San Francisco/Hawaii

Hi All

I'm looking to book a holiday as a surprise for my other half and would like some recommendations if possible

Want to stay in SF for a week then go to Oahu for 2 weeks (21 nights total) any thoughts on who would be the best to book with.

Tried to check the Prices on the Virgin Holiday website but unfortunately it's not possible.

Cheers [y]

Trev

Is this because when you go to check prices, it comes up with a 'sorry' message? Am curious, because it often does that to me and I'm wondering if there's a problem with my pc (and yes, cookies are enabled) or whether it's the VH site.

I booked my whole trip last year with VH. Personally I'd give them a ring first - have an idea of flight dates and length of stay in each place along with some idea of hotels before you speak to them.

From that you get an idea of costs involved. It's so easy to travel between Hawaiian islands that I wound consider more than one with the length of stay you have in mind.

We chose to visit LAS outward and SFO on the return - something definitely worth thinking about.

Once you've got a basic quote and reference number they can keep 'tweaking it' for you until you've got exactly what you want.

I would then price up the flights and hotels separately yourself and compare the two.

Jilly

Originally posted by catsilversword
Is this because when you go to check prices, it comes up with a 'sorry' message? Am curious, because it often does that to me and I'm wondering if there's a problem with my pc (and yes, cookies are enabled) or whether it's the VH site.

Depends whether Trev is trying to book a set itinerary they offer or wanting to be more flexible - the latter he would have to telephone for a quote.

The site can be temperamental - I usually find it best to ring anyway unless it's something very simple.

Jilly

Hi Trev

I'd also recommend that you break your journey both ways if you can.

We flew directly to Hawaii via LAX with United and we were absolutely exhausted by the time we got to Honolulu. If we did the trip again (and we're very tempted!), we'd go via Las Vegas and spend a few days there before continuing our journey on Hawaiian Airlines.

We broke our return journey in San Fransisco on the way home, which made the journey much more bearble, and gave us something to look forward.

I'd also suggest that you visit at least a couple of the Hawaiian islands - it's really easy to island hop. Kauai is my favourite Hawaiian island as it's the least commercialised and in my opinion, the prettiest island. The Big Island is also fastinating, with its active volcano. I found http://www.trip.advisor.com very useful when researching/planning my trip there.

Enjoy!

U2fan

Originally posted by jilly

Originally posted by catsilversword
Is this because when you go to check prices, it comes up with a 'sorry' message? Am curious, because it often does that to me and I'm wondering if there's a problem with my pc (and yes, cookies are enabled) or whether it's the VH site.

Depends whether Trev is trying to book a set itinerary they offer or wanting to be more flexible - the latter he would have to telephone for a quote.

The site can be temperamental - I usually find it best to ring anyway unless it's something very simple.

Jilly

Ah, so not just my pc then - that's reassuring.

Originally posted by U2fan
I'd also suggest that you visit at least a couple of the Hawaiian islands - it's really easy to island hop. Kauai is my favourite Hawaiian island as it's the least commercialised and in my opinion, the prettiest island. The Big Island is also fastinating, with its active volcano.

Couldn't agree more with this advice. 2 weeks is really a very long time to be staying on Oahu - it ain't that exciting. There is a great lodge you can stay in just on the edge of the main crater on Big Island. The park rangers just cannot do enough to help you, and the walks (espc guided) are cracking.

Originally posted by sailor99

Originally posted by U2fan
I'd also suggest that you visit at least a couple of the Hawaiian islands - it's really easy to island hop. Kauai is my favourite Hawaiian island as it's the least commercialised and in my opinion, the prettiest island. The Big Island is also fastinating, with its active volcano.

Couldn't agree more with this advice. 2 weeks is really a very long time to be staying on Oahu - it ain't that exciting. There is a great lodge you can stay in just on the edge of the main crater on Big Island. The park rangers just cannot do enough to help you, and the walks (espc guided) are cracking.

I've come to the conclusion that 2 weeks is too long to stay in most places. Once you've done all the highlights and tourist stuff - what then?![}:)]

[ChuckC]

Hi Trev,
Well, if it were me, I'd enjoy some time perhaps in Vegas or San Francisco, then head to Oahu for fun, restaurant sampling for no more than 3 days, then to Maui for rest/relaxation/golf/everything else for 7-10 days. Maui is one of those places where time stands still, but there are plenty of activities to fill in the days, and in recent years, a number of quite good dining choices have appeared as well. There is no feeling of "big city" as one gets in Honolulu and I think you'll find your biggest decisions of the day to be: a) which biscuit with your coffee?; b) which lounge chair -- at the pool or on the sand?; c) newest exotic drink to sample at 1030am; d) what time to head over to one of the outdoor bars in Whaler's Village -- 3pm, or 4pm?; e) which swimsuit to wear today?. You get the idea, I'm certain.

If you enjoy Vegas you might consider doing that on the way out, and maybe do San Fran on the homeward leg, when you are well rested.

Chuck-

Originally posted by ChuckC
Hi Trev,
Well, if it were me, I'd enjoy some time perhaps in Vegas or San Francisco, then head to Oahu for fun, restaurant sampling for no more than 3 days, then to Maui for rest/relaxation/golf/everything else for 7-10 days. Maui is one of those places where time stands still, but there are plenty of activities to fill in the days, and in recent years, a number of quite good dining choices have appeared as well. There is no feeling of "big city" as one gets in Honolulu and I think you'll find your biggest decisions of the day to be: a) which biscuit with your coffee?; b) which lounge chair -- at the pool or on the sand?; c) newest exotic drink to sample at 1030am; d) what time to head over to one of the outdoor bars in Whaler's Village -- 3pm, or 4pm?; e) which swimsuit to wear today?. You get the idea, I'm certain.

If you enjoy Vegas you might consider doing that on the way out, and maybe do San Fran on the homeward leg, when you are well rested.

Chuck-

Hi,

I had the same dilemma ( what drink to have at 11am ) when I stayed for a week at the hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island of hawai'i in June 2005 ( beautiful week and took a trip to the volcano national park):D

Regards

TBS

[ChuckC]

TBS,
For me, the time goes so quickly there. I have never wished to leave, and always longed to return.

Chuck-

Chuck I did exactly the trip you outlined and can agree it was a wonderful way to do it - more by luck than great judgement.

Would recommend the Sheraton Moana Surfrider in Oahu for it's location and luxury. Can't wait for day I go back too!

Jilly

Agree with Chuck - 3 days is enough - I wasnt that impressed to tel lyou the truth and personally far prefer the Caribbean - for us Brits its a bloody long way to go and the time difference is 11 hours - so on the way out and on the way back you will need some acclimatisation time!!!

If you havent been then I say "go" - and then at least you will always have yoru own opinion of what its like!!!

Originally posted by ChuckC
Hi Trev,
Well, if it were me, I'd enjoy some time perhaps in Vegas or San Francisco, then head to Oahu for fun, restaurant sampling for no more than 3 days, then to Maui for rest/relaxation/golf/everything else for 7-10 days. Maui is one of those places where time stands still, but there are plenty of activities to fill in the days, and in recent years, a number of quite good dining choices have appeared as well. There is no feeling of "big city" as one gets in Honolulu and I think you'll find your biggest decisions of the day to be: a) which biscuit with your coffee?; b) which lounge chair -- at the pool or on the sand?; c) newest exotic drink to sample at 1030am; d) what time to head over to one of the outdoor bars in Whaler's Village -- 3pm, or 4pm?; e) which swimsuit to wear today?. You get the idea, I'm certain.

If you enjoy Vegas you might consider doing that on the way out, and maybe do San Fran on the homeward leg, when you are well rested.

Chuck-

Hi Trev,

If you haven't booked your HNL hotel yet we always stay in the Radisson which doesn't look as nice from the outside but is really nice inside. It's a block back from the ocean front but the prices are cheaper and so we stay in the exec rooms on the 38th floor and have a great ocean view. One floor up is the exec lounge which does a really nice breakfast with free kona coffee and local pineapple. Then we sit on the balconey of the lounge listening to the ocean reading the papers. In the evening they have a bar up there and some pupus which get you in the mood for going out, plus it's a litle quiter than being on the main road when it comes to sleep.

[ChuckC]

Originally posted by jilly
Chuck I did exactly the trip you outlined and can agree it was a wonderful way to do it - more by luck than great judgement.

Would recommend the Sheraton Moana Surfrider in Oahu for it's location and luxury. Can't wait for day I go back too!

Jilly

Jilly,
I have many fond memories of the Moana, the first and IIRC the last family-run major hotel along the Waikiki strip. Afternoon tea on the terrace, a room overlooking the banyan trees ... well, I best stop here as I'm bound to go on and on.

Regards,
Chuck-

[Scrooge]

Even though Waikiki is nice,it's kind of like staying in any major city in the States,for me,I prefer to get out of town and head up to the North Shore.

We stay at Turtle Bay,which has just been remodled.

The views from the beach and bars are amazing,your out in the country but only 10 mins away from some great resturants.