r/VisitingHawaii

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Yo I grew up local and also vacationed to 4 other countries so im used to looking out for "friendly stranger scams" but I cannot for the life figure out if this one is a scam or not.

It was in magic island and an old east asian lady with an accent was asking me while I was walking by to "use phone to call someone, im here." I just kept walking because my scam flags rose, but then I felt a bit guilty and started walking back to her as I saw she only had shopping bags on the bench.

However, I quickly changed my mind as 20 minutes after I decided to walk back, she was still asking passerbyers to solicit their phones. So I was thinking maybe she really is a scammer if everyone else is ignoring her?

How would it go? She calls someone on your phone and then the guy who answers at the end of the line demands a fee for a flat tire?

Or is every passerbyer just being diks?

I have a work trip coming up at the beginning of the month. We are staying in Waimea and are free Saturday the 2nd until about 3pm and have all day Sunday the 3rd free. The wife wants to go to Akaka Falls and explore Hilo. Any places that are must visit in Hilo or Kailua-Kona that's not Volcanos National Park?

We are visiting Honolulu and am looking for suggestions for Parking. Our hotel does not have parking. Anything that we find seem to be valet parking. We just need a parking spot that will be good for overnight to 9am. We are loving the vibes here. Thanks a lot in advance

We will going to Kauai the last week in June. We are renting house for 7 days in Princeville, to the north. I need recomendations on a hotel to stay at for the last night. My son and his girlfriend are flying back home one day early. I did reaserch and Kauai Shores Hotel looks like a good option. It is only a 20 minute drive to the airport. We need to drop off my son and his girlfriend in the evening on the 7th day and then go back to our hotel to sleep. Has anyone stayed at Kauai Shores? It looks more like a motel vs hotel. The reviews are extremely good though. I just don't want to.spend too much money for the last night. All the other hotels seem so much more expensive than this one. Also and good place to eat near this hotel. It's in kapaa.

I'll be in Oahu in early June and want to do a guided snorkeling tour.

Where are the best spots and best companies to use for a guided snorkeling tour?

I've been doing some research and it looks like turtle canyon would be very busy and where 99% of tourist tours go - is it worth it?

Are there any other spots that offer great snorkeling spots? I know there are spots like sharks cove and other areas that you can go yourself but I want to do a tour.

FYI Im trying to stay away from those party tours or really crowded places/tours.

Over the summer I’m gonna have a 12 hour layover from about 10am-10pm on my way back from Japan. With HART going through the airport now, is it a viable way to get somewhere I can grab lunch on my layover? I was thinking of taking it to Pearl City for Shiros or Chun Wah Kam, does that sound doable in the time I have considering I need to go through customs then check my bags back in? Or is there anywhere else along the line that would make for a good lunch and maybe some souvenir/snack shopping?

Hi! Trying to decide when to book a UTV tour (and which one) for our summer trip at Kualoa Ranch. I keep reading that booking in the morning is best...but will we be too dirty to go to Pearl Harbor that afternoon? Is there someplace to clean up a bit? Or maybe we're better off doing the UTV tour as our last stop of the day? Thank you for any insight!

We are visiting Oahu this summer (staying in Waikiki) with my mother who is recovering from a foot injury. She is having trouble with walking distances, especially on uneven surfaces.

Are there beaches or other experiences that would be easier for her to access or have a place where she could sit and observe without too much walking? The USS Arizona/Pearl Harbor and Toa Luau are already on our list to visit.

My family is headed to Waikiki for 6 days. May 3-9. We’re doing one day on the Big Island. We’re renting a car for one of our days on Oahu. We have Pearl Harbor booked, and we’re hitting up Volcanoes NP. What else would anyone recommend? Anything specific for the day we have a car on Oahu? TIA!

I’m here with young kids and they want to go to the beach. We are hearing Ko Alina Lagoon is pretty clear. Would it be safe for the kids to play at the beach? We wouldn’t go swimming.

I am visiting the islands to meet my girlfriends parents and family, they live on island. I was wondering if bringing ashes of my grandparents to spread somewhere would be okay. I am aware there are some rules about leaving things behind on island but I do not want to be disrespectful or harmful to the culture or the native people of island. Any advice would be appreciated I want to be as respectful as I can while visiting.

Looking to get some advice from anyone who’s been to Hawaii. My husband and I have visited several all inclusive resorts in Mexico, DR, Jamaica etc. trying somewhere new- Hawaii. First timers! Looking to go mid July. Looking for decent food, it all looks expensive so not worried about that. Would like a beautiful beach, either resort adjacent or within walking distance. I’m more of a pool person so that’s important. A nice room, we aren’t boujee so luxury is not mandatory but not paying thousands for a motel!! The reviews are driving me insane! Ive looked at the Ritz, Outrigger, Sheraton and Four Seasons. Just want suggestions. 5 days, 2 adults. Please and thank you you! I don’t want to rent a car but may if we decide to site see. Google says Oahu and Maui are best for first timers? Help!!

Hello,

My first time visiting Big Island - trying to make the most out of it since I will likely not be able to visit again or anytime soon. I noticed all these massive non-resident fees being applied - oh well. Tentative plan: 3 days in Hilo, 2 or 3 in VPN, 7 or 8 on the West site (unsure which location yet).

Was wondering if there's a special tour, epic tour or one that goes under the radar or to unusual spots that people don't think off that you can recommend. Or even a non-tour.

Years ago, someone posted about this random tour they went on Maui - never on anyone's radar or mine. I tried it and it was the most memorable epic tour that I did.

PS. If you wanna send me an itinerary or something else - I'm totally open to being messaged. Want to make my trip epic.

PS. EDITING: Visiting in August 2026 during the new moon. So hoping to see a good Perseid meteor shower and some good Manta Ray Night Dive/Snorkel action since it's a new moon + they will rely mostly on diver lights for food.