Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii

Hawaii Condo Rentals - an authentic Hawaiian experience at Maui's most popular beach resorts.

Hawaii!
I'm planning a trip to Hawaii for my 21st birthday next year. What would you suggest the best island is? And what kind of activities can my friends and I do while we are there?

What part of Hawaii is the best vacation spot?
My hubby and I were planning on going to Hawaii for a few days in June. I was wondering what place is best to stay to get the most out of it. We want to get do some sight seeing of things like volcanoes and do some water sports. I would also like to check out a luau if possible. I have heard that Honolulu is a packed city and I don't know that I want to be there, because I really don't care for the "big city" aspect of vacationing. So what would you suggest?

What is the prettiest part of Hawaii to visit?
I want to go on a honeymoon in Hawaii but I really don't know anything about Hawaii, where should I get a hotel?

What is the best beach to take children to in Hawaii?
We are planning a trip to Hawaii soon, we aren't sure which island or beach to go to. We are a family with a toddler and really aren't interested in going to a party area, we just want a family area that has restaurants and family entertainment nearby. What is the best area for families who are visiting Hawaii, and which island would be best.

What are the best months to visit Hawaii? Is September considered hurricane season there?
I'm looking into Hawaii for my honeymoon and want as much information as possible.

What is the best vacation spot in Hawaii for someone who is only mildly fond of beaches?
I am not anti-beach, but beach activity alone does not make a vacation for me. What are your favorite areas of Hawaii other than the beach? I would be up for urban pursuits, wildlife viewing, or anything unique and fun.

What are some great vacation spots in Hawaii that are good for very young families?
After our baby reaches 1-2 months old, we'd love to take a week's vacation as a family to Hawaii. We're hoping to find somewhere private, out of the way and quiet. These factors are more important than cost. Any ideas?

Should I Invest in Commercial Real Estate in Hawaii?

Hawaii!
I'm planning a trip to Hawaii for my 21st birthday next year. What would you suggest the best island is? And what kind of activities can my friends and I do while we are there?

A. Kauai is by far the best! I loved it there. I really suggest going to Kauai if you want the time of your life.

A. Well it depends on what you want to do.

Maui is a great place for going to the beach. If you want a lot of water action, I suggest going there.

On the other hand, Oahu and the Big Island are places I've went to, and I loved it!

Go to Oahu and you can visit a lot of great beaches there as well. If you go to Oahu I suggest heading up toward North Shore if you want something more quieter, or to Waikiki if you want more of a city scene. Either way you can drive anywhere around the island, so there's lots to do there. You can shop a lot in Waikiki, and go to several restaurants there. One of my favorite activities there was a luau at Paradise Cove, look it up! It's better than the authentic Polynesian Cultural Center luau. But I suggest going to Paradise Cove, it's lovely and very fun!

On the Big Island you can visit the volcano, but you won't be able to get very close because of the sulfur dioxide level, it's been high lately. It's a great place to go to! Or the Kona Brewery Restaurant is a great place to stop to eat. Also there are some great sunset cruises ( but you can probably get one on any of the main islands ). Black Sand beach is also here, it's unique. It's mainly more rock though, due to the volcano. (Don't take any volcanic rock home! They say it's bad luck.)

Anyways, hope that helped! Have fun! Hang loose!

A. Each of the Hawaiian Islands has its own personality and character. So, knowing what type of person you are and what you like to do will help you decide which of the islands you will like.

If you like tourists and fishing you should like the Kona area of the “Big Island” of Hawaii.

If you like solitude, a tropical feel, a rural atmosphere and you don’t mind rain, you should like the Hilo area of the Big Island. The west side of the Big Island has a few nice small beaches, including black sand beaches. Near Ka Lae, the southernmost point of the island you will find a green sand beach. Big beaches are not prevalent on the Big Island.

If you enjoy scenery, hiking, snorkeling, kayaking or surfing and don’t yearn for “night life” then the oldest of the islands, Kauai is for you.

If you are the kind of person who keep a bathing suit, snorkel gear or a surfboard in your car, then Maui is for you, because it has 120 miles of easily accessible and swimmable coastline, more than any other island.

If you have an artistic temperament or perhaps you like to get away and write, then seek out the island of Lanai.

If you love nature, hiking and solitude, then “the most Hawaiian” of the islands, Molokai is for you.

You’ll enjoy Oahu if you like beaches, shopping, tourists, high-rises, traffic and don’t mind a lot of other people. Honolulu is like a tropical version of NYC, or LA as it was in the smog-free 1950's.

A. If you want a trendy beech, then Honolulu is on the island of Oahu where you will fly in. Waikiki Beech is the place to be seen if you are into all that. It is cheapest to stay here as no further flights will be required. Also nightlife is good here. If you want a quieter snorkel/kayak go to Maui where the corals/fish/turtles/dolphins are amazing. The night life in Lahaina (main town in Maui) is buzzing with shops/galleries and kite surfing is popular at this time of year. If you want to hike to see stunning volcanoes and red lava flowing into the sea, then Big Island is the place to be. Also the beeches are fairly quiet and snorkelling is good. Kauai is beautiful especially if you can afford a helicopter ride over the Napali coast, highest cliffs and stunning waterfalls (seen in Jurassic Park) but a much quieter relaxed island. Good luck.

A. 21st Birthday! Waikiki baby, on Oahu!

Party at Rumfire, Dukes, Tiki's, Hanohano room, Kelly O'Neils, etc.

Lots of shopping and learn to surf too!

Any when you want to relax go to Waikiki beach or to Lanikai or to the N.Shore for some rad beaches.

Oahu has everything, except a erupting volcano.

A. Hi! I was just in Hawaii for 17 days and we went to Oahu,Maui, and Kauai. The best island by FAR...is Kauai. It was the most prettiest place ever. My family is actually planning on going back just to Kauai for vacation in a few years it was that good.

We also did a lot of excursions such as:
1) Ziplining( The best to do in Kauai and my favorite)
2) Swimming and Snorkeling with the Sea Turtles
3) Kayaking
4) Surfing Lessons (So Fun!)
5) Whale Watching (Only during Whale Season)
6) History Tours
7) Shark Cages (Scary..)

There's a ton more to do in Hawaii..these are only a handful of ones. Hawaii is amazing if you haven't been there before and beautiful.

HAVE FUN!

A. It's difficult to answer your question properly without knowing more about you. A wide variety of people come to Hawaii, and a there are a wide variety of things for them to do when they get here.

I've lived in Hawaii for eight years, three different islands. I've been host to a lot of friends that have come to visit me, and it isn't easy to predict what somebody is going to like. I took my best friend from high school to the Arizona Memorial, but he really liked driving on the H-3 highway. I took some friends from Taiwan driving all around the island, but they really liked the valley where I lived. I took a friend from college to the Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace (our tour guide cried), and to an authentic hula performance, but she really liked just driving around the island. I took a large group of scholars and government officials to the Polynesian Cultural Center. The East Asians liked it, but the South Asians weren't impressed.

Even though Hawaii only has a couple of seasons, really, the time of year does affect what you can do where, and you didn't tell us that, either.

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What part of Hawaii is the best vacation spot?
My hubby and I were planning on going to Hawaii for a few days in June. I was wondering what place is best to stay to get the most out of it. We want to get do some sight seeing of things like volcanoes and do some water sports. I would also like to check out a luau if possible. I have heard that Honolulu is a packed city and I don't know that I want to be there, because I really don't care for the "big city" aspect of vacationing. So what would you suggest?

A. If you don't want the "big city" vacation, don't plan to stay on Oahu (Honolulu, Waikiki) This is all city, all tourists. You will see your volcanos on the Big Island, Luaus on any island (you can find them everywhere) Maui is more laid back and romantic.

A. Getting around the islands isn't too bad and there really are some different things to do on each one. So one possibility is to visit 2 or 3 islands depending on how much time you have this trip.

If you plan on visiting Hawaii every year then you can focus on one part this time, a different part next time, etc. I would start with Hanalei Bay personally. That's on Kauai, and on the beach where they filmed South Pacific. There's a luau right there on the beach.

A. OK I lived in Hawaii for 12 years so you're talking to a pro here. Well you said you would like to see volcanoes and water sports - the best place for you is the Big Island. They have an active volcano there and tons of water sports. I hope you two have fun!

A. I think you would enjoy Maui more. The problem with the volcano is it's not always active when you want to go visit it. We really enjoyed the Hyatt Regency Maui, which is just outside of Lahaina. That was more than 20 years ago, but my son and his wife were there last summer with my granddaughter and it's still wonderful.

A. If you want the volcano then the Big Island is where you will be going. The Big Island is very country and you won't have to deal with the "big city". Have fun.

A. You may find that Honolulu is crowded, but that's because it's so popular. It definitely isn't as relaxing as other parts though so I would suggest , Maui, or Waikiki.

A. If you want to see an active volcano you will have to go to the Big Island its the only island with active volcanos.

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What is the prettiest part of Hawaii to visit?
I want to go on a honeymoon in Hawaii but I really don't know anything about Hawaii, where should I get a hotel?

A. In my own opinion Maui has the most things to do, but Kauai is the prettiest. Shop around and you can get a good deal on your hotel room.

A. And I say Oahu ... or Kauai.

A. I say Maui is the best island.

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What is the best beach to take children to in Hawaii?
We are planning a trip to Hawaii soon, we aren't sure which island or beach to go to. We are a family with a toddler and really aren't interested in going to a party area, we just want a family area that has restaurants and family entertainment nearby. What is the best area for families who are visiting Hawaii, and which island would be best.

A. I think Waikiki would be a good location, as there are many child friendly things to do & see on Oahu. We have a decent zoo & aquarium, a children's museum, & good beaches for little ones. Ala Moana & Magic Island are both near Waikiki & are very safe. There are several places where you can explore tide pools, which most children find fascinating. There are some in the Makapuu/Waimanalo area & others on the north shore. For older children, there are lots of other things, so I wouldn't recommend the water park, but for toddlers, there are not quite so many age appropriate things to do. So for them, I would suggest the water park in Kapolei, which has an area set aside for the little ones.

Hope you have a wonderful vacation!

A. Hawaiians and locals LOVE kids. Really. So, as long as you go to the beach resort areas with great infrastructure you will have a good time and great support from the staff.

I'm assuming what you are looking for is safety on the beach where they manicure the sand nightly and pick up any glass and debris, safety of the waves, staying directly on the beach so you don't have to cross a crowded street, kid's programs, and whether an area is for isolated couples and adults. Keeping that in mind, here is what I recommend:

A mega-resort will have kid's programs to help give you some breathing space. The Hiltons are large mega-resorts and really amazing in the breadth of programs they have. If you want an isolated resort, the Big Island has the Hilton Waikoloa, but it is removed from anything. This area of Kailua-Kona (called Kohala) is also carved out of solid lava-beds so all beaches are man-made. The property is so huge, they have little canals with boats to ferry people around, the kids like that. They have tame dolphins at the resort.

If you want great nearby shopping, restaurants and the international hustle-bustle of Waikiki, the Hilton Hawaiian Village on the island of Oahu is very popular, on an area of Waikiki with great sand and safe waves. Both resorts have wading pools just for kids. If you want to be away from Waikiki, there is the Marriott Ko'Olina, but that is near an oil refinery and in a dry part of the island way far away from anything. It also has man-made beaches that LOOK man-made.

If you want a classic resort in a non-urban resort-only area with a great beach, that is on the islands of Maui or Kauai. On Maui, I would recommend the resorts at Wailea Beach which has a safer beach and less wave action, but since this is the upscale area of Maui you are going to pay a hefty price. I don't like the beach at Kaanapali as much for kids, the slope of the beach is pretty steep (I'm sure people will disagree a lot with me). If you stay here, the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel is the original hotel on the beach in this location, is certainly getting old and needs an overhaul... HOWEVER, the price is amazing for this area and they have a lot of programs for kids so there are a lot of families that stay here.

On Kauai, you are going to want to choose a resort on Poipu Beach, I am unsure which resorts here have good kid's programs, but there is a Hyatt here, and all Hyatt resorts that are family-oriented have a "Camp Hyatt" program. Note the Hyatt on Waikiki is across the street from the beach if that is of concern to you.

There is only one all-inclusive resort in Hawaii with programs for the entire family and all meals and that is the Kona Village Resort on the Big Island. You stay in Polynesian bungalows on the beach or near the beach. The beach is frankly not as pretty as elsewhere and although they manicure it, it always seems like there are leaves and things on the beach.

There are a lot of quiet areas with safe wave action without mega-resorts for a more intimate family experience, my concern would be whether the sand is manicured and the dangerous things sifted out of it at night. I really don't know, but you may want to check out Napili Bay beach resorts on Maui, and the area between Wailua and Kapa'a on Kauai.

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What are the best months to visit Hawaii? Is September considered hurricane season there?
I'm looking into Hawaii for my honeymoon and want as much information as possible.

A. OK, here's my whole list. Hurricanes generally don't get to Hawaii, but they do sometimes have severe weather/storms like right now a lot of rain. Its hot in summers, like 90's, but pleasant the rest of the year.

The top things to do in Hawaii are:

1. Go to Pearl Harbor to see history at the US Arizona Memorial. You can drive or take the bus there; no need to book a tour. (Oahu Island)

2. If you are on the island of Oahu (where Honolulu and Waikiki beach is) go to the other side of the island to see the great deserted beaches (get a rental car for a day or two).

3. If you go to the Polynesian Cultural Center (Oahu) understand that its run by the Mormon church and there are NO alcoholic beverages served there, not even beer. I say skip it and do a Luau instead.

4. If you go to Maui, you got to do the down hill bike ride. I don't recommend the sunrise one because you have to get up at 3:00 AM to get started up the mountain and its cold up there that early. If you are a romantic do it, but otherwise no. There are different bike companies and some don't take you all the way to the top, and some don't guide you back down. You can come down by yourself, there's only one road with just a little traffic, but if you are squeamish about riding in the street, a company that accompanies you down will help watch the traffic for you. I have been twice and prefer Maui Downhill to the others. These companies have web sites They will pick you up at your hotel, take you to their shop to pick out a wet-suit (for the cold and mist/rain shower maybe) and gloves and helmet; then take you up the mountain; then follow your group down so they can block traffic for your ride; then afterwards take you back to your hotel. Expect this activity to take 75-80% or more of the day.

5. Also in Maui, The Road to Hana is a great drive (you need a rental car). Its a 30 mile winding road that takes 4 hours to drive. Its like driving through the jungle; has a bunch of one lane bridges.

A. I have gone once in the earliest part of April, and four times in May. May to me is the best month to go. But Hawaii is wonderful no matter when you go. Congrats on your honeymoon!

A. Any time in Hawaii is great! It's always awesome. The summer months can be quite hot though and September is still very hot. I like October, March, April and May the best. December can be expensive due to holiday demands. January/Feb are great if you are sick of the cold where you live. (It is rainy season in Hawaii then, but at least it's not cold!) You'll have sunshine on the West and South shores of any of the islands pretty much year round (and North and east get most rain year round, but esp. in winter).

It's really beautiful and romantic. a great place for a honeymoon; you'll love it! Good luck-and congratulations!

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What is the best vacation spot in Hawaii for someone who is only mildly fond of beaches?
I am not anti-beach, but beach activity alone does not make a vacation for me. What are your favorite areas of Hawaii other than the beach? I would be up for urban pursuits, wildlife viewing, or anything unique and fun.

A. I would say either Oahu or the Big Island. Actually, there are lots of non-beach things to do on any of the islands, but Maui & Kauai are more beach oriented.

On the Big Island there is the Volcano National Park - lots to do & see there. There are some nice waterfalls just outside of Hilo & there is the Waipio Valley.

Oahu has tons of stuff to do. We have a decent zoo,an aquarium, lots of historical places like Iolani Palace & Pearl Harbor, several museums (art, natural history, missionary period), a symphony orchestra, art on the fence (local artists display their work for sale outside the zoo on the weekends), & a small but interesting Chinatown.

All of the islands have good hiking, Maui & Kauai have zip-lining. If you come between December & March, a whale watching cruise is a must. Every island has beautiful sightseeing, like the road to Hana on Maui or the Waimea Canyon on Kauai.

Have a great vacation & don't forget your sunscreen!

A. I really liked Big Island. There are some beautiful mountain towns and natural settings that are not along the beach.

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What are some great vacation spots in Hawaii that are good for very young families?
After our baby reaches 1-2 months old, we'd love to take a week's vacation as a family to Hawaii. We're hoping to find somewhere private, out of the way and quiet. These factors are more important than cost. Any ideas?

A. Unfortunately Hawaii is generally not as fun for very young families. Kids under 12 don't seem to get into all of the scenic wonder and tend to be bored. When they are bored the parents suffer.

Many people from the mainland are coming very long distances. From Chicago it's at least a 10 hour flight "non-stop" which is a real killer for small kids to stay cooped up on an airplane that long.

Most activities are boring to kids (Pearl Harbor) or too dangerous for kids (riding a bicycle downhill on a volcano). Even swimming in the ocean has to be done with great care.

The best advice, and I know you don't want to hear it, Leave the kids with relatives and just the grownups come and enjoy yourself.

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Should I Invest in Commercial Real Estate in Hawaii?

A. All commercial real estate markets are based on supply and demand. Hawaii's market has typically been limited in supply, and demand has outstripped the existing supply. General interest and demand for Hawaii commercial properties comes from people's fascination with Hawaii and spending time in, and surrounded by, its natural beauty. In trying to protect that natural beauty, difficulties in rezoning are wide spread across Oahu, Maui, The Big Island and Kauai. A very small portion of our states land is zoned for urban and commercial or industrial purposes. Typically, a developer will need to spend seven years to take a property through rezoning and allow that property to be added to the supply side of our commercial real estate marketplace.

A. The island is home to about 900,000 people (approximately 75% of the resident population of the state) and partly because of this, Oahu has for a long time been nicknamed "The Gathering Place". However, the term Oahu has no confirmed meaning in Hawaiian, other than that of the place itself.[3] Ancient Hawaiian tradition attributes the name's origin in the legend of Hawaiiloa, the Polynesian navigator credited with discovery of the Hawaiian Islands. The story relates that he named the island after a son.

The city of Honolulu — Hawaii's largest city, state capital, and main deep water marine port for the State of Hawaii is located here. As a jurisdictional unit, the entire island of Oahu is in the City & County of Honolulu, although as a place name, Honolulu occupies only a portion of the southeast end of the island (essentially, the Honolulu District). Well-known features found on Oahu include Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Kaneohe Bay, Kailua Bay, North Shore.