Hawaii Questions

Could use some assistance from those in the know

Going to Hawaii - will be going for about 14 days and going to these islands:

Kauai
Hawaii
Oahu

We are probably going to rent a 4x4 Jeep in Kauai - but maybe in Hawaii as well. I'm hoping to get to some interesting places so I'm curious if this will be helpful or is it not really needed? A book we've been given suggests 4WD for Kauai. I don't want the extra expense if it's not necessary though. Any info appreciated. Thanks!

The 4x4 is not necessary on any island, but is useful on Hawaii. It'll get you to places like Waipio Beach and Green Sand Beach (which you can walk to, barring a 1000 foot descent to one and a hour hike across barren, arid landscape for the other). It is useful for driving up to the summit of Mauna Kea as well, but not necessary. As for Kauai, it will help you explore the interior of the island, but that's about it. With the tons of rain we've had recently, I'm betting that whole area will be closed due to major flooding, basically negating the need for the 4WD.

Speaking of, when are you coming? There have been floods on almost every island, and the rain hasn't completely disappeared yet. You may want to look at the recent weather reports.

John

It's raining like hell out here right now. We even got hail last night. Be prepared for lots of water.
Good luck

http://www.hawaiinewsn​ow.com/

Edit: Also
http://weather.hawaii.​edu/

I would not bother on Kauai, we are headed there in 35 days for my second trip (wifes 5th) her brother lives there from the last trip I was able to see just about everything in a compact car most rental places dont want you taking the 4x4's off road either. Tons of great picture locations without leaving the beaten path. And even more just a short walk.

For what its worth look in to the NTBG on Kauai it is beautiful and tons of picture opps, spent half a day there last time plan to spend a full day in the gardens this time (my wifes brother works there).

The only places you'll need a 4x4 are Hawaii (Big Island) depending on where you want to go, and Lanai.

You can get around Kauai just fine with a regular car.

jrader wrote in post #14054789
The 4x4 is not necessary on any island, but is useful on Hawaii. It'll get you to places like Waipio Beach and Green Sand Beach (which you can walk to, barring a 1000 foot descent to one and a hour hike across barren, arid landscape for the other). It is useful for driving up to the summit of Mauna Kea as well, but not necessary. As for Kauai, it will help you explore the interior of the island, but that's about it. With the tons of rain we've had recently, I'm betting that whole area will be closed due to major flooding, basically negating the need for the 4WD.

Speaking of, when are you coming? There have been floods on almost every island, and the rain hasn't completely disappeared yet. You may want to look at the recent weather reports.

John

We are going in October.

Darakian wrote in post #14057875
It's raining like hell out here right now. We even got hail last night. Be prepared for lots of water.
Good luck

http://www.hawaiinewsn​ow.com/

Edit: Also
http://weather.hawaii.​edu/

lol...being from Colorado I read the first link as Hawaii New Snow.

I thought for a second...Snow?? Really?

No, the snow was a joke. We did get some hail though. Also if October is the target time then you'll probably hit good weather. Fingers crossed anyway
As far as the 4 wheel drive thing; it helps, but it's really just a tourist tax. Note that Subaru cars don't count as 4 wheel drive cars only jeeps which are significantly more expensive to rent.

Numenorean wrote in post #14061628
lol...being from Colorado I read the first link as Hawaii New Snow.

I thought for a second...Snow?? Really?

I read Hawaii New Snow too!

Bryan

Darakian wrote in post #14062609
No, the snow was a joke. We did get some hail though. Also if October is the target time then you'll probably hit good weather. Fingers crossed anyway
As far as the 4 wheel drive thing; it helps, but it's really just a tourist tax. Note that Subaru cars don't count as 4 wheel drive cars only jeeps which are significantly more expensive to rent.

Ahh...yeah a subie SUV would do alright in most things.

We had a van and did all of Hawaii with it, including green sand beach. Did not drive up to observatory though, may need 4 x 4 for that. Had a full size car in Maui and it worked fine, even for the dry side of the road coming back from Hana.

imho, trying to do all 3 islands in 14 days is ambitious though so you will need to pick and choose what you want to do/see the most and plan transportation around that.

loganz wrote in post #14058477
The only places you'll need a 4x4 are Hawaii (Big Island) depending on where you want to go, and Lanai.

You can get around Kauai just fine with a regular car.

I am going to Lanai in Sept with the missus, staying at Four Seasons - Manelebay Bay, we were just going to rent a jeep and drive around and snorkel... any tips or ideas for Lanai??

I'm moving back to Oahu in August. After being away for 3 years.

But I do agree with what everyone else has said though.

g8trgr8t wrote in post #14162536
We had a van and did all of Hawaii with it, including green sand beach. Did not drive up to observatory though, may need 4 x 4 for that. Had a full size car in Maui and it worked fine, even for the dry side of the road coming back from Hana.

imho, trying to do all 3 islands in 14 days is ambitious though so you will need to pick and choose what you want to do/see the most and plan transportation around that.

We are spending a week in Kauai. The rest is split between the other two, and mainly only going to Oahu to see the USS Arizona Memorial and such. We will be there the shortest amount of time. I'm sure there is lots of other stuff to do, but we wanted to focus on Kauai.

Glad to stumble upon this thread. We just booked last night for 14 days in Sept/Oct. 7 each Kauai and Maui.

Since this thread's already started, and the people here are not only photographers but locals as well, anybody mind if I ask more about the photo op location suggestions and gear? (I'm guessing my 12-24, 17-85 and the 70-200 with the 1.4 TC. Hate to leave my new to me toy behind, but the 300 2.8 seems a bit much to lug over?)

My sincerest apologies to Numenorean for jumping into this thread. We thought about the Arizona as well (My dad was ex-Navy, but in the Mediterranean), but decided to keep it simpler.

BTW, we're set up for a convertible, not AWD but not sure what kind either.