Hawaii 2012

We have never been to Hawaii.  I know, gasp!  In all our world travels over the years, Hawaii has never percolated to the top of our list.  So, in 2012, we decided that we'd take the plunge and head to Hawaii for 2 weeks.  I think the reason we kept putting off a trip to Hawaii was because I knew the planning was going to be stressful.  Which islands?  Rent a house or stay at hotels?  One island, two islands, more?  Are our expectations too high?  Yikes.

In March 2012, I started the research and planning and by May our trip for two weeks in late November/early December was booked.

Here's our itinerary.

Days 1-7:    Stay on the Big Island and rent a villa.  We stayed at Kona View Estate in Holualoa, just outside of Kailua Kona on the west side of the island of Hawaii.  On the agenda - south point, dolphins, turtles, volcano national park, Hilo, Mauna Kea observation, waterfalls, relax, beach. 

Days 8-9:    Fly to Oahu for two days.  Early flight in and a late flight out, provided for 2 full days of exploring.  We stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in the Rainbow Tower in Waikiki.  On the agenda - Pearl Harbor, surfing, north shore, touring the island.

Days 10-14:  Fly to Maui.  We stayed at the Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea Resort.  On the agenda - Road to Hana, sunrise and biking Haleakala, beaches, sunset sailing, relaxing.

Up next....the posts!