What are MUST see's in Hawaiian Islands?

Question

My family and I are going to Hawaii in a month or so.. flying out and cruising the islands.
I think we are going to
the main island
Kauai
Oahu
Lana'i
etc.

What are some must-sees and must-do's?
I think on Oahu we plan to rent a car and cruise the island for a day... the bad thing about cruising is not having enough time on each island, that's why I want to hit all the must-sees.

I am particularly interested in seeing the blacksand beaches... I'm an avid photographer who wants to visit the best shooting sights.

I was also interested in parasailing.. my brother and his girlfriend just got back and said it was a blast.
Any reccomendations?

Answer 1

Must See's & Do's...



Oahu- Polynesian Cultural Center (transport from Waikiki is availiable. I've written a review with photos, videos, advice and money saving ideas here: http://www.govisithawaii.com/2007/06/20/polynesian-cultural-center-a-hawaii-must-do/

- Pearl Harbor (fyi - you can't take a purse or bag of any kind into it.)



Kauai

- Waimea Canyon

- Fern Grotto

- Na Pali coast via catamaran or helicoptor or kayak



Maui

- Road to Hana (a very short drive off the road will lead you to the famous Waianapanapa Black-Sand Beach)

- Beaches at Kapalua, esp DT Flemming Beach

- Sunrise on Haleakala

- Ioa Needle



Lanai

- Snorkel at Hulopoe Bay Marine Sanctuary



I didn't see the Big Island mentioned in your list of islands that you plan to visit, but if you can, get over to see Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park for a day...there are pre-packaged day trips you can take from other islands. I think www.alohatopten.com does some.





I'd recommend purchasing the "Revealed" guide books which are the best. (link to wizardpub in sources listed below)

Answer 2

The "main island" is Oahu. Oahu has the state capital, Honolulu and is the most populous island in the Hawaiian archipelago. You might be thinking of Hawaii, which is also known as the Big Island. It's larger that all of the other Hawaiian islands combined but its population is relatively small.



Your best bet for black sand beaches are on the Big Island. There is a great one at Punalu'u but it is quite a drive from either the Kona or Hilo port where you will be docking. You can take great pictures from the top of Diamond Head (Oahu) -- it's a fairly easy hike to the top.

Answer 3

I'm going to Maui for the first time, next week. I picked up 'Hawaii for Dummies", " Frommers Hawaii 2007", "Frommers Maui day by day". Getting some good tips from those.

"Trip adviser" is an excellent source, you can communicate with other contributers on that site, also.

Looks like Road to Hana, Haleakala's volcano, snorkle excursion to the island of Lanai, & molokai, Watching the windsurfers at Hookipia beach. I'

Answer 4

Arizona Memorial/Pearl Harbor Tour

Polynesian Cultural Center

See the fireworks on Friday nights at the Hilton Hawaiian Village

Eat at Cheeseburger in Paradise

Answer 5

Aloha,



How come you are not visiting Maui :) One of the most beautiful places in Hawaii. Oahu is not bad but if you live in City that is what you are going to get in Oahu , where maui is more relaxed and nature things to explore.



Also visit http://www.hawaiib.com

Answer 6

Ask your travel agent to contact their representative at the Hawaiian tourist office. They will send you an amazing packet of information.



Road to Hana..

Wailea Falls..

Any luau..

Pearl Harbor from the Navy base

The military cemetary

I can go on, but ask your travel agent like I said.

Answer 7

You must see 'Iolani Palace and Queen Emma's Summer Palace on the island of O'ahu, and Hulihe'e Palace in Kailua-Kona on Hawai'i Island. While on O'ahu, please also visit Bishop Museum.



A Hawaiian national treasure and the only official state residence of royalty in the United States, `Iolani Palace was the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom's last two monarchs -- King Kalakaua, who built the Palace in 1882, and his sister and successor, Queen Lili`uokalani. During the monarchy period, the Palace was the center of social and political activity in the Kingdom of Hawai`i. Though its grandeur was neglected after the overthrow of the monarchy, restoration began in the 1970s through efforts of concerned individuals. Restoration and preservation continues, and, as a result, today's visitors to this National Historic Landmark in downtown Honolulu enjoy one of the most precise historic restorations and learn much about Hawaiian history and heritage.

http://www.iolanipalace.org/



A past era comes alive at Queen Emma Summer Palace in historic Nu`uanu Valley. Queen Emma Summer Palace, also known as Hanaiakamalama (meaning “foster child of the moon”), was used by Queen Emma and her family as a retreat from the rigors of court life in hot and dusty Honolulu of the mid-1800s. It was here in historic Nu`uanu Valley that the queen consort and her husband, King Kamehameha IV, and their young son, Prince Albert Edward, enjoyed some of their happiest hours together.

http://www.daughtersofhawaii.org/summerpalace/



E komo mai, welcome. For over 150 years, guests have been coming to Hulihe`e' Palace. Situated on Ali`i Drive in Kailua - Kona, Hulihe`e Palace was the vacation residence of Hawaiian royalty. Today it is a museum operated by the Daughters of Hawai`i and is a showplace of beautiful furniture and fascinating artifacts.

http://www.daughtersofhawaii.org/huliheepalace/



Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop in honor of his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha family. The Museum was established to house the extensive collection of Hawaiian artifacts and royal family heirlooms of the Princess, and has expanded to include millions of artifacts, documents and photographs about Hawai‘i and other Pacific island cultures.

http://www.bishopmuseum.org/index.html

Answer 8

Aloha!



Something to consider is the length of time you'll be on each island. Due to limited time frames on each island, you might consider taking a shuttle bus to your selected activities. For O'ahu, I'd suggest making your car reservation but cancel it if you decide to bus it instead (you'll get to enjoy the views but won't have the same freedom).



I'll give you a list of shorter activities and longer activities by island. Approximate times are given for O'ahu, but they are my guesstimates. :



O'ahu:



Shorter: Parasailing at Kewalo Basin. It's located minutes from the cruise ship port.



Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor...best if you get there very early (long line) and refrain from carrying purses or bags (you may check them with security for a fee, but that takes a few extra minutes) Total time with transportation plus tour...3 to 4 hours depending on how much time you spend at the museum.



Pali Lookout...gorgeous views of the windward side of O'ahu. Total time including transportation...2.5 hours (Note: many longer tours, including the bus ride to the Polynesian Cultural Center, will include this stop)



Hiking Diamond Head...near cruise ship...moderate walk/climb, very well maintained, great views. Total time: 3-4 hours.



Surf Lessons, "aqua cycling" or just hanging out at Waikiki Beach. Waikiki Beach is very close to the cruise ship area.



Shopping (flea markets to extremely high end): O'ahu has the best and largest array of shopping venues in the islands.



Longer activities: Polynesian Cultural Center...gives you an idea of how vast Polynesia really is. You'll be introduced to the many different cultures of Polynesia, see dancers of all sorts, learn to start fire, watch guys scale tall coconut trees, etc. If you take the all day package, you'll be treated to a luau and a wonderful show that includes a fire dancer.



North Shore: The waves might not be too big till Fall, but you'll be introduced to the surf culture and laid back lifestyle.



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Can't give time estimates for the other islands because I don't know where the ship will dock and I'm not familar with travel time there



Kauai:



Medium time: Poipu Beach...absolutely beautiful



The fern grotto (pretty)



(Don't know time): Zip ride thru a rain forest. Heard it's a thrill!







Longer time: Hanalei and the north shore...Hanalei Bay is gorgeous. For upscale dining w/ a view of the bay, eat at the Princeville Hotel. A fun casual place to eat is at Zela's? Beach House. (Hanalei is far from the cruise ship, I think, and you might get hungry)



If you have a really long time on Kaua'i, see the Na Pali coast via kayak or helecopter (these excursions are expensive, but there are no roads to these areas...talk about unspoiled beauty!)



Waimea Canyon (the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific"): Very magnificent. It's on the opposite side of the island (from Hanalei). If you take this route, you'll get to visit Koke'e, a forested mountain area, and see beautiful Kalalau Valley. You'll also catch a glimpse of Ni'ihau, a private island. If you have all day, you can check out Polihale Beach close to sunset.



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Lanai (don't know well): Shipwreck Beach, Golf at Manele, a beautiful forested area at Koele



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Maui: Sunrise at Haleakala...add on the bike ride down Haleakala



Drive to Hana (all day experience)...make sure you actually stop at the lookouts...those are the best parts of the journey. On this drive, you'll get to visit the Seven Sacred Pools.



Drive the west coast of Maui...You'll see the islands of Molokini, Kaho'olawe, Lanai, and Molokai...really an Island feel.



Evening: "Ulalena" show in Lahaina. If you see one show in Hawaii, this is the one to see.



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Big Island (It would depend on where you dock)



West side (Kona, don't know much) Golf, Spas, Sunsets



East side (Hilo) Longer excursion...Volcanoes National Park



Shorter excursions:...Pacific Tsunami Museum...Rich in history, very sad stories of lives lost, and interesting scientific information



Akaka Falls



(I believe the Black Sand Beach is on the Southern tip of the island. It is beautiful, but I'm not sure if you'll have enough time)



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I know how you feel about choosing activities. We're visiting Alaska for the first time and are trying to select our activites. So much to do, so little time...



Hint: Don't try to do it all. Just pick a few things and enjoy them to the max. That's what we're going to do!



Have a beautiful time!

Answer 9

just stay in your hotel room...you may scare the locals