Hello,
Anyone going on this tour in September?
Has anyone already taken this tour? This is our first time through Trafalgar. I see they have alot of leisure time available on the islands. How are the optional tours? Will we be able to rent a car on each of the islands?
We would love to here from you!

Thanks,
Always On The Go!

Aloha Always on the Go!

You sure did pick yourself a busy tour! I did the Best of Hawaii tour in February which was only 3 islands. While it was nice to see so much, alot of time was spent in the airports to get from island to island. To go from Kona to Maui, we had to fly back to Honolulu then on to Maui (this is since 9/11) and not directly as before. At least the flights are short.

Optionals are plenty, but I chose not to go. Unfortunately, they were on the "leisure" days when I wanted to relax on the beach. By the time you fly and did the optionals, you free time dwindles away quickly. Car rentals are avaiable, but you might want to see if you can get a deal through your tour director first. I believe that a Mustang Convertable in Maui was $70/day. The hotels are all within easy walking distance of restaurants and shops or use the transit system available. It's pretty cheap.

I hope this helps you somewhat. If you have any other questions, I would be happy to answer what I can. I do have, however, one word of advice.. When packing, DO NOT pack your camera or any film (exposed or not) in your checked baggage. The new x-ray machines will destroy the film instantly.

Enjoy!
Diane

Aloha Diane27,

Thanks for your response. Maybe we will take only one optional tour per island, so that we can still have "leisure time". Thanks for the advise on the camera & film. I surely do not want to go to Hawaii and then lose my pictures. How was your flight? What city did you fly out of to go to Honolulu? Did you have connecting flights from Canada to the east coast or was it a direct flight? We are flying out of LA to Honolulu. Our travel agent is trying to get us from Pittsburgh, PA to Los Angeles.
My sister and I went to Hawaii on our own in 1985. We flew from Pittsburgh to Dallas, TX and then on to Honolulu. We signed up for every tour there was and we were exhausted. We had to come home to relax(lol).
This time I want to get to enjoy it. Oh, we had a great time but like you stated, too much running around.

I am going with a co-worker this time and he has never been to Hawaii.This will be our first time with a tour company. I do not want to make the same mistake again. This is suppose to be our vacation. I'd like to remember it!

Always On The GO!
"An informed traveler is a happy and safe traveler"

Hi Again!

The flight... well, what can I say, it was LONG! Trafalgar booked me on Northwest Airlines from Toronto to Minneapolis then on to Honolulu. I think you will have it a bit easier since your flights will be more evenly spread. I found the hardest part was the Minneapolis to Honolulu. Coming home was an adventure as our flight was late leaving Honolulu and I only had 1.5 hours to catch the Toronto flight. Wasn't sure whether I would miss it! As it turns out, I made it with 5 minutes to spare! The funny thing was me running thru the airport with my sneaker untied, afraid to take the time to do it up! Oh, well, everything turned out.

If you have the same tour director as I did, you might find that he is very strict about certain things. While I can fully understand the need to be on time, the bit about the name tags was over done. If you are lucky, you will have a good group like I did. I think we all had a great time together!

Anyhow, if you what to know more, you know where to find me! I'd be happy to help!

Mahalo & Aloha!
Diane

Diane,

I'm going to Hawaii in September with another tour company, however, I was wondering if you took the Helicopter ride in Kauai or Maui, any snorkeling, how was Waimea Canyon and anthing else that you saw.

What was the problem with your TD with name tags? I never wore mine on any of my trips.

Looking foward to hearing your trip details.

Hi Anita!

This falls under the "so much to do, so little time" category! Although I saw alot, I really would have loved more "time off" and when available I took full advantage of it on the beach!

I didn't do any snorkelling due to a chest cold, but hear that doing so off the coast of Molokini is great. The helicopter ride sounds great, but I never had the opportunity to do so!

So for the things I did see and do.. On O'ahu there's lots to do. The Arizona Memorial (especially if you have seen the movie..bring klennex!), Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay and Waimea Falls (great Divers). Waikiki is great for shopping and you have to visit the "International Market" for bargains. The beach is fantastic..

The Big Island of Hawaii you have to see the Volcanoes National Park. This sight is awesome when you are walking on the lava flows. In the distance you will see the actual eruptions still happening.

Maui I would have to say was the best if you are looking to unwind. Our resort was on Ka'anapali Beach with beautiful sand, a view of Molokai and a short ride to Lahaina. Here you can easily charter a boat for snorkelling, fishing and whale watching (though September is out of season). We watched the whales from our hotel. Also went to the Iao Valley State Park. Unfortunately the day was overcast, so not as striking of a view that you see in magazines.

As you can see, we only did a fraction of what is available. Definitely another trip would be neccessary in order to see and do what I missed!

As for the name tags, our TD was very adamant that they be worn. Made a big fuss over anyone who didn't. This was my third tour, and like you, never had a problem before. Needless to say, a few of us were "rebels" and refused to wear them!

Diane

Hi Diane,

Your trip really sounds great. Now I'm really looking forward to shopping in Waikiki and going to the beach. I know that I have a lot of activities in such a short amount of time, but I also want to relax on the beach and unwind.

Concerning the name tags - I would have been a rebel also. I never wear mine - good for you.

Dear Anita1, We took a trip to Hawaii this past April. The helicopter ride was awesome! I booked it before leaving on the internet because it was cheaper to do it that way. We used Jack Harter Helicopeters in Kauai because it was the least expensive. We had four in our family and on a budget. However, the pilot was very smug. I will get his name from my children if you like.
I heard of another helicopter company from a couple that we met at Waimea Canyon. They took a helicopter ride that took them to a water fall where they provided them with a picnic lunch by the falls. Doesn't that sound great? The canyon look out spots provided us the most beautiful photographs! Don't hesitate to ask me more questions. We stayed a week last month. I loved Honolulu and Kauai. You have to see the NaPali coast!

Tom and Denise,

I checked out the helicopter companies and found one that does not have any doors, so you can see more, and of course, be more afraid. They also do the lunch and waterfall excursion, however, I believe that they charge $225 or $250. They are Interisland. I have their toll-free number so I'll make my plans before I leave home. While looking at other message boards I heard about Jack Harter and he has a very good reputation. Either way I can't wait to go. I also want to take one of the cruises or snorkling up the NaPali coast - I heard it is gorgeous.

If you have any other advice please write. Thanks.

Dear Anita, Interisland helicopters was the tour company that the couple we met, went on. They raved about the trip. That was the price they quoted to us. Jack Harter was 135 dollars for exactly an one hour ride. It sounded like interisland was a half day tour.
We also took Kayaks four miles up a river to the secret falls. Had to hike through a forest. It was a great excursion for my whole family. I will get you the name of the tour company if you are interested in that tour. Where are you staying? I can go on and on. We used Kauai Tours for the snorkel trip to the Napali Coast. We saw humpback whales, sea turtles, flying fish and spinning dolphins. You can also get that cheaper if you book online or call yourself from the hotel room. I have the number, if you want it. Denise

I live in Big Island. Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tour is the best. Better than any helicopter tours in Hawaii. Trust me...

Denise,

I will look up the Kauai Tour for the snorkling trip. I am staying at the Sheraton Kauai with a Globus tour. I am very independent and like to do things that are not part of the tour. Many times they will offer an optional trip, but sometimes you can get it cheaper booking it yourself. If Jack Harter charged $135, then that is a very good price. If you can give me the Kauai tour number I'd really appreciate it. Also any info on local restaurants would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks - Anita

DavidBK

Thanks for the info on Hawaiian Helicopter. I'll have to check it out on-line.
Anita

Dear Anita, GO to Kauai.com. Lots of info including helicopter tours. You can book any one on line. Kauaiseatours.com for Napali Coast. National Geographic travel magazine rated it as one of the most spectacular spots in the world!
Ate at Gaylord's. Not great food but beautiful restaurant. Old mansion.We ate at Dale's. Delicious. Marriott had great food everynight.