Help a single guy with planning a Hawaiian vacation in October?

Question

Ok, so due to starting a new job this year I can only take vacation between September 27th and October 19th (can't leave before the 27th, and have to be back at work on October 20th).

I would like to go to Hawaii, and hear that really any time of year is ok for there.

I'm planning on taking about 7 days, fly out a Friday night/Saturday Morning and be back by a Sunday.

Now I've never been, and have no clue which island to stay on. As well I doubt I'll be able to have any of my friends take time off at the same time so I'll be going on my own.

I'm a 29 year old guy, and would like suggestions on where to go and what to do there. Maybe somewhere that works well for young single people to hang out with other folks so being on your own doesn't matter so much.

Any help would be appericated.

Thank you.

Answer 1

I've never been, but my wife and I are planning a trip there in January.

We decided on the big island, mainly due to the active volcano and the fact that it's not as crowded as Oahu.

You might want to look into getting your SCUBA certification, if you don't have it.  You don't need to live near an ocean, I live in Indiana.  It's something I never considered doing until a year ago, but I just got it in September and am looking forward to diving in Hawaii.  The certification cost me about $350, and dives look to be about $120 for a two-dive boat trip.  Or if you don't want to go through certification you could do an introductory dive or a SNUBA (notice the N) dive out there with no training.

Answer 2

You might want to try connecting with a tour group that will allow you to join in on sightseeing trips, horseback/biking trips, boating/sailing trips, that sort of thing, but will also give you the freedom to explore on your own.  Maybe there's a travel forum or web site with other people looking for traveling companions that you might hook up with after you arrive in Hawaii.

You might want to visit two or more of the islands while you're there.  They're all quite different and there's something to see and do on each one.

Oahu is the main island and the city of Honolulu is just like any other American metropolis.  90% of the state's population is on Oahu.  Lots of historic places, lively nightlife, lots of shopping, some of the best beaches on the island...but it's not easy to get very far from the city, traffic, people, planes, congestion, etc. as it used to be.

The outer islands are much more rural.  Molokai is probably the least developed of the islands and it can be a real time warp.  The "big island" of Hawaii has the volcanoes and in my opinion some of the most beautiful countryside.  Maui has nice beaches and an impressive dormant volcano and a lot of outdoor activities.  Kauai is the oldest island and has a lot of natural wonders and lush rain forest.

For a seven day trip, I'd say plan 4 or 5 organized activities and spend the rest of the time wandering around, swimming, sunning, relaxing on the beach.