Expedia

So much to do here, so little time! great vacation package deal from Expedia! It's great to stay in Keihe if you're on a budget. It's advisable to do some planning beforehand, to get the most out of your vacation!

Name: Jully
TripType: Romantic Escape/Honeymoon
PhotoCaption: Sunrise at Haleakala (Maui)
Rating: 4 - I Loved Hawaii, Hope to go back someday

We got a great deal on Expedia and decided to visit Kauai. Stayed in Kapa'a for a central location. We were able to visit Waimea canyon, Kauai coffee company, Ke'e beach and the Kalalau trail as well as Poipu, hike the lithified cliffs, NaPali coast, Hanalei, waterfalls and many wonderful beaches. 'Kauai revealed' was an invaluable source of local info to find some of the hidden gems on the island like Kipu falls. I didn't realize that Expedia now has local concierge service that provided information on local attractions and excursions we wanted to take(thanks Wendy!!) The flight was fairly painless, direct from Denver to Honolulu then connecting to Lihue. We had an additional leg from Honolulu to San Francisco on the way back but no legs were delayed. The weather was great which helped in the overall enjoyment of the trip. Kauai is a great island to roam and explore with trails, rivers, waterfalls and beaches galore. Boat trips, helicopter flights and guided kayak are easy to find - pick up a booklet as soon as you get to the airport with lots of discounts and coupons. I love Hawaii because its American but has a feeling of being in a different culture. The people are friendly and proud of the heritage. Hope to visit again someday. Maybe next time- Maui!!

Name: Kerri White
TripType: Romantic Escape/Honeymoon
PhotoCaption: View from the Kalalau trail toward Hakapa'ia Beach.
Rating: 4 - I Loved Hawaii, Hope to go back someday

My Husband, David and I spent 2 glorious weeks first on Oahu then on Kauai. We stayed in a cozy private rental cottage in Kailua on the eastside (windward side) of the island of Oahu. The windward side is a much slower pace with no crowds, no noisy beaches, just lazy beaches to lounge on or activities galore! It just depends on what you want to do!
 
We went on a snorkeling cruise and swam with the most amazing sealife. We visited Pearl Harbor and discovered that a person really needs a WHOLE day to truly appreciate everything that is exhibited there. We went to a Luau at Paradise Cove on the southwestern side of Oahu. The dancers and all the entertainment was fantastic and the food was just "mediocre". I think we just prefer to be IN or at least near the water at all times. David scuba dives and he went on 3 incredible dives all on the south and southwestern waters off the island. I visited Hanauma Bay and all I can say is, as I sat on the sand and got my mask, fins and snorkel adjusted; I simply placed my face in less than a foot of water and the most brilliantly colored fish are swimming up to me, as if to greet me. It is a fantastic place to snorkel. We drove up to the North shore and along the way visited several beaches. Kokololio Beach on the northeast shore was almost empty and the calm water there is so peaceful. Many of the beaches that we encountered on the east and northeast shores were very beautiful, some isolated and almost private. Sunset beach and Shark's cove on the northshore are very pretty but many of the beaches on the northshore are very crowded, especially with surfers. Since the northshore is the "surfing capitol of the world". Parking on the northshore is scarce also. When we turned south we stopped at the Dole Plantation for a visit. There are some beautiful gardens to see there and some interesting historical info regarding the plantation and of course there's the pineapple treats that you can purchase also. But, when you open the door to the colorful entrance you immediately enter an enormous tourist trap/ gift shop. Of course you have to walk through all the chaos and the shoppers to find anything related to the plantation. But, we did enjoy the pineapple sorbet and it was a nice relaxing spot to sit and listen to a musician playing the pan flute. Probably, one of my most memorable times on Oahu was experiencing sunrise at Lanikai beach. The awe of this sight brings feelings of true pleasure, gratefulness and blessings just to be alive!
Now, on to Kauai!! Just a short 30 minute flight to Kauai, we landed in a small town called Lihue (which is the largest town on the island). I immediately felt a difference on Kauai, that I didn't feel as much on Oahu. People are even friendlier, and more gracious there. The smell of the flowers, such as ginger and plumeria leave hints that they are everywhere. The lush gardens of green landscape and jungle are so much more abundant. We stayed in a very "funky" treehouse in the country above Kalaheo, just northwest of Poipu. It was very rustic and a true "Hippie pad", but very romantic with it's outside shower amongst the trees. Total seclusion is what we got here along with a bit more insects inside the cabin than we were comfortable with. But, when you're IN THE JUNGLE (truly), I guess you have to expect the wildlife to be inside sometimes as well as outside. The owner there was entertaining and helpful though.
On Kauai, there are endless activities to enjoy and we DID enjoy almost all of them. Probably the most exciting was the Helicopter ride that covered the entire island. We were able to view the Na Pali coastline from a "birdseye view", we swooped in and out of the beautifully colored cliffs of Waimea Canyon (The Grand Canyon of the Pacific), we hovered inside the Crater of Mt.Waialeale (the wettest spot on earth). We headed north to the majestic Hanalei Bay, then viewed the gorgeous green taro fields that lie in the valleys below. We saw multiple locations where movies have been filmed. Movies such as Jurassic Park, Outbreak, Six Days and Seven Nights, and Dragonfly to name just a few. Kauai is such an amaxingly interesting place. It has no freeways, only one highway that will only take you 2/3 of the way around the island. There are no highrises on Kauai, and the population of the whole island is only 66,000. PARADISE!!! Did you know that you can only see about 20% of Kauai by vehicle? The rest of the island has to be seen by boat, plane, helicopter or hiking in on trails. And believe me... The island HAS TO BE SEEN!!!
We went kayaking on the Wailua River on the eastside of the island and then hiked through the jungle to a gorgeous waterfall. We swam there and had lunch before hiking and kayaking back down the river. That was a very relaxing day! We drove up through Waimea Canyon to the lookout there and also to Kalaulua Lookout above 4000 ft. It was sprinkling some and the rainbows we fabulous. Beware! the roads up to the lookouts are in poor shape, so when we go back to Kauai we will rent a 4-Wheel Drive vehicle.
You must visit Jo-Jo's in Waimea for Shave Ice. It's the best! If you haven't had shave ice before... it's nothing like a snow cone. The ice is so smooth and the flavors are much more BOLD. Jo-Jo's had about 30 different flavors to choose from. We spent alot of our time while on Kauai at the beach in Poipu. It is a fairly busy beach, (but nothing like on Oahu) with lots of beach activities and sealife to snorkel with. These friendly fish swim right along with you as you ride the surge underwater. Brenneckes Beach Restaurant and Activity Center across the street from Poipu Beach Park has delicious food and they also have amazing adventure planners there that can help you set up any activity, event or adventure that you can dream of. We went on a Na Pali Coast boat trip and snorkeling cruise. The thrills of the colorful cliffs and the beautiful hidden beaches were very exciting and the guides were so knowledgeable of all the sea creatures and the history of the coast and of all the land masses there. Several pods of spinner dolphins were swimming beside our boat as well. They are such beautiful graceful creatures. The Na Pali Coast should definitely be on your " To Do List" Well, as I have tried to paint you a beautiful portrait of our Amazing Vacation to Hawaii, there is no way that I could upload a single photo to share with you. One photo just wouldn't do it justice. You'll have to experience Hawaii yourself!

Name: Cheryl Coddington
TripType: Romantic Escape/Honeymoon
PhotoCaption:
Rating: 5 - Best Hawaiian Vacation, Can't wait to go back

Overall, the trip was great, however, we were disappointed when the introduction to the island never occurred that first morning we were there. I'm sure we missed out of highligths that we could not experience because of this planned and scheduled intro did not happen

Name: Sylvia Vitale
TripType: Family Fun
PhotoCaption:
Rating: 4 - I Loved Hawaii, Hope to go back someday

We went to Honolulu. It was our first time in Hawaii. It was very much a tourist area. A must see is the Ployonesian Culture Center. So much to see and do there. It was definitely the highlight of our trip.

Name: Trip to Paridise
TripType: Family Fun
PhotoCaption:
Rating: 5 - Best Hawaiian Vacation, Can't wait to go back

Maui was everything we had hoped it would be. We stayed at the The Sheraton at black rock and it was a great experience. We booked a Garden View and when we checked in they upgraded us to a ocean view which was beautiful. The location is great, it's next to The Whalers village which has a ton of little shops and restuarants. The Sheraton does charge twenty five a day for parking but besides that the staff was extremely helpful and friendly.
The snorkeling there was fantastic! We saw a TON of sea turtles, lot's of different fish, squid, and a couple of the days we saw a couple of sting rays. We wished we hadn't wasted our money on Molokini crater, the snorkeling wasn't that great, it's on the windy side so the snorkeling isn't smooth, lots of big waves and lots of people had motion sickness. I wish someone would have told us the snorkeling was better at the Sheraton before we wasted our money.
We would recommend Flyin Hawaiian zipline, it was a blast! It's not on the wet side of the island so the scenery is sort of dry but it was still a blast and still beautiful. The tour guides had great personalities and made the experience that much more fun.
Road to Hana was good, although it can get crowded it's worth it. It's an all day trip and we still didn't have enough time to check out all of it.
Iao Valley was extremely lush and beautiful, definitely worth checking out.
This was our first trip to Maui and other than snorkeling at Molokini crater is was a great trip and we'll definitely will be going back.

Name: Evan's
TripType: Romantic Escape/Honeymoon
PhotoCaption:
Rating: 5 - Best Hawaiian Vacation, Can't wait to go back

It was our 12 year wedding anniversary. We never had a honeymoon and decided Maui was just the place to get away to. We rented a jeep liberty and it felt like we drove over every square foot of that island. It was amazing and more beautiful than I could have imagined. We enjoyed the drive to Hana and recommend getting one of the CD guides for the trip. We also loved all the wonderful snorkeling. Our favorite spot was Honolua Bay. The best place to eat was DA Kitchen on Front Street. Authentic and yum yummy!

Name: Kaanapali Villas
TripType: Romantic Escape/Honeymoon
PhotoCaption:
Rating: 5 - Best Hawaiian Vacation, Can't wait to go back

We had a great time in Waikiki. but must say we spent little time there. We did the "must do" things (Pearl Harbor and Diamondhead) but traveled the east coast for great scenery and beaches. NO buildings on the mountains! You must do the Polynesian cultural center in the north shore area. Great luau and show there.

The Marriott in Waikiki was super with view of Diamondhead and beach just accross the street. Parking was expensive but we parked in the banyan parking lot. Only $10 for 24 hours! Will definately stay at the Marriott next time too! All kinds of shopping and places to eat at walking distance. Zoo and aquarium and Diamondhead just 5 minutes max!

Name: Lawrence
TripType: Family Fun
PhotoCaption:
Rating: 5 - Best Hawaiian Vacation, Can't wait to go back

This is the 1st time we have went to Hawaii. We heard about the beautiful Maui, so we choose this island. We were awe struck. We love the scenery more then the beach, although the beach & snorkeling was awesome itself. Our favorite Resturant was Bubba Gump Shrimp on Whalers Whorf. The food & service is excellent. Mama's fish house is very good, but extremely price of about $40 to $50.oo per plate with child's plate being $20.00. It's on the road to Hana. And speaking of the road to Hana, it's a must see road with so many waterfalls, a botanical garden. Roads are very small (many times just one lane for 2 cars), And very winding. Go early morning as we did, & reached Hana at dusk. We drove back in the rain @ night which was very scary, but doable. The underwater submarine rides aren't as great as snorkeling, but if you don't want to get wet, this is the 2nd best thing. The Maui Ocean Center is GREAT! I would advise everyone to go. It's a aquarium like you've never seen before. We held starfish, & they have a glass tunnel where it looks like your swimming with manta rays & sharks. Very cool for pictures for the family back home. Going up the crater was great & pretty chilly (take a jacket). You'll get starstruck photo's here. The food is pricey, so expect it before you go & you won't have a problem. There are places like Pizza Inn, Carl Jr. Burgers, Taco Bell, ect.. for those who want to spend less. But I would sugguest a meal @ Bubba Gumps. Request a table overlooking the ocean & bring your camera. We stayed @ The Westin Ocean Villas & we loved it. The Hotel staff was great & meals were wonderful. There is alot of traffic due to alot of tourist in the central part of Maui. Speed Limit is mostly 35 mph due to the traffic & the winding roads. So it takes awhile to go anywhere. We heard that the natives are real laid back & don't honk. Don't believe it! They will run you off the road. The only bad thing was leaving. We are already planing next years trip to Maui again.

Name: Simmons
TripType: Family Fun
PhotoCaption: A Picture around the North side of Maui
Rating: 5 - Best Hawaiian Vacation, Can't wait to go back

I am native hawaiian and my son and his bride decided to have their wedding on the island I was born. The Bride's family and friends flew over and joined my family for this momentus event. I had extreme problems trying to rent the gazebo from Feb 2010 to August 2010. No one returned my phone calls. We rented 6 rooms at the Naniloa and they wanted to charge us for the Gazebo. Well we had the wedding on Coconut Island and it was beautiful. The Hotel charged us $7.00 if we wanted fresh coffee in the lobby or $12.00 for coffee if breakfast was served. We didn't want to eat but to receive the coffee we had to buy the breakfast. I have stayed at the Naniloa before for our family reunion and since it has changed owners, this will be my last stay. The staff was friendly and very helpful. Great Aloha Spirit. Mahalo

Name: Jeanne Summers-Agliam
TripType: Romantic Escape/Honeymoon
PhotoCaption:
Rating: 1 - Would Not Recommend

We ate at 2 FABULOUS restaurants while on Maui. The first was Kimo's in Lahaina. We went twice during our stay the fish was so wonderful! We also ate at Mama's Fish house. The whole experience there was wonderful, not to mention a great view.

Name: Steph M.
TripType: Romantic Escape/Honeymoon
PhotoCaption:
Rating: 3 - Hawaii was Great, Not sure if I will return

I went with my daughter and son-in-law. We had a good time but when we arrived in Kona, the Iron-man Triathlon was going on on the street where our hotel/resort was. So we had to drive around for about 2 hours until we could get on that street. So my advise to anyone going to Kona-do not go on the 2nd weekend of October.

Name: Jan Sosa
TripType: Family Fun
PhotoCaption:
Rating: 4 - I Loved Hawaii, Hope to go back someday

My favorite thing to do while visiting Oahu, Hawaii was to get in the jeep, take the top down and just drive the island. We saw the most beautiful look out spots and beaches we had ever seen! Definately a must do on your bucket list!

Name: Vaness Terry
TripType: Romantic Escape/Honeymoon
PhotoCaption: Oahu, Hawaii - North Shore Sunsetting
Rating: 4 - I Loved Hawaii, Hope to go back someday

I couldn't believe I got such a deal thru expedia, so I wasn't prepared for such a nice hotel. The swimming pool was small and not in a nice location, but I knew that before going. But I was really impressed with the room, it was big and roomy, had a microwave, refer and coffee pot with coffee everyday. The Aqua Wave is a very nice hotel.

Name: Joanne Tuholsky
TripType: Family Fun
PhotoCaption:
Rating: 5 - Best Hawaiian Vacation, Can't wait to go back

WE HAD A GREATTTTTT TIME IN HAWAII, MY 4 TIME TO BE THERE, BUT THE FIRST FOR MY HUSBAND, SISTER AND BROTHER-IN-LAW, THE MOTEL WAS VERY CLEANNNNN THE PEOPLE THERE WERE VERYYY HELPFUL, THE BAD PART WAS THE FLIGHT, THE AIRPLANE WAS SO SCRUNCHED, WORN OUT FROM THE FLIGHT, THE 3 TIMES BEFORE I HAD GONE ON A DC10=SOOOO MUCH MORE ROOM. THE WEATHER, SIGHTS AND EVERYTHING WAS WOUNDERFUL

Name: SHIRLEY GARRETT
TripType: Family Fun
PhotoCaption:
Rating: 5 - Best Hawaiian Vacation, Can't wait to go back

We had a wonderful time. Best family vacation we have had.

Name:
TripType: Family Fun
PhotoCaption:
Rating: 5 - Best Hawaiian Vacation, Can't wait to go back

My husband and I had a great time in Hawaii. We did have a couple of sanfoos with our travel arrangements but they all worked out for the best. My husband had never been and can't wait to go back. We had six wonderful and romantic days. We saw the Arizona, The Polynesean Culture Center and took in a sunset dinner cruise. Neither of us wanted to leave.

Name: Allison Portulano
TripType: Romantic Escape/Honeymoon
PhotoCaption: The two of us on the Arizona.
Rating: 5 - Best Hawaiian Vacation, Can't wait to go back

A part of my wife's and my vacation was the trip to Hana. Everyone should suffer through such a trip to that hide-away. It was 76.4 miles one way from the hotel parking lot to the center of Hana business area. I drove and it was like driving the route one along the California coast...about 10x worse. Hairpin turns both right and left; room enough for 2 cars passing. At times only room for one vehicle. I was having fun testing my macho abilities but my wife was having stress for both of us, to say the least! The only time that I was concerned for my safety was when I heard a horn that no car could create. I came around a curve and there was an 18 wheeler facing me! No Joke!!! How was I to know there was 3 more of the beasties right behind it! I told my wife to watch for falling snowflakes while I negotiated the pass-by of each truck. Further travelling on this road led me to wonder how these monsters were able to go around these corners that scared me silly!!! I had a small 4 cylinder roller-skate to negotiate these turns. It was a 2 + hour trip to a sleepy village that if I had sailed to, would have be romantic, but via a car, it was a finish line on the 24 hour European Monaco race. I was looking for a helicopter to pluck me and the misses and transport me to my spot by the hotel pool...right now! Our trip was validation to the T-shirt saying "I survived the trip to HANA". The Return trip was even more interesting! You wish to see how close the driver can get to the edge of the ever present abyss? Take that trip...and look down the precipice on the right side of the car. I, on the other hand, was busy trying not to get clipped by the hot rodders on the way to Hana. We were glad that we were on our way back...it was raining. Gee, maybe that is why its a rain forest..... Would I do it again? You bet, only the next time let some one else drive!

Name: Phil
TripType: Romantic Escape/Honeymoon
PhotoCaption:
Rating: 5 - Best Hawaiian Vacation, Can't wait to go back

Well, for me to sit here at this computer and tell you about Hawaii and our trip, I will have to get a dictionary out so that I can find more adjectives that i can think of on my own to decribe this vacation. First let me say that my experience with Expedia and this trip was awesome. I have already recommended them to many many people.
We arrived in Kona, and immediatly saw a lady standing there with a sign and it had my name on it. She was with Expedia and had arranged our transport to our hotel.. so we arrive at the hotel, and it was fabulous, amazing, georgeous, beautiful, i think you have the idea, and we were starving. You know about plane food? so we checked in, got settled in our room then went to explore the hotel,so great, found the bar, ate good food over looking the ocean, met the consierge who also works for Expedia, and she invited us to a introduction in the morning. So we are here,on this beautiful island and can't wait to see more, so the next morning we ate the free breakfast buffet, and went to the meeting, and i couldnt have been happier with the results. She helped us schedule our snorkeling trip, our plane trip over the island, and our luau!!!! and the price she got us for all of that was way way less than the brochures advertized. It was fabulous! I didn't think I would be able to snorkel, but the captain of the speed boat was great and helped teach us how to do it, I can't say anything bad about our trip, it was the best, wanted to stay longer, and definately want and will go back... we looked for the girl that helped us with our trip but she wasnt there the rest of the week, I know I have her name and email in all our paperwork that we came home with but havent had time to find it, but suffice it to say, she was awesome, and we are so happy with our entire trip.

Name: kathy showalter
TripType: Family Fun
PhotoCaption: underwater beauty
Rating: 5 - Best Hawaiian Vacation, Can't wait to go back

We went as a group of 6 women 40-60. We had an awesome trip. Aston Kaanpali Shores was great place to stay. Would stay there again, great experience thru Expedia.

Name: Billie
TripType: Friends Getaway
PhotoCaption:
Rating: 5 - Best Hawaiian Vacation, Can't wait to go back