Looking for Hawaiian Vacation Tips

[nancat7]

My husband and I are starting to plan a vacation to Hawaii and we are looking for tips on travel and things to do. We will be staying in Kona, Hawaii (the big island) and have already booked our lodging. We will be going the first week of September.

Tell us your favorite airline, time of day to leave Orlando and why? Is premium seating worth it? (We can’t afford first class at this point.) What is the food situation on these flights, do they serve meals or snacks only? Is it better to book a flight with a stop or go on a direct flight?

What was your favorite place or activity there?

Thanks in advance for any info you can give us!

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Before Covid I would alternate winter’s between Hawaii and Miami Beach for 3 months, I leave early in Orlando and stop in LA for about acouple of hours , I do fly first class so I don’t know about the regular seating but I’ve talked to people who have shopped around and found first class bargains. I’m 82 and healthy but after the age of 70 I said to myself if I can’t fly first class on long flights I’m not going , I’ve been to Kona if you just like beaches it’s fine but try the other side of Island for the waterfalls and other nice scenery. I love O’ahu because there more to do and you don’t need a car good luck once you go you’ll always come back

[kathyspear]

Is premium seating worth it? (We can’t afford first class at this point.) What is the food situation on these flights, do they serve meals or snacks only? Is it better to book a flight with a stop or go on a direct flight?

When we flew to Hawaii several years ago we stopped on the West Coast for a couple of days each direction to visit friends. I was glad we did that because it is a hellish long flight from the East Coast. I actually got us amazing first class fares on Hawaiian Air (we booked pretty far ahead) that were only a couple hundred more each way than coach. That is the only time we have ever flown first class and OMG what a difference!

Even with a stop over in LA I was majorly jetlagged for a couple of days in Hawaii. YMMV.

If you visit Kauai I highly recommend a helicopter tour of the island. You will see things you can't possibly see by land. We booked with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. It was ~ $200 pp [this was 7 or 8 years ago] and probably a lot more now but so worth it.

Good luck with your trip planning!

kathy

[Two Bills]

If you like pineapples, you will be in heaven!

[Ecuadog]

We used to visit Hawaii, but haven't been back since a tsunami desroyed the Kona Village Resort a decade ago.

Recently, Hawaiian Airlines has started nonstop service from Orlando(MCO) to Honolulu(HNL) a couple times a week.

[Stu from NYC]

If you like pineapples, you will be in heaven!

Actually as labor has increased in Hawaii pineapple plantation moved to the Phillipines.

Beautiful islands and agree try and do a helicopter tour.

We have gone on cruises and both times we had reserved one mother nature decided we should not go.

[nancat7]

Thank you!

[nancat7]

Thank you for your info. Much appreciated.

[Kerlampert]

Aloha....I lived there for 20 years after retiring.
Kona weather very warm! And sunny!
Great for water sports....sailing, scuba, snorkeling.

Three bucket list things to do:

See the giant Ray's at night!
Trip up to Mauna Kea! At sunset!
Trip to Kilaueau crater for volcano lava flow.

Kona coffee, vanilla farms, macadamia nuts.
Heaven!

Have fun! Kerstin

[La lamy]

No info regarding flight situations from Orlando, but my fave things to do in Hawaii have been:

- hiking to a giant waterfall (they do look romantic, but beware, being under one is COLD and hard hitting)
- Boat ride to explore shore caves and swimming with dolphins in the ocean (for real, not the aquarium situation)
- Helicopter ride. In Kauai this was PHENOMENAL

Have fun!

[nick demis]

DO NOT - DO NOT - DO NOT fall for the suggestion to drive to Hana. All the flight crews recommend it. It is a long winding road with more pot holes per mile than any road in the world. It does have some beautiful scenic views, but the HOURS of travel is torture.
Strongly consider a stop on the way out and back. We stop at Vegas for 1 - 2 nights on the way out and 4 - 5 nights on the way back.
We used to stop in California or Washington, but the conditions there have stopped that.

[drgoofy]

Definitely upgrade your seating. At least economy +. Depending on how long you'll be there, island hopping is a great option to see so much more on your trip. Each island is unique. Enjoy!

[Bridget Staunton]

Hawaiian Airlines now fly direct from Orlando to Honolulu, heard it on the news

[golfing eagles]

DO NOT - DO NOT - DO NOT fall for the suggestion to drive to Hana. All the flight crews recommend it. It is a long winding road with more pot holes per mile than any road in the world. It does have some beautiful scenic views, but the HOURS of travel is torture.
Strongly consider a stop on the way out and back. We stop at Vegas for 1 - 2 nights on the way out and 4 - 5 nights on the way back.
We used to stop in California or Washington, but the conditions there have stopped that.

Disagree. Just rent a Jeep or other off road rated vehicle. Basically, you can rarely go faster than 20 mph for most of the trip, but it was well worth it. So was driving up to the rim of the crater of Haleakala (bring a jacket). If you have orthopedic back or neck problems---pass. Of course, the OP is going to the big island, so these Maui drives would seem to be irrelevant.

[SDSKI]

We are flying to Oahu in a couple weeks to visit our son and family (military). We have flown both Delta and American with American usually having fares a bit less. Definitely upgrade to + with both and choose the seats at the windows. Prior to Covid, Delta fed us more often and really was a bit much. We are flying American again as we had a good experience with them last time, will see how current times affects this one. When on the big island, be sure to do the helicopter tour, we also used Blue Hawaii, and a snorkeling trip. We had dinner at the restaurant where they we doing a night ray excursion, looked interesting. Also, try to cut up the flight. We flew nonstop from Atlanta, that was a long, miserable flight. We now fly to Dallas, but would also consider LA or Arizona. Hope the tips you are receiving help, best of luck!

[golfing eagles]

When we flew to Hawaii several years ago we stopped on the West Coast for a couple of days each direction to visit friends. I was glad we did that because it is a hellish long flight from the East Coast. I actually got us amazing first class fares on Hawaiian Air (we booked pretty far ahead) that were only a couple hundred more each way than coach. That is the only time we have ever flown first class and OMG what a difference!

Even with a stop over in LA I was majorly jetlagged for a couple of days in Hawaii. YMMV.

If you visit Kauai I highly recommend a helicopter tour of the island. You will see things you can't possibly see by land. We booked with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. It was ~ $200 pp [this was 7 or 8 years ago] and probably a lot more now but so worth it.

Good luck with your trip planning!

kathy

You did really well!!!!!

Just looked up the far in advance airfare on Hawaiian Air------coach---$929, "extra comfort"----$1238, first class----$4617. This is the non-stop fare, the 1 and 2 stop flights were actually MORE expensive

[sallyg]

Lucky you! Kona is my favorite place on earth. Be sure to visit the Volcanoes national park. And the stars are beautiful at night. It has been many years since I visited so I do not know what to say about the flight, just that is a very long trip, but worth it. Enjoy.

[rjn5656]

Helicopter tours are great.

Check car rentals, I have read they skyrocketed in Hawaii due to covid. Car companies sold a lot of their fleet off.

[pendi99]

Be aware that Hawaii is very covid closed. Before you go you need a negative test w/i 72 hours. plus you have to upload to your phone a load of info for the Hawaii DOH. It is not easy and very complicated.

[golfing eagles]

Let’s just be nice - they just want some advice on an expensive trip that, from personal experience, can be spoiled by a too long 2-legged flight in economy (our travel agent arranged) or other perils one might not be aware of.
Isn’t helping each other what this sight is about?

Agree. And I always try to help the blind. But I like posts that are helpful on this SITE :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[ronjon309]

We booked AirBnB rooms on Oahu, Kwai, Maui, Molokai, and the Big Island. It’s easy to hop around the islands with local vendors. Renting a car was easy too except on Molokai but that was our favorite island. We rode well trained mules down the mountain to the Leper Colony ( very safe & we met one of the few survivors!) It is the last remaining island undeveloped which gave us a chance to see non-touristy areas.
On the Big island there is everything to do-volcano tour, bike ride down the mountain, coffee plantation tours, macadamia nut plantations, zip lining across Apopa Falls, snorkeling at night with manta rays, helicopter rides, and more. If you are a Pinterest user just search Things to do in Hawaii. Lots of good info. Enjoy!

[Marty94]

Aloha....I lived there for 20 years after retiring.
Kona weather very warm! And sunny!
Great for water sports....sailing, scuba, snorkeling.

Three bucket list things to do:

See the giant Ray's at night!
Trip up to Mauna Kea! At sunset!
Trip to Kilaueau crater for volcano lava flow.

Kona coffee, vanilla farms, macadamia nuts.
Heaven!

Have fun! Kerstin

Ditto Kerstin’s list.

I have flown to Hawaii 20+ times, both Coach and First. If you can afford to fly First, do so. You’ll arrive relaxed and refreshed. If you cannot afford it, then use the App SeatGuru by Trip Advisor when choosing your seat. I find it very helpful. Just remember that flight segments can be very long. The return flight is often at night. In the coach section you often have babies. So take along a good set of noise canceling headphones, such as Bose or Apple AirPods Pro and keep charging cables handy. On occasion, TV monitors go out. Downloading a few movies or books to your phone or tablet provides a backup. I also often pack a box of breakfast bars. Food in Hawaii is at a premium and I like having extra snacks in my room as well as on the flight.

[collie1228]

DO NOT - DO NOT - DO NOT fall for the suggestion to drive to Hana. All the flight crews recommend it. It is a long winding road with more pot holes per mile than any road in the world. It does have some beautiful scenic views, but the HOURS of travel is torture.
Strongly consider a stop on the way out and back. We stop at Vegas for 1 - 2 nights on the way out and 4 - 5 nights on the way back.
We used to stop in California or Washington, but the conditions there have stopped that.

Since the poster is staying on the Big Island, and Hana is on the island of Maui, I agree that they should avoid the drive to Hana. Over 70 miles driving on the ocean would be brutal, for sure.

[jimh123]

Be nice..one day you might need advice.

[jacRI]

Many years since I went but certainly thought the tour on the road to Hana well worth it. We flew direct from Boston at that time with a stop at O'Hare. Going was not bad. However I would highly recommend a few days on the west coast before you continue your return flight. Jetlag was incredible flying east.

[Rlheinz19@yahoo.com]

We stayed in Kona in August 2019. Because we had my Mom (87 at the time) with us we didn't do much that was very strenuous. We stayed in a condo so we bought groceries and ate a few meals there. We rented a car for the week and drove it all over the island. Volcanoes NP is a must but there were other day drives that we did. We did some snorkeling at a place called two step that we found on Trip Advisor. On the opposite side of the island is the macadamia nut factory. If you like chocolate, the chocolate macadamia nuts are awesome. And they sell a lot of gift boxes for you to take home.

I agree check on Covid requirements. One of my friends has a daughter in college out there and it has been difficult.

Beautiful place. Enjoy!

[Rlheinz19@yahoo.com]

I forgot to add we flew Southwest. They didn't fly from anywhere outside of California so we overnighted in Oakland both ways. It was tiring but not awful.

[bxmt54]

There is a web site called GypsyGuide.com that offers audio tours that work on GPS. We were in Hawaii a couple of years ago and downloaded a guide for each island. They are wonderful! You would have a rent a car but compared to guided bus tours they are priceless and so cheap!

[mrb9999]

When my wife and I took a 2 week long trip to 3 islands including the big island in 2018, most of my planning for the trip was on a website called govisithawaii. They give great advice for things to see and do. They even have a day by day 1 week guide of things to do which you can customize. They also have lots of tips on what to pack and wear while touring the island. That site made our vacation wonderful. I hope you have a great time.

[Mwhitbr1]

If you rent a car, download a phone app called Gypsy Guide. The app uses GPS and gives you turn by turn directions and describes what you are seeing, gives history of the area and suggests sites and restaurants to visit. You go at your own pace and stop to see what interests you.
We used this on Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island. All were great!!
Enjoy!!

[Tbrazie]

How fit are you? What do you care about? Been many times. Call me 6035920585 colonel B

[FLSun]

Just came back from The Big Island at the start of the pandemic. Definitely go for first class. A standard auto was included in our package, but they only had convertible Camaros. They offered a mini van as a substitute. We should have taken it. Parking was never a problem. Camaros require pointing hip bone into seat and rolling into position. Pretty awful. Definitely do the National Park with a ranger tour. Wish we had known more about the observatories. Costco sells awesome hamburgers in the outdoor food court. Inside they sell many tourist items such as nuts, coffee, shirts, dresses, maps and books. Our resort property was so beautiful we kept returning for the day. We wish we had taken golf clubs. You might like some of the village markets, local park hiking, and maybe snorkeling near the Captain Cook location. Wear good running / tennis shoes for walking on the hardened lava. Do you know about Pele, Hawaiian Volcano Goddess?

[Grunt 1946]

A friend that lives about 1 hour from Kona told me there are not many people there now. The king of sports there is Marlin fishing, scuba diving, and driving around. Lots to see on the Big Island. Kona coffee yummm. It rains every day at about 3 o'clock, then the evening is great. Lots of little beaches to wallow around in, and look at the pretty fish. Get a condo where you can cook a little and drink your Kona coffee looking out over the beautiful ocean.

[Mleeja]

Hawaiian Airlines fly direct to Honolulu from Orlando. It is a killer 11 hour flight. I would definitely spend the couple extra $200/$300 bucks for the “comfort” seats. Check if there are any bulkhead seats available away from the restrooms. Download lots of movies and books!

[Cruisy]

Tips for the Big Island:There’s a good market in Kona..every morning..Take Ukelele lesson from “Pancho”..at music store in town.....Drive over to the Hilo side and walk around volcano area....Book a helicopter ride over the Volcano. ...it’s amazing...spend a night or two in a unique hotel in a Hilo neighborhood “The Dolphin Inn”. North of Hilo there are pretty waterfallls and the black sand beach. Snorkle at Captain Cook Monument. Get the book “Big Island Revealed” and it will give you other great ideas... We went over for a month once and went several other times...A wonderful place....have fun...

[gdennis317]

Best thing we did was the Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tour of the Big Island. Is not cheap, but what a great Memory. Was back in 2003, our first of three visits to the Islands.

[Sensei]

Aloha,
Hawaiian Air from Orlando offers non-stop now. "comfort seats strongly encouraged." Aloha spirit of hospitality has been evident on most Hawaiian air flights I've experienced. However, sometimes it's wise to stop...maybe in Vegas for at least an overnight..break up the flight as well as repair some jet lag feeling. Vegas has some good deals on hotels. Check out renting a car NOW through Costco...then keep checking back on the price until you fly...sometimes goes down. Check as well if your hotel charges for parking...can become significant cost. Costco on the Big Island is a very good source for souvenirs, Hot dog lunch, and chocolate covered Macadamias . Nevertheless, before lugging souvenirs back to Florida, check for same items on Amazon for free shipping. Also, a collapsible luggage bag stuffed in a suitcase can serve as a carrier for keepsakes and can be checked luggage.

This link is very helpful: 101 Things on the Big Island - 101 Things To Do in Hawai'ihttps://www.101thingstodo.com › bigisland101
101 Things To Do on the Big Island. Get in the Hot Seat. Scout Out an 18th-Century War Temple. Soak in a Natural Hot Tub. Swim with a Manta Ray. Find Eden in Waipi'o Valley. Look Through the Eyes of Mauna Kea. Go to a Lu'au. Visit Akaka Falls & Honomu Town.

Lived in Hawaii for a number of years. Pōmaikaʻi! Maikaʻi pōmaikaʻi!

[Freehiker]

Rental car prices are crazy right now. If you don’t have one booked yet you need to get on top of that really quickly.

[nancat7]

We are flying to Oahu in a couple weeks to visit our son and family (military). We have flown both Delta and American with American usually having fares a bit less. Definitely upgrade to + with both and choose the seats at the windows. Prior to Covid, Delta fed us more often and really was a bit much. We are flying American again as we had a good experience with them last time, will see how current times affects this one. When on the big island, be sure to do the helicopter tour, we also used Blue Hawaii, and a snorkeling trip. We had dinner at the restaurant where they we doing a night ray excursion, looked interesting. Also, try to cut up the flight. We flew nonstop from Atlanta, that was a long, miserable flight. We now fly to Dallas, but would also consider LA or Arizona. Hope the tips you are receiving help, best of luck!

I’ll be taking a look at American and keep in mind the window seat! Thank you.