Travel tips for Hawaii

[RStar]

I'm planning a trip to Hawaii for a vacation in Sept.

This is my first vacation trip ever. I have never been to Hawaii (or any where else much for that matter).

Any tips on travel dates, weather in sept, best prices, and things to see?

Thank you, I value your input.

~Bob

[DreadPirateRoberts]

paging GC....

Do you want to see a bunch of stuff (there's a lot of WWII history if you know where to look)?, or are you more interested in finding a nice beach, sitting there and doing nothing? Or sitting by a pool and being waited on?

[RStar]

While some sitting on a beach will need to be a part of it, seeing sights will also be important. The war type not so much, culture is more important.

I will be traveling with my mother, aunt and her female companion, and possibly my dissabled wife. So physical activities will be out (Though snorkeling might be fun for some of us. But hiking might be out. Because there will be 4 or 5 of us, we most likely will split up at times doing different activities as well.

So, GC is the Big Kahuna when it comes to the Islands, huh? :snap:

[Snowflake]

bring a bathing suit?

:D

Go to a 7-11 and have some kind of curry pie, right mousepod?

[Alex]

Do you prefer to be surrounded by other tourists with relatively clearly defined activities (Waikiki, Maui) or do you prefer it off the beaten path, surrounded by a more authentic local vibe but you're more on your own for entertainment and activities (other parts of Oahu, Kauai, Big Island)?

Are there any must do activities? Hiking, diving, musuems, Matsumoto shave ice, seeing how incredibly tiny the beach at Waikiki is, etc.

Weather in September should be fine with highs in the upper-80s and overnight lows around 70. Much in the way of serious rain would be pretty unusual but can vary by island and side of island.

How long are you planning to go? If you have a full week or so, and since it is your first time, I'd probably suggest starting on Oahu (but not Waikiki) for a few days and doing the standards (North Shore, Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay, etc.) and then hop over to one of the neighbor islands (Big Island or Kauai rather than Maui or Lanai) for a few more days to get the different flavors.

As for price, June to mid-September is the peak tourist season so if you're looking at early September you'll probably have some challenges finding discounts. But again that will vary by what kind of travel is your preference. A rental condo in Kaneohe will be vastly different thing from an all-inclusive on Lanai.

[BarTopDancer]

I recommend sunscreen at all times.

And I do not recommend walking through the International Marketplace at 3am. Trust me.

[Alex]

Go to a 7-11 and have some kind of curry pie, right mousepod?

Chicken curry manapua is the thing you have to eat from the 7-11 hot case, at least so far as I'm concerned.

[Alex]

I recommend sunscreen at all times.

And I do not recommend walking through the International Marketplace at 3am. Trust me.

Well, I'd recommend not even stepping foot in Waikiki but yeah, this is fair advice. I did it many times when I lived only about a 1/4 mile from there but I think my being unmolested was more luck than anything else (same for when I used to do midnight walks from UW down to the Space Needle or through the Central District in Seattle).

[RStar]

Thanks Alex! I forgot about you living there, and Lani being from there.

I'm pretty open about activities, and doing tourist stuff is ok. But frankly, I think the more local real life is more interesting. I'm open on where to stay, and which Island we stay on. Consider this vacation an open slate at this point. Right now we have two points. 1) Hawaii, and 2) September.

So, if the end of Sept is better, we may aim for that. How long we stay will depend on the total budget, but I'm looking at 4 or 5 nights (we will have a Mon-Fri off of work). Departure and arrival days of the week prices may also effect this. If the hotel is cheeper to stay Sunday through Friday for instance.

Also, what is the cheeper Airport to fly into? I'm figuring LAX as the cheepest to fly from, but would prefer Santa Ana (John Wayne) as it is closer. But if there is a "Better" airport, it would include all things like transportation to our hotel. We might likely rent a car to get around as well.

A rental condo in Kaneohe sounds interesting. Are weekly condos available on all the Islands, and are a cheeper way to go? A two bedroom condo with a kitchen would be perfect for the 4 or 5 of us.

And I think a luau would be great!

[madmonkeygirl]

Having gone to Hawaii 3 or 4 times in my lifetime since my dad had to go over there for work the month of September is nice to go. I think i went second week of September once and the weather was gorgeous (occasional rain shower but not enough to keep me and CM out of the water much). We stayed on Oahu though since that is where my dad had to work. I would rather have gone to Maui but hey maybe someday when i go back i will stay in Maui instead. But let me tell ya nothing like laying on Wakiki beach and swimming in the nice clear blue warm water...i don't like the beaches here anymore i am very spoiled.

I've done the luau thing before really nice transportation to and from your hotel. Also CM and i did a dolphin watch all day on a catamaran it was a blast. Just things off the beaten path so to say. I would never have done the dolphin watch on my own so i thank CM for being the one to try this with me.

Pearl Harbor held meaning for CM so we did it. Brings tear to me eye just thinking about all those lives lost. Something that should be seen just once if you're able to.

I would have taken him on the hike to the top of the volcano but the worst thing about that hike (needing a flashlight yes a flashlight) due to the spiral staircase in the complete darkness going up the top part. It was very scary with no flashlight and i'm really surprised i did not twist my ankle or break any legs.

I didn't get to snorkel or horseback but did go over to the North Shore to watch the surfers.

But for the most part i am one to just lay on the beach reading a good book and go swimming in the water. Kicking it back doing nothing.

Yes the flea market is there (it was right across the street from our hotel) but we didn't go there at all...and oh yeah forgot we did make the trek to the Dole Pineapple Factory of course.

[Gemini Cricket]

O'ahu:

I say rent a car and take a trip around the island. This is one of my favorite things to do. Drive from Hawaii Kai towards Kaneohe right around the island up to the North Shore and stop when the road stops. Many tourists do not get to see this but it is highly recommended. There are many places to pull over, take pics and then jump into the water.

A word on swimming and jumping in the water: if you don't see any local people in the water and only toursits, it's a pretty good indication that there is a reason for that. Be warned that the undertow at Hawai'i beaches can be pretty strong. Watch out for Portuguese Man O' War jellyfish... they're sting-y.

For Hawaiian food, I recommend Ono Hawaiian Food in Kapahulu. It's a hole in the wall but it's wonderful. There is also Hawaiian Food in Ala Moana shopping center in one of the ugliest food courts ever created. That place is called The Poi Bowl. (And if you want good Chinese food, go to Patti's Chinese Kitchen in the same ugly food court.) Try poi at least once, don't be a poi hater. :D

Spend a couple of hours in Waikiki and that's it. It's gross, touristy and lame. If you go to the Cheesecake Factory there, you may see a waitress that looks like me. It's my sis.

If you want a good plate lunch go to any one of the L&L Drive-Ins that you encounter. But for an awesome plate lunch, go to Rainbow Drive in in Kapahulu.

If you must, go to the Polynesian Cultural Center. It's wonderful. Although I myself do not support that place with my money, it's a cool romp. The evening show is quite good.

Get shave ice from Matsumoto's in Haleiwa. It's good. If the line's too long, go to Aoki's... it's pretty much the same there.

For hiking, I recommend the Diamond Head trail, Makapu'u trail and a trail that takes you into Koko Head Crater.

I don't know a whole lot about the shows and luau-type events, but there are a number of them. If you want just a mellow time with good Hawaiian music, go to Chai's in the Aloha Tower Marketplace. They have live performances while you eat. Robert Cazimero is there on Tuesdays, I believe. He's great.

If I think of more, I'll let you know.

[Snowflake]

Aw, dammit, now I want Chicken Katsu, GC. I blame you for introducing me to it! deep fried goodness......

[Alex]

Chicken katsu, fortunately, is very easy to come by in San Francisco. If I hadn't given up chicken for this year I'd now go over across the street and get me some.

It is interesting that I don't really care for authentically Hawaiian food (what little of it I can eat) but absolutely love everything Hawaiians did in perverting the foods of other cultures (such as chicken katsu).

[Snowflake]

Chicken katsu, fortunately, is very easy to come by in San Francisco. If I hadn't given up chicken for this year I'd now go over across the street and get me some.

It is interesting that I don't really care for authentically Hawaiian food (what little of it I can eat) but absolutely love everything Hawaiians did in perverting the foods of other cultures (such as chicken katsu).

True, I am a few short blocks from Japantown, for starters. Alas, out of town guest from germany tonight, so I expect we'll be dining elsewhere or at home depending on how he feels (he's driving from Redding after having spent a week in a cabin in the boonies).

[Gemini Cricket]

Yes, the Chinese food in Hawai'i is different from the Chinese food in California and Massachusetts.

And sticky Hawaiian style rice is way better than all other rices. (Rices? Is that a word?)
:D

[RStar]

Try poi at least once, don't be a poi hater. :D

Too late! ;)
But I'll give it another try....

(Rices? Is that a word?)
:D
Rici? ;)

Thanks everyone! There are some great tips here!

I'm excited! I like the idea of driving around the Island. And I may go to Pearl Harbour, we did have family stationed there.

[Gemini Cricket]

Sunscreen
Water
Mosquito repelent (while hiking)

Do not bring back any lava rocks home with you. It's bad juju.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Sunscreen
Water
Mosquito repelent (while hiking)

Do not bring back any lava rocks home with you. It's bad juju.

If you find any idols, don't forget to return them to the ancient Hawaiian burial grounds

[innerSpaceman]

Do not bring back any lava rocks home with you. It's bad juju.

Cue Brady Bunch music.

[Gemini Cricket]

Laugh not. For these stories (http://www.volcanogallery.com/lavarockstories_New.htm) will rock you.

[Kevy Baby]

Laugh not. For these stories (http://www.volcanogallery.com/lavarockstories_New.htm) will rock you.I liked this one:
I visited Hawaii in July 2003. I had a wonderful time. And we traveled even the islands, I picked up 2 lava rocks - later I heard that it displeased the Gods - also, your luck will begin to turn to bad. Well, I can tell you - mine has changed to terrible - started having trouble with my daughter in law - my job suffered because of this - (my son owned the business). Started having trouble with my boy-friend - finally lost him - then more trouble at work - then I lost my job due to an irate daughter in law - finally my son fired me and told me he never wanted to see me again - to stay completely out of his live - Now - I have no male companion - no job - no daughter in law - no son - Bad Luck please go away. A.G. Philadelphia, PA (or Silvester, GA?)

[Gemini Cricket]

Her son fired her? Wow. I wonder what Christmas is like at her house?

[innerSpaceman]

What if you bring lava rocks from somewhere else and leave them in Hawaii???

[Not Afraid]

Hmmmm. I wonder if that's what has been plaguing my live since 1971?

[RStar]

Hmmmm. I wonder if that's what has been plaguing my live since 1971?

Isn't that the year you were born???

[Jazzman]

I'm so jealous! My wife and I have been in love with Hawai'i since our first trip and we can't wait to go back.

My recommendations:

-Rent a car and do the circle the island drive. Stop at Dole for some amazing Dole Whip. Get the split and share, it's truly ambrosia. Visit a shrimp truck if seafood is your thing. Get some sweet corn too. Stop off at beaches along the way, even if you only spend 30 minutes at each one. Stopping at random beaches has led to us finding some of our favorite spots. If you've never been, visit Hanauma Bay. Personally I think it's a little over-hyped and we skip it now but it should be seen at least once. Oh, and get a convertible so you can put the top down and really enjoy the view. Whether you're looking at the mountains or the ocean the views are priceless.

- Waikiki. Personally, I love Waikiki, but then I love people and crowds and bustling, busy places. Yes, it's touristy but then, you'll be a tourist so it kinda fits. The beach is great and we spent most of our last trip just sitting on grass mats or floating in the water. It was sublime. Eat at Duke's or the Shore Bird, great restaurants. Cheeseburger in Paradise makes a wonderful pineapple teriyaki cheeseburger, but they are a little pricey. I can't suggest emphatically enough stopping by Leonard's Bakery for some orgasmically good Malasadas. They have plain or filled (with all different types fillings) and they're all good. Stroll through the International Marketplace but avoid the food court. Ickyness lives there. There's an awesomely swanky shop called the Thor Stor where an ex-Imagineer dreams up the coolest tiki creations. It's tiny but a not-to-be-missed shop.

- Pearl Harbor. Go early in the morning and do everything. Tour the Missouri (where, coincidentally, I just played a gig a few months ago :) ) and then head over to the Arizona museum. Watch the film and then take the boat over to pay your respects. It's very somber, moving and something I honestly believe that every American should do at least once. The submarine memorial is also a nice place to visit as well.

- Luaus. I love, love, love and highly recommend Germaine's Luau. They'll pick you up, drive you out, feed and entertain you and drive you back. The food is friggin' to-die-for, but then I'm somewhat of a kalua pig addict so I might be biased. The show is very fun and the drinks are well poured, and well drank. ;) Paradise Cove is good and the location is prettier, but in my opinion it doesn't really capture the fun, jovial luau atmosphere. At Germaine's you feel like you're at a big, family gathering whereas Paradise is more formal. There are also other luaus around O'ahu but these two are the best.

- Polynesian Cultural Center. Skip it. PCC is the most over-hyped waste of time in Hawai'i. The food is lackluster and there is no alcohol (if that's something you care about) to go with it, the show is more suited to the Vegas strip than a Hawaiian luau and ultimately the park is more about the Mormons' (who own and run the park) version of Polynesian history and culture than actual Polynesian history and culture. If you're Mormon or cool with that whole situation then good on you, by all means go. But I think it's important to know that fact before dropping the cash to go and then spending your whole day there. Just my opinion.

- If you dig malls then visit Ala Moana center. It's huge and has virtually every store in existence. But it is still a mall so no big deal if skipped.

- Hilo Hattie's. We always stop in for aloha wear and gifts to take home. They've got nice stuff and the prices aren't too high. You can find comparable stuff elsewhere for cheaper, but going to Hilo Hattie's rather than Wal-Mart always makes us feel better about our spending.

- The Swap Meet. Lots of stuff for cheap, but not much different than other swap meets. Still, at least you're supporting locals which is nice.

There's lots more that I'm forgetting but you've got lots of other suggestions here so I'm sure you'll have a fine time. I can't wait to read a trip report and see pics! Hawai'i is so amazing. Have fun!

[Not Afraid]

Sunset mag this month has a feature about Honolulu.

[Snowflake]

I'm so jealous! My wife and I have been in love with Hawai'i since our first trip and we can't wait to go back.

My recommendations:The food is friggin' to-die-for, but then I'm somewhat of a kalua pig addict so I might be biased.

But is it better than bacon? (apologies for the derail)

:snap: loads of good tips!

[RStar]

Thanks Jazzman! Everyone has had some great ideas! I would have never thought to rent a convertable....:)

I'll pick up a Sunset mag today, thanks Lisa!

[Kevy Baby]

- Hilo Hattie's. We always stop in for aloha wear and gifts to take home. They've got nice stuff and the prices aren't too high. You can find comparable stuff elsewhere for cheaper, but going to Hilo Hattie's rather than Wal-Mart always makes us feel better about our spending.There are Hilo Hattie's on the mainland as well. I have been to the stores in San Diego and the Block at Orange. I think I own about a half dozen shirts from there.

[Alex]

Hilo Hattie's is an interesting thing. They're kind of like ABC Stores. No local would go to one in Hawai'i but as soon as they see one of them on the mainland they have to go in.

Lani is completely incapable of not going into either of them when we see one in some mainland city.

And speaking of malasadas, the Punahou Carnival is next weekend. So people are soon going to be stuffed on them (at least UH employees).

[wendybeth]

Well, Jazzman- that explains why my MIL was so anxious to go to the Polynesian Center.:rolleyes: What a drag that they were sold out on the day we spent in Waikiki. I think I would have been really pissed to get there, pay as much as one has to, and then been subjected to the Mormon version of Polynesia. Damn, she's sneaky. (Always trying to get me to read 'historical novels' written by Mormon authors which present a lily-white view of the religion's history, etc).

Anyway- we loved Waikiki. Yes, it's small, but there is lots to do and it's a beautiful beach. We never had a problem finding a place to park our butts and there is a great bar called Dukes where you can get drinkies.:cheers: We stayed at the Outrigger Waikiki and had an ocean view room that was really nice. I understand the Outrigger chain also has condos- try checking out their website. (The Outrigger hotel also has a webcam that shows the beach and Diamondhead so you can see for yourself what it looks like).

Have fun!

[Alex]

If you want to experience Waikiki Beach I suggest going to the island of Moloka'i since that is where they ship the sand in from. If you're in that area, I'd recommend going to Ala Moana Beach nearby (it is also near the Ala Moana Shopping Center). Much more space and a more local vibe without the beach squatters you might find at other non-touristy beaches.

I assume it is still there but right on the edge of Waikiki there is a 24-hour Sizzlers. Don't eat there. Trust me, DO NOT EAT THERE.

[Kevy Baby]

One does not go to Waikiki to experience the sand. That would be tantamount to saying, "go to Magic Mountain because they have a similar kind of asphalt as Disneyland."

Poor Alex. He just can't get over his curmudgeonliness.

[Alex]

I know one does not go to Waikiki to experience the sand. I just can't imagine why anybody'd really want to experience what else is there. To me, saying Waikiki is cool and a good thing to do in Hawaii is like saying "go to San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf is really cool and the mass of tourists helps keep the locals out of sight."

It's a narrow strip of imported sand surrounded by tacky megahotels and thousands of other people who also flew thousands of miles to get away from home so they can surround themselves with the people available to them when they were at home.

Some people like that. Some people don't. I'm giving my tips and advice from my perspective of it being something to experience for about 3 hours so you can realize just how horrible it is and then go elsewhere. RStar, is free to pick and choose as he likes. I suppose this is just the same conversation as the recent Bubba Gump brouhaha. Why would you go all that way to a very different type of place just to spend a lot of time in the least authentic, most corporately manufactured part of it?

Ala Moana Beach is also imported sand but it is only a mile away and, in my opinion, a much more interesting experience if lounging at the beach is your thing. So that's my recommendation.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

I understand what Alex is trying to say about Waikiki, but I must admit I'll always remember the feeling of riding in on a huge longboard, in nice warm clear water, looking over, and seeing Diamond Head.

[RStar]

Thanks Alex. I respect all opinions, but yours more than others. Unless we're talking movies. (inserts smiley that Alex doesn't see). Just kidding....

So, how does one look into the opertunity to rent a condo for a week? Will I miss part of the experience by not getting a fancy hotel room?

[Gemini Cricket]

I assume it is still there but right on the edge of Waikiki there is a 24-hour Sizzlers. Don't eat there. Trust me, DO NOT EAT THERE.
It's gone.

[Alex]

Ooh, that's good to know. Too many nights spent in there studying with groups. It was such awful food (even compared to the average Sizzler).

[Jazzman]

But is it better than bacon?

Honestly, kalua pig is touching the line of "As good as sex." Words cannot express the kind of tingly, feel good vibes that course through my veins, welling from the very core of my soul whenever I consume a plate of kalua pig. If my wife wouldn't strangle me, I'd name our first child "Kalua."

Well, Jazzman- that explains why my MIL was so anxious to go to the Polynesian Center.:rolleyes: What a drag that they were sold out on the day we spent in Waikiki. I think I would have been really pissed to get there, pay as much as one has to, and then been subjected to the Mormon version of Polynesia. Damn, she's sneaky. (Always trying to get me to read 'historical novels' written by Mormon authors which present a lily-white view of the religion's history, etc).

Ouch. I won't dive into my sentiments regarding the Mormons in general, but I do always believe that people deserve to know what the truth of PCC is when contemplating going there. It isn't that it's a bad park necessarily, but with the way it is presented and then what it actually is has always felt like a classic Bait-And-Switch to me. The park is very pretty, entertaining and well run and a good time can be had, but to me it's akin to setting up a Pirates of the Caribbean clone in Jamaica and advertising it as an authentic depiction of Buccaneer life in the old days. And, there's much better food and shows elsewhere so I don't see much reason to spend a whole day on it either.

Hilo Hattie's is an interesting thing. They're kind of like ABC Stores. No local would go to one in Hawai'i but as soon as they see one of them on the mainland they have to go in.

I always kinda wondered about that. I figured that Hattie's was a place that locals rolled their eyes at but secretly appreciated was there. Knowing that it's irresistible on the mainland cracks me up. I imagine displaced islanders putting on trench coats and big sunglasses and sneaking off to Hilo Hattie's for a quick fix. :D

[RStar]

Honestly, kalua pig is touching the line of "As good as sex." Words cannot express the kind of tingly, feel good vibes that course through my veins, welling from the very core of my soul whenever I consume a plate of kalua pig.
I belive that word may be "Cholesterol". :D


I did find this web site about conods in Hawaii: Condo In Hawaii.com (http://www.condoinhawaii.com/)

[Kevy Baby]

One other "must do" on your Hawaii trip:

Take me

[DreadPirateRoberts]

One other "must do" on your Hawaii trip:

Take me

Can't he do that before he leaves?

[Kevy Baby]

Visible mojo for DPR

[RStar]

So now the next question is, Travel Agent, or book everything myself?

My aunt knows some one who knows someone who is a travel agent and can "take care of us". I would think I can take care of it all and save money, but is it worth it having someone else handle all of the details?

[MouseWife]

First off, I am so happy you are going!! I haven't read all of the posts, but, I do gather that this is a very special trip for you!!

Do you have AAA? They do a lot of trip planning for you, or, perhaps they can guide you without having to pay for any services.

I would gather that you may be able to book it all yourself. Me? I would get all of the prices down, get an idea what it would cost to do it myself {with whatever things I want to do and if I want to rent a car, how much} and then go see someone and get a quote from them. But, one they will stick to, ya know? They do have package deals, I am sure, but, there has to be costs added somewhere.

I would worry, though, if you are going the condo route, renting it sight unseen. An agent could be your best bet that way.

We rented an apartment on our trip to WA and I worried the whole time prior to arrival. It was a wonderful place.

I wish you luck and a lot of wonderful experiences!!!

{I've never been to Hawaii....you'll have to tell me all about it!!! We had wanted to go this April for our anniversary but life decided....no.}

[Kevy Baby]

So now the next question is, Travel Agent, or book everything myself?

My aunt knows some one who knows someone who is a travel agent and can "take care of us". I would think I can take care of it all and save money, but is it worth it having someone else handle all of the details?Wolfy999 (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/member.php?u=301) and her husband are travel agents. They took excellent care of Susan and I last year for our cruise. I strongly recommend them.

[RStar]

Wolfy999 (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/member.php?u=301) and her husband are travel agents. They took excellent care of Susan and I last year for our cruise. I strongly recommend them.

Unfortunatly, My mom and aunt are doing most of the planning, and they already picked this other person. I was just trying to figure out what the difference would be if we booked it ourselves, (effectively swaying them away from the agent if it was going to cost us alot more, as I have to pay my share.) But I'll keep Wolfy in mind if it doesn't work out with the "freind of a freind" they know. That's good to know!

And MouseWife- no I don't have AAA, but my aunt's freind who is going does. That's a good point, one I'll bring up also. Yes, this is my first trip to Hawaii, and I'm realy looking forward to it. Other than two trips to New England and a few to Idaho, I haven't been out of California much, and don't really take "vacations". A three or four day weekend off work, where I stay home and work around the house is the best I've done in years.

My mom and I got our passports, and hope to go to Europe some day. I'll call this trip a "practice run". :D

Thanks again to everyone!

~Bob

[Kevy Baby]

Have fun stormin' the castle!

[wolfy999]

If you have any problems or questions, just PM myself or Mrs. Nesbitts and we'd be happy to help if we can.

[RStar]

If you have any problems or questions, just PM myself or Mrs. Nesbitts and we'd be happy to help if we can.

Thank you, you're very kind!