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Hawaii....help me (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter 3 hour lunch
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zoonation
Footballguy
I think it is much windier up on the Kaanapali/Kapalua side. Wailea is perfect weather.
Drunken knight
Footballguy
Maui, end of January 
Drunken knight
Footballguy
FreeBaGeL
Footballguy
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Navin Johnson
Footballguy
Looking to book by the end of the year. Have some Alaskan vouchers from a covid cancelation that are due to expire. Usually go big island but did Kauai last time and it's our new top spot.
Drunken knight
Footballguy
family… mrs, daughter, and either a friend of hers or her bf. We spend a lot of time around kaanapali and Lahaina… so very easy to make that happen.
DA RAIDERS
Footballguy
Star noodle in Lahaina. You will need reservations. Book now.
Phil Elliott
Footballguy
Kauai (Poipu Beach) first two weeks of Dec.
dkp993
Footballguy
Phil Elliott
Footballguy
PSA: this may be a Honda but for those travelling in near future, you can avoid the quarantine by uploading vax card ( also need to answer quick questionnaire 24 hrs prior to departure), or negative Covid test results. You get a QR code that is screened when you arrive. Many airlines are doing prescreening of QR code prior to departure to Hawaii. You then avoid the screening at Hawaii airport on arrival. We just got this done in Phoenix with American.
Upload vax card for quarantine exemption
ETA 11/28-if you have your pre-screening wristband in advance, you just walk right thru to baggage claim, otherwise you have to wait in line to do the screening just outside baggage claim.
Upload vax card for quarantine exemption
ETA 11/28-if you have your pre-screening wristband in advance, you just walk right thru to baggage claim, otherwise you have to wait in line to do the screening just outside baggage claim.
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The General
Footballguy
This is what I have always found as well. Prettier up on the north side but a bit wetter and can be super windy.
Phil Elliott
Footballguy
FWIW - my experience has been Kaanapali (even up to Kahana) is just fine for sunny/calm winds. Farther North in Napili/Kapalua it can get more breezy and definitely rainy as the prevailing winds blow from the northwest. We were always there in Nov-Apr.
ETA: just talked to a couple that said they have been to Kaanapali in July/August and it was windy.
ETA: just talked to a couple that said they have been to Kaanapali in July/August and it was windy.
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Phil Elliott
Footballguy
Bad storm this past weekend. Blizzard warning on Big Island (7" snow, 100+ mph wind) and lots of rain/high surf. Honolulu business district was without power for a couple days. Maui hit hard with schools/gov't offices closed on Monday. Several mud slides and isolated flooding across the islands. We are on Kauai was less severe-just solid rain from Sun night thru Tuesday morning. We are now back in normal trade wind pattern.
We are in our second week and weather has been great except for the storm for a couple days. For others coming in next several months, there is some discussion of a wetter winter than normal. The storm was a result of a "Kona low" (Google if you want more details) and the islands average about 3 of these per winter.
Trying to get cruise to NaPali coast and had to reschedule twice. Looks like the next several days should be good and we are scheduled for Sat afternoon sunset trip (on the "lucky Lady").
On Kauai strongly recommend Koloa rum tasting and Gaylords for excellent restaurant. Also Sugar Loaf Pineapple is excellent, very sweet and core is just as soft as the rest of the fruit so you can eat it.
We are in Poipu and it truly is a great sunny location when Princeville and Kapaa is cloudy/rainy. Lots of whale sightings in Maui and Kauai, and we have several pic of some whales from our lanai.
We are in our second week and weather has been great except for the storm for a couple days. For others coming in next several months, there is some discussion of a wetter winter than normal. The storm was a result of a "Kona low" (Google if you want more details) and the islands average about 3 of these per winter.
Trying to get cruise to NaPali coast and had to reschedule twice. Looks like the next several days should be good and we are scheduled for Sat afternoon sunset trip (on the "lucky Lady").
On Kauai strongly recommend Koloa rum tasting and Gaylords for excellent restaurant. Also Sugar Loaf Pineapple is excellent, very sweet and core is just as soft as the rest of the fruit so you can eat it.
We are in Poipu and it truly is a great sunny location when Princeville and Kapaa is cloudy/rainy. Lots of whale sightings in Maui and Kauai, and we have several pic of some whales from our lanai.
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Phil Elliott
Footballguy
For those that want to dig into wave/wind forecasts around the islands go to windy.com. Very accurate forecasts of the waves and wind to plan your boat/snorkeling trips. Just point on the map and it will give exact forecast info.
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Phil Elliott
Footballguy
We leave Kauai next Tuesday after two great weeks. Na Pali coast sunset dinner tomorrow. Watched from our lanai two whales this afternoon around 5:00 pm for a half hour breaching and showing their tales. Got several pics.
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DA RAIDERS
Footballguy
Phil Elliott
Footballguy
Yes, it was great in the afternoon also. No dolphins but a bunch of whales and flying fish.We did Blue Hawaiian helicopter ride around the island two years ago also.
flapgreen
Footballguy
We're were lucky. Saw spinners and bottle noses, a few whales, and tons of flying fish. Awesome day.
Did some tubing out near Wailua Falls yesterday. Going hiking at Waimea today.
Jealous of this one. Family wasn't yet experienced enough hikers to be comfortable with it when we were there a few years ago, so we did a bit of the Pihei Ridge Trail instead (until it got completely fogged in).
Osaurus
Footballguy
flapgreen
Footballguy
I might make that next on my list. Had always wanted to come and we got a killer deal at a condo, but it would be hard to justify doing this very often.Hawaii is just overpriced Costa-Rica
Hawaii is just overpriced Costa-Rica
Interesting. Can you elaborate? I've never been to Costa Rica but it's on the radar.
![[icon]](/data/avatars/m/5/5167.jpg?1660313464){kind=avatar}
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Insoxicated
I paid under $100/day for a 3 bedroom / 2 bath home with a private pool 300M from a pristine beach with no crowds and 85F waters. If you're looking to splurge you can get Drug lord caliber 4-5BR houses overlooking the pacific for a couple hundred a night.
Dinners were $5-12 on average. Beers were $1. Private Deep sea fishing charter for $300+tip.. landed a 4ft Marlin and a 60lb Mahi Mahi that we ate off all month. Incredible Fresh produce for pennies on the dollar from fruiterias and farmers markets. Bowling ball size slabs of fresh Mahi Mahi or Tuna for $4/lb....
Guided tours of scenic volcanic lava flows for $30, private rafting tour through jungles surrounded by howler monkeys, sloths, iguanas... $20/person.... bathing in natural hot springs in the mountains for free.... hiking trails and suspended bridges through cloud forests of Monteverde...
Flights are $600... sometimes $2-300 if you catch a sale. ~3 hour flight and you're central time zone.
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I paid under $100/day for a 3 bedroom / 2 bath home with a private pool 300M from a pristine beach with no crowds and 85F waters. If you're looking to splurge you can get Drug lord caliber 4-5BR houses overlooking the pacific for a couple hundred a night.
Dinners were $5-12 on average. Beers were $1. Private Deep sea fishing charter for $300+tip.. landed a 4ft Marlin and a 60lb Mahi Mahi that we ate off all month. Incredible Fresh produce for pennies on the dollar from fruiterias and farmers markets. Bowling ball size slabs of fresh Mahi Mahi or Tuna for $4/lb....
Guided tours of scenic volcanic lava flows for $30, private rafting tour through jungles surrounded by howler monkeys, sloths, iguanas... $20/person.... bathing in natural hot springs in the mountains for free.... hiking trails and suspended bridges through cloud forests of Monteverde...
Flights are $600... sometimes $2-300 if you catch a sale. ~3 hour flight and you're central time zone.
Thanks. That sounds awesome.
For downsides, what would you say? I know "safety" can mean a lot of things, but what are your thoughts there?
[icon]
Insoxicated
Honestly? In general Costa Rica is safer than most cities in America. Not to hijack the Hawaii thread but I'll drop a couple points here:
Much like any country.. certain areas have more or less crime. San Jose (Capital City) has areas that I'd certainly avoid, but it's likely still safer than the bad parts of most American cities, too. We spent 4 weeks in Playa Samara (beach), 1 week between La Fortuna and Monteverde (inland) and 1 week in Tamarindo (Beach).
Playa Samara: Heaven. "Crime" here is almost exclusively petty theft. I wouldn't leave a laptop on the table at a restaurant or on the passenger seat of your car for extended periods. For context it made big news in town during Santa Semana when some "bad guys" came down from the hills and snatched a few purses while on motorcycles. Never felt unsafe.
La Fortuna & Monteverde: Many more tourists... more petty crime I'm presuming. Never felt unsafe walking around.
Tamarindo: Tons of tourists. Petty crime. Bit of a drug trade (offered weed regularly like any beach town anywhere). Heard about a couple assaults over the past year but both were local on local. Also felt quite safe here.
Downsides: very minimal IMO but...
- Utilities: Some areas can have localized brown outs. Internet may drop periodically. Overall was plenty stable to work remotely. If anything it was kinda charming to be walking through down and the whole down goes dark for a minute or 5.
- Language: In general most ticos in tourist towns or in hospitality industry speak pretty good english. Some don't, so a bit of basic / transactional spanish can help. Getting a local SIM card installed in my phone as a 2nd line was a bit of a challenge until an employee who spoke english came over. I think a month of prepaid with 5-6GB of data was like $15.
- Healthcare: Generally very good but you'll want to understand that outside the major cities it's a bit of a small town medicine vibe. Solid equipment and well trained staff... but less "polished" vibe than you may expect in the States. That said standard of care is quite good, and very affordable even without any insurance at all. I had an incident that involved a Ultrasound scan, light surgery (cut and clear a wound), multiple rounds of antibiotic shots / anti-inflammatory shots. 4 visits total... I think I paid $250, no insurance (they only involve insurance for larger stuff). Doc was trained in Atlanta, perfect English, very friendly.
- Finding certain things - Particularly in smaller towns it can be challenging to find certain types of things. We were trying to find pint glasses and decent bath towels one day in Samara. Was a challenge. Larger cities have wider variety. Bring anything critical you need. There's no Best Buy or Wal-Mart around the corner
- Travel between towns - There isn't much in the way of highways there.. most travel are smaller winding roads so getting from point A to B takes much longer than you'd expect. The drive, however, is usually so gorgeous you'll stop multiple times to get out and take photos like we did. Driving at night is a challenge due to dark winding roads and wild Tico drivers
We took shuttles sometimes and drove with friends others. There are a lot of resorts, tourist towns, etc. where you could feel right at home. We chose to go a little less touristy with most of our trip (Samara) and were rewarded with an experience of a lifetime. Ticos are generally extraordinarily kind and friendly.
I'd STRONGLY suggest skipping the highly touristy areas (Jaco, Tamagringo, etc) and spend a little time mixing and mingling with locals instead of fellow gringos.
If you're looking for more posh accommodations, Nosara is a great "small" town between Samara and Tamarindo with a bit more infrastructure and a big Organic/Yoga/Surfer vibe that attracts more wealthy tourists not unlike Tulum in Mexico. (example of a 4BR Casa for $1400/nt)
Playa Carillo is just south of Samara and has some crazy nice places too (example of 4BR Casa on a cliff with private chef for $800/nt)
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The General
Footballguy
Great stuff. I have not been to Costa Rica yet but have friends who love it and def will make it there at some point.Honestly? In general Costa Rica is safer than most cities in America. Not to hijack the Hawaii thread but I'll drop a couple points here:
Much like any country.. certain areas have more or less crime. San Jose (Capital City) has areas that I'd certainly avoid, but it's likely still safer than the bad parts of most American cities, too. We spent 4 weeks in Playa Samara (beach), 1 week between La Fortuna and Monteverde (inland) and 1 week in Tamarindo (Beach).
Playa Samara: Heaven. "Crime" here is almost exclusively petty theft. I wouldn't leave a laptop on the table at a restaurant or on the passenger seat of your car for extended periods. For context it made big news in town during Santa Semana when some "bad guys" came down from the hills and snatched a few purses while on motorcycles. Never felt unsafe.
La Fortuna & Monteverde: Many more tourists... more petty crime I'm presuming. Never felt unsafe walking around.
Tamarindo: Tons of tourists. Petty crime. Bit of a drug trade (offered weed regularly like any beach town anywhere). Heard about a couple assaults over the past year but both were local on local. Also felt quite safe here.
Downsides: very minimal IMO but...
- Utilities: Some areas can have localized brown outs. Internet may drop periodically. Overall was plenty stable to work remotely. If anything it was kinda charming to be walking through down and the whole down goes dark for a minute or 5.
- Language: In general most ticos in tourist towns or in hospitality industry speak pretty good english. Some don't, so a bit of basic / transactional spanish can help. Getting a local SIM card installed in my phone as a 2nd line was a bit of a challenge until an employee who spoke english came over. I think a month of prepaid with 5-6GB of data was like $15.
- Healthcare: Generally very good but you'll want to understand that outside the major cities it's a bit of a small town medicine vibe. Solid equipment and well trained staff... but less "polished" vibe than you may expect in the States. That said standard of care is quite good, and very affordable even without any insurance at all. I had an incident that involved a Ultrasound scan, light surgery (cut and clear a wound), multiple rounds of antibiotic shots / anti-inflammatory shots. 4 visits total... I think I paid $250, no insurance (they only involve insurance for larger stuff). Doc was trained in Atlanta, perfect English, very friendly.
- Finding certain things - Particularly in smaller towns it can be challenging to find certain types of things. We were trying to find pint glasses and decent bath towels one day in Samara. Was a challenge. Larger cities have wider variety. Bring anything critical you need. There's no Best Buy or Wal-Mart around the corner
- Travel between towns - There isn't much in the way of highways there.. most travel are smaller winding roads so getting from point A to B takes much longer than you'd expect. The drive, however, is usually so gorgeous you'll stop multiple times to get out and take photos like we did. Driving at night is a challenge due to dark winding roads and wild Tico drivers
There are a lot of resorts, tourist towns, etc. where you could feel right at home. We chose to go a little less touristy with most of our trip (Samara) and were rewarded with an experience of a lifetime. Ticos are generally extraordinarily kind and friendly.
I'd STRONGLY suggest skipping the highly touristy areas (Jaco, Tamagringo, etc) and spend a little time mixing and mingling with locals instead of fellow gringos.
If you're looking for more posh accommodations, Nosara is a great "small" town between Samara and Tamarindo with a bit more infrastructure and a big Organic/Yoga/Surfer vibe that attracts more wealthy tourists not unlike Tulum in Mexico. (example of a 4BR Casa for $1400/nt)
Playa Carillo is just south of Samara and has some crazy nice places too (example of 4BR Casa on a cliff with private chef for $800/nt)
Hawaii is expensive for sure, it’s the ease. It’s amazingly beautiful and very easily accessible (the travel portion especially for left coasters - like a 6 hour or less direct flight ) and when you are there has all the conveniences of being America.
That does remove much of the discovery and the off the beaten path type travel you can get in parts of Central America. Pretty much any small town you roll into on any Island you will see an Avis rental within a few minutes
But man do I love myself some Hawaii especially when I have been busting ### traveling for work and I just want to veg in perfect South Pacific weather.
matuski
Footballguy
To be clear I was just being playful about the comment... Hawaii Is absolutely a gorgeous place. Totally get the allure. Was just cheesing a bit on it for the bang/buck vs some other places I've been
Having lived in Hawaii 30 years ago and been to Costa Rica recently.. I feel like Costa Rica is more like Hawaii decades ago (which is a good thing).
Andy Dufresne
Footballguy
It's not easy and there's really only one way - fly from Maui to Oahu. I think Southwest and Hawaiian Airlines have the best fares, IIRC. The islands aren't as close together as they seem.
IMO, the best place to stay in Maui is on the southern part - like Kihei (Lahaina is too touristy for us). We like visiting the shops in Pukulani/Makawao, and the stuff involving Haleakala volcano. So Kihei is a good starting point for those things.
Another neat, short trip that not many people talk about is Iao Valley park. There is/was a path starting at a "Do Not Walk Here" sign that even the rangers tell you to ignore that takes you through some neat rain forest type paths.
The General
Footballguy
There are a lot of flights between islands and you could do this I think if you were highly motivated. I have never done the PH tour but it is very close to the Honolulu airport.
Would be a very full day but I think it is doable if was a must do.
You will be spending time at the airports and dealing with taxis / Uber, timelines, etc which might not be super fun when you are in HI.
Phil Elliott
Footballguy
FWIW - For Pearl Harbor, I believe you still need to make an advance reservation online to take the brief boat trip out to the Arizona memorial. Check out the Pearl Harbor web site for details and current timing of when reservations are released.
Also, I as of Jan 8, Maui now requires booster (if vax more than 6 months prior) to go into restaurants. Other counties may implement this also shortly.
Ironically, the covid health questionaire is no longer required to visit any of the islands. But you still need to upload your vax record.
We are planning to return and visit Maui/Big Island in mid April.
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Judge Smails
Footballguy
Hawaiian airlines has island hoppers. It’s still a hassle and you waste a good chunk of a day. I wouldn’t island hop unless you’re spending 4 days or more
FreeBaGeL
Footballguy
Okay I am trying to wrap my head around the covid requirements as we get ready for our flight at the end of this month, and I am very confused.
gohawaii.com/travel-requirements says that we need a vaccine card AND a negative test within 24 hours of traveling.
But then for testing, it links you to hawaiicovid19.com/travel-partners/ which says we need a vaccine card OR a negative test within 24 hours of traveling.
Which is correct, and how do we even get a test within 24 hours of traveling when most tests take more than 24 hours to get results?
gohawaii.com/travel-requirements says that we need a vaccine card AND a negative test within 24 hours of traveling.
But then for testing, it links you to hawaiicovid19.com/travel-partners/ which says we need a vaccine card OR a negative test within 24 hours of traveling.
Which is correct, and how do we even get a test within 24 hours of traveling when most tests take more than 24 hours to get results?
arrow1
Footballguy
urbanhack
Fight The Power!
If anyone is looking to move, my friend just moved back the PNW and put his house up for sale. He had a ton of offers when it went on the market and then a buyer backed out with 2 hours to go and he's had trouble getting offers since. Anyway...pass around to anyone you know looking to move to Maui. 
https://www.redfin.com/HI/Haiku/2780-Hana-Hwy-96708/unit-A/home/177487375
https://www.redfin.com/HI/Haiku/2780-Hana-Hwy-96708/unit-A/home/177487375
krista4
Footballguy
You only need a test if you are coming from an international destination.
From your first link:
"The State of Hawaii welcomes all vaccinated international travelers and is aligned with the CDC federal international requirements. Non-U.S. citizen traveling directly to Hawaii must present BOTH a vaccination record AND a negative COVID-19 test result (NAAT or antigen) within one day of boarding a flight to the U.S. The airlines will screen passengers prior to their departure to the United States.
U.S. citizens flying directly to Hawaii from an international destination have two options: (1) fully vaccinated U.S. citizens must provide proof of vaccination AND a negative COVID-19 test result within one day of boarding a flight to Hawaii OR (2) if not vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test result within one day of boarding a flight to Hawaii."
US citizens arriving domestically (and international travelers who are already in the US) go through the Safe Travels program. That's the one that allows for an exemption to the quarantine either through vaccination or a negative test.
FreeBaGeL
Footballguy
Thanks. I read that like 5 times before posting and still screwed it up, lol.
Hopefully there's no reading comprehension test or card required to get in or I am screwed.
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