Hawaii

[bugatti]

Never been, but the wife and I are thinking about a shotgun trip of sorts in about a month. What do you recommend?

It is a tad overwhelming with the different island options. A few things for me:

1) A beach is a priority, but it isn't the #1 priority.
2) I don't have to see a whale.
3) Venturing around rain forests or volcanoes is much more important.
4) Love food, and will spend for it. But also a high priority is trying local favorites (huge Triple DDD fan).
5) Not going to golf.
6) Trail, hiking options are a plus.

Have gone back-and-forth on which island to go to (with COVID, island hopping is frowned upon), but thinking Maui, Big Island, or Oahu, in that order.

[Mustang]

From my Hawaiian experience, I can tell you that the airport at Honolulu, where I spent an hour back in 1968, was very nice - Colorful and lots of brightly colored flowers.

[Bluegrasscard]

This is based on a couple of trips many years ago.  But these all look like they are still good attractions at the islands. 

Multi-island stay is the way to go if you have time. 

Oahu:

1. Waikiki Beach is nice but not special.  Best thing is view of Diamond Head.  2. Diamond Head itself.  We were able to walk up to the rim where there were still bunkers from WWII.  Tolerable hike up - through at least one tunnel that was dark.  We went from one bunker to the next along the rim.  Very cool view of Honolulu, and Pearl Harbor.  3. Of course, Pearl Harbor.  Big Mo was not there when we went.  But we still made at least half a day of it or more. 

Maui: 

1. Sunrise at Haleakala.  Extinct volcano, sun comes up over a lava moonscape like environment.  Bundle up - its cold at the top.  2. Road to Hana.  Picturesque drive along the side of the mountain on the north side.  Views all the way there.  I think parts of this road may have been washed out recently.  But its an experience. 

Hawaii (Big Island):

1. Erupting volcano at times.  Kiluauea has been active.  2. For resort experience the Hilton Waikoloa Village is unique experience.  We stayed one night after we stayed in Maui an extra day. The people checking us in could not believe we were there only one night. 

To get further away from the touristy part of the islands Molokai or Lani are off the beaten path.  Have not been to either but those that have love the pace and natural beauty. 

 

They have COVID testing requirements.  So be aware of that. 

 

 

 

[Colonels_Wear_Blue]

21 hours ago, bugatti said:

Never been, but the wife and I are thinking about a shotgun trip of sorts in about a month. What do you recommend?

It is a tad overwhelming with the different island options. A few things for me:

1) A beach is a priority, but it isn't the #1 priority.
2) I don't have to see a whale.
3) Venturing around rain forests or volcanoes is much more important.
4) Love food, and will spend for it. But also a high priority is trying local favorites (huge Triple DDD fan).
5) Not going to golf.
6) Trail, hiking options are a plus.

Have gone back-and-forth on which island to go to (with COVID, island hopping is frowned upon), but thinking Maui, Big Island, or Oahu, in that order.

DDD DDD DDD

Diners, Dads, Daughters, Derelicts, Dogs, Dungeons 'n Dragons, Drive-Ins & Dives.

[bugatti]

5 minutes ago, Colonels_Wear_Blue said:

DDD DDD DDD

Diners, Dads, Daughters, Derelicts, Dogs, Dungeons 'n Dragons, Drive-Ins & Dives.

Haha.

But yes, "Triple D." Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. People love to hammer on Guy Fieri, but I can't help it. I love the dude and I have always been all in with his programming. I thought it rang more true than ever with COVID and celebrating local establishments.

[Colonels_Wear_Blue]

I was just giving you some crap...I read that and it made me chuckle. But we're definite Triple-D fans too. And I actually scouted some of the episodes back when we were in semi-finalization stages of a trip to Hawaii that ultimately became a COVID casualty.

-Ahi Poke (raw cubed tuna tossed in an Asian-style marinade) from Fresh Catch on Oahu. That one seemed like it really wowed Guy Fieri...but he also spoke highly of fried poke from the Like Poke food truck, which has a Facebook page.

-Rotisserie chicken from Mike's Huli Huli Chicken. It's a food truck on Oahu's north shore.

-Glazed mandarin duck from Uahi Island Grill on Oahu.

-Fried boneless pork ribs from Thai Mee Up on Maui. Another food truck. Guy seemed genuinely impressed by the boneless pork ribs.

[bugatti]

On 3/30/2021 at 3:33 PM, Mustang said:

From my Hawaiian experience, I can tell you that the airport at Honolulu, where I spent an hour back in 1968, was very nice - Colorful and lots of brightly colored flowers.

Looks like I will be spending about 2 hours at the Honolulu airport. I will let you know if much has changed in the last 53 years. 🙂

[bugatti]

I am booked. Shorter trip for the distance I am traveling (4/28 - 5/4(5)), but it will be cool to check another state off the list. We are staying at the Westin in Maui on Kaanapali Beach. Will get dinner reservations set this weekend.

[TheDeuce]

I'm here for the information on the Triple D's. 

[TheDeuce]

But seriously, Hawaii is on my list. Look forward to travelling there one day, specifically to see an active volcano, hopefully. 

[Defense_Wins_Games]

Oahu also has Hanauma Bay which is amazing, if you are into sea life and snorkeling, no whales but tropical fish, colorful coral etc.  Not sure of the rules now but when I was there you could even buy food to feed the fish.  It was a pretty great experience as a teenager.

[bugatti]

For activities, so far, I have a helicopter ride booked the goes around the north part of Maui and over to Molokai and tickets reserved for the sunrise on Haleakala. I also plan to do a four mile hike on the Waihe Ridge Trail by myself one morning and book some snorkeling, which I've never done. And obviously the Road to Hana. Couple of nice restaurants reserved and a few others mapped out.

[Jumper_Dad]

I know it may sound obvious but get some fresh pineapple. Unlike some fruits and vegetables that will ripen further after being harvested, pineapple begins to degrade as soon as it is harvested from the field. If you like pineapple, there is nothing like fresh pineapple. Get it at roadside stands or at the Dole Plantation, either way it is great.

 

The North Shore is cool, with a small town feel to the area.

[bugatti]

12 minutes ago, Jumper_Dad said:

I know it may sound obvious but get some fresh pineapple. Unlike some fruits and vegetables that will ripen further after being harvested, pineapple begins to degrade as soon as it is harvested from the field. If you like pineapple, there is nothing like fresh pineapple. Get it at roadside stands or at the Dole Plantation, either way it is great.

 

The North Shore is cool, with a small town feel to the area.

I was actually considering going to a pineapple and lavender farm.

With food, I most excited about getting fresh fish.

[Jumper_Dad]

22 hours ago, bugatti said:

I was actually considering going to a pineapple and lavender farm.

With food, I most excited about getting fresh fish.

Luau's are tourists traps that I'd avoid if we go back. The food is just fair and the entertainment is OK. I'd look to eat at spots the locals do instead of a luau. I realize that part of the Hawaiian experience is a luau, just don't expect a lot if you go to one.