Another Hawaii question

Betty Posted: Apr 04, 2003 12:45 PM

Another Hawaii question

Hi!! For anyone that went to Hawaii do you suggest booking things before we go?

ex: Flying to Oahu for a day to see Pearl Harbor (did you all do this?)
Luau (sp?) in Maui - The famous one
Helicopter ride?

Is it easy to book these things when you are there even though you only have 4-5 days on each island or is there a wait for them?

Thank you again

Annie02 Posted: Apr 04, 2003 12:49 PM

Re: Another Hawaii question

The only thing I booked from here is the Old Lahaina Luau (the 'famous one' as you say) You can order tickets on the internet- just do a search. I did this because a friend went to Hawaii and they were sold out for the days she was in Maui - guide books also suggest booking early because they do sell out almost every night. There are other luaus, but if you want to go to this one, I would book early.

Lee Posted: Apr 04, 2003 12:55 PM

Re: Another Hawaii question

We just went to Pearl Harbor on our own and bought tickets there - go early in the morning if you can.

We booked the Oahu helicopter ride and the sunrise/bicycle tour of the volcano when we got to our hotel in Maui - the concierge took care of everything for us.

We made a reservation at a luau when we got there but it wasn't the Old Lahaina Luau, so I'm not sure about that one.

Have fun!! I'm JEALOUS!!

Betty Posted: Apr 04, 2003 12:55 PM

Re: Another Hawaii question

Thats what I thought. The only bad thing is you don't know what is planned for that day, and the weather

I will book it ahead of time (and that is the one I was talking about, couldn't remember the name)

Thanks

Betty Posted: Apr 04, 2003 12:56 PM

Re: Another Hawaii question

Lee, did you stay in Oahu or did you fly thre for the day? There is soooo much to do there, are the hotels helpful? (staying at the Hyatt)

christine1221 Posted: Apr 04, 2003 12:59 PM

Re: Another Hawaii question

Beth ... I would book the Feast at Lele. Its much more intimate & the show is just as good. Do it now, so that you'll be certain to get a great table & a good rate. Mention that you're honeymooners when you book! You can get some discounts if you do it through Tom's Cashback tours or directly through the internet site ... check whichever is offering cheaper rates.

Any other major activities ... like a helicopter (we followed the book's suggestion for the best comp in Kauaii), snorkel cruises, even the hike to Haleakala ( highly recommended!!!) I'd do as well. It's hard to get good times or they may even be sold out if you wait until you get there. You can always change your mind. Restaurant reservations are a good idea if you're looking to get into someplace good that's popular ... roy's or the Beach House in kauaii, are 2 that come to mind. You don't need to do that now, maybe a week or so b/f you go!

good luck! Happy planning!

christine1221 Posted: Apr 04, 2003 01:01 PM

Re: Another Hawaii question

PS .. Hyatt concierce's are most helpful! If you need anything .. just ask, they'll def. be able to help you out! As far as the weather .... its always 86 deg. & sunny!!! don't ever worry about that!

Niecey Posted: Apr 04, 2003 01:22 PM

Re: Another Hawaii question

I had absolutely no problems with booking any dinner or activite reservations while I was there. But I did it as soon as I got to the hotels - first or second day in the hotel. The concierge takes care of almost everything for you.

In Maui, we sat with the concierge the first morning and went thru things we liked and they gave us all sorts of ideas. The also gave us a mini week calendar and pencil and we went to the pool, read thru the stuff and made up our calendar. We wrote in everything we wanted and they made all the arrangements for us. (Grand Wailea Hotel)

The Hyatt we had the same similar experience. Definitely try to do the Helicopter ride in Kauai if you can. You get to see the entire Napoli (?) coast and it is grogeous.

Scoop Posted: Apr 04, 2003 01:27 PM

Re: Another Hawaii question

We booked everything when we got there.

Cindy Posted: Apr 04, 2003 01:47 PM

Re: Another Hawaii question

I booked everything when I was there and had no problems. I dont know about the Pearl HArbor trip because we were in Oahu for two days and rented a car and went on our own so I cant give you info on that.

dkga1026 Posted: Apr 04, 2003 02:09 PM

Re: Another Hawaii question

I also booked everything while I was there and had no problems getting tickets or reservations. But, I agree that if you want to get into one of the better luaus - the Old Lahaina or the Feast at Lele, then you should book that beforehand. I think we only got our luau tickets because someone else cancelled (I booked them 2 days before) - both of the shows are very popular!

Just edited to say - 2 restaurants to definitely make reservations for as early in your stay as possible are Nick's Fishmarket in Maui (at the Kea Lani hotel) and Dondero's in Kauai (at the Hyatt) - the food and atmosphere at both places are unforgettable!