Hawaii...

[alexmac]

Anyone ever been to Hawaii?

I am going there on the 26th for 5 weeks. Getting away from everything for a while. I think it is exactly what I need after a pretty shitty year. Am going to be doing a conservation project for 3 days a week, and have 4 days a week to myself to explore the islands etc.

Should be a blast. Sun, beaches, surfing...

Anyone ever been, or know anyone who has been? Would be great to get a few tips etc.

[aliando]

i know of two people due back from there shortly



sounds great mate - would love to do that kind of thing. make the most of it before the ankle biters arive

[alexmac]

Too right ali - got to take advantage of things when I can. Not that there are going to be any ankle biters round my way for a LOOOONG while yet.

[Big Andy]

You should be ok Alex, the clean up operation after Hurricane Ross should've been all sorted by the 26th

[alexmac]

Quality. They had better get cleaning quickly! Do you know where they stayed?

[davidmphill]

Not been yet but I will be visiting before 2010, not sure where or when yet. I know some people who've been there and it's magical, sure to have a nice time and I reckon it's needed, enjoy.

[bowles10]

a guy at work just came back, said it was excellent & pearl Harbour worth a visit if you can get there. They have a few veterans left who sit there & tell you all the stories. he said its a bit weird as its full of Jap tourists everywhere!

[friskyfitz]

Ive backed Hawaii Prince in the last at Donny (3 minutes time) - I'll tell you what I think in about 6 minutes time...

[friskyfitz]

Originally Posted by friskyfitz

Ive backed Hawaii Prince in the last at Donny (3 minutes time) - I'll tell you what I think in about 6 minutes time...

Vastly over-rated crap!!

[Matt]

Originally Posted by Big Andy

You should be ok Alex, the clean up operation after Hurricane Ross should've been all sorted by the 26th

[Paul Ross]

@ BA!

Hawaii is quality mate, I'll detail as much as I've found out myself and where we stayed etc....

We landed at Honolulu from Vegas on the 7th, then caught the 20 minute flight to KAHULUI, which is the main airport of Maui.

From what I've seen Maui IS Hawaii at it's best and has been voted the best island in the world for 10 years running, not difficult to understand why once you've done a few things there.

The one thing I didn't realise before researching where to go in Hawaii is that it has 8 different Islands and as many airports.

Oahu is the Island with the biggest population, 1.1m and it's where you'll find Honolulu. Very nice, but typical resort area, although some great beaches.

Nihau

You can't go here, only Hawaiians live here and only 250 of them, you have to be invited.

Kauai

Don't know much about this Island, but 4th biggest and 50,000 population.

Molokai

Not very developed, but still 7,500 live here.

Lanai

Bit like the above, not much to do here and 3,500. World famous for it's pineapples.

Kahoolawe

Nobody lives here and you can't go there, due to the americans bombing the shit out of it after Pearl Harbour for target practice.

Maui

An absolute must see. Some of the views are just ridiculous and completely take your breath away, no wonder it has been voted best island for 10 years running. If you can, stay here and do a few tours.

What did we do while we were in Maui?

Landed in Kahului airport (Maui) and Mesa Airlines/ Go Airlines lost Pene's case on a 20 mins flight! Arrived on next plane 2 hours later.

Stayed in "The Mahana" in Kaanapali <--- (best place to stay) in a condo with a great view, but it's not cheap, we paid $320 a night, although with the dollar being so cheap, it never feels like a real hit.

We did the Atlantis submarine tour, which as it says on the tin, is a submarine and goes down 130ft, pretty cool I thought.

We also went to Warren & Annabelle's, the first part "Annabelle" is pretty lame and goes on too long, but stick with it, because the magic show after is superb and you are very close up too.

Do the Dolphin Search with the Pacific Whale Foundation, we saw about 200 dolphins with the special Hawaiian spinning dolphin, which does some big spins coming out of the ocean. Don't expect to see any Whales though, that's December to April.

We did the sunrise tour of Haleakala Crater. A little chilly so wrap up well if you get up at 2am to go do this. The tour guides are full of info and very professional.

We also did a horse trekking tour for 2 hours and ffs don't do it!! My fcukin horse was Buckaroo, fcukin thing didn't like the other horses too near it, and when one did, it kicked up at the back and nearly launched me off it!

Not recommended, you will ache like fcuk and be walking like a Penguin (me currently) for 2 days.

Lastly, we did the Helicopter/Van ride to Hana and back. Some awesome views and this really is a must do, not cheap at $300 each, but worth every penny and takes about 5 1/2 hours in total, with Chopper to Hana, then Limo Van on way back, with stops for swimming, lunch and photos.

Tour guide was unreal, talked almost non stop for 3 1/2 hours full of info!

As for Honolulu.

Landed in Hololulu and this time Mesa/Go Airlines had lost my case, there was only fcukin 6 cases to go on the whole plane!

Came in on the next plane and delivered to hotel, but I would choose Hawaiian Airlines to fly with if you can.

Completely contrast as you just hit traffic, traffic, traffic from the airport. However we got to The Outrigger Hotel, and again it's not cheap, around $450 a night, but I think you have to spend at least one night here. Beaches are quality, the famous Duke's restaurant and this is where you will go see Pearl Harbour from, if you decide to go.

We've decided that we just want to chill and we'll see PH another time.

The most important thing while being here imo.

You have to put money second, not easy I know, Maui and Honolulu are expensive, but you get what you pay for, so just get your wallet out and do as much as your finances allow.

Which island are you staying on Alex?

[Paul Ross]

Ooops, missed one and that's called "The Big Island" because it's errrm the biggest.

Only 150k live there though and it's the home of the world's most active volcano. Right now, it's gone berzerk and is quite a show!

Only seen it on youtube, but here's a link http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=N4Q4HXlCxkE

It's always flowing lava, but not quite as spectacular as right now.

Maui is where you need to be anyway.

[Paul Ross]

Ooops, missed one and that's called "The Big Island" because it's errrm the biggest.

Only 150k live there though and it's the home of the world's most active volcano. Right now, it's gone berzerk and is quite a show!

Only seen it on youtube, but here's a link http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=N4Q4HXlCxkE

It's always flowing lava, but not quite as spectacular as right now.

Maui is where you need to be anyway.

[alexmac]

Great info mate. Sounds like you have had a wicked time there. I am going to be in Maui for a week, then spending approx 4 weeks on Kauai. Taking in San Francisco on the way home at the very end of August. Really looking forward to it all. Will definately look into some of the activities you have flagged up here. Nice one buddy.

[Penelopeys]

Hawaii is absolutely quality, Alex


Paul did most of the write-up.... tho I will say that Oahu and Maui are two completely different places. Maui is very scenic and Oahu is the beach paradise

We're now back in Vegas - supposed to be on a plane home in 2 hours... but we're not going to be ... staying here for a few extra days... wicked

[gazza]

Sounds like you will have a great time Alex

Is it something to do with the school or a charity thing you going out there for ?