My wife lived there until she was 10 or so. Most kids didn't even wear shoes to school.

I'm not sure, but I don't think it is still "amazingly primative". At least in parts.

WOW!

I'm sort of sad. Kauai was REALLY remote when I was there.

Living in Hawaii is really like living anywhere else in the United States (ignoring issues directly tied to climate and geography).

I'm sure it is now, but in 1971 it was like visiting a foreign country - in some areas. Waikiki was certainly not that way.

I think you should take this plane:

link

That's the plane I flew in 1971 - or one just like it. How cool!

On the news they said the crew's going to be wearing the old-style uniforms, too. Sounds groovy.

If you walk out to the 'fresh' lava flows at sunset - bring a flashlight --- after the sun sets, it gets kind of dark. ;)
(Not that I've ever GONE to Hawaii - but that's some advice I received once.)

I've booked the flights. We are going to be spending three days on the Big Island and then hop over to Honolulu for about a week.

We also get a five hour layover in LAX on the way out. Hummm how long are the lines at PoTC? :D

Thanks for all the good advice so far. I'm sure I'll be keeping this thread alive for awhile as I plan the actual daily events.