6.28.2011

Aloha State...



 Taking a detour from design at the moment to get your feedback. This August we will celebrate our 5 year anniversary. We are planning a trip to Hawaii. We have never been and have decided to go to The Big Island; but are open to suggestions before we book it this week. I would love to hear about your favorite places to see, things to do, and places to eat if you have been to any of the Hawaiian islands. Thanks!




 courtesy: coastal living

19 comments:

Unknown said...

hermosas fotos!!!!quiero estar ahiiii

besos,

Geb said...

We've only been to Maui, but there was so much to do there and it was just so beautiful. Great local brewery and breakfast spots, and then there's biking Haleakala and lots of water activities.

Erin said...

We've never been to Hawaii - but I'm excited to read some of the suggestions that other readers post! What a great idea to solicit ideas from others. Happy 5 year anniversary!

Anne @strawberryjampackedlife said...

We just got back from our Hawaiian Honeymoon. We went to Oahu and Maui. I absolutely loved the resort we stayed at on Oahu, the Kahala. Also, try the macadamia nut pancakes at Boots and Kimo's on Oahu. On Maui we did the Road to Hana in our rented convertible. It was a beautiful drive.
DEFINITELY SNORKEL WHEREVER YOU GO!

Kristyn said...

I only recently found your blog (couldn't tell you how I looped here...I'd have to retrace my steps!) but I love it enough to move you near the top of my looong design blogs list :-) We have been to Hawaii many times, and our favorite spot is north shore of Kauai. Hanalei Bay is truly my favorite spot in the world. There is something majestic, mysterious and raw in its beauty, and the sleepy nature of the town. It's a little more quiet and boho...not resort chic, although nearby Princeville can cure that. There are so many amazing rental properties in the area, and prices are so reasonable, especially in Princeville (I use www.vrbo.com). In the summer the water is calm on the north shore (in winter it is calm south shore, by Poipu). We did hit the Big Island a few years ago, and although I adore Kona town, the traffic in the area was so annoying, I couldn't wait to get over to north shore Kauai! Kauai has its own bottleneck of traffic in Kapaa, but you either stay above or below it for the most part. As for where to eat, don't go only to fancy restaurants...the best food is local mixed plate. You make nice-nice with the kamaainas (locals) to find the best spots. Consider doing two islands...it is the best way to meet the real Hawaii! Congrats and enjoy :-)

Julia Sledge said...

Kauai is the only island I would go to. Its the least developed, most beautiful. Hanalei Bay and the Na Pali coastline is breathtaking. I think they opened a Four Seasons in Princeville. Kauai is very easy to get around and has it all!!!

Mary said...

I've been to Maui and it was awesome! Half the island is filled with resorts and tourist-y stuff to do, the other half is rustic and unpaved with hikes to go on, waterfalls and volcanoes to visit, and more. The Road to Hana is a must if you visit Maui!

Anonymous said...

My uncle lives on the Big Island in Hilo and we've visited him there twice. My favorite places to visit/things to do are Akaka Falls, Honoli'i Beach Park (great for sea glass searching), Hilo Farmer's Market and Big Island Candies. If you want to take a day trip over to Kona the Royal Kona Resort has a great luau!

Gracefully Vintage said...

Stunning.. What a View- What a Vacation.. Thanks for sharing amzing photos, allowing us to be there through your eyes..
Karryann
Great Blog

Farris said...

We have been to Kauai (some of Jurassaic park was filmed there and it has grand canyon like canyons) The Big Island(not our favorite but it does have a volcano) and three times to Maui(Our favorite). Maui is so much fun. You can go on the road to hana and go to the sunrise at haleakala state park which seems like you are on the moon. The food is great and it is very hippie like. They even have nude beaches. We have stayed in a condo, we stayed in Kaanapali Beach Hotel and we stayed at the Ritz. All were wonderful but we suggest you stay in Kanapalli.

Anonymous said...

Maui is the place to go! A beautiful island with something for everyone.

carolyn bradford said...

oh...we've been several times and I also have a friend that just got home from Hawaii! I will write you tomorrow after I try to remember it all!!! LOL!!! It's such a great trip!!!
Carolyn

ejlynn said...

What a beautiful creation from the Lord!!!

Kelly Pearce said...

We spent 2 weeks in Hawaii for our honeymoon and loved EVERY SINGLE MINUTE OF IT! We spent one week on Kauai and it was unreal. Everything is lush and beautiful. We stayed in Poipu Bay (Grand Hyatt) area where there is little rain which was nice. North shore is amazing there also, but can get more rain. We did a helicopter tour which was breathtaking. If you like hiking or kayaking you can do lots of that on this island! This island is stunning and wouldn't miss it.
For the other week we went to the Big Island and stayed on the Kona side, which once again gets very little rain compared to the Hilo side. Fairmont orchid was where we stayed and loved it. Great resort. The Big Island has so much to do and see as well. Just going to all of the different terrain is amazing. We did the Summit tour which was cool to see the sky at the highest point.
When you decide which one you are going to, I can send more info about details. Overall, Kauai is more lush and chill. The Big Island has a lot of black from the volcanos but it truly amazing how different the landscape is as you travel around it. Whichever one you choose, if you like to do your own adventuring, get a soft-top jeep rental! You really can't go wrong with either of these places!!!!

Jimmy The Undercover Designer said...

Not a good post for me today. It gave me a heart ache :)
Need to be IN those photos.

Anonymous said...

Kauai all the way, north shore in Hanalei. Amazingly beautiful. We did a diferent hike and beach a day. Waimea canyon and boat trip to snorkel around napali cliffs are must dos.

Anonymous said...

My family and I vacation on the big island every year for a few weeks during Christmas. It is our favorite island! We rent a condo in waikoloa village near the Hilton. Fairway villas- they ate great! if a condo isn't your thing (we like to make some meals there) then the four seasons is a great hotel. There is a fabulous Sunday brunch at the mauna kea. Hapuna beach is a great beach and there is a neat black sand beach at the bottom of waipio valley. There is a cute little town called hawi that has the best pies ever- holy's bakery. Get the buttered coconut pie and the peach, you won't be disappointed! Also kealakakua bay has great snorkeling with dolphins. Have fun!

Anonymous said...

Oh and some great places to eat- L&L BBQ and huggo's in kona. We try to avoid being in kona a lot due to traffic but as soon as you get north of the airport, it's a beautiful island with very few people.

Staci said...

LOVE Maui!! We found the Big Island a bit boring. Enjoy either way..every island is BEAUTIFUL.