Travel to Oahu Island including Honolulu & Waikiki, Hawaii
The most populated island. On Oahu you will find the city of Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and the famous North Shore known for its big wave surfing. While the island is the most populated, most of the people are concentrated in the city of Honolulu on the south shore. But on this island, you'll find rainforests, deep canyons, valleys and waterfalls, a nearly mile-high mountain range, coral reefs, and gold-sand beaches. The city proper of Honolulu -- where most of Oahu's residents live -- is approximately 12 miles wide and 26 miles long, running east to west, roughly between Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor. Within the city are seven hills laced by seven streams that run to Mamala Bay.
Waikiki is the main hotel zone on the island. Almost all hotels on Oahu are in Waikiki. There are 4 (mostly luxury) hotels that are outside of Waikiki. These are the Marriott Ihilani, Kahala Mandarin, Turtle Bay Resort, and the New Otani Hotel.
Surrounding the central area is a plethora of neighborhoods, ranging from the quiet suburbs of Hawaii Kai to kamaaina (old-timer) neighborhoods like Manoa. These areas are generally quieter and more residential than Waikiki, but they're still within minutes of beaches, shopping, and all the activities Oahu has to offer.
The windward side is the opposite side of the island from Waikiki. On this coast, trade winds blow cooling breezes over gorgeous beaches; rainsqualls inspire lush, tropical vegetation; and miles of subdivisions dot the landscape. Bed-and-breakfasts, ranging from oceanfront estates to tiny cottages on quiet residential streets, are everywhere. Vacations here are spent enjoying ocean activities and exploring the surrounding areas. Waikiki is just a quick 15-minute drive away.
The North Shore is the Hawaii of Hollywood -- giant waves, surfers galore, tropical jungles, waterfalls, and mysterious Hawaiian temples. If you're looking for a quieter vacation, closer to nature, and filled with swimming, snorkeling, diving, surfing, or just plain hanging out on some of the world's most beautiful beaches, the North Shore is your place. The artsy little beach town of Haleiwa and the surrounding shoreline seem a world away from Waikiki. The North Shore boasts good restaurants, shopping, and cultural activities -- but here they come with the quiet of country living. Bed-and-breakfasts are the most common accommodations, but there's one first-class hotel and some vacation rentals as well. Be forewarned: It's a long trip -- nearly an hour's drive -- to Honolulu and Waikiki, and it's about twice as rainy on the North Shore as in Honolulu.
Oahu is the 3rd largest island at 604 square miles. Waikiki is only 2 square miles of the island. Many people assume that they do not need a car in Oahu. This is generally a major misconception. If you are content to only see Waikiki and not the other 98% of the island, then no car may be an option. The bus system on Oahu is OK, but do you want to waste your valuable vacation time sitting on a bus for hours at a time? Also keep in mind that a taxi is approximately $30 each way to/from Waikiki and the airport.
Travel to Maui Island, Hawaii
Maui Hawaii is the second largest island in both size and population. Maui has great beaches, shopping and attractions. The dormant volcano Haleakala is on Maui. Maui is not as busy as Oahu but much busier than Kauai or Big Island. Maui is growing very quickly and traffic is starting to become an issue as well. Lahaina is the town with the most things to do on Maui. There are great restaurants, bars, shopping, and art galleries. Maui is the most expensive island to visit.
Like the rest of Hawaii, dress is usually quite casual. Sports clothing or beachwear is appropriate for almost all daily activities. If you plan to do anything at higher elevations, like enjoying one of the 20-mile-long bicycle runs down Haleakala or hiking the crater, use layers and be prepared for rain or drizzle. Tropical weight evening attire (casual) will be okay for all but the fanciest nightspots.
Winter and Spring (mid-December through mid-April) is high season for Maui when most travelers plan their trip to the island. This also means that fewer travel bargains are available and that room rates at this time will average 10%-15% higher than the rest of the year.
Due to the prevailing trade winds, most rainfall hits the north- or northeast-facing shores, leaving the south and southwest areas relatively dry. As you make your way to various sections of Maui, it is interesting to note the differences in terrain brought about by rainfall differentials. Besides the trade winds, elevation also plays a role in determining an area's microclimate. You will encounter everything from barren lunar-like desert with cactus bunch grass to lush tropical creepers and wild ginger to a bamboo forest to stands of eucalyptus and pines.
There are several different hotel zones. On West Maui there is Kaanapali which has many nice hotels, a good beach, and the large Whaler Shopping Center.
To the north of Kaanapali there is Honokowai which has mainly condominiums. The beaches are not a nice as in Kaanapali. They are sandy beaches but tend to have some coral in the water near the beach.
Further north is Kahana, which is a stretch of mostly condominiums. The beaches there are not very good. They tend to be rocky and often only have a sandy beach at low tide.
Next is Napili, a very nice bay and beach surrounded by condominiums. Napili Bay is great for swimming and snorkeling.
Kapalua is the most northern development, and has only upscale properties. Kapalua Bay is very nice but the water has some coral in it.
In South Maui there is Wailea, which is a high-end development. Many of the best resorts on the island are located there and The beaches are very nice. The resorts tend to be more separated by distance and landscaping than the resorts on other parts of the island. This gives them a quieter, more intimate feel than the Kaanapali hotels.
Kihei is also in South Maui. This area is mainly populated with condominiums that tend to be on the budget to moderate side. Most of the properties are across the street from the beach. Kihei has nice beaches and has a strip of small shops and restaurants across the street from the beach.
Source: wikitravel.org; gohawaii.com
