Thinking about going to Hawaii....

[gregintenn]

My wife and kids want to go to Hawaii this fall. I've never been, but I'm always the designated trip planner. I would appreciate any suggestions you all have regarding places to stay, places to eat, and things to do and see while there.

[Erich]

If you spend any time in Honolulu (which I'd recommend), we very much enjoyed this tour:

Hawaii Food Tours - Voted Best Tours on Hawaii for 2012 & 2013!

[gregintenn]

I would also like to add that I have two sons who are 10 and 15 years old, so keep in mind they'll need to be entertained as well.

[YogiBear]

Aloha

PM me with your email address and I can help you with info about visiting Hawaii.

[mjlabs]

I too will be making a trip to Hawaii later this year or next spring, as my nephew is stationed there with the navy. Anyways, some people I have talked to that have been say a visit to the Pearl Harbor Memorial is a must see or the ones that were in Hawaii that didn't visit it, 'regret that they didn't...'

With your boys and the ages they are, I wouldn't miss out on that stop. IMO

[gregintenn]

Originally Posted by mjlabs

I too will be making a trip to Hawaii later this year or next spring, as my nephew is stationed there with the navy. Anyways, some people I have talked to that have been say a visit to the Pearl Harbor Memorial is a must see or the ones that were in Hawaii that didn't visit it, 'regret that they didn't...'

With your boys and the ages they are, I wouldn't miss out on that stop. IMO

Oddly enough, my kids seem to enjoy historical sites; especially the 10 year old. I already planned on visiting pearl harbor. I also think I would like to see a volcano.

My older son had mentioned a beach with black sand. I don't want to miss much while on this trip.

[mjlabs]

....and I don't blame you. I'm just your typical middle class family guy and while I have a place to stay in Hawaii I figure its my only real chance at ever visiting Hawaii, given the cost obviously. Only reason I jumped at mentioning Pearl Harbor is because I think it could easily get removed from the vacation plans with all the great food, beaches, etc......UNFORTUNATELY. That's good to know your son is into history. Enjoy the trip my friend.....

[diamonback68]

Originally Posted by gregintenn

I also think I would like to see a volcano.

My older son had mentioned a beach with black sand. I don't want to miss much while on this trip.

Both of those are on the big island Hawaii. Flights over there used to be about $100, not sure now.

[427mach1]

I would recommend Pearl Harbor, the Dole Plantation, the Polynesian Cultural Center, snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, and spending a day at the beach on the North Shore. All of these activities are on Oahu. Then, you need to fly to another island to see the volcanoes and black beaches. I've only been to Oahu so I'll let someone else cover the other islands.

[hsguy]

We try to get to Hawaii twice a year and offer a few general tips.

Don't take a 4 island in 10 days trip, you spend half your time at the airport.

Rent a condo rather than a hotel room, nice to have a full kitchen and laundry facility on site, usually cheaper also.

Depending on the time of year some islands or areas of islands are better than others in terms of rainfall, wave height, whale watching etc.. We usually go to Kauai in the fall and Maui in the winter.

I am sure that YogiBear can offer very detailed information but feel free to contact me if you wish also.

One our favorite spots on Kauai.

[revho]

Duke's on Sunday.

[servmgr64]

We were ther for 10 days.5 on our own & 5 with corporate people. While on our own we rented a condo with full kitchen & ate mostly in. There was so much to see & do that we were very busy. Probably most relaxing trip we have had after 39 years of marriage. We did the island jumping 8 years ago on another corporate trip & it was tiring. Don't try to see everything on all the islands pick 2 & spend some time on them, don't spend all your time packing & unpacking. Rent a condo wherever you go they are plentiful & will help with the cost. Wherever you decide to go have a great trip.

[mojave30cal]

I was born and raised there. Moved to Las Vegas in 1993. When
you go, bring money! Aloha.

[rwsmith]

Never been, don't know if I'll make it. Ya'll have a great time. Say hello to Jack Lord and Kamehameha for us.

[1sg]

Hike to the top of Diamond Head! Its a relatively easy hike along an established, well maintained trail and--Free! The panoramic view of the Windward and southern shores of Oahu are simply awesome. Enjoy...

[YogiBear]

Aloha,

For those of you who are even Thinking of coming to Hawaii, PM me with your email and what you want to see and do.

That way the Wife and I can make suggestions.

Suggestions to rent a condo or hotel with cooking facilities are a good idea.

Remember that as NRA, AAA, AARP etc. members car rentals do offer discounts. But, if you have a room and car deal, Always Ask the car company for Upgrades.
Be surprised at the Deals depending on factors at the moment.

Mentioned this to the Wife, she said she May have stuff at her office to pass one. She has to look.

Years ago her office had a list of places to see/go and places to eat.

Unfortunately due to retirements etc the list wasn't kept up and is out of date.

Try Not to see all the islands in a week. Best to pick one and stay for several days/week if possible.

Remember we are part of the USA. We do have LOTS of traffic. Not the Hawaii of yesteryear.

About firearms. Leave yours at home. NO CCW reciprocity. Hawaii is very safe compared to other places. But, doesn't mean we don't have our share of BGs.

Folding knives are OK with the usual No Nos.

I can go on and on.

Again, if you have specific questions, PM me with your email and I will try to help you plan your trip.

[glenncal1]

If you go to the big island, make sure to plan a day where you are at the volcano park both day and night. What you see at night depends on what is erupting at the time but the sights can be awsome. If you are interested in a tropical botanic garden:

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, A Garden in a Valley on the Ocean

Not to far from Hilo on the big island.

[DeadAye]

Be sure to see a rainbow
If you're on Oahu hit Sunset Beach on The North Shore late one (or more) afternoon(s). The Luau and evening show at Polynesian Cultural Center is pretty cool too...

Our company did several jobs at Hickam over the years - Theeeeee best lesson that I learned was *Rent a Convertible*

[quneur]

Hawai'i is rich with tradition and history. Unfortunately, its association with the US is steeped in controversy. I haven't been back since over 20years. But a good start is here:

History of Hawaii - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

During the plantation history, plantation owners imported the Chinese, Japanese, Portugese, Filiphinos and Korean workers (the first two in larger numbers). Earlier, the missionaries brought small pox which decimated the native Hawai'ians. The Chinese workers were also brought in to be bred with Hawai'ians to strengthen the workforce. Today, many Hawai'ians are mixed blood Hawai'ian/Chinese.

The Japanese came and worked. They brought in the idea of organized labor. When their contract up, the plantation owners didn't renew. The Japanese who remained went into fields traditionally held in esteem - politics and teaching; similar to American values of being a lawyer or doctor. Teaching is fairly diverse but the political machine is Japanese.

The local culture is a mix of all those culture. Pigeon english is a mixture of words from different cultures but being Hawai'i, it becomes unique. With the history and unique culture, the locals can be resentful of mainlanders. Tourist are welcome if they respect the locals and the customs.

With that framework, places I recommend would be, beside the normal tourist places:
City of Refuge: Big Island.
Parker Ranch: 1/4 million acres on Mauna Kea on the Big Island. Beautiful country.
Hulihee Palace - Kona, Big Island.

Bishop Museum - Oahu. Losts of Hawai'iana artifacts.
Pali lookout - Oahu.
Kailua (mountain side or Mauna side) - just drive around. The beaches are nicer.
Rainbow Drive Inn - local plate lunch. Next to Honolulu Zoo.
Haiku Gardens - not as great as the original when it was located in Haiku Gardens. Left after they moved but the original was beautiful. Open air restaurant. We used to watch traditional Hawai'ian weddings (bridesmaid representing each island and bride does her elegant traditional dance at the end) while we ate. If you get a chance to see an Hawai'ian wedding, it will wow you.

I spent a lot of weekends huntung on Molokai. Its a throw back to earlier days. No street lights and a moritorium on two stories building height. The people are friendly and trusting but lazy. If you ask for something like a beverage in a restaurant, item in the store, don't be surprised if you are directed to where its at; even if its in the storeroom or kitchen..

Edit: there were Measles. whooping cough, and influenza epidemics prior to smallpox.