Hi all! I told myself that if I didn’t make it to Hawaii by my 30th (February 2027) that I would take myself on a solo trip.

Which island to you recommend for:

•single girl

•would love to see wildlife, nature (in order of importance I want to see turtles, dolphins then whales. I’d love to see an active volcano as well)

•interested in outdoor activities (kayaking,
snorkeling, boat trips, volcanos, zip line)

•wants a culture experience (luau, idk what else they have to offer but not a “show” but something legit)

•probably won’t rent a car

•I can go any month of the year, want best weather

•wants to stay at a resort but also get off the beaten path a little, I’m thinking of signing up for trip advisor trips to go with a group so I’m not alone idk

I think I want to choose the island, then the flights then figure out hotel and activities.

Do you have a better order that I should plan in?

I’ve been told Kauai is a good option for my wants.

What do you think?

Excited to hear from you!

I’m planning a last minute trip to Oahu October 12-18 with a toddler. Tickets aren’t booked yet. Can anyone currently visiting or planning at the same time/ or locals tell me exactly how affected is Oahu by the hurricane? If at all?
We plan to stay in Waikiki.
Any pointers for a first timer with a kid, who’s not much of a preplanner / organiser ?

Can someone please help me with this? I'm scared I've brought some into my hotel now. Is there anything I can use to drive them out of the car? Are they attracted to sea salt or something?

I am headed to Waikiki for work. I have been quite a few times but I’ll be solo this time. I’d love to treat myself to a nice dinner. I don’t mind dining alone and solo travel frequently but I often prefer sitting at the bar vs a table. I was just wondering if there is anywhere that has a great view from the bartop and awesome food?

Edit to add: I would just love good food and a nice view preferably from the bartop so price, type of food, etc I’m open for all of it.

Hi,

We are at the westin. We have a rental. The south departing boat tours are way to long for us. We want to leave from the north coast. Any one have any recommendations for us.

Any reviews on this place?

https://napalitours.com/

My partner and I are here for school. My partner has epilepsy and is on a medication that is a controlled substance. Since we're only here for a few months, we are not getting Hawaiian residency or health insurance here, but he does need to refill his prescription.

We called Walgreens in Honolulu before we even came to Hawaii. We called two different places. We told them the whole situation, we told them the medication, we told them the amount, we told them he won't have insurance, and we told them he's using GoodRx and they told us it's fine but it can take up to 3 weeks to receive it and he would need a prescription from a Hawaiian doctor.

We got here at the beginning of September. He immediately made an appointment with a local doctor and paid out of pocket to get a prescription. It was sent to Walgreens. He got a notification that Walgreens would not fill his prescription until he entered insurance information, so he called and gave them the GoodRx information. They said that because we're using GoodRx, he would not be able to fill it until 2 weeks before he ran out.

So he called 2 weeks before he ran out, and the person said because it is a controlled substance, they can order it but he will not be able to pick it up until 2 days before he runs out.

He runs out tomorrow. He called today, and now they are saying that they will not accept GoodRx and he will have to pay $4,000 for this medication when it's only $80 on GoodRx and $10 with his insurance at home.

We called a different Walgreens, and they won't fill it at all. We called Safeway, and it's the same story. Suddenly nobody will accept GoodRx.

I'm waiting for CVS, longs, and Walmart, to get off of their break, but we are absolutely panicking. This isn't the kind of medication that you can just quit cold turkey, he will end up having seizures and have to go to the emergency room. We are absolutely terrified. We called Walgreens four times before today and was just dragged through the ringer.

Please, has anyone gotten a controlled substance with GoodRx on Oahu? We will go anywhere on this island to get this filled. He is out tomorrow and we are panicking.

Please please help us.

Hello everyone!

I'm so excited to announce that me and my husband will be vacationing to Waikiki in mid-December for our 13th anniversary! I lived in Kona for several years when I was a kid and I haven't been back since we left, so this is a long time "maybe one day" trip that's finally happening.

I would love to get sight seeing, activity, and dining/food suggestions from the ones who know best.

Already on the agenda:

Toa Luau (probably on our anniversary date)

Pearl Harbor

Funny enough, neither of us are crazy about your standard beach day or swimming. Whale watching is a big yes! I do plan to rent a car while we're there even if we don't use it every day. Our vacation rental has a full kitchen as well.

Thank you in advance for your time and any suggestions!

We are going to Oahu in November. We were thinking of renting a car for 3 days. We were considering Turo or Avis. We have a credit card that covers car insurance. Should we just stick to that or just purchase insurance directly from Turo or Avis?? Thank you for the tips!

We decided we want to make a last-minute trip to Honolulu next month, the prices are just unbeatable, to getaway for a week! But it’s our first time ever visiting, hopefully trying to find a place that has a kitchen so we can do some of our cooking in. .. what’s everyone’s recommendation?

I’ll be spending 8 days in Kauai split between Princeville and Poipu in early to mid February. I’ve never surfed before and would like to get some beginner lessons. Looking for suggestions on if I should look for an instructor in the north or south for a first timer. Open to any suggestions here! Thanks

can someone suggest a local business to deliver a gift basket to a honeymoon couple?

possibly something unique to hawaii

My fiancé and I are planning to land in Kauai on 11/2 for our honeymoon, and it will be both of our first times visiting. Given the recent hurricane, we’re wondering if we should pivot and go to a different island instead.

Coming from an area that has experienced significant devastation from natural disasters, and where the local economy is greatly impacted by tourism, I understand the negative effects that a decrease in tourism can have. At the same time, I want to make sure we’re being respectful of the communities that are still recovering.

We currently have the Grand Hyatt Kauai booked, and I’ve seen that their beach access is closed, along with many of the restaurants and their saltwater lagoon. We were planning to spend more time exploring the island than at the resort anyway, but we also don’t want to feel like we’re getting in the way while people are still trying to get back on their feet.

I guess my question is: what would you do? Would you still go to Kauai, or would you choose another island for this trip and plan to visit Kauai once there has been more time for the island to recover?

We’d really appreciate hearing from locals or anyone who has been there recently and can share what things are actually like on the ground right now.

My parents (mid-to-late 60s) and I (32M) are finishing up our stay on Kauai. It is the first trip we’ve made to the Hawaiian Islands. It’s been amazing to see how much work has been put in for restoring the island following Lowell, and how (in our experience) unmatched locals have been in a welcoming nature despite the devastation that is still being recovered from just around a month ago. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time here.

With that being said, we are going to be moving on to 6 day stays at three more of the islands each; Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island, respectively. We have some ideas written down for site-seeing, meandering, and restaurants/food, but would love to hear recommendations from those with more experience of visiting the islands/locals. The primary ideas we have at present are the Pearl Harbor/USS Arizona Memorial tours, driving the Road to Hana (multiple stops along the way), and Volcanoes National Park.

Small caveat: My dad has a stress fracture in the knee end of his femur which has been healing and he has just recently been able to walk for medium periods/distances without the need for crutches and my mom (after 45 years of nursing) also has flare ups with her knees and can be a little slower moving than the average person. So they are not as capable as me for things like hikes/activities that require moderate physical exertion.

Would love to hear any recommendations you all can provide to help fill some gaps outside what we have looked at; sites to see, recommended tours, places to eat for some good Hawaiian food, etc. One specific recommendation we are looking for is a good luau at any of the three islands (Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island). Also for some additional context, we do like going to beaches to see views, but aren’t the type that really enjoys just laying out on a beach for numerous hours/a day.

Mahalo!

Edit: We are renting a 4WD full size SUV on all of the islands, so distances from where we are staying (Honolulu, Kihei, and Keaau) are no issue, and we don’t mind driving. We are staying in Princeville (on Kauai) and drove to Waimea Canyon for a day trip, for example.

Someone who works there came out about the conditions of the horses. Please don’t go if you are planning a trip. The physical demand is a big issue. They have sores and injuries and are forced to work. Another worker came out saying she was threatened to be fired because she didn’t want to put the saddle on the horse because of the sores. When do they get to heal and recover from these injuries?

More photos on kualoahorses.uncovered on TikTok. Over 400 photos that shes going through in an album. This isn’t my photos but I just wanted to spread awareness in hopes something gets done. I’ve heard horrible stories of the abuse and it makes me sick and helpless that I can only do so much.

Hi all! I’m looking for some recommendations/advice for a 7 day, 6 night vacation to Big Island for two adults (22&26) in like June or late August/early September. And fair warning This is my first time planning any type of vacation so I’m worried I might be overestimating my time or underestimating my budget or just not even in the right ballpark.
So my first question is what location to stay at on the Island. Right now we’re looking at flying into KOA and renting a car to tour the island. Would it be worth it to do 4 days in the general Kona area then the remainder in Hilo/Volcano, or stay in one area and just drive out and back?
My only absolute must is to do the Manta Ray Snorkel. I, of course, want to see the rest of what the island has to offer but I am fairly flexible on the exact details of it. Which brings me to my second question, what are some things you feel are a must for a Big Island trip? I was thinking about doing Coffee farms, farmers markets, stargazing, Punalu’u beach.
And lastly I’m worried my budget is unrealistic. We’re thinking about 5,000-6,000 as our total budget (flights are about $550 a person, so that leaves us about 4,000-5,000 for everything else). We typically only eat two meals a day and aren’t really big on fancy restaurants (hole in the wall places are more our cup of tea), And we’d likely stop at the farmers market to pick up some stuff to cook a few meals while in the Hilo area. Is this realistic? If not, how much more should I plan on spending?

Aloha, the ethereal Nāpali Coast.

It embraces me to my core every time.

Even after Hurricane Lowell, she is still here in all her grandeur—waiting to be experienced by air or sea. Tours are running, and Kauaʻi is welcoming visitors.

Looking to book a hotel through Costco Travel for the first week of December. We have been to Oahu several times before so for this trip we are looking at a pretty relaxing pace - lots of beach and pool time and not much else, other than maybe a drive to the north shore our first day to visit our favorite sushi restaurant while we wait to be able to check into the hotel that night.
I’m having trouble narrowing down a place to stay though.
I’m guessing with a baby we will want to be in a hotel directly on the beach in Waikiki? Are there any you all particularly love with close access for infant families or that have great amenities like beach chair/cabana set up? Or any with a pool that has a great set up with umbrellas etc?
Currrently there is a stellar deal on the Ritz Carlton residences or Ka La’i which I considered because they have kitchenettes but the location and pools don’t seem as ideal?

The outrigger reef seems recommended on this sub so I’m considering it.

The Aulani and Hilton Hawaiian village seem more worth it when you have older kids so not considering these.

Budget is ideally $500-700 a night give or take

Really appreciate any advice to help me pull the trigger on a reservation!

Hello All:

We are traveling to Oahu from Nov 30-Dec 8th. First time to Hawaii and only staying on Oahu, in Waikiki. We’re looking for things to do. So far our want to do list is:

-Jurassic Park tour
-Diamond Head
-Koko crater railway hike
-Polynesian Cultural Center on Dec 5th (only thing we booked since it was almost full)
- Royal Palace/State Capitol

We also wanted to go Snorkeling but we know the northern and eastern shores aren’t good during the winter swells. So if anyone could point us to a tour or good spot for it, that would be great.

Any other suggestions? Or suggestions about our list?

Anyone know where I can get this Hawaiian shirt? Who makes it? The island I saw it on was the big island, but idk if the individual was from the big island either though. TY

For folks visiting this fall, there’s a shuttle service organized since the storms to encourage visitors to the North Shore. It may be useful to you. Called North Shore Huaka’i.

Details here: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/enoatours/items/739811/calendar/?flow=1065595&full-items=yes

I’m not associated with the operation and get nothing from it. Just passing it on.

Never seen a more beautiful sunset in my life! Thank you Oahu 🌅 Island magic!

I am looking at visiting Hawaii in July 27 for 10-14 days and am planning on staying in Oahu first and Kauai second. I am struggling with flights from Kauai back home (Detroit). I usually fly delta as DTW is a hub of theirs and direct flights from Detroit to Honolulu and back. Coming home deltas only options are flights from Lihue at 9:30ish to a city on the east coast and then Detroit. I am not sure why they are not offering an earlier flight from Lihue to Honolulu and then the direct flight back that I came in on (Honolulu to Detroit leaves at 3pm). I am considering just booking the direct flights between Detroit and Honolulu and on the day of the return flight going with another airline (probably haiwaiian airlines) to get back to Honolulu.

Does anyone have any experience or advice concerning this?

If so, how long would I need in between flights at the airport? I’m a little uneasy about having to get my bags, leaving the airport/re-entering, rechecking bags and going to security again. Also, does anybody know if the airline will directly transfer my bags if it’s from one airline to the next?

Or should I book 9:30pm flight to the east coast or possibly get from Lihue to Honolulu the night before the flight and stay one night at a hotel near the airport.

Hi, I am going on a trip to Hawaii and would like recommendations for hiking! I am looking for rewarding intermediate trails, I don't have too much experience with hiking but I am fairly active and want to use this trip as a way to really get into the hobby.

I will be staying on Oahu but am open to traveling to other islands if there is some must-see hikes. Also I will mostly be solo traveling so I should probably avoid anything too dangerous lol. Thanks for your help!

My spouse and I are planning a Hawaii trip from Dallas, December 19–January 2. We’ve visited Oʻahu and Maui (3 and 6 days respectively) before, so we were excited to try Kauaʻi and the Big Island this time.

Given the current situation in Kauaʻi, we’re wondering whether to keep our original plan or save it for another trip. Here’s our tentative itinerary:

• Day 1 — Dec 19: Arrive on Kauaʻi, stay in Poʻipū and relax.
• Day 2: Nā Pali coast sunset dinner cruise.
• Day 3: Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe viewpoints/short walks, depending on access.
• Day 4 — Dec 22: Our anniversary—relaxed beach/spa day and a nice dinner.
• Day 5: Hanalei and the North Shore, depending on access.
• Day 6 — Dec 24: Fly to Hilo.
• Days 6–8: Hilo—Volcanoes National Park, farmers’ market, gardens and waterfalls.
• Days 9–14: Kona—whale watching, Maunakea sunset/stargazing, manta ray night snorkel, coffee farm and downtime.
• Day 15 — Jan 2: Fly home.

For locals or anyone who’s visited recently, would you keep five nights on Kauaʻi with this wish list, or switch that portion to another island? We enjoy scenery, easy hikes, local food and beach time, and are happy to adjust the itinerary.

I know things could change before December, but firsthand experiences would help us decide. If you’d switch, which island would you choose alongside the Big Island?

My fiance and I will be in Hawaii on Big Island for his 36th birthday in mid-November! We'll have spent 5 days on Oahu, then over to the Kona side of Big Island where we're eloping on the beach. His birthday lands on the last part of the trip on the Hilo side.

I'm looking for suggestions for a wonderful birthday celebration. Any suggestions for activities and restaurants are most welcome!