@ BA!
Hawaii is quality mate, I'll detail as much as I've found out myself and where we stayed etc....
We landed at Honolulu from Vegas on the 7th, then caught the 20 minute flight to KAHULUI, which is the main airport of
Maui.
From what I've seen Maui
IS Hawaii at it's best and has been voted the best island in the world for 10 years running, not difficult to understand why once you've done a few things there.
The one thing I didn't realise before researching where to go in Hawaii is that it has 8 different Islands and as many airports.
Oahu is the Island with the biggest population, 1.1m and it's where you'll find Honolulu. Very nice, but typical resort area, although some great beaches.
Nihau
You can't go here, only Hawaiians live here and only 250 of them, you have to be invited.
Kauai
Don't know much about this Island, but 4th biggest and 50,000 population.
Molokai
Not very developed, but still 7,500 live here.
Lanai
Bit like the above, not much to do here and 3,500. World famous for it's pineapples.
Kahoolawe
Nobody lives here and you can't go there, due to the americans bombing the shit out of it after Pearl Harbour for target practice.
Maui
An absolute must see. Some of the views are just ridiculous and completely take your breath away, no wonder it has been voted best island for 10 years running. If you can, stay here and do a few tours.
What did we do while we were in Maui?
Landed in Kahului airport (Maui) and Mesa Airlines/ Go Airlines lost Pene's case on a 20 mins flight!
Arrived on next plane 2 hours later.
Stayed in "The Mahana" in Kaanapali <--- (best place to stay) in a condo with a great view, but it's not cheap, we paid $320 a night, although with the dollar being so cheap, it never feels like a real hit.
We did the
Atlantis submarine tour, which as it says on the tin, is a submarine and goes down 130ft, pretty cool I thought.
We also went to
Warren & Annabelle's, the first part "Annabelle" is pretty lame and goes on too long, but stick with it, because the magic show after is superb and you are very close up too.
Do the
Dolphin Search with the
Pacific Whale Foundation, we saw about 200 dolphins with the special Hawaiian spinning dolphin, which does some big spins coming out of the ocean. Don't expect to see any Whales though, that's December to April.
We did the
sunrise tour of Haleakala Crater. A little chilly so wrap up well if you get up at 2am to go do this. The tour guides are full of info and very professional.
We also did a horse trekking tour for 2 hours and ffs don't do it!! My fcukin horse was Buckaroo, fcukin thing didn't like the other horses too near it, and when one did, it kicked up at the back and nearly launched me off it!
Not recommended, you will ache like fcuk and be walking like a Penguin (me currently) for 2 days.
Lastly, we did the Helicopter/Van ride to Hana and back. Some awesome views and this really is a must do, not cheap at $300 each, but worth every penny and takes about 5 1/2 hours in total, with Chopper to Hana, then Limo Van on way back, with stops for swimming, lunch and photos.
Tour guide was unreal, talked almost non stop for 3 1/2 hours full of info!
As for Honolulu.
Landed in Hololulu and this time Mesa/Go Airlines had lost my case, there was only fcukin 6 cases to go on the whole plane!
Came in on the next plane and delivered to hotel, but I would choose Hawaiian Airlines to fly with if you can.
Completely contrast as you just hit traffic, traffic, traffic from the airport. However we got to The Outrigger Hotel, and again it's not cheap, around $450 a night, but I think you have to spend at least one night here. Beaches are quality, the famous Duke's restaurant and this is where you will go see Pearl Harbour from, if you decide to go.
We've decided that we just want to chill and we'll see PH another time.
The most important thing while being here imo.
You have to put money second, not easy I know, Maui and Honolulu are expensive, but you get what you pay for, so just get your wallet out and do as much as your finances allow.
Which island are you staying on Alex?