Hawaii bound
 

Going to Hawaii next month for a week with our daughter and her family.. What are the MUST see places and things to do? I plan on quilt shops, of course, and snorkeling... anybody have favorite things to see and do? I would like for this to be relaxing vacation... thanks in advance...

We use the website Tripadvisor a lot when traveling. It has info on sites and lodging and reviews by visitors as well. You do have to realize these are other people's views which may differ from yours. A good example was the reviews we read about a Best Western that was a little off the beaten path I guess you could say. It had all great reviews except for one which you could tell was written by someone younger, maybe college age. It complained owner wanted to charge him extra when he brought 2 extra friends (total 4 people) when he had made reservation for 2. He arrived very late, a friend threw a drink in parking lot, they yelled and couldn't believe owner threatened to call police, etc... You probably get the idea. Anyhow, we decided it was probably a good place to stay and quiet because owner didn't put up with any nonsense. It turned out to be a very good choice.

You can also ask questions on the forum and there are some very helpful people out there willing to give their advice. Also search questions already asked and you may just find your answers posted already. When we travel, we all often have similar questions.

my favorite was visiting the pearl harbor memorial... very moving

I agree with the Pearl Harbor visit as it is touching. I've been privileged to go to Hawaii twice. Both times we visited other islands. They are all so different. IMHO if you visit only in Honolulu, you've missed much! Study and read about the places and choose according to your preferences and those of your family, of course.
Marcia

Ditto the visit to Pearl Harbor! That was undoubtably the most profound part of our trip to Hawaii last year andi will visit it again when we go back. We went out on a catamaran...that was really fun. Also went whale watching but didn't see any. We were there for just a few days (DH was there for work). When we go back we will also go to Maui. We absolutely LOVED our trip...the fact that it was snowy and cold back home probably made us love it even more!

What island(s) are you going to-??

snorkeling at Hanauma bay, Polynesian cultural center, pearl harbor memorial

When we had a 2 day stopover in Hawaii on our return from our USAF assignment in Guam we rented a car so we could drive around the island and stop wherever we saw something interesting. There was also a visitors guide that we were given which listed sites to visit along the way. Since we were traveling with small children, we did not visit the historical sites which I would have greatly enjoyed, but we did spend a very enjoyable afternoon at Paradise Park. I don't know if it is still there as this was over 30 years ago, but it was a fun tropical zoo / amusement park for both adults and children.

Still wanting to go back on an adults only visit!

There are the popular things like the Arizona Memorial, etc. If I were to go back, the first place I'd go is Anna Millers Restaraunt, in Pearl City. It is fantastic and the best strawberry pie ever. I don't know if its still there but I'd also love to go to the colisium on the weekend and they have a big flea market there. Best place to get your "tourist" souvineers.

I'd also love to go to Germains Loau, its the best on the island. Sea life park is also great. Most people go there and spend thier time in Honolulu but if you get out and drive you can go to Diamond Head, Bellows Beach is up on the mountain and its fantastic. Yes, I really miss it, I lived there for 6 yrs and would go back in a heart beat.

You are in for a real treat!! My parents-in-law sent us on our honeymoon (38 years ago) and my DH has always (sort of) joked that we're just visiting here (OK), waiting to go back home...

Definitely see the Pearl Harbor memorial... and if possible, visit at least one other island... but no matter what you do, you will enjoy the visit immensely!! ALOHA!!

It is beautiful and you will love everything. Hawaiians are very welcoming. Just walking around is amazing. The little house plants in my kitchen window are hedges there or full grown trees!!!! What island/s will you be visiting?

Depends on which island you will be visiting. Honolulu has a great zoo and also a fabulous museum. There is Pearl Harbor and the pineapple plantations north of the city. Every island has something different to visit. It is amazing how fast a week goes by. I love Hawaii and would love to live there but hubby doesn't like the heat. I've visited every island and they are beautiful.

Arizona Memorial Punch Bowl-get out of the tourist areas and enjoy the real islands

I'm with quiltmau, on Oahu, see the Punch Bowl National Cemetery and Arizona Memorial. Be sure to see it at the National Park. That way you get the boat ride TO the memorial and get to go on it. Then go to another island, Maui is gorgeous, very green and lush. You can go to the top of Haleakala and bicycle down, if you like. Hawaii Island is almost another planet and sooooo much to see. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, takes a couple days to see it. You can see the lava flow into the sea, at night, if you want to do the walk.

Place of Refuge, Pu`uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, is a beautiful park. Tells of the Hawaiian culture. It's between Kona and HVNP. In Captain Cook, there is a MARVELOUS fabric shop, H. Kimura is the name. The Hawaiian prints are astounding. There is also a small quilt shop in Volcano Village (the village is near the entrance to HVNP). Hilo is also interesting, farmer's markets, small shops, restaurants. Pahoa has some interesting places too. Just to drive around the island is a continual site to see.

Been to HI twice, but only fly in and out of Oahu. Way to many people and always a traffic jam waiting to happen. But if you have to stay there, go out of the big city to see the real thing. Next time I want to see Kaua`i and Moloka`i. Have fun, just be sure you buy fabric, there is nothing like it. Makes perfect souvenirs for yourself, lays flat to pack. But if you find too much, may want to mail it back. LOL!

We went snorkeling at Hanauma bay on Christmas morning while everyone else was opening their presents. We had the area all to ourselves until about noon when the rest of the world showed up. But by then we had done all the swimming and snorkeling we wanted to do. Had a fantastic time. Also went to the North Shore to see the big waves. I agree with going to the Pearl Harbor memorial and the Polynesian cultural center.

Agree with all of the above suggestions. When we were there we could get week's pass to island hop on Ahola Airlines...not sure they are still in business. We flew to the island of choice that day --- home base was on Maui ---- then we would rent a car and enjoy the sites and attractions.

Enjoy your week and make lots of memories.

Hate you!!! No really I do!!! lol... You'll have a great time!!

I totally agree, it's a great place to visit .

Our daughter was a Ranger there at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and we visited many times.I would recommend the Big Island of Hawaii and fly into either Hilo or Kona. Hilo is on the rainy side and Kona is the dry side.Top thing to see on the big island is the volcano, of course, followed by the drive UP and Up to the top of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, (dormant volcanes) snow covered, observatories, thrilling! Then go local at the farmers markets and try all the different fruits and veggies. I like the purple potatoes, striped carrots and apple-bananas, but try the more exotic ones too. Then visit a couple orchid farms, macadamia nut farms, pineapple plantations. Do not, I repeat do NOT just buy into all the touristy stuff. Most is over priced and hokey. Do swim, walk along the beaches, see the giant sea turtles, whale watch, collect sea shells, admire all the flowers, listen to the birds, take thousands of photos, and most of all be open to the wonderful experience. Tell us all about it when you return.

besides what was mentioned already don't forget the pali lookout. it is a beautiful view from there and the story goes that king kamamaha(sp?) and his warriors fought there they would be blown back up on the cliff to continue battle. there is also the hula show downtown honolulu, it was called the kodak povillion but since it was along time ago i'm not sure what it would be called now. . you didn't say which island you were going but that all is in honolulu. oh yeah they have the primo brewery you can take tours of also in aiea. further down from aiea we used to like to have dinner at the monkey bar and watch the little monkeys play. my son and his wife like maui most of all. everyone say they really enjoyed going to that island if u island hop. might want to see if they still have the bird show in honolulu that was really good up at their bird sanctuary.it has been a long time but we lived there for four years and my son was born there. we used to put him in a baby back pack and hike up to the top of diamond head. i've heard though that you can no longer go there the military took back over.

We hiked up Diamond Head.

I did this the last day of our last trip, on the day before we flew home - I don't recommend that, try to do it earlier in your trip :) It's not really that bad of a hike, but it's not fun to sit still on an airplane right after with tired muscles... all I wanted to do was just get up and walk around.

There is also a really fun fabric store in Honolulu on Kalakaua as you head north out of Waikiki, literally, it's a block north of the Ala Wai... it's called Hawaii Fabric Mart and it's right in front of Don Quiote. It's basically two floors of Hawaiian fabrics :) It's also conveniently at a bus stop if you don't have a car.

I went to Maui in '89, so I'm not necessarily up to date, but I'm a garden type person, and I loved the gardens there. Also loved snorkeling- have a wonderful trip :)

Forgot to mention Fabric Warehouses, big stores in Kona and Hilo. :)

Everything you can.
I have been twice and loved everything there was to do.

Pineapple fields

DH and I just returned from Hawaii, our third time traveling there. I love the Polynesian Cultural Center, Oh there is just so much to see and do and the atmosphere is fantastic. I liked the helicopter ride over Kilauaea (spell ?) Volcano. Neat. You must go to a luau. I don't like the "poi" but the IMU roast pig is out of this world! Only the Hawaiians know how to make that. Love the Hula dancers too. Have a great vacation!

Pearl Harbor, Dole Plantation , Hanauma Bay, Germains luau (I would make reservations)...you can rent a car and drive around the island, you could drive up the Pali and go to the look out, that is neat. there is lots to see....You can go to the stadium for your souvenirs, I think they still sell fabric there too an FYI, some of the areas can be a little scary, don't leave anything in your car and just know your surroundings....Oh, and Zippys has great food and Mc Donalds now has a teri burger on special.....

Try to see the Hawaiian Quilt Museum also.

32 years ago we went to HA for our honeymoon, 5 islands. Of course we had to go to the zoo. It was small, and obviously needed some time to grow, but it seemed well taken care of. (I'm in the Toledo area, known for it's outstanding zoo, so use that to judge others)

Then, a few years ago our navy son was taking some class in HA, and we thought, if we don't go now, we never will again. We just went to Oahu, and of course, visited the zoo. How it had grown!
The first time we went , they had about 10 Galapagos tortoises, and for some reason, they all came over to see me. They were kind of small, and seemed full of energy. For years we've been laughing about that. Then, when we went the second time, though the tortoises were bigger, and slower, again, a group of 6 or so came over to me. It took them awhile, but I waited for them. Now we laugh that they remembered, and were just saying "How, you been?" Who knows, maybe they'll meet my grandchildren, I guess they live a long time

Ben went to the Memorial with us, in his uniform, that was very moving
I came back with a few pieces of fabric, but I can't remember where they came from.

Enjoy your visit!

WOW! Thanks everybody. I have printed off replies and high lighted all spots of interest. Already packed with important paperwork in suitcase. I think I may have to stay longer than a week.. lol !! 17 days but NOT counting..... tee hee!! You all are a great help.... THX again!!