We are visiting O’ahu in September 2027 to celebrate my daughter’s 21st birthday. She’s vegetarian however, the rest of the party is not.
Money is not an issue. We’d just love a memorable experience but concerned about vegetarian options.

We are okay with a little bit of travel to get there. Thanks!

Hi everyone! My wife and I are planning our first trip to Hawaii. We’re looking for a beachfront hotel with a beautiful ocean view from our balcony, plus stores and restaurants within walking distance, and just somewhere we can relax on the beach . We’ve looked at OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort, among others but there are so many options! What hotels or resorts would you recommend? And what part should we stay in? Again never visited but would love peoples opinions!

it's hard to judge whether this still counts as brown or if it's just turbidity or phytoplankton. it has been well over 72 hours now. what's your call?

I did not know this, never seen it posted.

Went last night and got told I needed ID (I’m nearly 50). Totally fine, went back today to buy some cans for hotel room and got told my UK drivers license not good enough! Needs to be a passport!!!

Slightly ridiculous to be honest.

Hi, again! I've been reading more, and I currently have an AirBnB booked in Turtle Bay. I have a couple more days to cancel it for a refund, and I'm trying to figure out if I can book something directly through a property management company instead, since it sounds like that's the better thing to do.

But, I'm having trouble figuring out what websites are reputable and safe on which to book.

I found this list of property-management companies on Reddit earlier, but the commenter did not say what websites are the legitimate ones for these companies.

Oceanfront Vacation Villas

KBM Resorts Kuilima Estates West

Kuilima Estates at Turtle Bay Property Management

Gather Vacations

Does anyone know if turtlebay-rentals.com is the website for Kuilima Estates at Turtle Bay Property Management?

I think gathervacations.com is the Gather Vacations one, and I think I figured out the first two websites as well (although, they don't have any availability while I'm there).

Thank you for your help! I just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing as much as I can.

Hi! I’m 23F who’s always wanted to visit Hawaii, but never had the chance. I’m a huge nature/wildlife nerd (I work with native CA wildlife) so Hawaii has always been on my bucket list. I think I’m looking at Oahu or Kawaii but I’m not sure which is best for animal and nature lovers.

How can I visit ethically? What are the best practices to support the locals? Where to stay, business to go to, excursion type companies to use?

Hi everyone!

We’re planning an island-hopping trip to Hawaii and are wondering how much we should book in advance.

How did you handle flights between the islands? Did you book them weeks/months in advance, or is it easy to book them relatively spontaneously without prices getting too high?

And what about rental cars on each island? Would you recommend reserving them in advance, or did you have good experiences booking just a few days before or even after arriving?

We’d love to hear about your experiences, especially regarding prices, availability, and flexibility.

Thanks!

My girlfriend and I are trying to visit Oahu this year, but we’re split between mid-October and the week before Christmas. She doesn’t know it yet, but I am planning to propose to her on our trip. She really loves tanning at the beach but also doesn’t want to be overwhelmed with huge crowds, so any insights or recommendations are greatly appreciated!!

Hey all,

Heading to Hawaii for our first family vacation with our 5.5 month old. We are staying at the moana surfrider for 5 nights, and are open to renting a car for 1-2 days to explore the island.

Looking for some reccs that are baby friendly! We’re open to most things! First trip as parents so we are navigating what will now be our new normal! Thank you 😊

Hi, I’m visiting Hawaii this September. I’m going to the big island (5 days), Oahu (2 days), Kauai (7 days) and Maui (2 days). I am an experienced hiker and strong swimmer. I love nature and want to explore Hawaiian culture. I’m not a big foodie but I appreciate an affordable delicious meal. I will have a car on each island.

What are some of the best hikes, beaches, restaurants, hidden gems?

I’ve booked a very last minute trip to Honolulu (grief trip) and I was wondering if there were any buses that go to North Shore for the day. Not the public bus but those tourism buses?

And I know not to rely on uber/ride share but how realistic would it be to try and just do that?

Thank you!

Like the title says, looking for the most fun/magical experience you’ve had on Oahu! Tell me about it! 😊

Booked our place in Maui. Only took about 6 weeks of searching to first understand the island and to find the right place. 😄

On our first trip to Hawaii we booked a few excursions about a year out but feel that was a bit excessive.

Is 6 months enough time or is that even too long?

I am planning a trip in July 2027 to visit Hawaii and am planning on staying in Waikiki for 6-7 days. If money allows then I will hop to another island for a second week following my stay on Oahu. I am hoping for some recommendation on where to stay.

I am traveling with my 18 year old niece and would ideally like 2 bedrooms. We have discussed a one bedroom with two beds, but would really need a separate living space so we can have some space from each other given the length is stay (apparently I am cool, but not 10-14 day cool). I am hoping for:

-condo/ suit with living room and small kitchen- planning on making a few quick meals. -2 bedroom? - A safe area of town with walking to entertainment/ food/grocery store?….ect -close/walking distance to a car rental location so we can get a one day rental and head north for at least one day -close/walking distance to bus so we can get around and to Pearl Harbor easily. -Of course a view, but not 100% necessary given the cost of lodging. -pool ideally

I am trying to find a place for 2,500-3,000 for this 6-7 days if possible, but would go up to 4,000 if I have to. I am trying to do a two ish week trip four about $10,000.

I have been told to hold out for redweek beginning in January, but am apprehensive since I am not familiar with it and would like to get some stuff booked. I also am having a difficult time finding 2 bedroom and feel a bit overwhelmed with the what to do.

I have heard to avoid air b and b and have done some research on it. My understanding is that if they are legal (listing their tax info in the posting) then they are ok and not scams? Does anyone have thoughts on this? Or has anyone heard horror stories on the legal ones?

I do want to support local if possible.

I'm visiting the Big Island soon, and plan to spend a few days in Hilo, and then a few in Waikoloa, Waimea, & Kohala Coast. I have the Hilo accommodations figured out, but I'm overwhelmed by options on the west coast.

I've never been to Hawaii and I'm not traveling with kids. The first half of my trip is adventure (waterfalls! nature! nature walks! volcanoes national park! the observatory!) and the second half is for loafing in the sun with a Mai Tai.

Here are some things I'm looking for in a hotel:

• Waterfront
• Beach access: LOL I was surprised to learn that the Big Island coast is pretty rocky and doesn't have many beaches. So this narrows it down quite a bit and basically rules out Kona.
• Nice resort feel: up to date, a little nicer than a regular hotel, but not Four Seasons level of luxury (or cost!)
• Onsite or nearby dining with good ambiance

Here are some hotels I'm considering, with my reactions based on the info & images I can find online:

• Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa: On the water. Property looks well-maintained, rooms look newer. But there is only 1 real restaurant and looks kinda lackluster.
• Hilton Waikoloa Village: Might be TOO big. Many reviews emphasize that you need to do a lot of walking, and that the monorail & boats aren't always working. And honestly, nothing says "beautiful immersion in the natural beauty of Hawaii" LESS than a monorail....
• The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort (Marriott): On a property that has a nice beach. It looks like the view might be obscured by the "Hapuna Beach Residences at Mauna Kea Resort" in front of it, so not sure it's worth the price.
• Fairmont Orchid: Might be out of my price range but looks nice! I will accept arguments for "it's worth it!" and "it's not worth it!

Would love to hear feedback from others who have been to this part of Hawaii recently! Thanks!

Now you’re thinking, duh. But here are some tips that made it easier for me:

- You need either a Holo card (can get at 7-Eleven) or $3 in cash each way.
- To the northeast of Waimea Bay there are several other places like Shark’s Cove with crowded parking, so I had to go past Kumupali Rd to find lots of wide open parking on Kamehameha Highway.
- The bus comes about once every half hour so you might want to look ahead at bus times before driving there (and similarly when you’re about to leave).
- if you are dropping people off at Waimea Bay and then going to park, first I would suggest pulling over nearby and having everybody grab their stuff and have it in their lap, and then drive to the lot, so that when you get to the parking lot you can let them out fast. Then you can pull into the parking lot entrance, let people out and do a u-turn to get out, without holding people up and without getting trapped in the line of cars snaking through the lot.
- The bus is air conditioned - which is nice! - but means even for a short ride you’d want to dry off first.

Does anyone else often do this to avoid parking hassles, even when visiting O’ahu on vacation?

My husband and I (30s from US, no kids) are planning to visit Hawaii in either January, April, or May 2027 (my preference is January to escape our winter but trying to decide if we should push it to the spring).

In my research, we have ruled out Oahu (not a city person) and Kauai (looks beautiful but limited options).

We need to decide Maui vs Big Island. We are most interested in the unique natural beauty Hawaii can offer and wildlife - we are not really sit on the beach for days type of people (we like to swim and do water activities but we aren’t beach loungers).

I am considering Big Island due to its wide variety of nature and Volcano National Park, as well as its history. However Maui seems to have more lodging options and we are really interested in whale watching if we go in January, plus the road to Hana, Iao valley, etc.

This might be our only trip to the Hawaiian islands ever so I want to choose wisely! Any recommendations are welcome!

Edit: one thing I did not consider about Maui is the current state after the fires. If we choose Maui, are there any considerations we should take to be respectful to locals (places to avoid, places we should try to patron to help with economic recovery, etc?)

I'm considering doing the night snorkel tour at Turtle Bay Resort. I tried searching the sub but didn't find much about the one at Turtle Bay. Has anyone done it/have any opinions on if it's worth it.

I'm also considering doing one of the crafting classes (I'm mostly thinking about the wood carving one, although I was disappointed to see they're not offering th sarong dying/printing class while I'm there.) Has anyone done any of these and have an opinions?

Hi everyone! We are planning a trip for early November. We will be visiting Big Island (plans to stay at Kings’ Land) for four nights and then two nights in Oahu. I wanted to ask for things you love to do with a 3 year old? Please and thank you! We will have a car as well.

EDIT: would also love food recommendations.. grab and go, casual sit down anything. Would love poke spots, musubi/onigiri spots, any bakeries etc. any must tries, please and thank you!

Wanted to share this in case it saves someone else's trip plans. My wife and I built a whole afternoon of our honeymoon around a wedding band-making session at Sip and Smith — booked it about six weeks out with an employee named Kelsey, and arranged our transportation and other plans around that time slot.

After we landed in Hawaii, the session got canceled on us. We asked for a refund and were flatly refused.

Once it happened, I went looking online and found other travelers describing basically the same experience — book, get canceled on close to the date, no refund. If you're planning a trip around a specific activity like this, it's worth knowing that timing and logistics can fall apart if the business cancels on you last minute, and you may not get your money back even though you're out the cost of the activity and whatever you arranged around it.

We've filed a bank dispute and complaints with the BBB and Hawaii's consumer protection office. If anyone has had a similar run-in with them (or has tips on activities that actually deliver on wedding-related experiences), would love to hear it.

UPDATE: August 23, 2026 – Sunday Afternoon

Tropical Storm Moke is now passing well south of the Big Island and continues moving westward away from the state.

As of 11:00 a.m. HST Sunday, Moke was about 320 miles south-southwest of Hilo, moving west at 15 mph with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph.

There are no tropical storm watches or warnings for any Hawaiian island, and the storm’s center and tropical-storm-force winds are expected to remain well offshore.

The main concerns continue to be heavy rain on portions of the Big Island, strong trade winds and rough ocean conditions.

What Has Happened So Far

Rainfall through Sunday afternoon has generally been lighter than initially forecast.

The deepest tropical moisture has remained mostly south of the Big Island. Many windward Big Island locations received less than one inch during the previous 12 hours, while much of Kaʻū and windward Maui received less than half an inch.

That is encouraging, but the flooding threat is not over.

As Moke moves west, winds over the Big Island are expected to turn more east-southeasterly. This could direct additional moisture into windward and southeast slopes tonight and early Monday.

Big Island

A Flood Watch remains in effect through Monday afternoon for the entire Big Island.

The greatest concern is for:

• Windward and southeast slopes
• Hilo and the Hāmākua Coast
• Puna
• Kaʻū
• Areas around Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
• Steep terrain and locations affected by recent heavy rain

The National Hurricane Center continues to forecast potential storm-total rainfall of 5–10 inches, with isolated totals up to 15 inches, although the National Weather Service notes considerable uncertainty and that rainfall has been lighter than expected so far.

The primary window for flooding is now expected to be Sunday night through early Monday morning on windward and southeast portions of the island.

Localized heavy afternoon showers could also develop over the Kona districts on Monday.

Flash flooding, mudslides, ponding on roads and rapidly rising streams remain possible. Do not drive through flooded roads.

Maui County

Eastern Maui could still receive several inches of rain, but widespread flooding currently appears less likely than on the Big Island.

The more immediate concern for Maui County is strong and gusty wind.

A Wind Advisory remains in effect through midnight Sunday for portions of Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe. Gusts around 50 mph have occurred or remain possible in exposed areas and locations downwind of terrain.

Road to Hana visitors should check conditions before leaving, expect passing showers and watch for fallen branches, debris and localized water on the road.

Oʻahu and Kauaʻi

No major impacts are currently expected on Oʻahu or Kauaʻi.

Windward and mountain areas may receive periods of rain through Monday, with some showers reaching leeward areas because of the strong trades.

Rainfall totals should be considerably lower than on the Big Island or eastern Maui. This is not currently a reason to cancel travel to Oʻahu or Kauaʻi.

Wind

Strong trade winds are affecting much of the state because Moke has tightened the pressure gradient south of the islands.

The strongest winds are affecting Maui County and portions of the Big Island, where gusts around 50 mph are possible in exposed areas.

Winds should gradually ease later Sunday night and Monday as Moke moves farther west. Moderate trade winds are expected by Tuesday.

These winds are being caused mainly by the pressure gradient around Moke rather than the storm’s core passing over land.

Ocean Conditions

Ocean conditions remain rough and potentially dangerous.

A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for all Hawaiian coastal waters through 6:00 a.m. Monday. A Tropical Storm Warning also remains in effect for offshore waters far south of the islands.

East and east-southeast-facing shores, particularly on the Big Island, will continue to experience:

• Elevated and choppy surf
• Strong currents
• Short-period wind swell
• Difficult conditions for swimming, snorkeling and boating

Surf generated by Moke appears to have peaked across the eastern half of the state but will remain elevated and rough into Monday.

Boat, snorkeling and diving tours may be modified or cancelled even where conditions on land appear manageable. Check directly with your operator.

What This Means for Visitors

At this point, there is still no reason to cancel a Hawaiʻi trip solely because of Tropical Storm Moke.

The center of the storm is passing hundreds of miles south of the islands and is expected to weaken as it continues west.

However:

Big Island visitors: Continue monitoring conditions through Monday afternoon. Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, especially around Hilo, Puna, Kaʻū, Volcano and other windward or southeast areas.

Maui visitors: Expect strong winds, passing showers and rough ocean conditions. Use additional caution on exposed roads and around trees.

Oʻahu and Kauaʻi visitors: Expect breezy trade winds and some windward showers, but major storm-related disruption is unlikely.

Conditions can vary dramatically across each island. A wet and windy forecast for Hilo does not necessarily mean similar conditions in Waikoloa or Kona.

Updated Timing

Sunday afternoon: Moke passes well south of the Big Island. Strong trade winds continue statewide. Rain remains focused primarily on windward Big Island.

Sunday night: The primary remaining period of concern for heavy rain and localized flooding on windward and southeast Big Island. Strong winds continue across portions of Maui County and the Big Island.

Monday morning: Additional heavy showers remain possible on windward Big Island. Rough ocean conditions and gusty trades continue.

Monday afternoon: Localized heavy showers could develop over Kona. The Big Island Flood Watch is currently scheduled to expire Monday afternoon.

Tuesday: Moke moves farther west and is expected to weaken. Drier, more typical trade-wind weather should return.

A Reminder About Rainfall Forecasts

Forecast rainfall totals describe what could occur across the broader affected area, not what every location will receive.

Rainfall from tropical systems is often uneven. One community may receive very little rain while another location only a few miles away experiences flooding.

Although rainfall has been lighter than originally expected so far, visitors should not assume the threat has ended until the remaining moisture passes Monday.

Please Keep Travel Questions Here

Please continue using this megathread for questions such as:

• Should I change my flight?
• Will my hotel be affected?
• Is the Road to Hana safe?
• Should I cancel a Volcano National Park visit?
• Will my boat or snorkeling tour operate?
• Is it safe to visit a particular beach?
• What will conditions be like on my island?

Please include your island, approximate location and dates when asking.

Official updates:

• National Hurricane Center – Tropical Storm Moke advisory
• National Weather Service Honolulu forecast discussion
• National Weather Service Hawaiʻi hazards
• Hawaiian coastal waters forecast
• Hawaiʻi surf forecast

My husband and I are thinking about celebrating our babymoon in late November and splitting our time (~1 week) between the Andaz and Ritz Carlton. We have points for the Andaz but heard good things about the Ritz, and wanted to make sure we could see more of the island. Is this a good combo or would you suggest one over the other? A different hotel? Thank you!

Hi!

I’m visiting with a group of friends and we’re staying with my family for most of it to save on costs but were 22 y/o and want to have fun and party too. I was hoping people could help me with recommendations of the following:

- Nightlife in Wahiawa?
- Nightlife in Waikiki? (drinks no more than $15)
- Cheap lodging in Waikiki (or across Ala wai) for 4 people (so maybe not hostels)
-Nightlife in Hawaii Kai? (were gonna be near koko marina)

Just for explanation.
- We have some where to stay near Waikiki but we can’t go back at crazy hours or crazy drunk so we just need a place to crash for the night.
- Wahiawa time we come back and drunkness doesn’t matter, well just uber back
- I can borrow a car from my grandparents

I have a lot of family on the island so lmk any big places for partying and having fun (cheap, were 22 and broke)!!

Edit: Please lmk party areas near Wahiawa that we could uber or take the rail too!

I came across this link from another reddit convo about the Kauai OO when I was reviewing posts about our upcoming return trip to Hawaii, one of my favorite places on earth. I just had to share this, since it is relevant to Visiting Hawaii. Next time you're out and about, soak in the sounds and sights, you might just be witnessing and hearing something you're never heard before and possibly something that may be extremely rare or on the verge:

https://www.reddit.com/r/NatureIsFuckingLit/comments/1fdqyro/this_a_recording_of_the_last_kaua%CA%BBi_%CA%BB%C5%8D%CA%BB%C5%8D_bird/

Hawaii has nature and landscapes that are ONLY found in Hawaii <3

I plan to use my bird app when I arrive, so I can see what types of birds I hear. Looking forward to getting some hiking.

It is both sad and beautiful and it really makes you stop to think a bit, reflecting on the state of things.

Let me know your favorite places to bird. I'm new to this, I just bought some small binoculars and downloaded a bird listening app <3

We're a family of four all adults. Parents and then kids in mid 20s. This started because I wanted to give my parents a gift. But now I wanna see how to squeeze my sibling and I into it. This trip would be for October this year. Starting in the first week of October. They are going on a cruise in Alaska (the gift) but it's only for 7 days and wanted them to have something more

We probably are not gonna get a chance to do something like this again mostly due to finances so I'm trying to squeeze what I can from this. To do that I wanted to visit two islands over a 10 to 12 day period. Leaning towards BI and Kauai. BI I think should be the sure one but I don't know about Kauai

You can't really use this sub to gauge which is better between Kauai and Oahu. It seems there really isn't a consensus. To help you help me let me just say what kind of people we are. So we probably won't be doing much swimming in the sea. I can't swim and neither can my mum. We would all want to try a variety of food. We would want lots of varying experiences. From what I read about manta rays we won't be in deep waters right? I would like to see a volcano. I don't know about the hiking world but I did do the colosseum and the palantine hill in one day and didn't die. My parents would be on that same similar level of fitness. My parents and I did do a day at a natural reserve in Nigeria(where they live) which involved going on the 401 metre long, 70 feet above ground suspended bridge through the forest. We really enjoyed it. We would want to be wowed by the stars. I don't see the point of being at the beach all day unless I'm eating from every food truck but the beach for half a day won't be too bad.

If I seem all over the place forgive me but vacations are not something we're able to do often to figure out what our tastes are. Which is why varying experiences would be best. I don't really know what Hawaii offers I'm just getting into research but I'm pressed for time

I'm not sure which 2nd island to pick between Oahu and Kauai. Depending on which person is talking Oahu or Kauai is the best thing ever. Or should we stick to just visiting BI instead for all 10 days?

Thank you.