Hawaii questions

[Dave Siciliano]

Folks:

Looks like we're headed to Hawaii this summer; planning on the end of July with my nieces. I have an old Army friend on the mainland we're planning on seeing for two or three days, then, going to Maui for about 5 days. Things are still tentative.

Do y'all have any suggestions for activities, things we should see and do? Haven't been to Hawaii for many years and I'm sure a lot has changed. I really appreciate suggestions.

Do I need a car on Maui? Staying at the Sheraton Maui.

Is there a simple way to hop over from Ohau to Maui? Trying to book a three legged deal is kinna nuts on American (which has the best round trip.)

Dave

 

[Toby]

Would you be interested in adopting another niece?

 

[imQ]

You might need a car if you plan on going sightseeing, or going to Hana. (Don't forget Lindbergh is buried on Maui near Hana.) Used to be Aloha airlines ran from HNL to Kahilui 4 times a day, and hawaiin went to Lahaina.
The flying around Maui is some of the most incredible scenery I have ever seen. (Ben has better photos than I do.)

 

[ScottM]

Folks:

Looks like we're headed to Hawaii this summer; planning on the end of July with my nieces. I have an old Army friend on the mainland we're planning on seeing for two or three days, then, going to Maui for about 5 days. Things are still tentative.

Do y'all have any suggestions for activities, things we should see and do? Haven't been to Hawaii for many years and I'm sure a lot has changed. I really appreciate suggestions.

Do I need a car on Maui? Staying at the Sheraton Maui.

Is there a simple way to hop over from Ohau to Maui? Trying to book a three legged deal is kinna nuts on American (which has the best round trip.)

Dave

I go to Maui quit a bit for work and you will need a car unless you plane on being resort bouand.

Hana is a one time drive that you have to make. Try coming home on the back road, much better drive than the main road but you need a higher clearence vehicle than the typical compact car.

Go to Mama's for fish one night and over in Kauhuli go to Masa's for the best suchi on the island. He can only fit 10 people per day so get there early.

I like to scuba dive and tend to do a lot of that while I am there, but if oyu are a snorkler go out to the crater for a little snorkelling. While out at the crater once diving we had whales all around us and it is not uncommon to see manta rays.

A trip up to the top of Haleakala is a great drive and a fun hike. If you plan on doing that bring a jacket as it can get very cold up there.

Scott

 

[Ghery]

Maui is our favorite of the islands. You will need a car if you plan on sightseeing beyond the immediate area of the hotel. If you haven't driven the road to Hana, you need to do so (once). I've done it twice in my life and that was one time to many. The best way to get to Hana is to go to Maui Aviators, rent a plane and fly there. Nice little strip at Hana. Long enough for a touch and go in a C-172.

Hawaii in general is a beautiful place to rent a plane and go sightseeing. Less expensive that way than going on the helicopter rides. I've flown out of Maui, Kona (Hawaii) and Honolulu (Oahu) over the past few years and they are all great. I'd post some pictures, but they're on my computer at home.

Another thing to do on Maui (and you will need a car or a tour company) is to drive to the top of Mt. Haleakala for the view. For those who can get up early enough (I haven't yet) I understand the view of the sunrise from up there is spectacular. I got a kick out of hitting an amateur radio 2 meter repeater in Honolulu with a 5 watt handheld radio from that "altitude". Nothing like line of sight communications.

Whatever you do while you're there, have fun. I know you will. Looking forward to our next trip to Hawaii in late June of next year. Once I know the dates of the meeting in Honolulu we'll schedule the rest of the trip and figure out where we'll go.

 

[Ghery]

Oh, and one other thing. If you've snorkeled anywhere else, skip Molokini. You will be disappointed and it gets crowded. One of my favorite pictures of it is from about 1000 MSL while circling overhead. All the swimmers look like so much trash floating in the water and the number of tour boats is incredible.

Updated with pictures.

 

[Len Lanetti]

On the road to Hana before you get to Lindbergh's grave site there is a black sand beach that is protected by a cove....this is just one of the many great beaches we found by getting a map of the island and looking for the non-tourist type areas. They were all empty...this was about 12 years ago so they may all be tourist type areas now.

Did a snorkle trip off a sailboat...which was also great....the boat's name was Mahi Naia or Twin Dolphin...lots of dolphins came up to the boat while we were underway.

I did the sunrise on Halalakia....cloudy morning couldn't see the sun...very cold...ask hotel if you can have a few blankets.

Did a helicopter ride which culminated by going up the side of the waterfall from the first Jurasic Park movie. Helicopter pilots are indeed crazy....early in the morning so it was cool and the aircraft was lightly loaded...we went vertical, rotor blades appeared to be within a foot or so of the waterfall/wall....my new wife thought the ride was a blast...all I could think was "what if".

Len

 

[Dave Siciliano]

Thanks guys! We have plenty of time, but I'm beginning to make reservations and plans.

Sorry Toby, more nieces would mean a different trip or they would have to chip in!

Snorkeling would be something the girls would certainly enjoy. Flying around the island sounds great!

On Oahu, we certainly want to get to the Pearl Harbor area because Uncle Dave would really like to see the memorial.

Dave

 

[wsuffa]

Is there a simple way to hop over from Ohau to Maui? Trying to book a three legged deal is kinna nuts on American (which has the best round trip.)

Dave

Easy hop. When I sent my parents a couple of years ago, they got a book of 'passes' for inter-island flights. As I recall, it was pretty cheap to go inter-island.

They stayed in Honolulu at a hotel now operated by one of the veteran organizations (don't recall who). Prime location, much lower rates.

 

[Ken Ibold]

Well, as far as I'm concerned, what happened on Maui stays on Maui.

 

[Dave Siciliano]

Interesting, I had called Starwood Hotels and made room reservations. Got the preferred customer rate (35% off rack rate they said). They said to make separate airline reservations--didn't have any combinations with flights that met our needs.
Checked several airlines, wound up with American. The air fare alone was only $200 less than airfare with six nights at the same hotel. So, went with the American package.
Checked some of the package operators like Expedia and couldn't get there on the dates we wanted or couldn't get the different days on different islands.
This stuff is sure getting complicated. Seems if you're just doing exactly what a package offers, it could be a great deal. If you want more flexibility, forget the package. Expedia wanted payment up front and strong penalties for moving or cancelling. American will let me move things a couple things all the way up to 45 days ahead for no extra charge. $100 per person deposit v. paying for the whole thing in advance.

Dave

 

[Ghery]

On Oahu, we certainly want to get to the Pearl Harbor area because Uncle Dave would really like to see the memorial.

Dave

And while you're there, visit the submarine next door and drive across the bridge over to the USS Missouri.

Oh, and don't be too discouraged as you:

1. hear other tourists around you displaying total and shocking ignorance as to what the Arizona represents (and what happened).

2. have to elbow your way past the Japanese tourists.

Pearl is an absolute must. Been there a couple of times over the years and highly recommend it.

 

[Dave Siciliano]

Thanks Ghery! You probably know, I was in the military and have heard quite a few stories and read quite a bit about this. Stopped by quickly years ago, but was on military R&R and had to do things on a real short fuse. It'd be great to spend a little time here and soak things up.

The Missouri would be great. When wounded in Vietnam, I was evacuated to the USS Sanctuary hospital ship. While on board, the Missouri and New Jersey were active and one fired ground support one evening (I believe it was the New Jersey, but that was some time ago--could be mistaken). Pretty impressive. Would be great to see the ship first hand.


Thanks for the suggestions.

Best,

Dave

 

[ScottM]

While on board, the Missouri and New Jersey were active and one fired ground support one evening (I believe it was the New Jersey, but that was some time ago--could be mistaken). Pretty impressive. Would be great to see the ship first hand.

I was in Beruit in 1983 when the Missouri was firing on the Shiites in the hills above our position, impressive is not quite the word I would us as those shells flew overhead and exploded fairly close by. It is a bit of an understatement

 

[Carol]

Would you be interested in adopting another niece?

I was just thinking that

 

[spiderweb]

I love Maui. We'll be there again in January. The best thing I can recommend is flying there. Just amazing. BTW, the package deals don't seem to work well--I always buy separately.

 

[wsuffa]

And while you're there, visit the submarine next door and drive across the bridge over to the USS Missouri.

Oh, and don't be too discouraged as you:

1. hear other tourists around you displaying total and shocking ignorance as to what the Arizona represents (and what happened).

2. have to elbow your way past the Japanese tourists.

Pearl is an absolute must. Been there a couple of times over the years and highly recommend it.

I agree. It's worth the trip.

And to put in a word for the Big Mo, my dad has a 'plank' from her. He was stationed on Missouri during WW2, and was present onboard when the treaty was signed.

When I sent them to Hawaii, one of the curators (?) that is documenting the history of the ship gave him full run, even the areas that were closed, in exchange for his stories. You may see some history documents on board that he contributed.

 

[mgkdrgn]

"On Oahu, we certainly want to get to the Pearl Harbor area because Uncle Dave would really like to see the memorial."

I just got back from an August trip to Hawaii. Kona, Maui, and one night on Oahu.

We would have like to have seen Pearl Harbor/AZ memorial too ... but we heard that the lines/waits are HOURS long, such that you have to be there at the crack of dawn to have a chance of actually getting in.

Yes, on Maui you will need a car. Best island to spend most of your time, IMHO.

Consider going to Haliakia (spelling?) for sunset rather than sunrise. Stick around then for it to get dark (it's COLD up there, be prepared!). Once it does get dark, you will see MORE stars than you have EVER seen in your life.

Lots of inter-island air via Aloah, Hawiaan, and several other little puddle jumpers.

It's not that hot there, but the sun is BRUTAL. Take sunscreen and use it. Forget the convertable rental ... there is a reason none of the locals drive them.

There are "audio tours" you can get on cd/cassette for the drive "The road to Hana". Highly recomended. Plan on it taking allllll day.

And yes, the "deals" at Boss Frogs are for real. (you'll know what I mean once you get there)

 

[John J]

Dave;

I last was there in the late 60's (1967) as Simon and Garfunkle so sweetly sang' "Homeword Bound". I was on a 707 coming home. I even kissed the tarmac. I would love to go back some day. Maui I have heard is a wonderful spot to visit.

Please let us know your itinerary when you get it firmed up.

Have fun

John

 

[Let'sgoflying!]

I have had Hawaii on my mind lately too.
As crowds are the most iimportant thing (to avoid) for me, is there a better time to go?
Probably the wx is constant year round there?

I think I would want to:

Rent a plane and fly around.
Walk up to a volcano rim.
See a lava (piroclastic?) flow (hopefully into the water!).
Get some sufing lessons.
Hike.
Drive around Maui.

Can I do this in 2 weeks?
How many AU (airplane units) should I plan to save to pay for such a journey (myself plus S.O.)?

 

[Dave Siciliano]

Dave:

I was told this was high season (end of July) which surprised me. Maybe someone else can enlighten us.

We were thinking of calling several countries and offering to go elsewhere if they would chip in for the trip since cat 3 and 4 hurricanes have hit everyplace we've gone the last couple years right behind us. (Bahamas two years ago; Cozumel and New Orleans last year.)

This year we thought we go somewhere there might be a different natural disaster to change our luck (or the luck of those behind us).

Dave

 

[Let'sgoflying!]

Huh. you're going when Dave?

(quietly scratches July 2006 off the list)!

 

[kellyo]

Poi - ground up plant of some sort

Lei - smells nice, local custom

Ono - means goodfood or tastey

Mahu - means homosexual

Da kine - used when you can think of no other word to say

Hula - no need for viagra

Aloha - means love, also used as a greeting or departing gesture

Kahuna - means expert

Hawaii is fun, you should have a great time and pictures are definately on request.

 

[Dave Siciliano]

Thanks for all the input folks. This is great stuff. May run some things by y'all as we focus on particulars.

Yes Dave, you'd do well to stay outta the area when we go; just after we leave seems worse!! Learned a lot about hurricanes last couple years; I'm not a big fan!!

Dave

 

[Anthony]

We're thinking of going to Hawaii in November. Is that a good time to go? I've never been there nor have I started doing any research yet, but Maui sounds like a good start. I Scuba dive also. Does anyone have any experience with some Dive Operations on Maui? There are certainly a lot in the PADI directory.

 

[Len Lanetti]

Anthony,

We went to Maui as part of our honeymoon...late Oct & early Nov 12 years ago...we had a blast. There was a scuba operation connected with the hotel...I'd bet all the hotels have 'em.

Len

 

[mgkdrgn]

That is pretty much the trip I just took, and I did it in 10 days.

Give yourself two weeks and you can have a bit more fun.

Weather is pretty much the same year round, yes. "winter" is the whale season, and they are a hoot to be able to watch.

On the big island (Kona, or Hawaii depending on whom you ask) for sure do the volcano thing, from both the ground AND the air. That is where I rented a 172 & CFI, did the flight around the island thing. Covered the same ground (and then some) that we had driven the previous day. And yes, we got to see Lava flow into the water from both perspectives.

Surfing lessons you can get just about anywhere. Maui will do nicely.

Depending on where you are coming from, airfare wise, $5 - 6K would be a good starting number for two people for that time period. You could spend more, you could spend less, but it's a place to start.

I've been 3 times (6 weeks total), and I'll likely go back again.

I have had Hawaii on my mind lately too.
As crowds are the most iimportant thing (to avoid) for me, is there a better time to go?
Probably the wx is constant year round there?

I think I would want to:

Rent a plane and fly around.
Walk up to a volcano rim.
See a lava (piroclastic?) flow (hopefully into the water!).
Get some sufing lessons.
Hike.
Drive around Maui.

Can I do this in 2 weeks?
How many AU (airplane units) should I plan to save to pay for such a journey (myself plus S.O.)?

 

[Ghery]

On the big island (Kona, or Hawaii depending on whom you ask) for sure do the volcano thing, from both the ground AND the air. That is where I rented a 172 & CFI, did the flight around the island thing. Covered the same ground (and then some) that we had driven the previous day. And yes, we got to see Lava flow into the water from both perspectives.

I've flown with Mike Lauro at Tropic Bird out of Kona a couple of times. Great guy to share a cockpit with and nicely maintained birds. We ran down to the lava flow this summer and got some pictures. Flew around the island with him a couple years ago. I highly recommend this option.

 

[Anthony]

Anthony,

We went to Maui as part of our honeymoon...late Oct & early Nov 12 years ago...we had a blast. There was a scuba operation connected with the hotel...I'd bet all the hotels have 'em.

Thanks Len. Just wanted to make sure it wasn't the rainy season or anything.

 

[Dave Siciliano]

Depending on where you are coming from, airfare wise, $5 - 6K would be a good starting number for two people for that time period. You could spend more, you could spend less, but it's a place to start.

Brett:

We got round trip airfare on American from D/FW and back, hop from Oahu to Maui and hotel for six days (four star) for just over $6K. The airfare was almost the same alone!! The package essentially provided six nights at the Sheraton Maui for a couple hundred more.

Hope you don't think it's tacky to talk about price.

Dave

 

[mgkdrgn]

Tacky? No, not at all.

Who did you do your package through? I've always had good luck with Pleasant Hawiian.

Used them for one place this last trip while on Kona, but did the other two islands and all the airfare myself. Mainly because I had enough miles for 3 first class RT tickets, BWI - HNL, and I already knew where I wanted to stay on Maui.

Depending on where you are coming from, airfare wise, $5 - 6K would be a good starting number for two people for that time period. You could spend more, you could spend less, but it's a place to start.

Brett:

We got round trip airfare on American from D/FW and back, hop from Oahu to Maui and hotel for six days (four star) for just over $6K. The airfare was almost the same alone!! The package essentially provided six nights at the Sheraton Maui for a couple hundred more.

Hope you don't think it's tacky to talk about price.

Dave

 

[Dave Siciliano]

Tacky? No, not at all.

Who did you do your package through? I've always had good luck with Pleasant Hawiian.

Used them for one place this last trip while on Kona, but did the other two islands and all the airfare myself. Mainly because I had enough miles for 3 first class RT tickets, BWI - HNL, and I already knew where I wanted to stay on Maui.

I got the best deal from American. I'm a Starwood preferred guest; so, I began with them. Tried Expedia and looked at other deals. In addition to a competitive price, there is more flexibility to move things without an extra charge until 45 days before the flight. With Expedia, one has to pay for the whole thing up front and moving dates or cancelling is very limited. American's fare was almost the same without the accomodations!!

Some other interesting things: Expedia purchased large blocks of rooms in advance; so, they can pass on discounts, but have big penalties for canceling. Starwood (who ownes the hotel) didn't have rates they could quote that far ahead: American and Expedia did

Some other trip packagers could have been more competitive if I didn't want to arrive in one place and depart from another. If you come and go when they want you to and go where they want you to, they can be much more competitive. Easy to understand that since they are buying large blocks of rooms or plane seats in anticipation of where demand will be.

Dave

 

[flyingcheesehead]

Dave,

Lots of great suggestions here. I got to go to the AZ memorial (VERY powerful). Had a delightful flight on Aloha to get from Honolulu to Kona. Whale watching can be fun, they can't chase the whales but the good ones know how to get in the right place for the whales to come to them. If you go snorkeling, I found that the most fun/relaxing/peaceful thing to do was to find a sea turtle and just follow them around.

I thought the volcano tour on the big island was neat, you may want to plan a couple of days over there. It's quite the display of the power of nature - Roads that end by going underneath a lava flow, whole towns eaten up. Or maybe I just liked it because Kiluea had a rare explosive eruption the exact day I was born.

Let me know if you want me to accompany your neices to the airport to avoid all those headaches you went through last time, and most of all, have fun!

PS if you see a little animal that looks like a squirrel but without the big bushy tail - That's a mongoose. The unique flora and fauna are one of the most interesting parts of the trip.

 

[Dave Siciliano]

Well folks, our Hawaii trip is getting close (last week in July to be Pacific )

The girls definitely want to do the bike ride down from the volcano; I'm trying to figure out how to reserve that. Snorkeling is high on the list. Definitely a Luau. From there, I'm sure we'll do our fair share of shopping!

We'll be on Ohau for three days staying with my former battalion surgeon--it'll be great to see him. Then, seven days on Maui. I'd like to see the Arizona while in Ohau, but will defer to Bill as the native there!

I've re read this thread. Thanks for all the suggestions. If you can think of anything else that a 15, 16, and 18 year-old young lady would enjoy, pleeeeaaaase let me know. (Do I need to stop by the doc before I go and get an estrogen shot? )

Best,

Dave

 

[Dave Siciliano]

In looking at sites on Maui, can anyone tell me if they used one of these folks?

For biking down the volcano there are three bike companies.
Luau: any good experiences.
Snorkeling: same anyone preferred?
Forgot to mention, my oldest niece wants to parasail.

Best,

Dave

 

[gkainz]

We stayed on Maui a few years ago and did a catamaran and snorkling trip to Molokini - saw lots of fish and turtles. Not as nice as the Caribbean, but not bad for Hawaii.

Luau - we were told just about any of the resorts do a good job with luaus - can't recall the name of the resort that we visited for the luau, but it was fairly near the Maui Prince resort where we stayed.

We also did the road to Hana - very disappointing when compared to 20 years ago ... rented a jeep and found out we could have done the drive in a Camry! They paved the whole darn thing since last I ventured around the island!

On the opposite of the island from Molokini there's a beach where they have some awesome windsurfing - these guys fly these boards - absolutely amazing to watch!

 

[CJones]

In looking at sites on Maui, can anyone tell me if they used one of these folks?

For biking down the volcano there are three bike companies.
Luau: any good experiences.
Snorkeling: same anyone preferred?
Forgot to mention, my oldest niece wants to parasail.

Best,

Dave

HAWAII!!!!! Ahhh.. Once you go, you'll be saying "WHEN we go back", not "IF we go back". My wife and I did our honeymoon in Hawaii this past December. It was an AWESOME experience. We will DEFINITELY go back.

I didn't read the entire thread because reading all the suggestions was making me sick for wanting to go back, so I might provide some duplicate suggestions.

OAHU:
1.) For a Luau, check out the Polynesian Cultural Center (http://www.polynesia.com/) on Oahu. We spent the whole day there and still felt like we didn't see everything. It is operated by Brigham Young University - Hawaii and the 'actors' at the park are students that are demonstrating their 'native' cultures. In the evening there is a HUGE lua'u complete with roasted pig, etc. It's not very 'personal' since they are feeding several HUNDRED people, but the entertainment is awesome. It's a family oriented deal, and prices are reasonable for a full day of 'doing'.

2.) Pearl Harbor/U.S.S. Arizona -- DUH!

3.) Drive through Waikiki once so you can say you went there, but just keep on rolling. Shoulder-to-shoulder on the beach at 9am and bumper-to-bumper to get there.

4.) If you HAVE to stop in Waikiki, find the "World Market" (I think that's what it's called). It's just a bunch of street vendors selling cheap flowerdy shirts and bottle openers, but prices are negotiable and you can stumble across some pretty unique stuff.

MAUI (my some-day home away from home):

1.) Go buy the book "Maui Revealed" by Andres Doughty! It is PERFECT. I usually hate the idea of following a guide book to see the sights, but this book is a no-nonsense guide to Maui that doesn't suck you into the tourist traps. We found waterfalls that most passers-by didn't know about!

2.) Cough up the $$ for the overpriced Jeep rentals. You're taking three teenage neices. If you want to forever be 'cool uncle', you have to let the top down. It also provides access to places you can't get to in a 'non-4WD'. We stumbled onto a hidden black beach on the Hana Highway that we had to put 'er in 4-LO to get to, but it was WORTH it! There were several spots we got to that people driving by in their mustangs would never be able to get to.

3.) Do the Hana Highway trip once so you can say you did it. If you have a jeep, go all the way around (even after the sign saying "Rental Cars Not Allowed") The back side of the island contrasts the Hana side so much that it will 'complete' the trip. Stop and buy the "listen while you drive" CD if you want to know what you're looking at along the way. Plan on the vast majority of a day to do it.

4.) Mama's Fish House! Make reservations when you get to the island. The view is ALMOST as good as the food, but the food was the best seafood I have every eaten. Pretty pricey ($130+ for me and Rachel with drinks) but I would have paid for it even if it wasn't part of the honeymoon gift from my parents!

5.) Go shopping in LaHaina. It's a small 'old style' downtown area with street shops, etc. Good place to get semi-inexpensive gifts to take home.

6.) Try snorkeling by Black Rock north of LaHaina. Another decent spot that won't be crowded is Big Beach south of Kihei. If you go south of Kihei, keep going till the road dead-ends in the lava fields. Pretty cool stuff.

7.) Go to Haleakala. It's definitely worth the drive. Take a jacket, it can get chilly at 10,000'. Pretty cool to see planes coming from Honolulu into Kahalui and making their approach DOWN into the clouds.

8.) The bike ride down didn't look very interesting. The 'bikes' are pretty much two wheels with a big set of brakes. The road is very twisty-turny and seemed like an opportunity to have a vacation-ending bloody elbow or knee with not much chance for providing fun in itself. You'd spend all your time concentrating on the road and not be able to enjoy the sights.

Sheesh.. The more I think about it, the more I want to go back. I could sit and ramble about Hawaii all night long. But if I do, you won't get to learn stuff yourself for 'next time'.

Good luck and HAVE FUN!

-Chris
(feel free to email me or post here if you have questions about my 'suggestions' or what-not)

 

[Ghery]

Well folks, our Hawaii trip is getting close (last week in July to be Pacific )

The girls definitely want to do the bike ride down from the volcano; I'm trying to figure out how to reserve that. Snorkeling is high on the list. Definitely a Luau. From there, I'm sure we'll do our fair share of shopping!

We'll be on Ohau for three days staying with my former battalion surgeon--it'll be great to see him. Then, seven days on Maui. I'd like to see the Arizona while in Ohau, but will defer to Bill as the native there!

I've re read this thread. Thanks for all the suggestions. If you can think of anything else that a 15, 16, and 18 year-old young lady would enjoy, pleeeeaaaase let me know. (Do I need to stop by the doc before I go and get an estrogen shot? )

Best,

Dave

Looks like you go about the time we get home (leave on the 15th, get home on the 23rd). Plus, we'll be on Kauai this trip.

If your hotel offers an introductory SCUBA dive (pool lesson, followed by a beach dive) have the girls try it. My bet is they get hooked. We did this at the Westin Maui a couple years ago. My wife flunked the pool lesson (just wasn't comfortable breathing under water), but I had a blast.

The only downside to renting a Jeep is that it takes a few minutes to put the soft top up if (when) it starts to rain. I know, I have one. However, it would make an ideal vehicle. We typically rent convertables when in Hawaii. The first time we did we were starting to get rained on, so I pulled over to raise the top (Chrysler Sebring) and my wife started to get out to help with the top. I told her to sit down, and then I pushed the button and let the motor do its magic. She was too used to my Jeep, I guess.

See the Arizona and the Missouri. You'll regret it if you don't. Enough said on that one.

I'm sure your hotel will be able to link you up with the Haleakala bike ride. Just plan on getting up early in the morning.

BTW, I just finished a 5 week stint where I was on an airliner every week. As I was coming back from Phoenix last night I had a very pleasant thought. Unless something changes, the next time I fly commercially will be our trip to Hawaii in July.

Have fun.

 

[wsuffa]

See the Arizona and the Missouri. You'll regret it if you don't. Enough said on that one.

Ditto.

My dad served on the Big Mo', and was on board when the treaty was signed. I sent them over a few years ago, and he spent a long time talking with the curator of the ship - and was given private-tour access to all areas of the ship in exchange for his stories.

 

[flyingcheesehead]

HAWAII!!!!! Ahhh.. Once you go, you'll be saying "WHEN we go back", not "IF we go back".

Actually, I was more like "Do we have to go back?" (to the mainland)

2.) Cough up the $$ for the overpriced Jeep rentals. You're taking three teenage neices. If you want to forever be 'cool uncle', you have to let the top down.

Jeez, I'd hope the P-Baron would be enough to qualify for cool uncle status. And I think Dave qualifies even without it.

3.) Do the Hana Highway trip once so you can say you did it. If you have a jeep, go all the way around (even after the sign saying "Rental Cars Not Allowed")

Just be forewarned... If you go past the sign with a rental and then get stuck, it's gonna cost you $600 (or more - that was nine years ago).