So going in August, Waikiki and Maui.
Any favorite must sees/must eats?
Def want to see live volcano/road to Hana/Pearl Harbor, Diamondhead, black sand beach, Dole plantation, turtle snorkeling. Anything overrated and not worth it?
TIA for any recommendations
Maui is great. Where are you staying?
I would do a snorkeling day off molokini with sea turtles, etc., on one of the catamarans. I did the trilogy (?).
Road to Hana is cool (for the first half, boring AF the desert side).
Haleakula (sunrise on the volcano) is cool to do if you have never done it. unreal view of the sun coming up.
I can provide some food recommendations like Mama's Fish House - that book up waaaay in advance but also some that you should be able to get into.
Luau’s are ok- depends if you just want to pig out for a night.
if you have never been I'd go to one.
Old Lahainia is supposed to be the best or one of, I went to that one and one at the Westin (Ka’anapali). I thought both were expensive, the food was mediocre or slightly better, I tried my best to make up for it with all you can drink mai tai's and lava flows - but the entertainment was cool.
- North Shore
- Polynesian Cultural Center - might be a little hookie but I found it interesting and the kids loved it
Pearl Harbor - a must. make sure you actually get on the monument. Don't settle for seeing it from shore. You went all that way and in my opinion the only reason to go to Oahu. Maui is the best island.
Maui
- restaurants
Mala
Star Noodle
Roy's Kaanapali
Sea House - it used to be good but I did not have a good meal there the last tine I was there
Monkeypods - good drinks
- snorkling good places but my favorite is still in front of the Westin Kaanapali Resorts
- Helicopter tour is great but it is expensive
Enjoy your trip. I go to Maui every year it is a perfect destination. There is no bad time to go. If you want to see whales you will have to wait till next year. I believe that they leave by May/June.
- Try a cage-less shark dive. One Ocean Diving with a guy named Juan is the one you want to do, based out of the Haleiwa Harbor.
- The North Shore is flat in the summer, so there will be no waves. Waimea Bay and Shark's Cove are the "premier" spots that people flood to in the summer. Waimea is beautiful and has a jump rock (about 25 foot jump). Get there early, as parking is brutal. Shark's Cove is popular for divers and also very crowded. Try other beaches to avoid the crowds.
- Make a stop at Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore. Even if not staying there, try walking out on the beaches to the sides of it. You can also grab a drink at the pool bar and watch the sunset.
- Make time to stop at a beach called Kawela Bay. It is on the North Shore. You cannot see it from the road, but it is a real gem and my go-to. Park and walk down the path to the ocean. When facing the water there, walk to the left side as it is more sandy and great for swimming.
- Drive out to the end of the road on the West Side. It can get a little dicey in some areas but just stay on the main road and find a beach to stop at. It is beautiful.
- I avoid Waikiki. It is very crowded and very touristy. Even if staying there, try to get out and see the other parts of the island.
- Kona Beer is (mostly) not made in Hawaii. Only their kegged beer and specialty beers are made here. Not a big deal, but some people buy it up thinking they are having some local sauce when in fact it is made in the mainland.
- If you like fish, definitely try some poke. Tons of spots everywhere.
- Anywhere you go, no matter what island, do not leave stuff in your car. There is a heavy thief culture here and rental cars are the number one target.
Cinnamon Roll place in Kihei
Skip Dole tour and do the Maui Pineapple Tour in Hali'imaile. Also can tour the Distillery.
Eskimo Candy - favorite fish and poke spot.
Leave plenty of unstructured time for relaxing and exploring. Enjoy!
I didn't see the Dole plantation mentioned for Oahu or Hanks Huate dogs. Get the Fatboy. You won't regret it
Not sure if Matsumoto's on the North shore was mentioned for Shave Ice. Get it with the ice cream in the middle.
Enjoy as many sunsets and sun rises as you can.
I do agree if it's your first time to go the the Polynesian cultural center. The buffet dinner show is not great as the food is lacking. The Hilton Hawaiian village has a better luau if you want that.
Glad you posted this! We'll be in Oahu in August as well:)
Don't miss the chance to snorkel among the sea turtles. Many places you can do this. We did it at Hanauma Bay and it was awesome.
- Try a cage-less shark dive. One Ocean Diving with a guy named Juan is the one you want to do, based out of the Haleiwa Harbor.
I am thinking of doing the caged shark dive with my daughter. Why do you suggest cage-less?
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- Try a cage-less shark dive. One Ocean Diving with a guy named Juan is the one you want to do, based out of the Haleiwa Harbor.
I am thinking of doing the caged shark dive with my daughter. Why do you suggest cage-less?
I would say for the more "authentic" experience. Those sharks are well fed and well behaved. The knowledge of their behavior has come a long way in the last ten or so years, so they are totally safe. One Ocean Diving is at the forefront of shark education, at least here in the islands. I have done both, and it is hard to beat the feeling of snorkeling and watching them all around you. However, go with what you and your daughter are comfortable with.
If you are looking for a church Sunday morning, there is a unique service in the park next to Ka'anapali Beach on Rt 30. Its outside on the edge of the park with waves crashing in, and a view of the two little islands (Molokini and something else) in the background. Very unique. I think its a Calvery Christian church but everyone goes and its open to all.
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In comment 15742071 SimpleMan said:
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- Try a cage-less shark dive. One Ocean Diving with a guy named Juan is the one you want to do, based out of the Haleiwa Harbor.
I am thinking of doing the caged shark dive with my daughter. Why do you suggest cage-less?
I would say for the more "authentic" experience. Those sharks are well fed and well behaved. The knowledge of their behavior has come a long way in the last ten or so years, so they are totally safe. One Ocean Diving is at the forefront of shark education, at least here in the islands. I have done both, and it is hard to beat the feeling of snorkeling and watching them all around you. However, go with what you and your daughter are comfortable with.
I don't know if I'd say well behaved. We did one on North Shore and it was a lot of fun. One of them tried to eat our Go Pro. The only thing that was no fun was the water was really rough, but great experience overall. If anyone on here is FB's friends with me, the video is on there.
We did a really fun...I don't know how to describe it other then underwater submarine bike? That was near Diamondhead.
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In comment 15742071 SimpleMan said:
Quote:
- Try a cage-less shark dive. One Ocean Diving with a guy named Juan is the one you want to do, based out of the Haleiwa Harbor.
I am thinking of doing the caged shark dive with my daughter. Why do you suggest cage-less?
I would say for the more "authentic" experience. Those sharks are well fed and well behaved. The knowledge of their behavior has come a long way in the last ten or so years, so they are totally safe. One Ocean Diving is at the forefront of shark education, at least here in the islands. I have done both, and it is hard to beat the feeling of snorkeling and watching them all around you. However, go with what you and your daughter are comfortable with.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it!
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In comment 15742248 Mdgiantsfan said:
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In comment 15742071 SimpleMan said:
Quote:
- Try a cage-less shark dive. One Ocean Diving with a guy named Juan is the one you want to do, based out of the Haleiwa Harbor.
I am thinking of doing the caged shark dive with my daughter. Why do you suggest cage-less?
I would say for the more "authentic" experience. Those sharks are well fed and well behaved. The knowledge of their behavior has come a long way in the last ten or so years, so they are totally safe. One Ocean Diving is at the forefront of shark education, at least here in the islands. I have done both, and it is hard to beat the feeling of snorkeling and watching them all around you. However, go with what you and your daughter are comfortable with.
I don't know if I'd say well behaved. We did one on North Shore and it was a lot of fun. One of them tried to eat our Go Pro. The only thing that was no fun was the water was really rough, but great experience overall. If anyone on here is FB's friends with me, the video is on there.
We did a really fun...I don't know how to describe it other then underwater submarine bike? That was near Diamondhead.
I think I meant "they won't bite you." Sharks are attracted to anything with an electronic pulse, so yes, they will get very interested in a camera.
I stayed in Kihei and Lahaina alot in some hostels, pretty cool experience.
Dragon teeth is a interesting hike near Lahaina, also hit the town and all the shops there. Its pretty fun
Road to Hana was incredible but be ready to allocate an entire day to it, maybe even get a spot to camp for a night so you can spread it out. Tons of waterfall hikes, one particular was 3 bears falls, actually descended into the waterfall by rappelling to the creek below and eventually swam in the waterfall itself, wild man. There is also some pretty awesome eating on the way, especially smoke shack and dont forget to get some banana bread.
Last catch as many sunsets you can, I see alot of good recommendations but holy shit man. Its absolutely incredible.
Catch dinner at the Mill House too!
Mahala !
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In comment 15742270 SimpleMan said:
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In comment 15742248 Mdgiantsfan said:
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In comment 15742071 SimpleMan said:
Quote:
- Try a cage-less shark dive. One Ocean Diving with a guy named Juan is the one you want to do, based out of the Haleiwa Harbor.
I am thinking of doing the caged shark dive with my daughter. Why do you suggest cage-less?
I would say for the more "authentic" experience. Those sharks are well fed and well behaved. The knowledge of their behavior has come a long way in the last ten or so years, so they are totally safe. One Ocean Diving is at the forefront of shark education, at least here in the islands. I have done both, and it is hard to beat the feeling of snorkeling and watching them all around you. However, go with what you and your daughter are comfortable with.
I don't know if I'd say well behaved. We did one on North Shore and it was a lot of fun. One of them tried to eat our Go Pro. The only thing that was no fun was the water was really rough, but great experience overall. If anyone on here is FB's friends with me, the video is on there.
We did a really fun...I don't know how to describe it other then underwater submarine bike? That was near Diamondhead.
I think I meant "they won't bite you." Sharks are attracted to anything with an electronic pulse, so yes, they will get very interested in a camera.
lol maybe, but I wouldn't have wanted to tempt fate with it. There were a lot circling around the cage.
Someone mentioned the Shark dives. I did the caged one, but I know there was a non caged one as well.
We did one that was like an underwater bike/submarine that was cool.
Polynesian cultural center was cool.
In my opinion Kaneohe side of the island was the prettiest.
On Oahu you have Kualoa ranch which is where a lot of movies were filmed. You can do horseback riding, 4 wheelers, etc.. there.
Lots of different types of cruises and submarine cruises.
Of course the Obligatory Pearl Harbor visit.
I like the North Shore. If you head west on H1 and north on H2, the North Shore has a town called Haleiwa that has some cheap eats and food trucks. Matsumoto's shaved ice is there, but there are plenty of pretty good shave ice places. Dito for the garlic shrimp scampi at one of the Giovanni's trucks.
Continuing north, there is a large botanical garden at Waimea Valley. They have a waterfall you can swim to.
There is a good place for snorkeling called Sharks Cove. There are tide pools you can walk through (but recommend wet shoes), but I like to go at the more open area at the east end of Sharks Cove.
Continuing, stop at Ted's bakery, and hit Turtle bay. (If you can stay there a few days, I prefer it over Waikiki.) If you continue on 5-10 minute, there are food trucks at Kahuku.
On the more eastern part of the North Shore, ATV at Kualoa Ranch is very fun and has great views. The Polynesian Cultural center is in that area as well.
On the east side, between Hawaii Kai (where I live) and Kaneohe, there are a lot of little stops you can make.
In my neighborhood, there are two areas -- China Wall and Spitting Cave -- that have some nice scenery to look at for 10-15 minutes if you like watching waves crash into rocks. (Don't jump in unless you know how to get out. Lot's of tourists are injured.)
Hanauma Bay has a nice beach and good snorkeling. It's normally very calm. But I think you have to make reservations now.
If you want a work out, Koko Crater stairs offer some tough cardio, but you will be rewarded with great views.
KOKO CRATER BOTANICAL GARDEN is free and takes about an hour or two to walk around. Maybe boring unless you’re into plants.
MAKAPU POINT LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL is a nice paved trail with good views up and down the east coast. Best to go just before dusk when it’s not too hot. Takes about 45 minutes to an hour to walk up and down.
WAIMANALO / SHERWOOD BEACH is my favorite (Close) beach. Shade from ironwood trees. Easy parking. Can be calm or rough, depending on east swells. Obama is building a compound in Waimanalo.
KAILU BEACH/LANIKAI also has nice beaches, but more busy and harder to park. Can be calm or rough depending on swells.
As for eats, we usually eat at cheap holes in the wall, but their not work your vacation time traveling to and parking.
On Maui, the Road to Hana is cool, but it will take up a day. I usually stay in Makena. I like to snorkel at LaPerouse Bay.
Hope you have a great time!