JM is Going to Hawaii--Recs anyone? Thanks.

jazzy mary · January-25th-2008, 04:11 PM

Yep, I'm taking my girls over their winter break. We're leaving Feb. 14 & returning on Feb. 24. We're landing on the big island & departing from Honolulu. We have 4 days on the big island & then we're going to island hop & hit them all.

Any recommendations on what to see, what not to miss, food etc? Our lodging is all hooked up. I have some free stays at Marriott resorts and a friend in Honolulu.

I'm pretty excited!

Monte Smith · January-25th-2008, 04:13 PM

My main recommendation is that you not go surfing with a native carving as a necklace.

Scott Dolan · January-25th-2008, 04:16 PM

And avoid Vincent Price if you see him. That cat is really bad news.

walto · January-25th-2008, 04:21 PM

Quote:

I have some free stays at Marriott resorts

How'd you manage that?

jazzy mary · January-25th-2008, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walto

How'd you manage that?

Points from Marriott stays, credit card etc. I've managed to hook up quite a few free stays. Next weekend my daughter and I are going to Philly and we're staying in the Marriott on Juniper Street (it looks lovely on the website) for free.

bostontricky · January-25th-2008, 04:32 PM

Hmm, Clan Tricky is out on Maui from the 17th to the end of the month, can't remember the particulars (my mother would); I'd like to make it over to Kalaupapa on Molokai, but will otherwise be happy to be poolside/oceanside supervising the Trickettes.

So let us know when you'll be in the neighborhood, JM.

jazzy mary · January-25th-2008, 04:34 PM

Wow, what a coinky-dink! We're only going to be in Maui one day and overnight. W're staying at some Marriott--let's see, which one? Let me look. brb.

Monte Smith · January-25th-2008, 04:38 PM

I've never been to Hawaii and I'm a little bitter. When my folks were stationed in South Korea, they'd always stop in Honolulu for a few days to break up the flight. But somehow when I got sent tickets, the flight was always routed thru Detroit.

jazzy mary · January-25th-2008, 04:40 PM

Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
3700 Wailea Alanui
Wailea - Maui, Hawaii 96753 USA
Phone: 1-808-879-1922

We're there from Feb. 18-19. We're coming from the big island. We'll prob. get there mid day on the 18th. and leave late as possible on the 19th.

Boston tricky, it seems doubtful if we'll be able to meeet, but ya never know. I'm not sure how much there is to do in Maui. Are you at the same hotel, by any chance?

Chris D · January-25th-2008, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monte Smith

My main recommendation is that you not go surfing with a native carving as a necklace.

Surfer · January-25th-2008, 04:48 PM

JM you should absolutely go surfing. I've been surfing in Hana and Lahaina on Maui, which I dont think is near to where you are (nothing is that far on Maui, unless you're going to Hana), but look into it. I bet your daughters will love it.

jazzy mary · January-25th-2008, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surfer

JM you should absolutely go surfing. I've been surfing in Hana and Lahaina on Maui, which I dont think is near to where you are (nothing is that far on Maui, unless you're going to Hana), but look into it. I bet your daughters will love it.

I'm not sure where the hotel is and the Marriott maps aren't working on my computer at work. I know my daughter, Liz, would love to go surfing. I know Catherine won't because she's so scared of sharks. I know, I know. She refused to jump in the water in Capri because of sharks. I don't think there are even sharks in Capri! Anyway...

I wouldn't mind surfing, except I've never done it, I'm very, very unathletic and I'm a wimp.

Valerie · January-25th-2008, 05:03 PM

i'm so glad to hear that you're taking this trip with your goils!!!

shrugs · January-25th-2008, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzy mary

Wow, what a coinky-dink! We're only going to be in Maui one day and overnight. W're staying at some Marriott--let's see, which one? Let me look. brb.

have a cocktail for me at the Pioneer Inn

Surfer · January-25th-2008, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzy mary

I'm not sure where the hotel is and the Marriott maps aren't working on my computer at work. I know my daughter, Liz, would love to go surfing. I know Catherine won't because she's so scared of sharks. I know, I know. She refused to jump in the water in Capri because of sharks. I don't think there are even sharks in Capri! Anyway...

I wouldn't mind surfing, except I've never done it, I'm very, very unathletic and I'm a wimp.

Meh, water's warm and the waves are small. Its not that hard. Wailea is south of Lahaina. Your hotel can hook you up I'm sure.

jazzy mary · January-25th-2008, 05:21 PM

I want to...

Noj · January-25th-2008, 05:22 PM

I don't think the consensus here was unanimous in the last Hawaii thread, but when I was in Maui I loved the meal I ate at Big Mama's Fish House. Mahi mahi stuffed with crab and lobster, encrusted with macadamia nuts, and covered with a sweet, tangy sauce. Holy smokes it was good.

clinthopson · January-25th-2008, 05:23 PM

Book 'em, Danno.

jazzy mary · January-25th-2008, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noj

I don't think the consensus here was unanimous in the last Hawaii thread, but when I was in Maui I loved the meal I ate at Big Mama's Fish House. Mahi mahi stuffed with crab and lobster, encrusted with macadamia nuts, and covered with a sweet, tangy sauce. Holy smokes it was good.

Sounds good to me! Liz is a vegetarian (no fish either), so I wonder what she'll eat in Hawaii.

Surfer · January-25th-2008, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noj

I don't think the consensus here was unanimous in the last Hawaii thread, but when I was in Maui I loved the meal I ate at Big Mama's Fish House. Mahi mahi stuffed with crab and lobster, encrusted with macadamia nuts, and covered with a sweet, tangy sauce. Holy smokes it was good.

I went there too. It was good but expensive, at least for my budget. On the North side of the Island, east of Kahului.

Scott Dolan · January-25th-2008, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walto

How'd you manage that?

Don't travel much, I take it?

All the big chains have reward programs.

Surfer · January-25th-2008, 05:30 PM

Drive to the top of the volcano.

Ron Thorne · January-25th-2008, 05:30 PM

To be honest, I wouldn't enjoy a visit to Hawaii which involved so much moving around and such short stays on each island. I'd much prefer to spend the entire time on one island and soak it all up, especially Kauai.

That said, I would recommend trying to find out where the locals eat for some simple island fare away from the tourist traps, if possible. Also, if you're into snorkeling, ask for info on the least crowded spots to enjoy that wonderful adventure. Gear can be easily and affordably rented.

Will you have a rental car on each island? If not, that's really going to limit your exploration possibilities.

There are fabulous guide books worth their weight in gold, but I'd only recommend getting one for the island of Hawaii since you'll be there the longest. This particular series (The Ultimate Guidebook) is incredibly valuable for learning about places to eat, hiking trails & snorkeling spots, scenic wonders, hotel insights and other information which would require several visits to acquire. I can't recommend these highly enough. They also have a guide book for Kauai, Oahu and Mauai. Check for good prices on Amazon dot com.

Remember that it will still be winter in Hawaii so the ocean may be a bit rougher than you'd expect, especially on the windward side of the islands. Be careful in the water and observe all warnings about surf and tides.

On Oahu, I'd highly recommend the sunset sail from Waikiki on Na Hoku (the catamaran with red/yellow sails) which launches from behind the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel, next to the Sheraton Royal Hawaiian Hotel (The Pink Palace).

It's inexpensive and a fabulous way to spend a couple of hours before dinner. You sail from Waikiki to Diamondhead and back, often with dolphins and sea turtles for an escort. We always do this cruise and always have a great time. Be sure to get there early for tickets because it's limited seating. You can purchase beer, soda and Mai Tais, sing along with the crew, and even steer the cat if you're lucky. We have.

We have two friends on Oahu who are authentic Hawaiian entertainers, Keith & Carmen Haugen, but they've cut back their schedule recently. I think that you and your daughters would enjoy them. I'll send them an e-mail and see if they still have a gig at one of the Waikiki hotels. They performed at the Mai Tai Lounge, the outdoor bar oceanside at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, for over 20 years until recently.

Have a great time, Mary!

Aloha~

shrugs · January-25th-2008, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noj

I don't think the consensus here was unanimous in the last Hawaii thread, but when I was in Maui I loved the meal I ate at Big Mama's Fish House. Mahi mahi stuffed with crab and lobster, encrusted with macadamia nuts, and covered with a sweet, tangy sauce. Holy smokes it was good.

ono encrusted with macadamia nuts is real good.

jazzy mary · January-25th-2008, 05:36 PM

Cool! Thanks, Ron. Yeah, I worry about not having much time in Maui and Kuahi(?). But we'll have 4 days on the big Island and 2-3 days in Honolulu and environs.

Even though we'll be there 9 days, it'll go by in a flash, I'm sure.

Noj · January-25th-2008, 05:38 PM

My whole trip cost me so much money, I was reeling for several years. The pricetag on one meal has blurred into a larger, abstract "holy shit that was fun, but expensive" memory.

jazzy mary · January-25th-2008, 05:47 PM

Oh yeah! I'm scared about the sticker stock!

It's costing a lot to fly out there. Fortunately, I only have to pay for 4 nights at a hotel & it was part of the package...but still...

I know all the activities are going to cost an arm & a leg too---snorkeling, whale watching, the volcanoe deal, flights from island to island, getting around, car rental and so on and so on. It's always x 3 with us too.

But, if we don't go now I don't know when we will be able to go. So...

Borat Pri Hagafen · January-25th-2008, 08:05 PM

Some useful tips here, as i recall.

Hawaii Thread

My personal feeling is similar to Ron's; don't try to see absolutely everything, because half of the enjoyment is just being outside and taking in the weather.

Eating is very expensive, so one probably obvious tip is to go to a supermarket when you can, early in the day, and stock up on supplies for either a picnic-type lunch, or something you can eat at the hotel.

If you're going to Kilauea on the Big Island, you're better off starting the night before and sleeping in Hilo, as opposed to driving all the way there and back in one day.

On Maui, biking down Haleakala at sunrise seemed amazing, although being inherently lazy, I signed up for it and then was way too sleepy to get up when my ride came.

Finally, guided tours of some hotspots (like beautiful scenery type stuff) can be a good idea because you can forget about driving and just take in the sights.

I loved the Big Island and Maui. Kauai I found beautiful, but was more than happy with just spending 1 day there the first time I went. Not too exciting to me the 2nd time I was there. Although, Puff the Magic Dragon is from there, so that's something.

Last, but not least, find out if Neil Young will be touring the islands when you are.

Mahalo and good luck.

Chaz Longue · January-26th-2008, 04:51 PM

Hi Mary!

My parents lived in Honolulu for 11 years so I spent some time there.

I agree with Ron that I'd be very reluctant to travel so much - I'd focus on one or two islands and I'd enjoy them more. But that's just my preference.

In my (probably somewhat unorthodox) opinion, the single biggest bang for the buck (and perhaps the very best use of time) on the entire island of Oahu, is walking up - and around the rim of - Diamond Head. It's so close to Waikiki that there's a city bus that goes, and the easy walk probably offers the most rewarding views I've ever seen with as few steps. It's not the most breathtaking view I've ever seen, but it's close, and one of the easiest to get to of any view I've ever seen. Being in Honolulu and passing on this is a bit like being a few blocks away and deciding not to bother going up The Empire State for the view - except that in the case of Diamond Head, it's perhaps faster, free, and the view's (imho) much more impressive. When you pull into the parking area, you'll shrug and say "what's so cool about this?" Then you'll walk up, enter the side of the volcano and walk through the area where the gun turrets are, and when you emerge on the rim, it's a bit like being able to walk around the tops of dozens of buildings like the Empire State, all giving a slightly different viewpoint.

There used to be a charming Jazz bar in Lahaina, Maui. I enjoyed the little town of Lahaina to begin with, then I discovered "Blackies Bar" (motto: "keep boating safe, stay at Blackie's and drink!") and thought I'd stumbled on a hidden hole in the wall only the locals know about, although it's obviously well frequented by tourists me. The decor alone (seemingly dozens of newspaper clippings and photos of really bad shipwrecks and boating accidents, for starters) is worth the price of admission...

On Maui, I stayed in the cheapest motel I could find, but took the shuttle-bus to the tony part of the island one day just to wander through the expensive hotels. I swear there's more asian art in some of those places than I've seen in one place before. And the architects design goal seemed chiefly to be creating aeas in which it isn't really possible to tell if you're outside or inside. These hotels all seem to haves swimming pools which meander throughout the whole property, enormous pianos, swans, fine dining, ice sculptures, flowers that seem more like hallucinations, several bars...

I did manage to get up and partake in "cruiser bob's Haleakala downhill". I prepaid as a hedge against my own highly developed sloth. I've heard it's become too popular now, and that regulations have been imposed to keep the sheer numbers down. But if this is interesting, and possible...I recommend it highly. The van follows you down and they insist you stop, seemingly every quarter mile or so to take in the scenery and snap photos. I spent the whole morning on one of thier custom-built bikes, and pedaled for exactly 30 seconds. Then when I though I was done, it turned out to be a nice lunch...and the journey continued. Bliss.

Another cool thing to do on Oahu, is Haunama Bay. This too has become so popular that I understand one must go at O-dark-thirty, but even just parking there and having a look if you're in the area is worthwile. It's a small volcano which was right on the shore and has since been worn down at the shoreline. That created a nearly circular cove - which has a reef inside it. I've never even seen in a movie a more perfectly created spot for checking out tropical fish. I'm told there are much better places in the world to snorkel, but this one may be unique just because of the way it was formed. We bought disposable underwater cameras at the drugstore, and brought frozen peas to feed the fish. When you get submerged, and have the camera at the ready, you open your frozen peas, and BANG, you're instantly mobbed by fish which are such a strange collection of colors you'll wonder what they put in your coffee that morning. It's just the wildest thing...Then we had a picnic breakfast. Then we swam some more. One helluva nice morning...

Just say "NO" to poi...
(actually, just tell your daughter it's what's for dinner. She'll be eating sashimi in minutes...)

bruce massey · January-26th-2008, 08:05 PM

I have to create the wet blanket post.

Nances sister Luan went to Hawaii about six years ago with her husband Bob. Two of the nicest people you will ever meet. Luan is a vice president at Comerica and Bob is a real estate attorney. They both work very hard and this was to be a well deserved break.

A few days into their vacation they were on the beach in front of their hotel and it was a bit blustery. Suddenly the wind picked up one of the hotels umbellas and sent it tumbling through the air.

The fucker came to rest IN BOB!

This damn beach javelin came down through the right side of his neck and skewed him on an angle that went past his heart and through his left lung.

His lung collapsed but fortunately it miraculously missed every other vein, artery or life sustaining internal object and so Bob survived. He is in good shape and that was certainly a plus.

Come to find out that umbrella mishaps are not uncommon so if the wind picks up Jazzin, keep your wits about you.

To end it all, Bob and Luan take a shuttle to the airport and wind up with a couple from New York. The woman relates the very humorous tale of the lawyer on the beach and proclaims him shishkaBob.

Luan introduces Bob and jumps down this bitches throat with both barrels...very un Luan like behavior.

And now I return you to more idyllic postings......