Joined Sep 2012
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Forum Thread
Hawaii Deals and Planning Resources?
February 26, 2018 at
09:42 PM
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I'm was lucky enough to earn a trip to Hawaii for a conference at work. Since my airfare is covered either way I'm planning to add some extra days and only have to pay for meals and lodging on those extra days. At this point my only commitment is to be at the conference in Maui for 4 days. 2 adults and one 12 year old will be traveling in July.
Any deals to be found in Hawaii this time of year?
Also, what are some good resources to start deciding where to go in Hawaii?
Advice, tips, and comments appreciated!
Any deals to be found in Hawaii this time of year?
Also, what are some good resources to start deciding where to go in Hawaii?
Advice, tips, and comments appreciated!
14 Comments
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http://beatofhawaii.co
Seems like every island has several websites and blogs devoted to useful deals, events and advice.
For that short a time (and having to go to the conference) you would probably just want to see Maui and save island hopping for a longer trip. I am assuming you won't be there longer than a week. What are your interests? There's lots to see and do on Maui -- especially if you enjoy golfing, beaches, snorkeling.
Lahaina town is interesting. Definitely see the Banyan tree in the town center. Your 12 year old would probably enjoy a visit to the top of Haleakala. Bring a sealed bag of potato chips to open at the top. If you enjoy mountain biking, that would be a challenge. We did a luau at Kaanapali and drive the Road to Hana.
Deals seems like it's hard to be had. I just looked into inter-island flights and omg, they're expensive!
Deals seems like it's hard to be had. I just looked into inter-island flights and omg, they're expensive!
I went for a walk and saw a huge seal on the beach in an area marked with CAUTION tape and a sign that said, "Do not disturb seal." I asked one of the hotel staff how the seal knew what area to lie in. The man said, "How many trees do you see on the beach?" There was one -- the only shade on the whole beach. Duhhhh!!!!
I went for a walk and saw a huge seal on the beach in an area marked with CAUTION tape and a sign that said, "Do not disturb seal." I asked one of the hotel staff how the seal knew what area to lie in. The man said, "How many trees do you see on the beach?" There was one -- the only shade on the whole beach. Duhhhh!!!!
We're flying from Honolulu into West Maui for less stress. Hopefully it all works out.
I just looked up videos and recommendations and they all seem to say must do the road to Hana. Is the drive really, really bad? And oh, I'll be driving a mini-van.
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http://roadtohana.com/sights.php
We enjoyed a day on the beach at the North Shore of Oahu and watched while ESPN filmed a surfing competition. Also, a great view here: https://www.gohawaii.co
I saw the site you listed for road to Hana. I was actually trying to find a mymaps someone created so I can save it to my google maps. Some of them didn't load correctly so I just nixed the idea and will probably just look up some spots we'd like to visit. Not sure we'll all be up to the hiking and stuff required for most of these stops. I've been on scary roads but I wasn't driving. I don't trust my driving abilities when it comes so close to a cliff.
You really don't have to hike to enjoy a lot of the sights. Diamond Head is less than a mile walk up and not a huge gain in elevation -- maybe around 500 feet. We walked there from Waikiki and back, but you could start closer to the trail.
I like the west coast of Maui a lot. There's a lot to do and the beaches are nice. There are also Road to Hana tours, but I really don't know anything about them. A friend went in January and they were going to do a tour but ended up driving it themselves because it was too expensive for four of them.
I saw the site you listed for road to Hana. I was actually trying to find a mymaps someone created so I can save it to my google maps. Some of them didn't load correctly so I just nixed the idea and will probably just look up some spots we'd like to visit. Not sure we'll all be up to the hiking and stuff required for most of these stops. I've been on scary roads but I wasn't driving. I don't trust my driving abilities when it comes so close to a cliff.
You will have a great time on Maui! For the Road to Hana -- make sure you start early -- If it gets too dark on the way back you are stuck! There are no street lights. As for maps, when you are at the baggage claim at the airport, there are lots of free magazines with maps there that you can take, and also the rental car place will have maps. There are tour vans that go to Hana -- you might want to check them out. We went in a compact car and some of the twists and turns were pretty tight.
do you enjoy snorkeling? There are many great snorkel spots around Kaanapali beach (we have found you don't need to pay for a tour unless you are not comfortable going in by yourself).
The aquarium is a nice last day excursion (assuming you have a late flight). There is also a sugar cane museum to fill time on the last day.
Iao's needle ...a short hike to see it.
Ziplining (we like Kapalua ziplines the best)
Horseback riding with ironwood ranch
Make a reservation in advance for Old Lahaina Luau (and sit in the floor area near the stage)
All of the above is on the north west side of the island (except the aquarium). (lahaina/kaanapali)
Shave ice ...eat everyday! Get it with mac-nut ice cream in the middle
Visit the town of Paia and watch surfers. While there eat at the fish market (picnic table, casual place).
I think costco has cheaper gift cards for some activities on Maui.