Round the world trip - Which stop in the Pacific?

daveg

As part of a RTW trip which is the best place to stop off in the Pacific? Cook Islands? Fiji? Hawaii?

Most likely so far is Maui in Hawaii however I'm wondering is this the best stop and how expensive is the island. Take into account we will have a 6 year old with us and I'll be hoping to do some diving.

Thanks in advance.

bringitdown

Can only comment on Fiji:

Fiji is fantastic, enjoyed every minute.
Diving is superb crystal clear water, unspoiled reefs.
Great island hopping trips to be had.
People are very friendly and it is quite reasonable as regards cost.

humbleCounty

interested in this myself, i had heard however that Fijii was a bit of a couples destination?

might be nice to kick back in some comfort after a few months in South America though

Tom Dunne

Hawaii is expensive (we were on Oahu - I would assume Maui is not far off it).

It is incredible, though, and in my opinion well worth the money.

Loads of beaches, both clean and empty. I would imagine the diving is good as the water is crystal clear and warm (couldn't get over that).

daveg

tom dunne wrote:

Hawaii is expensive (we were on Oahu - I would assume Maui is not far off it).

It is incredible, though, and in my opinion well worth the money.

Loads of beaches, both clean and empty. I would imagine the diving is good as the water is crystal clear and warm (couldn't get over that).

Thanks all for the info so far. What did you find expensive Tom? Accomodation, food, excursions?

bringitdown

humbleCounty wrote:

interested in this myself, i had heard however that Fijii was a bit of a couples destination?

might be nice to kick back in some comfort after a few months in South America though

Well there is a burgeoning backpackers industry there but there are an abundance of resorts that are after the couples/honeymooners.

I doubt you'll notice it tho' unless you stay in one. Also it is not really a nightclub and party place as yet, you would best spend your time there island hopping, diving, exploring, Meke dancing and chilling out.

It is sooooooo relaxed.

Tom Dunne

daveg wrote:

What did you find expensive Tom? Accomodation, food, excursions?

Yes - food/drink were more expensive than the mainland (I was living in the US at the time - quite a shock to the system). Hotels were certainly that bit more expensive too. We also found that the shops were generally more expensive (clothes/foood).

We hired a car an went around the Island, but the rates were on a par with mainland US. Entry to the crappy water park was borderline extortion.

Still loved it though.

daveg

tom dunne wrote:

Yes - food/drink were more expensive than the mainland (I was living in the US at the time - quite a shock to the system). Hotels were certainly that bit more expensive too. We also found that the shops were generally more expensive (clothes/foood).

We hired a car an went around the Island, but the rates were on a par with mainland US. Entry to the crappy water park was borderline extortion.

Still loved it though.

Any suggestions on things to do in Hawaii Tom? Did you do the helicopter/Volcano tour?

Tom Dunne

No.

We were simply too busy enjoying ourselves. For example, we are not beach people (myself and the better half) nor are we pool types either. First day there - we had breakfast at the pool, followed by some drinkies, followed by lunch, followed by drinkies....next thing we know, the day is gone. Not in a million years would we ever do that in Europe. The poeple we met, the craic we had, it was amazing.

As I said earlier, we hired a car and simply meandered around the island (easily done in a day) - stopping off at practically every beach and town we could find. Also manged to end up in the middle of several military bases (don't ask).

We also did the whole Perl Harbour thing too, along with a lifetime ambition of mine - swimming with dolphins.

daveg

Cool thanks Tom.

tom dunne wrote:

Also manged to end up in the middle of several military bases

LoL what happened?

Tom Dunne

We would be driving around, admiring the scenery, and not notice that the road we were on was leading into a base (with no exit ramp).

On three seperate occasions we ended up trying to explain to a marine (or whatever they are) that we were not in fact a terrorist threat, we were simply lost. I think there was one of each airforce, army and navy.:D

humbleCounty

tom dunne wrote:

. I think there was one of each airforce, army and navy.:D

all the highights so! Hawaii sounds cool, might save it for again though and try Fijii or tahiti