Post #2336 by laney on Sun, Jun 16, 2002 6:28 PM

It may help to let people know which islands you will be visiting. I went to the big island a couple of years ago and there is a weekly farmers type market on Alii drive with fresh flowers, local crafts, jewelery, and coffee. I got some great bamboo vases for really cheep and tons of Kona coffee. There was also a vintage store on Alii (The main drag) with sky high prices. My feeling is that most of the vintage stuff was brought back from vacations and can be found easier on the main land. The tikis from local carvers were also extremely expensive. I'm a diver so I spend my vacations mostly under water and in bars at night. I always get a luau in too!
My favorite island was Hawaii but have been to Oahu and Maui as well. My advice is to see the sights, tan on the beach, just hang loose and don't spend too much time looking for stuff. Ususally there is a street with many bars like Alii in Kona or Lahaina. Talk to employees for hints on non-touristy places to drink with the locals and must see sights. Do some web searches but I'm sure you'll have a beautiful time.