Hawaiian Holiday?
Question by Mel: Hawaiian Holiday?
My parents are looking at going to Hawaii for a holiday. They are looking at November and were told November was in fact cheaper then October.
We’re looking at Honolulu, this seems to be the most popular place in the islands.
Hawaiian Airlines seem to have the best deals, are there any other good airlines that fly to Sydney, Australia? What is Hawaiian Airlines like, in terms of service, meals ,cabin room, safety, etc..
Any suggestions for accommodation. They would like Ocean views but not neccessarily on the beach as we understand this costs around 0 a night. We are looking at 0-0 a night for two people. We would like to be as close to the city as possible and want value for money. Minimim 3 stars, a studio or a room with a seperate lounge besides the bed would be ideal, a kitchenette would be handy also. Any streets that would be best to be looking at? Is Ohana West any good?
What tours are available for a couple 51 and 54yrs old. Any suggestions for things to do and see. Is Maui worth a visit?
Any other ideas or suggestions would be muchly appreciated.
Some good links there blueonyx, thanks.
Also, what will the weather be like in November?
Best answer:
Answer by thinkbig625
Well, I’ll tell you what, if your parents travel often they may want to see the site below. For a one time cost they get a lifetime membership which gives them access to over 5,500 4 and 5 star resorts worldwide for as low as 8 but never more then 9 per WEEK. I’m not trying to sell you, it’s just something I thought I provide since I noticed you mentioned 0 per night!!! That’s ridiculous, this has only been open to the public for about a year, check it out, or let them, it’s well worth it. By the way… it’s NOT timeshares! 
What do you think? Answer below!
honolulu is definately the most popular place for tourists to come… but dont be fooled Maui is the island you want to go to…. the hotels are nicer, and a lot cheaper during the week, the nightlife is more relaxed and the locals are much more friendly. its twice the size of oahu but with less than half the population so all the remote waterfalls and things are less crowded.
I live near honolulu and i go to maui whenever i can escape
The difference in price very every month depending on when varies schools are out and what not. I will tell you now a 2 room suite with a kitchenette and a view is well over $300 a night. So if you found that any where its a good deal!! The Ohana west looks very nice. I don’t know how many stars it has but it looks like it would be a good deal. It looks Clean, roomy and its close to the strip. Which are all good points. Just to point out there are no bath tubs its all showers, that’s fine if you guys have no use for a bath I just had a small baby last time I went so i need the tub. Almost all the hotels right around the Waikiki strip in down town are very nice and pricey. My husband was born and raised on Oahu and I would not go to any other Island, But It depends on what you guys are looking for. There is a lot more to do on Oahu, But with that there are also a lot more people there so its a lot of traffic and all that stuff. If you want romance and quit I would go for Maui. There is less to do but that means less people. Just know that where ever you go in the Hawaiian Islands it will be well worth it and you will never run out if things to do and stuff to see. I hope you guys have the time of you life!
Hi there!
I’ve been to Oahu 3 times and I love it!!!
I plan to live there in the future and so I read a lot about that area. From experience here are my suggestions for attractions:
- Polynesian cultural center
- Dole plantation
- Waikiki Aquarium
I’ve found this great website that has a ton of info you can benefit from – they dont have anything to sell, its more like advise/ info. (http://www.sharinghawaii.com/oahu/tips/oahu-vacation-tips.html )
Also, I’ve personally used this site to book my hotels – the deals are great. (http://www.hawaiiconnection.com )
If you’re unsure about where to stay tripadvisor.com is a great tool to use – people there post their opinions about where they stayed and how well they liked it.
Hope you enjoy it & Aloha!
the weather is almost the same temp year round!!!
Aloha,
November is only cheaper than October if you aren’t in Hawaii over Thanksgiving. That’s a very expensive week here. I believe Thanksgiving is Nov. 27 this year (2008). Our weather is pretty consistent year round with an average temperature of 78 F (roughly 24 centigrade). There may be more rain in November but it’s generally short-lived…more like a refreshing shower than hard driving rain.
Honolulu is the state capital and it is on the island of Oahu. Oahu is the most populous island and the most heavily visited by tourists. That being said, there is a lot to do on Oahu and there are many places on the island that are less crowded than Honolulu/Waikiki. It’s a beautiful island! As a resident of Kauai, I visit Oahu often when I want to go shopping or do some fine dining.
I prefer Hawaiian Airlines to most others. I don’t know if Aloha Airlines services Sydney, but I’m sure United and American Airlines do. You can check with them. Hawaiian offers a meal but it is usually a cold sandwich, cookies, chips, and a beverage. Nothing fancy but it doesn’t taste bad at all! Their safety record is good. The cabins are relatively small but it depends upon the individual aircraft. Some are larger than others, obviously. There is not a ton of leg room, but I find that to be true on pretty much every airline these days…unless you can afford First Class (which I cannot).
Check the Outrigger.com website for accommodations. Outrigger owns some nice properties on Oahu (and the other islands too) and many of them are beachfront or very near the beach. I don’t think their room rates are extraordinarily expensive, either. On Oahu there is also Hilton Hawaiian Village (you can find them at Hilton.com), Sheraton Moana Surfrider (sheraton.com) and the Royal Hawaiian (royal-hawaiian.com). I have stayed at the Royal Hawaiian and it is fantastic! Luxurious, beautiful, right on the beach, with fabulous service and accommodations. I have heard the Hilton Hawaiian Village referred to as “Hawaiian Disneyland” and I think the nickname fits. There is SO MUCH to do right there at the hotel that some people never even leave the property to explore the rest of the island! It’s amazing.
If you find that the hotels I mentioned are too pricey, try the Ohana chain (ohanahotels.com). Ohana means “family” in Hawaiian, by the way.
Ohana is owned by Outrigger so their service is comparable but the hotels are a little more budget-conscious and not right on the beach. I have stayed in a couple of different Ohana-owned hotels and have enjoyed them. You could also look at condos, which would include a kitchen. A great site for that is vrbo.com (Vacation Rentals By Owner). I have used them as well and have always been happy with my accommodations.
Your parents would probably enjoy going to a luau. The only one I’ve been to on Oahu is the one at Paradise Cove, which I really enjoyed. In fact, I’ve been to it twice! I have heard that Germaine’s Luau is good too. At Paradise Cove, there are games (Hawaiian bowling, spear throwing, etc.) and crafts before the feast and if I remember correctly they will let you watch as they take the roasted pig out of the imu (in-ground oven). There is a hula show during dinner and it’s quite good.
They may also enjoy the Polynesian Cultural Center, which is in Laie on the North Shore of Oahu. There are buses and tour companies that can take them there. It’s an all-day experience that includes a luau, I believe. You can check it out further at polynesia.com to make sure. They have different types of Polynesian dance there like Samoan, Tahitian, and Maori, as well as Hawaiian hula.
Maui is definitely worth visiting but only if they can spend more than a day or two. I wouldn’t recommend island-hopping for any less than 3 days. It makes the trip feel too rushed as you end up spending quite a bit of time packing, going to and from airports, passing through security, waiting, and flying. Not my idea of a fun vacation. Honestly, there is enough to do and see on one island to make the trip worthwhile.
Other suggestions:
Take a surfing lesson on Waikiki Beach
Snorkel at Hanauma Bay
Hike to the top of Diamond Head, an extinct volcano
Take a catamaran ride off Waikiki Beach
Shopping at Ala Moana Center (easy to get to on The Bus)
Honolulu Zoo
Waikiki Aquarium — they have monk seals there which are endangered animals and are very cute!
Please email me again if you have any other questions I can help to answer. Aloha!