Beth and I will be going to Hawaii in April and could use your advise on things to do. We will be spending four days on the Big Island (Kona)and eight days in Maui. Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. In Kona we are staying at the Hapuna Beach Resort and in Maui we will be staying at the Hyatt Regency.
Thanks for your input.

 

Well, Matt is your biggest resource for Hawaii since he's been there so many times. I love HI, but have not been to either the Big Island or Maui. One thing I would recommend is a helicopter tour on Kauai - the red dirt island. I flew over for the day from Oahu and took one. Spectacular, particularly when the pilot flew into the valleys between those amazing mountains along the Na' Pali Coast. Definitely worth doing!

 

What a great trip to have on the calender to look forward to!

Patty has also been a few times, so she may have some tips, but as Deb said, Matt will likely have plenty of tips for you.

 

Havent been in awhile but have done the following;

Black Beach
Horse back riding
Scuba / snorkle
Deep sea fishing
Golf
Visit Ka Lae (most southern point for the United States)
Volcano tour

 

Recommend you check the Hawaii Forum, those guys were a great help to me when I was there 2 years ago.

 

My sister, Jeanne, lives on Kauai so that's where I've been mostly. Haven't gone though in about 11 years. I enjoyed snorkeling at Poipu Beach, there, and seeing sea turtles.

I went to Maui in 1981 and loved it. I'd like to go back with a boyfriend (if that ever happens) to snorkel again. The drive to Hana on Maui is supposed to be great but I've never done it. That's all I know.

 

I'm pretty sure they have dinosaurs there, so be careful.

 

 

First of all I'm jealous!

I have been to Hawaii twelve times .... Matt has been there almost twice that! We went on a helicopter ride on the Big Island while Kilauea was erupting. We were hovering 500 feet above the volcano and the pilot said he hadn't seen the lava running so fast! You could see the lava just heaving out the crater. Unbelievable!

We also went snorkeling off of Maui in a large catamaran and when Matt got back on the boat, the captain asked if everyone was accounted for ... Matt couldn't find me. I was still in the water signaling like crazy that I found sea turtles. There was a tunnel that they were swimming through. Then one of them surfaced right next to me! I started back peddling furiously as not to touch it. Incredible!

I could bore you all day with stories plus Matt bought the Formula One simulation for our Play Station 3. I doubt if he ever will go on line again. Once he out how to get out of the pit, he's hasn't stopped !

 

Maury and Beth,

I have had the pleasure of going to the Aloha state twenty-two times since 1979. I am lucky in that the initial trips have always been for business and we have then taken side trips to every other Island except for Molokai.

I have noticed that several of the responses mentioned other islands such as Oahu and Kauai which as far as I can tell you will NOT be visiting.

For what it is worth the Big Island of Hawaii is my personal favorite for a few reasons. The first of most is that eleven of the world's thirteen climates can be found on that island. The second reason besides the diversity is that the Big Island is the best place on earth for star gazing. There is virtually no light or air pollution being in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. I would really suggest that you go to the center of the island (perhaps on the Saddle Back Road, after checking your rental agreement that may void your contract) to see the stars on a clear night. I guarantee you that you have never seen that many stars in your entire life.

I did not research where you are staying on the Big Island but I assume it is on the Kona side of the Island? If so I we would HIGHLY recommend eating dinner at Roy Yamaghuci's in Waikaloa or the Chart House in Kona.

Feel free to PM me if you like or call me on my mobile phone (PM me for the number). I would be happy to share what I know about visiting both the Big Island and Maui as I have been to both islands several times.

Aloha, and wishing you both a wonderful Bon Voyage to the Aloha State.

Aloha,
Matt