Anniversary Trip To USA Any Tips

[sinbad8880]

Hi everyone

we are very excited to be going to LA in Jan/Feb 2015 for our wedding anniversary ( taking our 10 yr old daughter also). Travelling in J on qantas A380 for first time so very excited about this also. Travelling back via Hawaii so J in the A330 not A380.

first time traveller to LA and on the 380 so any tips or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

read about the new bus class seats in Qantas 330s but guessing the Asian flights would be upgraded before the Hawaiian ones?

thanks in advance

 

[Quickstatus]

Hi sinbad. Pls tell the forum your air and ground itinerary and I'm sure you will be inundated with tips

 

[Warks]

I'm going to assume Disneyland and Universal Studios for the LA leg! Great to be doing a big trip for the anniversary (is it a landmark one?) We're headed over to the USA for our 20th next year. With kids we aren't going to be able to go J though. That might have to wait for the 25th when the kids can stay home!

As Quickstatus has said the users of this site have more information in them than you can imagine!

For Hawaii I would recommend a flight to one of the other islands rather than just staying on Oahu (Honolulu). The Big Island (Hawaii island) has the volcanoes and some amazing sights so I'd recommend it. I haven't been to Maui or the others but all reports are pretty good.

 

[SamR]

Tips about anything in particular?

 

[sinbad8880]

Hi sinbad. Pls tell the forum your air and ground itinerary and I'm sure you will be inundated with tips

Hi

we leave on jan 18 (QF 93 mel to LAX in J). We then have 6 days in LA (possibly a day trip to San Diego for Seaworld ), 3 days in Vegas then travel LAX to Honolulu (AA first class - heard this airline isnt very good ??). Then 8 days in Hawaii ( wife wants to go to Maui for a few days and I would like to visit Big Island). Then back to SYd on i think QF 4 (J). Then finally back to mel on QF domestic ( J ).

its our 20 th wedding anniversary.

just after any tips from all the expert travellers in the forum that would make the most of our trip.

cheers and thanks

 

[ozkid]

Ok I'll start with tips for Hawaii:
1. Shopping is great in the outlet stores about 30min from Honolulu. There's a "trolley" (ie. bus) doing the trips from downtown to the centre. Bring an empty suitcase.
2. If you can, stay until dusk/nighttime for the volcanoes. As the night falls the lava flows are spectacular. However check with the rangers where the best spots to watch are
3. Pearl Harbor is a big attraction. Can spend a whole day here, with the Missouri battleship, Arizona memorial, pacific war museum, submarine tours. Get here early to do either the Arizona or Missouri first. Otherwise the queues are very long
4. Grab a car and take a drive around the Big Island. It's actually not very big. Visit all the various food trucks encamped next to the famous beaches. They are very yummy and far far better than the cheap calorie stuff you will be inundated with in Honolulu itself. Avoid the spam sushi, which is not an euphemism for bad japanese email but a slab of processed pork on top on a rice ball wrapped with nori.
5. There is a Disney now in Hawaii, but I've never been and given you will be in LA probably can give it a miss?

enjoy and congrats on the anniversary

 

[Denali]

If you go to Kona, dive/snorkel with the Manta Rays.

 

[robd]

L.A.

Disneyland, Universal Studios, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Santa Monica (inc. 3rd Street Promenade), The Grove Shopping Center.

San Diego

USS Midway Aircraft Carrier.

Honolulu

Pearl Harbor, Kualoa Ranch (a great day out), Ala Moana Shopping Center.
Oahu Tours & Activities at Kualoa | Hawaiian Tours

Maui

Snorkelling around Black Rock (beautiful fish, Spotted Eagle Rays, Dolphins, Turtles), Warren & Annabelle's (I was sceptical about this show, but loved it! You will need to book early for this).
Maui Comedy Magic Dinner Show | Warren & Annabelle's in Lahaina, Maui

 

[eric2011]

There is a Disney now in Hawaii, but I've never been and given you will be in LA probably can give it a miss?

I didn't think it was "Disney" as in a theme park like Disneyland or Disneyworld. I thought it was just a Disney resort as in accommodation and a few water slides etc.

 

[JohnPhelan]

I didn't think it was "Disney" as in a theme park like Disneyland or Disneyworld. I thought it was just a Disney resort as in accommodation and a few water slides etc.

Yes, it's the Aulani Disney Resort - it's not a theme park.

Also nice in HNL is an evening dinner cruise (Star of Honolulu), a catamaran cruise off the beach at Waikiki (several operators), a short hike to the top of Diamond Head, or a submarine cruise (a real submarine - Atlantis Submarines).

 

[ozkid]

I didn't think it was "Disney" as in a theme park like Disneyland or Disneyworld. I thought it was just a Disney resort as in accommodation and a few water slides etc.

Cool thanks for correction, learning every day...

 

[eric2011]

Yes, it's the Aulani Disney Resort - it's not a theme park.

Also nice in HNL is an evening dinner cruise (Star of Honolulu), a catamaran cruise off the beach at Waikiki (several operators), a short hike to the top of Diamond Head, or a submarine cruise (a real submarine - Atlantis Submarines).

That dinner cruise is especially good on a Friday night and the Hilton have their fireworks show.

 

[SamR]

Yes, it's the Aulani Disney Resort...

That said, I've just recently read some things about Aulani and seen some pics. It looks absolutely gorgeous. There are plenty of luxury resorts that are couples only, but if you're taking kids this could be the best of both worlds. Adults only areas and entertainment, and plenty of things to keep the kids amused while you enjoy them.

Also, if you're going to Vegas, a Cirque du Soleil show could be fun for the family. They're much more amazing live than on TV. Maybe also a day trip to the Grand Canyon.

AND a big yes to food trucks in Hawaii. Yum.

 

[sinbad8880]

Ok I'll start with tips for Hawaii:
1. Shopping is great in the outlet stores about 30min from Honolulu. There's a "trolley" (ie. bus) doing the trips from downtown to the centre. Bring an empty suitcase.
2. If you can, stay until dusk/nighttime for the volcanoes. As the night falls the lava flows are spectacular. However check with the rangers where the best spots to watch are
3. Pearl Harbor is a big attraction. Can spend a whole day here, with the Missouri battleship, Arizona memorial, pacific war museum, submarine tours. Get here early to do either the Arizona or Missouri first. Otherwise the queues are very long
4. Grab a car and take a drive around the Big Island. It's actually not very big. Visit all the various food trucks encamped next to the famous beaches. They are very yummy and far far better than the cheap calorie stuff you will be inundated with in Honolulu itself. Avoid the spam sushi, which is not an euphemism for bad japanese email but a slab of processed pork on top on a rice ball wrapped with nori.
5. There is a Disney now in Hawaii, but I've never been and given you will be in LA probably can give it a miss?

enjoy and congrats on the anniversary

Many thanks Ozkid!

 

[sinbad8880]

Thank you everyone

greatly appreciated