Hawaii question

[SecondAttempt]

When we visited Maui (as tourists, back in the day) we took a flight to Oahu and transferred immediately to Maui on a Dash 7 operated by (IIRC) Aloha air lines (now gone.)

There's Mokulele now! And luckily, Southwest is giving Hawaiian Airlines some competition.

 

[SecondAttempt]

I'd like to provide helpful advice. My comments about Maui right now were admittedly negative but it's still pretty bad there and I don't think encouraging a visit only to lead to a bad experience would be good.

What does this young couple like to do? Are they adrenaline junkies looking for hiking, ziplines, etc.? Or are they seeking sun and crowded beaches to interact with others their age? Maybe they want to find secluded beaches to have to themselves. Do they want to see Hawaiian history? Or perhaps US history by visiting Pearl Harbor? All of these are possible but not on every island.

I personally agree that for a first time visit picking one island is best...if they expectto be back.

But as a local I've made many 2-3 day weekend trips to other islands so I don't think splitting a week between 2 islands is unreasonable.

 

[SecondAttempt]

Too bad about Maui and the resistance to tourists. I understand the sentiment, but it's sort of a two edged sword. Tourists are the life-blood of the economy. Without them, there is very little income to the Islands and especially to Maui. Maui's economy used to be sugar/pineapple and tourists. Now, it's tourists (and construction.) At least Oahu has the military. Be careful what you wish for comes to mind. Personally I'm extremely grateful to tourists and wish our gummint didn't abuse them so much (fees for everything!) Still hoping for the Japanese to return to the Islands in their former numbers. Sorry, off topic.

It's a complicated situation. The State is encouraging tourism to bring money in. Our relatives are in healthcare and construction and did not live in Lahaina so have not been directly impacted after the day of the fire...when the nurse was ordered to prepare for a mass casualty event and went through a hellish day. Every one involved with tourism wants tourists back because their livelihoods are threatened.

But people are trying to get to the rebuilding phase. Every tourist hotel room occupied displaces a construction worker who would be rebuilding someone's house. This both drives up the cost of construction and delays things. I live on the Big Island but even here it's impossible to schedule any construction, even minor home repairs because everyone is waiting for the logjam to break in Maui and work opportunities to open up.

My relatives lost their rental home they've been in for over 20 years because the landlord tripled the rent in anticipation of being able to gouge construction workers. They found a new place at a family owned dwelling at the expense of evicting another renter. It's a bad situation!

And excuse me for pointing out that every night a tourist spends in a room is making a local sleep on the beach!

 

[Earl E Retyre]

What does this young couple like to do? Are they adrenaline junkies looking for hiking, ziplines, etc.? Or are they seeking sun and crowded beaches to interact with others their age? Maybe they want to find secluded beaches to have to themselves. Do they want to see Hawaiian history? Or perhaps US history by visiting Pearl Harbor? All of these are possible but not on every island.

It is actually a honeymoon. They like snorkeling, fishing, hiking, nice beaches, swimming pool, good food, kayaking, not partying, maybe zip lining, nice resort.

 

[Koolau]

It's a complicated situation. The State is encouraging tourism to bring money in. Our relatives are in healthcare and construction and did not live in Lahaina so have not been directly impacted after the day of the fire...when the nurse was ordered to prepare for a mass casualty event and went through a hellish day. Every one involved with tourism wants tourists back because their livelihoods are threatened.

But people are trying to get to the rebuilding phase. Every tourist hotel room occupied displaces a construction worker who would be rebuilding someone's house. This both drives up the cost of construction and delays things. I live on the Big Island but even here it's impossible to schedule any construction, even minor home repairs because everyone is waiting for the logjam to break in Maui and work opportunities to open up.

My relatives lost their rental home they've been in for over 20 years because the landlord tripled the rent in anticipation of being able to gouge construction workers. They found a new place at a family owned dwelling at the expense of evicting another renter. It's a bad situation!

And excuse me for pointing out that every night a tourist spends in a room is making a local sleep on the beach!

Lots of fallout from the Lahaina fires. Construction w*rker shortages (all Islands), incredible increases in insurance rates (all Islands and even the mainland), American Savings bank just sold by Hawaiian Electric Industries, more contentious relations toward tourists, environmental issues, housing, empl*yment, inflation, cost of living (all Islands - but especially Maui), and, of course, culture shocks.

 

[SecondAttempt]

It is actually a honeymoon. They like snorkeling, fishing, hiking, nice beaches, swimming pool, good food, kayaking, not partying, maybe zip lining, nice resort.

Then honestly, even not considering the situation on Maui, I would suggest a week on the Big Island at one of the Kohala resorts - Waikoloa Marriott or Hilton, Fairmont Orchid, Mauna Lani, Mauna Kea Resort, or Westin Hapuna Beach Resort.

 

[Koolau]

It is actually a honeymoon. They like snorkeling, fishing, hiking, nice beaches, swimming pool, good food, kayaking, not partying, maybe zip lining, nice resort.

Be sure to contact the hotel and be certain their amenities are actually available. DW and I did our "trial run" for Paradise by staying at a hotel for 6 week before I FIREd the next year. The pool wasn't available. They were "waiting for parts." There was no compensation or refund. "The beach is 2 blocks that way" we were told.

 

[Earl E Retyre]

Then honestly, even not considering the situation on Maui, I would suggest a week on the Big Island at one of the Kohala resorts - Waikoloa Marriott or Hilton, Fairmont Orchid, Mauna Lani, Mauna Kea Resort, or Westin Hapuna Beach Resort.

Why? Are the beaches, snorkeling, fishing or resorts better on the Big Island?

 

[SecondAttempt]

Why? Are the beaches, snorkeling, fishing or resorts better on the Big Island?

I've been scuba diving and snorkeling all over the world and I honesty think Kona is the best...but I'm sure many will disagree.

The beaches on the Big Island are not great but they are OK. They are not much better on Maui. Kauai has the best sandy beaches in my opinion. The farther east west you go the older the island. Older = more eroded = sandier. Maui and Big Island beaches tend to be rockier.

Fishing can be good or bad anywhere but keep in mind that the international billfish championships are in Kona.

Resorts are their own little world anywhere so I can't really say one island has better resorts than another in general but I will say that the cost of a similar resort will be double or triple on Maui compared to the Big Island.

Great hiking here as well in Hawaii Volcanos National Park (main park and also Kahuku unit) and the Kohala mountains as well as some rainforests.

Don't get me wrong, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu are all nice in their own way. Maui is having some difficulties right now. My recommendation for the Big Island is based on the activities you mentioned rather than because I live here. You can find all those things on every island, I just think the Big Island has the best collection of what you mentioned.

 

[Koolau]

I've been scuba diving and snorkeling all over the world and I honesty think Kona is the best...but I'm sure many will disagree.

The beaches on the Big Island are not great but they are OK. They are not much better on Maui. Kauai has the best sandy beaches in my opinion. The farther east west you go the older the island. Older = more eroded = sandier. Maui and Big Island beaches tend to be rockier.

Fishing can be good or bad anywhere but keep in mind that the international billfish championships are in Kona.

Resorts are their own little world anywhere so I can't really say one island has better resorts than another in general but I will say that the cost of a similar resort will be double or triple on Maui compared to the Big Island.

Great hiking here as well in Hawaii Volcanos National Park (main park and also Kahuku unit) and the Kohala mountains as well as some rainforests.

Don't get me wrong, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu are all nice in their own way. Maui is having some difficulties right now. My recommendation for the Big Island is based on the activities you mentioned rather than because I live here. You can find all those things on every island, I just think the Big Island has the best collection of what you mentioned.

I don't have the snorkeling experience of SecondAttempt but I have to agree that snorkeling on Big Island at Kona is incredible. The water is clearest I've seen in the Islands.

 

[Nords]

For those of you who live in or have vacationed in Hawaii, I wanted to get your opinion ...

I know a young couple in their 30's planning a trip to Hawaii and they are trying to decide whether to spend 1 week in Maui or split across 2 islands and do 3.5 days in Maui and 3.5 days in Kauai.

Opinions?

We've been on Oahu for over 35 years. We get this question All. The. Time. from family & friends.

I'd suggest that the young couple browse the options on the 101ThingsToDo website for their chosen islands and tentatively plan to stick to one island. (And one airport, and one passenger screening line, and one lodging, and one rental car, and one shopping trip for local gear.) That's especially the case if they're the type of visitors who tend to overdo it on the first day or two and inadvertently neglect to use enough sunscreen.

Add up their choices, and I think they'll have a great vacation on Kauai.

And if they're surfers, we'd be having this discussion based on the least-crowded surf breaks.

 

[Koolau]

For those of you who live in or have vacationed in Hawaii, I wanted to get your opinion ...

I know a young couple in their 30's planning a trip to Hawaii and they are trying to decide whether to spend 1 week in Maui or split across 2 islands and do 3.5 days in Maui and 3.5 days in Kauai.

Opinions?

To back up for just a moment:

Too many unanswered questions. How did the couple decide these two Islands? There are several Islands and those would not be my picks (though understand we're all different.) As Nords suggests, they should do some homew*rk and see which Island they might prefer.

Moving to the bottom line (even though I could ask more questions):

I would suggest a first time visitor stay on Oahu. It has almost everything the other Islands have but in much smaller doses (spread around the Island.) One can easily use The Bus to get around, or rent a car or use the various tours that are available to hit all the high points. Travel around Oahu is much easier (though sometimes traffic is a pain.)


Tell them to buy all the books by Andrew Doughty and research which Island fits their interest the most. Good luck.

 

[Montecfo]

What time of year? Water activities can be far less enjoyable in Hawaii in winter. But still a worthwhile destination in any season.

Having said that and having been to each island more than once. Love them all and will return again.

I would definitely choose one island. Logistics would cut into a 2 island trip with just a week. And I would probably choose Kauai just due to the variety of activities you can do, less crowded, more charming. And there is Waimea Canyon State Park. We were last there February of 2023.

Do Maui on another trip after things settle out.

Another pro tip: Get the Shaka guide, or another app based guide. You will see and learn so much more without having to research everything deeply in advance.

Hope they have a fabulous trip!

 

[Al18]

Been to the islands a few times. Snorkeling on Maui is the best, while snorkeling on Kona, the big island is second best.

 

[SecondAttempt]

I will stick with my advice for the Big Island. But I will add that there are no bad choices. All the islands have their own pros and cons and everyone has made good points in favor of Kauai or Oahu. I'm sure they will have a great time regardless of which island(s) they choose.

 

[Earl E Retyre]

Thanks all.

I'd suggest that the young couple browse the options on the 101ThingsToDo website for their chosen islands and tentatively plan to stick to one island.

I will share this website with them, Thanks. I think they are leaning towards sticking with one island and I think they are currently leaning towards Maui.

To back up for just a moment:

Too many unanswered questions. How did the couple decide these two Islands? There are several Islands and those would not be my picks (though understand we're all different.)

I think the reason they picked these two islands was by googling. This video and many searches say that the best island to honeymoon is Maui. They are not city people so Oahu is out. Kauai was considered a second choice but upon researching it more they think it may be too small with too few places to eat and things to do.

which hawaii island best for honeymoon - Google Search

What time of year? Water activities can be far less enjoyable in Hawaii in winter. But still a worthwhile destination in any season.

The trip is in mid October. Googling temps and it says Oct high is 77 which is the same as July so assume weather and water activities are fine?

Been to the islands a few times. Snorkeling on Maui is the best, while snorkeling on Kona, the big island is second best.

I believe that is one of the reasons they lean towards Maui.

Thanks all. They have not booked any reservations yet ...

 

[CaliKid]

All the islands are great. I'd pick one island for that period of time. I would say both Maui and Kauai are great. I would plan to go back to another island in the future. We have been to all of them and prefer Oahu as there is much more to do (big city) if you want it... and remote beaches if you prefer those. Best of both worlds in our opinion.

 

[Montecfo]

October? Our trips have been summer except the trip in Feb. Water was really choppy then and we did not snorkel at all. It was a bit cooler than expected but did not detract from trip. Others might be better able to comment on Oct.

Should be fun regardless.

 

[audreyh1]

If they are going in the winter months, don't expect good snorkeling most locations. Maybe on the south side of an island but Maui is not set up for that. Kauai and the Oahu have good southern exposure snorkeling areas.

For October - shoulder weather is less predictable. We were on Kauai in September and north shore snorkeling from the beach was still very good, but the swells were getting bigger and they canceled a kayak trip along the Napili coast saying conditions were too rough.

Have no idea about Maui water conditions in October. We were there along the west beaches in mid April and the snorkeling was good and the water even calm in some sheltered bays.

 

[Earl E Retyre]

It may not be accurate but AI says ...
October is an ideal time for snorkeling in Maui because of the calm ocean conditions, warm water, and lower humidity:

• Temperature: Daytime temperatures are in the mid-80s°F, and evenings are comfortable at 65°F–68°F.
• Trade winds: The famous trade winds ease up, creating calm ocean conditions.
• Waves: The first winter swells may begin to arrive, but they generally affect the north and east shores.
• Marine life: The south and west shores are calm and perfect for exploring Maui's vibrant marine life.
• Rain: The chance of rain is relatively low in October.

 

[Golden Mean]

It may not be accurate but AI says ...
October is an ideal time for snorkeling in Maui because of the calm ocean conditions, warm water, and lower humidity:

• Temperature: Daytime temperatures are in the mid-80s°F, and evenings are comfortable at 65°F–68°F.
• Trade winds: The famous trade winds ease up, creating calm ocean conditions.
• Waves: The first winter swells may begin to arrive, but they generally affect the north and east shores.
• Marine life: The south and west shores are calm and perfect for exploring Maui's vibrant marine life.
• Rain: The chance of rain is relatively low in October.

This has been my experience with Oct in Maui (Kaanapali/Kapalua), multiple times. Only issue is the water isn't at its warmest in Oct. and Maui water can get cloudy/sandy.

 

[Koolau]

We have been to all of them and prefer Oahu as there is much more to do (big city) if you want it... and remote beaches if you prefer those. Best of both worlds in our opinion.

Yeah, I couldn't have said it better.

And for living on Oahu there is the added advantage of much more available health care (but not likely an issue to tourists.)

 

[SecondAttempt]

It may not be accurate but AI says ...
October is an ideal time for snorkeling in Maui because of the calm ocean conditions, warm water, and lower humidity:

• Temperature: Daytime temperatures are in the mid-80s°F, and evenings are comfortable at 65°F–68°F.
• Trade winds: The famous trade winds ease up, creating calm ocean conditions.
• Waves: The first winter swells may begin to arrive, but they generally affect the north and east shores.
• Marine life: The south and west shores are calm and perfect for exploring Maui's vibrant marine life.
• Rain: The chance of rain is relatively low in October.

I would say this is generally accurate for all the islands but it can vary dramatically by location. For example, this past fall, October-ish it was extremely wet where I live in South Kona on the Big Island. It rained a lot almost every day even though that is usually the beginning of our dry season.

Based on my experience, ocean temperatures continue to warm well into late November. I'm a diver so I mostly pay attention to below surface temperature. But for snorkeling October/November is better than March/April for sure. Water is also warmer the farther south/west you go - Hawaii is warmer than Kauai but the difference is just a couple of degrees and hardly a game changer.

Trade winds change weekly. While there may be general season trends they are not to be counted on in most places.

It's true you will be unlikely to get swells in October most yeas.

Do your homework. Much of what makes Maui best for a honeymoon may no longer exist. My favorite part of Maui was Lahaina. It's gone forever! My understanding is that many of the tour operators have shut down.

Please understand that the Maui fires in 2023 were truly catastrophic. They killed about 100 people but destroyed the lives of thousands more residents. Nothing is the same there. Maui is simply not the same as it was a year and a half ago. Anything written about Maui before August 2023 is simply completely wrong. I have nothing against Maui but I'd hate for your kids to have a bad experience based on obviously outdated information. Recovery will take years if not decades.