Had an odd experience at Kaumana Caves today, haven’t seen a similar post and wondering if anyone else has run into this person.

A group of 4 (including myself) stopped by the caves after a day in Hilo. We were immediately greeted by a guy (\~late 30s-early 40s) looking for cans from our car. We gave him a couple of our empties. He then went onto give us instructions about the cave entrances & told us to “leave our phones in the car because they would go dark” (important later). We did not oblige, walked across, and entered the caves. He continued wandering the parking lot.

We went into the caves for a short exploration \~15-20 mins total. When we came back we were chatting as a group outside and our friend from the parking lot came back.

He engaged us again about the cave etc, so we asked a couple questions about depth to the skylight. Instead of answering, he took a totally different direction. Started talking about the private property aspect (which we never passed or said we passed), how there are unconfirmed reports of people essentially impersonating police, handcuffing people, seemingly kidnapping them. handcuff conversation went interesting direction. It was very, very odd… to the point we later joked as a group that it felt like a confessional.

At first I took him as a slightly odd dude who was really into caves, but after the second interaction it became a little eerie. Has anyone else seen this guy around or an interaction similar?

tl/dr: Went to caves, guy lingered by car and told us to leave devices behind, seemed a little sus but fine, came out and started talking extensively about potential kidnapping and unconfirmed reports in caves.

Tuesday
Diamond Head Hike 8am
Ala Moana Beach Day
Casual dinner
 
Wednesday
Waikiki Beach
Shower/freshen up
Waimea Valley (included with Luau)
Toa Lua Luau 5pm
 
Thursday
Kualoa Ranch 11am
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden
Lanikai Pillbox Trail
Lanikai & Kailua beach
Rest
Dinner
 
Friday
Hanamua Bay Beach (if we can get tickets)
Makapukuu Lighthouse Trail
Waimanalo Beach
Rest
Fireworks at Hawaii Hilton 730pm
Barefoot beach café - dinner / casual - open to suggestions
 
Saturday STILL TBD
North Shore Day
Waimea Bay Beach Park
Sunset Beach
 
 

I’m planning on booking a trip for next year to Oahu. This package only includes the hotel - no airfare, no transportation, no daily dining credits. Literally just the room. I have 2 kids but when I add them, it tackles on an extra 2k. Is it really necessary to add my kids on this booking? Has anyone avoided adding members of their party to their Costco booking and check in just fine?

My husband and I are visiting Maui this week (staying near Makawao until the 16th and then Kihei through the 20th) and are looking for hiking suggestions. We hike often but tend to stick with trails in the 3-10 mile range and under 1500 feet of elevation, which seems like a tough combo based on what I’m seeing for hikes in the area.
Would love any suggestions that fit that general description (either full trails or sections of longer trails). We are not planning to do the road to Hana.
Thanks!

Hi! Does anyone have personal experience doing a night manta tour as a ride-along passenger? I will be visiting the Big Island next month and want to book a manta ray night snorkeling tour. But we have at least one person in the group who is not comfortable swimming and would prefer to stay on the boat the entire time. I imagine that their experience could vary quite a bit depending on the size of the boat and how far away the lights are from the boat. One company told me it is a 50/50 chance for ride-along guests to see the mantas if the water is at all choppy. I want to make sure it is a great experience for all of us, so very much appreciate your suggestions!

We are hoping to book a tour out of Keauhou as it is my understanding that this is one of the best spots for seeing mantas. Ideally, we would book a tour with a rebooking guarantee in case we do not see any mantas. And I suspect a small boat/group will improve the viewing chances for our non-swimmer.

I am very tempted to book Alanakai‘s canoe tour even though they don’t offer a rebooking guarantee because it seems like this may offer one of the best viewing option for our non-swimmer. And it seems like a very cool company/experience in general!

Another option I am considering is Iruka Hawaii tours (which goes out of Honohokau) as they have a floating mat with a clear window that children and non-swimmers are allowed to sit/lay on top of. Although, they said they aren’t able to guarantee space on the mat. Anyone familiar with this experience?

Thank you!

My husband and I (60 somethings) and our adult son are traveling to Hawai'i in October 2027 and staying for 12 days. We would like to stay together in a 2 bedroom condo or house on the Kona side with a day trip to the Volcano/Hilo. Would prefer not too far from restaurants and shopping. Have read that we should avoid Airbnb and VRBO, so I'm wondering where we should stay?

Tried to avoid the tourist traps. Was really impressed by how accessible the island is. Really easy driving around to all the different hikes.

I’ve searched and haven’t found a similar question asked yet. Before I reinvent the wheel, has anyone made a list of all the manta ray snorkel companies to compare what 1.) minimum age they require 2.) length of tour 3.) number of people they take out

I’ll be taking an animal obsessed 6 almost 7 year old confident swimmer with day time snorkel experience and I see some companies have a 7 or even 8 year old minimum age. Ideally, I’ll find a company that will allow him at his age that takes out a smaller group and is shorter in length. Any recommendations?

Hey everyone! I’ll be visiting Oahu from October 28 to November 1 and would love recommendations, especially for snorkeling, waterfalls, and Halloween parties. Does this itinerary look doable, or would you change anything?

Day 1 – West Oahu: Dolphin + snorkeling tour around Waianae, lunch at Ko Olina, lagoons/Makaha Beach, and sunset.
Day 2 – Windward Oahu: Manoa Falls (if time permits), Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, lunch around Kaneohe, and Kualoa Ranch tour.
Day 3 – South Shore: Diamond Head early morning, Hanauma Bay snorkeling, Halona Blowhole, Sandy Beach, and a Halloween party in Waikiki. Currently considering Hyatt—any party recommendations?
Day 4 – Honolulu: Pearl Harbor/USS Arizona Memorial, lunch in Kaka’ako, Chinatown, and sunset at Tantalus.

I’m particularly interested in Manoa Falls and any other beautiful waterfalls we could fit in. Also, two of my friends don’t know how to swim, so I’m looking for a beginner-friendly, guided snorkeling tour with proper safety equipment and supervision. Any recommendations for good operators or spots?
Would also love suggestions for hidden gems or anything else we might be missing. Thanks!

from: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DbpP27LxFYB/

reposting because I was digging through my comments looking for this video again.

We are coming mid-November and will be staying in Princeville for 2 days and in Poipu for 7 days. I have a good list started of hikes, beaches, adventures but please tell me your MUST DOs and also your very favorite restaurants! We don't love sea food, but like most other foods. Thank you 🙏🏼

Photo montage from my most recent visit to Mauna Kea. October 10, 2026. Shot on iPhone18 Pro without any editing or filters, and using night mode.

If you’ve never been, there are some important things to know.

1. It’s cold up there year round. I pack warm
   Clothes and a thick hoodie which sucks to travel with to Hawaii, but better than freezing.
   
2. If you really want optimal viewing, and I mean this, plan your trip when there is no moon in the sky. It makes a massive difference as far as visibility.
   
3. You can’t control the weather. That evening it was cloudy above the 9000 foot level, but there was about an hour that it cleared and was magnificent. I’ve visited before and it was cloudy or hazy every night and I went home disappointed.
   
4. The visitors center is at 9,300 feet above sea level and if you’re not used to altitude change, take things slow, or consider not going. I’m a little lightheaded for the first 15 minutes each time, but then fine.

Hi, I was wondering if anyone knows of a great Airbnb, condo or home in Maui that is walkable to the beach & restaurants in Kihei or Kaanapali for a family of 4? Two children under 5 years old. We don’t want to stay in the expensive resorts. Any ideas would be great! Thank you

Hello! Looking for ideas for where to go to dinner for Christmas Eve and Christmas in the Waikiki area. I know I’ll have to make reservations so starting to think about this now. I’m thinking a buffet for one night.

Also looking for suggestions for places to eat other days that can accommodate 10. Good with take out as well as sit down restaurants. We like all types of food. Thanks!

Hi everyone, we.re flying to Oahu January 18-20. 18th just chilling out, 19th we'll see Pearl Harbor in the morning and Turtle Beach in the afternoon. I have zero interest in staying in Oahu any longer. My question is which area to stay. I'd like to stay around $500 for the 2 nights and I'm finding that near Kuhio Beach/ Zoo area. If we do stay there, what should we do about getting to Turlte Beach and PH? And I guess to and from the airport. $60 parking fees seems a little crazy. Does anyone know the approx uber/taxi price to get us to and from the airport? And what is the easiest way to get a rental car for just the day of exploring?

Updated...Outrigger Beach Resort vs Twin Fin..worth $250 more?

Basically the title. We had a trip to Kauai planned for early November but we pivoted to Maui because we didn’t want to be a drain on everything during recovery time. We’re now planning the Maui trip on short notice so I’d love any advice folks have!

We’re staying in Kapalua and plan to spend much of the time just relaxing in the pool but I’m an avid birder and we’re both big foodies so we don’t want to stick to the resort the whole time. Ideally, we’d only rent a car for 3 or 4 days of our 9 day trip. I’ve already identified Hosmer Grove and Kealia Pond as birding sites to hit but any and all advice is super welcome.

Thanks in advance!

ETA: While I appreciate that some folks prefer Kauai to Maui, that ship has sailed. The area we were supposed
to stay in got hit really hard and we aren’t going to be the people who come in expecting a luxury vacation mere weeks after a devastating hurricane. If anyone has recommendations for Maui, where we are staying, I’d love to hear them.

Hi everyone,

I am planning on proposing to my girlfriend this weekend. I am looking at three options for private sunset proposal - Kawaikui Beach Park, Kawela Bay, and Ke Iki Beach.

Which location should I do? I def want something/somewhere beautiful given I have also hired a photographer. I looked at pictures of Kawaikui online and while it doesnt seem busy and offers some level of privacy, it doesnt seem to be the most beautiful place.

Additionally, we have a dinner res at Hua Tree in the evening following the proposal, which I can push back if needed).

Thanks in advance!

I have an opportunity to stay in Waikiki Jan 30–Feb 4 for free while helping my sister dog sit for a family friend.

My flight would be around $600 and as a budget traveler, free lodging sounds pretty tempting 😂

Here’s the catch: I’m more of a mountain girly. I love hiking, climbing, exploring, and being active. Sitting on a beach all day isn’t really my jam(no hate on anyone else that enjoys that). And don’t get me wrong I’ve seen photos and it’s stunning! Also back story: I visited Maui a few years back and had a bit of traumatizing trip. My friend had a seizure (alcohol induced) while there. Needless to say we cancelled all activities and stayed with him during the remainder of our trip. So I can confidently say I didn’t actually experience Maui.

Other factor: my boyfriend might join me, but we’d have to get a hotel for those nights since he can’t stay at the house (totally understandable). So suddenly this “cheap” trip might not be so cheap.

Please know I’m willing to spend money traveling, but usually it’s on places I’m REALLY excited about. Hawaii wasn’t necessarily on my bucket list, so I’m trying to figure out if I’m just being lured in by free lodging. 😂

A few questions:

Is Oahu worth visiting for hiking, climbing, and outdoor adventures?

Do I need a rental car, or can I explore using public transportation?

Any affordable activities besides lounging on the beach?

Would love to try surfing or scuba, but Maui gave me vertigo and motion sickness last time. 🫠 Any recommendations?

I totally know I can Google all this, but I’m on a time crunch and would love some firsthand advice.
Basically, I don’t want to spend $600 to fly to Hawaii just to hang out at someone else’s house. 😂 Is Oahu worth it for someone like me?

It won’t let me post my video but we were excited ! 🌋🔥

Hi everyone, haven't seen any recent posts about getting engagement photos in Kauai and who might be a good recommendation for helping us with this.
It'd be nice to have a camera during the actual engagement and then also more staged photos, unless those happen at the same time.
I don't really know how it typically works, but if you have any photographers you'd recommend on the island I'd super appreciate it!

Curious what people would choose? We like hiking and are fit. I went to Waipio Valley about 10 years ago ago when you could walk down (and with local friends) and it was the most beautiful experience I can remember.

Not sure how a shuttle tour would feel - anyone that has done it? Are you just sitting in a car for 2 hours?

Any thoughts appreciated :)

I want to start by saying, I know that no one can be certain here but looking for any insight. We have our honeymoon booked for end of Jan/early Feb for Kauai but now with all of the hurricane damage, I’m not sure if we should look at a different island or stay the course as it’s 3+ months away. Any input if welcomed!!

Looking for recommendations OR things you notice that I’ve missed please!

Fortunate to visit Big Island for the 5th year in a row during the first half of November. Kids are aged 10 and 7. Staying near Magic Sands for 10+ days with a couple days near the end at the Hilton Waikoloa. We have vehicles while there, including a pick up.

Love:
- Mix of beach days/ nature days or historic / culture days
- Prefer small to mid size beaches with points of interest vs giant unending beaches like Hapuna. Ex: love Kaloko-Honokōhau by entering via the “secret” boat launch entrance. BUT only discovered last year that there is a very interesting historic section further down and especially loved seeing the petroglyphs!!
- Following the last point, love anything where there is signage to read or learning more about history
- Places we’ve loved include Paniolo Ranch & BBQ dinner (beautiful scenery, amazing storytelling), Kona Coffee Living History Farm (LOVE the Japanese history)
- Big attractions we will likely do again this year: Volcano, manta ray snorkeling, boat / snorkel cruise, Kona coffee fest, luau

Thank you in advance!! Mahalo

Edit: please ignore my title saying “hidden gems”. This seems to trigger people about what is hidden vs not. Bottom line, I’m looking for recommendations please

My wife and I will be in Kona next year for our 10 year anniversary. I am looking for a new fishing charter to book. I have been on multiple charters out of Kona and haven’t had much luck in the past. What I am looking for is someone who has a nice boat that my wife would feel comfortable on and a crew who is serious about catching fish. Thanks for any suggestions!