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My boyfriend and I are planning our first overseas trip together and we are considering going to Hawaii for a bit over a week early December.
Basically I'm just interested to know some first hand experiences/thoughts about Hawaii.
e.g. What is there to do? Any specific recommendations? Things to avoid? What is the weather like in early December? Is the food delicious? How's the shopping?
Just any general information about Hawaii would be awesome - we really don't know what to expect so I'd love to hear your opinions!
There are four major islands and they all offer something different. Some people like to visit two or three islands, and coming from Australia you'll be starting with Oahu. Don't just stay on Oahu, though. Consider either the Big Island (more rural and an active volcano) or Kauai (very green).
What are you hoping to find? Usually folks pick one or two islands to visit depending on their preferences. Oahu is very urban with beaches and loads of traffic. But, you can be a tourist in Waikiki and not need a car. Actually, for Oahu, not having a car is probably a plus. For a touristy vacation, stay somewhere in Waikiki and take a few bus tours to various parts of the island if you want out of Waikiki. It'll be pretty expensive and pretty much an urban experience.
Kauai is much less crowded, not a lot of nightlife, very green, has a fern grotto, a big colorful canyon, sandy beaches and you'd probably want to rent a car.
Maui has some touristy areas such as Lahaina, some remote areas such as Hana (where the drive to get there is half the event), some hikes, sandy beaches, some traffic, some largish town/city.
Hawaii Island (also called the 'Big Island') has the volcano, beaches of all different colors (white, black and green sand, also a lot of rocky beaches), loads more room, lot less traffic, not too much of urban anything.
So, depending on what you'd prefer, there's an island (or two) for you.
It's really hard to advise not knowing what you like to do on vacation.
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In response to the people saying they don't know what to suggest because I haven't said anything specific, I wanted your opinion on what you think is good about Hawaii in general! (not tourist websites etc)
(We'd most likely be staying in Waikiki if we do go since we've never been and would want to do all the "touristy" things first).
So maybe a better question would be: What can you do in Oahu if you're based in Waikiki? Is it easy to go on day trips to volcanoes and other natural attractions if you want to escape from the urban area for a day? Would renting a car be a good option to explore the rest of the island or is a tour better? What is the weather like in early December? What is your opinion of Waikiki? (beautiful, busy, etc).
We don't really have many expectations as we have never been overseas so basically anything would be amazing and interesting in our eyes!
Don’t stay in Waikiki. It’s got crime, bums, drugs, it’s like las Angeles on an island. If go to Oahu recant a car and go to a resort away from the hustle and bustle.... December in Hawaii has big waves, snorkeling is probably out. Oahu has great hiking
In response to the people saying they don't know what to suggest because I haven't said anything specific, I wanted your opinion on what you think is good about Hawaii in general! (not tourist websites etc)
(We'd most likely be staying in Waikiki if we do go since we've never been and would want to do all the "touristy" things first).
So maybe a better question would be: What can you do in Oahu if you're based in Waikiki? Is it easy to go on day trips to volcanoes and other natural attractions if you want to escape from the urban area for a day? Would renting a car be a good option to explore the rest of the island or is a tour better? What is the weather like in early December? What is your opinion of Waikiki? (beautiful, busy, etc).
We don't really have many expectations as we have never been overseas so basically anything would be amazing and interesting in our eyes!
If you are in Waikiki all there are dormant volcanoes, Diamond Head as an example.
Waikiki is nice if you like touristy stuff, you can learn to surf and take tours from there. I always prefer cars, but you could work it out on tours. The North Shore is popular, and so is Kuuloa Ranch and the Polynesian Cultural Center. Lots of areas to go hike to falls if you have a car, not tours to that stuff usually.
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And check this out: FAQ
Moderator: Relationships Forum / Hawaii Forum / Dogs / Pets / Current Events
Don’t stay in Waikiki. It’s got crime, bums, drugs, it’s like las Angeles on an island. If go to Oahu recant a car and go to a resort away from the hustle and bustle.... December in Hawaii has big waves, snorkeling is probably out. Oahu has great hiking
Haha! I'm from Melbourne so I'm no stranger to hustle and bustle - but yeah, sadly most places do have more crime in the CBD locations. Thanks for the tips!
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