AboutMalia Expertise Aloha,
I can answer I would say about 99 % of all questions relating to Hawai`i.
Experience I work for tour agencies as a tour guide so have a wonderful island experience especially from the view of travelers and newcomers to the islands. I am also a high school language teacher.
Question QUESTION: Hi Malia,
We are celebrating my wife's 50th with a trip to Hawaii. We are first timers to this beautiful place and would like to know what you can suggest for in terms of an itinerary. We are planning for a two week trip during the first two weeks of November and like to move around to the different Island. Hopefully the weather is good that time of year. Probably two weeks is not enough but just wanted to get your views/suggestions as to which Islands we should visit. We both like relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, and excursions via car. As mentioned we like to Island hop but do not want to be on the go a lot, couple of days or so/or more. Also, would appreciate if you could let me know the best way to transfer from one Island to the next and any reasonable hotels and accommodations.
Thanks in advance
Regards
Francis
ANSWER: Aloha Francis,
You will love our islands.
In November our climate can be good or bad, but bad meaning you can have a ay of rain and that's it. Mostly it is sunny and we always have about 80 F during the day and about 70 F at night ( even in the winter like today ).
The ocean is also a go all year round.
Since you have never been here, you should definitely visit O'ahu our main island first. here you have Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor and you can rent a car and drive around. Honolulu is a cosmopolitan city, big and skyscrapers everywhere but as soon as you leave the city, you have pristine beaches and cute little villages.
Hawaii is very safe so renting a car and driving around is no problem at all.
You can visit 2 or 3 islands during your stay, I wouldn't do more because it becomes too much stress otherwise.
You have 2 choices in between islands. We have 3 airlines: Aloha, Hawaiian and Go.
They all have many flights every day and you can basically reserve a flight once you are here in Hawaii. Another option is the new Superferry which is a ferry and both cot about the same, but very often airlines will have a last minute special price for 19 $ !!!! per flight ( one way ). Usually prices vary between $ 50 and up to $ 200 on special days and peak times.
On other islands, you can also rent a car and sometimes even get a car/flight/hotel package.
As for hotels on all islands you have 5 star hotels, 4 and 3 stars, and bed and breakfasts so prices range from $ 300 down to $ 80.
If you can tell me more specifically what you are looking for, I can check for you. You might also want to look at the Hawaii Visitor's Bureau site.
Now as for a 2nd island I would say Hawaii itself also called the Big Island.
It is very different from O'ahu, has active volcanoes, black sand beaches and it very big.
You could stay 3 days in Kona and 3 days in Hilo. Again if you want more info I can give them to you.
In case you wanted to visit a 3rd island, then go to Maui next.
All our islands are beautiful and different, but for first timers I would suggest those 3 and in that order.
Let me know if I can help you more in planning your trip all right?
Malia
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QUESTION: Hi Malia,
I was just giving this some additional thought and wondering what your view with taking one of the cruises around the Island the first week. I believe NCL (Norwegian Cruise Lines) start in Honolulu and this way probably get to see more of the Islands although limited I suspected. Wondering if you heard or know of anything about cruising the Island and if worthwhile. As we will be spending 2 weeks in Hawii considering a cruise initially then look to spend the next week at Island or two like Maui.
Francis
Answer Aloha,
Good to hear from you again.
The cruise is a good way to see the islands, the ship is good if you get a room with a window. Don't get one with a window that can't be open or worse, no window. You don't want to wake up in a place like Hawaii with neon lights and no view.
The only thing I don't like about the island cruise is first of all the food is not that great, then the people working on board are seasonal workers and don't really have the Aloha spirit we are all known for here, so sometimes you know they won't be as friendly as we are, because one thing here in Hawaii is, we are all full of aloha = friendly and we love to share this spirit.
Finally the cruise is very touristy with shows every night, and they are not always the best so to say.
Like you'll have tourists going up on stage and doing the Hula in grass dresses ( yikes ). It can be very cheesy.
But other than that, it is a great way to see the islands, you don't have to pack your suitcase, yet end up in a new place every morning when you wake up.
Make sure if you want to book tours, you make sure what is included.
Often they'll tell you this and this is included and it is very expensive for nothing.
Sorry I don't mean to be all negative here, just want you to be aware so you can have the best possible experience.
I have been living here for so many years and when I do tours ( when I am not teaching ) I always make sure to avoid the places that are too touristy.
I know people on the bus love to buy souvenirs and all but I make sure I don't stop at the worst places where they give you, as we say here, "stink eye" (look at you the wrong way) when you don't spend $ 250 on souvenirs in their store.
Talk to you again
Malia
