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Hawaii Deals and Planning Resources?

22 14 February 26, 2018 at 08:42 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!
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RMHLAW
02-27-2018 at 04:36 PM.
02-27-2018 at 04:36 PM.
This might be good- haven't really begun to use it yet as we won't go until November.
http://beatofhawaii.com/
Seems like every island has several websites and blogs devoted to useful deals, events and advice.
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thumper1
02-27-2018 at 05:46 PM.
02-27-2018 at 05:46 PM.
TrioAdvisor.com has a Hawaii forum. People who know the area better can give you some really good suggestions. Web search for Maui tourism.

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.
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noungning
02-28-2018 at 02:44 PM.
02-28-2018 at 02:44 PM.
Following, I want to know the places to visit too. Smilie

Deals seems like it's hard to be had. I just looked into inter-island flights and omg, they're expensive!
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thumper1
02-28-2018 at 06:16 PM.
02-28-2018 at 06:16 PM.
Quote from noungning :
Following, I want to know the places to visit too. Smilie

Deals seems like it's hard to be had. I just looked into inter-island flights and omg, they're expensive!
Hawaiian Air sometimes has good package deals.
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noungning
03-01-2018 at 07:12 AM.
03-01-2018 at 07:12 AM.
Quote from thumper1 :
Hawaiian Air sometimes has good package deals.
I was comparing prices via expedia and google flights to the actual HA site and turns out it's cheaper to just buy from the site. But still expensive. I was hoping for $50 OW but none to be had. Down
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thumper1
03-01-2018 at 01:20 PM.
03-01-2018 at 01:20 PM.
Quote from noungning :
I was comparing prices via expedia and google flights to the actual HA site and turns out it's cheaper to just buy from the site. But still expensive. I was hoping for $50 OW but none to be had. Down
We flew from Maui to Kauai on HA for some really cheapie deal back probably 10 years or so and got 3 nights in a hotel by the beach as part of the package. When we arrived, they were serving supper in the restaurant and the next day it had become the mess hall for Tropic Thunder. They were using the place for a movie set and then the hotel was closing for remodeling.

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!!!!
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noungning
03-02-2018 at 07:47 AM.
03-02-2018 at 07:47 AM.
Quote from thumper1 :
We flew from Maui to Kauai on HA for some really cheapie deal back probably 10 years or so and got 3 nights in a hotel by the beach as part of the package. When we arrived, they were serving supper in the restaurant and the next day it had become the mess hall for Tropic Thunder. They were using the place for a movie set and then the hotel was closing for remodeling.

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!!!!
lol Sounds like you had a great time.

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. EEK!
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thumper1
03-02-2018 at 08:29 AM.
03-02-2018 at 08:29 AM.
There are one way bridges and narrow roads. We were in a compact. Have driven a lot of crazy roads, so didn't find it terrifying -- long and curvy and you have to be alert. Again, ask on Maui forum on TripAdvisor about driving a mini van.
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.com/islands/...li-lookout Wind blew a poncho right off of me and over the overlook. And, of course, climb Diamond Head. Waikiki Beach is busy, busy, busy. Think: big crowds at Scarborough on a hot summer weekend -- then double or maybe triple it.
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Last edited by thumper1 March 2, 2018 at 08:32 AM.
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noungning
03-02-2018 at 12:23 PM.
03-02-2018 at 12:23 PM.
Oh darn that sounds horrible about Waikiki. We're actually around the area when we're in Honolulu.

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. laugh out loud
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thumper1
03-02-2018 at 01:08 PM.
03-02-2018 at 01:08 PM.
Waikiki is not as big a beach as Scarborough but very crowded. We had a hard time finding a place to put down 2 towels side by side. Kailua Beach Park is not as crowded and is a beautiful beach. We rented an apartment in Kailua so that was our beach of choice. Had to do the tourist thing once, though.

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.
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zqk
03-02-2018 at 07:59 PM.
03-02-2018 at 07:59 PM.
Quote from noungning :
Oh darn that sounds horrible about Waikiki. We're actually around the area when we're in Honolulu.

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. laugh out loud

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.
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Last edited by zqk March 3, 2018 at 09:27 AM.
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noungning
03-05-2018 at 10:05 AM.
03-05-2018 at 10:05 AM.
Quote from zqk :
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.
I looked at tours but at $100+ per person, that's a lot of money for 6 of us. Frown I'll try to remember to grab the free maps. Thanks for the tip.
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krkobel
03-05-2018 at 08:28 PM.
03-05-2018 at 08:28 PM.
There is a lot to do on maui. If you are there for 1 week, I would not island hop.

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.
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AlaskaLiz
03-08-2018 at 06:12 AM.
03-08-2018 at 06:12 AM.
Get Maui Revealed, app or hard copy book. Most libraries have them . Book you can read updates online. App is great, doesn't need WiFi to run. Must stop in Da Kitchen either in Kahalui by airport or in Kihei -local Hawaiian get the plate lunch kalua pork. luau food so ono =delicious. Buy gas at Airport Costco. Luau is a first time visitor experience, but if too spendy you can watch free dances at the mall. We have been regular visitors and tend to be thrifty so we can stay longerSmilie. If you do go on a boat take an early one , it gets choppy wind picks up in afternoon.
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Last edited by AlaskaLiz March 8, 2018 at 06:22 AM.
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