Holiday to Hawaii

DesperateScousewife

My aunt wants a holiday in Hawaii. This would include a trip to Pearl Harbour. I know it’s not going to be cheap but does anyone have any recommendations of good travel agency’s, tips on travel, best time to go etc.
This would be for two over 60s.
TIA.

iltisman

I have been to Hawaii several times and I always stop in the USA mainland for a day or so to break the Journey. Pearl Harbour is an interesting and free tour but they should consider visiting the other islands, Kauai etc.

DesperateScousewife

Thanks. I just need a starting point.

HogMan

Went to Hawaii several years ago, stayed in Kauai (my favourite) and Maui. Booked everything independently.

As said before you before you proably need to factor in at least a days stopover in mainland USA each way.

richardw

Where in the uk would you prefer to fly from?

DesperateScousewife

richardw wrote: »

Where in the uk would you prefer to fly from?

Gatwick/Heathrow.

richardw

Consider going in late April/May.
Consider stopping off in the US or Canada on the out bound for 2/3 nights.
You can fly BA and Alaska Airlines from Heathrow via Seattle. Alaska Airlines fly Seattle-Honolulu and they are good.
Another option is Air Canada via Vancouver.

vivatifosi

I've only been once, a couple of years ago, but these are my thoughts:

* Break the journey. If not on the way out, at least on the way back. Back to back overnights are horrific, never again. Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver are great, one on the way out, different one on the way back, if budget permits. San Diego and Seattle may also be lovely, but I haven't been.

* Don't underestimate the time difference or jetlag. 11 hours time difference, more than Australia. Allow some R&R time. Stopover help here too.

* Try to see different islands. They are quite different and have different things to offer, from walking through a lava tube on the Big Island to Waimea Canyon on Kauai, to the scenery that launched hundreds of films and TV series on Maui and Oahu.

* It isn't cheap. Pretty much everything is imported, except tropical flowers, macadamia nuts and pineapples, so allow a bit more budget than for a US mainland trip.

* Try to enjoy the culture, and learn a bit of the lovely Polynesian language. There really isnt anything quite like it.

* Watch the sunsets, they really are some of the best in the world.

Alan_Bowen

I cannot over emphasise just how far Hawaii is, around 19 hours flying if they travel all in one day. The first time that is what we did, the jet lag, with a 10 hour time difference was a nightmare so please, especially as they are in the 60's insist they stop someone on the mainland and have a break on the way

If they want to buy a package, and if they are not used to long haul travel that might be a good idea either visit a local travel agency or look at the websites of Netflights, US Airtours, Hayes and Jarvis or BA Holidays. Honolulu where Pearl Harbour is found can be a bit of a shock, although there are beautiful beaches, the main streets are full of skyscrapers, the streets are busy and apart from the weather, you could be anywhere in the US.

Pearl Harbour is easy to visit, we took the ordinary city bus to the entrance and then enjoyed the free tour, you see a film first before being taken out to see the sunken ships. The north of the main island is very different, there is the Polynesian Cultural Centre, run by the Mormon Church, so no alcohol but still fascinating but after flying that far they should certainly get to see some of the other islands. By far my favourite was Kauai, the garden island, and The Big Island, home of the live volcanoes. Maui I thought was grossly over developed, Molokai was too small and I ended up with an open top car, the only one they had to rent and suffered sun stroke....

The weather is pretty good all year round, the coldest month is November ( still 18 degrees) and the wettest is December so Spring and Autumn are probably best.

HappyFrog

I would reiterate the advice regarding stopovers. It is a long way, and even if you're used to long-haul a stopover could be the difference between enjoying the first week of your holiday. Or not. Even from the west coast it is still a long flight.

But is well worth it. If you're going all that way then make it a worthwhile stay. There are some great places on Oahu - and I would second the Polynesian Cultural Centre mentioned above. It is very well done and a great day out. But make some trips to the other islands. The Big Island is great for the volcano experience. And for something a bit different try Molokai. We spent a week there and must have been one of only a dozen tourists on the whole island - a very different experience to Waikiki.

sarah69696pink

Can't add much that hasn't been said. We've always stopped on the way out. We've also stopped on way back and just done it in one go (obviously changed flights)- was definitely easier with the stop but not worst thing in one go - although wouldn't want to do both ways like this.
As others have said it is expensive there - accommodation also pricey, but generally worth paying for. Last time we went (Oahu) we stayed someone a little older/less luxurious and I really wish we'd paid out for a better place like we'd really stayed, as even cheaper options aren't cheap and as you're going all the way there. Plus on that sort of holiday although we like being out and about we also find we like a hotel with good facilities and right on the beach (which you obviously pay a lot for!) - but as others have said sunsets are amazing so you want a good position for lots of them!