sidicks Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 I'm planning a trip to the States in July / August to take advantage of the current £/$ rate, and had the following itenerary provisionally planned: Oahu (Hawaii) 4 nights (Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki) Big Island (Hawaii) 3 nights (Hilton Waikola Village) Kauai (Hawaii) 6 nights (Princeville Hotel - special member's rates and 6th night free!) Las Vegas 3 nights (The Venetian) Just wondered whether anyone had experience of the above hotels/trip that could offer any advice about recommended hotels (or ones to avoid) and things to do/see in Hawaii etc ? As my wife doesn't dive (although she will snorkel), diving will be limited, but I do hope to get 5 dives+ over the period. Can anyone recommend any dive schools or particular dives to do ?? Much appreciated ! Sidicks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
copster Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 I did this trip a couple of years ago. Spent 11 nights based in waikiki (Hilton Hawaii) and then 4 nights in Vegas (Luxor) would defo recommend both. With regard to things to do, Pearl Harbour is amazing, tours are conducted by actual veterans of the attack on Pearl Harbour so are very realistic. We also did a tour which involved snorkelling, surfing and walking up into the rainforest I would also recommend this esp the surfing!!! You can take a bus which follows the coast of Oahu all the way around it costs about $2 and you can get on and off as many times as you want - there are some fantastic things to see esp the surf on the North Shore!!! If you want any more info let me know.... Hawaii is awesome!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A4CabGirl Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 sidicks Can advise on Oahu now, and Las Vegas after we have been in May (staying at The Venetian). We went to SFO and Hawaii on our honeymoon back in '03. We only did Oahu but loved it, especially when we got away from the crowds. It's worth hiring a jeep and exploring. We went to the north shore and the found some amazing deserted beaches. Waikiki itself is very busy and touristy, but has lots of shopping, restaurants etc. We did Pearl harbour, again v. touristy but thought provoking. Waimea bay(spelling?) was gorgeous, an amazing spot to snorkle. Thats where my hubby lost his wedding ring Also recommend the submarine trip they do just near the Hilton. I will report back on Las Vegas and the Venetian after we have been if it's not too late, although it comes highly recommended, especially the rooms in the new towers (Venezia suites). Hope that helps A4CG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m4ttm4son Posted April 12, 2007 Report Share Posted April 12, 2007 Stayed at the Flamingo in Vegas and visited the Venetian (of course) while I was there. Absolutely fantastic hotel. Will definitely be on the shortlist when I go back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadowman Posted April 13, 2007 Report Share Posted April 13, 2007 I've not stayed at the Venetian but I did visit it along with all the others on the strip. I have to say it's deffo my favourite - walking inside is just awesome. I just couldn't believe it. The lighting in their St Mark's Square recreation is amazing. I've also heard the Bellagio is nice to stay at. I think one of my Mum's friends stayed there and had a good time. I stayed in the Paris about 5 years ago. But our shower was always cold to luke warm so I couldn't recommend it.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim52 Posted April 13, 2007 Report Share Posted April 13, 2007 Hanauma Bay is a great place to snorkel, Its classed as a national park and access is controlled. You actually have to watch a video before going down to the beach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sidicks Posted April 13, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2007 Thanks for all the helpful comments so far. It does sound as though the intenerary is achievable, and from various comments I've read, the chosen hotels will be very nice. It looks as though the intenerary will be: OAHU - 3 nights at The Royal Hawaiian KAUAI - 6 nights at Princeville Resort Big Island - 3 nights at the Sheraton KeahouBay Hotel Las Vegas - 3 nights at The Venetian Hawaii should give a good variety of things to do - sight seeing (Pearl Harbour etc), Volcanoes, Rainforests etc plus relaxation (diving, golf, beach , Spa) and then Las Veags will be a bit more eventful hopefully taking in a couple of shows (recommendations - David Copperfield, Penn & Teller etc ??), a trip to the Grand Canyon and the obvious Casino activities. Any other comments / recommendations gratefully received !! Cheers Sidicks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badgera Posted April 13, 2007 Report Share Posted April 13, 2007 Sticking in my 2p's worth. I would not bother changing islands as there is plenty to do on Ohau. The guide books have a bit of a downer on the place, sighting it as overcrowded and expensive. It certainly is good value to us brits (was when I went and even better now). Certainly if you are thinking of cashing in and doing some shopping the other islands are not the same. The hotel you have chosen is in an excellent location the backdrop of diamond head is a wonderful sight. Great for the night life, however that end of the beach is more busy, not that it's difficult to get away, this view was taken in July, just a couple of hundred yards up the beach - Ohau is an isalnd of contrast, in summer the North shore will be almost deserted, just a few small surf towns and loads of empty beaches as used on Lost. You can certainly find some wonderful quiet places if that's what your after. The raiun forest tour mentioned before is realy good, that's how we knew about some of the beaches, and again it's where lost is filmed so you know what your getting - It's certainly worth going on the Pearl Harbour trip, I reallty enjoyed that. Ohau is great, it's easy to feel comfortable there, you can have wild nightlife, shopping, big city, and then a few minutes along the cost are picture pefect beaches, there's Pearl Harbour, the rain forests, snorkling, diving, seen 51st Dates? You can go and swim with the dolphins in the same place it was filmed. Above all it's just a great place to chill out. I certainly would not bother waisting time moving between islands. Just my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobK Posted April 23, 2007 Report Share Posted April 23, 2007 I think it's definitely worth visiting more than one island, as they all have their own character. I'm not sure I would spend 6 nights on Kauai though. It's not a big place and I don't think there's a whole lot to do once you've seen the Na Pali coast and flown over the Waimea Canyon and Mount Wai'ale'ale. Depends if you like spending days sunbathing etc I suppose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sidicks Posted April 23, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 23, 2007 [ QUOTE ] I think it's definitely worth visiting more than one island, as they all have their own character. I'm not sure I would spend 6 nights on Kauai though. It's not a big place and I don't think there's a whole lot to do once you've seen the Na Pali coast and flown over the Waimea Canyon and Mount Wai'ale'ale. Depends if you like spending days sunbathing etc I suppose. [/ QUOTE ] Appreicate the comments: The idea is as follows: - Big Island will be predominately about sight-seeing (volcanoes etc) and walking - 3 days will be enough - Oahu will be quite busy surfing and sightseeing etc (Pearl Harbour) - 3 days will be enough - Las Vegas will be quite tiring, plus sightseeing to Grand Canyon Kaui - will be my one chance to relax a bit -play some golf, chill by the pool, do some diving etc. therfore I'm happy to spend 6 days here ! Haven't booked yet, as I'm waiting for my wife to confirm she can get the time off !! Cheers Sidicks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian_m Posted April 23, 2007 Report Share Posted April 23, 2007 I cant comment on Hawaii but IMO the Bellagio is better than the Venetian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobK Posted April 23, 2007 Report Share Posted April 23, 2007 BTW I can't remember if I mentioned it earlier but we found http://www.greathawaiivacations.com/ very good value when we went. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A4CabGirl Posted April 23, 2007 Report Share Posted April 23, 2007 [ QUOTE ] I cant comment on Hawaii but IMO the Bellagio is better than the Venetian [/ QUOTE ] Oh no, I have been having that conversation with myself (Venetian v Bellagio) and finally we settled on the Venetian What makes the Bellagio better ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdR32 Posted April 24, 2007 Report Share Posted April 24, 2007 I'm staying in the Royal Hawaiin for 6 days in about 3 weeks time. I'll let you know how it fares. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bfc1912 Posted April 24, 2007 Report Share Posted April 24, 2007 Stayed at the Bellagio this time last year. It's a lot less hustle and bustle than other hotels, which is important as you really need to take time out from Vegas life once in a while. The casino doesn't look and smell like the slot machines in Blackpool. Also the pool area is great just to have a bit of a relax and unwind. Plus if you get a fountain view room you get an unmisable view of the fountain show. Go on the Tripadvisor Forum and you'll get some views. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian_m Posted April 24, 2007 Report Share Posted April 24, 2007 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] I cant comment on Hawaii but IMO the Bellagio is better than the Venetian [/ QUOTE ] Oh no, I have been having that conversation with myself (Venetian v Bellagio) and finally we settled on the Venetian What makes the Bellagio better ? [/ QUOTE ] Its just personal preference I suppose - I prefer the style and atmosphere of the Bellagio Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesB Posted April 24, 2007 Report Share Posted April 24, 2007 I guess it depends on personal preference but I wouldn't travel across the Atlantic just to see a show. Why not skip the Las Vegas part, which is pretty soulless IMHO, and go to San Francisco. Just wandering around is great but there is also Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, Nob Hill (tee hee), even Lombard Street, and plenty more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian_m Posted April 24, 2007 Report Share Posted April 24, 2007 [ QUOTE ] Why not skip the Las Vegas part, which is pretty soulless IMHO [/ QUOTE ] Agreed!!! Vegas is tacky IMO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sidicks Posted April 25, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 25, 2007 [ QUOTE ] Agreed!!! Vegas is tacky IMO [/ QUOTE ] We are meeting some friends in Vegas, and I'd like to go just once, even if it is tacky etc!! Holiday is now all booked up as proposed: OAHU - 3 nights at The Royal Hawaiian KAUAI - 6 nights at Princeville Resort Big Island - 3 nights at the Sheraton Keahou Bay Hotel Las Vegas - 3 nights at The Venetian Just 4 months to wait!! Thanks for all the useful comments: Sidicks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadowman Posted April 25, 2007 Report Share Posted April 25, 2007 Great looking schedule there Sidicks. Yes, Vegas is tacky but it has to be seen at least once in your life. In limited doses it is good fun and I think your 3 nights there will be ideal. I've been to Vegas twice - both for only 2 or 3 nights and it's been a good laugh. The last time we went, me and my mate made a point of going on all the thrill rides - the Big Shot at the top of the Stratosphere had me seeing stars! My parents and sister went a couple years ago as part of a tour and I was worried they were going to hate it. But they were only there a day and they had a great time exploring the hotels. Have a great time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bfc1912 Posted April 25, 2007 Report Share Posted April 25, 2007 [ QUOTE ] I guess it depends on personal preference but I wouldn't travel across the Atlantic just to see a show. Why not skip the Las Vegas part, which is pretty soulless IMHO, and go to San Francisco. Just wandering around is great but there is also Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, Nob Hill (tee hee), even Lombard Street, and plenty more. [/ QUOTE ] Have to agree with JamesB if anyones going to America really consider going to SF. Loved it when we went last year so much to do and it;s so laid back. Made even better by the fact that my sister lives out there and her apartment looks out over the GG Bridge, Alcatraz and the Wharf. Waking up every morning to that view was amazing. Did a 3 week stay with: 1 week in SF (sent to Yosemite for 2 days) 10 day trip down the cost (absolutely stunning landscape) Flew from San Diego to Las Vegas 5 nights in Vegas then home Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted April 27, 2007 Report Share Posted April 27, 2007 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Agreed!!! Vegas is tacky IMO [/ QUOTE ] We are meeting some friends in Vegas, and I'd like to go just once, even if it is tacky etc!! Holiday is now all booked up as proposed: OAHU - 3 nights at The Royal Hawaiian KAUAI - 6 nights at Princeville Resort Big Island - 3 nights at the Sheraton Keahou Bay Hotel Las Vegas - 3 nights at The Venetian Just 4 months to wait!! Thanks for all the useful comments: Sidicks [/ QUOTE ] Good choice. I've only just seen this thread but after doing a three week 4 island holiday there a few years ago, I just can't imagine doing Vegas on the back of Hawaii. Just doing the islands still give you the chance to go the States another time. You'll have a great time. It was the best holiday of our lives and there's plenty to do. The chopper trips are recommended to fully appreciate the scenary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdR32 Posted May 19, 2007 Report Share Posted May 19, 2007 I'm in the Royal Hawaiian right now. It's a nice hotel, bit dated though, although this all adds to the character of the place. Make sure you get a room in the new tower block as they're a little bit more modern. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sidicks Posted May 26, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 26, 2007 It seems that you can get a Limo transfer (with return) from Las Vegas airport to the hotel for about £50 or less - is it worth it?? Sidicks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A4CabGirl Posted May 29, 2007 Report Share Posted May 29, 2007 Hi there Well we have just returned from our 6 night trip to Vegas and I can report that The Venetian is fantastic ! We stayed in the Venezia tower which is newer and had a much quieter reception and pool area. Our huge room (or suite actually) had a great view of the strip too, although we did pay extra for that. We got a taxi from the airport to the hotel, it was $15 and took about 20 mins. We got off the plane and got our luggage really quickly so didn't have to queue for the taxi, so not sure what it's like when everyone is off the plane. We hired a car for 2 days and did Hoover Dam, Valley of fire and some shopping malls. It was great to get away from the strip. We also did a helicopter trip to the Grand Canyon, which included a landing, champagne and food. Highly recommend this. We used Maverick and they were excellent. I would also recommend that you book tickets to some shows. We saw The Blue Man group and 'O', both were very brilliant. Hope that helps, we enjoyed Las Vegas much more than we thought we would . The Bellagio hotel also looked good but there didn't seem to be as good dining options in our opinion. If you do stay there get a room with a lake view. The fountain shows are spectacular . A4CG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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