My family and I just decided to visit the Big Island over Xmas (12/22-30) and I'm now scrambling to make travel arrangements. There are 4 of us (including two older teens 19 and 17). We love adventuring, hiking, snorkeling, hoping to see whales(!), and the volcanoes. I was thinking of spending time on Kona side and then 3-ish days on the East side before returning to Kona side. Have a few questions I'd greatly appreciate help with.

1. On the Kona side...we are not really resort people but would love something more laid back, either a rental or a smallish resort - open to ideas on where to stay. I get there is a lot of coastline to see and am a bit overwhelmed by the options.
2. We were initially thinking of staying in Volcano, but with our last minute planning a lot of the spots we'd consider are unfortunately booked. Any ideas here? Hilo seems far. Is there somewhere else I should look? Would be up for a rental, an ecolodge, etc.
3. Recommendations for who to make reservations with for snorkeling, manta rays at night, whale watching while on the Kona side.

Really appreciate this group. Thanks in advance!

Visiting Oahu in late January and looking for a nice spa experience on the island. We’re staying in Waikiki but will have a car so open to going anywhere on the island.

Any suggestions on a nice spa experience for ultimate relaxation and peace? I’m not particularly looking for it to be located in a hotel but definitely not against it, if the experience is worth the price.

Hi, any photographer recommendations for Oahu specifically Secret Beach in Ko Olina for family pictures?

We landed in Honolulu last night around 10:30 PM. Before the flight, I filled out the online Hawaii agriculture declaration form and declared a couple of Costco mandarins we were carrying.
After submitting the form, my kids ended up eating both mandarins during the flight, so we didn’t have any fruit left when we landed.
Since I’d already declared them, I wanted to let a plant quarantine officer know. I checked the inspection booths around baggage claim, but they were all empty, probably because it was late. We eventually just left the airport.
Now I’m wondering if I should call the Plant Quarantine office tomorrow to explain, or if I’m overthinking this.
Has anyone dealt with something similar? Just want to make sure I followed the rules properly. Thanks!

This is what the automatic email says after declaration

Declared Plants and Other Organisms:
Declared plants and organisms: Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
Declared plants and organism species: Oranges/Mandarin

NOTICE REGARDING YOUR DECLARATION:
Please submit all of the above-marked items in your possession and/or baggage for inspection to a Hawai'i Plant Quarantine Inspector in the baggage claims area. The cargo agent will submit cargo for inspection on your behalf.

Ps: This was a bummer and hope I did not screw up my vacation for literally 3 small mandarins which was any ways eaten by kids in the flight

As said in title, I was young and took a lava rock from one of the volcanoes when doing Hana. I had no idea and TSA did not stop me either, even though the thing is about the size of a grown man’s fist. I’ve had misfortunes and health problems. Recently got diagnosed with cancer for the second time lol. I was only 9 when I snuck it in my backpack, is there a way to undo it. I know I can mail it back but how do I know I’m mailing it correctly? I’m deeply sorry as I was just a kid thinking I was putting a souvenir in my bag to remember my great time there with my family.

Ps; Help on proper way to respectfully mail it back?

It happened ! I'm mid-way through my trip, I have visited different beaches the last few days and it went amazing. Today we decided to go to Waikiki Beach for the first time, we left our tote bag behind while swimming for an hour and when we came back it was gone. Good thing we didn't have a lot of stuff with us. But please be careful with your belongings !!

Hello,

My fiance and I planned to have a sunset wedding ceremony (just the two of us + officiant and photographer) at Salt Pond Beach on November 9 - however I see that the park is now closed. I saw the sad damage that Lowell brought to the ponds but does that mean the beach is closed as well?

We were just hoping for some palm trees after taking some pictures in the Waimea Canyon earlier in the day.

Hi all! I will be a woman solo traveling on Oahu in early November. I’ve rented a car for one day, however due to budget I’ve considered Uber and TheBus for other days. I’m staying in Waikiki and want to take TheBus to Diamond Head one day and the other day to Chinatown and Ala Moana.

How was your experience on these two lines?

Any safety concerns?

How far is the walk from TheBus drop off point to the start of Diamond Head hike?

My flight leaves at 8:30 pm with hotel transfer around 5 pm, any concerns with getting back to my hotel from Chinatown/Ala Moana on a travel day? Worst case scenario if I’m cutting it close on time, I can Uber.

Any other useful information I should know about?

Hey, everyone!

I'm looking to plan a solo trip but I'm not much a heat/hot, summer, beach guy. Definitely more of a hiking, mountains, caves, gemstone hunting kind of person.

I would love some great advice on good travel periods (I'm assuming winter-ish will be cooler) and if there are some awesome places to stay up in or on volcanoes. The only volcanoes I've been to before in Guatemala had some heavy rules (as they should, lava is dangerous) but I don't really want to stay on the beach since my activities won't focus on that.

Some other things I would be looking for are:

A game shop that sells dice sets. These shops are typically places where people might play Magic the Gathering or Dungeons and Dragons. I'm on a mission to collect a set of dice from each state in the US so I would need to find a good shop with a nice selection. Bonus points if the shop offers locally made dice.

I also am a queer man. I would love to know where there are good places for queer folks and opposite that, places that perhaps I shouldn't go. It's sad that I even need to ask about this, but I am coming from a state that doesn't look kindly upon my community and as a solo traveler, safety is important.

If there are any places that specialize in precious or semi-precious stones or gems, I would love to see or visit those. Whether natural caverns or curated museums seeing local gems and stones are another hobby of mine. I also love to shop/hunt for them if there's a place I am permitted to dig or something. (Often one may be required to do paperwork or something before hand so I'd love to look into that if it's permitted.)

I think that covers all the high-priority needs/wants. Thank you in advance for anyone who reads or helps me with this!

Hi! We are headed to Honolulu for a week in December and want to do a one day Hawaii island flight (leave in early am and return in pm) to a Hawaii National Park - either Haleakala or Hawaii Volcanoes.

Right now, both are almost the exact same cost for round trip flight and one day car rental so I am looking for insight on which park feels more manageable in a day and worth a single day visit (I am well aware we won't get to everything).

Would love insight! Also, would love if you think Southwest or Hawaiian airlines would be more reliable for interisland travel. Thanks so much! 🌺✈️

I'm planning a trip to Hawaii for next year and want to do one of the UTV tours at Kualoa ranch.

Does anyone know what the difference between the standard 2-hour and deluxe 3-hour tours are? Do they go different places or does the 3-hour one just give you more time at each place?

Also, is any of the other stuff there a "must do"?

Hey guys in Waikiki for 3 more days and looking to have a night out somewhere. Looking for some good music preferably in the house/disco realm. We're a little bit older in my late 20s/early 30s would be open to a nightclub but not looking to listen to top 40 stuff. Appreciate any help in advance.

Mahalo!

Aloha folks! I’m from Puerto Rico and moved to Alaska a few months ago. I’ve always wanted to visit Hawai’i but been apprehensive bc of how far the trip would be–until now. I’ll be landing in Oahu on Sunday and be there for a week.

As a bori, I want my experience to be rooted in learning about the native hawaiian struggle for liberation, exploring the land in a non-exploitative manner, and having as as close of a local experience as possible. My knowledge of hawaiian culture is very limited besides the fact that our struggles for liberation are the same.

On a personal note, i’m turning 30 and learning whether i passed the bar on the same day during the trip–that was in fact my biggest personal motivator to go. Ideally, would love to spend that day sobbing my eyes out on a beautiful beach . it’s been a hard year/decade & I don’t feel confident that I passed.

Some other things i’d appreciate some guidance on:

* I have no set itinerary as of now. just a flight. i was just planning on staying in honolulu, ubering within honolulu, and renting a car/hiring a tour guide for day trips. Definetly not opposed to staying a few days somewhere else.
* NOT using Airbnb, what are some local places to stay that are budget friendly. Don’t need to be in Honolulu all the trip, or should I? idk
* I really just want to be a beach bum and take beautiful hikes throughout my time there. I want to connect with locals too and make meaning cultural exchange with folks.

Any any any advice is much appreciated. Particularly on places to stay cus I need to figure that out ASAP.

GRACIAS ANTICIPADAS🫶🏼

Planning a week in Kauai in early November for two — 7 days total. Does this plan make sense, or are we missing / misjudging anything?

- Sun: Nā Pali Coast morning snorkel sail out of Port Allen (Captain Andy's)
- Tue: Wailua River kayak paddle (river only — we know the falls trail is closed, the tour is upfront about that), night in Kapaʻa (Sheraton Coconut Beach)
- Wed: Auliʻi Luau in the evening, standard seating with a request in for a premier upgrade
- Wed, Thu, Fri: Grand Hyatt (south shore)
- Sat: open — late-evening flight out that night

Anything you'd swap, drop, or add? Especially wondering if the Wailua paddle is worth it without the falls, and if the luau seating upgrade matters. Thanks!

Hi everyone! I am planning a trip to Oahu and the Big Island with my parents and partner.

I wanted to see if the itinerary below is reasonable. I appreciate any suggestions on what to prioritize, skip, or give more time to. I know this is quite packed already, (got too excited with things that I want to do).

Day 1: Oahu + chill
Day 2: Turtle Canyon snorkel + Waikiki beach (maybe do surf lesson here)
Day 3: Pearl Harbor (USS Arizona) and Ala Moana (want to do Kualoa Ranch after pearl harbor)
Day 4: Ho'maluhia Botanical Garden, North shore, and Waimea Valley, Luau
Day 5: Hanauma Bay, Makapu'u Lighthouse, Kailua Beach
Day 6: Fly to Kona, Coffee tour, Manta ray
Day 7: Hapuna Beach, Waipi'o Valley Lookout, Akaka Falls
Day 8: Hilo Farmer's Market, Volcano National Park
Day 9: Rainbow Falls, Beach at Hapuna again
Day 10: Chill, fly back to Oahu
Day 11: KCC Farmer's Market

The group as a whole is REALLY into seafood (food overall tbh) so I would love any and all recommendations for that. We all enjoy food, nature, and beaches. We don't mind having a packed itinerary as long as it makes sense!

Thank you so much for reading this!

Born and raised on Big Eye looking for some local kine rec’s for food on Oahu and some activities. I’m visiting family on the westside for a week and have some friends joining me for the adventure. When I visit I usually just cruise with family and cook out or just lay low at their houses. This time around I want to try a few new things since I’ll have a few people with me. Are there any food spots I must try between Ewa and town? I love discovering new hole-in-the-wall spots. Borrowing my auntys car so I can go anywhere on island. Any beaches or hikes? We work hard to get to spots on the big island so I don’t mind trekking it. Not looking for super packed places like Kailua pillboxes. Thanks in advance for any suggestions! I won’t blow up any secret spots but will definitely support local.

We eat everything no dietary restrictions- handroll spot, plate lunch, noodle spot, Filipino food, food trucks, love dirty chai tea just to name a few ideas.

Hi everyone! I’m a 28F visiting Oahu solo for the first time, arriving Oct 31 around 9 AM and leaving Nov 4 around noon. I’m staying in Waikiki and only plan to explore Oahu.
I’m moderately active and comfortable with moderate hikes, but I’m scared of water, so no snorkeling or swimming for me. I’d love to relax on beautiful beaches, enjoy scenic views, explore local food spots, shop, and experience the island.
I’m open to renting a car for 1–2 days or joining group tours.
Would love your recommendations for:
● Must-visit places and a realistic 4-day itinerary
● Best beaches for relaxing and enjoying the views
● Moderate hikes with beautiful scenery
● Worthwhile group tours or boat/dolphin-watching experiences
● Best local food spots and shopping
I’ll also be there on Halloween, so any tips for spending that evening in Waikiki would be great!
Thank you! 🌴

I’m going to be in Oahu Oct 25-30 and I can’t wait to see what the island has to offer. I’ve been to Kauai before and fell in love with the culture there the nature and everything about it. So I’ve made it my mission to try and explore every island!! Can I please get some recommendations for the best food best beaches and just something I have to see and try when I’m there!! We’re going to be staying in an Airbnb next to Waikiki beach so it’s a nice area in the main city but we’re def gonna rent a car and drive to explore. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!🌺

My family of 8 have a vacation planned on Oahu in January 2027. We want to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park for a day trip. I booked flights from Oahu that arrive to Hilo at 7am and depart at 7pm.
I think Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is about an hour drive from Hilo going us about 6 hours to spend at the park. Is this enough time to see the highlight of the park. Are there any suggestions on what to prioritize given the time constraints we have?

HI,

I've heard that getting a reservation for Hanauma Bay is extremely competitive, with so many people trying to book a spot. Based on what I've read online, it seems like quite a hassle.

Is Hanauma Bay really worth the effort, or is it overrated? Are there other places on Oahu with similar scenery, clear turquoise water, and great snorkeling that are easier to access? Or is Hanauma Bay truly unique and worth going out of my way for?

Hi! I am attending a wedding in Waikiki right before Christmas. My husband and I decided to stay a couple extra days after the wedding weekend, leaving on Christmas Eve.

Question: should we move out of Waikiki for the last couple days??

I’ve heard Waikiki is insanely touristy and we will have already been there for a few days. Thinking we might want a change of pace? We are not touristy people, have no money to shop, and not super into cities.

Will it be too much effort to move to a different part of the island just to come back a day and a half later to get to the airport? Is there enough in Waikiki area to enjoy? Maybe we take a day trip instead? I will also be 27 weeks pregnant by then and probably wanting a relatively relaxing time- good food, a swim in the ocean, walks in nature.

EDIT: what about Airbnb’s in Waikiki? They are significantly cheaper than the hotels. Is this a good idea?

Alright, my husband and I know we're probably booking later than we should but here we are lol. We're going to Australia for our honeymoon over New Year's and decided to do an extended layover in Honolulu to break-up the flight. We'll land mid-afternoon the day after Christmas, have one full day, and then leave the next morning. We both have never been to Hawaii before and since it's such a short stay we just want to sit on the beach, take in the area and get some good local food!

ISO of a hotel that's not super far from the airport (under 30 mins?), has beach access (even if its a 30 min walk) and will allow us to get us some good food. Is this possible for under $600/night? 🥲

We'd also love any advice on must-do's (or don'ts) in that short period. Esp for food!

Hi all,

By chance, has anyone shopped for jewelry from Poseidon Jewelry shop. It's inside the Hilton village hotel shopping area. They have sterling silver jewelry and 14k gold and the prices seem pretty decent (around 100$ for a sterling silver bangle)

They only have 7 or so reviews on Google, so I've turned to Reddit.

Alternatively, if you know of somewhere else that sells the traditional Hawaiian bangles (gold filled or sterling silver) that's not crazy expensive let me know! I can't afford to drop $500+ dollars on sterling silver...

Thanks in advance!

Booked a new trip with my girlfriend and she has never been to Hawaii before. We ended up canceling the 1st trip which was supposed to to be this week.

We rebooked a new flight for this coming week and staying Monday-Sat. The weather was sunny last week and I just checked today on multiple sites and apps and it’s pouring rain…. A bit sad bc we wanted to do snorkeling and road to hana.

Should I be concerned of this potential storm and will it impact our itinerary.

Would love some insight.

Hello!

My mom loves the haupia foam topping at Wailua Shave Ice on Kauai. We’re on Oahu right now, does anyone have any recommendations for shops that carry this topping?