50 year anniversary trip to Hawaii - need advice!

[PALADIN85020]

This year, my bride and I will have been married 50 years. We've known each other since we were both in the 3rd grade and started dating in high school. This year, we want to do something exceptional for our golden anniversary. We considered throwing a party for friends and family, but they are scattered all over the country and it might be a bit much for all to attend. We were thinking that it would be better for just the two of us to spend a week or so in Hawaii, since neither of us have ever been.

I myself am interested in the historical angle; I'd really like to do an article and take pictures - Pearl Harbor, the U.S.S. Arizona, Hickam, etc. We'd both like to stay somewhere that predates WWII, such as the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. We'd of course like to see the big island, the volcano, etc. And of course, lie on the beach at Waikiki and sip exotic drinks with little umbrellas on them.

But having never been there before, I'd like to get the advice of those who have made this trip before. How to get there (ship or plane), best travel deals, "must see" sights, tours or no tours, taxi or rental car, etc. We're probably only gonna do this once, so we want to get it right and not regret not seeing something we should have. Other than watching WWII movies and Hawaii Five-O, we're really old newbies.

Friends, help us out here. What are your suggestions?

John

 

[The Big D]

Great idea!!!

Have been there several times; love Hawai'i.

First, fly. More time there. You can cruise anywhere.

Treat yourself and upgrade to First Class, if possible. Well worth it; umbrella drinks will be served on board.

Taxi on Oahu. Traffic is heavy there. No car needed on Lanai. Jitneys there. Rental car on Maui. Need one there; on Big Island (Hawai'i) too.

Get to Pearl Harbor early. It will be busy but absolutely worth it.

The old hotels are still cool in Honolulu. Try the Kanapali (sp?) area on Maui.

Groceries and gas are expensive. All else is comparable to big cities everywhere. First week in December is least expensive of the year.

More later...

Be safe.

 

[mg357]

the only advice i can give is this enjoy the trip to hawaii

 

[Onomea]

How much time do you have? You might just spend a couple of days on Oahu, and then move elsewhere, e.g., Volcano on the Big Island or Hana on Maui, both magical places in different ways...

I am thinking if you've been married for 50 years, you are likely retired. Why not go for a month? Can't stay in first class (expensive hotels) that long, at least most can't, but there are less expensive ways, condo or house rentals, etc.

 

[dacoontz]

I lived there a few months and know a couple things to consider. In the winter the big waves are on the North shore which may equal surfing crowds. In the summer the big waves move to the South shore (waikiki) which is tourist time so either way you're stuck with crowds. Oahu has dumpy towns, lots of crime, and is only good for the historical sites and not much else in my opinion. If you are going to stay in Oahu then plan to spend more time on the eastern shore as it is the prettiest side, but doesn't really compare to Maui and Kawaii in terms of scenery and seclusion. Maui and Kawaii are still the best to visit but Maui is getting busier every year, especially since many of the plantations are being sold off for development which equates to more vacation homes and less open space. Kauaii is probably still the best place to get away from the crowds. The locals use the term "Kama-I-na" for locals discount's. You just say, I want the Kama-I-na rate and sometimes it works. Rent a cheap, economic car. Convertibles are a pain because they are easy to break into, it rains a bunch anyway, and they are always gas guzzlers. I have more info if you want.....

 

[bk43]

I would tend to say forget the article on Pearl Harbor, etc. Whatever you're thinking of has been done many times in many ways. Why not something on the native culture and the struggles to adapt to the changes made to their ancestral home inlands? Lots of great stuff there, plus that way you could spend more time on the north side of Oahu, south side of the Big Island and other very interesting and a little less touristy places.

No matter what, Hawaii is truly a paradise on earth and you'll enjoy it.

Bob

 

[Firearmsrookie]

If you are retired mililtary, you should be able to find good deals on the military bases. If not, well the Royal Hawaiian is great, but expensive. Actually all the Waikiki hotels on the beach are expensive, but worth it for a once in a lifetime event. If you don't want the crowds, get away from Honolulu. There are some resorts in other parts of Oahu that are really nice. If you golf, pick an Island. You should not miss the Volcano on the Big Island. Kauai has some really fun tours along the coast. Too much info...it would be easier to recommend if I knew what you liked and are able to do, such as hiking and surfing.

 

[2000Z-71]

First off get guidebooks from here:

Wizard Publications, Inc. / Believable Guides for Unbelievable Vacations

They have guidebooks for all of the individual islands. Written by locals, honest reviews on restaurants, hotels, attractions, outfitters, etc. There's also a lot of practical information like where to get the cheapest gas or the best deal in rental equipment. Quite a few tips on where to go to get off the beaten path, secluded beaches, 4 wheel drive trails, etc.

That said, the wife and I have been to the islands 3 times now, the big island twice and a combined trip of the Kauai and the big island. Kauai is beautiful but after 4 days, I'd felt like I had seen it and wanted to get off the rock. A helicopter tour of the Napali Coast and the interior, a day spent hiking in the Grand canyon of Hawaii, a day on a catamaran snorkeling trip on the Napali Coast and a day on the north shore beaches.

We both debated the helicopter tour having flown on them in the Army, but after taking it we both agreed it was worth every penny. We used Inner Iasland Air and they fly Hughes 500's and leave the doors off. We also took the tour that landed at a waterfall on the interior of the island for lunch, well worth it.

The big island really is an amazing place, very easy to spend a week there and still feel like there is a lot more to see. Whatever time you're planning on spending in Volcanos National Park, double it. It really is like nowhere else on earth. Take some time and do some hiking to get off the beaten path there. If there's an active lava flow going make sure and get out and see it if at all possible. Bring sturdy books, hiking in lava rock fields can shred tennis shoes.

Rent a Jeep on the big island. They're fun, they're convertibles, and there are some trails that you can take and see things that you never would otherwise. Take a fishing charter out of Kona, even if you don;t catch a big Marlin, it's worth it just to be on the water and get a different perspective of the island. Take a drive across the saddle road and get a perspective on how varied one island can really be. it's also a chance to bisit the telescopes and freeze your okole off at 13,000' altitude. Find a restaurant in Kona or Waimea that has Kamhuela beef on the menu. Natural grass fed Hawaiian beef, one of the best steaks that I've ever had, The Orchid and Merriman's both have it and there's others as well. There's a lot of history on the big island, but it's very different than the history on Oahu. The big island has the history of Captain Cook landing, the Parker Ranch and King Kamehameha.

Lastly, plan on more than a week. Anything else and you'll feel rushed.

 

[hobby-gunsmith]

Hawaii

In the past three years, I have been to Hawaii three times, once for vacation and the other two times for a military funeral and dedication. The first time to Hawaii, I was extremely lucky to visit many of the military attractions at Pearl, Hickman and Ford Island. My guide was my step-son, a commander, Helicopter IP, for the U.S. Coast Guard stationed as XO at Barbers Point Air Station. I visited the sub and museum at Pearl. I suggest you arrive there early to beat the crowds. Also, we toured the mighty Missouri with a VIP tour which lasted most of the day and of course the Arizona. I highly recommend it. Take a trip to the North Shore and visit a plantation that was used to film the series Lost and other great films including Gilligans Island, Jarasick Park, Tears of the Sun, Saving Private Ryan and other miniseries as well. You have got to try the hamburger place in the town. Best burgers I have ever eaten. Also, there is a temple that is opened to the public that had a seen from Lost and other films at that location. A lot of history but expensive. My wife and I were fortunate to stay with the family at the senior officers housing at the Pacific Fleet Headquarters in Pearl. From the bedroom, I could see the Arizona memorial. Send for information with the chamber of commerce and they can send you a great deal of info before you start and plan your journey. Have fun and stay safe.

Nick

 

[GJH77]

Try the island of Kauai. I was married there 17 years ago, stayed in a condo for the week, and it was the most rated as the most beautiful island, with the least development. It has everything, from volanoes, deserts, tropical forests, beaches, without the traffic and the people. It is where several movies were filmed, Blue Hawaii, South Pacific, etc. and they have limited the hotels, etc more so than the rest. I would offer a second on the helicopter trip also. Even if you do not spend the entire time there, it is only a short flight from the main island.
We hope to go back in the next few years.
Congratulations and enjoy the trip, no matter what you do.

 

[diamonback68]

Hawaii, the only state that was ever reigned by a king. Spend a couple days on Oahu and see Pearl and visit the kings palace, after that head for Maui or Kauai, much more more beautiful and less crowded. Fly over to Kona (Big Island), very historic and the volcanos will amaze you.
Everything is touristy priced, local show their drivers license and pay less than half for everything. I know 'cause BIL and sister live there.

 

[therevjay]

If you are retired military the "Hale Koa" on the beach at Waikiki is a top of the line hotel run by D.O.D. that costs about 1/4 - 1/3 of the going rate.

If you can possibly afford it fly 1st class. (even if you have to cut a couple days off your trip) 6 1/2 hrs in a coach seat is no way to start/end a vacation.

The Pearl harbour tour is worth the wait & crowds. Also (if you are retired military) the Navy exchange at Pearl or Army PX at Schofield barracks are the most reasonable places to buy gifts for the folks back home.

 

[DeathGrip]

Congratulations on your 50th anniversary.You young lovers have a real good time and don't do anything I wouldn't do.

 

[Faulkner]

My wife and I went for a couple of weeks on our 10th anniversary and again for a week on our 15th. Liked Hawaii, hated the long flights coming and going.

If you never been you need to do the obligatory Oahu stuff . . . I liked Pearl Harbor, especially the tour of the USS Bowfin and the submarine museum.

After a couple or three days on Oahu, head over to Maui or Kauai to get away from the rat race. Maui is my favorite.

(Personally, I'd prefer an Alaskan cruise. Did that for our 20th and liked it so much we've been back for three more Alaskan cruises. Going again this spring. I hate the long flight to Hawaii . . . hate it.)

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

While enjoying the good stuff, do not forget that Honolulu and neighboring beaches are crime central. Most unsafe place in the Pacific. Gun laws are strict and criminals are savvy to spotting and robbing tourists and being confident of never getting caught. Carry a fake wallet with a few bucks in it to handover when they have a gun and you don't.

 

[Onomea]

FWIW, re Oahu, where my US home is: My thought is that Honolulu is okay, but I am not particularly attracted to it. Waikiki, to me, is like NYC's Times Square but with palm trees. It's worth a visit, but not where I choose to hang out. The Ewa side, pronounced "e'va," AKA kona side, or western side of the island is very dry, as is the case with all the Hawaiian islands.. Some resorts there, but also, generally speaking, it is the less desirable part of the island, and where -- again, generally speaking -- what on the mainland would be termed blue collar and the poorer people live. The North Shore is surfing, resorts, and a fair amount of businesses catering to tourists, which are Hawaii's main industry.

The Windward Side, the southeastern part of the island, is the most desirable. Kailua is a beach community, somewhat upscale, and the Lanikai neighborhood of Kailua is very upscale. You need to rent a house, pretty much, to stay in Kailua, and for sure in Lanikai. The stretch between Kailua and Kaneohe is nice, too, along Kaneohe Bay Drive. Kaneohe is pretty, but much less upscale than Kailua. Fewer tourists, but also fewer accomodations. North of Kaneohe is quite pretty, along the Kam Hwy up to the North Shore.

Cumulatively, I've spent weeks on Maui and Kauai, and probably months on the Big Island, and I think Windward Oahu, where my US home is, the most beautiful. The TV series Lost was filmed there, in Kaneohe. Fabulous beaches, Lanikai and Kailua. Beautiful views of the Pali -- the verdant sheer cliffs, often with waterfalls cascading down them after rains -- are, geologically, the remains of a volcano crater half, the other half of which slipped into the ocean a million or so years ago. When I return to Hawaii, and come through the Pali on the Pali Highway out of Honolulu and through the tunnel, I am always struck by the beauty of Kailua and Kaneohe, spread before you, down, way down, below between the Pali and the ocean.

My wife and I have travelled many places -- Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Yosemite, Sedona, Palau, Koh Samui, Pipi Island, Tioman, and, even, Onomea Bay (!) north of Hilo on the BI, and Hana on Maui, etc. -- but she thinks the Windward Side of Oahu the most beautiful site she has seen in the world.

It's real nice, and I also like that it is only a half hour from the airport and Honolulu. No need to switch planes.

 

[epj]

Honolulu is full of tourists, and when I was there it was mainly Japanese tourists. The hotels and restaurants cater to them. I enjoyed Maui much more. If I go back, it will be just to Maui.

 

[Hofstet]

Molokai is also nice, especially if you just want to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery and weather w/o an abundance of tourists.

 

[Cyrano]

The Bishop Museum on Oahu has a lot of exhibits on Hawaiian archeology, anthropology and also devotes a lot of space to marine biology which I knew very little about. When I was there on R&R from RVN, I sure enjoyed the time I spent there.