Need help with Itinerary - 1st time to hawaii

I am going to oahu May 13-20 (7 nights) with my wife for our 3rd anniversary. I have prepared a preliminary itinerary. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have read a lot from this board, it has helped a lot.

Day 1 - Saturday

Arrive at 1:30pm from LAX, rent car and check into Hawaii Prince (booked on priceline for a great deal). Maybe a cruise from the marina or visit chinatown.

Day 2 - Sunday

Leave for USS Arizona at 6:30am. Head over to Diamond Head and go on the hike.

Day 3 - Monday

Check out of the Prince and into Moana Surfrider (I am using Starwood points for room). Beach day at the surfrider. Drive to the lookout before sunset. Stroll through Int%26#39;l Marketplace and Royal Hawaian Shopping Center.

Day 4 - Tuesday

I am considering a day trip to see the Volcanoes on the Big Island. Instead of the tour I am planning on renting a car there for the day. I have read that the tour wastes too much time. I am planning on using air miles for the flight.

Day 5 - Wednesday

Hanauma Bay snorkeling in the morning. Kualoa ranch kayaking and ATV tour. Tour the windward coast at the same time.(waterfalls, beaches, temple). Return for Creations show.

Day 6 - Thursday

Anniversary day. Relax at hotel. Visit the spa. Dinner Cruise and maybe Magic of Polynesia show.

Day 7 - Friday

North Shore in morning with a stop at Dole then over to Polynesian Cultural Center. Stay for Horizons show.

Day 8 - Saturday

Maybe stop at swap meet, then flight out at 12:30pm.

We are not big watersport people, my wife cannot even swim. We are also vegetarian, so we are not planning any luaus. We like to see and do things and don%26#39;t really like sitting around on the beach all day.

Am I planning too much? Should I leave the volacano trip out? Am I missing anything worth seeing? I was also thinking about taking the glider ride at the north shore, but don%26#39;t think I can fit it in.

Thanx in advance.

Need help with Itinerary - 1st time to hawaii

Your itinerary looks very fun, and busy!! We did a day trip over to the Big Island too. We left on the first plane in the morning, flew into Hilo, rented a car and did our own driving tour using the Big Island Revealed as our guide. (great book) We got a late flight back to Oahu. It was a busy day, but worth every minute. You may not get to the lava, however..so be prepared for that..When we were there, it was a two mile hike into see it, and we didn%26#39;t have adequate shoes or enough water...

As for the rest of your intinerary, just always keep in mind to be flexible...you%26#39;ll be fine. I see that you are staying at the Moana.. good choice. I just answered your last post re: SPK vs the Moana...Have a wonderful time!!!!

Need help with Itinerary - 1st time to hawaii

Flippr,

When you went to the Big Island for the day, did you do only the Volcano National Park? What else did you have time for?

Thanx.

Maybe just me, but I would skip Dole. Instead, go little further to Haleiwa and do some shopping. Hit a restaurant in town and then enjoy the beauty of north shore beaches before you get to PCC.

Others may disagree, but Dole was not recommended that much and we skipped it.

Have a great trip. Oahu is wonderful.

Hi Jay

Yes we only did the park. It was amazing!! We started with the chain of craters road, and then followed the directions we found in BI Revealed. We even found a couple of craters off the beaten path thanks to BI Revealed, We also did a couple of amazing hikes, and had a picnic. We went to the Big Island just for the park..we could have spent way more time there too. I can%26#39;t stress to you enough, to get BI Revealed.

Then if you decide to maybe try anything else, or explore elswhere, you have a comprehensive guidebook to help you along.

Just keep in mind, before the locals chime in here...respect the land for what it is, and no matter what... DO NOT TRESPASS!!!(not an issue in the park)

Jay...

Three tips:

1. Make SURE to spend a couple hours (at least) in Downtown/Chinatown. No visit to Oahu is complete without it.

2. You might want to take the Tantalus Drive in the hills above Honolulu one day around sunset. Incredible views (as good as a helicopter), fun road, can be done in less than an hour.

3. Assuming you are planning to go to the Aloha Stadium or Kam Drive-In swap meets, you might want to check-in at the airport before heading out to them (the airport is on the way and only a few miles away). They generally allow you to do so for up to four hours pre-flight time.

This will get you valuables out of your rental car (you never know when it may be broken into), and will allow you a more relaxed airport experience on the back-end.

Your itinerary looks great, but i agree keep it flexible. I dont know if i would go to the Arizona then Diamond Head because it is a long hike and it would be better done first thing in the morning. I agree with the other post i would skip the Dole plantation, we regretted stopping. We did enjoy Halewia its a cute Hawaiian town and stop at Matsumotos for the shave ice';its the best';.

You should go to the Waiamea Falls its a nice walk with lots to see.

We are going back in July and were thinking of flying to the Big Island for the volcanos also, so if you go post a review.

I would definantly hit the swap meet for your souvinors that was well worth it.

Have fun and aloha

I would do the swap meet the same day as the Arizona since they are so close together. Then hike DH Monday morning before spending the rest of your day relaxing at the beach. I don%26#39;t think dinner cruises are worth the money. I%26#39;d rather spend the $%26#39;s at a nice restaurant w/a view.

If you do go to Volcano, make sure and stop at the Visitors center. Much better, and more current info, than the Revealed books.

You could probably fit in a glider ride if you really want. Go straight up to the field, then spend your day on the N. Shore as you%26#39;d planned on Friday. I gave my husband a Loop d%26#39;Loop glider ride for Christmas. For that, they take you out over the water. He loved it! And, there is always the possibility of see whales from the air. Although, mid-May is iffy.

On your anniversary, get reserv%26#39;s for the Banyan Veranda at the Moana. We spent an anniversary there and it was a wonderful weekend.

Regards,

mrsfuzz

Thank you all. I am printing all of your excellent advice. The tip about checking in early to avoid car theft at the swap meet was something that makes sense but I would have never thought to do that.