First time heading to Hawaii next month with the better half. I was just wondering are there anything we should see/do that aren't in all the glossy travel brochures/websites. Any advice, tips or help appreciated. We will be on Oahu for 6-7 days then cruise boat around the other islands.
We were planning to stay away from day tours preferring to go at our own pace, so we will be hiring a car when needed (at least that's the plan so far). It's kind of a celebration trip, hers for acing her nursing degree at age 40ish(and picking up a job in paradise) and me for clearing 5 years remission from leukemia.

Thanks for reading. Like i said any tips will be appreciated.

Hi Tuscan if you can hang out for the next Aussie Windsurf Mag due end of this month there's an article in there about Maui Trips specifically around Windsurfing ...

That may give you some ideas if your heading to Maui ?
Cheers

Where are you staying? I think Oahu is the most versatile place for a holiday. Bit of everything, great weather, it's easy, clean, safe etc. Waikiki sometimes gets a bad wrap as its very touristy but it works so well. Plenty of things to see and wander around, go shopping and eat on the main stretch. ABC stores carry everything you'll need and they are everywhere.

15 minutes away and you are in a different world. Beautiful country, friendly locals with reasonable prices.

It's really worth paying the money for a Pearl Harbour full day tour. The local guides are excellent. The yanks do this stuff really well.

-Haiku Stairs isn't a bad walk.
-Diamond Head was OK but i certainly wouldn't pay for the tour.
-The zoo and army museum are ok for a short look if you are into that. Both a bit basic but we all need to support these things.
- Take your wife swimming with the dolphins. Major brownie points
- Kaluia Ranch. With its movie location tours etc it can be a bit touristy but the fact is its still one of the most beautiful places on earth.
- North Shore, nuff said!! You'll want a car for this. Can be done by tour or bus but it'll take longer.

Heaps of walks, beaches and bays to stop at as well as other touristy stuff you'll see on the brochures. You can't really go wrong anywhere in Hawaii

Definitely spend time on Maui. You'll need a car. Plenty of wind surf hire. Was there last month and managed to get one day on the water. Not enough. Kanaha BeachPark is a good place to go (a few minutes drive from the Airport & cruiseship terminal). Check it out on the internet.

Not sure what you're into Tuscan, so hard to give too much help. But the one thing I will say is go snorkelling, the turtles are especially awesome. Best to know ahead of time that meals are HUGE so way too easy to over order.

There is some great mountain biking, not sure if that's on the glossy brochures.

Select to expand quote

tuscan said..
First time heading to Hawaii next month with the better half. I was just wondering are there anything we should see/do that aren't in all the glossy travel brochures/websites. Any advice, tips or help appreciated. We will be on Oahu for 6-7 days then cruise boat around the other islands.
We were planning to stay away from day tours preferring to go at our own pace, so we will be hiring a car when needed (at least that's the plan so far). It's kind of a celebration trip, hers for acing her nursing degree at age 40ish(and picking up a job in paradise) and me for clearing 5 years remission from leukemia.

Thanks for reading. Like i said any tips will be appreciated.

Congrats to you both and you'll love Hawaii. As MDSXRT said i agree with it all, the Pearl harbour tour was unreal. So humbling and educational. I enjoyed Diamond head and Snorkelling in Hanauma Bay is also well worth it, but get their early if you have your own car. Taxi would be fine.

Hakua Stairs is my regret, it was locked off so missed it. Id also like to have looked around the Western side, near Makaha also.

The Polynesian Cultural centre on the North Shore is great.

One-ocean Diving if your into snorkelling with sharks. That will change your life and it was one of my family favourite days. Out of Haleiwa.
http://www.oneoceandiving.com

Surfing Waikiki i thought would be overrated, but it was so much fun.

Eat Acai bowls and Shaved ice everyday..

Oh and a visit to Walmart is fun for a giggle..

Then a boat trip around the outer islands would be so cool.. Enjoy and please bring back loads of pictures..

mountain biking down the volcano on the big island looks good.

If you go to the Big Island make sure you check out the lava flow if it's accessible, which I believe it is at the moment.

Weimea falls and ala moana mall... hire a standup and paddle down the river at north shore with sea turtles.. paradise cove luau, but make sure you pay for the gold tickets

Hire a convertible mustang on maui cheap as chips and drive right around the island, its a bit of an adventure when you get to the narrow roads up the cliffs but beautiful, and do the volcano its really high. Pearl harbour was pretty good on the main island,

Select to expand quote

pueter66 said..
Hire a convertible mustang on maui cheap as chips and drive right around the island, its a bit of an adventure when you get to the narrow roads up the cliffs but beautiful, and do the volcano its really high. Pearl harbour was pretty good on the main island,

I was told the locals love the convertibles

But your right, they are everywhere..

Last time I was on Oahu, I went sail planing (gliding) on the west side of the island...awesome soaring over the ocean...

For Maui, DO NOT take any nice clothes. There is nowhere you won't feel perfectly comfortable in thongs, singlet and boardies (well worn, preferably).

DO NOT even dream of wearing a shirt with a collar. This just SCREAMS "Tourist!!!!!" to anyone within earshot.

Also; the Margaritas at Milagros in Paia are bloody good and they're about a third of the price you pay here in Perth, though you have to remember to tip.

Aloha

Thanks heaps for the replies. All good advice that we'll put to use. Got most of it organised now, just car hire to go.
Thanks for the time and the advice. Always amazed at the people on this site, such a good vibe on Seabreeze (mostly)

Thanks again

Don't forget the outlet mall on Oahu

Select to expand quote

cRAZY Canuk said..
Don't forget the outlet mall on Oahu

I wasn't really that impressed TBH with Waikele Markets. Is that the only one? If so id give it a miss

If you're there on a weekend, see if the flea market is on. Quite interesting if you're into collecting.
I hear the water park is a hoot too.

Select to expand quote

jbshack said..

cRAZY Canuk said..
Don't forget the outlet mall on Oahu

I wasn't really that impressed TBH with Waikele Markets. Is that the only one? If so id give it a miss

Agreed. I've been unfortunate enough to be dragged into many outlet shopping places in the states and the Waikele ones are well overrated. Even on the "strip" the shopping isn't as expensive as in Perth. Exchange rate doesn't help though