Hawaii Vacation
 

Current girlfriend and I will be going to Hawaii in early May. Will be staying on Oahu (definitely) and going to The Big Island (probably). Would love any insider advice on places to visit, things to do, and specific companies you might recommend for services. We are far more interested in natural beauty and food trucks and far less interested in shopping and fine dining. We will be in Hawaii for 10 days.

We will definitely visit Pearl Harbor. Are there any insider tips or should we just turn up?

Would like to include 1 or 2 days of scuba diving (both have certifications and experience to do more challenging dives- maybe you have a favorite dive shop and/or a favorite dive site?)

Would like to rent surfboards 1 day (both really awful surfers- maybe you know a beach that is appropriate for beginners?)

Would like to visit a live volcano (is it essential to hire a guide? which part of the volcano park is the most exciting? which part of the volcano park is the most picturesque? We would like to see some cool stuff and get some good pictures but come back with all of our feet)

Would like to hike to (and swim in) waterfalls (Anyone have some favorite falls they can recommend? Or even favorite hikes that do not include falls?)

Helicopter tours are out- too expensive.

Submarines are probably out, too- same reason.

Also looking for recommendations on food. Again, more interested in the best affordable options, less interested in fine dining. Street treats and food trucks are fine with us.

Also looking for recommendations on best beaches. "Best" meaning most beautiful and least crowded as opposed to most popular or most amenities.

Also looking for recommendations on best places to watch the sunset.

Any and all help appreciated.

One place I've not been. Enjoy it.

Visit
Dog the bounty hunter

Oahu is home so I’ll always love it. That being said go to Kauai if your really into to natural beauty and serene beaches.

But if you must do Oahu then yeah, do Pearl Harbor for sure. I think the memorial is closed for repairs currently so make sure to check on that.

Your issue on Oahu will be finding beaches that aren’t that crowded. Maybe try Bellows or the beach back of the Mandarin Hotel or whatever they call the hotel that used to be the Kahala Hilton.

You’re best served just finding food trucks and such as you go. Plenty of good local grinds. But do go to Leonard’s for malasadas and eat at Zippy’s at least once.

Somehow I never got into scuba so I can only point to Shark’s Cove(don’t let that name scare you)for great snorkeling. That’s assuming you want to stay away from the super touristy spots).

Oh and it’s not the most difficult of hikes but I loved the Aeia Loop Trail where you can still some remnants of a WW2 plane that went down there.

Dole Pineapple Plantation. Get a pineapple split.

I was gonna suggest that but sounds like he’s not that in to touristy shit. I love Dole Plantation!

Thank you for the responses so far!

I went to the Dole plantation when I was 10 years old. It was one of the highlights for me then, but is it something that would appeal to grownups? I know they have gardens you can tour. Are they particularly impressive or would we be better off on a hike somewhere?

You really refer to her as your "current girlfriend"?

On a plane getting ready to head there now. North Shore snorkel at a place called Sharks Cove. Not easy to find but may be best on the island.

Have never been, but my buddy just did night diving with giant manta rays at Kona. It looked ****ing beautiful and is on my must-do list just based on his videos.

One of the best vacations we ever had, but it was in 85 so I am sure a lot has changed.
We spent almost entire week on Maui and stayed at the Wailea Intercontinental. There were lots of nice beaches and beautiful golf courses.
Food was expensive as heck even back then, for our family of four.

Spend very little time Oahu, do Pearl hike Diamond Head early and get out to other Islands. I prefer Maui for Diving and waterfalls, and we always have a great time.

Go to North Shore and Waimia Valley. Botanical garden that's huge and gorgeous. They also have a big waterfall you can swim in, too. Some great shots up there, too, and it's out of the tourism district.

Lots of good restaurants downtown. Get out if Waikiki, that's just for the tourists. You mist have the loco moco at least once - local dish that's great. And the best, freshest seafood around. We like Nico's on the Pier, an awesome outdoor lunch spot.

If you're interested in photography, there's some guided photo tours that are worth their money.

And of course you need to do a traditional luau. Paradise Cove is generally considered the biggest and best.

Be prepared for a LOT of Japanese tourists at Pearl, taking pictures and goofing around.

I'd skip the Big Island, personally. Go to Maui or Kauai instead.