Hawaii Houses & Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii

Hawaii Vacation Rentals - for an authentic Hawaiian experience.

What is the best place to go to in Hawaii for a family trip that is not too crazy expensive?
We have to keep the cost for everything under $20,000 Canadian for everyone. Anyone with ideas for costs would be great. A family trip of 11 of us. 5 adults and 6 kids between 11 yrs and 17 yrs old. Which part of Hawaii is a good place to go to. This is a once in a lifetime trip for all of us. It will be for Christmas. Any information is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

What are the benefits of moving to Hawaii?
If you had the opportunity to move to Hawaii, would you do it? If you had enough money saved, a place to rent, and a job there, and the only thing holding you back was to finally make the decision if you were going to pack up whatever you know right now, and make the move or not, would you do it? I say life is short, why not spend it in Hawaii if at all possible. Do you agree with that?

How is moving from the mainland to Hawaii?
I am moving from the mainland to Hawaii in dune and wanted to know the pros and cons of moving from here to there and of Hawaii. much appreciated. thanks.

Hawaii without the annoying tourists and overt commercialism?
I would love to visit Hawaii on a trip, but I want to avoid too many tourists, commercialism, white people on honeymoons etc. What kind of travel companies arrange trips that avoid the popular tourist destinations?

What month is best to visit Hawaii and what island would you visit if you could only visit one?
We plan to visit Hawaii in 2007 sometime between March and August. Is there a month that would be best? I would like to go to Waikiki, but my husband would like to go to Maui. We will have our 5 year old daughter will us too. Do you have any suggestions as to when to go and what island to stay on - I think we can only afford to visit one island.

Which is the best Island in Hawaii to go for vacation?
I'm planning a trip to Hawaii, but I want to go to the best island that is the most tropical. I know all of the Hawaiian Islands are beautiful, but we're looking for the best Island to just relax and have peaceful vacation. What is your suggestion?

How to plan a trip to Hawaii?
My hubby and I have been wanting to take a trip to Hawaii for the last couple of years and we have finally decided to go! He wants to go to Oahu because he wants to see all the super touristy things - I would rather go to a smaller island to avoid all of those things! How can we get the best of both worlds on Oahu? Suggestions on Resorts to stay at or must see/do attractions? Thanks for any help you guys can offer to get us started in the planning stages.

What is the best time of year to go to Hawaii? How is it in February?
I would like to plan a trip to Hawaii this year. I was wondering what the best time of year to go would be in terms of weather and water temp. Does anyone know what it's like in Hawaii in February? Thanks!

What is the best place to go to in Hawaii for a family trip that is not too crazy expensive?
We have to keep the cost for everything under $20,000 Canadian for everyone. Anyone with ideas for costs would be great. A family trip of 11 of us. 5 adults and 6 kids between 11 yrs and 17 yrs old. Which part of Hawaii is a good place to go to. This is a once in a lifetime trip for all of us. It will be for Christmas. Any information is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

A. Oahu would be a great destination for you. There are many things to do there for both children and adults. Hawaii can definitely be an expensive destination but there are many things that you can do to save money and still have a great time on a budget. Since you are traveling with so many people, a good idea for you to think about is renting a home or villa. Many times, these are less expensive than staying in a hotel and you can live in luxury on the beach, or at least very near it! One of the biggest advantages to this option is not having to eat out every day which can save you a ton of money, especially when you're talking about 11 people, a trip to the grocery store would be much less. It also means that your vacation will belong to you, you wouldn't be sharing it with hundreds of other hotel guests. There are many ways to have this vacation within your budget. Here are a few links that will be useful for you.

A. Go to Waikiki don't need to pay for the beach and it has a nice vibe. I'm sure you can find a hotel somewhere over there,theres a lot oh and make sure you go to Hanauma Bay its about a hours drive from Waikiki its cool to probably the best beach in Hawaii. you need to pay a small fee to get into the beach though but its worth it. It does get busy though.

A. I would rent a house and a van for a week. There is a lot of free stuff to do in Hawaii as long as you have a car. I would recommend buying food at Safeway and cooking it yourself - make picnic lunches for the beach and you'll save a lot of food costs.

The beaches and hiking are always free in Hawaii so I'd recommend getting a guide book of the best places to go. Also, if you like snorkeling that is free too! Make sure you do it in a safe place though.

The Arizona Memorial is free and a nice place to visit, but make sure to get there early as tickets go quickly.

Waikiki has a free movie on the beach every weekend. That might be a nice place to go to for a night. I would otherwise stay out of Waikiki though. It is overpriced and fake. The real Hawaii is outside of Waikiki.

When hiking/going to beach, never leave valuables in the car. Do not be surprised if you car is broken into.

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What are the benefits of moving to Hawaii?
If you had the opportunity to move to Hawaii, would you do it? If you had enough money saved, a place to rent, and a job there, and the only thing holding you back was to finally make the decision if you were going to pack up whatever you know right now, and make the move or not, would you do it? I say life is short, why not spend it in Hawaii if at all possible. Do you agree with that?

A. I am ready to go there now! Having visited there 6 times, absolutely love it there! Met some wonderful friends in person whom I have "met on the internet", so it was awesome to meet them in person!

I would definitely give up the Michigan winters to live there!

The tradewinds are totally awesome, sitting on the lanai of a morning watching the waves of the ocean, smelling the scents of Hawaii, and especially the Aloha Spirit of the people!

A. Well I actually did this exact thing myself, I have lived here for 4 years and I love it. I did not even have a job or a place when I moved but now I know it was the best decision I have ever made!

A. Hawaii is like no other!

I mean if you've never been to Hawaii you probably can never imagine what the word "Aloha" means. That's just how it is. Only on Hawaii can you feel so connected to the people on the island. I was born and raised there but now I am living on the mainland and I can tell you this is two different worlds. Only downfall is the cost of living. Seriously crazy so make sure you plan on buying a home or something along those lines. it's why I moved.

A. I'm desperately trying to get back after living in Maui for a few years. The beauty was never lost on me and the people are the best. I do miss the pineapple because we can't get it in Chicago without paying a fortune. I miss the warmth of the air, the water, and the people. I miss the laid back lifestyle and taking my stateside friends to the Luau.

A. Yes I would and am... My husband is there now and why not live the rest of your life or at least part of it there... and we did not do all the planning that you are talking about. he is working and has been there 3 months and I will follow in 3 months but I am going tomorrow to visit.... PARADISE especially with the one you love.

A. You go for it. Won't know 'till you try.

A. If I had the opportunity to live in Hawaii I'd be there in a second. The only thing is I'd have to make good money. Enough to be able to afford a home there. Hawaii's expensive but there's a damn good reason... It truly is paradise!

A. I would do it, simply for the pineapple!

A. I had been to Hawaii (different islands) a few times and fell totally in love with the place, so when my husband and I got married, we moved to the Big Island. We loved it but unfortunately weren't well-prepared financially, so when my husband was offered a big raise and promotion at the company he worked for in California, we moved back to the mainland. We said that we'd work hard to pay off all our debt and be back in Hawaii for good in 3-5 years.

Within a couple of years we had decent money coming in. We paid off our debt and when we decided to separate in 2005, I applied for a job in Hawaii, got it, and moved back to the islands.

A. I live in Hawaii and the best part of living here is the Aloha Spirit, the beaches and the non stop sunshine. Live Aloha!

A. The only benefits I can say about Hawaii is the nice weather and the low crime rate. Hawaii is a nice place to live once you lived all the other places you wanted to live.

A. I wouldn't. I was there (Oahu & Maui) for almost 2 weeks. Fell in love with the beauty, warmth, and pineapple (many other things as well), but I'd miss seeing snow on Christmas or going alpine skiing and things like that. Would I go there again for vacation? In a heartbeat, but not to live.

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How is moving from the mainland to Hawaii?
I am moving from the mainland to Hawaii in dune and wanted to know the pros and cons of moving from here to there and of Hawaii. much appreciated. thanks.

A. This is my standard answer that I give.

Hawaii is expensive. Ninety percent of EVERYTHING is shipped in this is the main reason it cost more. Gas prices are coming down it is under three dollars.

Hawaii is just as safe as anywhere else maybe safer. We have everything the mainland has except for a few restaurants and stores. The water that surrounds us does not make much of a difference.

No Daylight Savings Time we never move out clock forward or back.

We have an excellent bus system on Oahu. If you are willing to take the time then it will cut down on gas costs. You can have car but you might want to take the bus most of the time and use a car only when really needed.

Hawaii is one of most culturally diverse place in America. We have several cultures here. Hawaiians being the most obvious. We also have a diverse Asian population; Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Thai, Vietnamese. All these culture differ. And it is best if you learn the differences.

If you love food Hawaii is one of the best places to be. Due to our many cultures we have many different kinds of food. Try them all.

Due to Hawaii's history there is some racism against Whites. Some can't take this.

Not everybody who lives in Hawaii is Hawaiian. To be Hawaiian to must have Hawaiian blood. Or Hawaiian ancestry. If you are like me and have lived in Hawaii all their life but have no Hawaiian blood you are considered a Local.

We also have a dialect of Pidgin Creole English. Or it is called Pidgin for short. This language was created during the plantation days. We had workers from all over Asia and the Pacific they all spoke different languages and the needed a way to communicate. So a new language grew and was created.There a some who hear Pidgin an the equate it with lack of intelligence. Do not do this.

Then there is what can be called "Rock Fever" some people tend to feel trapped because they can't drive anywhere else but Hawaii. There is no way you can drive into another state.

If you need to fly home to the Mainland then 1) take more time because you have to fly over an ocean first. 2) Will cost more because you have to fly.

A. Which island and which city are you moving to?

Cons- much higher prices than most of the mainland. - "Island Fever" after a year or two.
- Much harder to get a full time job if you don't have a skill. Many jobs are limited to 20 hours/week so they don't have to pay for health insurance, so many people work 2-3 low paying part time jobs to make ends meet.

Pros- it's Hawaii, fergodsakes. Paradise. Everyone should live there for a year or two.

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Hawaii without the annoying tourists and overt commercialism?
I would love to visit Hawaii on a trip, but I want to avoid too many tourists, commercialism, white people on honeymoons etc. What kind of travel companies arrange trips that avoid the popular tourist destinations?

A. If you want to avoid tourists, commercialism, and people on honeymoons you'll need to visit the smaller islands like Lanai or Molokai. However, by doing so you'll also limit the number of things available to do by an enormous amount (meaning, there really isn't anything to do after 7 pm when most businesses close up and NOTHING is open on Sunday except church).

You will not avoid tourist and commercialism entirely but will avoid the majority of it. Since there is less tourist traffic and commercialism, there is also less draw for travel companies to make "deals" for people to travel there. So, that means that most companies won't be able to (or be interested in) making you a deal for the smaller islands that's any better than you can make yourself online.

Good luck and happy travels!

A. We lived for many years in Victoria (Canada) where locals often talked about "annoying tourists". Hey, what's wrong with being in a place where everyone's having a great time?

If you want to avoid tourists and overt commercialism, and high prices and taxes.

Malaysia has a moderate and tolerant Islamic government. Provided you show a reasonable level of respect for their ideas (for example loud public drunkenness won't win you any Brownie points), you will have a wonderful time with a warm and kind and hospitable people.

The extra you might have to pay for the flight--compared to going to Honolulu--is more than compensated by the substantially lower expenses you will have once you get to either of those places.

English is widely understood in both places.

Leave your dope at home--it's the Newgate Hornpipe if you get caught in Malaysia. Both places are a lot safer than anywhere in the US, because crime gets stepped on.

Don't tell anybody! Hawaii is for people who don't know about Asia. By the way, we have had two wonderful holidays in Hawaii, and enjoyed both trips immensely.

A. You could of course go to the smaller islands like Molokai, but if you've never been to the islands, I'd recommend Kauai. It's by far the most beautiful, and because of its comparatively remote location (in relation to Oahu), it's much less populated with the tourist trade you seek to avoid. When I'm looking for action and excitement, I head to Oahu. If it's solitude and natural beauty I want, Kauai is the one for me.

Enjoy your trip!

A. Go The Big Island, it is the best.

A. The Island of Molokai.

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What month is best to visit Hawaii and what island would you visit if you could only visit one?
We plan to visit Hawaii in 2007 sometime between March and August. Is there a month that would be best? I would like to go to Waikiki, but my husband would like to go to Maui. We will have our 5 year old daughter will us too. Do you have any suggestions as to when to go and what island to stay on - I think we can only afford to visit one island.

A. I have never been to Maui, however I have been to Oahu where Waikiki is. Oahu is much more city like whereas Maui is quiet (my husband has been there). So it really depends on what you want to do. Maui has wonderful snorkeling whereas Oahu snorkeling is still wonderful, just not as good as Maui. We went to the islands and it was fantastic. I really enjoyed Kauai when I was there, my husband said Maui is better.

The things I enjoyed on Oahu is the Dole Pineapple Plantation and the Pineapple maze (a lot of fun, usually find coupons in the travel books). Also, the Flea market at the stadium was a lot of fun to get souvenirs for cheap.

A. The best time to go is March or April...off season, but the weather is still nice. Oahu is the main island with Honolulu, very much geared to the tourist...there are a lot of things to do and see on the island...but it is crowded...I personally like Kauai...the Big Island is very nice too...Maui is a lot like Oahu...if you want to visit more Islands the Inter Island Airlines are having a price war...usually about, depending on the island, $50 to $100 to fly...the hotel is the most expensive, but March and April are the off season. Go to the web site for Roberts Overnighters to check the prices...I like Kauai...have fun.

A. Visit in the summer...usually rains in March/April. Honolulu is very city with lots to do. you can drive to the other side of the island to get more of a country island feel. its lovely in Kailua/Kaneohe.

Maui is less city, but you still have quite a bit you can do there. Definitely, if you can wake up real early, go up to Haleakala in Maui to watch the sunrise. Absolutely breath taking. and its cold, so bring some sweaters.

If you're on a budget, there are one day tours to Maui, or you can do a two day trip to Maui..go! Airlines are real cheap. (a new airline here) I would suggest to stay longer in Honolulu and do a short trip to Maui. Waikiki does get crowded, but thats how all touristy areas are. I live in Waikiki, and I love it.

Kauai is the most beautiful island if you get a chance to visit. just drive around the island...everything is green and lush. I try to go there once a year.

A. It kind of depends on what you wanna do. Oahu ( which has Waikiki and Honolulu ) are good spots however there isn't very many scenic places to go... I went to Hawaii in Sept and it was great because it wasn't too hot and it was not as crowded... so I would suggest August... the Big Island has more scenery if you want waterfalls and a view.

A. Maui. It has a balance of beauty, good weather, activities, good restaurants, and nice beaches. Stay in Wailea for gorgeous beaches, resorts and quiet or stay in Kaanapali for loud, activities, tourism.

Though other islands are interesting - this would be the "one."

Kauai, I like personally, for the beauty, but it rains a lot. So, someone on their vacation might be disappointed being wet, but for me, you're mostly at the beach, wet, anyway.

A. I do not know which one to visit, this is something to discus with your travel agent, they can give you places to see and things to do, but you can island hop fairly cheap by small planes..a lot of people do this.

But one thing you NEED to find out is..when is their RAINY season..it can ran a lot and heavy when their rainy season comes...try to stay clear of that... and of course..SMILE, have tons of fun.

A. Kauai or Maui ..Waikiki is dirty and crowded

A. We actually went to both Oahu and Maui on the same trip. We also took our five-year old daughter and two-year old son. I personally would not spend much time on Oahu. If you can, maybe one or two nights, just enough time to see Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, and maybe the North Shore. Then - head to Maui. Waikiki Beach is obviously an icon, but it is not even close the beaches on Maui! Waikiki has very course, sharp sand. In Maui, we stayed between Kihei and Wailea. This is the best place on earth! If possible, I'd try to bump the vacation up a bit to go in January - February. The weather is always perfect, and then you can hit whale season (which would be fun for you and your daughter). Regardless - any time of the year is perfect for Hawaii. I highly recommend this vacation!

A. Go in march or April less people. I went to Waikiki and Maui both and for shopping, excitement and lots of people doing stuff, Waikiki was great but for relaxation, walking on the beach, quiet beauty, Maui was tops. Pick one then check into a day trip to the other.

A. I'd definitely go in February or March. in February the humpback whales are still all over the place. Maui is my favorite island Waikiki is to crowded for me, you'll have trouble just finding a place where you don't have to hold your daughters' hand. Maui has good shopping as well, it also has famous little places ( like cheeseburger in paradise) and many fun family things to do. you could take a whale watching tour ( I'd recommend trinity ) or drive to Hana and the seven sacred pools. whatever you do, and wherever you go, just relax and enjoy one of the most beautiful places on earth!

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Which is the best Island in Hawaii to go for vacation?
I'm planning a trip to Hawaii, but I want to go to the best island that is the most tropical. I know all of the Hawaiian Islands are beautiful, but we're looking for the best Island to just relax and have peaceful vacation. What is your suggestion?

A. I've been to Maui and the Big Island on the Kona coast. Out of the two I prefer Maui. It is very tropical has lots of places to go swimming and snorkeling and has night life too. Plus there are plenty of places for your man to go fishing. Trust me if your looking for the perfect vacation spot Maui is your best bet. I want to go!

A. Oahu if you want to party and shop. Lanai, Molokai if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle, Kauai if you want to see green, Hawaii if you want to see the volcano, Maui if you want a mix of city life and country life.

A. Oahu is the one I love, but I lived there! Maui is nice, but it reminded me too much of CA and I was in Hawaii so I didn't like it so much! Oahu has some very nice beaches! Have fun!

A. Hawaii, the Big Island

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How to plan a trip to Hawaii?
My hubby and I have been wanting to take a trip to Hawaii for the last couple of years and we have finally decided to go! He wants to go to Oahu because he wants to see all the super touristy things - I would rather go to a smaller island to avoid all of those things! How can we get the best of both worlds on Oahu? Suggestions on Resorts to stay at or must see/do attractions? Thanks for any help you guys can offer to get us started in the planning stages.

A. Try to convince your husband to go to Maui! Towns like Lahaina, Ka'anapali, and Wailea are super touristy (Lahaina being the most economical out of the three) while Paia and Kihei are more laid back and local. All have fabulous beaches, though, and if you wanted to head inland the mountains are great for hiking and natural site-seeing! The island is big enough for a full trip but small enough to not feel overwhelmed. If you do go to Maui, you should hit up Big Beach in McKenna or Baldwin Beach in Paia...they're both gorgeous. Ka'anapali Beach is good for amateur snorkelers if you are interested as well. Also, rent a car and head out to Hana or up to Makawao in the mountains for some hiking! They're both full day trips but it's definitely worth it!

If you do go to Oahu, I recommend staying away from Waikiki. The beaches are way over crowded and the landscape is filled with buildings and cement, not too much greenery. Go to the country side of the island, and maybe make a one-day trip south if you want to go shopping or anything...Waikiki does have a HUGE mall.

The Kona side of the Big Island is nice too, especially in the "winter." Since a lot of it is empty countryside, the rain makes all the difference in the world. It's super green and colorful...bright flowers and fruits grow EVERYWHERE.

But I still am partial to Maui. I've been to all of the islands more than once and Maui is my favorite. If you go early in 2008 you'll be there for whale season, so I recommend taking a boat ride out--there are tons of whale watching boats with fairly cheap tickets per person. There are whales everywhere and they come right under the boats, not to mention you can do that on any one of the islands.

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What is the best time of year to go to Hawaii? How is it in February?
I would like to plan a trip to Hawaii this year. I was wondering what the best time of year to go would be in terms of weather and water temp. Does anyone know what it's like in Hawaii in February? Thanks!

A. There is not a lot of variation in the temperatures here year round. What makes the difference is whether the easterly "Trade-winds" are blowing or not. There is generally more rain during our "winter" months, but is generally morning showers on the Windward sides and in the Mountains. February is a good time to visit, as it is considered part of the "off" season, and you may get better rates on everything. If you are coming to Oahu, it's a good time to try and see the famous "big Surf" waves at Waimea Bay and other areas of the North Shore.

A. Late February is perfect whale watching season.

A. Its great. The temperature will be anywhere from high 70's to mid 80's. Water temp is around 80. Typically it doesn't rain a ton but there can be some cloud cover sometimes. Normally I go around December or January.

A. Aloha!

I have lived in Hawaii for over 30 years and have been asked this same question countless times. The slowest time of the year is always the best, and that is either the first two weeks in December or the first two weeks in May. The weather is wonderfully mild, the islands not too crowded, meaning you will have no problem booking your activities, making restaurant reservations, etc. Also, since this is off season, your travel expenses should be lower. As you approach the Christmas season and until Mid April the islands are very busy...February being the busiest month of the year. The best and most wonderful thing about being here in February (especially on Maui), it that it is peak whale watching season (which is from December 15 - May 15). Although the islands have been experiencing near drought conditions, keep in mind the rainy season is January - March, and all of us here are hoping for our rainy season back this year. Hope this helped with your travel plans....Aloha from Hawaii.