I go to Hawaii about once a year- it s a family favorite. You ll have so much fun!A lot of people like Maui, and it might be best for your first time, but personally, I love Oahu. That s where you have Waikiki Beach and, my favorite place in Hawaii, the North Shore. Waikiki Beach is very touristy but very fun. And depending on when you re planning on going it might not be too crowded. Try to go when schools aren t on vacation. The beaches are beautiful there. My favorite hotel there is the Moana Surfrider (http://www.moana-surfrider.com). It s a beautiful hotel and has been around since 1901. It is now a Westin but is also a part of the Starwood Luxury Collection. If you do stay there, be sure to request a room in the old Banyon wing.Also on Oahu is the North Shore which is a fairly rural part of Hawaii. It is famous as a surf spot and is also a great place to look for Sea Turtles. The only hotel up in that area is the Turtle Bay resort. It s a fabulous hotel also. However, another option is to rent one of the houses on the North Shore for however long you want. Or if you re staying in Waikiki, you can always go up for the day. If you re there, be sure to get shave ice at one of the shops in the downtown area. Matsumoto s is the most famous but Aoki s is equally good (if not better) and usually has less of a line. Also, stop and get a pie at Ted s Bakery- a local place that is delicious!Oahu is also rich in Hawaiian culture. You can visit the Iolani Palace (the only royal palace in the United States), Pearl Harbor, and the Polynesian Cultural Center.I would say that you definitely want to do 4 days no matter which island you go to. Otherwise, it s just too short and you won t have enough time to relax and really feel an island pace of life- when they say they run on island time, they mean it (but it s my favorite part about visiting)!Also, you should definitely rent a car. No matter what island you re on, you ll want to visit other areas besides where you re staying and a taxi will get expensive. There isn t very much alternative transportation.I don t know about best beaches on Maui, but the best beaches for swimming on Oahu are definitely on Waikiki. The North Shore has beautiful beaches but they can be fairly rocky, so not the best swimming although it is still an option if you re a strong swimmer.The first time I scuba dived was in Hawaii and it really is wonderful. With most programs you have to be trained and training can be as little as a couple days but it would take up a lot of your time (although if that s something that you and your wife are interested in it could be a really fun base of the trip). The first time that I did it, it was in the pool at the Turtle Bay Resort and then the instructor took us out to the ocean the next day without training. So you might be able to find a place. You definitely need swimming knowledge but you don t have to be an olympic athlete. However, you should be comfortable swimming in an ocean.Another tip: the fruit stands on the side of the road are fabulous! The best is the pineapple that has the red powder on it. My mouth is watering thinking about it. And the fresh coconut... Also, for souvenirs, I would suggest the flea market. They have a great one at the stadium in Oahu and I recall going to others on the other islands. You will find what you see at the souvenir shops (usually for cheaper) and then more stuff as well (knockoff bags, hand carved Tikis, handmade jewlery...). Also, the ABC stores are great places for typical souvenirs.Sorry this is so long but hopefully it will help.Have a great time!! And my mom is really the expert (she stayed there for 3 months straight this year) so if you have any more question let me know and I can pass them on to her.
Four days? That s nowhere near enough time to make the flight time or expense worth it. The arrival day you won t get to your hotel until the evening and the departure usually takes off in the morning so that day s shot. You ll have two days. You could either go to Hana or go to Haleakala one day and snorkel and maybe shopping the other. That s about it.
you can sleep on the beach for free. just bring some blankets, because it gets cold at night. don t rent a car. it s too expensive. just walk around and hitch hike. your white skin will guarantee you a great time and all for free
All the islands are distinct. Maui is the best blend between the touristy but fun Oahu and the more unspoiled Kauai and Molokai. You can see the island in four days, yet I ve been going back for 35 years and I haven t seen it all.You will need a rental car on Maui, no question. This is only anecdotal, but I find that most first time visitors to Maui tend to go to Kaanapali, which is on the northwest side. I much prefer the area of Kihei/Wailea, which is on the southwestern side and for the following reasons: it rains much less there, the beaches are much better in that they tend to be wider and less steep, there is a much better variety of lodging, among other reasons.You can take the lessons to get certified for Scuba there, but since you are strapped for time you might want to do that prior to visiting.I hope you have a great time!
It depends on what you like. Oahu has a lot to offer first timers (the Arizona memorial, waikiki beach), but so does Maui. If you go to Maui, stay on Ka anapali beach. It sits on an ancient volcanic rim with the island of Lanai in front of you. During your stay in February and March, the humpback whales will be birthing their young and staying in the shallow volcanic rim for safety with their babies. If you can get ocean front do so, you can sit on your deck and watch the whales jump all day (go on a boat tour also). Ocean front on Ka anapali faces west so you will be able to see the sun set. Ka anapali is also very near the town of Lahaina. A charming village with many shops and restaurants; a must see.I would rent a car. You can go to the top of the dormant volcano and partake in the breathtaking views. The Haleakala observatory is up there, but they won t let you tour it. Also, take the drive to Hana. It s beautiful but the switchbacks can make you carsick if you re prone. Take your time and just enjoy it. I also like the north drive. It s a bit scarier; more rugged, but fun none the less. Have a good time!