Hawaii

LesD

NafUk wrote:

I'd recommend Kauai over the other bigger islands

...and take the helicopter trip over Waimea (Hawaii's Grand Canyon), the Na Pali coast, and the 'Jurassic Park' falls.

diddydi

I personally do not like Waikiki and would suggest that you go to either Kauia (the Garden Isle) or Kona (the Big Island)

x-spendthrift

Hi

We stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian last August for our honeymoon.

First of all the negatives: This hotel in my opinion was nothing really exceptional for the money paid. I also thought it far TOOOOOOOO big for my liking ( the largest in Waikiki). It just felt so impersonal. To get a sunbed was a job and a half (but most hotels are like this). I can't remember which block we stayed in but there is a smaller pool for guests staying in a particular block which was a lot quieter and you could get a sunbed no problem. Chaotic at check-in etc. Was very expensive for drinks etc.. Very commercialised.

The positives: Beachfront location, very pretty surroundings, and above else you are in Hawaii!!!! They also have ocean front dining which was expensive but worth the extra money for a special occassion.
There is also a coffee bar on the opposite side of the main entrance (which was very good value for money) which sells all drinks and food and there is a bar attached to it. If you love shopping Waikiki is THE place...every designer shop imaginable. The hotel has its own shopping village too, but was pricey. As part of our honeymoon we did a 7 night Hawaiian cruise where we got to see the other islands (they are each very different ) I am really glad we did this as I felt we got to see the real Hawaii... each island is just so unique.
Regarding your flights, I have flown with Virgin who I can only say were superb, and I would certainly book with them again. I haven't flown with AA. We went to Hawaii with United Airlines (purely because they were the cheapest) ... they were ok.
I would advise to do a couple of nights stopover somewhere as it's a very tiring journey. We went in August and the weather was gorgeous. Have a really good time when you are there.