I know it's not Europe but...

[MuvverRussia]

Anyway, due to the weakness of the USD vs GBP and the fact that I'm working all the hours under the sun (so can't go on a longer trip this summer) I've decided to do something a bit different for my summer holiday. Considering this, I managed to get a good deal on flights from London to Hawaii (Honolulu) in September.

Now, has anyone here been to Hawaii? Any words of advice? I've got Lonely Planet USA and have had a quick look, but some personal opinions and experience would be good.

[Eagle]

Muvver, I haven't been to Hawaii yet, but was thinking of going a few months ago because of the horrible winter we were having. A bit of sunshine and warm weather would have done a lot to improve my attitude at that tme! However, spring has now arrived in the Okanagan, so I'm just as happy to stay here.

I did some research and talked to friends and colleagues who have been there, and all of them recommended it. However, I gather Honolulu (Oahu) can be very expensive, as it seems to be tailored for "rich foreigners". That's the area that would interest me the most, because of the historical significance (Pearl Harbour, USS Missouri, etc.). The other islands are becoming increasingly popular, and many airlines from this area now offer direct flights to both Maui and Oahu. My parents used to holiday on Kaui, and they really seemed to like it (although they were renting a flat with kitchen for a month with some of their friends, which is a bit different from the way I like to travel).

I spoke briefly with my travel agent, and she indicated that Hawaii can be a bit more expensive (at least for those of us from this area), as vacations aren't often packaged as "all inclusive", the way they are for Mexico or Dominican Republic. Consequently, the hotel bills and food costs can add up quickly. I'm sure it's possible to live relatively cheaply though. I had a look at the HI Hostels in Honolulu, and apparently there are two. They didn't look like "Gucci properties" but seemed quite comfortable.

If we have another winter like the last one, it's quite possible I'll be ready for a trip to Hawaii in about January. I think there is still one airline offering direct flights from this area? Incidentally, they're extending the runway at our local international airport, and DIRECT FLIGHTS from the U.K. are predicted for early in 2009!

Hope this is some help? Cheers!!!

[madamtrashheap]

Muvver, I loved Hawaii (haven't been for many years though) the 2 times I've been and was particularly taken with Kauai (some say Kawaii) and Maui - Kauai is gorgeous and small adn Maui has a very chilled feel, made me want to take up surfing! I also spent time on the Big Island (Hawaii) and on Oahu and I hear Molokai (despite being a former leper colony) is great for a relaxed (is there any other way in Hawaii??!) holiday (donkey rides included). I wanted to go but ran out of time - still on the list!

The first time I went to the Big Island was just before the volcano erupted (what is it with me and erupting volcanoes?!!) - it literally exploded the day we were leaving and we'd been on the slopes the day before - damn hiking parents! The next time I went back it was amazing to see what had changed on the island due to the lava flows - whole parks covered, significant sites buried. Kauai is quite green, has great (uncrowded) beaches and amazing mountains with views that go on forever.

Let us know where you decide to go.

[jennifer]

I personally haven't been to Hawaii, but if I remember correctly, Kim was been too. Maybe PM her

[madamtrashheap]

That's right! She went around this time last year.

[jennifer]

Oh KIM! Where are you? Is the muncking keeping you busy?

[MuvverRussia]

Ok, so far I've been looking at hotel prices. Compared to the continental US they're certainly expensive, although not too bad by UK standards (3-4* beach front for £80/night), especially as I'll be sharing the cost with my brother. Think we'll probably base ourselves in Waikiki as well, as a bit of nightlife would be good - what are the prices in bars like at the moment generally?

Other than that, I'll hire a car and hopefully do a bit of touring. O'ahu is small enough to have a central base, which is good. The only problem is the flights - I've worked out that it'll be about 26 hours door to door .

[WillTravel]

Maybe you could do a stopover in LAX or SFO?

[MuvverRussia]

Yeah, I looked into that, but it increases the cost of the flights by about £230 (US$460) per person, even though it's exactly the same route.

[omaann]

I have been to Hawaii twice. It is expensive compared to California but well worth it. If you are staying in Waikiki, you will be centrally based and within walking distance of the bars, etc. Not too miss would be the Pearl Harbor tour and a hike up Diamondhead. I recommend the hike first thing in the morning....I did it at 11AM and cooked up to the top. Not much to see on the way up but the view is breathtaking once you reach the top. Have a great time!

[frankftr]

I was just in Hawaii for a week last month and it was amazing! We stayed in the Hilton resort on Waikiki beach. As has already been stated, must sees include diamondhead, pearl harbor (the USS Arizona is free but has a suggested donation), I would add to the list Hanauma Bay. Hanauma is a wildlife refuge and home to some of the most amazing snorkeling in the world! Pretty much every kind of sea life imaginable!! Costs $5 per person and parking is a dollar or something. It does get busy but there's plenty of fish to go around!!

As you said you would be renting a car, a circle tour around the island is a must! We did it in a day, but it was a long day! The dole plantation was interesting but not a must-see.

Dukes Canoe Club is a nice little relaxing restaurant/bar in one of the resorts, and it's right on waikiki beach, sorry I don't remember which resort, just ask someone they'll point you in the right direction!

Hope you have a great trip!