Travel Thread

Umm . . . travel tips for and from people who like to get out and about. Anyone?

Hawaii

1. If you plan to island hop, save money by picking one island as your base of arrival and departure. Island to island flights are quick (about 40 minutes) and cost somewhere in the range of $65-75 per flight and $15-25 baggage fee. You'll get more bang for your buck with Oahu as it hosts the most flights.

2. Depending on what you want to do, that's how I would pick the islands. Maui is one of the most beautiful places you'll ever see; plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and seeing nature. Oahu is OK for clubbing, bar-hopping, and shopping but if you're from a big city or desire a quieter tropical experience I would skip it. The Big Island is great for eco-tourism: volcanic activity, black and white sand beaches, beautiful rainforests and prairies.

3. Cultural stuff: do not refer to the rest of America as "the states" because it implies that Hawaii is not one. Say the "mainland" instead. The culture is very laid back so relax, soak up the sun, learn the shaka hand gesture, say "aloha" (hello) and "mahalo" (thank you). Learn some unfiltered Hawaiian history, not the sanitized version they give sunburnt tourists at expensive resorts.

4. Some spots I recommend:

The Big Island

Volcanoes National Park, Kaimu Beach, Hapuna Beach, Richardson Ocean Park, drive the Daniel Inouye highway to the Kona side or vice versa (Hilo side).

Oahu

Hanauma Bay, North Shore, Diamond Head. Waikiki is basically a mile long tourist trap but if you want to club or barhop there are plenty of options. It is gay friendly so be mindful of that if you're uncomfortable being in a bar or club with gay men.

Maui

Throw a rock and you'll hit something worth your time in Maui. Mount Haleakala, Black Rock, Hana, etc. Kihei and Lahaina are tourist trappy but it's easy to find something off the beaten trail in both areas.

Notes:

They play Bruno Mars A LOT on the radio but also (surprisingly) really good black music. Soul music from the 70s and whatnot.

The native-born population is majority Asian and you'll really see that vibe away from the tourist areas. The residents are really beautiful, friendly, and Hawaiian hospitality is the best.

 

I haven't been to Hawaii. I have to see it. I had read a lot about it. On the Big Island, I would like to add visiting the town of Volcano. And the choosing of a hotel or motel is important because some of them do not have every convenience like a/c. Some hotels/motels/bed &breakfast will list if they have a/c or free wifi/internet. Car theft is a problem for tourists. Sometimes it is best to rent a used car(rent-a-wreck)to get around on the Big Island and gas is pretty steep in price.

 

Find something through bookings.com or kayak for a good deal. If you're a veteran you can stay at Kilauea Military Camp, which is smack dab in Volcanoes National and walking distance from Kilauea and the goddess Pele herself.

The place where I stayed had wi-fi and a dehumidier. It gets hot but not oppressively so on the Hilo side because it's a rain forest environment. The Kona side is awesome and wish that I'd spent more time there.

Continental breakfast was thrown in and Visa covers all damages to a rental, including theft. Please remember that the next time a car rental employee pressures you into getting the insurance. Conversely, in some countries like Mexico the insurance is mandatory. Gas was $4.25 a gallon, not cheap but whatever.

 

How about Kauai? I heard is beautiful and good spot for a romantic getAway.

 

I went to Miami for the first time Labor Day weekend. I fell in love with that city!!! I'm jealous of Orejon!

 

Kauai is perfect for romantic getaways and outdoor activities.

 

Any details?

 

love the hawaii tips...we are going during the holidays this year and I am so looking forward to a vacation:smt061

 

Kauai will be next time, the Na Pali Coast is a dream destination. A lot of Hawaii natives endorse it.

 

Very cool, what island(s)?

 

Maui is my favourite of the islands. Surfing, diving and of course Paia Secret Beach. :smt045

 

Hiking, camping, swimming. There is even an area that resembles the Grand Canyon. But you need a permit. There are a lot of hiking trails, waterfalls and swimming holes, lush vegetation and beaches. If I were to take a woman anywhere in the Hawaiian islands, it would be Kauai.

 

I went to Hawaii (when I was happily married) in 2007. We started in Oahu (Waikiki), then went to Maui. Absolutely loved it. Drove the scenic (and dangerous) road to Kona in Maui. My arms never hurt so badly from the constant steering on the winding road.

 

Spent most of my time in Waikiki drinking.

 

Not so secret anymore, I'm going just cause you said that.

 

That sounds like some good ish.

 

Ha ha! Your eyes have been opened to the southeast now. :smt033

 

You mean Hana?

Yeah that drive is amazing!!! Scary, but amazing.

 

Yes, Hana Highway. Scary indeed. I can't imagine driving it at night. Thanks for the correction.

 

You can even go to an area on the beach on the Big Island( I forgot where it is) for whale watching at a certain time of the season.