Thinking of booking something for just after Christmas and Hawaii came up. Do I need to go through a travel agent? If you've been please educate me. I rarely leave Texas. The wife always told me she wanted to go to Hawaii for our 25th anniversary and that came and passed in August so I'd like to surprise her with something.
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When my wife and I went back in 2014, we booked everything through Expedia and it was super simple. We dis some homework on the area we wanted to stay in and read reviews on hotels. We were able to book airfare, hotel, and jeep rental all in one spot. -
I'm from Oahu, shoot me a message with any questions you may have. Travel agents are easier but not necessary at all with the travel sites available today. Depending on what y'all want to do that would change island recommendations.Comment
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Wife and I have been to Kuaui and Maui. Kuaui is the more primitive island and a lot of movies are filmed there. Having said that, I think I would recommend Maui for a first timer. The only regret we had was that we flew into Honolulu to catch the puddle jumper. If we had it to do over again, I would recommend flying into Honolulu, spending at least one night to see Pearl Harbor, which we did not do. Then, to Maui which has lots of different things to do.
I am currently at my bro-in-law’s in Albuquerque. He lived on Kuaui for 13 years, and he agreed that Maui is the island to go to if you only stay on one island.
I can put you in touch with a travel agent in Dallas if you are interested in letting her help you plan/book it. Using a travel agent does not cost you anything. They get paid by the airlines and hotels. It will save your wife a lot of work.Comment
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I would suggest Maui as well, but homeless problem is really starting to have impact on me wanting to go to Hawaii.Comment
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Wife and I go for 14 days every year for the last 30 years, Burnadell is right, fly into Honolulu for two days and see Pearl Harbor and then move to another island. We spend all our time in Maui now. I can give you my input if you like? One thing for sure go for at least 10 days or more.Comment
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We have been to Oahu twice this year as we are lucky and have some family there. Shop around we flew Southwest out of Dallas and spent less than a thousand bucks for round trip for two but I did catch them both times on sale. We bought some car tours on this last trip called the Shaka tour I recommend you get these but get the app and wait a couple days and they will drop the price of the tour just play it while you ride the island. That time of year the waves on the North Shore will be big with lots of Professional Surfers and it will be the busiest area on the island. We have not island hopped yet but we plan to. The family is Military and will be there for a couple more years. We general stay away from the tourist areas so we only went to Waikiki twice. there is a health homeless population every where do not leave anything in sight in a car anywhere.Comment
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No agent. Did our own thing/plans based on input like you are asking for here.
Land on big island and get on another island as soon as you can. We chose Kauai, but was a coin flip vs Maui. Chose for less people.
Rent the Jeep 100%. Go everywhere. Even restricted rental areas. Take the time to visit the top of the volcano. The top. Don't bother golfing unless you want a 7 hr round behind photographers.Comment
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I appreciate all the help.Comment
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Been there many times - Kawai or Maui - only choices IMO - everything else is commercializedComment
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My wife is part owner of a travel agency, so I'm a little biased here. One of her agents used to live in Hawaii and sells a lot of travel there. Her name is Rachel. Look up LTW Travel. It's always an option to book stuff on your own, but it can be almost like work trying to find the best deals/attractions/etc. If you want a turn-key trip where you just show up, then an experienced travel agent can't be beat imo.Comment
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I was born and raised in Kailua, Oahu and been back for a couple family weddings and other events. Very different from when I left, wouldnt suggest that island.
As others have said, Kauai or Maui is probably a better bet. On those islands you can see a lot of the new state bird, the chickens. Haha
The Big Island can be good, but slim pickings if you want a nice beach.
JComment
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We went for our 10 year anniversary and booked through a travel agent and everything went super smooth. I don’t think it is necessary but they took care of everything and I liked that. Hawaii was awesome. We went to Maui.Comment
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I was wrong about my referral not charging a fee. She offers an initial consultation for no charge, and no fees for the bookings, but if you don't know which hotel, airline, excursions or exact dates there will be a fee for her time in doing research...$125 per person, I believe.Comment
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Went to Maui between Christmas and New Years several years ago.
I was expecting a more tropical environment but it was pretty commercialized.
We stayed at the Marriott resort on the south side of the island, Waialea.
We had a nice time and I booked everything myself.
Next time we will go to a more primitive and laid back island like Oahu.
I think where you go really depends on what kind of environment you are looking for.
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