In just 9 short days I leave for Hawaii and will spend three weeks there. I’m looking forward to this trip. I’ve been to Hawaii twice on business trips where I added a few extra days for sightseeing, but this extended vacation will be my first trip to Kauai and Maui. So now I am planning Hawaii.
I love photography and I plan to spend a large amount of time photographing the area and taking whale watching tours where I can hopefully get some great shots.
I will spend time on Oahu, The Big Island, Kauai and Maui. I am even planning a day trip to Molokai. I am looking forward to staying at five different Starwood properties and exploring the local areas.
What’s even more exciting to me is that I’ll have been in Fairbanks, Alaska where it was -30 degrees and in Hawaii where the forecast is for mid-70s to lower 80s in the same 30 day period. Talk about extremes!
I’m looking for suggestions of restaurants and things I shouldn’t miss.
Featured Image: view from the Marriott Waikoloa Beach in 2008
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Have a great trip!
Do not miss Volcanoes National Park on the big island! Went hiking across the lava field and it was really weird to see steam coming from cracks!
For Maui:
Honolua Beach for snorkeling, great chance to see turtles. Molokini is a have too. Super clear water can see through 30ft deep water also lots of corals. Road to Hana to me is a little over-rated, but if you have time go early…
Looks like I’m gonna beat you there 😉 Headed to Maui tomorrow night!
Be sure to check out Cooler’s in Lahaina- my favorite local place and be sure to stop by Costco- totally different than here on the mainland.
When in Maui go to Mama’s House. Best place on da island, very expensive but worth every penny. Also try Haliimaile General Store for dinner. It’s situated in the middle of sugarcane fields. It’s good too.
Stacey…You should check out Hawaii Nautical on Oahu for one of your whale watching trips. I used them for their dolphin snorkel sail trip when I was there and was very impressed. Clean and well maintained catamaran (I think they use a larger boat for the whale watching tours), the cheapest bar on the island (2 free alcoholic drinks then a dollar or two for additional drinks), and a great crew (Kelly, Nick, Mash, and Lonnie). Thought trip was reasonably priced as well. http://www.hawaiinautical.com/
Manta ray night snorkel (or dive, if you are certified). One of the most amazing things I have ever experienced on a trip. Jack’s Diving Locker does a combined afternoon/evening option where you go to the location early, and may see them during the afternoon, then you see them in the evening feeding.
You want to get the pre-dawn boat trip from Hilo to where the lava hits the ocean. Also, the beach on Oahu near the marine base, where the kite surfers go, has blues like the carribean
If going to Volcanoes National Park, head out to Punalu’u Bake Shop. Best malasadas on the island. And since you’re in that area, might as well head to the green sand beach. Off road vehicle highly recommended.
On Maui, go to Tasaka’s Guri Guri in Kahului. Very simple dessert. Sort of a cross between ice cream and sherbert. 50 cents a scoop. As far as I know, it’s the only place in the country you can find it.
Waimea Lookout on Kauai!
Wow, these are great ideas! I’ve noted all of the suggestions and will let you know which ones I end up doing! Thanks everyone.
Don’t miss Poli Hale beach in Kauai. What part of the island are you staying on?
@Kauai – I’m staying at the Sheraton Kauai if that gives you an idea. I’ll have a rental car.
Drop me an email, I’ll forward over my Kauai suggestions, have been there many times (and may be back this XMas).