist unless it is being advertised by a reputable and reviewed company. At least with VRBO and Airbnb, the chances of you being scammed are low.
If you want cheaper and if you have a car, just stay outside of Waikiki, like in Makiki, Moilili, Nuuanu, Hawaii Kai, basically anywhere considered "Honolulu" and drive to the beach. The beaches outside of Waikiki (Waimanalo, Kailua, etc.) or even just on the outskirts (Kaimana and Ala Moana Beach) are much nicer and less crowded that the beaches dead in the middle of Waikiki.
The water is a bit cold for me but looks like the water temperature is 78 degrees off the coast of Maui.
https://www.windy.com/-Sea-temperature-sst?sst,21.610,-158.846,9,m:egWaMc
the weather is subject to change, as always, but i guess ask yourself if you'd be comfortable taking a nap on the beach when it's nearly 90 degrees?
thank you for the tip! i was thinking of getting something like these for in the water but haven’t pulled the trigger because i plan on basically living in my chacos the whole time. do these look like crap compared to those diving socks or would they get the job done you think? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FP922RD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_S8T76KS0RJ9BMDGRTK4J?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This is what I'm going with my wife and kids for snorkeling
Rrtizan Snorkel Vest, Adults Portable Inflatable Swim Vest Jackets for Snorkeling Swimming Diving Safety
Thank you very much! I booked a hanauma bay tour for friday morning! My wife is super excited!
Also we're planning on getting a couple tubes of this this sun screen and after reading your linked article it seems I have to be very wary of what the package reads as it maybe "lying" to me. So we went ahead and ordered a couple more rashguards each from amazon (we already got a few after reading some other posts here). Thank you again for your help!
I am a tourist. I did the road to Hana in May with my wife and 5 year old and 1 year old.
We only saw old people in tour buses, they are slow and the buses don't stop whenever you want them to. I'm pretty sure they are primarily for people that have physical problems driving for 10 hours in a day. I understand how you think you could enjoy it more, and that is possible, but I would personally never do a tour bus.
Always do a rental car. Drive slowly and pay attention. If someone comes up behind you, let them pass you, since locals use the road to commute.
There's an app on iOS and Android called the road to Hana tour guide. It's amazing and worth the $7 price tag. It's way better than a tour guide because you go at your own pace. Hook it up to your rental cars stereo. Install it and give it a try. The full guide is an in all purchase.
One day is enough if you don't plan on exploring everything. We were able to do it in one day, and we did the national park hike to the waterfall, and explored the black sand beach. We took our time and were really slow on the hike and exploring the beach, and we made a lot of stops. We left around 8am and got back around 10pm. If you want to go slower and explore more, stay the night in Hana.
Edit: here's the Road to Hana tour guide app
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.shaka.guide.maui
Just got back from the Big island and stayed in this Airbnb for $180/night: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/14523986
Highly recommended. Lots of shoreline access along the road, none were crowded. Rental had cruiser bikes for exploring and great beach chairs to bring along. We only spent 3 days of our trip here and I wish it had been more, as it was easily the most relaxing and nicest accommodations of our trip. Perfect for a couple.
If you are referring to the Haleakala Crater Trail yes it is point to point and it is outstanding. You can either hoof it back up the road to the summit or bring two cars and leave one at the lower lot. Without the hike back up its around 13 miles and change. You mainly hike down the hill and then ascend around 1500 ft near the end.
Sliding Sands is a down and back trail. You hike from the Ranger Hut parking lot down to the bottom of the south part of the "crater" and then back up. Spectacular, unworldly views. Thats the 10 mile, 3000 ft elevation hike. You share the first 3-4 miles with the Haleakala Crater Trail.
I would bring a bottle, like a Hydroflask or Yeti or Kleen Kanteen, fill it at your hotel.
I am quite sure wherever you're from, the vast majority of the time, Oahu's tap water is safer and tastier in comparison (except for the water from the Navy's system in Halawa, which you are not likely to be accessing) .
That said, if you really want to, bring a water bottle and a Lifestraw
Please do. I have another question too. We have solid fuel stoves that use these cubes. We aren't able to fly the cubes with use because they are flammable. Any thought on where we could go to find these on Kauai?
If your interested there is a Groupon offer that will be expiring Nov 28th. Gives you an island tour and it's 53% Off right now .
All-Day Island Bus Tour for One, Two, or Four from Oahu Adventure Tours (Up to 54% Off)
https://www.groupon.com/deals/aloha-trikke-1?utm_source=&utm_campaign=UserReferral_ma
You listed both O'ahu and BI, then said N. Shore and Waikoloa, so I assume you mean N. Shore on O'ahu?
-
Here's Haleiwa:
https://www.wunderground.com/forecast/us/hi/haleiwa/21.59,-158.11
Here's Waikoloa Village:
https://www.wunderground.com/forecast/us/hi/waikoloa-village/96738
Check out the total rain accumulations for the day. While this can change, it's likely to be pretty accurate. You'll be fine.
Look at the total accumulation for Sunday
Use this site and pay attention the the % chance as well as the actual amount of rain being predicted.
For example, on 2/2, at 10am, there's a 48% chance it's going to be raining. Now look at the # under that rain-cloud icon. Total accumulation for the day is 0.13"
As you load this page over the next couple of days, I predict that the % chance and the amounts are going to decrease even below where they are now, 'cause that's what they usually do unless there's a big storm system coming through.
https://www.wunderground.com/forecast/us/hi/honolulu?cm_ven=localwx_10day
It's like a 60%-70% chance of getting 2/10s of an inch over night, then like 70% chance of getting less than that on Fri morning. Load this same site tomorrow, and I'm willing to bet it will be even less chance and less rain.
I would be cautious with the Big Island, because it's actually big. And FO is not close to some of the cooler things to see there. You don't want to cut your day short because you have a 3 hour drive home. If I had to set up a base anywhere on BI, I'd pick Hilo side, though I will admit I'm partial to that side. I'm also not a big resort person and you're choosing a fancy 5 star resort, so maybe that is your preference. But think of it this way, what's the point of a fancy resort if you're getting up early and coming back late because you have to drive a whole ton to see things.
I don't know about Maui, but Big Island has a very healthy AirBnB situation. I love Costco too, but ~~they're~~ their discounts can't be that great on this expensive looking place. With the AirBnB situation every night can be a different adventure, and they have some real experiences there. You have tree houses, off-grid cabins, as well as normal houses and luxury homes.
Check out these two fun situations and see what you think:
You will have find TONS of Airbnbs in the $60 to $75 range if you don't mind having a room in a shared house or apartment. You can even get cheaper if you do a sofa.
Here are a few from just a quick search. Check to see if you are near a bus line and you can get anywhere around the island.
Yeah, airbnb or vrbo might be good options for you.
Apologies for this terrible URL: https://www.airbnb.com/s/Honolulu--HI?checkin=09%2F03%2F2016&checkout=09%2F06%2F2016&guests=2&price_max=148&zoom=14&search_by_map=true&sw_lat=21.24360503007772&sw_lng=-157.8450865249091&ne_lat=21.313976821294055&...
You are in the right fitness level and age to go and enjoy one of the more beautiful but long hikes on oahu: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/hawaii/oahu/kaau-crater Start before 8 AM, bring at least 3 liters of water per person.
We scheduled a couple things on the island, and also did a lot of own-our-own stuff. I didn't have infinite money for $100+ per person activities. If you can only do one or two of those I think boat or flight-seeing tours are the ones most people prioritize. Those kinds of activities, you may want to book ahead of time, or at least in the very beginning of your trip. Everything else you could decide the evening before or day of.
When are you going? Ocean kayaking and winter don't mix. However, river kayaking is pretty much a go year-round unless there's flooding. As far as how safe either is to go on your own that depends on you. If you're unfamiliar with kayaks/canoes/paddling it may not be a great idea to go without a guide. If you have a clue it's not all that different than anywhere else.
We hiked a few places solo, but in general I found the trails to be more overused/less maintained than what I typically encounter in Alaska. You're going to get muddy, period. Still there are good views worth hiking to. You can find lots of good trails for anyplace you vacation using All Trails. FYI on that note, since you seem to be into the outdoors there's a cool, but short, multi-use bike path along the beachfront in Kapaa.
Are your dates locked in stone? If you have any flexibility (even if it's just going sometime in September), I'd consider holding out for a better deal.
Right now Hawaii fares have been the cheapest they've historically ever been, especially from the west coast. Common to see PDX-KOA drop into the $300s if not lower. Alaska Airlines has that route nonstop for $356 in May — they haven't released their fares yet for that route in September, but typically May fares are about the same as what you'd see in September.
i dont even understand what you're trying to say....
> I’m from the east. Hnl>lih and back is the most logical way.
east coast to LIH with a layover in HNL is the most logical?
> the odds of having a Kauai to west coast flight is very slim compared to the choices and fees out of Honolulu.
the cheapest flight from LAX is a nonstop to LIH https://www.google.com/flights/#flt=LAX.LIH.2018-04-18.LAXLIH0HA63*LIH.LAX.2018-04-22;c:USD;e:1;s:0*0;sd:1;t:f;sp:.USD.45959
> Usually the top layovers are San Fran, Seattle, Vegas, and St Louis, depending where on the East Coast the OP is from.
...and this is exactly what i said above.
the best route is for them to go whatever east coast airport to LIH which will have a layover somewhere in california most likely. then use hawaiian to jump from LIH to HNL, then have a HNL to home flight.
My top spots on the south side (all free and easy to access): 1. Ahihi Bay (“Dumps”). Only in very calm conditions without a south swell going. 2. Po’olenalena Beach, to the left off the south end - tons of turtles and beautiful reef 3. Maluaka Beach, to the left 4. Entire area from Makena Landing to Five Caves
Find a used copy of this book if you can.
The ebook from this site is a good resource too.
Get in the water by 8:30 or earlier for the calmest conditions and best visibility. Wind can get bad after 10:30 making conditions rough and murky.
I'm assuming you're talking about Pali Puka: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/hawaii/pali-puka-trail--2 and Olomana https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/hawaii/olomana-trail--2
I'm going to assume you're an experienced hiker - otherwise, don't do either of them. Pali Puka is shorter by quite a lot. So that actually might be your determining factor - time.
In all honesty, I think you'll do okay with either trail. Sorry to be of no help! :)
> From Maui, if I wanted to go to another island with more "nightlife", how much can you estimate I'll pay for travel? Also, which is the best island/town for us to go to for some fun?
Oahu, but you're only there for a week... if you really wanted to you could take an 5pm flight to oahu and slum it around waikiki all evening then take a 6am flight back... but that sounds like a TERRIBLE idea and will cost you about $150 each.
a good rule of thumb is that holidays are going to be more expensive. times when kids are out of school are more expensive. places that have less competition are more expensive.
google flights is your friend: https://www.google.com/flights/#search;f=JFK,EWR,LGA;t=HNL;d=2016-06-09;r=2016-06-13
and you'll see why it is not the most desirable flight.
you're going to want to land in HNL as early as possible. sometime around 12-2pm otherwise you're wasting your first day.
you can see this isn't a place you only visit for 3-4 days at a time when it costs you $2000 just to get there.
+1 nothing ever gets cheaper if you wait in hawaii, the demand always outpaces the supply.
go to www.kayak.com and price it out. they search all the rental sites so you will pretty much know exactly what it is going to cost you.
i picked 8 random days in january. a minivan is like $300 which is not bad. you can get a tahoe for like $60 more which is, again, not bad.
seriously, just goto kayak.com and book it from the airport.
https://www.kayak.com/cars/OGG-a20274/2016-10-14/2016-10-19
i just went ~3 weeks out and picked six days. $203.61 from hertz for a mid size SUV. don't do the gas included bullshit, they charge way more per gallon than you're going to be able to probably find anywhere on the island.
You have to go through the AGs office and have a letter dated from your doctor/medical professional stating that you are no longer contagious which must be written no earlier than 10 days after your positive test and be within 14 days of your flight to Hawaii. You can submit your documents here https://www.appsheet.com/Account/Login?returnUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.appsheet.com%2Fstart%2Fe40693de-e1b8-4016-b8d5-20a6b64d0e21&fullScope=False&appName=Hawaii%20Travel%20Quarantine%20Ex...
I used a waterproof bag that goes around my waist to hold my actually valuable stuff, this one
Big enough to hold my phone, and car keys, and my small wallet. The only thing left on the beach was my shirt and flip flops and towel. So really you just need to know your plan if someone steals your shoes and shirt.
Blue Lizard sensitive is a good one that is safe for the reef.
BLUE LIZARD Australian Sunscreen, Sensitive SPF 30+, 5-Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EY4YLS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_VA2SH5CJ2BBAKCEW9PCW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Walgreens is the only place that does free Hawaii-approved PCR tests in L.A. Other providers charge, for example CVS is $139. Walgreens allows scheduling only 2 days in advance, and appointments go quick (the price is right lol). So it is hard to get an appointment for a rapid test where you get results same-day. The other (non-rapid) appointments have to be scheduled carefully to be within the 72-hour window, but not too late to make sure you get the results in time. Wear N95s any time you leave your hotel room, they are available in pharmacies and online. You can also get KN94s and similar, just make sure they're not made in China because their certification standards are suspicious. Bring a fabric mask to wear over the disposable mask to ensure a good seal. Use a new disposable mask each day.
If you're fully vaccinated and only want to do a test to make sure you're negative (without getting results specifically formatted in a way to be uploaded to the app), you can do any of the free tests in L.A.
Buy any cheap, non-see through wide mouth water bottle and stuff your wallet/keys inside. (Grime it up if you want, put stickers all over it, make it seem used) Then at the beach spike it in the sand near your towel, and away from your beach bag while you’re snorkeling.
If someone is going to steal your crap, they’ll grab the beach bag thinking your valuables are in it.
Example: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F5YV7T6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_M63NB8TG5GHCEGFBN9XN
I used one of those submersible pouches that you wear around your neck. I bought them off of Amazon (2 for about $12). It fit my large phone (Galaxy Note 10), driver's license, room card, credit card, HOLO card and cash. In addition, the touch screen worked through the clear plastic. So, I was able to use my phone camera for photos and videos while under water.
I tested it at home by submerging a small book and paper towels in it before we left. Then, to make sure that it wasn't damaged during the flight/transit to Hawaii, I tested it again in the hotel. It worked flawlessly. I even dived fairly deep and it worked well. It never let a single drop of water into the pouch.
Here's the link to the ones that I purchased:
Testing is free in California with plenty availability. Not necessarily same day, but next day you should find an appointment within a 5-mile radius. Most all pharmacies offer it, plus pop-up clinics, long-term temporary test and vaccination sites, and probably hospitals as well. [Amazon has an at-home PCR test that for $40 that you can send to a lab and get results within 24 of receipt](https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08ZR5XNBM/ref=cm\_sw\_r\_tw\_dp\_DPVJEG0MZBNW6D82CRRN).
This was a God send when I was in Hawaii most recently:
https://www.amazon.com/JOTO-Universal-Waterproof-Cellphone-Samsung/dp/B00LBK7OSY
It's an underwater phone case that was surprisingly good at keeping water out. Even if you dont want to take underwater photos, you probably dont want to leave your valuable phone on the beach. Pro tip--Your rental car keys might not be waterproof and could get ruined if immersed in water. I got a second one for my car keys and was so glad I had it.
This is one I purchased. It had plenty of room for a full change of clothes, a towel and more. What also sold me was that you can wear the straps like a backpack or shoulder bag.
Of course the brand does carry other sizes if you think this one is too large for your needs.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073VKRNDT?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
The link you shared is for some sort of hybrid socks/shoes which I've never liked. There's a slightly firmer sole at the bottom (whereas the neoprene socks are the same material all around, just like socks should be). The firmer sole will offer slightly more protection if you're walking on pointy volcanic rocks (or just walking across some gravel parking lot) but on the other hand, they offer poor grip for your footing on those rocks. I've used something like this in the past and have ended up slipping on said rocks and ruined a whole day that way.
If you're really looking for something sturdy underfoot for significant amount of walking on rocks, I'd suggest something like the following:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RFGBXBM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
​
But that should be *in addition* to your socks. The socks are very versatile. And I predict if you get them, you'll end up wearing them a lot more than your chacos on the beach and in the water :-)
The name tag holders that you get at school/work conferences fit the CDC vaccine card, if you don’t have them lying around then they sell them on Amazon for like $4-5:
6 Pack Extra Thick Card Protector, 4×3 Card Holder with 6 Lanyards Card Holder Clear Vinyl Plastic Sleeve with Waterproof Type Resealable Zip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092CJ1KZP/
While not a human guide, we used the Gypsy Guide that cost $10 but it was great while on the big island. Not sure about specific hikes, but it was great for taking us around the island and pointing out tons of things we would have missed.
I bought this: Goddess Garden - Kids SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion - Sensitive Skin, Reef Safe, Sheer Zinc, Broad Spectrum, Water Resistant, Non-Nano, Vegan, Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free - 6 oz Tube https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NBVKQKB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_JXCG8DPWCWAFB6JHEA98?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I bring Sanuk Vagabond’s with me on all trips where I may hike. Packs flat but works for hiking. No heel support but I have been doing this for years with success. It’s always in my carryon to Hawaii. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MTK32Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_KY1WPZG0NQJE0A5F1WHR?psc=1
I personally love to beach and snorkel so I stay in Waikoloa and drive to volcano. Once we stayed overnight in Volcano when the eruption was happening and had a couple 4.0 earthquakes which was scary/neat. Just once you see the Lava and do some hikes there’s not much to do. I like to wake up early and snorkel at beach 69 then do day trips all over. Get that guide to Hawaii book that everyone loves because he knows everything and all the best things to do. I love to go up to Waimea and have lunch it’s so cool and green up there. Edit. This book. Hawaii The Big Island Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook https://www.amazon.com/dp/1949678008/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_lQidGb6GXYXPX
here is a small one, but they come in different sizes.
This was the best book on my first visit.
I dont see it here. But the wife and I when we went to the Big Island we got a pair of Keen sandles for us. Something like THESE.
They were great for hiking, swimming, and beach. Lots of the beaches have lava rock (very sharp) and it will slice the crap out of your feet. Plus just wading in the ocean will have lava rock/reef rock that will dice the feet up.
IMHO the sunshade is a waste of money. A one-year-old that just started walking isn’t going to stay under that shade for more than 10 seconds. You're better off getting the baby a rash guard, a hat, and applying lots of sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher).
Also, don't go to the beach between 10 am and 2 pm because that's when the sun is the strongest.
I see that you'll use a baby carrier. Make sure that can double as a car seat since Hawaii law requires 1 year olds to be in a car seat for rented cars.
As for things to do, I recommend the Waikiki Aquarium, Honolulu Zoo, and the Kroc Center. Make sure you don’t go to the Kroc Center on weekends though because that's when its members only. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-salvation-army-kroc-center-ewa-beach
It is a truly wonderful place, I have visited Oahu, Kuai, and the Big Island Twice. My family enjoyed volcano national park making the Big Island hiking the best for us, and would strongly suggest a helicopter tour to see the lava. We also loved Oahu, lots of food options and lots of shopping options, that I enjoyed way more than I expected. Be sure to check out farmers markets on any island.
Strongly suggest checking out the revealed series of books for whatever island you pick.