Hawaii(INSANELY OT)

Some great suggestions so far, like:
Waimea Canyon
Hike the Napali Coast
Mauna Loa (volcano) from the air
Haunama Bay for snorkeling

Not sure which islands we're(traveling with my sister) going to. We're going to land on Oahu, and while the package gave us a weeks worth of hotel there we don't plan on staying there a week. And we have another week in Hawaii anyways.

The other things I knwo I want to do, both kinda dorky.

1. the dole plant has a big maze.

2. take surf lessons.(really lame since I could and should of learned while living here in CA but dang the water is frickin cold up here in northern CA)


Is the tourist industry really hit there?

I never even thought about the war or SARS when planning this. But hey it means less crowds and hopefully better deals for me.

Some other things to consider on Oahu that haven't been mentioned:

* Manoa Falls is a relatively easy hike to a very nice waterfall (Manoa Valley, N of the university)

* also try the Aihualama Trail if possible -- it starts right before the falls and has a great view of Manoa Valley. Unfortunately it was closed due to flash floods the last time I was there (1999). May be reopened by now?

* drive up Tantalus if you get a chance. Nice views and fun trails.

* drive the Pali to Kailua. Amazing change of climate and view as you cross the mtns

* East-West Center at the UH campus has good exhibits

* Punchbowl cemetary -- a somber site with a great view of the city

* Bishop Museum -- THE best Polynesian history/natural sci museum in the world

* Honolulu Academy of Arts -- very nice museum, good variety of Asian art

* Chinatown!

And many, many more places to go and things to do....

Oh, if you go to the Big Island, you should go to the Mauna Kea (sp?) observatory

I'll also recommend the Road to Hana as a spectacular drive. My family was in Maui when I was 12, but I still remember how beautiful it was.

Lucky you. while ive never been there, ive got family there (cant ever remember which island they are on.)

Kauai also has a waterfall that is remarkable to see.

My understanding is that viewing conditions for the lava on the Big Island is really really good right now (right at the edge of Chain of Craters road). I'll find a Web site that has all the info on that and post it here later.

I've been to the big island twice and have only seen flows from far away. You should consider yourself very lucky if you are able to walk right up to the flows.