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Hawaii....help me (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter 3 hour lunch
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DA RAIDERS
Footballguy
Judge Smails
Footballguy
When are you going? I’m taking the extended family next August. 8 of us flying from LAX to Kona 8/2. 2 two bedroom units at Kingsland at Hilton Waikoloa. Then four of us flying to Maui on 8/9 for 5 nights staying on Kaanapali beach flying home 8/14. I’ll look at your itin. Know the Big Island really well.
Edited - just saw the right side of your doc - you are staying mostly on the Kohala side. Perfect. Couple of comments:
1) If you're staying at an airbnb, find out if it gets you access to the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Your kids would love the pool/waterslide, etc.
2) Not sure whether you plan to eat out every meal or cook in the condo. You're a captive audience on the Big Island. Our kids got bored with long dinners at the resorts. So after the first time when we got dressed up every night, went to the obligatory luau, etc we have been on a plan of just grilling at the condos. Everyone just swims or chills. Much easier to pack as well. I love grilling ribs having a beer then hop the fence and hit 10 wedges into the green. There's also a town a few miles north where they have a fresh fish place - right off the boat. I buy it and bring it back to grill.
3) A couple beaches not to miss. Hapuna, Mauna Kea. Also liked the one by the Four Seasons.
4) Yes on the night manta ray activity - it's awesome!
5) You can do plenty of snorkeling excursions. We've done most of them. Advantage out in open water as they go to the snorkeling bay destination is they can spot schools of dolphin etc. We got out in front of them, all jumped out and had over 100 dolphin swimming right at us. So cool. We used Kris from Sea Hawaii. Raft vs bigger boat. Not sure if they are still around but very good. Other than that - you have unreal free snorkeling right down the road. It's called 49 Black Sand Beach. You basically go to the Fairmont Orchid and tell them at the gate you want a day pass for Black Sand Beach. There's a boat club but the beach itself is public. Walk right in and the most amazing snorkeling is right in front of you. Gorgeous reef, tons of fish. A lot of the boats that charge $80 or whatever a head actually go there. You can do it for free. Just rent snorkel/fins from Snorkel Bob for a week. We usually made a daily run there, or at least every other day, first thing in the morning. I'd ask who wants to go and we'd make a run for an hour. All you need. Bring swim shoes as the sand being black is obviously very hot.
6) You can do a drive around the island with a 1 night stay near on the Hilo side to see Volcano National Park. That can be hit or miss based on lava flows. The waterfalls are beautiful and worth it if the kids are up for a hike.
Will send more later. We should definitely grab a beer!
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Terminalxylem
Footballguy
Regarding the Big Island:
Captain cook kayaking and snorkeling are great, and Ive heard the Manta Ray night dive nearby is as well.
Unless you want a multi day hike (muliwai trail), the Waipio valley overlook is good enough - going up/down the road into the valley is a PITA.
Green Sand beach is a waste of time.
All the falls and botanical gardens near Hilo are great. Might add the boiling pots to your list, though check conditions as it can flood.
Whats Shakin used to be a great smoothie/lunch place adjacent to a fruit farm on the Hamakua coast, which includes many of the Hilo sights. I haven’t been there in many years, but if it’s still there I’d try it.
Mauna Kea is nice, but there are protests ongoing and it may be a cluster####.
Kamuela is interesting (Hawaiian cowboy town), with good beef, if your into that sort of thing.
Volcano NP is cool, and the town has some nice B&B in which to stay. The Thurston lava tube in the park is probably just as good as the Kaumana caves. Bring a headlamp.
Also, absolutely hike as close as possible to active lava flows - this varies, check with Volcano park rangers. Bring real hiking shoes.
bigbottom
Footballguy
This actually surprises me. I would have thought that the highest property values would have been on Oahu simply because of the population numbers and that most of the non-hospitality employment is there.
Phil Elliott
Footballguy
Just got back from a week on Maui and week on Kauai. Been several times but its been a while since last visit. Lahaina is looking old. We stayed next to Black Rock beach on Kaanapali. Highway bypasses Lahaina now. Went to Mama’s but we liked Merriman’s in Kapalua a little better. Mama’s was too much a process to get you in and out. Played a round of golf at Kapalua. Also did snorkeling trip to Lanai with Pac Whale Foundation-was a great time. Shark sitings closed beaches periodically from Kehei to Wailea on Maui. We enjoyed Kauai better. Stayed in Poipu. Grand Hyatt Poipu is amazing property. If you don’t stay there you can get a daily pool pass. Definitely totally different feel from Maui. Did a Blue Hawaiian helicopter trip around Kauai which was a highlight. Saw a whale off Poipu Beach on Kauai. Whales are just starting to show up. Still haven’t been to Big Island. Looking at Big Island and Kaui next year. Property values on both Maui and Kauai seem to start about $700k+ for condo waterfront with homes $3 mill+ waterfront.
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Andy Dufresne
Footballguy
MauI is still great even when the weather's not.
Three nice and two rainy days last week. Didn't get up to Haleakala this time because it was always cloud covered.
Took the Trilogy tour over to Lanai'i...highlight of the trip.
And then we're back in Minnesota where it's -10 degrees. That's just not right!
Three nice and two rainy days last week. Didn't get up to Haleakala this time because it was always cloud covered.
Took the Trilogy tour over to Lanai'i...highlight of the trip.
And then we're back in Minnesota where it's -10 degrees. That's just not right!
The General
Footballguy
Andy Dufresne
Footballguy
Full day tour for about $250/person. Catamaran takes you from Lahaina to Lanai. Drinks and snacks throughout the trip. Chances of seeing whales is pretty high. Time for snorkeling/hiking/tour of the town. Fantastic roasted chicken meal before beginning the return trip.
I just felt like I really got my money's worth.
https://sailtrilogy.com/tour/discover-lanai
Phil Elliott
Footballguy
FWIW - the HULOPO’E BAY area had excellent snorkeling! The 10-20 foot depth seem to be ideal. Many types of fish. We took Whale Foundation half day trip to Lanai and just anchored in the bay. We wanted a little larger boat. Would be fun to get on land and make a full day. Bring a GoPRO for excellent video/pictures snorkeling! We thought the water might be a little cool being there in November but it was extremely nice. (Very little temperature difference between air and water). I know you have been before. For anyone going for the first time, they will like Maui, even though we have seen the development over the last several decades.
The General
Footballguy
Thanks @Andy Dufresne @Phil Elliott
The wife and I are gonna spend a lot of days lounging on this trip, reading books poolside, walking the trail down in the Waliea resort area but had planned one day for a boat tour and we have not been to Lanai so think that will be on the agenda.
The wife and I are gonna spend a lot of days lounging on this trip, reading books poolside, walking the trail down in the Waliea resort area but had planned one day for a boat tour and we have not been to Lanai so think that will be on the agenda.
The General
Footballguy
Sounds like a great trip. Bummer about Mama’s. A lot of duckets to spend and not come away completely satisfied. Always had a great experience there and perfect food.
Andy Dufresne
Footballguy
@The General
Also, the Kihei Caffe is a terrific hole in the wall place for breakfast.
https://www.kiheicaffe.net/
Also, the Kihei Caffe is a terrific hole in the wall place for breakfast.
https://www.kiheicaffe.net/
Phil Elliott
Footballguy
Mama’s was good, just a little rushed. We were there on our anniversay and wanted to just relax and enjoy the night. Surf was up was up so nice views.
The General
Footballguy
That’s pretty lame. Kind of sucks to feel rushed at any point when in Hawaii.
I have always been there at night so haven’t really seen the beach there. I do have This post card from there that is a painting of the beach right out front on my desk at work. I stare at it after reading the occasional ridiculous “work emergency” email.
Phil Elliott
Footballguy
We were there for sunset! We walked around town also in the afternoon.The General said:
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The General
Footballguy
Pretty sure this place is heaven on earth.
dkp993
Footballguy
Bar none the best restaurant I’ve ever eaten at and I’m in the restaurant biz so I’ve eaten at a lot. Macadamia crusted mahi mahi was pure heaven.
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dkp993
Footballguy
That’s exactly how I feel. Every time when discussing where to vacation our big vacation we have a really hard time choosing anywhere other then Maui.
The General
Footballguy
Drunken knight
Footballguy
The General
Footballguy
The General
Footballguy
Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop south of Lahaina just off the main road was damn good.
Terminalxylem
Footballguy
It’s not surprising to me, as Maui is the quintessential tropical island, with abundant oceanside megaresorts, plus a rainforest drive and volcanic crater for those who want to leave the beach. But it all feels kinda sterile, so it’s not my favorite either.
I prefer Kauai > Hawai’i (big island) > Oahu, followed by Maui, Molokai and Lanai in last place. Although I’ve never been, Kahoolawe is also probably terrible, unless you’re into unexploded ordnances.
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The General
Footballguy
Splitting hairs here for me when talking Hawaii. Have never had a bad trip.
Maui has everything very accessible. Good resorts, good beaches, mountains, volcano, amazing food, golf.
If I’m getting to stay whereever I want Big Island probably my fav, Kauai all good (although I have had bad luck with weather there somehow). Never been to Oahu or the other small ones.
Would like to see the pros surf on the North Shore beaches I have read about on a big day.
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Judge Smails
Footballguy
Terminalxylem
Footballguy
matuski
Footballguy
I lived there 30 years ago.
Oahu was unbeatable. You had all the tourist attractions, but you could still get away from it in a million local only spots. Kailua (the sand bars omg), Kane'ohe (the sand bars omg), Sandy Beach, Sunset Beach, Makapu'u. Spots that didn't even have names.....
Kauai needs no explanation. Hawaii while Kilauea was erupting was perhaps the most amazing and unexplainably great moment in my life.
Maui was Dana Point, South Beach, Cancun, etc.. just a nice beach resort place without any memorable qualities.
eta - even Molokai for all of its creature comfort let downs. How cool is it to have your footprints be the only ones on the entire beach?
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matuski
Footballguy
The north shore (Oahu) is where I learned to respect the power of the ocean.
Getting your feet swept out from under you while standing in 4 inches of water is something you wont forget.
Almost effed around and broke my neck at sunset/pipeline.
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Terminalxylem
Footballguy
I live a mile and a half from Sandy Beach - talk about a nasty break! Makapuu is a 5 minute drive. Unfortunately, a lot of erosion has impacted the beaches and sand bar in Kailua/Kaneohe, but both places are still beautiful.
I dislike beaches in general, but Papohaku Beach on Molokai is probably the best on all the islands.
While I’m generally not a fan, I think you’re underselling Maui a bit. I wouldn’t include anything you’ve listed on the island’s top attractions.
matuski
Footballguy
1075 Oilipuu, roughly 89-91. Lived on Kailua Beach for 2 years prior.
-break neck beach, i earned my boogie boarding prowess here.
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The General
Footballguy
Quick swim and coffee at pool at the hotel in Waliea, then headed to Makena Beach for some beach time in the late AM. Get pounded by some closeout shore break with some other tourists and a couple local kids skim boarding. Few whales breached while in the water. Could hear the smack of them hitting the water.
Hop in car and drive north to drive the loop around the West Maui Mountains on single lane roads. Fuel up at some Taco Truck on the way just after Lahaina. Decent tacos.
Way greener up north, always windy and rainy at some point in the day when I’ve been up here. All the mountain moisture builds up on this side of the hills and dumps every day it seems. Totally different than southern tip of island even though it’s only an hour away.
Stop at Kapalua to use bathroom at the Ritz and just see the sweet golf course.
Further north saw a couple overhead sets get ridden by some skilled surfers at Honolua Bay. Stopped for some Banana Bread at Julia’s stand. Have a quick coffee at some art studio with a world class view at northwestern tip of island.
Finish with a beer at the new Maui Brewing Co near Kihei and some ok pub food.
Great day on Maui.
Hop in car and drive north to drive the loop around the West Maui Mountains on single lane roads. Fuel up at some Taco Truck on the way just after Lahaina. Decent tacos.
Way greener up north, always windy and rainy at some point in the day when I’ve been up here. All the mountain moisture builds up on this side of the hills and dumps every day it seems. Totally different than southern tip of island even though it’s only an hour away.
Stop at Kapalua to use bathroom at the Ritz and just see the sweet golf course.
Further north saw a couple overhead sets get ridden by some skilled surfers at Honolua Bay. Stopped for some Banana Bread at Julia’s stand. Have a quick coffee at some art studio with a world class view at northwestern tip of island.
Finish with a beer at the new Maui Brewing Co near Kihei and some ok pub food.
Great day on Maui.
The General
Footballguy
A few Maui notes before they are gone from my memory.
Leoda's Pie Shop - South of Lahaina. Awesome lunch spot
Makena Beach Best beach for chilling that I have found
Eskimo Candy - Kihei hole in the wall. Great fish
Flatbread Pizza Co - Paia. Best pizza I have had in some time. Really good.
Julia's Banana Bread - Stand for great bread, snacks as you drive around the crazy part of northwest Maui. Single lane roads along cliffs, super cool drive.
Karen Lei's Art Gallery - Stop here if you do the NW island drive. Also has a coffee stand with epic views.
Honoloa Bay - If here in the winter stop and see if there is a swell. Watch some dudes rip up overhead waves with with barrel sections. Cool hiking nearby as well.
Island Gourmet Market - If staying in one of the Wailea Resorts this grocery store has good deli, poke, food if you are sick of eating in the fancy restaurants.
The Cinnamon Roll Place - Hard to screw up a cinnamon roll, they didn't. Has basic eggs too.
Makawao - Cool town with some good little places to hit on the way up or back from Haleakala
Maui Tropical Plantation - Great spot to grab coffee, get food. Kind of a weird spot for tourists but if you are in this area it was cool.
Leoda's Pie Shop - South of Lahaina. Awesome lunch spot
Makena Beach Best beach for chilling that I have found
Eskimo Candy - Kihei hole in the wall. Great fish
Flatbread Pizza Co - Paia. Best pizza I have had in some time. Really good.
Julia's Banana Bread - Stand for great bread, snacks as you drive around the crazy part of northwest Maui. Single lane roads along cliffs, super cool drive.
Karen Lei's Art Gallery - Stop here if you do the NW island drive. Also has a coffee stand with epic views.
Honoloa Bay - If here in the winter stop and see if there is a swell. Watch some dudes rip up overhead waves with with barrel sections. Cool hiking nearby as well.
Island Gourmet Market - If staying in one of the Wailea Resorts this grocery store has good deli, poke, food if you are sick of eating in the fancy restaurants.
The Cinnamon Roll Place - Hard to screw up a cinnamon roll, they didn't. Has basic eggs too.
Makawao - Cool town with some good little places to hit on the way up or back from Haleakala
Maui Tropical Plantation - Great spot to grab coffee, get food. Kind of a weird spot for tourists but if you are in this area it was cool.
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Judge Smails
Footballguy
Just had to cancel a 2 week family trip that I had planned over a year ago. It was all set. My wife, 3 young adult kids (1 married, the other engaged, the youngest should be engaged this year) their significant others, and my 1 year old granddaughter. Great 2 bedroom condos at Kings Land at Waikoloa on the Big Island for a week, then off to Maui at the Hyatt Residence Club. Used airline points, Hertz for SUV rentals on both islands. Tough to find the right time everyone could go. Was so looking forward to it. Thought there was a chance when the world started opening back up but no way is early August happening for us. Oh well, will try again next year. Or at this rate the year after that.
Drunken knight
Footballguy
wilked
Footballguy
Same here GB. Have one place left to cancel in Hilo (Airbnb, waiting for them to extend their Covid dates into aug). Too bad. We’re planning aug 2021. Was 4 families, two sets of grandparents. Sucks...
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
Kauai is the most beautiful IMO but you need to be in decent shape to enjoy everything it has to offer. Still pretty reasonable to rent a condo for a week on the South Side of the Island, you will drive quite a bit and it can take a while to get to some places but I think the money you save vs staying in say Princeville is well worth it. You can spend the difference on things like flying in a helicopter with no doors over the entire Island and really see the beauty of it all. Worth your time to take a 60-90 Min timeshare and just let them know early you won't be buying, we got tons of free stuff for doing that.
Rented a condo for a week, less than $1,000 back in 2005.
Rented a condo for a week, less than $1,000 back in 2005.
Ron Swanson
Footballguy
Have an 18 day trip booked for December. First time in Hawaii for us and trying to hit a lot. Wondering if it's going to happen.
Osaurus
Footballguy
14 days of it might be in one location while you’re self-quarantining but you’d have those other 4 days which will be terrific.
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Brony
Footballguy
same. Like you, I put a lot of energy into planning well ahead of time. Despite doing all of the smart things, we still got screwed. We will try to do it again last year but we had several milestones in our family this year, so next year is a little anticlimatic, but I'll get over it.
For some reason quarantine is really making me want to go to Hawaii and this thread is not helping. We tend to go to Maui and stay around the Kihei/Wailea depending on whether we do an AirBnB or want a resort. I find the experience is completely different, where with AirBnB you are shopping at grocery stores and cooking more often, while at the resort you go out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner most days and get a good feel for all of the local restaurants because you don't want to pay $40/per person for breakfast more than once. Also when doing an AirBnB we do more stuff like sport fishing since you have a kitchen were you can cook up some fish yourself (still a massive racket where you spend a ton of money to fish, and then the boat guys sell the majority of your catch to restaurants, double dippers!). We always hit up Leoda's for pies, I don't recommend eating lunch there first because then you can get too full to appreciate the pie. I want to try Kauai next time since I prefer more rainforest hiking (but my wife prefers casual beach lounging) but we will need to see when there is a next time first.
Ron Swanson
Footballguy
Yeah, that would fall into the "canceled" category. Already have multiple inter-island flights booked.
Ron Swanson
Footballguy
I used to think the same way until I started running my own boat. Now when I see fresh fish for $30 a pound I think, "well, that's a bargain". Ever had $900 per pound red snapper? I've got some in the freezer.
I guess I don't know the overhead for taking a boat out, but if they are charging $200+/per person and have 8-12 people on a boat they already have a few thousand before they catch any fish. I am not sure what type of money they would get for selling 6 Mahi Mahi or whatever to a restaurant.Ron Swanson said:
Drunken knight
Footballguy
We mostly go to maui, with occasion trips to the big island. Do both house/condo and resort. kaanapali, kahana, kapalua... Love having a kitchen for easy, casual, early breakfasts (hit costco when we arrive). diving, snorkeling, boogie boarding, hiking are our main activities.huthut said:
Ron Swanson
Footballguy
You'd be shocked how quickly fuel, maintenance, repairs, insurance, boat acquisition cost, etc. eat into that even for a trip that goes well. And most sportfish charters in the US operate under the six pack license which limits passengers to six. Then you have to offset it against all the days that expenses are incurred but no revenue is generated. And they have to sell that Mahi cheap...restaurants can buy imported Mahi fillets for $3-4 per pound all day. Maybe a little higher in Hawaii. $2-$3 a pound for whole fish would be a miracle. Days without tips or fish income are generally considered break even.
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