Just Back from Hawaii

[kathymc]

wow - I feel like I've been gone so long. Just got back from a two week trip to Hawaii for our 5th anniversary. Had an absolutely fabulous time. Took scuba diving lessons and even learned to surf! Went to Hawaii, Kauai, Maui and Oahu. If anyone has any questions let me know!

One thing I gotta tell ya about is I found a poster by Lasser (sort of like Wyland with all underwater animals and waterfall scenes) and it had a painting of his with Mickey and Minney walking on the beach and also one with a mountain with Sorcerer Mickey on top. We saw one in a gallery (for $2,200) and then saw (and bought) the posters for $5!

 

[catsrule]

cool Kathy! glad you had a great time in Hawaii. I bet it was beautiful.

 

[snoopy]

Welcome back, kathy! I have to tell you, I'm wildly jealous, we went to Hawaii on our honeymoon 15 years ago and I've been dying to go back ever since.

What was your favorite island? Where did you stay? Got any pics? Would love to hear more about your trip!

 

[Serena]

More, more, more!

 

[hercamore]

Jey, it's frezzing cold here in Mn!

Let's hear more about your trip. Pictures?

Did you use a TA or plan your own? Hotels or Condos?


Herc.

 

[hercamore]

Hey, , it's frezzing cold here in Mn!

Let's hear more about your trip. Pictures?

Did you use a TA or plan your own? Hotels or Condos?


Herc.

 

[kathymc]

Well, ok -

We used a travel agent but knew pretty much what we wanted to do. First we went to Hilo, on the Big Island and stayed two nights at a lovely B+B we found on the internet Spent our time there at the volcano park and saw the lava flow (went back at night too, scary but awesome!) And took a helicopter ride also!

Then over to Kauai for 5 nights at the Hyatt Regency. This is our favorite island and favorite hotel in the world (its also where we spent half of our honeymoon). Here we took scuba diving lessons (the hotel has a saltwater lagoon pool so it feels like you are really out in the ocean) I didn't really like the scuba so only DH actually went out on a shore dive after the lesson. We also did a horseback ride up at Princeville Ranch which was spectacular - we ended up going to a waterfall and swimming in the pool there.

Off to Maui for 5 nights at the Kea Lani hotel. Beautiful hotel that is all suites (gorgeous rooms and a huge lanai). Saw the sunrise on Haleakala and did the Maui downhill (mountain bike 40 miles down the mountain), drove the road to Hana, took surfing lessons (what a blast) and spent some time shopping in Lahaina.

Last two nights we went to the Hyatt on Waikiki Beach on Oahu, primarily to see Pearl Harbor - didn't like this island as much as we missed the island feel (this is totally a city with pretty much just shopping!)

All in all it was a fantastic time, and we already agreed to go back for our 10th!. Oh yeah, another thing, we really splurged and flew first class. Now that's the only way to fly!

I should get my trip report on my web page in a week or so and I'll let you know in case you want to see some photos!

Aloha and Mahalo!

 

[Deb in IA]

Sigh . . .

We honeymooned on Kauai as well (before Hurricane Iniki). I agree with you, kathy. It is an absolutely beautiful island. By the way, did you know that many movies are filmed there, since the scenery is so lush? We visited Oahu and the Maui, but have not been to the Big Island yet.


Someday . . .

 

[Deb in IA]

Sigh . . .

We honeymooned on Kauai as well (before Hurricane Iniki). I agree with you, kathy. It is an absolutely beautiful island. By the way, did you know that many movies are filmed there, since the scenery is so lush? We visited Oahu and the Maui, but have not been to the Big Island yet.


Someday . . .

 

[scarlett873]

i was lucky enough to go to hawaii a few years ago...i stayed on maui at the hyatt regency...LOVED IT!!!!! i was actually there with my now ex-husband...i'm hoping to go back, but with my new husband!! it's so romantic...sigh...

my sister and her FH are going to kauai for their honeymoon next june...

 

[Indyman]

I'm glad you had a great time. My wife and I will be going on our 20th anniversary in a couple of years and you just gave me some ideas.

 

[Sharon A.]

We were just in Maui in August and stayed at the Kea Lani too. It was gorgeous. Did you get a chance to try Nick's Fishmarket?

What did you like best about Kaui? We've only been to Maui and can't imagine anything being more beautiful. Now I think we'll have to try Kaui.

 

[Sheree Bobbins]

Aloha kathy! Did you experience the spirit of aloha on your vacation in the Islands?

 

[kathymc]

Sheree - you bet we did - and I am still trying to spread it around here. its funny you just reminded me of something - while talking to two different people who we met that live in hawaii (originally from the main land) We were just talking and we shared a story about something "nice" we had done for someone - and they said "its good to see the spirit of aloha is alive and well in Massachusetts!" Of course my DH was like - what?? but it made my day!

Sharon A - wasn't the hotel beautiful? Oh and Nicks was awesome! (but whoa what an expensive wine list!) I seriously think Kuaui is the most beautiful, and it is even more laid back and quiet than Maui. I know alot of people say that it is TOO quiet, but we love it - we love Maui too, but if I had to pick only one.....The Napali coast is one of the most beautiful things to see (only accessable by boat or helicopter, we've done both!)

Scarlett - we stayed at the Hyatt in Maui 5 years ago and loved that also!!

 

[LuvTigger]

Kathymc,

I am so glad you enjoyed your trip! I live on Oahu (have been here my whole life), and I just love hearing when people have a good time here!

I had to laugh about your comment about Oahu being such a "city" because when I meet people on the mainland (I go to Vegas at least once a year where I know and meets lots of people), they often ask which island I recommend, and I usually tell them that Oahu is too populated! I haven't been to Kauai yet (going next week for work), so I often recommend Maui because it's beautiful, but there is enough nightlife and other things to do. The Big Island is great because it's so big, but things can close early there.