<blockquote><div class="name-said">WildBear;666325 said:</div><hr>Thanks guys, based on everyone's advice here, we decided to go to.....Maui. I just booked the tickets, so everything is good to go.<br /><br />KAB and others--what do you think of the Maui Westin vs Maui Sheraton? Theyre right next to each other, but seems like the Westin is a bit nicer (not much), but the beach chairs are taken reserved by crazy towel people at 7 am and they just leave the towels there all day long. Price is about the same, plus I have status with Starwood, so would have to be one of those two.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Sheraton Black Rock is fine. Haven't been to Westin. Plus I want to see pics of you jumping off the Black Rock.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">WildBear;666325 said:</div><hr>Thanks guys, based on everyone's advice here, we decided to go to.....Maui. I just booked the tickets, so everything is good to go.<br /><br />KAB and others--what do you think of the Maui Westin vs Maui Sheraton? Theyre right next to each other, but seems like the Westin is a bit nicer (not much), but the beach chairs are taken reserved by crazy towel people at 7 am and they just leave the towels there all day long. Price is about the same, plus I have status with Starwood, so would have to be one of those two.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />The Westin is ok, not sure about the Sheraton but it sounds like you're good to go bro. Anywhere in that area (Kaanapali beach) rocks IMHO. Its like one big resort.. I love that place! Snorkel around black rock, lay out in the sun.. Then take a dip in a swimming pool of your choice, drink in hand.. A short walk to a decent outside shopping mall, a short drive to nightlife (Lahina!)... Good decision, now the 700 dollar question, can I fit into your luggage :p<br /><br />You will enjoy it man.. :gobears:

Ha, thanks guys, looking forward to it. KAB, we'll see, gotta drum up the courage first!

<blockquote><div class="name-said">WildBear;666393 said:</div><hr>Ha, thanks guys, looking forward to it. KAB, we'll see, gotta drum up the courage first!<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Just do it man, or you turn in your Bearinsider handle. I was hoping you would come to Oahu so I could show you some hiking trails.

Man, you should have said earlier. Maybe for new years. We were originally planning to go then, but found some availability now. <br /><br />But yeah, looks like the guantlet has been laid down...

<blockquote><div class="name-said">KoreAmBear;666277 said:</div><hr>Kailua and Lanikai beaches are amazing beaches. Waimanalo is another very pristine beach off the beaten path. Tourists don't know about it because there are some tent communities by it and scares em all off. But the waters are amazing clear light blue. Bellows and the beach off Sherwood Forest are good bets. Watch out for Portuguese Man O War!<br /><br /><img src="<img src="<img src="<img src="<img src="" />" />" />" />" /><hr></blockquote><br /><br />That view looks familiar...was just there yesterday. Fantastic beach...rough water though. Definitely had to watch the kids carefully. Here is a shot that is a bit more realistic without photoshop. We did have some cloud cover, so it probably dulls the water a bit.<br /><br />We travel to Hawaii every year. Our preference is to stay for 12 days at a time and to hop between 2 of the islands. Your stay is shorter, so probably not an option. We like all of the islands for different reasons. Oahu has some great sites and beaches outside of Waikiki. You don't even have to go very far to find them. One of our favorite beaches is Kaimana Beach which is across from Kapiolani Park. You can also visit Sandy Beach which is on the way to Waimanalo Beach Park. Tomorrow we are off to the North Shore to take in some monster waves expected to hit. Lots of places to go on Oahu.<br /><br />Kauai is also an amazing island. The Princeville area is lush and green. You may get rain, but it is beautiful and lots of amazing sites and hikes.We stay in on the south side (Poipu) where there is less chance of rain, but not quite as lush. Still plenty to see though, Waimea Canyon for example. Kauai pretty much shuts down at night.<br /><br />The Big Island of Hawaii is another land spectacle. The airport is built on lava rock and it feels like you are landing on the moon. I have only been to Kona, and it was about 11 years ago, still, I have great memories of snorkeling and pristine water.<br /><br />Maui, in my opinion, is the happy medium of all the islands. Plenty of stuff to do, has lots of life (can be crowded in some areas) and sites to see. We are actually headed there in two days and will be checking out the Fairmont Kea Lani. If you are interested I'll let you know how our experience goes.<br /><br />Aloha!

<blockquote><div class="name-said">swooshbear;666332 said:</div><hr>My favorite island is Oahu, mainly because it has the best of both worlds (nature and nightlife) and some awesome food. Getting away from Waikiki, you can see Pearl Harbor, check out the North Shore and the shrimp trucks, hike Diamond Head, or hangout at less crowded beaches in Kailua. Maui and the Big Island are great during the day but at night, it's pitch black and you'll most likely be hanging out at your hotel. <br /><br />A few of my favorite food spots on Oahu:<br /><br />Side Street Inn - deep fried pork chops<br />Mitsu-ken - garlic chicken<br />Bubbies - mochi ice cream<br />Cinnamon's - red velvet pancakes<br />Rainbow Drive-In - fried chicken and loco moco<br />Liliha Bakery - coco puffs and cream puffs<br />Giovanni's Shrimp Truck - North Shore staple<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Don't forget Leonard's for malasadas! Also, add the 12th Street Grill for some good eats at dinner time. Went there two nights ago for the first time...fantastic!

Yeah, definetly, let me know how Maui is, hotel, food, etc. WOuld love a mini-report.<br /><br /><br /><blockquote><div class="name-said">OzoneTheCat;666417 said:</div><hr>That view looks familiar...was just there yesterday. Fantastic beach...rough water though. Definitely had to watch the kids carefully. Here is a shot that is a bit more realistic without photoshop. We did have some cloud cover, so it probably dulls the water a bit.<br /><br />We travel to Hawaii every year. Our preference is to stay for 12 days at a time and to hop between 2 of the islands. Your stay is shorter, so probably not an option. We like all of the islands for different reasons. Oahu has some great sites and beaches outside of Waikiki. You don't even have to go very far to find them. One of our favorite beaches is Kaimana Beach which is across from Kapiolani Park. You can also visit Sandy Beach which is on the way to Waimanalo Beach Park. Tomorrow we are off to the North Shore to take in some monster waves expected to hit. Lots of places to go on Oahu.<br /><br />Kauai is also an amazing island. The Princeville area is lush and green. You may get rain, but it is beautiful and lots of amazing sites and hikes.We stay in on the south side (Poipu) where there is less chance of rain, but not quite as lush. Still plenty to see though, Waimea Canyon for example. Kauai pretty much shuts down at night.<br /><br />The Big Island of Hawaii is another land spectacle. The airport is built on lava rock and it feels like you are landing on the moon. I have only been to Kona, and it was about 11 years ago, still, I have great memories of snorkeling and pristine water.<br /><br />Maui, in my opinion, is the happy medium of all the islands. Plenty of stuff to do, has lots of life (can be crowded in some areas) and sites to see. We are actually headed there in two days and will be checking out the Fairmont Kea Lani. If you are interested I'll let you know how our experience goes.<br /><br />Aloha!<hr></blockquote>

<blockquote><div class="name-said">WildBear;666422 said:</div><hr>Yeah, definetly, let me know how Maui is, hotel, food, etc. WOuld love a mini-report.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Will do.

Got married in south Maui, stayed at the Fairmont Kea Lani and that is by far the nicest place I have ever stayed at (on the islands). We had our reception dinner at Nicks fishmarket, which is in the Fairmont. I think its the only resort with an actual swim up pool bar on the island.. Good times. Enjoy.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">glb78;666427 said:</div><hr>Got married in south Maui, stayed at the Fairmont Kea Lani and that is by far the nicest place I have ever stayed at (on the islands). We had our reception dinner at Nicks fish house, which is in the Fairmont. I think its the only resort with an actual swim up pool bar.. Good times.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />I would ask you for travel tips around the resort, but newlyweds aren't always the most reliable sources for that kind of info. Good times indeed. :bluecarrot:

<blockquote><div class="name-said">OzoneTheCat;666420 said:</div><hr>Don't forget Leonard's for malasadas! Also, add the 12th Street Grill for some good eats at dinner time. Went there two nights ago for the first time...fantastic!<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Yes, have to go to Leonard's. Also, On the same street down from Leonards and side Street Grill is a little hole in the wall called Ono. Small place, mom and pop serves tradtional Hawaiian food. Awesome. The lady asks if you are " first timers " and then explains everything and tells you how and what to eat. I swear it is a hidden gem. Go early, cuz lines out the door. You been there KAB ?

<blockquote><div class="name-said">glb78;666427 said:</div><hr>Got married in south Maui, stayed at the Fairmont Kea Lani and that is by far the nicest place I have ever stayed at (on the islands). We had our reception dinner at Nicks fishmarket, which is in the Fairmont. I think its the only resort with an actual swim up pool bar on the island.. Good times. Enjoy.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />I believe Grand Wailea next door after the 4 Seasons also has a swim up bar.

Big Island because of the diversity. Bike down from snow to the sea. Visit Waipio. See an active volcano. Lounge on Hapuna Beach. Snorkel at Captain Cook. Visit coffee and nut plantations. Have a drink at the Mauna Kea at sunset.<br /><br />Maui blows. Full of yuppies interested in high thread count sheets.

Been to Hawaii about 15 times in the last 25 years and I have some recs that are a bit different than what I am hearing here.<br /><br />My #1 spot is the Hanalei to Hanea area of Kauai. If you stay there in April you flirt with bad weather, so what we have done often is to stay in Poipu and go up to Hanalei on those days that the weather is great. Tunnels beach is a 10+. If you can spend the coin, the Hyatt at Poipu is unbelievable. Use Poipu State Park beach in Poipu----set up close to the bar at the Sheraton on Poipu beach. Nice reef for protection<br /><br />My #2 spot is the North Shore of Oahu, but in the summer when the waves are mild. It is totally kicked back, anti commercial, except for the resort at Turtle Bay. Haleiwa is great and the activities along that shore are top notch. Cliff diving, surfing, some golf (not great), and low key local type dining.<br /><br />#3 would be the Big Island---anything on the Mauna Kaea property so that you enjoy the beach and hotel amenities as if you were a guest.<br /><br />#4 Maui---preferrably the Makena, Wailea end...Kapalua is a wind tunnel, but Napili and Kapalua beaches are nice if not windy. The golf courses at Kapalua are top notch, but if you play and it is windy it will either give you a slice or hook, or maybe correct one. Try golf at the 3 courses in Wailea or Makena.<br /><br />#5 Waikiki---just once in your life. Very different, but where else can you sit on your third floor hotel pool, sip drinks, watch surfers on the beach, walk across the street to the beach and even stop for some shopping on your way. Unbelievable, but quirky. If you do this then combine with a drive around the island and the history of Pearl Harbor.<br /><br />As you can see, I love what we call Hooke-Lau...Enjoy

<blockquote><div class="name-said">davetdds;666551 said:</div><hr>I believe Grand Wailea next door after the 4 Seasons also has a swim up bar.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />The Princeville Resort (now the revamped St. Regis) used to have a swim-up bar until it was remodeled a few years back. I was there earlier this year and was talking to the poolside bartender about why they took out the swim-up bar in the remodel and he said current health & safety code would not allow them to keep it. He commented that many people would come to the bar and sit and drink all day without leaving to use the bathroom - made me rethink swim-up bars.<br /><br />I am partial to Kauai as I have owned a home there for many years, but all the islands have their pluses. In Princeville, I guide people to the new Westin - <a href="<a href="<a href="<a href="<a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com""""" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.westinprinceville.com""""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com"""</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.westinprinceville.com"""</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com""</a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.westinprinceville.com""</a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com""</a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.westinprinceville.com""</a></a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="<a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com"</a>""" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.westinprinceville.com"</a>""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com"</a>"</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.westinprinceville.com"</a>"</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com"</a></a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.westinprinceville.com"</a></a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com"</a></a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.westinprinceville.com"</a></a></a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="<a href="<a href="<a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com""""" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.westinprinceville.com""""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com"""</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.westinprinceville.com"""</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com""</a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.westinprinceville.com""</a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com""</a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.westinprinceville.com""</a></a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="<a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com"</a>""" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.westinprinceville.com"</a>""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com"</a>"</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.westinprinceville.com"</a>"</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com"</a></a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.westinprinceville.com"</a></a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com"</a></a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.westinprinceville.com"</a></a></a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="<a href="<a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com</a></a>"""" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.westinprinceville.com</a></a>"""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com</a></a>""</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.westinprinceville.com</a></a>""</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com</a></a>"</a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.westinprinceville.com</a></a>"</a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com</a></a>"</a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.westinprinceville.com</a></a>"</a></a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="<a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com</a></a></a>""" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.westinprinceville.com</a></a></a>""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com</a></a></a>"</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.westinprinceville.com</a></a></a>"</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com</a></a></a></a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.westinprinceville.com</a></a></a></a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com</a></a></a></a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.westinprinceville.com</a></a></a></a></a></a> - this is a sister property of the St. Regis and you are allowed to use the St. Regis pool and other amenities (there is a free shuttle between the two properties). Having stayed in both properties I find the Westin much more relaxed and friendly; although you are more likely to see the Hollywood set at the St. Regis.

We are currently on the south shore of Kauai. Kauai is our favorite island. Beautiful vistas, less tourist pressure than Maui.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">WhipItOutJoe;666581 said:</div><hr> He commented that many people would come to the bar and sit and drink all day without leaving to use the bathroom - made me rethink swim-up bars.<br /><hr></blockquote><br /><br />Leave it people to completely ruin a novelty.<br /><br />:rollinglaugh:

<blockquote><div class="name-said">swooshbear;666332 said:</div><hr>My favorite island is Oahu, mainly because it has the best of both worlds (nature and nightlife) and some awesome food. Getting away from Waikiki, you can see Pearl Harbor, check out the North Shore and the shrimp trucks, hike Diamond Head, or hangout at less crowded beaches in Kailua. Maui and the Big Island are great during the day but at night, it's pitch black and you'll most likely be hanging out at your hotel. <br /><br />A few of my favorite food spots on Oahu:<br /><br />Side Street Inn - deep fried pork chops<br />Mitsu-ken - garlic chicken<br />Bubbies - mochi ice cream<br />Cinnamon's - red velvet pancakes<br />Rainbow Drive-In - fried chicken and loco moco<br />Liliha Bakery - coco puffs and cream puffs<br />Giovanni's Shrimp Truck - North Shore staple<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Actually, the chocolate covered french donuts at Liliha are the best thing there :-) And don't forget Leonard's for malasadas. My personal favorite fine dining is at Alan Wong's (fine dining is relative, it's still pretty casual with no coat and tie). If you like sushi, Sasabune and Mitch's Fish Market are great (plus Mitch's is byob).<br /><br />As for the OP, Kauai (and the St Regis in particular) is beautiful but the entire island shuts down at 9:00pm except for Hamura's Saimin (worth going to for some old time local food). As previously mentioned, if you're into outdoor activities it's a great place to be.<br /><br />For any kind of night life, you'd have to be on Oahu or Maui. And if you stay on Oahu, get out of Waikiki during the day and go back for the nightlife. Lanikai (already mentioned) and the North Shore (already mentioned) are great day trips.<br /><br />If you do Maui, Lahaina is pretty fun. Also, do a Haleakala tour where they let you bike down after watching a glorious sunrise. You have to wake up at an ungodly hour, but it's totally worth the effort.

Ok it's very expensive but it's all inclusive and you'll be pampered with staffs coming by with little towels, snacks while you relax on the beach. <br />May be you can spend few nights there (get the cheapest room since same size and no need for view room)

Kauai hit up the Tahiti nui!

<blockquote><div class="name-said">WildBear;666325 said:</div><hr>Thanks guys, based on everyone's advice here, we decided to go to.....Maui. I just booked the tickets, so everything is good to go.<br /><br />KAB and others--what do you think of the Maui Westin vs Maui Sheraton? Theyre right next to each other, but seems like the Westin is a bit nicer (not much), but the beach chairs are taken reserved by crazy towel people at 7 am and they just leave the towels there all day long. Price is about the same, plus I have status with Starwood, so would have to be one of those two.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />We've stayed at the Westin a few times - most recent being a year and a half ago. It's a fine resort. And that is so true about the towel people...the wife makes me get up early and get those good seats! :headbang<br /><br />We're actually going to Maui on Sunday and staying at the Marriott Oceanside a few hotels south of the Westin. <br /><br />KAB - do you happen to have any recommendations for new/classic restaurants on Maui? We've been to alot of places on Maui but we're willing to travel across the island for new places if need be...LOL. Or any local places you really love? We usually hit up Eskimo Candy a few times as that's one of our favorites...how's the Fish Market? :beer:

<blockquote><div class="name-said">Grimnebulin;666973 said:</div><hr>We've stayed at the Westin a few times - most recent being a year and a half ago. It's a fine resort. And that is so true about the towel people...the wife makes me get up early and get those good seats! :headbang<br /><br />We're actually going to Maui on Sunday and staying at the Marriott Oceanside a few hotels south of the Westin. <br /><br />KAB - do you happen to have any recommendations for new/classic restaurants on Maui? We've been to alot of places on Maui but we're willing to travel across the island for new places if need be...LOL. Or any local places you really love? We usually hit up Eskimo Candy a few times as that's one of our favorites...how's the Fish Market? :beer:<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Honestly, seems like there are other posters who know Maui/Lahaina much better than I would. I actually have only been to Maui once. I know all about Oahu though, LOL.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">KoreAmBear;666991 said:</div><hr>Honestly, seems like there are other posters who know Maui/Lahaina much better than I would. I actually have only been to Maui once. I know all about Oahu though, LOL.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Ah, gotcha - thanks!

If the Hale Male General Store is still there, it was great a few years back. Slightly off the road on the way back to Kahului.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">drunkoski;667003 said:</div><hr>can't say i've had any great food in maui recently, but the hula grill in whalers villiage is pretty good and has a very nice atmosphere. the lahaina yacht club is great and on the water in lahaina, but you need a club reciprocal to go there. don't do cheeseburger in paradise. it got bought by outback and went to crap. the paia fish market has the best fish in maui, but can get prety pricey (they have a small restuarant attached with pretty resonably priced good tasting food too). going to hana btw is a must do. personally i could do without halekala (spelled it wrong). i listed some other options higher in the thread.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />I actually liked Haleakala (sp?) - we got there at around 5am and the sunrise was amazing. And the wine tasting on the way back is fun too - pineapple wine FTW! Done Hana twice and will not do it again...LOL. Love Paia...and Mama's is great despite the crazy prices. We also usually do a snorkeling trip around Lanai that departs from the Lahaina harbor...plus you get great up close whale watching this time of year (through March/April). And horse riding at Mendes Ranch is awesome too.<br /><br />Thanks for all the other recs - will check them out. :beer:

<blockquote><div class="name-said">OdontoBear66;667013 said:</div><hr>If the Hale Male General Store is still there, it was great a few years back. Slightly off the road on the way back to Kahului.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Yep - heard it's great. It was closed (we were late) last time we drove back from Paia and tried to check it out.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">drunkoski;667003 said:</div><hr>can't say i've had any great food in maui recently, but the hula grill in whalers villiage is pretty good and has a very nice atmosphere. the lahaina yacht club is great and on the water in lahaina, but you need a club reciprocal to go there. don't do cheeseburger in paradise. it got bought by outback and went to crap. the paia fish market has the best fish in maui, but can get prety pricey (they have a small restuarant attached with pretty resonably priced good tasting food too). going to hana btw is a must do. personally i could do without halekala (spelled it wrong). i listed some other options higher in the thread.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />I do know that Hula Grill has a location in Waikiki and is owned by the same company that owns Duke's (Hula Grill is above Duke's in Waikiki). Pretty good.

Koreambear where are you in Oahu? My dad is from Kalihi. I have quite a few cousins in Oahu.<br />Great aunt used to live of Lilihu, favorite plate lunch plate place was,near her, Mussos, closed now

<blockquote><div class="name-said">RJABear;666625 said:</div><hr>We are currently on the south shore of Kauai. Kauai is our favorite island. Beautiful vistas, less tourist pressure than Maui.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />With regard to the album cover that inspired your avatar:<br /><br /><img src="<a href="<a href="<a href="<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRw0hZ1B3ss6GZfDoGTMbB83UnW1RYWrle66rCfk38sCaGMaPGteQ""""" class="postlink " target="_blank">https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRw0hZ1B3ss6GZfDoGTMbB83UnW1RYWrle66rCfk38sCaGMaPGteQ""""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRw0hZ1B3ss6GZfDoGTMbB83UnW1RYWrle66rCfk38sCaGMaPGteQ"""</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRw0hZ1B3ss6GZfDoGTMbB83UnW1RYWrle66rCfk38sCaGMaPGteQ"""</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRw0hZ1B3ss6GZfDoGTMbB83UnW1RYWrle66rCfk38sCaGMaPGteQ""</a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRw0hZ1B3ss6GZfDoGTMbB83UnW1RYWrle66rCfk38sCaGMaPGteQ""</a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRw0hZ1B3ss6GZfDoGTMbB83UnW1RYWrle66rCfk38sCaGMaPGteQ""</a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRw0hZ1B3ss6GZfDoGTMbB83UnW1RYWrle66rCfk38sCaGMaPGteQ""</a></a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRw0hZ1B3ss6GZfDoGTMbB83UnW1RYWrle66rCfk38sCaGMaPGteQ"</a>""" class="postlink " target="_blank">https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRw0hZ1B3ss6GZfDoGTMbB83UnW1RYWrle66rCfk38sCaGMaPGteQ"</a>""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRw0hZ1B3ss6GZfDoGTMbB83UnW1RYWrle66rCfk38sCaGMaPGteQ"</a>"</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRw0hZ1B3ss6GZfDoGTMbB83UnW1RYWrle66rCfk38sCaGMaPGteQ"</a>"</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRw0hZ1B3ss6GZfDoGTMbB83UnW1RYWrle66rCfk38sCaGMaPGteQ"</a></a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRw0hZ1B3ss6GZfDoGTMbB83UnW1RYWrle66rCfk38sCaGMaPGteQ"</a></a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRw0hZ1B3ss6GZfDoGTMbB83UnW1RYWrle66rCfk38sCaGMaPGteQ"</a></a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRw0hZ1B3ss6GZfDoGTMbB83UnW1RYWrle66rCfk38sCaGMaPGteQ"</a></a></a></a> />

<blockquote><div class="name-said">KoreAmBear;667047 said:</div><hr>I do know that Hula Grill has a location in Waikiki and is owned by the same company that owns Duke's (Hula Grill is above Duke's in Waikiki). Pretty good.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />My favorite Burger in the world! A Dukes Burger and a cold Longboard Ale!<br />Is it the burger or the location?<br /><br />Which ever Island you chose, go get the "Blue Book". "Hawaii Revealed" by Wizard publishing. <br /><br /> Local Island couple writes one for each island, we have them all, best travel book for anywhere i've ever been. Tells you every hiddden beach, food, hotels, what places to avoid, everything you need to know. Been to all the island many times, but I always refer back to it before I go, and always bring it with us. It is on my nightstand now.<br /><br />If you are a golfer, and going to Maui, play Makena North, unbelievable!

<blockquote><div class="name-said">diva1;667067 said:</div><hr>Koreambear where are you in Oahu? My dad is from Kalihi. I have quite a few cousins in Oahu.<br />Great aunt used to live of Lilihu, favorite plate lunch plate place was,near her, Mussos, closed now<hr></blockquote><br /><br />I actually live right near Liliha Bakery. So does SanseiBear.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">Vandalus;666100 said:</div><hr>My choice would be Kauai, but its a personal preference. Kauai is slow, which is what I want when on vacation in Hawaii. Awesome beaches, great hikes, and a chill relaxing time. My wife and I are in our early 30s and we love Kauai and have been 5 times together. What time of the year btw - Princeville weather is not nearly as nice as south shore Kauai (Poipu) weather, so that may play a role in your decision - it rains a lot more on Kauai and especially north shore Kauai than the other islands.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />If you've never been to Kaua'i and you're only going for a week you will have more than enough things to do. Especially if you like to hike. I was going to make the point about Poipu vs. Princeville. The weather in Poipu is much better, and the Poipu Hyatt Regency is every bit as premium (if not more) as the Princeville Hotel (and both have cheaper options as well). Further, you will want to go all the way to the west end of the island as well as the north end for sightseeing, so Poipu is sort of in the middle of all that. The helicopter tour of Kaua'i is a must (or at least the Na Pali coast tour).

Wildbear, good choice on Maui.<br /><br />I have been to the Hawaiian islands at least a dozen times and Maui is a good all-around island. Great place to relax, take in some sights, do activities, hang out at the beach, and eat some yummy food.<br /><br />Good places to eat: <br />Kaanapali: <br />1. Ono tacos. small taco stand<br />2. Okazuya Deli. Excellent plate lunches<br />3. The Fish Market. Good fish dishes and sandwiches, take out.<br /><br />Napili:<br />1. The Gazebo Restaurant<br /><br />Lahaina:<br />1. Ululani's shave ice, best on the island<br />2. Star Noodles<br />3. Lahaina Grill<br /><br />Wailuku:<br />1. Cafe O'lei<br />2. Sam Sato's<br /><br />Paia<br />1. Mama's Fish House<br /><br />Kihei<br />1. Cafe o lei<br />2. Sansei<br /><br />Enjoy your trip!

<blockquote><div class="name-said">swooshbear;666332 said:</div><hr>My favorite island is Oahu, mainly because it has the best of both worlds (nature and nightlife) and some awesome food. Getting away from Waikiki, you can see Pearl Harbor, check out the North Shore and the shrimp trucks, hike Diamond Head, or hangout at less crowded beaches in Kailua. Maui and the Big Island are great during the day but at night, it's pitch black and you'll most likely be hanging out at your hotel. <br /><br />A few of my favorite food spots on Oahu:<br /><br />Side Street Inn - deep fried pork chops<br />Mitsu-ken - garlic chicken<br />Bubbies - mochi ice cream<br />Cinnamon's - red velvet pancakes<br />Rainbow Drive-In - fried chicken and loco moco<br />Liliha Bakery - coco puffs and cream puffs<br />Giovanni's Shrimp Truck - North Shore staple<hr></blockquote><br /><br />My wife's family lives in Kapahulu... We LOVE the Waikiki area, but also love Waimanalo and Kailua... If you go over there, you have to hit Boots & Kimo for breakfast as their pancakes are amazing... Also, Buzz's is an institution in Kailua as well... Oahu is great if you love the big city and the beach for sure...<br /><br />We're in Honolulu now and try to spend a month a year out here...