Hawaii in Mid November/Dec/Jan/Feb - Where, Which Airlines etc?

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  tanguyen on 02/02/2018 - 13:07

  +1

  We just went to Hawaii for the first time in early Nov. We went to two islands (Maui and Oahu) and spent a week in each island. To answer your questions:

  1) Honolulu was a bit touristy. I think there was a jetstar sale so honolulu return was ~$500 return with baggage, so there were so many other Australians walking about. It has the same feel as a busier Gold Coast. Like with most other touristy places, its touristy for a reason. The shops are just a block away from Waikiki beach and hence, very popular. Apparently each island is very different to the other, and I'd definitely say Maui is very differnet to Oahu (where honolulu is). Maui's very laid back and chill, Honolulu is very Americanised.

  2) Might have mentioned it in my last post, but we flew with Jetstar. I haven't had a problem withthem yet, but it depends whether you prefer a full service flight, or cheapskate like us and just bring your own food, pillow, blankets, visual and aural entertainment for the 10h flight. We used this deal https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/305330

  3) Can only speak for travel in November, but apparently it is their "colder" season there. Little spots of rain that would last 10min, essentially 26 degrees and warmer every day. Can't comment on how busy it was but Maui was extremely quiet.

  Hope that helps!

  • 

    talltraveller on 02/02/2018 - 13:32

    Thanks for the tips! So did you fly to Honolulu, then flew to Maui after? Between the two islands which would you recommend, or would you recommend that it's worthwhile to visit both in one trip?

    Also, how did you get around - did you rent a car or take public transport?

    • 

      tanguyen on 02/02/2018 - 13:51

      Yep! We flew with IslandAir, and the company folded the day after we flew with them and everyone lost their job. Very sad. But it seems like Hawaian Airlines is their go to domestic plane.

      We rented a car in Maui which is a must.

      You can travel quite extensively around Oahu without a car as it is well serviced by bus; a day pass if $5 and can take you pretty much around the whole island. But to get from the south side of the island (waikiki, honolulu etc) to the north part of the island will take like a +3h bus trip which kills your day. We found a week in honolulu/waikiki to be plenty of time.

      You can find heaps more info on tripadvisor, as Hawaii is a well travelled tourist destination.

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  Cheap Steve on 02/02/2018 - 13:31

  +1

  1) Which part of Hawaii would be good for a first-timer?

  Waikiki is the easy choice. If you read the travel forums a lot of people are critical. However, I absolutely love the place. Would go surfing every morning then relax by the pool then shop/sight see in the afternoon, dine out in the evening. Repeat.

  Or do people tend to hop from islands?

  Most people no but I would recommend seeing at least one other island if going for more than a week. My pick is the Big Island for the vulcanoes.

  I've read that Honolulu is a little too touristy but again, it'd be my first time.

  Yes, very touristy but also a lot of fun. Easy to day-trip to other places.

  2) Which airlines to go with? I know Jetstar has some good deals from time to time, but is Hawaiian airlines any good? Or Qantas would be a better option? And when do the airfare sales tend to happen?

  We flew Jetstar on a super cheap Ozbargain deal. Only a 10 hour flight so go the cheapest flight you can get whenever they randomly pop-up. You have time on your side to be patient with your dates being late in the year.

  3) Ideally, I'd like to go in mid November, but flexible with December, January and February. Any suggestions on which period travel for weather and when it is not too crowded?

  mid November - Will be busy because of Veterans Day weekend (10-12) and Thanksgiving long weekend (22-25).
  December / January - will be busy because Americans are escaping their cold winters
  February - The quietest of your choices. My pick of the above. We went in May which is another quiet month and I am sure this is why we had a much better Waikiki experience than your average tourist.

  Hawaii winters are still near perfect weather + bonus of whale watching + North Shore of Oahu will be breaking with spectacular waves at Pipeline, Sunset, Waimea Bay etc

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  try2bhelpful on 02/02/2018 - 21:43

  +1

  Thought this post might help you.

  https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/358353

  Jet Star is cheap but you get what you pay for. We were delayed nearly 6 hours before our 10 hour flight. It was a bit of a nightmare. They gave us $10 food vouchers each to use at the airport, which were honoured in the Vue de Monde cafe at Melbourne airport, so bonus. But it was a long and frustrating wait, particularly as it was an overnight flight.

  The return leg on Qantas was much better, but it involved a stop in Sydney on the way back, which had its own delays and problems. Horses for courses.

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  lindsaymt on 03/02/2018 - 11:48

  +1

  We have been to Honolulu twice flying with Jetstar. I would prefer to fly with Hawaiian Airlines however we are from Melbourne and prefer direct flight rather than having to go to Sydney. If you are going for 7 days i would recommend only one island. Have a read on Trip Advisor Oahu Forums for any info. We have been twice usually Dec 6-20…first few days are busy as they have the marathon in Honolulu but we love going this time of the year. October is a low season where accomodation can be cheaper. I love to shop so next time will go Thanksgiving week when Black Friday/cyber sales are on.