A few questions

Hi all,

Wife and I are coming over from the UK next week for a delayed honeymoon, staying on Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and big island. While there's plenty of acitivites we want to do in our time, I wondered if in particular there were any recommendations with regard to this particular time of year for:

Whale watching - I know we're at the end of the season a bit here. How is it looking at the moment, which is the best island to base from for it, and any particular trip recommendations? Neither of us have our PADIs, so SCUBA won't be happening.

Mauna Kea Observatory - I've heard it's a bit of a treck to get up there, and we've not hired a 4x4. I'm guessing the night skies are pretty impressive across the islands as long as the cloud cover is down, so what are people's thoughts on heading up there? Having allocated a fat chunk of cash for a helicopter tour, I'm not sure we can stretch to the cost of the guided observatory tours too.

I'm a volcanologist, and my wife trained as a geologist too. Any hidden gems of rock formations or volcanic features we should know about off the beaten track?

Finally, and perhaps a weird one; we both love our food, but have cautionary tales of mighty US portion sizes from family in Omaha. a) does Hawaii have a similar approach, or is it a bit more moderated, and b) if they're big, are places likely to get funny about us ordering a main to share?

Finishing up work today and then finally might allow my brain to start slipping into holiday mode. :)