Hawaiian Islands

Any got any suggestions as to which island is the best to visit for beaches and sightseeing etc. Am thinking of the Big Island as would love to see the volcano.

Naturally, I would begin with Oahu. The capital is there, as most of the population. Beaches are nice there. I was there last January and the guy I used to work with took us around, and he grew up there, said he liked his own island of Oahu the best for beaches. But if you want to see volcanos, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea are the main ones to see. I saw them both off the coast as my ship went between Maui and the big island Alenuihaha channel. But I can't say I spent time on any of the other islands except for Oahu. If you got the time and you got the dough, see them all.

I think Waikiki is the prettiest beach in Hawaii, without a doubt and I have been to Maui, HNL, and Kauai. Hawaii traditionally isn't a beach destination per se. All the hotel beaches have public access, that is just the way it is from when it was being developed. I love Kauai, it is the prettiest island. The big island is interesting and has wonderful public beaches but it's my least favorite, but it is still wonderful. It has such a diverse topography. Desert, rain forest, volcano's etc. But the Hyatt in Kauai is a wonderful spot for family and couples.

Is there a good time from October to April for non-rev to the islands?

The red beach and the black sand beach both (Hana) in the island of Maui are beutiful. This in my opinion is the prettiest of the Hawaiian beaches.

Regards,

Chepos

I love the Big Island. But, before you visit any of the islands, check out the Hawaii Revealed series by Wizard Publications. It's an amazing travel guide for each of the major islands written by an author who lives on the islands.

It has been my experience that non reving to Hawaii from the West Coast of the United States is easier when you try the direct flights to islands OTHER THAN OAHU. HNL can be very difficult and I've seen standby lists 50+ long at times.

I totally agree with the recommendation to read the wizard pub books. They are IMHO the best guidebooks around. OP, it is hard to recommend which island is best for you as "beaches and sight seeing" is pretty vague. I've been to Oahu, Kauai, and the big island (TBI) the last few years. All are great but very different. I like TBI the best, but I don't mind driving a lot. TBI is pretty much the only place that you can safely see a live, active volcano.

Mikey, during that Oct-April time, avoid holidays, especially thanksgiving, christmas-new years, and spring breaks. I've found that the loads are usually light the first parts of Nov and Dec. Traveling Weds is also helpful.

Anyone stayed at the 444 Nahua condos? Seems right where I want to be even if it looks a little dated.

Ohana East not far, maybe two blocks from Waikiki beach.

I am in love with Poipu on the south side of Kauai...been there 3 times in 2 years of non-reving. We also got stranded in HNL and now there is a new contender for my heart....the NORTH SHORE. Love it here. So quiet and friendly. Great surfing. Going to definitely go back soon. I'm not a big fan of Honolulu at all....the city that is.

BTW...I just spent 3 days trying to get home from Hawaii..so be very, very careful about going during Christmas and New Years break. I went last year the week before Christmas and it was fantastic (loads were very light). We finally purchased ($$$) tickets home as it wasn't looking good for another 4 days to get out. I know someone that finally made it home last night after being there 6 days trying to non rev out.

EVERY flight was not just full but oversold.

I did find out one little secret that I will use if I ever get stuck again in HNL. PM me if you are interested. :)