Post #261962 by christiki295 on Fri, Oct 20, 2006 11:49 PM

On 2006-10-20 07:39, aikiman44 wrote:
We're thinking of going to Maui next year. Any other stops worthwhile on the islands? Maui sounds like the place, but I wouldn't mind sampling other spots. I am deathly afraid of small planes, though.

Depends what you are looking for.

Only Molokai requires a small plane.

Waikiki - very commercial, but lots to do, including historical Honolulu and the Bishop Museum. Waikiki is generally the cheapest Hawaiian trip. North Shore is about an hour drive - worth it for the Dole Plantation and/or the fun Polynesian Cultural Center, and all of its hula and tikis.

North Shore Oahu - Turtle Bay is expensive, but the bungalows are worth every penny.

Maui - Kaanapali - very nice beach, and not as crowded as Waikiki. There is the Whaler's Museum and tourist trap Lahania town nearby. The Old Lahania Luau is rumoured to be the best and most Hawaiian.

Kauai - the North Shore and South shore have less tourism. More tourist development on the Coconut Coast. More laid back and calm. Beautiful gardens exist to visit.

Big Island - "Big" is an understatement. Lots of driving on desertlike highways.
Most hotels do not have beaches nearby, only volcanic coastline. However, how often do you get to visit a Volcano (Don't take any with you - Pele may become cross) or the Place of Refuge, one of the few places where original (OK copies of original) tikis remain.