Help! I have not had a vacation in 6+ years!

March 10, 2008 11:13 AM

I have not gone on vacation in over 6 years, where should I go? I'm considering Hawaii. I do not yet have my passport. I've never been to Hawaii. When is the best time to visit?

Thinking of staying here Kahala Resort
I'm not going to sunbathe or sail. I'd maybe take a few surfing lessons and sample the island cuisine and enjoy the atmosphere. Mostly interested in seeing the wildlife, visiting Molokai island etc.

Any other vacation suggestions? I've visited all the other US states except for the Dakotas, alaska and Hawaii.

posted by nougat to travel & transportation (17 comments total)

Are you a U.S. citizen? If so, you don't need a passport.
posted by wordsmith at 11:15 AM on March 10

Yes, I'm a citizen. I meant I don't have a passport to go to other vacation locations outside the US at this time.
posted by nougat at 11:16 AM on March 10

Where are you located now, and when would you go? My standard response is to take a road trip across the western US...it can be life-changing, and is just...so...damn...beautiful.
posted by notsnot at 11:22 AM on March 10

thanks notsnot but I've already done the western road trip multiple times with stops in all the parks etc. I lived on the west coast for awhile but now I live in Western New York state.
posted by nougat at 11:25 AM on March 10

Mostly interested in seeing the wildlife, visiting Molokai island etc.

Hmm. I don't know what "seeing the wildlife" means to you, but I interpret "visiting Molokai" to mean that you're interested in seclusion and distance from the tourist trade. In which case I'd advise against the resort you link to. Haven't been to the kahala, but it's in Honolulu... you'd have a much more mellow experience if you were to avoid Oahu altogether. Find a vacation rental on Maui or the Big Island. They both have richly varied ecosystems sufficient to a couple of weeks' exploration, if you're up for it. Hawaii has more in the way of archaeological remains than Maui, if that kind of thing is of interest to you.
posted by mumkin at 11:34 AM on March 10

Passports are easy to get... you should try to start exploring the rest of the world. It's awfully cool.

Plus, overseas travel will expand your horizons as a human being beyond belief.
posted by miss lynnster at 11:55 AM on March 10

Yeah :( I have been meaning to do it for awhile. Just got married and got my new documents with name change on them. We are applying for a passport this week.
posted by nougat at 11:59 AM on March 10

If you want to go to Hawaii, I would suggest someplace other than Oahu. Like mumkin says, either the big island or Maui might be better choices. If you like outdoors and lots of different eco-systems, I would recommend the Big Island which has everything from horseback riding, to volcanos, to rain forests, to amazing coral reefs. Seems like Maui has a bit more nightlife.

If you go to the Big Island, I highly recommend taking a snorkeling trip (or snorkel/kayak if you're more the independent type) to Kealakekua Bay -- a very amazing and beautiful place. Also, Volcano National Park with the Thurston Lava Tubes & rain forest are pretty spectacular.
posted by elmay at 12:03 PM on March 10

Just got married and got my new documents with name change on them. We are applying for a passport this week.

Um, so is this a honeymoon thing? From the way you phrased the question I had the impression you were traveling alone. Not that it really changes anything, I suppose, except to further make me think that seclusion as opposed to urban nightlife may be the order of the day.

Also, it's in beta, but TravelFilter has advice for you.
posted by mumkin at 12:16 PM on March 10

Oahu is a beautiful island, and Honolulu is fun, if you like a big city vibe and want, or need, constant stimulation. I didn't find it all that relaxing. I recommend the Big Island. It is the most naturally diverse of all the islands with lots of wildlife to see, as well as other interesting diversions (volcanoes, snorkling, and hiking, etc.)

We rent an ocean front condo, fix brekkie ourselves (cheap, local fresh fruit at farmer's market), head out to explore for day, stop for lunch, then fix a light dinner or go out to a restaurant for happy hour pupus (appetizers) and sunset views. You'll need a rental car, but navigating around is easy. I've found the locals much friendlier than other islands, and it seems less touristy.

I highly recommend these guidebooks about the Islands. The are written by a couple of locals who know all the off-the-beaten-path places to check out. I've yet to be disappointed by their suggestions.
posted by socrateaser at 12:25 PM on March 10

I'd consider Alaska if you're at all into outdoorsy stuff. I have not been there myself, but I've heard only good things from people going on vacation there. Or you could to an Alaskan cruise if you want some of the scenery without missing out on stuff you'd find at resorts and such.

Also, when are you going? Are you looking to get away from cold weather where you live?

Have you been to Puerto Rico? One shouldn't need a passport to go there either. I've not been there either, but I've heard good things.
posted by gauchodaspampas at 12:36 PM on March 10

Um, so is this a honeymoon thing?

Nope, we have been together a very very long time. Just that we recently got the binding piece of paper.

Have you been to Puerto Rico?

Oh good idea! I will pitch that one. We are also planning a European trip this year as soon as the passports come through. I thought we could just use a mini break before then.
posted by nougat at 12:59 PM on March 10

If it's just the passports that are preventing you from looking at an international trip, the turnaround for passports is very quick right now. I just received mine in less than two weeks and that was with the regular processing, not expedited.
posted by platinum at 1:16 PM on March 10

We went in October and it was perfect...not too hot but still warn enough to go snorkeling at 6am.

I would second the suggestion of Maui. There is still stuff to do if you needs stores, movie theatres, etc but there is a lot more natural beauty than Oahu.

If you really want some natural relaxation check out Hana for a couple days. Hotel Hana Maui is awesome if you don't mind the cost (its a bit expensive). Maui Prince resort on the western side of the Island has some great snorkeling right off the hotel beach.

If you want to see other islands or something like the Volcano on Big Island there are a lot of day trips for that sort of stuff.
posted by UMDirector at 2:00 PM on March 10

In addition to the possibility of Puerto Rico, you can also go visit the U.S. Virgin Islands.
posted by Atreides at 4:23 PM on March 10

I just got back from Oahu + Kauai, and the weather was wonderful. Put it on your list.
BUT - Nthing skipping Honolulu/Oahu if you really want to "get away". Waikiki is a giant outdoor mall with a gorgeous beach running along one side, which doesn't quite sound like what you're looking for (?). Kauai was more relaxed. But the "local cuisine" in HI seems like it has been geared toward tourist food (read fried and/or meat) for so long, and everything not caught in a net that day has to come in by barge - fresh delicious island food takes some looking for.
But if you want to splurge (more than 2 nights in any hotel and it'll be the same/more than your flight) and get pampered (pick the right resort and you never have to leave, to do the things you mention - Try Turtle Bay this time of year), it's a great place to go.
P.S. There's not a lot of wildlife in HI that doesn't swim; so research your snorkeling spots in advance - it's winter (but 75F) right now, and the spots people recommended to me as good snorkeling reefs had 10-ft waves this time of year, as opposed to summer.

On the other hand, and if you're coming from the East Coast instead of the West, nthing Puerto Rico. Much faster to get to, usually much cheaper (check JetBlue) so you can save your money for your Europe trip instead of spending it in HI on $30 breakfasts. To warm up for European-type cities, go through old San Juan - practice your Spanish and learn to avoid other American tourists :). For a walk in the jungle, go to El Yunque/Caribbean National Forest. To get away from it all, head over to Vieques (an architect acquaintance raved about Hix Island House) and snorkel and/or take a night swim amongst plankton that light up as you disturb them. No passport required.
posted by bartleby at 4:35 PM on March 10

I've been to Hawaii several times -- all of the islands. Let me suggest Lanikai. It's on the east side of Oahu, 30 mins from Honolulu. Close enough to drive there for the day or evening if you want nightlife or to have a drink at one of the hotels on Waikiki.

Lanikai is a cute little town with groceries, a restaurant or two, etc. Rent a place on or near the beach -- for less than $200/night. As far as wildlife goes, diving is the way to go. I got certified a few years ago in Lanikai and if you're interested, I can probably dig up the instructor's name.

I stayed at the Kahala last October and it was NOT worth it. You have to take a car or mini-bus to go anywhere (the hotel is far away from the city center and Waikiki) and I'm sorry, but I have yet to see a cheeseburger worth $27. The hotel went seriously downhill since the Mandarin Oriental gave up its management.

I love Lankai so much that I'm going back there for the sixth time in about a month. Seriously, you won't regret it.
posted by hapax_legomenon at 11:03 PM on March 10