Hawaii....help me (1 Viewer)

[DA RAIDERS]

My coworkers just sent me $700 to pass on to my in-laws. So sweet

 

[ghostguy123]

This is the kinda stuff I wish the government response would be like, a few hours, where everyone involved is picked up and taken to "somewhere" while a mega-crew goes and fixes everything.
Like SIM CITY style

 

[DA RAIDERS]

This is the kinda stuff I wish the government response would be like, a few hours, where everyone involved is picked up and taken to "somewhere" while a mega-crew goes and fixes everything.
Like SIM CITY style

It could be done. Bezos gave 100M.

 

[Joe Bryant]

that’s awesome Joe. Is there a way to purchase another subscription basically add a year. since I have an active one now.

Sorry but we have it set up so you can only have one subscription at a time (to safeguard against someone accidentally buying two). So we don't have a way for you to purchase another. You're doing a lot already. All good here on that front.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Joe, I got a notice the other day that my plan will be renewed on the 16th, and that is the day I will be billed. I didn't even know renewals happened automatically. Is that new? Anyway, I tried to move it up to the 13th, but I couldn't figure out how. If you can do it, can you bill me on the 13th or 14th so it will go towards the Maui Food Bank? Thanks.

Hi @simey. Yes, the subscriptions are set to autorenew unless you choose not to renew. We're not able to change that. For a donation, you can donate directly to the food bank. https://mauifoodbank.org/. Thanks.

 

[Joe Bryant]

We're up to a little over $16,000 in sales today so that'll be $3,200 for today on the donation thing. Then whatever we get tomorrow.

 

[simey]

Joe, I got a notice the other day that my plan will be renewed on the 16th, and that is the day I will be billed. I didn't even know renewals happened automatically. Is that new? Anyway, I tried to move it up to the 13th, but I couldn't figure out how. If you can do it, can you bill me on the 13th or 14th so it will go towards the Maui Food Bank? Thanks.

Hi @simey. Yes, the subscriptions are set to autorenew unless you choose not to renew. We're not able to change that. For a donation, you can donate directly to the food bank. https://mauifoodbank.org/. Thanks.

I was gonna just cancel the renewal and sign up again within the 13th/14th timeframe, but I get a window when I hit cancel renewal that says, "Are you sure? Your plan will remain active until its current expiration, at which point it will not renew and expire. This process does not initiate a refund of any kind."

 

[This_Guy]

https://twitter.com/Football_Guys/status/1690530311082283008?s=20

We're donating 20% of sales of new Footballguys Premium subscriptions sold Sunday 8/13 and Monday 8/14 to the Maui Food Bank. https://mauifoodbank.org/

Very cool of you @Joe Bryant . One my favorite things about FBGs is the community and you do a lot to build that and support community efforts through your business. Thank you!

 

[The General]

We're up to a little over $16,000 in sales today so that'll be $3,200 for today on the donation thing. Then whatever we get tomorrow.

Very cool.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I was gonna just cancel the renewal and sign up again within the 13th/14th timeframe, but I get a window when I hit cancel renewal that says, "Are you sure? Your plan will remain active until its current expiration, at which point it will not renew and expire. This process does not initiate a refund of any kind."

No worries. Probably just best to let it renew automatically like that and not try the cancel / renew thing as this is a pretty unique situation. Thanks for thinking of this.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Good news. Last night finished at over $18,000 in sales so that's $3,600 for donation just for Sunday. Mondays are usually a slower day but opefully we'll get a good bit more today.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Had 2 friends give $1000 each today.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Hey y’all. Looks like sales for the two days were $38,414.83 total.

20% for the Maui Food Bank will be $7,682.97.

Thanks for helping us get the word out and for supporting.

We received a message Sunday that the food bank was running out of food daily so we sent an advance of $5k. We'll send another payment today to make up the difference to $7,682.97.

Thanks for your support on all this.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Here's a hard question that I don't know the answer to.

I have a friend who's got a trip to Maui planned in mid October and he's wondering if they should go.

I read something recently where a tourist on Maui was snorkeling on the far side of the island away from the fires and they were berated by people for vacationing while people were dealing with incredible trauma. I can understand that.

I read another thing from a local person there that was more along the lines of "Please give us time to grieve, but please come visit". With so many jobs tied to tourism, people vacationing there is hugely important for the local people.

Not sure of the right balance.

 

[Hot Diggity Dog]

Here's a hard question that I don't know the answer to.

I have a friend who's got a trip to Maui planned in mid October and he's wondering if they should go.

I read something recently where a tourist on Maui was snorkeling on the far side of the island away from the fires and they were berated by people for vacationing while people were dealing with incredible trauma. I can understand that.

I read another thing from a local person there that was more along the lines of "Please give us time to grieve, but please come visit". With so many jobs tied to tourism, people vacationing there is hugely important for the local people.

Not sure of the right balance.

I would go in October, the economy is going to need it.

 

[Scoresman]

Here's a hard question that I don't know the answer to.

I have a friend who's got a trip to Maui planned in mid October and he's wondering if they should go.

I read something recently where a tourist on Maui was snorkeling on the far side of the island away from the fires and they were berated by people for vacationing while people were dealing with incredible trauma. I can understand that.

I read another thing from a local person there that was more along the lines of "Please give us time to grieve, but please come visit". With so many jobs tied to tourism, people vacationing there is hugely important for the local people.

Not sure of the right balance.

They should go. We have plans the first week of October and are still planning to go at this point.

The Maui visitors subreddit has had a few locals come on recently saying they are really going to continue to need tourists to support their businesses.

Mid October should be fine.

There have always been a few anti-tourist locals in Hawaii. The fires gave them a bit of a soapbox. That said, be a good tourist. Stay away from Lahaina, realize that the people waiting on you at businesses and restaurants are working but may have lost their home or know someone who has. Tip a little extra. Be a little more patient if things take longer.

 

[Pipes]

I wouldn't judge anyone for visiting Maui in October but for me it's too soon. Maui's going to be a mess for a while with displaced locals and lack of resources for them. I'd reschedule or visit other islands. Just my opinion not that its right or wrong.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Here's a hard question that I don't know the answer to.

I have a friend who's got a trip to Maui planned in mid October and he's wondering if they should go.

I read something recently where a tourist on Maui was snorkeling on the far side of the island away from the fires and they were berated by people for vacationing while people were dealing with incredible trauma. I can understand that.

I read another thing from a local person there that was more along the lines of "Please give us time to grieve, but please come visit". With so many jobs tied to tourism, people vacationing there is hugely important for the local people.

Not sure of the right balance.

I’ll ask my family for their input.

for me, if they are on the west side, don’t go. If they are on the Kihei side. Maybe. Honestly, imho, it’s too early right now to know the answer.

 

[Don Quixote]

I think October is different from now. Things are still pretty raw now as just happened a week ago, and folks are still processing the trauma and loss.

Hawaii Tourism Authority has an FAQ, which says to stay away from West Maui. Rest of Maui open for tourists, but to be respectful. I’d probably encourage them to monitor for any updates between now and then.

Maui Wildfires Update

www.hawaiitourismauthority.org

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Here's a hard question that I don't know the answer to.

I have a friend who's got a trip to Maui planned in mid October and he's wondering if they should go.

I read something recently where a tourist on Maui was snorkeling on the far side of the island away from the fires and they were berated by people for vacationing while people were dealing with incredible trauma. I can understand that.

I read another thing from a local person there that was more along the lines of "Please give us time to grieve, but please come visit". With so many jobs tied to tourism, people vacationing there is hugely important for the local people.

Not sure of the right balance.

I’ll ask my family for their input.

for me, if they are on the west side, don’t go. If they are on the Kihei side. Maybe. Honestly, imho, it’s too early right now to know the answer.

here are the responses from my family members:

"they should come as long as they are not going to the west side. wailea, kihei, etc is fine. we don't want to destroy the economy here."

"but they can't expect to do activities or eat at restaurants on the west side either" "some people are clueless so if they come, they can't be unaware of the situation"

at this point i asked if kaanapali and beyond was "open"

the responses: "no" "that's where all the refugees are" "the whole west side is closed from the pali to past honolua bay" "we need the people to come. kihei/wailea and even hana are fine. they're trying to keep people employed"

it's so heartbreaking to hear their answers knowing that their home, their business, their work place are all in ashes. but they still want to prop up the rest of the island.

 

[Scoresman]

Here's a hard question that I don't know the answer to.

I have a friend who's got a trip to Maui planned in mid October and he's wondering if they should go.

I read something recently where a tourist on Maui was snorkeling on the far side of the island away from the fires and they were berated by people for vacationing while people were dealing with incredible trauma. I can understand that.

I read another thing from a local person there that was more along the lines of "Please give us time to grieve, but please come visit". With so many jobs tied to tourism, people vacationing there is hugely important for the local people.

Not sure of the right balance.

I’ll ask my family for their input.

for me, if they are on the west side, don’t go. If they are on the Kihei side. Maybe. Honestly, imho, it’s too early right now to know the answer.

here are the responses from my family members:

"they should come as long as they are not going to the west side. wailea, kihei, etc is fine. we don't want to destroy the economy here."

"but they can't expect to do activities or eat at restaurants on the west side either" "some people are clueless so if they come, they can't be unaware of the situation"

at this point i asked if kaanapali and beyond was "open"

the responses: "no" "that's where all the refugees are" "the whole west side is closed from the pali to past honolua bay" "we need the people to come. kihei/wailea and even hana are fine. they're trying to keep people employed"

it's so heartbreaking to hear their answers knowing that their home, their business, their work place are all in ashes. but they still want to prop up the rest of the island.

Thanks. This makes sense. Our timeshare on Kaanapali cancelled everything through 8/20 and I expect they will cancel through 8/31. I don't even know if the resorts there have power right now. I cant imagine that's a priority.

So sorry for your family's losses.

 

[culdeus]

Here's a hard question that I don't know the answer to.

I have a friend who's got a trip to Maui planned in mid October and he's wondering if they should go.

I read something recently where a tourist on Maui was snorkeling on the far side of the island away from the fires and they were berated by people for vacationing while people were dealing with incredible trauma. I can understand that.

I read another thing from a local person there that was more along the lines of "Please give us time to grieve, but please come visit". With so many jobs tied to tourism, people vacationing there is hugely important for the local people.

Not sure of the right balance.

I’ll ask my family for their input.

for me, if they are on the west side, don’t go. If they are on the Kihei side. Maybe. Honestly, imho, it’s too early right now to know the answer.

here are the responses from my family members:

"they should come as long as they are not going to the west side. wailea, kihei, etc is fine. we don't want to destroy the economy here."

"but they can't expect to do activities or eat at restaurants on the west side either" "some people are clueless so if they come, they can't be unaware of the situation"

at this point i asked if kaanapali and beyond was "open"

the responses: "no" "that's where all the refugees are" "the whole west side is closed from the pali to past honolua bay" "we need the people to come. kihei/wailea and even hana are fine. they're trying to keep people employed"

it's so heartbreaking to hear their answers knowing that their home, their business, their work place are all in ashes. but they still want to prop up the rest of the island.

Just go to a different island. Any tourist going to Maui gonna just be in the way imo

 

[DA RAIDERS]

My in-laws sent me this site for info on the Maui fires if anyone would like more info.

https://www.civilbeat.org/2023/08/maui-fires-your-questions-answered/

 

[Don Quixote]

Here's a hard question that I don't know the answer to.

I have a friend who's got a trip to Maui planned in mid October and he's wondering if they should go.

I read something recently where a tourist on Maui was snorkeling on the far side of the island away from the fires and they were berated by people for vacationing while people were dealing with incredible trauma. I can understand that.

I read another thing from a local person there that was more along the lines of "Please give us time to grieve, but please come visit". With so many jobs tied to tourism, people vacationing there is hugely important for the local people.

Not sure of the right balance.

Not sure if your friend is still planning to go, but latest official updates are that Hawaii (including accessible areas of Maui) need tourism “now more than ever.” West Maui (except for Lahaina) will open up Oct. 8th.

Maui Official Travel Site: Find Vacation & Travel Information | Go Hawaii

Find travel information about the island of Maui, including activities, lodging, dining and more from the official resource for the state of Hawaii.

www.gohawaii.com

Respectful travel to any of the Hawaiian Islands, including the accessible areas of Maui, is welcomed and encouraged, now more than ever. Beginning October 8th, all travel restrictions will end and West Maui (including Nāpili, Kāʻanapali, Honokōwai and Kapalua) will be open to visitors again with the exception of Lahaina. Your visit will support Hawaiʻi’s businesses and workers that rely on tourism for their families’ livelihood, especially when you are mindful in the following ways:

• Visit with aloha and compassion. 
• Support local businesses. 
• Consider participating in unique volunteer opportunities throughout the islands.
• Learn about the historical and cultural significance of Lahaina but stay away from the area as a means of respect for the people and places that have been lost during this devastating tragedy.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Here's a hard question that I don't know the answer to.

I have a friend who's got a trip to Maui planned in mid October and he's wondering if they should go.

I read something recently where a tourist on Maui was snorkeling on the far side of the island away from the fires and they were berated by people for vacationing while people were dealing with incredible trauma. I can understand that.

I read another thing from a local person there that was more along the lines of "Please give us time to grieve, but please come visit". With so many jobs tied to tourism, people vacationing there is hugely important for the local people.

Not sure of the right balance.

Not sure if your friend is still planning to go, but latest official updates are that Hawaii (including accessible areas of Maui) saying need tourism “more than ever.” West Maui (except for Lahaina) will open up Oct. 8th.

Maui Official Travel Site: Find Vacation & Travel Information | Go Hawaii

Find travel information about the island of Maui, including activities, lodging, dining and more from the official resource for the state of Hawaii.

www.gohawaii.com

Respectful travel to any of the Hawaiian Islands, including the accessible areas of Maui, is welcomed and encouraged, now more than ever. Beginning October 8th, all travel restrictions will end and West Maui (including Nāpili, Kāʻanapali, Honokōwai and Kapalua) will be open to visitors again with the exception of Lahaina. Your visit will support Hawaiʻi’s businesses and workers that rely on tourism for their families’ livelihood, especially when you are mindful in the following ways:

• Visit with aloha and compassion. 
• Support local businesses. 
• Consider participating in unique volunteer opportunities throughout the islands.
• Learn about the historical and cultural significance of Lahaina but stay away from the area as a means of respect for the people and places that have been lost during this devastating tragedy.

Thanks. Not sure. They got a ton of negative feedback for even considering back when they asked and I'm pretty sure they picked another spot.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Here's a hard question that I don't know the answer to.

I have a friend who's got a trip to Maui planned in mid October and he's wondering if they should go.

I read something recently where a tourist on Maui was snorkeling on the far side of the island away from the fires and they were berated by people for vacationing while people were dealing with incredible trauma. I can understand that.

I read another thing from a local person there that was more along the lines of "Please give us time to grieve, but please come visit". With so many jobs tied to tourism, people vacationing there is hugely important for the local people.

Not sure of the right balance.

Not sure if your friend is still planning to go, but latest official updates are that Hawaii (including accessible areas of Maui) saying need tourism “more than ever.” West Maui (except for Lahaina) will open up Oct. 8th.

Maui Official Travel Site: Find Vacation & Travel Information | Go Hawaii

Find travel information about the island of Maui, including activities, lodging, dining and more from the official resource for the state of Hawaii.

www.gohawaii.com

Respectful travel to any of the Hawaiian Islands, including the accessible areas of Maui, is welcomed and encouraged, now more than ever. Beginning October 8th, all travel restrictions will end and West Maui (including Nāpili, Kāʻanapali, Honokōwai and Kapalua) will be open to visitors again with the exception of Lahaina. Your visit will support Hawaiʻi’s businesses and workers that rely on tourism for their families’ livelihood, especially when you are mindful in the following ways:

• Visit with aloha and compassion. 
• Support local businesses. 
• Consider participating in unique volunteer opportunities throughout the islands.
• Learn about the historical and cultural significance of Lahaina but stay away from the area as a means of respect for the people and places that have been lost during this devastating tragedy.

Thanks. Not sure. They got a ton of negative feedback for even considering back when they asked and I'm pretty sure they picked another spot.

They want/need people to come. Go to local businesses! My wife is going on 11/1 just to hug her brother.

 

[Phil Elliott]

We are returning in Dec...to Kauai. You can still get RT (Austin) for $400-$525 if anyone is considering.

 

[The General]

We are returning in Dec...to Kauai. You can still get RT (Austin) for $400-$525 if anyone is considering.

Heading to Maui in December. Booked a month or so ago and was seeing the lowest prices for flights and hotels I had seen in quite a long time.

 

[The General]

Link

Tourism returning to Lahaina.

 

[Phil Elliott]

In our second week at Kauai. Kona low provided some heavy rainy days last week. Sun broke on Friday and weather is great since. Waimea canyon was crystal clear on Friday. 25 foot waves north shore/NaPali coast yesterday/today. South shores are nice. Usually we do a condo at Poipu Shores (we like having a/c but most places don't have it). This time we did first week at Sheraton Kauai Resort in Poipu. Big promotion from American Air allows me to keep/upgrade status for next year. It was nice but lacking the finer touches.
This week at the Grand Hyatt. They do everything right here. Popular "attraction" at Poipu Beach is the turtles swim up to the beach across street from Brennecke's Broiler at sunset for the night. There were 50 of them this week.
Big local news is Alaska/Hawaiian Air merger. Locals prefer to keep Hawaiian Air separate.
ETA: Stay away from the Hyatt luau. We watched it from our room balcony. MC was bad, hula dancers were bad, fire dancers both dropped their batons off the stage. It was pretty "cheesy". $200+ person. Go to the Plantation luau instead as it is a more traditional one explaining the history of how Hawaii was inhabited and better talent.

 

[The General]

Heading to Maui on Saturday. Long needed R and R.

Anyone golfed any of the three courses in Wailea?

 

[Tick]

After returning to Hawaii for the first time in a decade last February, we're going back again this year. Man, I love the anticipation of one of these trips.

 

[The General]

After returning to Hawaii for the first time in a decade last February, we're going back again this year. Man, I love the anticipation of one of these trips.

It’s the best! I never got going to the same places on big trips…until a Hawaii trip. Just too nice there.

 

[CGRdrJoe]

Heading to Maui on Saturday. Long needed R and R.

Anyone golfed any of the three courses in Wailea?

oh dang sorry I didn't see this before as I've played all 3 and enjoyed the emerald course the most but all 3 were good.

headed to waikiki in 3 weeks and am doing both of the below, I visited Pearl Harbor once before almost 20 years ago and remember how heavy it feels out there. Planning to do a sunset harbor cruise off waikiki and possibly a whale watching one if there are humpbacks in the area, I know that they are typically up on the north shore but not sure we will head over there due to traffic/crowds this time of year.

@Don Quixote

• Day 3 - Went to Kualoa Ranch and did a Jurassic Adventure Tour. That was a pretty cool spot, and they took around to see a number of the filming locations from the movies. Lots of other types of tour options and adventures there.
• Day 4 - Pearl Harbor / Arizona Memorial. Pretty special place; not sure what more can be said. Did the audio tour beforehand.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

Residents say they get island fever. But when I go to Hawaii, I wonder why I leave.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Residents say they get island fever. But when I go to Hawaii, I wonder why I leave.

If you travel a few times a year, and have friends/family in the islands, this is never an issue.

I love mountains and snow, but there is nothing like the sensation of the island breeze when I return to HI. Instantly, my skin re-hydrates, and I feel a few years younger.

 

[Drunken knight]

Just saw that aloha mixed plate re-opened on Maui. I used to really like them.

Hoping we get star noodle back somewhere

 

[Tick]

After returning to Hawaii for the first time in a decade last February, we're going back again this year. Man, I love the anticipation of one of these trips.

We had a great time, of course. Big Island, staying in Kona.

New things we did:

• Hiked to Green Sands Beach and back, were about 20 feet from a huge seal rolling around and sunning itself.
• Kayaked to the Cook monument at Honaunau and snorkeled with a kayak tied to my arm.
• Rode the ziplines at Umauma. Very cool, but not worth the cost. Neat waterfalls, though.
• Did a combined lunch and tour at a vanilla farm. Good food, interesting tour.
• Took a Mauna Kea sunset summit and short stargazing tour. They had parkas, which was good since it was below freezing.
• Had a weird coincidence where we stopped at a spot to check on snorkeling and rejected it as much too rough, but ended up whale watching with a club of ~20 ukelele players playing right behind us in a pavilion - they had screens with the music they were playing and sang along, and it was great.
• Walked along spots in Kona and just took every public access path to see what was at the end. We saw some neat stuff - a public saltwater swimming pool that the surf hits and turns over (cool spot for a kid's first snorkeling since were some fish that ended up in there), some neat little beaches and exploding surf spots, etc.

We also did a lot of the old favorites - Hapuna, Kua Bay, Mauna Kea Beach, snorkeling everywhere we thought was safe, eating fish sandwiches, taking long walks every morning (only one day under 15k steps). It was pretty perfect.

 

[-fish-]

Residents say they get island fever. But when I go to Hawaii, I wonder why I leave.

Lived on the Big Island for a year. Definitely got the rock fever. Started missing SoCal traffic.

 

[Drunken knight]

Just saw that aloha mixed plate re-opened on Maui. I used to really like them.

Hoping we get star noodle back somewhere

Heard star noodle is going to reopen next door to aloha mixed plate

 

[Phil Elliott]

Kilauea just started "erupting" in a fissure SW of the "main crater" in an area that hasn't seen an eruption in over 50 years.

Kilauea erupting again after months-long pause https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2024/06/03/kilauea-erupting-again-after-months-long-pause/

x.com

x.com

6/4 ETA - stopped erupting.

 

[Drunken knight]

Just saw that aloha mixed plate re-opened on Maui. I used to really like them.

Hoping we get star noodle back somewhere

Just saw a “we’re hiring” for star noodle

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Just saw that aloha mixed plate re-opened on Maui. I used to really like them.

Hoping we get star noodle back somewhere

Just saw a “we’re hiring” for star noodle

I’ll ask my in-laws for more info

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Just returned earlier this week from about 2-1/2 weeks doing some island hopping between Oahu, the Big Island, and Kauai. I’m on a month-long sabbatical from work and making the most of it. Some of trip report below. I was traveling with a 7 year old, so a lot of kid-friendly activities were involved.

Oahu

• Hotel-wise: Split time between the Moana Surfrider in Waikiki, and the Disney Aulani. Moana Surfrider had a nice central location for the start of the trip. Wife was pushing for some time at the Disney Aulani for the 7 year old.
• Day 1 - Spent day on Waikiki and mostly used it to acclimate to the time change. Reserved some chairs through hotel on the beach, which was worth it given spent the whole day there.
• Day 2 - In the morning, drove by Iolani Palace and stopped to take some pictures. We also drove around Punchbowl Cemetery and walked around to see some of the notable gravesites there. Then went up to the Polynesian Cultural Center, walked around the “islands” there, and did the dinner buffet followed by show at night.
• Day 3 - Went to Kualoa Ranch and did a Jurassic Adventure Tour. That was a pretty cool spot, and they took around to see a number of the filming locations from the movies. Lots of other types of tour options and adventures there.
• Day 4 - Pearl Harbor / Arizona Memorial. Pretty special place; not sure what more can be said. Did the audio tour beforehand.
• Day 5 - Checked out of the Moana Surfrider and went to the Aulani on this date. We went to the Dole Plantation while waiting for room to be ready. That was a bit of bust. Had some Dole Whip and did the maze. Wait time for the train was about 90 minutes, and did not want to stand in line that long. (Can’t reserve train in advance, so you are just stuck with whatever the line is.)
• Rest of time on Oahu was just hanging out at the Aulani. The kid did enjoy the Aulani and called it his favorite hotel, particularly the lazy river and water slide. Got some photos of a monk seal on the “secret beach” one morning, which was pretty cool too.

Big Island

• Hotel-wise: Split between the Volcano House inside Volcanoes National Park, and the Mauna Kea Resort.
• Day 1: Drove from Kona to Volcano along the southern side of the Belt Road. Stopped at the Punalu’u Bake Shop and Black Sand Beach on the way to Volcano. Could have skipped the bake shop (good Bismark Malasada, but not sure worth the wait). Black Sand Beach was really cool; a number of sea turtles hanging out there.
• Day 2: Spent the day at Volcanoes National Park. Awesome time there. Still can see steam coming up from the crater. The Volcanoes House Hotel was right on the crater rim, and could see the steam from our room. (While I liked the hotel, it was my 7 year old‘s least favorite hotel because it did not have either a TV or a pool. Draw is really the location rather than the amenities.)
• Day 3: Drove up from Volcano to the Mauna Kea Resort, taking the northern end of the Belt Road. Stopped near Hilo at a chocolate farm called Lavaloha, and had an excellent tour there. My son obviously appreciated the chocolate tastings.
• Spent the evening and next day at the Mauna Kea Resort. Had dinner at Manta Restaurant one night, which was excellent. Even though a fine dining place, they had a kids menu. The Manta Point is pretty cool, as can see the manta rays up close at night. The beach was really nice there, and I think my favorite beach in our time in Hawaii, as not too crowded relative to the others that we went too.

Kauai

• Hotel-wise: Stayed at the Koloa Landing Resort in Popui. Not really a beach in walking distance from the property, but the pool is great; the hotel makes much of the fact that it was voted “Best Pool In America.” It really is a nice pool with slides, waterfalls, easy-entry areas for the kids. Room was pretty spacious too, as ours came with a full kitchen, which was nice to have after all of our hopping between hotels and needing to eat out basically every meal.
• Day 1: After landing in Kauai and dropping off bags, went up to Anaina Hou community park and played a round of some mini golf. Gorgeous mini golf course set among botanical gardens.
• Day 2 - My favorite day of the entire trip. Spent the morning and early afternoon driving through Waimea Canyon State Park and Ko’kee State Park. Gorgeous beyond words. Then did a sunset cruise along the Na Pali coast with Holoholo Charters. Coastline obviously amazing itself. Also saw a pod of dolphins and double rainbow, and ending with the sunset over the ocean was all just jaw-dropping. They were good with our son, including helping to bring him up to the front of the ship to see the dolphins. Also free-flowing mai tai’s for the adults.
• Another day or two here was mostly just spent hanging out at the pool at the resort. My wife went to the Anara Spa at the Hyatt one morning; she said it was nice but liked the one at the Aulani more, FWIW.

As I posted a couple of weeks ago before the trip, helicopter was off the table. And hiking pretty much off the table too, as wife not interested in that, and son still pretty young. Think if I go back, I’d like to go back to the Big Island, as would have liked to explore a bit more of the waterfalls, etc. Kauai was my favorite island and would like to do some of the moderate hiking and explore a bit more there.

Quoted to the thread.


I’ll read back several pages (pre fire) but for now…..


I’ll be visiting Honolulu for 9 days in about a month, is there anything I should do now?

So far, Pearl Harbor is 1 of 1 on my list.

 

[Don Quixote]

Just returned earlier this week from about 2-1/2 weeks doing some island hopping between Oahu, the Big Island, and Kauai. I’m on a month-long sabbatical from work and making the most of it. Some of trip report below. I was traveling with a 7 year old, so a lot of kid-friendly activities were involved.

Oahu

• Hotel-wise: Split time between the Moana Surfrider in Waikiki, and the Disney Aulani. Moana Surfrider had a nice central location for the start of the trip. Wife was pushing for some time at the Disney Aulani for the 7 year old.
• Day 1 - Spent day on Waikiki and mostly used it to acclimate to the time change. Reserved some chairs through hotel on the beach, which was worth it given spent the whole day there.
• Day 2 - In the morning, drove by Iolani Palace and stopped to take some pictures. We also drove around Punchbowl Cemetery and walked around to see some of the notable gravesites there. Then went up to the Polynesian Cultural Center, walked around the “islands” there, and did the dinner buffet followed by show at night.
• Day 3 - Went to Kualoa Ranch and did a Jurassic Adventure Tour. That was a pretty cool spot, and they took around to see a number of the filming locations from the movies. Lots of other types of tour options and adventures there.
• Day 4 - Pearl Harbor / Arizona Memorial. Pretty special place; not sure what more can be said. Did the audio tour beforehand.
• Day 5 - Checked out of the Moana Surfrider and went to the Aulani on this date. We went to the Dole Plantation while waiting for room to be ready. That was a bit of bust. Had some Dole Whip and did the maze. Wait time for the train was about 90 minutes, and did not want to stand in line that long. (Can’t reserve train in advance, so you are just stuck with whatever the line is.)
• Rest of time on Oahu was just hanging out at the Aulani. The kid did enjoy the Aulani and called it his favorite hotel, particularly the lazy river and water slide. Got some photos of a monk seal on the “secret beach” one morning, which was pretty cool too.

Big Island

• Hotel-wise: Split between the Volcano House inside Volcanoes National Park, and the Mauna Kea Resort.
• Day 1: Drove from Kona to Volcano along the southern side of the Belt Road. Stopped at the Punalu’u Bake Shop and Black Sand Beach on the way to Volcano. Could have skipped the bake shop (good Bismark Malasada, but not sure worth the wait). Black Sand Beach was really cool; a number of sea turtles hanging out there.
• Day 2: Spent the day at Volcanoes National Park. Awesome time there. Still can see steam coming up from the crater. The Volcanoes House Hotel was right on the crater rim, and could see the steam from our room. (While I liked the hotel, it was my 7 year old‘s least favorite hotel because it did not have either a TV or a pool. Draw is really the location rather than the amenities.)
• Day 3: Drove up from Volcano to the Mauna Kea Resort, taking the northern end of the Belt Road. Stopped near Hilo at a chocolate farm called Lavaloha, and had an excellent tour there. My son obviously appreciated the chocolate tastings.
• Spent the evening and next day at the Mauna Kea Resort. Had dinner at Manta Restaurant one night, which was excellent. Even though a fine dining place, they had a kids menu. The Manta Point is pretty cool, as can see the manta rays up close at night. The beach was really nice there, and I think my favorite beach in our time in Hawaii, as not too crowded relative to the others that we went too.

Kauai

• Hotel-wise: Stayed at the Koloa Landing Resort in Popui. Not really a beach in walking distance from the property, but the pool is great; the hotel makes much of the fact that it was voted “Best Pool In America.” It really is a nice pool with slides, waterfalls, easy-entry areas for the kids. Room was pretty spacious too, as ours came with a full kitchen, which was nice to have after all of our hopping between hotels and needing to eat out basically every meal.
• Day 1: After landing in Kauai and dropping off bags, went up to Anaina Hou community park and played a round of some mini golf. Gorgeous mini golf course set among botanical gardens.
• Day 2 - My favorite day of the entire trip. Spent the morning and early afternoon driving through Waimea Canyon State Park and Ko’kee State Park. Gorgeous beyond words. Then did a sunset cruise along the Na Pali coast with Holoholo Charters. Coastline obviously amazing itself. Also saw a pod of dolphins and double rainbow, and ending with the sunset over the ocean was all just jaw-dropping. They were good with our son, including helping to bring him up to the front of the ship to see the dolphins. Also free-flowing mai tai’s for the adults.
• Another day or two here was mostly just spent hanging out at the pool at the resort. My wife went to the Anara Spa at the Hyatt one morning; she said it was nice but liked the one at the Aulani more, FWIW.

As I posted a couple of weeks ago before the trip, helicopter was off the table. And hiking pretty much off the table too, as wife not interested in that, and son still pretty young. Think if I go back, I’d like to go back to the Big Island, as would have liked to explore a bit more of the waterfalls, etc. Kauai was my favorite island and would like to do some of the moderate hiking and explore a bit more there.

Quoted to the thread.


I’ll read back several pages (pre fire) but for now…..


I’ll be visiting Honolulu for 9 days in about a month, is there anything I should do now?

So far, Pearl Harbor is 1 of 1 on my list.

I booked a lot of my excursions in advance, just to avoid needing to worry about time slots/activities getting filled up. That includes Pearl Harbor — they do recommend reserving in advance, and that can fill up well in advance.

ETA: link

 

[Phil Elliott]

Just returned earlier this week from about 2-1/2 weeks doing some island hopping between Oahu, the Big Island, and Kauai. I’m on a month-long sabbatical from work and making the most of it. Some of trip report below. I was traveling with a 7 year old, so a lot of kid-friendly activities were involved.

Oahu

• Hotel-wise: Split time between the Moana Surfrider in Waikiki, and the Disney Aulani. Moana Surfrider had a nice central location for the start of the trip. Wife was pushing for some time at the Disney Aulani for the 7 year old.
• Day 1 - Spent day on Waikiki and mostly used it to acclimate to the time change. Reserved some chairs through hotel on the beach, which was worth it given spent the whole day there.
• Day 2 - In the morning, drove by Iolani Palace and stopped to take some pictures. We also drove around Punchbowl Cemetery and walked around to see some of the notable gravesites there. Then went up to the Polynesian Cultural Center, walked around the “islands” there, and did the dinner buffet followed by show at night.
• Day 3 - Went to Kualoa Ranch and did a Jurassic Adventure Tour. That was a pretty cool spot, and they took around to see a number of the filming locations from the movies. Lots of other types of tour options and adventures there.
• Day 4 - Pearl Harbor / Arizona Memorial. Pretty special place; not sure what more can be said. Did the audio tour beforehand.
• Day 5 - Checked out of the Moana Surfrider and went to the Aulani on this date. We went to the Dole Plantation while waiting for room to be ready. That was a bit of bust. Had some Dole Whip and did the maze. Wait time for the train was about 90 minutes, and did not want to stand in line that long. (Can’t reserve train in advance, so you are just stuck with whatever the line is.)
• Rest of time on Oahu was just hanging out at the Aulani. The kid did enjoy the Aulani and called it his favorite hotel, particularly the lazy river and water slide. Got some photos of a monk seal on the “secret beach” one morning, which was pretty cool too.

Big Island

• Hotel-wise: Split between the Volcano House inside Volcanoes National Park, and the Mauna Kea Resort.
• Day 1: Drove from Kona to Volcano along the southern side of the Belt Road. Stopped at the Punalu’u Bake Shop and Black Sand Beach on the way to Volcano. Could have skipped the bake shop (good Bismark Malasada, but not sure worth the wait). Black Sand Beach was really cool; a number of sea turtles hanging out there.
• Day 2: Spent the day at Volcanoes National Park. Awesome time there. Still can see steam coming up from the crater. The Volcanoes House Hotel was right on the crater rim, and could see the steam from our room. (While I liked the hotel, it was my 7 year old‘s least favorite hotel because it did not have either a TV or a pool. Draw is really the location rather than the amenities.)
• Day 3: Drove up from Volcano to the Mauna Kea Resort, taking the northern end of the Belt Road. Stopped near Hilo at a chocolate farm called Lavaloha, and had an excellent tour there. My son obviously appreciated the chocolate tastings.
• Spent the evening and next day at the Mauna Kea Resort. Had dinner at Manta Restaurant one night, which was excellent. Even though a fine dining place, they had a kids menu. The Manta Point is pretty cool, as can see the manta rays up close at night. The beach was really nice there, and I think my favorite beach in our time in Hawaii, as not too crowded relative to the others that we went too.

Kauai

• Hotel-wise: Stayed at the Koloa Landing Resort in Popui. Not really a beach in walking distance from the property, but the pool is great; the hotel makes much of the fact that it was voted “Best Pool In America.” It really is a nice pool with slides, waterfalls, easy-entry areas for the kids. Room was pretty spacious too, as ours came with a full kitchen, which was nice to have after all of our hopping between hotels and needing to eat out basically every meal.
• Day 1: After landing in Kauai and dropping off bags, went up to Anaina Hou community park and played a round of some mini golf. Gorgeous mini golf course set among botanical gardens.
• Day 2 - My favorite day of the entire trip. Spent the morning and early afternoon driving through Waimea Canyon State Park and Ko’kee State Park. Gorgeous beyond words. Then did a sunset cruise along the Na Pali coast with Holoholo Charters. Coastline obviously amazing itself. Also saw a pod of dolphins and double rainbow, and ending with the sunset over the ocean was all just jaw-dropping. They were good with our son, including helping to bring him up to the front of the ship to see the dolphins. Also free-flowing mai tai’s for the adults.
• Another day or two here was mostly just spent hanging out at the pool at the resort. My wife went to the Anara Spa at the Hyatt one morning; she said it was nice but liked the one at the Aulani more, FWIW.

As I posted a couple of weeks ago before the trip, helicopter was off the table. And hiking pretty much off the table too, as wife not interested in that, and son still pretty young. Think if I go back, I’d like to go back to the Big Island, as would have liked to explore a bit more of the waterfalls, etc. Kauai was my favorite island and would like to do some of the moderate hiking and explore a bit more there.

Quoted to the thread.


I’ll read back several pages (pre fire) but for now…..


I’ll be visiting Honolulu for 9 days in about a month, is there anything I should do now?

So far, Pearl Harbor is 1 of 1 on my list.

I believe you still need to make separate reservations to take the boat shuttle to the actual Arizona memorial. The reservations go quick.

 

[Phil Elliott]

Dukes on Waikiki has any excellent breakfast with great view on the beach.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Just saw that aloha mixed plate re-opened on Maui. I used to really like them.

Hoping we get star noodle back somewhere

Just saw a “we’re hiring” for star noodle

I’ll ask my in-laws for more info

Definitely reopening. In the old Frida’s spot

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I think I’ve got Pearl Harbor all set.

Can’t anyone suggest the best way to visit Mauna Kea?

There are so many websites for tours and I don’t want to get scammed. I don’t need any frills, I just wanna see stars with my kids.


Feeling overwhelmed. I’m the worst person when it comes to planning. I just show up and make things happen. Been this way my whole life and I can’t change it.

 

[Don Quixote]

I think I’ve got Pearl Harbor all set.

Can’t anyone suggest the best way to visit Mauna Kea?

There are so many websites for tours and I don’t want to get scammed. I don’t need any frills, I just wanna see stars with my kids.


Feeling overwhelmed. I’m the worst person when it comes to planning. I just show up and make things happen. Been this way my whole life and I can’t change it.

You mentioned visiting Honolulu above. Are you spending nights on the Big Island too? To do stargazing at Mauna Kea, definitely would need to spend the night on the Big Island.