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Belize

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Hahah thanks Solo, we were actually planning on Belize! However, we'd hoped to join Ragamuffin's sailing/camping excursion from Caye Caulker to Palencia - and October is the one month that the tour doesn't operate. My husband and I are on tight vacation timelines because of work and October is the best month for us. So we'll probably leave Belize until next spring when we can swim with whale sharks off Palencia and sail with Ragamuffin. Any thoughts on Hawaii in October?

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Yea after I posted that I realized that rainy season is October in CA and not the best time due to the threat of hurricanes.

I dont about the snorkeling in Hawaii, and Kauai, I have only been to Oahu, Maui and Big Island, all fine in their own rights to a degree, but found Hawaii too touristy and too expensive for what you get. Though I did not go diving in Maui as we rented a house in Up Country above Paia. I wished I had gone diving in Maui.

For our official honeymoon we went to Paris and Morocco, which was much more rewarding and fun than Hawaii for us, not that we didnt have a good time. Hawaii beaches on the 3 islands we did go to really were not impressive to me, but I go to Costa Rica all the time. The weather in Hawaii is very extreme, and very windy, thats for sure. We did the volcano hikes, the wine country, the crazy drive to Hana and everything in between from the North Shore to the rustic road to Hilo, the saddle road and the top of Mona Kea..

Thats why I suggested Belize, calm waters and great snorkeling the Atolls and Cayes...

I dont know about the weather in Oct there, but this year we decided to get in the groove of fall for October, and fly up to Boston from our home in Chicago and drive up the coast of New England and hit Arcadia NP.

I just dont know if Hawaii is a beachy/snorkel lazy little waves kind of place to drink all day on the beach, maybe at a resort with a pool though. That Four Seasosn is darn nice on the Big Island, the Ritz on Maui I was not impressed at all, was there for during the Mercedes Open...felt very typical...but good snorkeling around the bend...

What about the Bay area and Wine Country?

I am kind of anti Hawaii, unless you want to blow a lot of money and stay in resorts, I think its for old people, and I am 52..will go back when I am 70.

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October can be the hottest month in Hawaii. The weather doesn't really change until November.

There's always a little bit of rain on Kauai's north shore. It might be a shower here or there even in summer, but it's not the more daily rain that will set in later in the year.

The islands all have drier west sides and rainier east sides. The weather isn't that much different from island to island.

Bicycles are not really common ways to get around and explore. Roads are not really set up for bicycle exploring.

You will need to rent a car on any of the islands, except maybe Oahu. Depending on what you want to do. '

Plan according to the number of nights you will have to buy accomodation. Make a nightly accomodation budget and look for hotels or condos. The advantage of a condo is being able to prepare meals or avoid having to eat in restaurants all the time. There are also accomodations you can find with www.vrbo.com.

A guidebook will help organize your priorities and make the best choices.

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Wow, sounds like we have very similar travel ideals! My husband and I explored Morocco this year and LOVED it. Bar none my favorite place. See some of my prior posts for itinerary details, if you're interested. We honeymooned in Costa Rica (stayed on the caribbean side - awesome). AND we just moved to San Fran from Chicago!

Anyway, we've had the same apprehensions about Hawaii... too developed, touristy, etc. I was hoping that we'd escape lots of that on Kauai - no? We both love off-the-beaten track, cultural adventures where we get to see lots of amazing sites and share fun times with new friends. Definitely not Ritz/pool vacationers... but having just come back from some Yosemite and Tahoe backpacking trips, we're looking for something a bit more lowkey. (Ie, a healthy mix of exploring, hiking, swimming, and lounging.)

Thanks for the feedback! Much appreciated. :)

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Thanks, Kahua. We're definitely planning to rent a car. Could we get by with a scooter, or will we need a full car/SUV?

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You are so lucky to be in California and SF, non stop fun in the outdoors.

Okay now I see your reasoning...

Yea I used to go the Pacific side of CR for years but got too crowded and developed, and then I started going to the Caribe side, Playa Punta Uva is my little secret...

I just read your Morocco trip report, we did in reverse, but stayed in some of the same places, yes, its very special there. My wife is from Beijing so when it comes to old and history, she is hard to impress haha, but really liked the people there. Thats why we went to Hawaii, as her residency status kept her in the states until her Green Card arrived. Hawaii was our only warm choice for Xmas/New Years....

Small world indeed...

If you liked Morocco and Costa Rica, go to Guatemala, its a really nice cultural gem and lots of adventure, and darn good cuisine...

Cheers, Tim

Pics of Guatemala

http://www.mytripjournal.com/travel-569882

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You need a car. A scooter is dangerous.

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Nothing to add about Hawaii, but I did the trip with Ragamuffin a few years back and it is in my list of "top 10" travel experiences ever. Have fun!!

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Kauai is my favorite island and the North Shore is beautiful, October is normally pretty good weather. Get the car, once you get past Princeville, think lots of one lane bridges and no shoulders so scooter would be a poor choice. Plus you need to transport your luggage and any groceries should you stay in a condo vs hotel. Have a great trip.

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Thanks to all. Your insight is much appreciated! Cheers.

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I am currently planning a month-long trip to Belize in October/November. Thanks for the Raggamuffins tip. Sounds WONDERFUL! I do though, hope that they sail in November (I sent them an inquiry, so we shell see!) Any specifics about Hawaii that you want to know, hit me up...I live on Oahu and have for the 14 years so I'd say I have this place dialed!