r/VisitingHawaii

Hi, I am going on a trip to Hawaii and would like recommendations for hiking! I am looking for rewarding intermediate trails, I don't have too much experience with hiking but I am fairly active and want to use this trip as a way to really get into the hobby.

I will be staying on Oahu but am open to traveling to other islands if there is some must-see hikes. Also I will mostly be solo traveling so I should probably avoid anything too dangerous lol. Thanks for your help!

Hello All:

We are traveling to Oahu from Nov 30-Dec 8th. First time to Hawaii and only staying on Oahu, in Waikiki. We’re looking for things to do. So far our want to do list is:

-Jurassic Park tour
-Diamond Head
-Koko crater railway hike
-Polynesian Cultural Center on Dec 5th (only thing we booked since it was almost full)
- Royal Palace/State Capitol

We also wanted to go Snorkeling but we know the northern and eastern shores aren’t good during the winter swells. So if anyone could point us to a tour or good spot for it, that would be great.

Any other suggestions? Or suggestions about our list?

My fiance and I will be in Hawaii on Big Island for his 36th birthday in mid-November! We'll have spent 5 days on Oahu, then over to the Kona side of Big Island where we're eloping on the beach. His birthday lands on the last part of the trip on the Hilo side.

I'm looking for suggestions for a wonderful birthday celebration. Any suggestions for activities and restaurants are most welcome!

My husband and I are planning a 14-night Hawaii trip from Dec 19, 2026–Jan 2, 2027, split between Kauai and the Big Island. It’s our first time on both islands, our anniversary is Dec 22, and we’ll also be there for Christmas and New Year’s.

Here’s the rough itinerary:

Day 1 – Dec 19 | Kauai
Arrive, check in around Poipu, Poipu Beach + sunset

Day 2 – Dec 20 | Kauai
Na Pali Coast boat/sea cave tour

Day 3 – Dec 21 | Kauai
Kauai Hindu Monastery + Hanalei Bay + Tunnels Beach

Day 4 – Dec 22 | Kauai
Anniversary day – Na Pali helicopter tour + relaxed afternoon/evening

Day 5 – Dec 23 | Kauai
Waimea Canyon + Kokee, assuming access is open by then

Day 6 – Dec 24 | Big Island
Fly Kauai → Hilo, check in near Volcano/Hilo, Christmas Eve

Day 7 – Dec 25 | Big Island
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park + Kilauea
Seeing an active eruption/lava would be a huge highlight for me if timing works out

Day 8 – Dec 26 | Big Island
Hilo Farmers Market + waterfalls/rainforest + Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach

Day 9 – Dec 27 | Big Island
Maunakea summit sunset + stargazing
Also keeping this day somewhat flexible in case Kilauea becomes active

Day 10 – Dec 28 | Big Island
Drive from Hilo/Volcano side to Kona/Kohala via Hamakua/Waimea

Day 11 – Dec 29 | Big Island
Whale watching + Hapuna Beach

Day 12 – Dec 30 | Big Island
Captain Cook / Kealakekua Bay snorkeling + Kona coffee farm

Day 13 – Dec 31 | Big Island
Relaxed New Year’s Eve – beach/resort + NYE celebration

Day 14 – Jan 1 | Big Island
Two Step snorkeling OR manta ray night snorkel, with the other activity moved elsewhere so we’re not snorkeling twice in one day

Day 15 – Jan 2
Fly home

We’re also debating whether Green Sand Beach/Papakolea is worth fitting in.

Would love feedback on:
- anything you’d remove, swap, or absolutely add
- anything here that’s overrated
- favorite hotels, restaurants, local food, and lesser-known experiences
- anything special for Christmas or New Year’s

Especially interested in opinions from people who live there or have traveled during Christmas/New Year’s.

[supprimé]

My spouse and I are planning a Hawaii trip from Dallas, December 19–January 2. We’ve visited Oʻahu and Maui (3 and 6 days respectively) before, so we were excited to try Kauaʻi and the Big Island this time.

Given the current situation in Kauaʻi, we’re wondering whether to keep our original plan or save it for another trip. Here’s our tentative itinerary:

• Day 1 — Dec 19: Arrive on Kauaʻi, stay in Poʻipū and relax.
• Day 2: Nā Pali coast sunset dinner cruise.
• Day 3: Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe viewpoints/short walks, depending on access.
• Day 4 — Dec 22: Our anniversary—relaxed beach/spa day and a nice dinner.
• Day 5: Hanalei and the North Shore, depending on access.
• Day 6 — Dec 24: Fly to Hilo.
• Days 6–8: Hilo—Volcanoes National Park, farmers’ market, gardens and waterfalls.
• Days 9–14: Kona—whale watching, Maunakea sunset/stargazing, manta ray night snorkel, coffee farm and downtime.
• Day 15 — Jan 2: Fly home.

For locals or anyone who’s visited recently, would you keep five nights on Kauaʻi with this wish list, or switch that portion to another island? We enjoy scenery, easy hikes, local food and beach time, and are happy to adjust the itinerary.

I know things could change before December, but firsthand experiences would help us decide. If you’d switch, which island would you choose alongside the Big Island?

I am looking at visiting Hawaii in July 27 for 10-14 days and am planning on staying in Oahu first and Kauai second. I am struggling with flights from Kauai back home (Detroit). I usually fly delta as DTW is a hub of theirs and direct flights from Detroit to Honolulu and back. Coming home deltas only options are flights from Lihue at 9:30ish to a city on the east coast and then Detroit. I am not sure why they are not offering an earlier flight from Lihue to Honolulu and then the direct flight back that I came in on (Honolulu to Detroit leaves at 3pm). I am considering just booking the direct flights between Detroit and Honolulu and on the day of the return flight going with another airline (probably haiwaiian airlines) to get back to Honolulu.

Does anyone have any experience or advice concerning this?

If so, how long would I need in between flights at the airport? I’m a little uneasy about having to get my bags, leaving the airport/re-entering, rechecking bags and going to security again. Also, does anybody know if the airline will directly transfer my bags if it’s from one airline to the next?

Or should I book 9:30pm flight to the east coast or possibly get from Lihue to Honolulu the night before the flight and stay one night at a hotel near the airport.