Maui
December 5, 2008
Hawaii: Maui and Kauai
This was our first time in Hawaii and we decided to just go for it and not worry about the cost. We flew first class (using airmiles). We stayed at the beach. We did the tours and activities. We had multiple splurge meals. And we enjoyed it, despite a bad cold and bad weather. We really wanted to fit the Big Island of Hawaii in also but decided that would mean too much time hopping between islands. So we saved that for another trip.
- 13 days
- 2008 Winter
Food and Beverage $35 per day
Average per person per day, not including any meals furnished as part of a tour.
Lodging $232 per night
We stayed in Outrigger condos that were walking distance to the beach but not oceanfront.
Transportation $789 per person
Includes inter-island flights, rental cars, and fuel.
Entertainment $658 per person
Includes bike trip, helicopter tour, luau, kayak trip, souvenirs, aquarium, and snorkel equipment rental.
Days 1-6: Maui
Planned Activities
- Bike trip
- Beach
- Luau
- Hike Haleakala
- Road to Hana
- Hike Oheo Gulch
- Snorkeling
- Maui Ocean Center
- Lahaina
Actual Activities
- Bike trip
- Beach
- Luau
Hike Haleakala- Road to Hana
Hike Oheo Gulch- Snorkeling Kapalua
- Maui Ocean Center
- Lahaina
The Plan: The highlights of Maui for us were hiking Haleakala, the road to Hana, a luau, and Lahaina.
The Reality: We ended up not hiking Haleakala thanks to a head cold and congestion but we did see the sunrise and we hit everything else we wanted to. We ended up doing more driving and less sitting on the beach than we thought we would.
Related Posts: The first post describes daily activities and destination. Other posts cover anything that generated lots of photos!
Fly from home
Stay at Maui Eldorado
We had a spacious studio walking distance to the beach, though not oceanfront.
Get around by driving
We rented a convertible because it was cheaper than a regular small car!
Days 7-12: Kauai
Planned Activities
- Hike Waipoo Falls
- Helicopter tour
- Kayak tour
- Hanalei
- Na Pali hike
- Beach
Actual Activities
Hike Waipoo Falls- Helicopter tour
- Kayak tour
- Hanalei
Na Pali hike- Beach
The Plan: On Kauai we looked forward to a helicopter tour, the Na Pali coast, kayaking, Waimea Canyon, and the north shore.
The Reality: We missed out on hiking thanks to truly atrocious weather. (I think 48″ of rain qualifies!) We did manage to fit our other activities in and we liked the island so much we came back hoping for better weather. (And it worked!)
Related Posts: The first post describes daily activities and destination. Other posts cover anything that generated lots of photos!
Fly from Maui
By way of Honolulu
Stay at Kiahuna Plantation
We had a beautiful one-bedroom condo walking distance from the beach.
Get around by driving
We rented a convertible because it was not that much more than a regular small car!
Day 13: Oahu
Planned Activities
- Pearl Harbor
- North Shore
- Kailua
- Waikiki shopping and dinner
Actual Activities
- Pearl Harbor
- North Shore
- Kailua
- Lani Kai
- Waikiki shopping and dinner
The Plan: We had to fly home from Oahu anyway so we planned it so we could spend a day there sightseeing. Pearl Harbor was something we felt we should do. The north shore was something we really wanted to see.
The Reality: We were pleasantly surprised by Oahu. Pearl Harbor was moving and the north and windward coasts were tranquil and lush. Waikiki was a bit hectic for our taste but we were expecting that.
Related Posts: The first post describes daily activities and destination. Other posts cover anything that generated lots of photos!
Oahu
December 17, 2008
Fly from Kauai
Get around by driving
A regular small car this time!
Resources
- We used the paperback version of Frommer’s Hawaii as our main resource
- TropicalSnorkeling.com has info on snorkeling in Hawaii
