I have always dreamed of going to Hawaii to celebrate my 50th birthday. I have traveled abroad and around the U.S./Mexico but somehow this trip seems daunting to me. I live on the east coast so the flight will be long. I prefer the beach to the mountains and am working on a limited budget. I think I want to go to Maui but am open to suggestions. Thinking of going in January 2023. Won't you help me plan my trip of a lifetime?
Looking for Advice on a Hawaiian Vacation
| by Anonymous | reply 15 | June 6, 2022 12:35 AM |
Go to Kilauea and throw yourself in bitch. I’m not your fucking travel agent.
| by Anonymous | reply 1 | June 4, 2022 8:28 PM |
You go, gurl!
| by Anonymous | reply 2 | June 4, 2022 9:06 PM |
A true r1 response!
| by Anonymous | reply 3 | June 4, 2022 9:09 PM |
Fly to SFO spend a couple days there and then fly out to Hawaii. It'll break up the trip. Go to Maui, unless you care about nightlife.
| by Anonymous | reply 4 | June 4, 2022 9:10 PM |
Maui: It’s Humpback whale season in January, if you want to go on a whale watch. Mama’s Fish House is excellent, need to book months in advance. Kihei is where I like best to stay, less golf-resort-y than up near Lahaina. What do you like to do OP?
| by Anonymous | reply 5 | June 4, 2022 9:35 PM |
Agree with R5, staying in Kihei makes everything else convenient. Villa 5 at the link has a nice view, a great kitchen, and especially easy parking separate from the rest of the resort. This property's also walking distance to Kama'ole Beach Park, which is a perfectly lovely beach for days you don't feel like driving - and guaranteed turtles if you snorkel there.
Bring waterproof hiking shoes - or, if you prefer, closed-toe water shoes with decent tread. Makamakaole Stream and Dragon's Teeth trails are both stunning. Waihe'e Ridge was closed while I was there.
Paia and the road to Hana are both skippable, but do not miss Haleakala. Don't bother with sunrise, just go to the visitor's center and walk along Sliding Sands trail for as long as you want.
Oddly enough, Maui is takeout deli heaven. Polli's in Makawao is worth a stop if you're craving Mexican food. Akamai was my favorite coffee place by far.
| by Anonymous | reply 6 | June 4, 2022 10:10 PM |
R6, I LOVED the sunrise trip—you’re literally above the clouds watching the sun rise through them. One of the best excursions I’ve ever taken. But it’s freezing up there and the air is thin, so take blankets!
| by Anonymous | reply 8 | June 4, 2022 10:40 PM |
Each island has its own personality. Kauai is my favorite and makes the other islands seem uptight by comparison. The big island is the one with active volcanic activity and all the "coolness" that goes along with it. The climate can differ surprisingly within short geographic distances, so plan accordingly. You can go from very wet to very dry in a 20 minute drive.
| by Anonymous | reply 9 | June 4, 2022 10:53 PM |
I prefer the Caribbean. If you’re on a budget OP don’t go to Hawaii. It’s expensive.
| by Anonymous | reply 10 | June 4, 2022 11:22 PM |
Get ‘Dog the Bounty Hunter’ Chapman’s autograph as a trip highlight.
| by Anonymous | reply 11 | June 4, 2022 11:26 PM |
R10, the Caribbean can be lovely, but it’s a cheap alternative to Hawaii. In every way.
| by Anonymous | reply 12 | June 5, 2022 3:37 AM |
I’ve only been to Maui—the most beautiful and calming place I’ve ever been. If I were able, I’d back in a second.
| by Anonymous | reply 13 | June 5, 2022 3:43 AM |
I agree, r13, I would love there if I could.
| by Anonymous | reply 14 | June 5, 2022 3:51 AM |
Why can't you love there?
| by Anonymous | reply 15 | June 6, 2022 12:35 AM |