Hawaiian Vacation

[Wilsonfamily4]

We were in Maui this past October/November, and split our trip between two places. We stayed the first week at a privately owned condo that we found on vrbo.com, and it was beautiful! It was ridiculously cheap (for Hawaii) and right on Ka'anapali Beach. The second week we stayed at Marriot Maui Ocean Club and it was spectacular! We absolutely loved both places.

The last time we went to Hawaii we went to 3 islands in 2 weeks. It was wonderful, but we felt we spent an awful lot of time sitting in airports, getting to airports, returning and picking up rental cars, etc. We honestly wasted probably 2 full days of vacation doing that. I probably wouldn't do that again.

Having said that, the big island and Maui are our favorites, Oahu we probably will not go back to. Once you've seen Pearl Harbor, there isn't much else there that is "not to be missed", in my opinion anyway.

If you want info on the condo we rented, let me know! It was a BARGAIN--penthouse unit on the beach for about $130/night.

ME, Me I would love to have the name of the unit you rented!

 

[dismom2]

We were in Maui this past October/November, and split our trip between two places. We stayed the first week at a privately owned condo that we found on vrbo.com, and it was beautiful! It was ridiculously cheap (for Hawaii) and right on Ka'anapali Beach. The second week we stayed at Marriot Maui Ocean Club and it was spectacular! We absolutely loved both places.

The last time we went to Hawaii we went to 3 islands in 2 weeks. It was wonderful, but we felt we spent an awful lot of time sitting in airports, getting to airports, returning and picking up rental cars, etc. We honestly wasted probably 2 full days of vacation doing that. I probably wouldn't do that again.

Having said that, the big island and Maui are our favorites, Oahu we probably will not go back to. Once you've seen Pearl Harbor, there isn't much else there that is "not to be missed", in my opinion anyway.

If you want info on the condo we rented, let me know! It was a BARGAIN--penthouse unit on the beach for about $130/night.

I'd love to know the name of the place you stayed for that price. I'd love all the info if you don't mind. thanks!!

 

[Cindy F]

Hawaii is beautiful and is so much more than what tourists see. When we first moved to Hawaii, I loved it and thought it was beautiful but it wasn't until I started reading the history of the islands and its people that I could really begin to appreciate it.

So, that would be my suggestion for a great trip in addition to the many great suggestions you'll receive! Learn about the history, especially Kahoolawe, Niihau, Iolani Palace, why Hawaii is not legally a state, and the struggle to replace the rightful monarchy.

http://www.oha.org/

When I was a tween, one of my favorite "old time" ~grin~ movies to watch on WTBS was Hawaii with Max von Sydow and Julie Andrews-it kinda gets you in the spirit of wanting to know more. Ironic that as an adult, we ended up moving there! LOL

Have a great time and don't forget to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center and Waimea Falls Park!

If you can go during the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival you won't regret it! You can find clips on YouTube.

 

[DawnCt1]

Hawaii is beautiful and is so much more than what tourists see. When we first moved to Hawaii, I loved it and thought it was beautiful but it wasn't until I started reading the history of the islands and its people that I could really begin to appreciate it.

So, that would be my suggestion for a great trip in addition to the many great suggestions you'll receive! Learn about the history, especially Kahoolawe, Niihau, Iolani Palace, why Hawaii is not legally a state, and the struggle to replace the rightful monarchy.

http://www.oha.org/

When I was a tween, one of my favorite "old time" ~grin~ movies to watch on WTBS was Hawaii with Max von Sydow and Julie Andrews-it kinda gets you in the spirit of wanting to know more. Ironic that as an adult, we ended up moving there! LOL

Have a great time and don't forget to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center and Waimea Falls Park!

If you can go during the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival you won't regret it! You can find clips on YouTube.

There are a lot of "untruths" in one of those links; "why Hawaii isn't a state". The Shoal of Time by Gavin Daws, is an excellent book. Its an unbaised view and takes the reader back to Hawaii before the arrival of Captain Cook up through statehood. Hawaii was of interest to Japan with the possibility of merging the Emperor's family with that of King Kamehameha. World War II would have turned out quite differently if that had been the case. There is a sovreignty (sp) movement that would like to rewrite the history of Hawaii, but the history is what it is.

 

[Cindy F]

There are a lot of "untruths" in one of those links; "why Hawaii isn't a state". The Shoal of Time by Gavin Daws, is an excellent book. Its an unbaised view and takes the reader back to Hawaii before the arrival of Captain Cook up through statehood. Hawaii was of interest to Japan with the possibility of merging the Emperor's family with that of King Kamehameha. World War II would have turned out quite differently if that had been the case. There is a sovreignty (sp) movement that would like to rewrite the history of Hawaii, but the history is what it is.

Yes, history is what it is. Hawaii is not legally a state. Regardless of all the blustering, reasoning, whys, wherefores and yada yada, yada.....at the end of the day the fact remains that Hawaii is not legally a state. Those who wish to know why Hawaii isn't a state, can research on their own and those that don't-won't. For those that are interested-I would suggest researching international, US, and maritime law-it will give you a much more in depth understanding than a book or internet links.

OP, I'm sure you will enjoy your trip regardless of Hawaii's legal status as a state! ~grin~

I can not believe I am typing away on the community board while everyone is STILL asleep at 11:00 EST. I guess they don't care that Magic Kingdom is waiting for me.

 

[DawnCt1]

Yes, history is what it is. Hawaii is not legally a state. Regardless of all the blustering, reasoning, whys, wherefores and yada yada, yada.....at the end of the day the fact remains that Hawaii is not legally a state. Those who wish to know why Hawaii isn't a state, can research on their own and those that don't-won't. For those that are interested-I would suggest researching international, US, and maritime law-it will give you a much more in depth understanding than a book or internet links.

OP, I'm sure you will enjoy your trip regardless of Hawaii's legal status as a state! ~grin~

I can not believe I am typing away on the community board while everyone is STILL asleep at 11:00 EST. I guess they don't care that Magic Kingdom is waiting for me.

Then that is good news for you. You won't have to pay your federal income taxes this year and perhaps can ask for a refund for all those years that you paid in "error". It will also be very good news for Phillip Berg who chased a Kenyan birth of Obama. He could just accept that Obama was born in Hawaii, which is not a state, and thus pursue the illegitimacy of Obama's president that way. I am also glad that I got my passport 'just in case'. I will also not shake my head at those tourists who say, after a week or two that they are "Going back to the States", rather than "Going back to the Mainland". I guess they were correct all along!

 

[Butwhyistherumgone?]

Okay, beginning to plan our first trip to Hawaii. Very early stages. Where should we stay? What should we do while there? How long did you stay if you've been? Is it easy to travel from one island to another?

Thanks for asking this I am subing to read later
We are plannung to go in 2 years/
I know at least part of our stay will be on Oahu and staying at the Hale KOA. Other then that I am clueless. Planning for Hawaii is much more difficult then for WDW!!

 

[DawnCt1]

Thanks for asking this I am subing to read later
We are plannung to go in 2 years/
I know at least part of our stay will be on Oahu and staying at the Hale KOA. Other then that I am clueless. Planning for Hawaii is much more difficult then for WDW!!

I love the Hale Koa. A wonderful part of the Big Island is Volcano National Park. You should consider spending at least two nights in the park, particularly if you have an interest in an active volcano and hiking. We have stayed here, and while it wasn't 'resort like', it was wonderful. http://www.kmc-volcano.com/ I you are eligible for the Hale Koa, you will be able to stay there. We have also had friends that love the Barking Sands cottages on the west side of Kauai. It may be too hot in the summer, and its a bit remote from most of Kauai's attractions, but they loved it. We thought that they looked nice and you can't beat the price.

http://www.greatlifehawaii.com/Acti...-+Barking+Sands+Beach+Cottages+(PMRF)&id=2302

The Outrigger hotels and condos often have military discounts. Some times its a deal, sometimes you can do better on another discount.

 

[ntsammy5]

I love the Hale Koa. .

Stayed there 3 times. You're right. Similar to SoG only more so. Right on the beach and the security is unbelievable now!

 

[DawnCt1]

Stayed there 3 times. You're right. Similar to SoG only more so. Right on the beach and the security is unbelievable now!

I agree. More choice in restaurants as well. We love the Hale Koa Luau and its the most affordable anywhere in Hawaii. Glen Medieros is the MC at the Luau. Very talented and energetic. He recorded the song, "Nothing is gonna Change my Love for you" back in the 90's. He is from Kauai and is a high school teacher "somewhere".

 

[dismom2]

Maui is my favorite island. No high rises. If you are staying at Hale Koa---isn't that the military resort on Waikiki beach on Oahu?--- but want to see other islands, why don't you take a private plane tour of the other islands? You can take one of those tours, have lunch on one of the other islands, etc.. there are different itineraries you can choose from. Make sure you take a snorkeling cruise---wonderful!!! Go to the North shore, too. You will love Hawaii!!

 

[lovetheprincesses]

WOW! LOVE all the pictures and advice!! Keep it coming!! Yes, we are planning at least one year in advance probably, if not two. This sounds amazing!