Fellow Clutchfans, my wife and I could use your infinite wisdom for a vacation. We're going to Hawaii for the first time for our 2 year anniversary on the 25th through the 31st. We could use some sights to see and all that good stuff. No kids yet, so it can be family friendly or not. My wife can't swim that well, so not sure on snorkeling and that kind of deal. We're iffy on parasailing (my wife is) as well. Here's what we're doing so far in no particular order: 1) Cacao and Chocolate Tasting in Maui 2) Scenic helicopter flight (Maui) 3) Sunset cruise (Maui) 4) All day tour of Circle Island w/ Waimea Waterfall (Oahu) 5) Submarine tour (Oahu)
Ahh damn, I just searched and found this thread. Although I think most of those places were in Oahu. We're doing both Oahu and Maui . https://bbs.clutchfans.net/threads/going-to-hawaii-in-july-any-tips-for-a-first-timer.311506/
We stayed in Maui for our honeymoon, Kaanapali side. Do the road to Hana if you have a chance. The sunset cruise is awesome, ours coincided with whale watching season. Eat at Aloha Mixed Plate for cheap great meals, if it’s not closed.
This spot right here was amazing for swimming with the sea turtles. They were coming back into the bay and I was free diving along side them. Beautiful spot, and huge mango trees / forrest trail you walk to get to it. https://goo.gl/maps/8MecxwsaE8j3ivc6A Updated link to show the correct bay (to the east of the last post)
Don't forget to leave days for doing nothing other than sitting on the beach. When you're in Maui, I like these: Old Lahaina Luau, one of the best Luaus. It's totally for tourists, but locals like it too. https://oldlahainaluau.com/ Road to Hana: this is an all day thing. You basically drive the Hana highway around Maui and stop at food stands, shaved ice stands, waterfalls, etc. There are a bunch of written guides on the best way to do this, but we did it with an actual guide when we went and he knew places that some others wouldn't. We liked the Kapalua area. The beaches seemed less crowded. It gets more rain than Wailea though.
Maui Iao Valley State Monument Sunrise on Haleakala Oahu Pearl Harbor I always stay in Kihei on Maui so if you are staying on that side and need restaurant recommendations let me know
My wife can't swim, but she did snorkel and felt safe. We wanted to go to Molokini Crater but the weather was a bit rough so our captain kept us closer to shore. They still took us to a great spot with vibrant coral, colorful fish, and I was able to find a turtle there. For luaus, we really liked Feast at Lele. It's more multicultural than a Hawaii-specific one, but you also get your own table and don't have to sit with randos. It's right on the beach. If you're only a couple, I'd recommend that. The wife was a big fan. Sunrise at Haleakala is popular, but we did sunset instead for less of a crowd. Road to Hana is filled with things to explore. We were too tired to make that trek. We did the submarine tour. It's a bit cheesy, meant for families, but still fun to experience and see the underwater sights. I'd probably recommend getting one of those Maui tour apps that are $5'ish. They are filled with lots of information. Lahaina is also a nice town to shop around if that's your thing. We got shaved ice at the popular stand there, it was good but overrated. I do like the POG juice around there. Bakeries are also nice.
Definitely recommend Molokini Crater. Most charters will provide swimming "floaties" for everyone...which, honestly, makes it a ton easier for anyone to enjoy the fish and scenery. Also...keep in mind, tensions are somewhat high in Hawaii right now. Try to keep a low profile (as a tourist) and be a courteous and gracious guest. Those guys over there are having a very difficult time. I'm leaving tomorrow for a two week stay on Kauai. Make sure you follow all of the rules for the Hawaii Safe Travels program. If you're vaccinated, upload your card image...and, make sure you get a "pass-thru" wristband from your airlines so you can avoid the onsite reviews once you get to Hawaii.
Oh noes! Too much business! Problem is that pricing hasn't caught up with pay needed to staff tourism services. If they want to equalize, they need to increase rates to attract workers back.
I was just reading an article about that in Maui anyway that they are high and there are tons of tourists. Interesting to hear you say that as well. I'll be careful.
