I've decided to visit Hawaii later this summer. I'm from the lower 48 so no passport is required.
Is there anything I should know before I go? Which island is the best to visit or would be for a first-timer? Is a travel budget of about $5k and for roughly 8-10 days sufficient? I'd like to spend one day at the beach, one day hiking a rainforest, and at least one day sight-seeing in general. Any tips or suggestions are appreciated.
banana
bro 5k is enough for well over a month
When my grandparents went they said be prepared to spend between $4k - $5k so I just went off what they said.
Retarded phone posting OP here.
>A upscale hotel will be somewhere between 1000-1500 dollars depending
I was thinking of maybe doing a VRBO depending on what they charged.
>Don't ever feel 'bad' for the natives it's not worth it both mentally and financially
You mean they try to guilt trip large tips or what not?
>Rent a car if you value your time
Noted. I was wondering what bus service was like but this is probably the way to go.
Does Maui have a direct airport from the lower 48 or do I need to get on a puddle jumper?
Camping sounds like a great idea, but since it'd just me be myself going on a solo trip, it might not be worth it either.
Also which rainforest hike do you most recommend?
As an Oahu resident and frequent traveller to neighbor islands (work and leisure), I have a few suggestions:
Hotel quality correspond to price, however all hotel prices in Hawaii are high so it's relative. Learn to supply and demand, and book what works for you. Airbnbs are strictly a scam in Hawaii, VRBO is not far behind. County governments (except for Hawaii county) are also increasingly aggressive in trying to outlaw them as a public nuisance. Don't pretend like the rest of the incels on sighsee that being a bum in a hostel, rented shitholebnb, or living in a car is ok. You will instead ruin the rest of your trip and ruin your impression of Hawaii (wasting your time and money).
>You mean they try to guilt trip large tips or what not?
Sucker born every minute, etc. Tip what YOU are comfortable and stop thinking about it.
Maui has 3 airports: Kahului (middle of Maui) which has directs to most major airports in the western US and Canada, also connects to everywhere else. The sole priority pass lounge on Maui (HA premier club, which is a shit lounge) is also here.
Consider JHM the west Maui airport or the Hana airport at the end of the road to Hana for inter-island flights on 8-10 seat propeller planes. Recent trends are low west coast-Hawaii airfare, low inter-island (except propeller planes), and high hotels rates especially Maui reflecting demand.
I only do ocean activities and have many hotel/resort recommendations, and hate hiking or camping (unless on the beach) so can't help you there.
I'm planning on taking my senpai for my wife's 30th. I'm curious to your recommendations for activities and lodging. Also, it would be in October, should weather be a concern more than normal?
> I'm planning on taking my senpai for my wife's 30th
Are you in a cuckolding relationship?
On Maui, I like the Westin Kaanapali (the hotel, not the timeshares) the best by far for its location, facilities, and most beautiful sunset you can sit and have a cocktail watching. there’s a Sheraton next door that’s vary old Hawaii and all the Westin timeshares are overrun with kids. If you like something a bit more high end and isolated, try the Ritz-Carlton which has beautiful grounds if set back a little from the water. The Waimea beach Marriott is also very good in location/price relatively speaking compared to the Waldorf Astoria, Andaz, and Four Seasons surrounding it. This gives you a sense of what is in Wailea vs say Kaanapali.
For activities, nothing comes close to going to molokini, a crescent shaped shoal for a snorkel/dive. If you’re staying in Wailea look for the sole operator who launches off there instead of the extremely long boat rides out of the big harbors.
The weather is generally always nice, but YMMV. For the example the last 2 weeks it’s been raining nonstop and cold (relatively speaking) here on Oahu. You should not have any concerns outside of the winter season
Can't tell if retarded or not but
>Is a travel budget of about $5k and for roughly 8-10 days sufficient?
Unless you demand to stay in penthouse floor+facing the ocean+resort fee's+room service nightly, you're fine.
A upscale hotel will be somewhere between 1000-1500 dollars depending
Uber works but the bus is also easy for the ocean strips
Short plane between islands unless you can land a cruise that takes you scuba diving or whatever
Honolulu is probably has all you want, Hilo is okay I guess
Don't ever feel 'bad' for the natives it's not worth it both mentally and financially
Rent a car if you value your time
>Which island is the best to visit or would be for a first-timer?
I went to Kauai and Maui and I would recommend the same
Camp for a majority of the time you are there. You go there for nature, why stay in some shithole resort where you feel like you are getting ripped off?
Stay in a hotel every 5 days or so to clean yourself up, and camp the rest of the time. Take my advice and you will have a blast!
Olowalu campground on Maui is beautiful. It's around $30 a night and worth every penny. Staying in your tent there is unironically nicer than staying in most hotels. It's also close to La Haina, which is a great experience. Drive around the eastern cost of Maui, it's a drive called "road to hana" I believe. Beautiful views and worth every penny. It's legal to drive drunk there btw, as long as you are careful.
Kauai is a far more "wild" island, there's still significant tourist presence but not nearly the same as Maui. Kayaking in the rivers there is a great experience, just make sure you and your team is physically up for the task lmao. It's not easy, even in 2 person kayaks. These rivers lead inland to some of the most beautiful rainforest hiking I've ever seen. Amazing experience all around.
Both islands have beaches you can spend plenty of time on, honestly every beach was amazing in it's own way but La Haina was just so perfect, the water was like a gentle bath and the waves were so perfect for learning to surf, the whole experience felt like something out of a dream or movie.
Ask me if you have any questions. Just make sure you and your friends camp! You won't regret it!
Curious how you did the logistics of camping if you flew there? Did you ship it to yourself or buy something there?
Not him but you know you can just check that luggage right?
just check in a bag or fly southwest (if the tickets aren't too much)
My ticket prices were a little over $320 btw.
I flew from OAK to OGG (Kauai), from there to Maui, and from there back to OAK.
$320 is roughly $106 per flight, which I think is a great deal. You shouldn't need to pay too much more than I did, but I have no clue what airport you are flying out of ofc.
Check Skyscanner, google flights, https://skiplagged.com/.
The cost of checking in bags on Hawaiian is expensive, about $35. It sucks but you probably have to pay it.
All the stuff you need for camping can easily fit in a suitcase, Backpackers do this all the time. Tent, sleeping bag, inflatable pad. Possibly a hammock too. A folding chair maybe. That's all you need really.
Go camping here in the continental USA beforehand so you understand the gear you get.