7 Nights in Hawaii: Suggestions needed
RSG
I would appreciate any insight on which islands we should visit, and where we
should stay. We would like to do some diving and windsurfing as well as
general sightseeing and beaching.
Every thing looks so expensive, are there any bargins which can be recommended.
Please reply with responses.
Thanks, Bob G.
Linda Hill
I was unable to get email through to this poster, so I will post it here:
I'm not sure of your email address, so if this mail doesn't bounce,
I'm going to mail you my Maui file under seperate cover. Hawaii is
one of my favorite places, and with Kauai out of commission for a while
(I would give it more time to recover from the hurricane), I would
recommend Maui. In fact I think Maui is probably my favorite because
of the variety of things available to do and see. I would strongly
urge you _not_ to try to split up your time between two or more islands.
You need at least a week on each island to have a chance to really explore.
I'm not much of a snorkelor and don't windsurf at all, but my file has
comments from other people on those subjects.
If you decide to go to one of the other islands, let me know and I can
send you that/those file(s) in addition to the Maui one.
--
Linda V. Hill "Nakia", Hans Christian 33
Network Equipment Technologies Email: li...@net.com
800 Saginaw Drive, 23.2.3 Phone: (415) 780-5785
Redwood City, CA 94063 Fax: (415) 780-5001
Mark Nowak
M. Nowak (ma...@ssd.comm.mot.com)
My pre-Christmas vacation in '91 consisted of seven nights on 3 islands: 3 on
Oahu (The Gathering Place), 2 on Hawaii (The Big Island) and 2 on Kauai (The
Garden Island). My friend and I flew into Honolulu on Oahu Saturday afternoon.
Oahu contains 80% of Hawaii's population and has most of the nightlife.
Honolulu's Waikiki District is packed with hotels. Pearl Harbor and Diamond
Head are easily accessible by bus (which only costs $.60). A few other cool
facts about Hawaii is that there are no snakes on the islands (except in zoos)
and billboards are illegal. Having just returned, I have to say that Hawaii is
easily the most beautiful place I have ever visited. It blows Florida and the
Bahamas away by oh, say, a lot. They're not kidding when they say, "Welcome to
Paradise."
The first thing that struck me was the wonderfully scented air. This was no
surprise since we had just flown in from Chicago. We were
welcomed with a traditional lei greeting. Afterwards, a shuttle took
us to our hotel, the Outrigger Hobron. After checking in, we had dinner at
the Hard Rock Cafe which was within walking distance. I had a Hurricane for
the glass (I have one from London's Hard Rock Cafe). We then took a stroll
along Waikiki beach. It started to rain lightly, but it wasn't uncomfortable
and it didn't last long. We found out at our welcome breakfast the next day
some people call rain in Hawaii liquid sunshine!
Also, at our welcome breakfast we made reservations for a Pearl Harbor and
City Tour, a Polynesian Dinner/Show and a helicopter tour on Kauai. We
learned that the water temperature varies from 70 to 72 degrees during the
year and were encouraged not to just stick around the Waikiki District which
is only about a 1 mile by two miles in size. We took a complimentary tour
of a jewelry design center (Maui Divers) and an all-you-need-in-one store
(Hilo Hattie). Even though my friend bought some jewelry and I bought a
T-shirt, I don't recommend these tours. They seemed to be designed to get
you to start spending right away. For example, in the design center you
were encouraged to get your own pearl for $5. You pick an oyster, you tap
it 3 times for luck, everyone around you says "Aloha!" and your pearl is
removed. Now, you've been drawn in. They quickly put a hole in it and try
to get you to buy the necessary material to make it an item of jewelry --
you may even need another pearl! They tell you you need to do something
with it and that you're going to spend money in Hawaii anyway. They are
good (pushy) salespeople. My friend and I both got pearls for the hell of
it before we noticed the web around us. We fended off the salespeople, but
not before they put holes in our pearls. Jeez!
Anyway, we then took the bus to Diamond Head (#58 -- which also takes you
back). We made the climb and the view was beautiful. We ended up walking
back instead of taking the bus, taking in the sights along Waikiki beach.
That evening we went to the Honolulu Comedy Club ($12 with a one drink
minimum). It was hilarious. We felt that most things cost about as much as
they do in Chicago (gas was more expensive -- about $1.50 per gallon for
regular unleaded). It seemed that you really didn't need a rental car to
get around on Oahu.
The next morning we walked to the hotel where we were picked up for our tour.
The bus took us to Pearl Harbor where we saw a film and took the naval ferry
to the Arizona Memorial. The tour then took us to Punchbowl National
Cemetery where one of the Challenger astronauts is buried. We saw a number
of other sites including a huge Santa Claus figure that was introduced as the
only barefoot Santa Claus in the 50 states. We also learned that Waikiki is
sinking at the rate of 1 inch per 25 years due to the weight of the hotels.
The afternoon was spent on beautiful Waikiki beach. We had cocktails at a
rotating restaurant that overlooked Waikiki beach before going to the
Polynesian dinner/show at the Princess Kaiulani Hotel.
The dinner was okay, but the show was pretty commercialized -- they had a
magician perform and a fashion show for lava lava wear that you could buy
in the lobby before they got to the traditional Hawaiian hulas and chants
which were very entertaining. The fire dance was especially impressive.
The next day we flew Aloha airlines to Hawaii where our rental car awaited.
It was a red Geo Metro, an extraordinarily loud car for one with such poor
acceleration. They won't let you drive rental cars on all roads on Hawaii,
so if you want to go to the summit of Mauna Kea, you have to take a tour. The
tour only cost $75, but they need at least 4 people to be on it for it to go.
They didn't have 4 people when we called, so it didn't happen. BTW, the tour
leaves at 9:00 AM. We couldn't check into our hotel (Kona Seaside) until
after 3:00, so we drove to Volcanoes National Park ($5).
Hawaii is the biggest and youngest of the 8 major Hawaiian islands. It has 5
volcanoes -- a couple of which are still active, the highest peak of all the
islands (Mauna Kea), the southernmost piece of land in the 50 states (which
also requires that you take a forbidden road for rental cars) and a population
of about 118,000.
We drove around Kilauea, stopping at the visitor center, the observatory, the
caldera rim and the rim of Halemaumau Crater. The sights were amazing.
There was no real activity at the time apart from the toxic sulfuric gases
and steam rising around around us, but to see what a volcano could do very
much impressed this Chicagoan. We walked through a lava tube and drove
past a chain of craters before finally making out way to a huge lava field
that extended for miles. We drove by the famous black sand beach.
Unfortunately, there was no molten lava flowing that day, but just to walk
over that field at night with only the moonlight for illumination and the
sound of the ocean's waves hitting the end of the waves was incredible. I
suggest you bring a flashlight if you go at night. My friend tripped and
turned back while I continued on.
We decided to continue going around the island. We ate at a diner in Hilo and
then continued around the island until we got back to Kona.
The next day we toured the ruins of Pu'uhonua o Honaunau (known to many as the
Place of Refuge). We took in the Painted Church, a coffee company and a
macadamia nut factory before hitting the beach. That evening we just walked
around Kona's beachfront.
The next day we took in Hapuna Beach, easily our favorite beach of the ones we
went to on all three islands. The waves were huge. You could be standing in
knee-deep water when all of a sudden a wall of water will send you flying. It
was a blast.
We checked out and flew to Kauai that afternoon. Kauai is the oldest island.
It is only 33 by 25 miles in size. In fact, it is sinking at the rate of 1
inch per 25,000 years. It was pretty cool when we got there. The island was
just recovering from rain storms that had caused some flooding. This time we
had a blue Chevy Cavalier. After checking in at the Kauai Beachboy, we made
reservations for a luau at Smith's Tropical Paradise. There are only two
luaus on the island (so we were told). Someone on the net recommended the
one at the Sheraton, but we went with the advice of the the woman who made
the reservations for us. That night we went to the Kauai Comedy Club. It
was pretty dead there that night, but we had been told that it sells out
every night.
The next day, we were picked up for our helicopter tour. It was fantastic! I
highly recommend such a tour ($129). The windows were open and my camera got
sucked out when I tried to take my first picture. It's a good thing it was
still attached to my wrist, so I just had to reel it back inside. We then
drove up the shoreline taking in the many sights (e.g., dry and wet caves,
beaches, waterfalls, etc.). The luau was okay. Food doesn't usually do a lot
for me -- it's mostly just a means to stay alive for me. The show was good.
They repeated many of the dances we had seen on Oahu, but it'll be a long time
before I tire of seeing young women with swaying hips in grass skirts. ;-)
We visited Spouting Horn and Poipu beach the next day before flying home. As
a final treat, we got to see Charo seeing someone off at Kauai's airport before
we boarded our flight.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: d...@modcomp.uucp (Dan Grostick)
Subject: Re: Molokai info requested
Date: Tue, 14 May 1991 01:50:09 GMT
You need not worry about touristy areas, there are none in Molokai.
At least not in late '89 - our most recent visit. We stayed at
Molokai Shores (condo) (800/367-7042) about a mile from the Kaunakakai.
At that time there were no traffic lights anywhere on the island.
You can hike to Moaula Falls - two hour trek from Halawa Valley.
Suggest getting a Frommer's Hawaii - a fairly reliable source of info
for about $14.
From: l...@hp-ptp.HP.COM
Subject: Re: Info on Waikiki Hotels
Date: 13 May 91 16:12:52 GMT
Organization: HP Pacific Technology Park - Sunnyvale, Ca.
You might try making a reservation at one of the Outrigger Hotels in
Waikiki. They are not "out of the way", though they are also perhaps a
little less luxurious than the Hilton Hawaiian Village. They run radio
ads quoting a price of $60 per night per room, including (if available on
your travel dates) a rental car. I imagine you could get their number by
calling 800 directory assistance (1-800-555-1212). There are many Outrigger
Hotels throughout Waikiki, so you would want to ask how far away from the
beach the one they want to book you into is (none are far). Also ask if it
is under renovation (which would mean lots of construction noise).
From: fl...@sdd.hp.com (Bill Flick)
Subject: Re: Hawaii Recommendations?
Date: 16 May 91 14:13:29 GMT
Organization: Hewlett-Packard, San Diego Division
Sheraton Coconut Beach Hotel (a little expensive)
Lae Nani
Poipu Area
Sheraton-Kauai
The Waiohai
Poipu Beach Hotel
If you are real flush, there is always the Westin-Kauai - FANTASTIC!!!!
|> - places to eat
Fun and least expensive
Jimmy's Grill
1354 Kuhio Hwy
Good hamburgers, great place
(spent many hours there)
Paradise Hot Dogs
Kiahuna Shopping Village
Great hot dogs cooked in beer
Interesting - moderate costs
Brennecke's Beach Broiler
At Poipu Beach Park
Good food and great view of beach
Plantation Gardens Restaurant
2253 Poipu Rd
Poipu
Casual - delicious seafood
JJ's Broiler
Nawiliwili Bay
Good steaks, lunch menu and view
Expensive (but I've heard very nice)
Tamarind
Stoufer Waiohai Beach Resort
Poipu
Far eastern cuisine
(requires long sleeve shirts or jackets for men, women(?).
Inn on The Cliffs
Westin-Kauai
Charo's (cuchi-cuchi)
Nice drive - between Wainiha and Haena
Great sunsets - food good
There is always the good old standbys
McDonalds
Buger King
Sizzler
Pizza Hut
Jolly Roger
Must!!!
Lappert's Aloha Ice Cream (yummmmmmmm!)
|> - things to do
So much to do - So little time
An absolute MUST- rental car!!
South Sea Helicopter Tour (expensive but worth it!!)
Na Pali Coast sea tour (great)
Luau at Sheraton Coconut Beach Hotel (I'll go back)
Wailua River tour to the fern grotto (must see once)
Waimea Canyon (grand canyon of the pacific) (a photographers dream)
Wailua Falls (filmed for the opening shot of Fantasy Island)
Lumahai Beach (movie South Pacific filmed here - beautiful beach)
|> - things to not do....
Lay out in the sun for long periods of time especially between 11:00 a.m and
2:00 p.m. - other times for short periods until a good tan base is built. If
you must, use a minimum number 15 sun lotion - 25 0r 30 even better.
|> - etc.
Check out -
Niihau shell leis
at Kauai Gold
Market Place Coconut Plantation
They are beautiful - Some are reasoable
Most are expensive
All are beautiful
Ask the salesperson about the history of the leis and the island of Niihau.
Well Lisa, I've just touched the tip of the iceburg as far as Kauai goes. We
we get is approx 100 yds from the beach. There are beautiful sights all over
the island. Just when you thought you saw them all, a new one pops up.
ENJOY - ENJOY - ENJOY
ALOHA,
B.
From: jl...@uhunix1.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (John Long)
Subject: Re: Honeymoon in Hawaii
Date: 17 May 91 02:04:04 GMT
Organization: University of Hawaii
Check out Haleakala on Maui. If there is one thing in my 22 years here that
I would recommend, that's the one. It is far the most "awesome" place I've
ever been to. You MUST, absolutely MUST see it at sunrise!!!!!!
You will have to get up verrrrry early, and it is about a 2-3 hour drive from
Lahaina, but you will NEVER forget it!!! And it is cold in the morning.
Yes, COLD. The air is thin. TAKE FOOD with you in case there isn't any being
sold there.
There's good hiking there, too. There are some official trails through the
crater, but unfortunately you won't have time (this trip). One thing I used
to do that not many people do is just hike around the rim. Not *all* the
way around, though. It's big. The trouble with hiking is that you park the
car somewhere, hike off, and then have to hike back to the car again. Rewind.
If youre real tough, you can take off down into the crater at sunrise, and
a.) have somebody drive your car to the ~8500 ft level where there is a trail
head, and meet you there. The trail (I forget the name) at 8500 ft is a very
nice switchback up/down the crater wall. Go down sliding sands trail from the
summit and head for Holua cabin and up and out. Half-day minimum.
b.) Down sliding sands trail and out the kaupo gap to the kaupo store, and
from there to seven sacred pools (seven sacred falls, as some call it, seven
sacred fools) That's a 2-3 day hike. After spending one or two days inside
the crater (an island within an island), when you come down the gap, you
start to see signs of life. Like coming back from the moon.
All the islands have beautiful vegetation, waterfalls, etc. But there is
nothing like Haleakala. Except perhaps Mauna Loa, but thats on the Big Island.
And Mauna Loa can kill you. Haleakala will just blow your mind.
Haleakala is pronounced "Ha-lay-ah-kah-LAW"
Aloha,
-LongJohn
From: fl...@sdd.hp.com (Bill Flick)
Subject: Re: Honeymoon in Hawaii
Organization: Hewlett-Packard, San Diego Division
Date: Fri, 17 May 1991 21:46:19 GMT
Fear not, LongJohn knows about that which he speaks. In other words "AMEN".
We also stayed at the Royal Lahaini. We only had three days in Maui, which was
not even long enough. Our trip up to Haleakala was in a tour bus. It picked us
up in front of the RL at 2:00 a.m., stopped half way up at a convience store
so we could buy coffee and whatever and dropped us at the top. It was the most
breath taking view we have ever seen. We have some of the most fantastic still
and video shots that you can imagine. One nice thing about the tour bus was the
history of the island that we received from the driver. He was born there and
has lived no where else. Real interesting.
Also to reiterate what LongJohn said, *****DRESS WARM*****. If possible, sneak
a blanket from the hotel. We did - its neat to snuggle under a blanket watching
that beauty unfold.
When we got back, we exchanged our subcompact for a convertible and rented a
tape and headed up the Hana Hwy. Both in one day is not for the faint of heart
but it is very doable.
ALOHA NUI LOA,
B. 8>)
From: hump...@hpcvca.CV.HP.COM (Tom Humphrey)
Subject: Re: Hawaii Recommendations?
Date: 17 May 91 23:20:42 GMT
Organization: Hewlett-Packard Co., Corvallis, Oregon
I highly recommend the Sunday brunch at the Waiohai.
Helicoptor tour is a must. Take it early in the trip to get ideas on things
to do. The different helicopter tour places use different vehicles with
different seating arrangements. You may want to check it out.
From: mave...@vaxkab.lne.kth.se
Subject: Re: Hawaii Recommendations?
Date: 19 May 91 04:01:09 GMT
Organization: School of EE, Royal Institute of Technolgy
Lucky ones that have bought a place on Kauai. The island is soooooo
beautiful. But I think it hurts so badly when you see what are going to
happen with the island. The japanese will build an international airport
so that their hughe jumbo jets can land and all japanese can play golf
on all the uncountable numbers of golf courts they are building and
projecting. Also they will live in these big awful hotels that they are
constructing. I'm afraid that the paradise that Kauai, together with the
rest of Hawaii, is might disappear shortly if nothing drastically will
be done now. But that are just my own reflections from my visit there.
From: fl...@sdd.hp.com (Bill Flick)
Subject: Re: things to do in Maui???
Organization: Hewlett-Packard, San Diego Division
Date: Mon, 20 May 1991 14:53:01 GMT
Two musts:
Sunrise on Haleakala.
Drive up the Hana Highway (don't forget to rent a cassette tour tape).
ALOHA,
B. 8>)
From: fl...@sdd.hp.com (Bill Flick)
Subject: Re: Hawaii or Caribbean?
Date: 22 May 91 14:56:22 GMT
Organization: Hewlett-Packard, San Diego Division
I have been to both. For what it is worth, I believe Hawaii would be my first
choice. Especially Kauai. First rate hotels (condos if you prefer), fantastic
beaches, as much relaxation as you desire, beauty second to none and weather
comparable to the Caribbean.
Do not get me wrong, I would go back to the Caribbean (especially St Johns, V.I)
any time, but Hawaii is still no. 1.
B. 8>)
Sounds like Hanama Bay is right up your alley. There are numerous
tours from Waikiki who offer bus, snorkels, fish food, underwater
cameras, etc. You will be inundated with this info after you arrive.
Look in any of the tourist magazines. Hanama Bay is only 20 minutes
from Waikiki, in case you want to drive yourself. Its very shallow
so if you don't go out very far, you can always stand up if you get
into trouble. The fish are so tame they will come roaring up to you!
Buy a bag of frozen peas to feed them, they last better than soda
crackers. Be prepared for crowds. The abundance of marine life
makes it well worth your while, though. Regarding eyeglasses, I think
it would be hard to get them under your mask. Some tours may have
corrective lenses, though. Things are magnified underwater, though,
so if your correction is not too bad, maybe you can do without glasses.
Aloha!
Tom
I am planning to go to Kauai in October and have bought the
Frommer's travel guide. I've found it to be very helpful and
informative. It also contains many details about various
restaurants in the areas.
My family and I did a "snorkel-lunch" cruise off the Big Island out
of Kona into Kealakeakua (sp?) Bay - it's where Cook's monument is
located. It had to be one of the best things we did during our 2-week stay!
We were there at Christmas-time and I felt that the water was a little cool,
but I'm from Florida originally.
I am in the process of planning a vacation in Hawaii, for about 10 full
days in February. First question that I am faced with is: How much
will it cost...
Looking at some travel guides, it looks like hotels will run $100+ per
night. Food and tours will probably double that price per day.
Transporation, however, is an unknown. I couldn't really find much
information on local transportation.
Since we are planning to hit about 4 islands, I will need some means
of going from island to island, and then renting cars on each island.
Does anyone know if any of the local airlines offer inter-island
packages? Having to make reservation for individual flights and
rental cars does seem like quite a hassle, and I have no idea just
how much it will cost.
The other choice of inter-island travel is by boat...but I have even
less information on that. There are a few cruises, but they seem
pretty expensive.
If anyone who's done some island-hopping in Hawaii and knows the
best way to see all the islands, please send me a note. If you
have any info on things to see and/or do, I'd appreciate them too.
-------------------------
George W. Fleming
g...@sapphire.bellcore.com
-------------------------
You don't have to spend that much on hotels, not even in Waikiki, unless you
just like to have luxurious hotels. Get a package and save a fortune, if
possible with your itinerary. Otherwise, look for smaller hotels. For
example, the Hilo Hotel is about $40 per night, far less than the fanciest
tourist hotels.
Why not call the 800 number for Hawaiian Airlines and ask?
My understanding is that all tickets on the local airlines cost the
same amount: no discounts.
To the best of my knowledge, there is no boat transportation between islands.
My homework for my upcoming Hawaii sojourn showed that packages are far less
expensive. It isn't difficult to create a custom designed package. My wife
and I created one: 4 nights each on Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and three nights on the
Big Island, including hotel accommodations, a rental car (every day on every
island, including insurance waivers) and interisland flights. For the two of
us, the total was less than $1800. And we'll be directly in the path of the
moon's shadow for the eclipse!
All of the agents I spoke with would put together a package with any number of
nights on any island, in (almost) any class hotel.
Richard Alpert
Internet: alp...@cs.bu.edu Boston University
From: l...@hp-ptp.HP.COM
Subject: Re: Need info. on Hawaiian Airlines
Date: 26 Jun 91 23:37:01 GMT
Organization: HP Pacific Technology Park - Sunnyvale, Ca.
Personally, I think flying is safer than driving (not that you could drive
to other islands, but just in general). But given that you are apprehensive
about it, I think there is an alternative. When you are in Waikiki there
are stands all along the main drag, Kalakaua Ave., with little tourist
brochures. In those brochures are advertisements for one day or longer
trips to the other islands, some including, for example, a local excursion
in a helicopter. I have never gone on one of these private charters, but
I think they must not use Hawaiian Airlines planes. (Probably they use
small planes.)
From: cos...@cogsci.ucsd.EDU (Dan Costin)
Subject: Re: Literary travel writing about Hawaii - any suggestions?
Date: 27 Jun 91 18:09:31 GMT
Organization: Department of Cognitive Science, UCSD
As the guilty party for starting this thread, I offer you an abbrevieated list
of books written about travels in Hawaii, which I got from the close to 200
citations in the library system here at UCSD in the category TRAVEL HAWAII.
I guess I should have done this before asking the all-knowing NET.
Barrot, Theodore Adolphe, 1803-1870.
Unless haste is made : a French skeptic's account of the Sandwich Islands
in 1836 / Theodore-Adolphe Barrot ; translated by Daniel Dole ; illustrated
by Bartheleme Lauvergne & Theodore Auguste Fisquet ; introd. by... Kailua,
HI : Press Pacifica, c1978.
Bates, George Washington.
Sandwich island notes. By a Haole. New York, Harper & brothers, 1854.
Bird, Isabella L. (Isabella Lucy), 1831-1904.
The Hawaiian archipelago : Six months among the palm groves, coral reefs,
& volcanoes of the Sandwich Islands / by Isabella L. Bird. 2. ed. London,
J. Murray, 1876. (recent reprints available)
Cheever, Henry Theodore, 1814-1897.
The island world of the Pacific : being the personal narrative and
results of travel through the Sandwich or Hawaiian Islands, and other parts
of Polynesia / by Rev. Henry T. Cheever ... Glasgow ; London : W. Collins,
[1850?].
Chegaray, Jacques.
Hawaii: isles of dreams. Translated [from the French] by Viola G. Garvin.
London, A. Barker [1957].
Ellis, William, 1794-1872.
Journal of William Ellis : narrative of a tour of Hawaii, or Owhyhee :
with remarks on the history, traditions, manners, customs and language of
the inhabitants of the Sandwich Islands / by William Ellis with...
Honolulu : Advertiser Publishing Co., 1963.
Gleason, James Henry, 1823-1861.
Beloved Sister : the letters of James Henry Gleason, 1841-1859, from Alta
California and the Sandwich Islands, with a brief account of his voyage in
1841 via Cape Horn to Oahu and California / compiled with notes by...
Glendale, Calif. : A. H. Clark Co., 1978.
Stevenson, Robert Louis, 1850-1894.
Travels in Hawaii. Edited and with an introd. by A. Grove Day.
Honolulu, University Press of Hawaii [1973].
Stewart, Charles Samuel, 1795-1870.
Private journal of Stewart in Sandwich Islands. Abridged from American
ed. of New York 1828. Dublin, printed by Thomas I. White, 1830.
Street, Mary Evarts Anderson, 1838-1905.
Scenes in the Hawaiian islands and California. New York, American Tract
Society [1865].
Thompson, Hunter S.
The curse of Lono / by Hunter S. Thompson and Ralph Steadman. Toronto ;
New York : Bantam Books, 1983.
Townsend, John Kirk, 1809-1851.
Narrative of a journey across the Rocky Mountains, to the Columbia
River, and a visit to the Sandwich Islands, Chili, &c. With a scientific
appendix. By John K. Townsend ... Philadelphia, Henry Perkins; Boston,
Perkins & Marvin, 1839.
Twain, Mark, 1835-1910.
Letters from the Sandwich Islands : written for the Sacramento union /
by Mark Twain ; introduction & conclusion by G. Ezra Dane ; illustrations
by Dorothy Grover. Stanford University, Calif. : Stanford University
Press ; London : H. Milford, Oxford University Press ; c1938.
Twain, Mark, 1835-1910.
Roughing it. With an introd. and explanatory notes by Franklin R.
Rogers. Text established and textual notes by Paul Baender. Berkeley,
Published for the Iowa Center for Textual Studies by the University of
California Press, 1972.
Anderson, Mary E. (Mary Evarts) 1838-1905.
Scenes in the Hawaiian islands and California. New York : American
Tract Society, c1865.
Stoddard, Charles Warren, 1843-1909.
Hawaiian life : being lazy letters from low latitudes / By Charles
Warren Stoddard. Chicago ; New York : F.T. Neely, 1894.
Meriwether, Lee, 1862-
The tramp at home / by Lee Meriwether. New York : Harper & Brothers,
c1889.
From: car...@ab24.larc.nasa.gov (Ann Carlson)
Subject: Re: Request Maui advice
Organization: NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA USA
Date: Mon, 8 Jul 1991 12:24:54 GMT
I recommend the Royal Kahana hotel for relatively cheap, condominium like
accomodations on Maui. I got a studio room there last month for $78 per night,
which is much less than you'll pay for most other places right on the beach.
There's nothing fancy about the place, but it is on a nice beach and has it's
own pool. all the rooms have kitchenette plus washers and dryers, and lanais
which are ocean view. It's about 7 or 8 miles from Lahaina, just beyond the
distance of most of the sights on Maui. Nothing within walking distance but
the beach and a grocery store, so you do need a rental car if you're going to
stay here.
From: mave...@vaxkab.lne.kth.se
Subject: Re: Need info. on Hawaiian Airlines
Date: 8 Jul 91 14:43:26 GMT
Organization: School of EE, Royal Institute of Technolgy
Personally, I would prefere Aloha Airlines which is the other inter
island airline. But I have been flying with both and nothing fearful
happened (at that time !).
I don't think you should be worried but if you want, you can always take
a boat between Molokai and Maui (At least, I think they still have that
route).
Anyhow, good luck and say hello and ALOHA to Hawaii...
Fred
From: st...@grant.writer.yorku.ca (Steve Azmier)
Subject: Hawaii at Xmas (cheap flight??)
Date: 19 Jul 91 15:32:50 GMT
Organization: /ycs/steve/.organization
We know Xmas is the peak
season but any discount (including flying out of Buffalo or Detroit)
is worth considering. It costs about $1000 CDN. (per person) to fly
out of Toronto.
Thanks,
Steve Azmier
NETNORTH/BITNET: st...@sol.yorku.ca
From: wat...@nddsun1.sps.mot.com (Mike Waters)
Subject: Re: Two weeks in Hawaii
Date: 12 Aug 91 18:40:55 GMT
Highly prejudiced opinions based on a three week trip last fall:
Oahu - OUTSIDE Honolullu about 3 days, Hono. about 20 min. (its a big,
busy city). I count Waikiki as Honolulu. BTW.
Unless you are LDS (Mormon) don't bother with the "Polynesian Cultural
Center". IMHO its a rip off, the only "polynesian" part is the student
workers.
Big Island - 4-5 days. Depends how you like volcanos, lava flows and
picturesque beaches.
Can't comment first hand on the other islands.
DO check out the "special deals" by such people as car rental agencies.
I found a four day deal on Budget where you got a 5L Mustang convertable
for $100 with unlimited mileage and a big WAD of "admit one free" coupons.
I rented THREE cars this way, one on the BIg Island and TWO on Oahu. THe
last four days we used TWO coupons to get myself and my son into all
kinds of things free! (THat included the polynesian cultural center,
which I think was worth what I paid for it :-). Normal admission comes
to around $50 per person when you include all the hidden fees they
tack on.
I definitly reccomend Nanapua from ANY grungy looking street
vendor or "greasy spoon". THey sell the genuine article which GREAT, the
"fancy" version cost around 10X more and was awful!
From: de...@meaddata.com (Mike Dedek)
Subject: Re: Two weeks in Hawaii
Date: 14 Aug 91 17:17:48 GMT
Organization: Mead Data Central, Dayton OH
It depends on what you're most interested in. I've never been to
Hawaii, but am going 1st 2 weeks of October. Here's my opinion:
Big Island: Lots of people, highrise hotels, few beaches, good sightseeing.
Oahu: Lots of people, highrise hotels, good beaches, nightlife, sightseeing.
Maui: Bunch (< lots) of people, many honeymooners, nightlife,
sightseeing, beaches.
Kauai: Some (< bunch) of people, less nightlife, some beaches, good
sightseeing.
Lanai: Few people, few hotels, beaches, no nightlife, limited
sightseeing.
Molokai: Few people, few hotels, few beaches, little nightlife, good
sightseeing.
All islands have some spectacular sightseeing, I guess.
I personally like to avoid crowds somewhat; We'll be staying on Lanai and Maui.
From: alp...@cs.bu.edu (Richard Alpert)
Subject: Re: Two weeks in Hawai'i
Date: 14 Aug 91 21:35:14 GMT
Organization: Computer Science Department, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
My wife and I just returned from two weeks in Hawai'i (courtesy of TWA Frequent
Flyer's bonus miles). Here are a few QUICK observations:
The Big Island (Hawai'i): Except for the volcano (definitely worth
seeing --- there are active lava flows now!), climbing Mauna Loa or Mauna Kea,
visiting coffee, macadamia, or guava plantations, there isn't a lot that isn't
better enjoyed on other islands. The Hilo area is depressing; it doesn't seem
to fit with the rest of the state.
Maui: We stayed in the Lahaina area. It's a bit touristy, but
relaxing nonetheless. Haleakala is worth a visit (it is a dormant volcano
(last activity in the late 1920's) with unusual landscape and flora). The
northwest shore provides some good snorkeling and diving. If you enjoy
snorkeling and/or diving, a trip to Molokini is worth the time and money.
Molokini is the remains of a 5 million year old cinder cone. About half of it
is above water, so it forms a crescent shaped island, about 6 km offshore.
Snorkeling there, I saw a shark! (albeit only a white tipped reef shark, a
scavenger, not a predator.... but it looks just like the "big guys"!)
Oahu: Developed. We enjoyed the cultural diversity of Oahu, though.
One evening, quite by accident, we stumbled on a Bon Festival at a Japanese
Buddhist temple in Moana, a suburb of Honolulu, not far from the University of
Hawai'i. By far, the very best snorkeling/diving I have ever seen (and I've
been diving in the Red Sea) is to be had at Hanauma Bay, about 20 minutes drive
west of Honolulu on Interstate H-1. (I still don't understand how Hawai'i can
have interstate highways ;-) You don't even need a snorkel, and could enjoy the
fish without even wearing a mask. Imagine standing in a 3 foot deep aquarium.
When you walk, you have to push the fish out of the way. There is a State
Underwater Park/Preserve there, and the fish know it, so they are
extraordinarily friendly.
Kaua'i: Spectacular scenery. Follow the Waimea Canyon Road to the
very end. Within a few kilometers, you see what looks like the Grand Canyon
and Kaua'i's Na Pali Coast, incredible valleys and ridges falling a kilometer
to the sea. There is nothing like it anywhere else. The northeast coast was
the setting for "South Pacific". It isn't at all difficult to imagine Bali Hai
sitting on the horizon.
I hope that helps. We did find that each island carries its own ambience;
each is different. If you have specific questions, drop me a line; I'll be
happy to share what I learned.
Richard Alpert
From: ire...@ac.dal.ca
Subject: Re: Camping in Hawaii
Date: 15 Aug 91 05:34:25 GMT
I'd recommend a book called "Hidden Hawaii" (sorry, I don't remember the
authors's name). It has lots of information on hiking, camping, and
other outdoor activities. The book has been my guide to lots of
adventures in the Islands.
Keith Conover
ire...@ac.dal.ca
From: cor...@sparc33.hri.com (Dan Corpron)
Subject: Re: kauai recommendations ?
Date: 15 Aug 91 14:23:56 GMT
I have visited Kauai on two occasions (the most recent being last
summer). Both times I stayed in an area called Annini Beach on the
north end of the Island, not quite to Hanalei. We rented a private
home/cottage at the end of a neighborhood road. It is a beautiful,
private, "non-touristy" location that overlooks the ocean. It doesn't
have the resort ammenities (shopping centers, swimming pools, bars,
etc), but these things are not too far away in Princeville (I could never
figure out why anyone would want to swim in a pool while they were in Hawaii
anyway). It had a fully applianced kitchen and a washer and dryer as well.
You can rent them through an organization called Kauai Vacation Rentals (KVR).
There are in fact four different houses owned by the same family. KVR refers
to these as the R. Nakea cottages. KVR has an 800 number you can use to get
more information (I don't have the number with me at the moment, let me know
if you want it).
Annini beach has some good swimming, but not for body surfing. Fortunately,
there's a good beach for that real close. I don't have my map with me so
I can't give you any names.
As for hiking, you must try the hike along the Napali coast. The trail
head is at the end of the road on the North end of the island. You will
be rewarded with beautiful coast line views, wild orchids, and a nice
sandy beach after a 3-4 mile hike. If you are feeling more ambitious,
you can take another 2 mile hike inland to a pretty waterfall. Be sure
to bring plenty of water (1 liter per person) and some munchies.
For snorkeling recommendations, you can stop by any dive shop and ask.
They'll give you some good pointers.
Daniel R. Corpron
From: mave...@vaxkab.lne.kth.se
Subject: Re: Two weeks in Hawaii
Date: 17 Aug 91 08:36:15 GMT
Organization: School of EE, Royal Institute of Technolgy
Hello !
I read your suggestions regarding the Hawaiian Iislands...
Well, I would rather say that on the Big Island (Hawaii) there are many
opportunities to walk around without meeting so many tourists.
Especially if you keep away from the Kona sida where all the big tourist
hotels are located. In Hilo there are a genuine and a very friendly
atmosphere! Otherwise, I agree about Maui and Oahu but even on Kauai
there are possibilities to find places of the tourist road. Molokai and
Lanai are beatiful islands with lazy things to do on.
Anyhow,
have fun in the Hawaiian Sun !
Fred
From: law...@ohsu3b2.ohsu.EDU (Kathryn Lawder)
Subject: Re: Two weeks in Hawaii
Date: 19 Aug 91 07:05:50 GMT
Organization: Oregon Health Sciences University
mave...@vaxkab.lne.kth.se () writes:
. . .>Well, I would rather say that on the Big Island (Hawaii) there are many
>opportunities to walk around without meeting so many tourists.
>Especially if you keep away from the Kona sida where all the big tourist
>hotels are located. In Hilo there are a genuine and a very friendly
>atmosphere !
I second the motion for The Big Island of Hawai'i. Unless you are looking
for the sanitized little bit o'home away from home. The opportunities to
get away and be completely alone, on a beach, on a volcano, near a waterfall,
in the classic tropical flora of Hawai'i are multitude on this most
beautiful island.
Hilo may not have its tourist facade up to elegant standards, but it is the
only city I've found on the islands that feels authentic. Try the Farmer's Market
between 6 and 7 am on Saturday morning. Bring single dollars, because
everything is packaged to cost a dollah.
Aloha!
--
Kathi Lawder Be more than food for the moon;
law...@ohsu.edu Be what you came here for!
From: jdu...@mitre.org
Subject: Re: Camping in Hawaii
Date: Tue, 20 Aug 1991 12:27:19 GMT
>> I'm interested in information about outdoor activities in Hawaii. Things
>> like camping, hiking, biking, windsurfing, scuba diving,...etc.
>>
>I'd recommend a book called "Hidden Hawaii." It has lots of information
>on hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. The book has been my
>guide to lots of adventures in the Islands.
Hidden Hawaii was written by Ray Reigert. It obviously has been a big seller-
he has gone on to becoming the executive director for a series of travel
guides, the latest is Hidden New England.
From: ire...@ac.dal.ca
Subject: Re: Hiking/backpacking on Kauai
Date: 22 Aug 91 03:01:26 GMT
Organization: Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
I have hiked the Na Pali trail twice and recommend it highly. It's
incredibly beautiful. I don't know anything about where to get
backpacking equipt. on Kauai, sorry. Camping without prior camping
experience is something everyone who camps does at least once, so thats
not a problem. It sometimes helps to go with someone else who has
experience, but camping close to the car in Hawaii during September is
very safe. There are other people around to help if you get in trouble
and you'll be able to walk back to the car easy enough. I would urge
you go farther down the trail because the rest of the trail and the
valley at the end are spectacular and you'd get a better feeling for
what backpacking is like on a longer trip (2 or more nights).
Have a nice time.
Keith Conover
ire...@ac.dal.ca
From: koc...@gandalf.nosc.mil (Steve Kocsis)
Subject: Kalalau trail, Kauai, Hawaii
Date: 22 Aug 91 16:00:50 GMT
Organization: Naval Ocean Systems Center, San Diego
Kalalau Trail
4/29/91
We're on Kauai. The north coast. The Na Pali coast. The end of
the road and the trailhead for the Kalalau trail. Lush vegeta-
tion, one hundred shades of green, a green as if illuminated from
within. There is constant pressure from the trade winds and
a noise, a noise of all frequencies, combining: the palm branches
swaying, waves splashing, birds singing, the sand shifting. The
sun is strobing, turning on-and-off, the clouds eclipsing the
tropical light. These clouds are extraordinary: well-defined
edges, blinding white towards the center, low and constantly
moving, propelled by the trade winds. Disconnected at first, the
clouds rise to the heights where they marry, obscuring the mass
of Mt. Kawakini, Kauai's highest summit, the world's wettest
spot, surrounded by the Alakai swamp, a great sponge, and the
source of Kauai's fresh water.
It has taken, my wife Cristina and myself, us three hours,
three rides, and 41 miles to get from Lihue, the main town and
airport, to road's end, by hitchhiking. There is no public
transportation and the trail guides warn not to leave a car at
the trail head overnight, because of theft and vandalism.
Cristina does not like to hitchhike. It is legal in Hawaii if
the hitchhiker stays off the road and on the shoulder. Our
first two rides are in the backs of pickups, the wind blows in
our faces, the sunlight is brilliant.
We baptize in the Pacific waters at road's end before
starting the hike. Ke'e beach is protected from the breakers by
coral, there is lovely swimming in clear aquamarine waters;
fish spin among the people, excellent snorkeling. I float on
my back inspecting the guardian cliff, 500 feet of black ba-
salt, covered with a green carpet of plants. The basalt is
only visible through the sheer vertical sections where plants
have no purchase. Clouds race by changing shape as I watch. We
start the hike, our permits are for five nights, the maximum
allowed in any 30 day period. It is twelve miles to Kalalau
beach. It will take us three days to get there.
Initially the trail begins to climb, there are basalt cobbles
fitted together to form a rough staircase. I briefly leave the
trail to stash a plastic bag of clean clothes for the trip out.
The trail rises above the ocean, we are enveloped in tunnels of
vegetation: trees, creepers, vines, mangroves. The wind blows,
rain starts, out comes our umbrellas that double as walking
sticks. We take a brief stop for the shower. The sun returns, the
wind dies, we continue.
There are numerous cloud shadows projected on the ocean's
surface moving faster than us. Whitecaps stretch out to the
vanishing point of the horizon. We now begin to hear a sound that
will accompany us for the rest of the trip, the low-frequency
booming of helicopter blades. Tour helicopters. The Na Pali coast
is the great attractor for their flights. No consideration is
given to the sound pollution hikers are exposed to. Hiking per-
mits for the Na Pali are free. Helicopter rides start at $95 for
a 50 minute flight.
We hike down into and out of two minor valleys before reach-
ing Hanakapi'ai beach, two miles from the trailhead, 90
minutes of walking. Rather than cross the stream, which is
running high, we walk down to the beach and cross Hanakapi'ai
stream where it meets the Pacific, a much easier ford. The
ocean is rough here, no coral protection; hence, unsafe for weak
swimmers. On the west side of the stream are many campsites
surrounded by vegetation. This is a wet place, clouds envelop
the surrounding cliffs.
After setting up camp, Cristina retires early to escape the
mosquitoes. In the fading light I follow the trail along the
stream that enters the valley. It is a fairyland: tunnels of
trees, giant ferns, clusters of bamboo 50 feet high and 10 inches
thick. The rain is continuous; a rain forest. I am surrounded by
the life force of a multiplicity of plants, birds, insects, and
tree canopies. I return to camp in darkness. I listen to the bass
rumble of the waves on the beach, the white noise of the stream,
and the drone of cicadas. I meet Dallas, a local, living on the
island for 18 years. "The major pakalolo grower here, BoBo, has
retired. She now works at Jungle Bobs renting camping gear. She
tours the public schools giving anti-drug talks," Dallas informs
me.
4/30/91
Dawn, everything is wet. I walk back to the bamboo groves and
it starts to rain intensely. In the shelter of the bamboo I wait
until the rain declines. We pack up in rain, start hiking in
rain, Dallas joins us in the rain. A series of rain-squalls
descends on us with short dry intervals between. We use umbrel-
las, rain gear causes the wearer to sweat from the heat and
humidity. The trail takes us 500 feet above the ocean on a
slippery twelve inch wide trail. When walking I concentrate on
each footstep, a slip down the precipitous cliff would be
serious. Occasional tourist boats pass beneath. The rain brings a
decline in the tourist helicopters.
We reach a shangri-la valley; towering plant-covered cliffs
all around us, the sun sparkles in patches as the clouds adjust
their positions, wisps of white clouds hugging the cliffs move up
and down like elevators. At this stop I discover that Cristina
has only brought two days of food for a six day trip. "I'm very
upset about this, I trusted you!," I say. A short way down the
trail, in a high voice, she looks into my eyes, "I'm sorry
about the food." I reply, "I accept your apology," but I'm
still mad. It will turn out that fellow backpackers give us food.
We reach Hanakoa valley, Dallas sets up camp in a decay-
ing shack, Cristina and I cross the stream finding a series of
terraces that receive the trade winds; thus, reducing the mos-
quito problem. The area is heavily vegetated. I head out to
Hanakoa falls, 1/3 of a mile by a steep, slippery trail.
After a 20 minute walk the trail makes a right angle turn into
a hidden canyon. The water descends as a white ribbon against
the green cliffs, falls into a pool forming splashing waves. The
peace is disturbed by a constant stream of helicopters that fly
into the narrow valley, hover for five seconds then depart
for the next visitor. I am the lone hiker.
The sky holds just a few clouds, welcome after a wet day,
our clothes will dry on a line. The darkness comes quickly. The
wind picks up causing chaotic movement of the tree canopy, one
tree creaks menacingly. I hear the trees, cicadas and the stream.
5/1/91
May Day. Clear skies greet us. Rains during the night have
left the ground wet. We walk on steep, narrow trails hundreds of
feet above the ocean. It is humid, hot, with less vegetation,
less rainfall, and less water on this section of trail. Expansive
views of the coast in both directions. Because of trail erosion
constant attention must be paid to where the feet are placed. A
Zen phrase gives wise advice: "When walking, walk, when looking
look." We cross short stretches where there is no trail, the
erosion has erased it.
At a rest-stop we view twenty-one goats on a denuded hillside.
Bow hunting is allowed with a permit. The goats are introduced
animals and destructive to the environment because of their
eating habits. The hiking is strenuous on this stretch, but the
views are gorgeous, the translucent aquamarine edge of the ocean
allows views of the irregular coral bottom, the ocean's texture
changes constantly with the light and dynamics of the wind. The
sight allows the mind to detach itself from the physical
hardships. Hanakoa is both the most difficult physically and
rewarding visually section of the Kalalau trail.
Reaching a ridge above the Kalalau valley, we clearly see the
terraces placed by the former Hawaiian residents for the growing
of taro, papayas, and mangoes. The valley is verdant with trees,
bushes, and wild plants. Cliffs of basalt enclose Kalalau on
three sides, three thousand feet above the valley floor, the
fourth side is the ocean. We reach Kalalau stream, which is
high and a difficult crossing. Fortunately two ropes have been
tied into position giving support. On the west side of the
stream we meet Chris, "I've just been ticketed by the cops for
not having a permit, they took all my gear from me and told me to
leave," says Chris. "Don't tell them you saw me heading up the
stream," is Chris's last remark as he hikes out of sight. The
equipment will be returned if he makes his court appearance. A
possible $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail.
We walk in an idyllic setting, large bright green jungle
vegetation, towering plant-covered black basalt cliffs, and a
pounding surf with whitecaps visible to the vanishing point. We
walk to the beach, we camp under a large mango tree with the
cliffs and ocean in view. Cristina is tired. I mingle with the
other campers. "Three goat hunters have killed an animal but,
without a permit. One was caught but the other two are fugi-
tives," says Kevin. The law enforcement people arrive at our
campsite, we display our permits. They inform us that they en-
force the quota of visitors to Kalalau to protect the area. All
the people currently at the campground have hiked in but, start-
ing May 15 Zodiac boats will bring people, increasing the visi-
tor count significantly. This creates an opportunity for the
squatters, like Chris, the boat people have surplus food and
friendly boat captains also supply rations.
I bathe in the beach-side waterfall, knife-edge cliffs of
green rising above me. The ranger donates food when I approach
with my beggars bowl. We meet Glen who has hiked in every April
for 6 years. "I just sold my 75-employee business, the new
owners want me to stay for a few years but, I could retire, maybe
I will," he says while gazing at the tropical illumination.
Dallas cooks the rice I received from the ranger paying careful
attention to the removal of the black rat turds by floating
them away while draining off the excess starch in the white
rice. Glen donates pasta. Cristina and I go to bed with full
stomachs due to the kindness of strangers.
5/2/91
We spend the morning chatting with neighbors then start on a
day hike up Kalalau valley to swim in the Big Pool. It is sunny
with clouds over the interior. The surf is continuing it's boom-
ing of last night. Ten foot swells are frequent. A short dis-
tance up the trail, a Hawaiian law-enforcement man, comes out
from the bushes, "I'm waiting for squatters rousted out by the
special-ops people. " I see a camouflaged helicopter flying low
with a 50 foot rope hanging from it with two men at the end.
"They don't receive any special pay, just straight time. Volun-
teers," he informs us. They must get an adrenalin rush. They are
cleaning the valley of goat poachers, squatters, and pakalolo
growers for the arrival of the zodiac-boat people, most of whom
will never leave the beach.
After walking through canopied rain forest we reach a cleared
area with black boulders and a magnificent panorama of the sur-
rounding cliffs, Smoke rock. Beautiful examples of water erosion
that have formed fantasy-like geometries of the basalt surround
us. Clouds cling to the cliffs. We descend back into the rain
forest, out of the direct sunlight and into shadows. By a stream
a second law-enforcement man challenges us and we pass inspec-
tion. At a large stream, as we begin to ford, a camouflaged
helicopter hovers over the tree canopy and the two rope-hanging
men touch ground, the helicopter leaves and we wait their visit
but, this time we are left alone.
We reach the pools which are connected by short cascades,
swimming is great in cool water surrounded by jungle, with views
of the valley cliffs. There is a small natural slide coated with
smooth algae. The water is turbulent, a natural jacuzzi. We
frolic. With binoculars I see the Kalalau viewpoint 3500 feet
above us. We head back under the tree-canopy listening to song
birds. Tonight all the campers pooled their food for a potluck
around the campfire. The rangers arrive with ice and kool-aid. We
return to camp by flashlight.
5/3/91
Up at dawn, we shower at the waterfall, say goodbyes to
our trail friends, pack up our gear and walk out with
clouds, wind, sea, cliffs, birds, plants: all stimulating us. We
make the climb up eroded Red Hill in the cool of the morning. We
take a long pause on the shoulder with a splendid view of Kala-
lau valley and it's cliffs. We are now on the best portion of
the trail the section between Kalalau and Hanakoa. However,
it is also the most strenuous portion, the many eroded slip-
pery parts demand constant attention to footing. We adapt the
sure-footedness of the many feral goats we spot.
The ocean is always visible: dynamic, changing, frothing
attacking the land. The vegetation cover is lighter on this
section than the rest of the trail since there is less rain.
Clouds pass low overhead, ahi-ahi birds cry: white with long
streaming tails. We are at a section where the trail is gone,
uncertain footing on a slant with pea-sized gravel. A spectacular
position 500 feet above the ocean. Cristina blurts out, "I'm
nervous, I don't like this!" I reply, "Cristina, just concen-
trate on placing your feet!", She makes it.
Looking out over the Pacific it appears as if the curvature
of the earth is noticable. Breakers over an infinite plane of
azure blue. Greens that shine from the tropical light, an inner
light, an emerald-translucent green. Bird songs of long and short
melodic phrases. Magenta flower petals carpeting the trail, the
trade winds cooling off our sweat. We reach a small rise, views
of the coast east and west, a series of rain squalls moving in,
unleashing their energy and moisture, Sisal plants, like mutated
starfish adding an alien geometry to the landscape, the leaves
solid, 5 feet long with tips pointed like daggers. The pali
cliffs dominate the view, the black basalt contrasting with the
abundant vegatation.
On the way to Hanakoa we take a rest stop at a terrace com-
manding an expansive view of the coast and the Kalalau cliffs, we
discuss camping there. Out of the bushes appears a red haired,
red-bearded man, "Hi I'm Jerry." Jerry tells us that he has
survived by working part-time jobs for 7 years spending most of
his time as a squatter in Kalalau. Jerry seems friendly, but his
body-language is jerky, asymmetric and his voice timbre communi-
cates unease to me. I made a silent decision not to stay here.
We enter the tree canopy again at Hanakoa, our previous
campsite in the terraces is vacant. I set the tent up to the
sound of tourist helicopters. I hike to the ridge overlooking
the ocean. I watch the squalls releasing their rain on the ocean
surface before they reach me with a jolt of wind and wetness.
The precursor, an increase in wind, the sun obscured then
eclipsed, a few hesitant drops, then the onslaught, dynamic
-animated rain. The source, together with the sun, of the rich
plant life. I visit our neighbors who offer to help me cook the
donated food. I mention the red-haired man we met. Al says that
the authorities have been looking for Jerry for years. "I'm
surprised he talked to you, Jerry is a hermit." It rained
throughout the night.
5/4/91
Up at dawn with overcast skies, all is wet, our packs protect-
ed by the umbrellas. Cristina accuses me with, "You're always too
slow packing, I've never seen anyone who dawdles so!" She leaves
me behind. Cristina tends toward irritability when she's hungry.
I catch up quickly on the banks of Hanakoa stream which is high.
I cross twice: once with my rucksack and next with Cristina's.
Slippery rocks covered with wet leaves and moss. We reach Hanakoa
shack, Cristina heads on in a hurry, I go down to the camping
area and ask the couple at the first tent for food. "My wife and
I are out of food, do you have any to spare?" "Sure, he says,
"Let me go through the packs." He hands me a jumble of candy
bars and cookies. "Thank you," I say, "This must be heaven!" I
head quickly down the trail looking for Cristina, "Cristina, wait
for me let's take a break at the next viewpoint.", Distantly I
hear, "OK." We reach a critical point with extensive ocean views
running into infinity. We enjoy the junk food. Cristina loves me.
I feel in touch with the terrain, enjoying the dynamics of the
clouds. We arrive at Hanakapi'ai. It is Saturday and quite a few
day-hikers are present. We pass a tsunami safety marker one-
hundred feet above the beach. At the beach is life-saving gear
donated by a family who lost a loved one to drowning here (A
strong swimmer). We rest, then begin the hike out, a couple on
their honeymoon, John and Mary, offer to give us a ride at the
trailhead.
The two miles from the trail head to Hanakapi'ai is the easi-
est section to hike, a wide trail 400 feet above the ocean. At
the trailhead we again swim at Ke'e beach. John and Mary give us
a lift to the airport. We decide to return to Kauai.
NUTS AND BOLTS
1) The main airport on Kauai is at Lihue, all airlines have con-
nections. There is no public transportation to the Kalalau trail-
head which is at the northwest end of the Kuhio highway (route
56), 40 miles from the airport, a two hour drive by car. There
are many car-rental agencies but, because of theft and vandalism
it is not recommended to leave a car overnight at the trailhead.
The options then are to take a taxi ($40-$75 from the airport),
have someone drop you off, or hitch. We hitched, it is legal on
the shoulders. From the trailhead it is twelve miles to Kalalau
beach.
2) Permits are necessary for the three campgrounds on the Kala-
lau trail and only five nights out of each 30 day period are
allowed. No more than one night at Hanakoa and Hanakapi'ia at
a time. Permits are free and are available in advance from:
Dept. of Land & Natural Resources
Division of State Parks
P.O. Box 1671
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241 - 3444
The permit comes with an excellent map and information. If you
arrive in Lihue without a permit, then you can get one at the
police station if the quota is not exceeded.
3) Hanakapai'ai beach is a 90 minute hike from the trailhead,
two miles. From there it is four miles, four - five hours, to
Hanakoa. From Hanakoa it is six miles, four - six hours, to
Kalalau beach. The times are approximate but, due to the
strenuous nature of the hike should be planned on.
4) Bring the following: Broken in hiking boots with ankle sup-
port, tent with rain fly, ensolite pad, hiking staff, umbrella or
rain gear, flashlight, bug juice, rucksack, first-aid kit, water
bottles, and food. A sleeping bag is not necessary, a good sub-
stitute would be a cotton sleeping sack such as for Youth Hos-
tels. Expect frequent rain, max. temp. of 80 dg. F, min. temp. of
65 dg. F. and high humidity.
5) Drinking water should be treated by boiling, iodine, or
filter. Expect to drink up to a gallon per day because of the
heat and humidity. Clean cuts promptly since infections are
common in the tropics. Be wary at stream fordings, the water
level may rise rapidly, it also lowers rapidly so..., if the
crossing looks threatening just wait. When crossing use the
hiking stick as a third leg.
6) Take your time on the trail, be careful of your footing,
there is mud, slippery rocks, and eroded sections so go slowly
and enjoy the views.
From: w...@cbnewsh.cb.att.com (Bill Stewart 908-949-0705)
Subject: Re: Hawaii
Date: 10 Sep 91 03:38:05 GMT
nu...@candle.uucp (Christine Momjian) writes:
] [2 weeks australia, 1 week honolulu]
] The other question is what is there to do in Honolulu? We don't really
] enjoy laying on the beach. We thought one week maybe too much.
One week in Honolulu is easy - take scuba diving lessons.
(Scuba diving is mandatory for all visitors to Hawaii!
It's highly addictive, and you'll love it. You don't need any
experience - you can take a couple-hour resort intro and go out with
instructors. The only better place to dive is Australia.)
Otherwise, fly to one of the other islands - Hawaii to watch the volcanoes,
or Kauai for peace and quiet and gorgeous scenery. Commuter flights
are cheap.
Depending on time of year, check out whale watching.
Any of the islands will have boat trips out to watch the sunset and
drink too much, and will have tourist schtick (Polynesian Cultural
Center on Oahu does this best, admittedly. Oahu's other redeeming
social value is surfing on the North Shore, if it's the right time
of year to watch/do that.) And you can go scuba diving anywhere.
--
# Bill Stewart 908-949-0705
From: le...@tramp.Colorado.EDU (LEWIS WILLIAM M JR)
Subject: Re: Hawaii
Date: 10 Sep 91 20:53:32 GMT
Organization: University of Colorado, Boulder
The Bishop Museum in Honolulu is worth a full day and a trip around Oahu
by car or bus can take two days.
From: ol...@howdy.ucs.dec.com
Subject: Re: Last-minute Hawaii accommodation?
Keywords: hawaii inexpensive accommodations
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Date: Mon, 21 Oct 91 21:02:24 GMT
The Manago Hotel in Kona is an inexpensive (~$40/nt private, ~$20/nt shared)
hotel on a hill facing the ocean. All the private rooms have oceanfront lanais
(mind you, you're not within walking distance to the beach, but it's a luscious
view with the pacific as background). It's family owned, clean, has a "popular
with the locals" restaurant which serves fresh fish at resonable prices, has
on-site parking, and a very nice staff. It's not a Hyatt, but it's a good
deal for the price if you just want a comfortable place to sleep each night.
Here's an extra tidbit for you:
Volcanic ash from Kiluea causes a haze/fog which locals call "vog" on the
Kona side of the Big Island (the Hilo side isn't affected due to wind
direction).
My sister, who has lived in Kona for six years now, had never mentioned "vog"
before my visit to the islands last year. Needless to say, I wasn't pleasantly
surprised when I arrived at the airport. The locals don't think twice about it
anymore, but you may want to go mentally prepared to see a Los Angeles-like
sky (if Kiluea's been super active lately).
olga
From: dow...@pierre.mit.edu (Marla Dowell)
Subject: Re: Last-minute Hawaii accommodation?
Date: 22 Oct 91 20:13:00 GMT
Organization: MIT Lab for Nuclear Science
I am currently planning a trip to the Big Island for the beginning of
January. I also wanted to avoid the high price hotels. On the recommendation
of my step-sister, who has been to the Big Island several times, I bought
the book "Hidden Hawaii". This book lists many less expensive, but still
nice lodgings on the island, as well as places to explore. In the end,
we decided to stay at two different bed and breakfasts during our 10 day
stay---one in the Waimea region, and the other near Volcano National
Park. We booked our reservations through Hawaii's Best Bed & Breakfast,
which specializes in B&B's on the Big Island. Typical prices range
between $50-$115/night for two people (but I believe they charge a fee
for people who make reservations on very short notice). They also
have a 1-800 number. Another place that sounded interesting was the
Shirakawa Motel, which is billed as the Southernmost Hotel in the US.
It's a reasonable driving distance to Volcano National Park and is
about $40/night. (No frills, but nice according to my guide book)
Marla Dowell e-mail: dow...@mitlns.mit.edu
From: and...@sco.COM (Andrew Knutsen)
Subject: Re: Kauai, HI Weather in February?
Keywords: kauai hawaii weather info wanted
Date: Fri, 25 Oct 91 23:47:28 GMT
For snorkeling, dont miss Tunnels Beach. Its about a mile north
of Charo's, but not marked (look for blue trashcans). Ke'e (End of the
Road) stands a good chance of being clear if you're there after a storm.
These are both North Shore. Prime sun beach is usually South Shore, like
Poipu. Coast/jungle hiking past Ke'e; canyon in Waimea (west of Poipu).
If it's cloudy everywhere, try driving all the way to Polihale (all the
way west), but beware the dirt (mud) roads.
If you do hit a storm, just explore for places to go when it
clears up. When you're done doing that, check out the bars -- the
locals are interesting. Jimmy's in Kapa'a is fun, or Brennecke's in
Poipu. We also tend to spend time in the room watching the info channel
on TV (KVIC), but don't get stuck in your room. Explore the Westin.
You can snorkel in the rain if the surf's OK and the water is clear; just
dive when you see the lightning coming :-).
And remember, unless its a big storm, rain in one place doesn't
mean its raining everywhere, or will be raining in an hour in any given
spot. If it is a big one, feel honored to experience the wettest spot on
Earth in the making, and don't be afraid to get a little wet.
Andrew
From: jean...@duteca.et.tudelft.nl (J.P.M. van der Jagt)
Subject: Re: Molokai
Date: 31 Oct 91 21:29:39 GMT
Organization: Delft University of Technology, Dept. of Electrical Engineering
Hi Travellers,
I've been on Molokai a few weeks ago and stayed there for two days, which is
enough to see tho whole island if you have a rental car. I liked the island
very much because of it's friendly people (pop. 7000) and it's quietness.
The island is remote. In the centre is the airport. You will probabely fly in
and out with a small, two propeller driven plane which can carry 15 persons
with luggage. Nearby the small airport (with car rental company agents) is the
capital Kaunakakai, which is not more than a small village, built in the style
of old US Wild West. At the east side of the island there is the beautiful
valley of Halawa which can be reached by a scenic US "Highway" alongside the
south coast. While driving there notice the islands of Lanai and Maui. Also
you will pass one of the churches built by Father Damian. You'll have to drive
the same way back. At the west side of the island there are a few resorts and
a wildlife park. Also there is a small village Maunaloa. At the north side
of the island lies the Kalaupapa Peninsula, former leper colony, where Father
Damian cared for the people who had that disease and who because of that where
exiled to that part of Molokai, that even today only can be reached by mule
ride or airplane. However, it can be viewed from Kalaupapa Lookout, high
above the cliffs. The rest of the island is trees.
There isn't a single traffic light or elevator on the island.
And if you're looking for more quietness, you should plan a few days (two is
enough) on Kauai. Although more populated and more visited by tourists than
Molokai, it is still a very beautifull island on which you can find (among
many things) the Waimea Canyon: Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
On the Big Island, fly (if you have the money) with a helicopter over the
active volcano. It's awesome. Hike one of the many trails in Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park.
And last but not least: See Haleakala Crater on Maui.
Well, if all of this looks like an Hawaiian vacation commercial, I'm sorry.
I'm just a tiny bit enthusiastic about paradise :-)
John-Paul.
--
[] J.P.M. van der Jagt [] Systems manager [] Delft University of Technology []
[] Email: jean...@duteca.et.tudelft.nl [] Phone: 31-15-781366 [] e m p t y []
From: m...@cats.ucsc.edu (Michael C. Clark)
Subject: Re: Moloka'i, Hawaii
Date: 4 Nov 91 17:11:21 GMT
Organization: University of California, Santa Cruz
>John-Paul responds to another poster requesting info on Moloka'i:
>I've been on Molokai a few weeks ago and stayed there for two days, which is
>enough to see tho whole island if you have a rental car. I liked the island
^^^^^^
That is IYHO (in your humble opinion). I just returned 2 weeks ago from
spending 3 weeks on Moloka'i, and it wasn't nearly enough time (either to
see the entire island, or even just to kick back and relax). Of course,
it all depends on what your idea of "seeing" is. It also depends on what
type of rental car you get. With a 4 wheel drive, one is not limited to
the few miles of paved road that exists on Moloka'i, and is therefore not
limited to the few tourist spots that one can reach by paved road.
Granted, the island is not as open to off roading as it was just a couple
of years ago, but there is still plenty to see and do to last a good long
time, particularly if one takes the time and effort to learn a little of
Moloka'i's (how does one do that anyway) history.
>very much because of it's friendly people (pop. 7000) and it's quietness.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This I DO agree with :-).
>south coast. While driving there notice the islands of Lanai and Maui. Also
>you will pass one of the churches built by Father Damian. You'll have to drive
^^^
TWO of the churches built by Father Damian (that are on this section of
the highway. If I remember, he built something like 12 churches, altho
not all of them on Moloka'i). The two churches along this road are
(first, and on the right hand side): Saint Joseph Church, which is usually
open, and (second, and on the left) Our Lady Of Sorrows Church, which was
closed and locked the times I was by it. These are of course not the only
two churches (there are literally dozens of churches on the island), but
the two specifically built by Fr. Damian.
I took an entire day for the hike through Halawa Valley (to Moaula Falls).
One word of caution: if you are susceptible to bug bites, be sure to take
along plenty of repellent (I don't get bugged meself :-). And, do plan on
swimming in the pool at the bottom of the falls (while it is a trifle cold
compared to the ocean water, it sure feels great after a couple of hours
of hiking).
>of the island lies the Kalaupapa Peninsula, former leper colony, where Father
>Damian cared for the people who had that disease and who because of that where
>exiled to that part of Molokai, that even today only can be reached by mule
>ride or airplane. However, it can be viewed from Kalaupapa Lookout, high
Ahem...it can also be reached by hiking (either both ways, or combined
with flying, one way). Use caution if hiking as the trail can be very
slippery, whether wet or dry. It is about a 1600' descent, and you should
plan on an hour and a half to two hours to do it. Be sure to leave at least
a half hour before the mules. You must take a "Father Damian Tour" once
you enter the settlement (be sure to make your reservations ahead of time).
Word of correction: this is not a "former leper colony". It is very
much a functioning colony even today, although thankfully those still in
residence are free to come and go as they please and are no longer subject
to the separation/isolation/quaranteen that existed up until the mid/late
sixties.
>above the cliffs. The rest of the island is trees.
Ahem (again)...a BIG BIG part of the island is NOT trees. In their
infinite wisdom, the early hawaiians severely denuded much of the
island, and in more recent years much more of it was stripped by
the ranching interest (Moloka'i Ranch still owns the biggest part
of the island).
Much of the current plant life and trees are not native, but were
brought in during a large reforestation project earlier this century.
>There isn't a single traffic light or elevator on the island.
True (as well as no movie theater, no developement over two stories
in heighth, etc, etc). In other words, an ideal place to go :-)
>And if you're looking for more quietness, you should plan a few days (two is
>enough) on Kauai. Although more populated and more visited by tourists than
You seem to be stuck on two days here. There is enough to do on any one
of the islands to take much more than two days. Most of it will not jump
out and grab you, you may have to go looking for it, but believe me, it
is there if you're interested in finding it. It could take years, if not
a lifetime to not only see what there is to see in the islands, but in
learning the culture, and language, and history of the islands. And that
doesn't include the time to enjoy the beaches and water sports (no pun
intended...well, maybe just a small one :-)
>On the Big Island, fly (if you have the money) with a helicopter over the
At one time I would have suggested this myself, but I have rapidly come
to the conclusion that one of the biggest polutants to be found in the
islands are the never ceasing helicopter intrusions into the most
peaceful, quiet, and isolated places there.
>active volcano. It's awesome. Hike one of the many trails in Hawaii
^^^^
AH| A point we CAN agree on :-)
To answer (I think) the original posters question: yes, there is a
rain forest area on Moloka'i, but you will have to work some to find
it and get to it. It is however well worth the time and effort. A
visit to the Nature Conservacy (about a mile and a half west of
Kaunakaka'i) is probably your best bet in terms of getting current
information as to this and other more out of the way areas of interest.
This is also where you will have to go to obtain a pass and keys to
allow you to get out to Moomomi (and the preserve there)...assuming
again that you have a 4 wheel drive.
My opinion: take some time to get to know both the island and the
people. I have now spent some time on the five (larger) islands, and
while I like each of them, and each is unique in its own way, I think
I prefer Moloka'i over the others simply because it is the least
developed, and the least crowded, and the people seem to (overall)
be the friendliest. Also, there is a great deal to see and do if
you take the time to find it.
I would start out with a good guide book. One I like is called Hawaii
Handbook, by J.D. Bisignani (Moon publications). It covers all of the
islands, and is an excellent place to start.
The above is of course strictly my opinion, but based on some relatively
good and recent first hand experience. Your milage may vary (but you
shouldn't disagree with me anyway :-)
From: le...@tramp.Colorado.EDU (LEWIS WILLIAM M JR)
Subject: Re: Moloka'i, Hawaii
Organization: University of Colorado, Boulder
Date: Tue, 5 Nov 1991 03:35:39 GMT
Two days to see Kauai is absurd. We have been there eight times, one
for one week, six for two weeks and one for a month and still don't
feel we really know everything we want to know. I should point out
that we are not hikers or back-packers, but have learned to keep our eyes
and minds open.
From: ste...@se-sd.SanDiego.NCR.COM (Steve Van Daele)
Subject: Re: Need info about Hana, Maui, Hawaii
Date: 8 Nov 91 20:07:40 GMT
Organization: NCR Corp., Systems Engineering - San Diego
I stayed overnight at the Heavenly Hana Inn. It is a converted residence on
the road just before the town. It was "interesting", very eclectic decor. Kind
of an oriental cabin. NO air conditioning. On the expensive side for what it
offered.
Ate dinner at Hotel Hana Mauii. Great experience and worth the money. The
hotel is expensive also.
If I had to choose a place and money was no object, I would stay at one of the
stay the last night there. Get up EARLY the next day and head for the airport.
--
Steve.V...@SanDiegoCA.NCR.COM
NCR CORP Network Products Group - San Diego
9900 Old Grove Road San Diego, CA 92131-1685
From: pa...@sco.COM (Pam Hassell)
Subject: Re: Honeymoon in Hawai'i (LONG)
Date: Mon, 11 Nov 91 21:14:04 GMT
Organization: The Downsized Santa Cruz Operation, Inc.
I have been to 3 islands - Oahu, Kauai, and the big island of
Hawaii.
Both Kauai and Hawaii were both fairly "quiet" compared to
Oahu, with Kauai being the most "sedate". Hawaii however,
is much bigger than all of the other islands put together,
so there are plenty of places to go to get away from it all.
In Kauai, I would highly recommend hiking the Na Pali coast trail
if you like to hike. It is gorgeous! It's about 11 miles long
if I remember correctly, and traverses the north coast of Kauai.
This coast is unreachable except by foot, boat or helicopter, and
thus, is unspoiled. You may also enjoy taking a Zodiac raft tour
of the Na Pali coast which is great, too. These are huge, sturdy,
inflatable raft-boats which are driven by guides to the Na Pali coast.
They will stop for group snorkeling and lunch on a secluded
beach. I've heard that these raft tours are a lot of fun! I took
a helicopter tour of Na Pali and really enjoyed it. If you go
in a helicopter be sure to ask for the front seat, next to the
pilot for the best view. However, in hindsight, I would have
preferred to take the Zodiac raft trip on Kauai, and taken the
helicopter ride on Hawaii to see the volcano flow....
Snorkeling is great at Salt Pond Beach Park on Kauai, and many
other areas. Pick up a copy of "Hidden Hawaii" for a good
guide. Also, Barking Sands Beach on the west coast is great
for body surfing, as is Brennecke's Beach on the south coast
in Poipu. Barking Sands is a super place to get a tan, too -
it gets *extremely* hot, so take some sunscreen, just in case.
For a wonderful luau, make reservations at Tahiti Nui on the
northeast coast of Kauai. This restaurant holds luaus 3 nights
per week, and has the best food on the island, I think. It's
a much more intimate luau than the ones held at the big hotels.
Hawaiian entertainment (music & hula) is offered after dinner,
and an old Hawaiian woman sits on the front porch making fresh
flower leis all night long. Be sure to buy one -they're cheap
and fill the air with a wonderful scent.
HAWAII
------
I got back from the big island in September after spending 2 weeks
there. This island contains many historical sites offering a wealth
of information about Hawaii's heritage. My favorite historical visit
was to the City of Refuge, located south of Kona. This is where non-
combatants and vanquished warriors went to received absolution during
and after civil wars. Anyone violating the sacred laws of "kapu"
(forbidden behavior), also had to find their way to the City of Refuge,
and after spending a certain amount of time there, were allowed to
rejoin society. Otherwise, they were outcasts.
Also, along the southwest side of Hawaii, we found a number of super
areas for snorkelling and body surfing. The best snorkeling spot was
at Kahaluu' Beach Park, a marine conservation district. The water is
fairly clear, and entry is easy. Best body surfing was at an unamed
beach located across from a mini-mart store, on Ali'i Drive, about
1 mile south of the Kona Tiki Motel. Oh yeah, don't forget to bring
food for the fish when you snorkel - frozen peas are best since they
don't disintegrate like bread, or the fish food pellets you can get
when you rent snorkel equipment.
Snorkel Bob's, located at the Kona Hilton on Ali'i Drive, has reasonable
rates for equipment rental. Bottom of the line gear is $15/week, and
bifurcated masks, fins, and snorkel = $27.50 a week. To save money though,
you may want to visit Long's Drugs in Kona and look over the gear for
sale. Prices are very good, and defintely are cheaper than renting.
The best beaches on Hawaii are located on the Kohala (northwest) coast.
The best beach is Hapuna, a large public beach which is about a half hour
car ride from Kona. Hapuna has some nice shaded picnic tables, and restrooms.
Body surfing is usually good, although there is no lifeguard, so beware of
the currents. Next up the road is the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Access to
the beach which fronts the hotel is limited to hotel guests, and 10 non-guests.
They hand out 10 parking permits a day, which I've heard are heard to come
by. When we got there at about 10:30am on a weekday, we got the last permit
available. Mauna Kea Beach is smaller and calmer than Hapuna, with an open-
air bar on the beach. Chaise lounges are provided for hotel guests, but you
can snag a couple for yourself, probably no one will hassle you.
Volcanos National Park is nice to visit, but wasn't really our cup of tea.
Steam and sulfur are continuously vented into the air all over the park,
which may be irritating for people with breathing problems. When we were
there, Kileaua was erupting, and it was possible to see the hot lava flow
if you chose to hike over a couple miles of razor sharp lava to get to the
point where it as flowing into the ocean. We settled for post cards of
this, as we'd had our fill of "vog" (volcanic fog). The visitors center
is a neat place ot visit and has some unusual gifts. To tour the whole
park including Chain of Crater Road would take more than a day. If you're
interested in seeing the whole thing, you may want to drive from Kona to
the park, spend the day there, and then drive to nearby Hilo, and stay the
night. It takes about 2 hours to drive from Kona to Volcanos.
In Hilo, expect the weather to be misty and cool. Be sure to check out the
Japanese Gardens in the downtown area, Akaka Falls, and some of the tropical
gardens in the area. You can have flowers (orchids, heliconia, birds of
paradise, etc.) shipped back to the mainland for fairly reasonable prices
from Hilo Tropical Gardens and other nurseries. I'd recommend taking a
tour of Hawaii Tropical Gardens. The admission is $10, but is tax deductible
and goes to a good cause. There are many Japanese people living in Hilo,
and if you like it, Japanese food is a good bet. I'd recommend KK Tei very
highly - very fresh food, good portions at reasonable prices. Fuji's is
also supposed to be good.
The Saddle Road which bisects the island from east to west was fine when we
were there despite warnings we'd received about its horrible condition.
A rental car can handle it with no problem.
Aloha oe,
Pam Hassell
###
From: law...@ohsu.EDU (Kathryn Lawder)
Date: Monday, December 9, 1991 4:41:00 pm (CST)
Subject: Re: Snow
To: ma...@ecs.comm.mot.com
Aloha!
You lucky thing, you. I spent 5 nights on The Big Island of Hawaii last June
(second visit there). Here's some ideas:
1. Even if you don't stay there, you MUST check out the Hyatt at Waikoloa
(that's north of Kona in the resort area of Waikoloa). Drive in, park like
you owned the joint, walk through the lobby and get into the passenger boats
which will tour you around the place and bring you back to the lobby. This is
open to the public (room rates start at around $300). You won't believe what
they've done to a place that was bare lava beds just 6 years ago. And,
depending on your sensitivity to massive outlays of money, you'll love it/hate
it. But don't miss it!
2. The active lava flow on the south edge of the island is particularly
spectacular at dusk. It's a hefty walk from the parking lot, and there are
impressively daunting signs saying don't undertake this walk unless you have
water, flashlight, good lungs, etc.
But to see 3000 degree molten lava trickle down the mountainside and splash
into the ocean in a huge gush of steam is to be at the point of creation, to
witness the birth of earth. Here's a point where fire, air, earth and water
meet in one place. For me, it was awe-inspiring. And they weren't kidding
about the water. Even after dark, when it's not hot, you're walking over lava
tubes and heat rises through the crust from the molten lava below. Good place
to have a camera. This particular flow has added 13 acres to the island in
the last several years.
3. There's a drive on the outer edge of the island (southeast corner) called
the "red road". Beautiful drive, nice beaches (not much sand). Stop off at
the town of Pahoa and have brunch in the coffee shop (insane macadamia nut
pancakes and a great place to people watch).
From: law...@ohsu3b2.ohsu.EDU (Kathryn Lawder)
Subject: Re: Looking for suggestions on a Hawaii trip
Date: 30 Dec 91 23:49:31 GMT
Organization: Oregon Health Sciences University
My favorite island is The Big Island of Hawaii. North of the Kona Coast
and north of the resort enclave at Waikoloa, right on the shores is a
small town of Puako. Puako is a charming little town with modern housing
along one long strip, with an ocean/beach side and a tree-lined/shady side.
The houses run the gamut from beach house funky to very swank and my
local friend over there says they run $800/week and up. The local
realtor in Puako is called C&H Properties 808/882-7211. There is public
access on the beaches developed for the resorts at Waikoloa that are
very beautiful and not too crowded. The Big Island is wonderful in its
diversity from snow at the top of Mauna Kea to active lava flow at
Kiluea. There's a campground at the top of Kiluea (about 3 miles west
of the Volcano House lodging) with wooden cabins A-frame, one dbl bed,
and bunks, barbecue, picnic table, for $24/night. Great place to be
with other travelers with children and folks from all over the world.
Great location for day tripping to Hilo, to the lava flows, or to
Pahoa and the southeastern tip of the island.
Lots of waterfalls and gardens and parks.
Aloha!
Kathi Lawder
law...@ohsu.edu
From: lne...@cygnus.next.com (Lori Nelson)
Subject: Re: Honeymoon on Hawaii
Date: 18 Mar 92 19:09:02 GMT
Hotel on Maui: I recommend that you check out the Napili Kai Beach Club
on Maui. It's north of Kannapali beach. If you want to stay at something
other than a 10-story Metropolis hotel, this is for you. Napili Kai
features a group of 2-story condo/bungalow buildings, with its own beach.
Our room had Japanese Shoji doors which opened out onto a deck overlooking
the ocean, just steps away from the beach. It's only a 10-minute drive to
Lahaina, so you feel secluded yet close enough to the main town.
What to do in Maui: Don't miss the spectacular sunrise over Haleakala!
You have to get up very early in order make the drive up there, but it's
definitely worth it (my now-fiance proposed to me there, as we watched the
sun peek over the crater). I also would suggest you stop by Blackie's, a
great dive bar in Lahaina that features juicy burgers and live jazz bands.
Lori Nelson
From: cv...@gte.com (Carol Lafond)
Subject: Re: camping in Hawaii?
Date: 16 Apr 92 11:34:33 GMT
All the information you need about camping sites and state parks
is available in a pamphlet available from:
Dept of Land and Natural Resources
Division of State Parks
P. O. Box 936
Hilo, Hawaii 96721-0936
You won't need sleeping bags unless you're camping at higher
elevations.
Carol
From: mi...@hpnmdla.sr.hp.com (Mike Seibel)
Date: Tue, 21 Apr 1992 15:51:22 GMT
Subject: Re: Hawaii
Organization: HP Network Measurements Div, Santa Rosa, CA
On the big island, there is a tour that takes you to the top of Mauna Kea,
the highest spot in the state, for a sunset. The only way to the top is
via 4-wheel drive, so they take a fairly small group (about 10 people) in
a Travel-all. The view is amazing and the sunset is beautiful. One warning:
there isn't much oxygen up there, so you should be in good health.
If either of your parents is interested in astronomy, then
this trip would be very good. Mauna Kea is home to several radio telescopes
and the tour includes an hour of star gazing through an optical telescope
on the way back down the slope of Mauna Kea. I can't remember the tour name,
but there were brochures in all the hotels about this tour.
Also, everyone tells us that we blew it for not taking a helicopter tour
on Kauai. There are many parts of the island that are difficult to see
otherwise.
On Kauai, rent a couple of bikes from Snorkel Bob's for $5 and ride them north
up the sugar cane road from Waimea. The road is right along some beautiful
secluded beaches and is a very easy ride.
From: de...@EE.Stanford.EDU (Michael D. Deal)
Subject: lava adventure (narrative)
Organization: Stanford University
Date: Wed, 22 Apr 92 16:42:19 GMT
The following is an account of my trip to Volcanoes National Park on
the Big Island of Hawaii last October. It's a little long, but I hope
some of you might enjoy it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I left the house in Waimea (home of Parker Ranch, and of my wife's
family) at 6:30 in the morning. I had planned to leave between 7 and
8, but our sick baby had us up at 5:30, so I decided to get an early
start. On the way out through the kitchen, my wife's youngest sister
asked, "you're going NOW?" I smiled and replied, "Why not?" She just
shook her head. "Who is this crazy Haole?," she was probably wondering.
I was headed towards Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island
of Hawaii. My wife Faye said she wasn't interested in accompanying me
this time; she had been along on all my previous trips to the park,
and on my previous attempts to "see lava." It had become an obsession
with me. Kilauea had been spewing out lava pretty regularly for the
past 8 years, even destroying two towns and one park visitor center
(which we had visited several times prior to its demise), but I had
yet to see some actual molten lava. Lots of people had, including
Faye's sister and husband in Hawaii, and my boss from back in
California. And of course, every travel writer telling how easy, and
exciting it is to see the real stuff. But I always just missed it.
Either it wasn't flowing the particular week I was at the park, or it
was, but the park rangers wouldn't let you get close enough to it.
But this time I hoped it would be different. Just a week before we
left for our biannual trip to Hawaii to visit Faye's family, there was
an article in the Travel section of the San Jose Mercury about the Big
Island and the Volcanoes. The author said that people were parking
their cars at the end of the road (the road that use to continue on to
the southeast corner of the Island, but now ended in a giant lava
field), and the rangers were allowing them to walk to where the lava
was entering the sea, causing a great cloud of steam and visible to
those on land. The article said that markers were even set up to
assist you in taking the right route. Also included in the article
were two important pieces of information. The author said that she had
gone well beyond the old visitors center to see the lava. And she
also said to be sure to take water with you. These both proved to be
critical.
I got in the rented Ford Mustang and took off towards Hilo. This is
probably my favorite stretch of road in the world. There are
stretches of long, straight sections where you can really build up
some speed (and pass the slow cane trucks and farm vehicles), as well
as winding slow parts. And the whole stretch is tropical - green, wet
and hot. From the grass lands outside of Waimea to the cane fields of
Honakaa, to the rain forests of the Hammakua coast. This is what I go
to Hawaii for. With me I had an ice cooler with two plastic bottles
of ice cold water and some Spam sushi, a current favorite of the local
people and specially made for me the night before by one of Faye's
other sisters. I also had suntan lotion, sunglasses, a windbreaker,
my camera, Big Island map, and beach towel. I was ready for anything.
I arrived in Hilo at about 7:45. I decided to get gas, even though I
only was down to half a tank. The reason being that the price is
usually the lowest in Hilo. Back in Waimea it was $1.71 a gallon for
regular unleaded. Here it was $1.59. Well, that's a little better.
And then a treat awaited me. I drove the looping Banyon Drive, where
the Hilo hotels are, to the parking lot of Coconut Island. And there
before me I saw both Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Every other time I was
in Hilo, I couldn't see either mountain because of clouds hiding them.
It is only in the early morning that the mountains can be seen from
this direction, and I took advantage of it. I snapped a few pictures,
and then got back in the car. I considered this to be a good omen.
As usual, it was raining as I started the climb up the highway toward
the Park. But now I could see Mauna Kea off to my right, another
first. I was really glad that I had left so early. To the left I
looked for the plume of steam that marked where lava would be entering
the ocean, but there were too many clouds in that direction, and I
couldn't make anything out. I arrived at the Park Headquarters (it
wasn't raining here) at about 8:20. After I paid my my 5 dollar
admission fee (good for 7 days), the ranger handed me a write piece of
paper. On it were guidelines to visit "active lava areas." Wow, this
was getting serious. Not only were they not discouraging people from
getting close to lava, they were actually telling you how to get to it
and view active regions. Some of the guidelines were: wear sunscreen,
long pants, and take one quart of water per person; don't get too
close to where lava enters the sea due to exploding vapors and
particles; and my favorite - plan an escape route in case moving lava
cuts you off! I could hardly believe what I was reading. It also
said to park in the designated area at the end of the Chain of Craters
road, and that the last water and restrooms were at the Kamoamoa
campground a half mile before that.
I drove (as fast as I could) around the Kilauea crater and down the
Chain of Craters road. Even though this 8 year eruption was from the
Kilauea volcano, the lava was not coming up through the famous crater.
Instead, it was mostly coming from a vent on the side of the mountain
about 10 miles towards the ocean, then flowing down towards the sea.
In fact, for the past few years, the lava was travelling under the
original, cooled lava, only exposing itself at the cliffs near the
sea, or in little outcroppings close to the sea. As I sped down the
Chain of Craters road, I noticed that there was no one else around. I
passed only one car the whole 24 miles. I also noticed something
else: there was no plume of steam down near the ocean. Was the lava
spigot turned off? I shook my head - no this couldn't be happening.
At 9 a.m. I pulled into the Kamoamoa campground/picnic area parking
lot. I went into the bathroom - what a pit! I then put sunscreen on
my face, arms and legs. I would have changed to long pants as the
notice suggested at this point, had I brought some along. But I
hadn't. I was hoping no one would prevent me from going onto the lava
fields in shorts, but I have this thing about wearing long pants in
Hawaii - it just isn't done. I drove on to the where the road ended.
It was 9:15. There were only two cars parked there along the side of
the road. I locked my car, put on my sunglasses, put a bottle of
water in my large shorts pocket, and took my camera. I walked the 100
yards or so down the road to the end. Warning signs gave the same
recommendations as the notice sheet. There was an occupied trailer
parked along side the road. On the side was a sign that read: cup of
water: 65 cents. It must get really hot out there. Luckily, it was
overcast, and rather pleasant.
I could see on the lava field signs that had been erected at about 50
yard intervals, showing which way to go. I started out. The route
was a mixture of the two types of lava: a'a, which is rough, broken
boulder type, and pahoehoe, which is smoother, often wrinkled looking
- sometimes appearing like coiled-up rope. Both types are hard to walk
across. When walking on a'a, it's easy to twist an ankle, and it
often breaks apart under neath you. The pahoehoe, while not as rocky
or jagged, can be very slippery, especially when wet. Luckily it
wasn't - at first - so I maneuvered myself mostly over patches of
pahoehoe. But then it started raining. I welcomed the coolness, but
it made the traversing almost impossible. Several times I slipped, and
I wished now that I did have long pants on, or at least knee pads. I
went from one marker to the next, trying to get as close as possible
to each one. What would happen if I strayed too far from them? Every
so often I came across cracks from which steam was escaping.
Occasionally there was yellow stains around the cracks, evidence of
sulfur. I looked down many of these cracks, hoping to see something
red, but no luck.
After about a quarter mile, I met up with a young couple coming
towards me. "Hello," I said. "See anything." It was implied that I
meant, "See any red lava?" The guy muttered,"no, it's really a waste
of time." The woman added,"on the other side of the old visitor
center, the ground does crackle beneath your feet." Not very
encouraging. But I had a feeling that they had only gone a little ways
beyond the old visitors center. The Mercury article said that you had
to go quite a ways beyond the visitors center. Maybe they just hadn't
gone far enough. I continued the trek. I kept having two conflicting
thoughts. One was of excitement and of finally being able to see some
lava. The other was: what if there isn't anything to see? I've been
looking forward to this for so long, I've flown 2500 miles to Hawaii,
drove two and a half hours, and now I've hiked over moon-like terrain.
Only to be disappointed again?
After about a mile, I came to the old visitors center. All that was
left was the mangled steel girders of the main building, the stone
walls of the ancient heiau or temple (miraculously saved?), part of a
asphalt footpath connecting them, and a grove of palm trees, sounded
by black lava, yet still living. What a difference from when I saw
this area before, with all the foliage, buildings, and activity. At
this point the markers ended. The ocean was only about 20 yards away,
and the place where the lava use to enter the sea about a half mile
east of there (I knew that from the previous vacation). But I scanned
the area in all directions. And to the north east, I saw a series of
three orange ribbons, each about 50 yards apart. "That's where I'll
go!"
The travelling actually became easier. As the woman had said, the
ground did crackle under your feet. And it had a better grip to it.
As I got to the third ribbon, I could see two more off the distance. I
kept going. And I got more and more excited. It even stopped
raining. And it was getting warmer. Finally I came to an outcropping
of what appeared to be newer lava, still black but a littler grayer
and apparently more porous, on top of the flatter, blacker stuff. It
was about 10 feet high and about 10 yards across. It almost looked
like a giant wart. On the top was an orange cone. I decided to climb
to the top so that I could see the next marker. I felt a lot warmer,
which I attributed to the sun breaking through. At the top of the
mound, I looked in all directions, but could see no other marker.
"The end of the line?" I thought. Foiled again? I was really
depressed.
I decided to climb down the other side. As I did, I got hotter and
hotter. I was sweating. And I could smell sulfur. Real strong. In
fact it was hurting my eyes, even with my sunglasses on. Then a drop
of sweat dropped from my face. It hit the rocks, and sizzled! I spit
a couple times. The spit boiled away. I checked the bottom of my
shoes, but they weren't melting. I touched the rock beneath and it
wasn't too hot. Luckily, I thought, the rocks are porous, with the
inner part hot, but the outer surface cooler. I then looked into some
of the cracks and crevices of the outcropping. And then I saw it:
red, molten lava! Just a little, but the real stuff. I took a picture.
I looked in another crack. Even more. Another picture. And another.
I continued doing this for about 20 minutes. As I went around the
mound, I saw larger and larger regions of red lava. Incredible. In
one place, I could hear some crackling sounds. The rocks were moving,
pushed by the lava underneath.
Then it started raining. I heard a thousand little pops, as the rain
drops were boiled away as they reached the hotter rock deeper in. What
a sound. But this also caused the sulfur smell to get even worse. So
bad that I had to climb off the mound. I found a spot about 10 yards
form its edge, and I sat down. I was hot, I was tired, I was choking.
But I was ecstatic. I then remembered my water, and I drank about 3/4
of it in one slurp. Was I glad I had brought it. I decided to keep the
rest for any wound or burn I might get. I then realized what I had
just done. This was where lava had welled up from under ground and
formed this new part of the earth. The surface had cooled, but the
inside was still molten lava. And I had climbed to the top of it. I
could have tripped and slid into one of the cracks. My foot could
have broken through the crack right into a pool of molten lava. How
stupid I was. But how happy I was. I just sat there for a while,
every so often letting out a laugh of joy, and shouting, "YES,
YES!"
I then made an entire circuit of the mound, on the outside this time,
looking for anymore signs of lava. But nothing more. Which was
actually good, since I had run out of film. I then rested again, and
decided to drink the remaining water. Towards the ocean, I saw a
similar mound, and made for it. But I didn't see and lava in it. I
then headed back to the visitor's center. Along the way four or five
helicopters flew over me. These were taking tourists to see the
volcano. Evidently there wasn't much for them to see today, except
for the remains of the visitor center, and a guy in shorts and white
t-shirt against the black background of the lava field. On of the
helicopters actually hovered right over me, and I could see one of the
passengers videotaping me. I waved.
From the visitor center to the car, I passed four different groups
coming towards me. Each one asked if I saw anything, and each time I
told them what I saw and how to get to it. Lucky people for meeting
me. One woman I was talking to actually slipped and fell as she was
standing there. It wasn't hard to do - I slipped about 3 times on the
way back, but I didn't hurt myself. Maybe I did, but I didn't feel
anything.
I made it back to the car. I was soaked from the rain. Before a
left, I toweled myself off, then ate the spam sushi and drank a coke
from the cooler in celebration. As I drove away, it started to
downpour, and about 6 or 7 more cars were pulling up. I wouldn't want
to walk across that now. And then I wondered, "there were two cars
parked when I first got there, but I only came across one other group.
Where were the others?" I didn't want to think about it.
It was noon, and I started my drive back to Waimea. But it took a
while. I stopped at the Jagger museum at the edge of the Kilauea
crater. People were asking the ranger if they could see lava. She
said that it stopped flowing into the sea about two weeks ago, but it
could start again at any time. For the fun of it, I asked her if you
could see any lava further inland. She said "maybe, but it changes so
often. By the time you get down there, it could start or stop again."
I felt smug. I had been there, and I had seen it.
I stopped at the Volcano House on the other side of the crater to see
the place Faye and I had spent our honeymoon, and then continued the
entire way around the crater once again. These people were ooing and
awing about the black, cooled lava, while I had seen the red molten
stuff just this morning. I left the park, and had a teriaki burger
lunch at the drive-in at Volcano Village. I then drove down to Hilo,
and right outside I took the famous 4-mile scenic drive the the
umpteenth time. I them took the exit to Akaka Falls, and took the
half-mile hike there. Next the parks at Kepoke and Lapahoehoe, a stop
at Tex's drive-in in Honakaa to buy a dozen of their famous malasada
donuts. Then on to Waimea, where I arrived back at the Kimura house
at about 4 p.m. It was day I would remember for a long, long, time.
As I look back on this trip, one thought that I have is that I was
actually witnessing a little bit of creation. This was material
originating in the center of the earth, made molten by some still
unknown process (still hot from the beginning of time?, or due to the
nuclear decay or fusion of radioactive materials?). Then it was
squeezed up to the surface, forming new pieces of land, never before
seen or trampled on. Just seeing a few square yards of it was
incredible. And then to imagine the creation of the entire planet,
and the entire universe! By seeing the lava that day, I've been given
a small glimpse of these truly miraculous events.
From: sm...@venus.lerc.nasa.gov (Stefan)
Subject: Re: Hawaii (again? :^(
>Our interests are mostly scenic; we have no desire to see any of the typical
>tourist stuff (big hotels, crowds, roasted pigs. etc). I've heardd of
>several things to do there that sound appealing:
>1. A long bike ride down the slope of a volcano
Such a ride is on the volcano of Haleakala (I'm sure that I've mispelled
the name and this won't be the first time) on the island of Maui. This
volcano is beautiful and awesome. It's about 10,000 ft high and you drive
through clouds as you climb up. I haven't taken the bike ride (it's all
downhill) but I've heard that it takes about 1/2 to 1 hour and costs around
$80!
>2. Snorkeling (neither of us has ever done this anywhere)
Everywhere :-). Hanauma Bay on Oahu. Molakai crater off Kaui
>3. Volcano-watching (or whatever you'd call it)
Island of Hawaii.
>4. Hiking to see waterfall
Hana road on Maui.
I loved Kauai for it's natural beauty: Waimea Canyon, Waiua Falls, Na Pali
coast. Maui is also nice: Hana road, Haleakala crater, Iao Valley state park.
I didn't have a chance to get to the island of Hawaii since all car and
room rentals were taken by the eclipse crowd :-(
You could spent all week just hiking on a couple of trails. Probably the
most scenic and rugged would be Na Pali coast trail on Kauai
>I'd like to keep our daily expenses
>under $200/day if possible...is this ludicrous?
Car rental is around $150/week. Decent hotel should be around $70/day.
>Can some kind, patient, and knowledgeable soul please advise me on some
>basics, such as when to come (September/October is a good window for us),
I'm not sure when the peak season is but I would guess the winter months.
A very good first iteration is to get the AAA tour book guide and map.
From: leyn...@systech.bjorn.COM (Leynette Wissinger)
Subject: Re: Hawaii, large island info wanted
Date: 24 Apr 92 21:59:18 GMT
Organization: Systech Corporation, San Diego
If you're staying on the Kona side of 'da big island' try the Keauhou Beach Hotel. It's
about 10 minutes out of the main part of town (Kailua-Kona) and is built partially
over a reef. At high tide you can look out from your balcony and see fish swimming
around. It also has a very nice snorkeling beach right next to it. I also like the
Royal Waikaloan Beach Hotel on the South Kohala Coast. We paid $99 per night. Very
nice beach there. It's a fairly low key hotel compared to the Hyatt which is just
down the street (rooms there start at approx. $225 (garden view)).
Another nice inexpensive place to stay is the Manago Hotel in Kealakekua
(or is it Honaunau???) It's about 30 minutes mauka (up towards the mountains) of
town (Kailua-Kona) and the most expensive room is $45.00. It's a family operated no
frills hotel. There's a resturant on the premises. In the newer wing most
of the rooms have nice views of the ocean (and Kealkekua Bay).
In the town of Waimea there's a hotel called the Kamuela Inn. It was removated
not too long ago. About $70.00 per night. I've stayed there once. They offer
Kona coffee and pastry in the morning.
If you're staying on the island for a while you might look into renting a condo.
leynette
Leynette Wissinger
[ucsd,uunet]!systech!leynette -or- leynette%systec...@ucsd.edu
Systech Corporation, 6465 Nancy Ridge Drive, San Diego, Ca. 92121
From: tes...@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (A. Lani Teshima)
Subject: Re: Hawaii (again? : ^(
Organization: University of Hawaii
Date: Sat, 25 Apr 1992 07:54:19 GMT
sm...@venus.lerc.nasa.gov (Stefan) writes:
>dco...@pcocd2.intel.com (David Covell) writes...
>>1. A long bike ride down the slope of a volcano
>
>Such a ride is on the volcano of Haleakala (I'm sure that I've mispelled
>the name and this won't be the first time) on the island of Maui. This
>volcano is beautiful and awesome. It's about 10,000 ft high and you drive
>through clouds as you climb up. I haven't taken the bike ride (it's all
>downhill) but I've heard that it takes about 1/2 to 1 hour and costs around
>$80!
Do they still operate this? A woman ran into the back of a truck while
going on one of these bike tours--and there was talk of shutting it
down because of the danger and potential liability costs.
>
>>2. Snorkeling (neither of us has ever done this anywhere)
>
>Everywhere :-). Hanauma Bay on Oahu. Molakai crater off Kaui
^^^^^^^ ^^^^
Do you mean Molokini Crater off Maui?
There is no island named Kaui, and Molokai is another island, not a
crater.
Hanauma Bay is closed Wednesdays until noon for clean-up. Do not go
there when they open at noon as it is a madhouse with people waiting
to get in. If you go to H-Bay go very early in the morning, like 8
a.m. Be sure to visit the educational booth operated by the Friends of
Hanauma Bay at the bottom of the hill--they also offer free
educational guided tours of the bay!
On the Big Island visit the Place of Refuge and Kealakekua Bay, both
on the west side of the island. Incredible, awesome diving/snorkeling.
Whenever I visit the island and go to that side, I try to make it
there. Better than any snorkeling on Oahu, even!
>>3. Volcano-watching (or whatever you'd call it)
>
>Island of Hawaii.
Depending on when you come the volcano may be active or not.
Helicopter rides are very thrilling, but very intrusive and obnoxious
to the isolated residents of the area who live in the area to be left
alone.
Best to drive to Volcanoes National Park--they have a museum and all.
It's very neat and safe. They also have daily (even hourly when
active) updates on volcano.
>
>>4. Hiking to see waterfall
>
>Hana road on Maui.
Tip: Make reservations to stay overnight at a lodge or hotel in Hana.
The Hana Highway is 4 hours of twisting, turning tropical jungle road,
and it makes you tired and some people car sick, although the views
are to die for. A round trip to Hana in one day is too exhausting. If
you stay overnight in Hana you'll have plenty of time to drive up to
the Seven Sacred Pools, which is where the waterfalls are.
>You could spent all week just hiking on a couple of trails. Probably the
>most scenic and rugged would be Na Pali coast trail on Kauai
Some parts of inner trail is very isolated. Recommended for
experienced hikers only, and leave a specific itinerary with somebody
(hotel clerk, whoever.) You can do Na Pali in a day -- just in and out
in a few hours, just don't go in as far.
>>I'd like to keep our daily expenses
>>under $200/day if possible...is this ludicrous?
>
>Car rental is around $150/week. Decent hotel should be around $70/day.
Find a good travel agent who knows Hawaii, to book everything for you
so it's all paid and taken care of. Then you'll only have to worry
about food and such.
>>Can some kind, patient, and knowledgeable soul please advise me on some
>>basics, such as when to come (September/October is a good window for us),
October is a nice slow period, not so crowded.
>I'm not sure when the peak season is but I would guess the winter months.
Not necessarily. We have made visitors from Down Under, Canada and
mainland snowbirds who visit us in the winter. Christmas season is THE
MOST EXPENSIVE TIME TO VISIT HAWAII, air fare, hotels will be booked
and expensive.
Check with your travel agent NOW--Hawaii tourism industry is SLASHING
prices because hotels are not booking up as much as they should, and
we are feeling effects of the mainland recession. The state government
found out its expected income will be only 3% growth, instead of the
over 10% they were counting on. So you will find some wonderful, great
prices.
--
A. Lani Teshima, (future) Famous Librarian--an oxymoron o | /_/_/ "Sea Hare"
Univ of Hawaii Grad. School of Library & Info Studies o|<0_0>--------*
tes...@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.edu (preferred) \=^-| |____\ \
From: v069...@ubvmsd.cc.buffalo.edu (Jen)
Subject: compiled hawaii
Date: 28 Apr 92 19:12:00 GMT
Organization: University at Buffalo
Kauai is the island for scenery: they call it the Garden Isle.
It is not the island for night life and lots of great
restaurants. There are three areas that have great scenery:
1. Waimea Canoyon/Kokee State Park
2. the North shore from Hanalei to Kee Park
3. The Na Pali (Hawaiian for "The Cliffs")
(1) and (2) are accessible by car. Na Pali is not. If you
are hikers, you probably already know about the 11.5 mile
trail from Kee beach to the Kalalau Valley. If you're not
hikers, forget it. (It's a cliffside trail that rises several
times from sea level to 2000 feet. You have to carry all of
your food and water, and most people take at least two days.
One to go to the valley and one to return to Kee beach.)
Otherwise, You can "tour" Na Pali by helicopter and/or a boat
trip.
I really like the down-home style luau at the Tahiti Nui in
Hanalei.
Snorkelling is ggod at Poipu (sputh shore) and Kee beach
(north shore). A little place in Kapaa (Sea Scape?) has an
outing that includes snorkelling gear and instruction and a
picknic lunch. They go to Poipu.
On Kauai, you need a car. I have always rented from Alamo at
a weekly rate. It actually costs more to rent for six days at
the daily rate than for seven at the weekly rate. Maybe you
can get a better deal from someone else.
I am a semi-pro photographer, so my list is slanted toward
photogenic places. My primary interest is scenic/landscape
photography.
Hawaii (the Big Island) is my favorite island, and when I move
to Hawaii, I will live there. These are my favorite things on
the Big Island. The major items are in my order of
preference, with minor (nearby) items listed with the major
ones.
1. Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park (City of
Refuge)
This is probably my favorite place in all of the
islands. It is a restoration of a pre-Christianity
temple site (Heiau) and the surrounding grounds. As I
tour the grounds, I always have the feeling that someone
is watching what I do. This "watcher" is benevolent -
far from malevolent. I find it very peaceful there -
very much like a Church. Lots of great pictures to be
had here.
Nearby spots are:
a) The Painted Church
b) The Kona Coffee Mill. Even if you don't like
coffee, they have a lot of interesting things in
their informal museum. They also have a huge urn
of their coffee for you to sample free!! It's the
REAL KONA COFFEE!!! And they sell it at the best
prices you'll ever see for KONA.
c) The Macademia Nut "Factory". It's really a small
nut processing facility with a small display of
relevant processing antiques and GREAT nut prices.
2. Hawaii Volcanos National Park. This can be a full day
(multi-day?) place to visit. Don't miss the Thurston
Tube or Devastation Trail. I have always been very
impressed by the lava flow fields that are all over the
island. Hawaii is the youngest island, so the flow
fields there are very easy to see. Those on the older
islands have been worn down to soil be the action of
plants and water over the millions of years.
3. The Hilo Area
a) Akaka Falls State Park. Two giant (400 ft.)
waterfalls in a park full of giant tropical
plants.
b) Take the scenic drive that runs parallel to State
Route 19 North of Hilo and on the way to Akaka
Falls park. You leave 19 at Papa'ikou.
c) Rainbow Falls: right in Hilo.
d) Hilo City Park. Laid out like a Japanese garden.
e) Ting Hao restaurant: my favorite in all the
islands. It's a down home style Chinese
restaurant where you pay low prices for the great
food instead of high prices for the pretty
wallpaper. Don't miss the Flan!!! ("vanilla"
pudding with carmelized sugar sauce).
4. Waipio Valley overlook.
5. North Kohala mountains. Take the high road out of
Waimea and go all the way to the end: the Pololu Valley
lookout. Notice how fast the vegetation changes from
large trees that need lots of water to Arizona-style
desert as you go through Waimea. Climatologists have
defined 24 different climatic regions types on earth.
The Big Island has 23 of them on it. (I guess "Artic is
the missing one.) Notice the cactus growing in the
fields full of the greenest grass you're likely to see
anywhere!
a) Kamehameha I statue in Kapa'au.
b) Keokea Beach County Park.
c) There are lots of nice beaches near/at the large
hotel sites in South Kohala (along State Route
19).
6. The Kailua (Kona) area.
a) The Kailua Kandy Kompany: a mom-and-pop CHOCOLATE
candy company in the little industrial park at the
North edge of town. Don't miss their free tour
with the free samples. They make the best
Chocolate candy I've ever had. They use NO
ARTICIFIAL ingredients or preservatives. It's not
cheap, but it's great!
b) The luau at the King Kamehameha Hotel. Pretty
good for a "hotel" luau, but not nearly as nice as
the down home style one at the Tahiti Nui (in
Hanalei on Kauai).
c) Take a look at "souvenir row" along Alii Drive in
Kailua.
I've been to Maui and in the past few weeks to Kauai.
Maui has some *wonderful* restaurants.
The place they must go to is Avalon, on the main drag in Lahaina. It is in
a mall off the main street, right below a bar. It looks like an indoor
patio, but the food is *outstanding*. The Asian pasta is tremendous, the
maui onion strings are great, and the desserts are worth the trip.
Also in Maui is Hakone in the Maui Prince Hotel (near Makena beach past
Wailea). Wonderful traditional Kaiseki dinner. Costly, though ($50 pp for
Kaiseki, but served artfully in a beautiful setting). Other dinners include
tableside sukiyaki. MMMMM!
Island Fish House and Mama's are also good for fish.
I highly recommend the book Maui: A Paradise Guide (I think from Ten Speed
Press). The only bad suggestion it had was Chuck's Steak House--ack!
Kauai doesn't have that great food, and it's expensive! At the Kauai
Lagoons (Westin Hotel), the Japanese restaurant is supposed to be good. One
of the best kaiseki dinners in the US, according to informed sources. But too
expensive for my blood ($70 pp).
One hole in the wall, wonderful place is the Hanamura Saimin Stand in
Lihue. Japanes noodle soup, filled with wonderful meats and vegetables to
order. Great for a good, filling lunch at about $4 per person. Decor is very
poor, but food is great. Also have them try the shave ice at Hanamura's
(weekdays only). Authentic Japanese shave ice (like snow cones, only better)
unlike other places on the island that used crushed ice. The Halo Halo
shave ice comes with fruit and jello on the bottom, topped with shave ice
sweetened with condensed milk and can be topped with strawberry syrup.
A place that was recommended to me was A Pacific Cafe (or something to that
effect). Never did get the chance to eat there.
Eggbert's for breakfast is supposed to be good, but I thought the food
stunk. Also, a flaming homosexual host greets you (not that I have anything
against homosexuals, but he was annoying any way around) and gives you a
speech in monotone falsity that makes your skin crawl. A popular place, but
not worth it.
Sharky's at the Westing Kauai Lagoons (can you telll where I stayed?) is
okay, but I was a bit disappointed (my fish was overcooked). It was very
nice though, overlooking the 14th tee on their championship ($118 per round)
golf course. They also have three live sharks in a tank--3 ft sharks, but
neat anyway.
That's about it. Hope your folks have fun.
On Maui you have to drive (or stay) in Hana. It is very green and
beautiful. If they hate rain, then don't go. Stop at the fruit stand on the
drive out, it's great... I've only spent time on the Big Island (a total of
three weeks in the past year). Volcanos national park without question is
worth as much time as they can spend there. I'd recommend taking a
helicopter ride to get a good look at the current eruption activity, as well
as to get an idea of what has happened in the park. You can take a
helicopter tour out of Hilo or from the park itself. The former gives you
less time in the park (time lost traveling between Hilo and the park), but
has better helicopters with headsets so you can talk to the pilot. The latter
gives you a more park oriented experience.
Another great time is taking Paradise Safaris' stargazing trip to the top
of Mauna Kea. They drive you to the top as sunset approaches; you watch the
sunset, and wander around looking at all the observatories up there, then
head down to the 10000ft level to look through a reflector telescope.
I've been to Hawaii three times. Twice for business to Pearl Harbor,
Oahu, and once on my honeymoon to Oahu & Maui. I won't go into great detail
because I'm not exactly sure what your parents enjoy(for me it was water
sports mostly). I'll just point out a few items that some might not
mention.
On Oahu:
Everyone on the net puts Oahu down because it's built up.
It's a city on the beach, at least at Waikiki, but a lot of fun!
Here's a couple of things I enjoyed:
o Hiking up to the Diamond Head look out (bring a flashlight
ther's a long concrete tunnel with a rail but no lights)
o Seeing the rural part of the island - the North side is full
a fairly desolate beaches and beautiful scenery. There's
Haunama Bay for snorkelling(crowded), Sunset Beach to watch
the famous Banzai pipeline(during summer it's a bay though),
etc...
o I didn't go because it wasn't there yet, but they have small
submarine(Atlantis) sails off of Waikiki and allows you to
see the fish without getting wet - if your not into snorkelling.
o Pearl Harbor if they are interested in WWII memorial
o Bishops Museum for a little history on Hawaiian culture and
the Ioana Palace where Hawaiian royalty lived. Both in
Honolulu.
I didn't enjoy:
o Polynesian Cultural Center - a real touristy type place
the museum was better for a glance at Hawaiian culture.
On Maui:
Liked:
o I loved the beaches everywhere - stayed on Kaanapali Beach.
o Lahaina - old whaling town close to Kaanapali that has some
shops, bars, dining, and also is a port for fishing and
boating excursions
o Snorkelling was great everywhere.
o Seeing the island was fun, didn't go to the crater but heard
From: v069...@ubvmsd.cc.buffalo.edu (Jen)
Subject: hawaii-compiled
Date: 30 Apr 92 04:47:00 GMT
Organization: University at Buffalo
Take a helicopter tour. I choose Hawaii Helicopters -- there are about
a dozen different tour groups. I've heard their tours are all similar.
We rented snorkel equipment at a very reasonable weekly rate from
Snorkel Bob's in Kihei. They give you maps of good diving areas, some
of the best are nearby Kamaole, Ulua, and Mokapu beaches.
Visit Hana. Driving is a great way to see the beautiful road to Hana,
a winding twisting road that passes waterfalls, dense forest, and high
cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Take windsurfing lessons. Hookipa Beach offers high wind and surf - where
you can watch world class wind surfers practice, and other beaches such as
Kalama Beach near Kihei offer steady wind but calm water - ideal for
beginners. Windsurfing conditions are so perfect in Maui, many
schools suggest that in 5 days of lessons, you can accomplish as much as
in 5 weeks elsewhere!
Anyway, back to MAUI:
Beaches: Kan'anapali has beatiful beaches... but since all the resorts
are there, be prepared for lots of people. But
don't let it stop you!!! They're nice!
Kama'ole I,II,III are nice beaches just arcoss the street
from restaurants and stores. But nice
beaches anyways. Good if you need to be
around all the amenities of "life". This
is in the town of Kihei.
Makena has 3 beaches in a row. It's pass the resort town of
Wailea (south). There's no amenities there. Bring
your own everything!! Oh but it's gorgeous and only
a handful of people. It's a bit hard to fine. Go
past Wailea into Makena... the road runs out, look
the beaches are there.
Exploring: Haleakala National Park is a MUST!!! The crater is just
beautiful!!! But the tip here is call:
weather service- 871-5054
park service - 572-9177
before heading up to th summit. It's a long drive from anywhere on the
island and you don't want to be disappointed with 0 visability of the
crater. There is no food/gas services in the park. Cost is $3.00 for a 3-day
pass for your car. There are lots of hiking. There is a ~8hour (12 mi) hike
down Sliding Sands and up ??. This is what I will do the next time I'm there!
There's also some cabins that you can rent... for a backpacking trip. Oh, I
heard that with the right conditions that that a sunrise over the crater is a
MUST. (But, I just can't get up that early! 8^)) The Bike trip down may be
something you are interested in, I wasn't, but a lot of other people are!!
Road to Hana is pretty, but if you get car sick... don't do it!
There's lots of curves and it's a narrow road. If
you do do this Hwy 31 turns into Hwy 310 and the
mile markers reset to 0. Keep an eye out for mile
marker 10. Just after this point, there is a gate
on the right for a hiking trail. It's nice and
quite there... your suppose to be able to see a
waterfall.... but I couldn't find it. Hike was
neat anyways. The next thing... is after 10 at the
first bridge is a watering hole. A great place to
stop and take a quick swim and sit under the water-
fall!! Okay, stop at the Half-Way-to-Hana point
to get your shave ice!! Yum! Before your reach
Hana, there`s a state park on your left. I can't
remember the name, but it has nice picnic areas and
a black sands beach. Hana was okay. Maybe you'll
discover sonething there... I really didn't.
Oheo Gluch or more famously known as the Seven Scared Pools. It`s
not scared.. the name was created for the benefits of
us tourist! It's a great place to take a swim and
dive off the sides... BUT very crowed!! You park at
the State Park parking lot. Instead, I crossed the
street to the wooden turn-style to take a ~4 mi (round
trip) hike to the Waimoku Falls. There's suppose to
be a swimming hole where the two streams meet off this
trail, but I couldn't find it because it was pretty
dry out there in October. Maybe one of you will be
lucky!! Oh, this is on the same road past the town of
Hana. At that point, you should turn around and go
back. HOWEVER, if you like to break the rules of your
rental car agreement or have 4-wheel drive, you can
continue on 310 and it turns into the Piilani Hwy.
This is a mixture of dirt and paved roads that will
go around to the other side of the island through
cow country. Nice drive... but long and sometimes
bumpy.
Molikini for snorkeling anyone?? Well, when you get there, you'll
notice LOTs of companies that you can hire to take you
to Molikini. I used the Pacific Whaling Foundation. It
is comparable (form what I hear) to all the other companies
in terms of services and likeness. In this case, PWF is
a non-profic organization chartered to observe the whales
and record info about them. There is a researcher on
board that will give a short lecture etc.. That person will
also do a "show and tell" by gathering stuff from the
water and doing a short lecture. Then all stuff is
returned
to the ocean. Continental breakfast and deli lunch served
during the trip. Cost ~$39/person. They do do whale
watching durning the whaling season.
Lahaina is a neat little town. Okay, it's on the touristy side,
but if you walk around and really look at stuff you'll
be able to find things that have been around for a long
time.
There's lots of things to do there.... this was just a quick highlight
of my trip. I don't usually recommend restaurants... oh people can be
so picky!! 8^) Anyway, if anyone has any questions, I'll be glad to
help out. Oh, I did peruse the book "The Essential Guide to Maui" by
Island Heiritage Publishing (1-800-468-2800). They also have the guides
to the other islands as well.
OK, on going to Maui, my favorite spot. Here are some
suggestions:
o Cruiser Bob - a thrilling downhill coast of 38 miles on a
bicycle that starts with a beautiful sunrise and has a
great breakfast in the middle. It's a bit pricey ($90) but
worth every penny. Lots of photo opportunities. This is a good
very first morning (they pick you up at 3:00am) activity.
o The road to Hana - do allow ALL day and do rent the cassette
player and taped guide. Be sure and go all the way to the
7 Pools (the road to the pools is a real challenge). Best
photo opportunities - take lots of film.
o Windsurfing - Hookipa Beach - also quite scenic with cliff
overlook.
o Snorkeling - Try the "Idlewild" out of Mailea (not sure of
spelling) village. It's a small catamaran and they treat you
like friends. You sail to Molokini and snorkel for about an hour.
They are very good with first timers or poor swimmers.
o Do splurge on a convertible or Jeep - it's the only way to go.
BTW, you do NOT need a Jeep to go to Hana.
THINGS I WOULD AVOID:
o The "resort" cruise to Lanai - it's a rip-off once there, you are
a captive to their over-priced facility. ONly thing that saved the
day was whale observation at close range on trip back.
o Beware of the booths hawking good prices on activities. Many of
them do have great prices but require you to waste your precious
time listening to condo deals. There is a good activities broker
in Lahaina, Tom Barefoot, he put us onto the Idlewild.
o The big resort/hotel/condo area in Kanipali, if you've been to
Florida, you've been there. Wall-to-wall people and buildings.
For some good photography, go see the sunset on top of the
crater in the center of Maui (the name escapes me now!!).
You'll have to get up bright and early (3:30 or 4AM) in
order to drive up to the top. It's quite cold, so bring
a sweater or sweatershirt and pants.
Also, take the road to Hana!! The road is VERY curvy, and
you'll be adviced to have someone drive you. If you're
comfortable in a car, you'll probably be okay, but I don't
know how much of the sights you'll see. You can stop along
the way to see water falls and other sights -- it's worth
the trip! There are tons of brochures about Hana in any
hotel or on the streets or in the airport. There are a
lot of free publications to pick up, and they're quite helpful
(restaurant listings, water activities, etc.) especially if
you've never been there. Plus you'll get an idea of special
events during your visit. Some of these publications even
have coupons, too!
I spent some time in Waikiki Beach, and I was so happy
to leave Oahu and visit Maui. It's beautiful!! And there
are fewer cars and fewer tourists and much more pleasant.
Of course, there's not much to do if you like a wild
nightlife. There are some bars in Lahaina (including a
Hard Rock Cafe) and Kaanapauli, but it's not like Waikiki
(thankfully!!).
::Title: Hawaii trip report
::Author: Jim Battan <bat...@sequent.com>
My wife and I took our fifth anniversary vacation in Hawaii, and if you
don't want to read what follows, suffice it to say we had a great time
and are looking forward to returning.
We took a packaged tour through Pleasant Hawaiian. I'm glad we did,
since this was our first trip to Hawaii. Pleasant gave us
introductions at both islands, and included some useful coupons for the
typical things a first-time visitor does. No one ever mentions how
much they paid for their vacations, but I think it's important to say
that Hawaii is very expensive. Goods and food are 20-100% more
expensive there than here in Oregon. Our typical dinner was $55 for
two; it adds up fast. Our trip cost about $2900 for an eight-night,
two-island stay including air from PDX, hotels, tours, food, etc.
We arrived in Honolulu in the afternoon. Our flight left PDX in the
early morning, and with a one-hour layover in SFO, that made for a long
day of traveling. I think flight time SFO-HON is 5.5 hours. We
stayed at the Outrigger Reef based on our travel agent's
recommendation. We had a "city view" (of the McDonalds across the
street) from our second story room. We didn't mind, since we probably
spent less than one non-sleeping hour in the room a day. There's LOTS
to do on Oahu (FYI: Waikiki is the beach, in Honolulu, on Oahu), and we
saved money not having an ocean view. We liked the hotel. It's huge,
but it's right on the best beach area in Waikiki.
I was amazed at the cultural diversity. I've never seen such a mix in
any other area. According to a pie chart I saw, 35% are Japanese, 30%
are Caucasian, 20% Hawaiian, and then tons of others.
We toured the Dole Pineapple factory. A must see. Great samples. Go
to Hilo Haties if you want a muu-muu (ugly Hawaiian flowery dress), but
otherwise stay away. Take the 50 cent Pineapple Express bus trip to
Ala Moana shopping center. It's huge, and has everything from
Woolworth (a K-Mart type) to Gucci and Chanel. I was amazed at the
number of incredibly-overpriced stores, and the only people in them
were Japanese.
Right across from the shopping center is Ala Moana park. It's very big
and is the place to go to get away from the hussle and crowds on
Waikiki. It'd be good for a barbecue, but I forgot to pack my
charcoal.
There's a whole lot of skin cancer goin' on in Hawaii. Some of the
"beautiful people" would be at the same spot on the beach every day,
>From 8 am to 8 pm.
We took the #20 bus to Pearl Harbor. Don't bother taking a packaged
bus tour. It'll cost you $15, whereas the public bus gets you there in
the same amount of time and only costs $0.50. It's a 55 minute ride
>From Waikiki to PH. Take the free tour and boat ride out to the
Arizona Memorial. I felt kinda strange there. About half the people
there were Japanese, and in case you forgot, that's who bombed us in
1941.
We took a package tour to the Polynesian Cultural Center, way on the
other side of Oahu. It costs $66 per person. Our bus driver was
great, very funny yet educational, and proud of his Hawaiian heritage.
The only part I liked about the Center was the Samoan area. One of the
guys there was incredibly funny. I overheard a tourist say "If I could
get that guy in my NY nightclub, he could make $1M/yr easily." The
rest of the Center was okay, and the dinner was more of a Kings Table
food orgy than the traditional roast pig, etc. The night show (with
fire, etc.) was pretty neat, but my wife liked it a lot more than I
did.
Make sure you are in Honolulu over a weekend. It's got a happenin'
nightlife. Partying goes on into the wee hours. That is, if you like
that kind of stuff. We retired early.
There's tons of money in Honolulu. The Japanese own 60% of Waikiki,
and they drop $300 a day when on vacation there, as opposed to $100 for
'mericans. For you car buffs, I saw lots of Mercedes S-class, Bimmers,
Lexi, a Ferrari or three (including a white Testarossa for rent!), and
Porches (sic). The typical 2 bedroom apartment goes for $1K/mo, and my
$85K Oregon house would be worth about $450K there!
We took the #22 bus (50 minute ride) to Hanauma Bay for snorkling.
Rent the gear there, and plan a whole day there. It's neat, with a
huge coral reef, but kinda crowded.
We had dinner at the Tratoria Italian place near the Reef. Not too
exciting. The next night, we ate at Buzz's, also near the Reef.
Again, nothing to write home about. We had a breakfast buffet at the
Reef for $7/pp. Pretty good. We had a dinner at the Outrigger
Waikiki. It's right on the beach, with a great view. Good food but
inattentive service. Worth it just for the location.
Almost all the restaurants have a buffet option for all meals. You've
gotta watch it or you won't be fitting into your pants when you get
back home. Trust me on this one.
Try some "apple bananas." They're small, sweet tasting bananas. And
by all means bring home as many pineapples as possible. Ours was
great.
After four days in Honolulu, we took an inter-island to Kauai. Even
though it's only a 30 minute flight, it took us 6 hours from check-out
to check-in, because of all the transfers, waiting, etc. A car is
necessary in Kauai. (But if they'd just put in a single light-rail
system all the way around the island, they wouldn't need a single car.
All the businesses, hotels, etc. are right off the circle drive around
the island.) We got a Geo Metro tin can (I mean car) with a whopping
1.5 liter 3 cylinder engine. But it was certainly adequate, and given
the $1.50/gallon gas price, economical. We got about 32 MPG, and I had
the thing floored (literally) about half the time. Dollar really tried
to push a bigger car on us (I'm 6'4"), or a convertible. I'm glad we
stuck with the Metro. It was plenty big, and I wanted to be OUT of the
sun while driving, so a convertible would have been useless. The only
thing I missed was a trunk. The Metro doesn't have a cargo cover, so
you have to take everything with you, if you don't want it stolen. It
had a good AC.
We borrowed a copy of "Kauai: A Paradise Guide" by Don and Bea Donohugh
>From our travel agent. It is quite complete, but our copy was four
years old, so it was a bit out of date, given how fast Kauai is
changing. There are some neat shops in the Poipu and Koala areas.
We stayed at the Sheraton Kauai, which is in the Poipu (southern)
area. I'd recommend staying in Poipu, since it's much more sunny than
the other hotel areas on the east and north sides. The Sheraton
sprawls, since buildings are limited to four stories on Kauai. We were
a 10 minute walk from the beach. The Sheraton had probably the nicest
beach area. The garden view room was nice. The hotel was
reconstructing the cabana and registration areas, so it was kinda
messy.
Our Pleasant orientation (with free continental breakfast!) on Kauai
was at the Kilohana ranch. We drove around the area and saw the
waterfall from Fantasy Island, the Westin Kauai, and then drove up the
east and north coasts to Princeville. Make sure you take bug
repellent. I didn't and was scratching for days at the 25 mosquito
bites I got in 10 minutes at the Princeville beach.
While we were sunbathing on Poipu beach, a Hawaiian Monk Seal "beached"
itself. There were two uniformed guys who quickly ran out and put up
police lines around it and posted a sign. I guess the seals do this
all the time after eating a full meal. They sun themselves for the day
while digesting their food. They've become endangered, so the guys
made sure people stayed away. The seal was oblivious to the crowds
that gathered behind the lines. It was huge.
I really agree with mave...@vaxkab.lne.kth.se, who posted a message in
May saying:
> Lucky ones that have bought a place on Kauai. The island is soooooo
> beautiful. But I think it hurts so badly when you see what is going to
> happen with the island. The Japanese will build an international airport
> so that their huge jumbo jets can land and all Japanese can play golf
> on all the uncountable numbers of golf courses they are building and
> projecting. Also they will live in these big awful hotels that they are
> constructing. I'm afraid that the paradise that Kauai, together with the
> rest of Hawaii, is might disappear shortly if nothing drastic is
> done now. But these are just my own reflections from my visit there.
I couldn't believe the number of "planned residential communities" that
were springing up. 50 lots here, 80 lots there. I guess I can't blame
people. Kauai is very beautiful, and if I had the money, I'd probably
want to retire or have a summer home there too. But once again
overpopulation is ruining a pristine natural area.
Kauai weather was sun one moment, clouds the next. Mostly the temps
were 80-85 'F. It ended up raining some days for about an hour. But
it was still plenty nice enough for sunbathing.
We ate at the Plantation Gardens restaurant twice. It was tasty. Neat
botanical gardens on the grounds. Great Hula Pie dessert. Near
Princeville, we had a good Mexican dinner at Norberto's El Cafe.
Charo's looked nice too. Back in Poipu, we had a great steak and crab
dinner at Kieoki's Paradise.
I much preferred the Hyatt over the Westin on Kauai, even though I
stayed at neither and didn't get to see in either of the hotel's
rooms. The Hyatt's grounds were beautiful, and breakfast there was
great. I overheard someone say they transferred from the Westin to the
Hyatt because the people were so snobby at the Westin. I didn't like
the Westin's grounds, except for the great swimming pool. It was very
ostentatious.
The Hyatt has another thing going for it: It's near Poipu beach, a
nicer area than the more cloudy Westin area on the East side. However,
the Westin actually has a hotel-front beach, whereas the Hyatt requires
a 5 minute trip.
Anyway, both the Westin and the Hyatt cost mucho buckos.
My wife took a helicopter tour (with Papillon) of Kauai. It lasted 55
minutes, cost $130, and circled the island. She really enjoyed it but
probably wouldn't take another.
We took a 3 hour tour of the Pacific Botanical Gardens ($15/pp).
Although I'm not into plants, I enjoyed it. We saw the setting where
they filmed South Pacific; very spectacular. From there, we traveled
up the west coast to the Waimea Canyon. Wow. This puts the Grand
Canyon to shame. Even though it's not quite as big, it has lush
tropical greenery everywhere. You've gotta see it. We also went to
the end of the road near Mt Waialeale, the wettest spot on earth with
450" of rain a year. Our orientation person warned us that if the mist
obscured the view of the Na Pali coast we should just wait a while, and
sure enough, after 30 minutes of staring into solid mist, the mist
broke and we could see much of the coastline. Definitely worth the
wait. We could also see some small four-legged animals climbing around
the cliffs, and there was a bird sanctuary nearby with thousands of
birds soaring around the cliffs.
On our last day, we were supposed to take a 6 pm flight to Honolulu and
a 9 pm flight to SFO. But since our car was due back at noon, we got
on an earlier flight back to Honolulu (it's open seating, so Aloha Air
is flexible about this), and had an extra 8 hours to spend in Waikiki.
That was a good decision, rather than sitting around the Lihue (Kauai)
airport all afternoon.
The redeye flight to SFO was a killer. I only slept one hour.
I was wiped out two days after getting back because of the jet lag.
As you can see, I ran out of different adjectives to describe Kauai.
If you're going to the islands, make sure you go there. In retrospect,
we decided we chose the perfect itinerary: 4 days on bustling Oahu,
then 4 days on tranquil Kauai.
I'd recommend you try to learn the Hawaiian language. It's very easy.
Although I've mentioned the Japanese an inordinate amount, I have
nothing against them. But I am very concerned that the overdevelopment
of Hawaii (mostly be the Japanese, according to the real estate reports
I read) will ruin it. Since they have all the money, I guess that
means they make the rules. It's sad.
After being to Mexico three times, and most recently to Hawaii, I'll
probably not go back to Mexico for quite some time, and instead save my
pennies for Hawaii. It's cleaner, safer, more lush, has drinkable
water, more stuff to do, speaks 'Merican, has just as nice beaches, and
has the old stand-by fast food joints for when you want a quick,
relatively cheap lunch. But it will be a while before I save that many
pennies again.
--
Jim Battan - Sequent Computer Systems, Beaverton, OR
bat...@sequent.com or uunet!sequent!battan
+1 503 578 5129
Kauai
A helicopter ride is fun. I did it on Maui. It is pricey though.
Five years ago it costed me roughly $3/minute. I had gotten out
of college a couple of years earlier and felt the need to splurge. :-)
On Maui there was a seafood restaurant that I enjoyed a lot.
I think it was called Erik's -- yes, with a K.
A friend recently honeymooned in Kauai. She mentioned that rafting
was enjoyable. The trip include food and drinks.
The Insight Guide to Hawaii is worth getting...it has beautiful
pictures, and gives a lot of history. Very inspirational!
I went to Honolulu in '83 when my parents were living there. The
deal is that all of the Giant Tourist Hotels are on one strip, which
icludes Waikiki beach and the Times-Square-like Kalakuua Ave.
If you go around to the other side of the island there are small
motels catering to relatives of service people or to surfers. Stay on
that side of the island and take the bus to the tourist parts! My
folks lived in Moili-ili, near the University of Hawaii and with a
great view of Diamond Head. If there are places to stay around there,
it was a nice neighborhood...
From: tes...@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (A. Lani Teshima)
Subject: Re: compiled hawaii
Organization: University of Hawaii
Date: Thu, 30 Apr 1992 06:40:26 GMT
> Sizzler
The Sizzler's in Waikiki is the most busiest Sizzler in the
whole country, and also nets the most income of them all. It is open
24 hours a day and there are lines practically all day lone. Food is
consistent and reasonable for Waikiki.
> Lay out in the sun for long periods of time especially between 11:00 a.m
>and 2:00 p.m. - other times for short periods until a good tan base is built.
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!! You are promoting the development of
skin cancer! Never lay out from 11am to 2pm, when the sun is strongest
here! The sun is physically closer to us because we are only 21
degrees from the equator. You will suffer sunburn and increase your
chances of skin cancer! Please limit your sun worshipping to morning
hours or later in the afternoon. Remember--there is no such thing as a
"healthy" tan.
>If you must, use a minimum number 15 sun lotion - 25 0r 30 even better.
> Check out Haleakala on Maui. If there is one thing in my 22 years here that
>I would recommend, that's the one. It is far the most "awesome" place I've
>ever been to. You MUST, absolutely MUST see it at sunrise!!!!!! You will
>have to get up verrrrry early, and it is about a 2-3 hour drive from Lahaina,
>but you will NEVER forget it!!! And it is cold in the morning. Yes, COLD.
>The air is thin. TAKE FOOD with you in case there isn't any being sold there.
Plan to leave Lahaina at least 3am or earlier. Wear layers of
clothing, so you can peel off when it gets warmer. It feels
particularly cold because air is so thin. Plan on wearing at least a
thick sweater.
>
> I definitly reccomend Nanapua from ANY grungy looking street vendor or
^^^^^^^ "manapua", pronounced mah-nah-pooh-ah
>"greasy spoon". THey sell the genuine article which GREAT, the "fancy"
>version cost around 10X more and was awful!
Manapua is found only in Hawaii, although many people think it's
Chinese. (It's a local adaptation, like many other foods here). It's a
white roll (steamed) with char siu red meat inside. If you want to try
a good one, go to Patty's Chinese Kitchen in Ala Moana Shopping Center
in Honolulu. They're only like 60 cents, and Patty's doesn't have
those clumps of fat in them like some others do.
>The Hilo area is depressing; it doesn't seem to fit with the rest of the state.
Excuse me--the rest of the state doesn't fit Hilo. It's the oldest,
bustling gathering place for the Big Island. If you think all the
glitzy Hyatt-type hotels on the Big Island are what the island is all
about, go visit with the local people in Hilo. Now THAT's what the Big
Island is all about. All the rest is just touristy stuff.
> Oahu: Developed. We enjoyed the cultural diversity of Oahu, though.
>One evening, quite by accident, we stumbled on a Bon Festival at a Japanese
>Buddhist temple in Moana, a suburb of Honolulu, not far from the University
^^^^^ That's "Manoa," as in "the University of
Hawaii at Manoa." Manoa is a very nice, verdant valley above UHM
campus. Faculty and students hang out up there, so it's tres chic,
coffee shops, etc. Off the beaten track, more educated crowd.
>By far, the very best snorkeling/diving I have ever seen (and
>I've been diving in the Red Sea) is to be had at Hanauma Bay, about 20
>minutes drive west of Honolulu on Interstate H-1. (I still don't understand
>how Hawai'i can have interstate highways ;-) You don't even need a snorkel,
>and could enjoy the fish without even wearing a mask. Imagine standing in a
>3 foot deep aquarium. When you walk, you have to push the fish out of the
>way. There is a State Underwater Park/Preserve there, and the fish know it,
>so they are extraordinarily friendly.
Do not visit H-Bay on Wednesday mornings, as it is closed for cleaning
and maintenance. Avoid H-Bay on Wednesdays, period. By noon when it
opens there is a huge throng of people waiting to mob the bay. Go as
early as you can, the park opens around 7 or 7:30am. Parking lot fills
up by 9 or 10am.
> Here's an extra tidbit for you: Volcanic ash from Kiluea causes a haze/fog
>which locals call "vog" on the Kona side of the Big Island (the Hilo side
>isn't affected due to wind direction) . My sister, who has lived in Kona for
>six years now, had never mentioned "vog" before my visit to the islands last
>year. Needless to say, I wasn't pleasantly surprised when I arrived at the
>airport. The locals don't think twice about it anymore, but you may want to
>go mentally prepared to see a Los Angeles-like sky (if Kiluea's been super
>active lately).
This is important for asthmatics: when vog is up, bring your atomizer
with you.
Another tip regarding atmospheric haze: Although it's not from vog,
the haze left by Mount Pinatubo (Philippines) volcano has left Hawaii
with the most awesome, spectacular, colorful sunsets I've ever seen in
the 16 years I've lived here. Ever see those fake-looking purple or
orange sunset postcards from Hawaii? It looks like that sometimes now.
> Oh yeah, don't forget to bring food for the fish when you snorkel - frozen
>peas are best since they don't disintegrate like bread, or the fish food
>pellets you can get when you rent snorkel equipment.
The frozen peas may be convenient for YOU, but it's not natural food
for the fish. Fish Chow is better from a nutritional standpoint, and
environmental educators are working hard to change this here. Please
do not feed the local fish frozen peas (or bread, or M&Ms or any
number of things I've seen being fed). And IF you DO feed frozen peas,
PLEASE keep your plastic bags until you get to the trash bin. We try
hard to keep our islands clean, but we still collect hundreds of tons
of marine debris in our annual October shoreline clean-up. If the tide
is right, I see hundreds of frozen pea bags wash up in Hanauma Bay. :(
> The Saddle Road which bisects the island from east to west was fine when we
>were there despite warnings we'd received about its horrible condition. A
>rental car can handle it with no problem.
Consider your car rental contract before attempting Saddle Road. Some
agencies will void insurance coverage on your car if you drive on
Saddle road. BEWARE!
--
A. Lani Teshima, UH School of Library & Info Studies o | /_/_/ "Sea Hare"
tes...@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.edu \_}B \_}B
From: le...@sgi.com (Lee Jones)
Subject: Re: Hyatt Wailea in Hawaii
Date: 7 May 92 20:52:54 GMT
Organization: Silicon Graphics, Inc.
e...@searanch.Corp.Sun.COM writes:
>Am seeking any information on the new Hyatt Wailea on Maiu.
I stayed there for 5 days last month (courtesy of my fiancee's perforamce at
work :-). It was *unbelievable*. The grounds are exquisite, the pools
are great fun to play in (the water elevator was broken when we were there
:-( ), the statues in the atrium area are mezmerizing. Above all, the staff
was incredibly nice. People went out of their way for us at every possible
juncture. I really can't say enough good about the folks that work there.
Specific recommendations:
1. Sadly, they don't know where snorkeling is around there. I tried at both
ends of the beach. The best snorkeling *by far* right there - if you're
standing on the beach facing the ocean, go to your *left* out to the
rocky point at the end of the beach. It's fairly surgy but there's a
ton of stuff to see. I saw some large schools of jacks, and my fiancee
pointed out a zebra moray in a coral head.
2. The high-end restaurant at the back of the atrium area is *really* good.
It's not cheap by a lot (entrees are $20 and up) but the service was as
good as any I've ever had *anywhere*. Case in point: we both ordered
different kinds of fish. Kathy's was a bit salty to her taste (not
surprising, we hardly use salt at all when we cook). She told our waiter
that when he asked (I think she said something like "It's very good, but
a little on the salty side"). He immediately asked if he could bring her
a different entree, which she declined. Come to the end of the meal, her
entree *and* our desserts and coffees were not on the check. We left
a very generous tip (even by the pre-discount price).
Furthermore, if you sit on the lanai outside, you have an exquisite view
of the ocean.
3. At night after dinner, go stand on the beach and see what's going on.
The first night we were there, there was all kinds of commotion in the
water immediately off the beach. The hotels shine big floodlights down
into the water at night. That seems to attract tiny plankton or
shrimp or something. That attracts small fish, which attract bigger fish,
which....
As we stood there, we would occasionally see entire schools of fish
screaming across the surface trying to escape from ?. Multiple times
within an hour, we heard *huge* splashes (like a 4-5' fish) crashing
down onto the surface. At one point, a 2-3' shark almost beached
itself in pursuit of a school of fish - I know because he ended up
in about 1' of water right in front of us, spent a couple of seconds
getting turned around, and headed back out. What a show!
From: cd...@terapin.com (Chris Day)
Subject: Re: Hawaii with an 8 month old
Date: 10 May 92 22:56:03 PST
Ok my own personal opinion , i would staay in Youth hostels ,they are also for
small families not just youths ,they also have family room ,but som have
dormitories style room ,like 2-4 beds to a room ,but id you travel together
you can get rooms for like $36.00 in Hilo its called Arnotts lodge ,its hostel
theres also a you th hostel in Mauui 34.95 double in a private hotel room
call 1-800-8-hostel .Thou these are a few of many you do need a hostel card
,which cost like 25.00 yr but are good for hostels worldwide ...
From: kl...@wsl.dec.com (Ken Lee)
Subject: Re: need Hawaii info
Organization: DEC Western Software Laboratory
Date: Tue, 26 May 92 21:29:38 GMT
If you're looking for a tough road ride, try the road up Haleakala. It goes
from 0 to 10000 feet in about 40 miles. There's an annual USCF race along
this route. If you're not into climbing, there are lots of companies that
will charge you lots of money to haul a bike to the top for you and let you
coast down.
--
Ken Lee
DEC Western Software Laboratory, Palo Alto, Calif.
Internet: kl...@wsl.dec.com
uucp: uunet!decwrl!klee
From: hun...@work.nlm.nih.gov (Larry Hunter)
Subject: Re: Honeymoon in Hawaii
Date: 2 Jun 92 18:06:41 GMT
Organization: National Library of Medicine
We were wanting to spend time on the islands of Kuai, Maui, and the
big island (Hawaii). Any info on horsback riding, para-sailing,
hiking, or locations of some really breath-taking waterfalls would
be greatly appreciated! If at all possible, include names, phone
numbers, addresses, and if you can recall, the cost of these
activites.
Most of the best waterfalls are on Kauai.
There are also two rental stables on Kauai, one in Poipu (south end)
and one a bit north of Kapa'a. The one in the north has a half day
ride to a waterfall where you are served a picnic lunch. I don't
recall the price offhand, but it wasn't outrageous. I liked the trip
a lot.
You might also want to do the first leg of the Na Pali Coast Trail, in
the Northwest of Kauai. You walk about two miles in to the first
beach, and then about 2 miles inland to a really spectacular
waterfall. (free, of course)
On the Big Island, you won't find the same kind of spectacular
waterfalls, but you can talk a short hike to one of the best beaches
on the planet. Start by driving to Pu'a Ali'i Point (also called
South Point, the southernmost point in the US), past a huge windmill
farm and lots of red-soil grassland with grazing cattle. Park your
car with all of the Hawaiian fishermen who use the little harbor there
(they leave before sunrise, and are back in port hanging out and
talking story by 9am). Look for a dirt road (with a gate, to prevent
people from driving down it) to your left as you face the ocean. Walk
down that road about 2 miles, and you will come to green sand beach.
The sand is olivine, which is an almost khaki green mineral. You
scamper down the slope to a beautiful, small beach, which in September
you may well have all to yourself. The beach is a bit sheltered, so
the waves are a perfect height for body surfing and swimming, and the
water is that amazing Hawaiian blue. Facing the water there, there's
really nothing but Pacific Ocean between you and antarctica. It's a
special place.
--
Lawrence Hunter, PhD.
National Library of Medicine
Bethesda. MD 20894
hun...@nlm.nih.gov (internet)
From: eol...@cs.uiuc.edu (Eric Olson)
Subject: Re: Maui vs. Kauai
Organization: University of Illinois, Dept. of Comp. Sci., Urbana, IL
Date: Sat, 30 May 1992 05:42:16 GMT
Just a few comments on Maui:
>Lahaina - Quaint old whaling village on West Maui. Many colorful
>buildings and shops. Tours out of the harbor include a glass-
>bottomed boat tour and (in season) a whale-watching tour. A few
>miles north, the Kahana Keys restaurant has an outstanding salad bar.
There are some nice beaches on the road to Lahaina to stop
at and go snorkeling. (just past the whale lookout points -- winter
is whale breeding season in the area) Lots of shopping and
good food in Lahaina.
Another wonderful snorkeling place is some C shaped island
(Molikini???) you take a boat out to.
>Haleakala - This dormant volcano is impressive. It's a long narrow
>road to the top, but worth it. Plan on making the drive in the
>morning, because the clouds tend to obscure the view in the
>afternoon. There is an observatory at the top, but I don't believe
>it's open to the public.
I've spent several days hiking in the crater. It is well worth your
time to do this (if you have time) Wonderful colored sands and
silver sword plants. Huge lava tubes you can walk through (if you
know where they are -- ask a ranger??) Sunrise at the top of the
crater is something to experience (it does take a few hours to
drive up).
>Drive to Hana - Another long, nerrow road, but what fantastic
>scenery. Numerous beautiful ocean views and many pretty waterfalls.
>Go on past Hana to the Seven Pools state park. Also, stop at the
>Waianapanapa State Park and see the black sand beach - there's a
>small cave at the right that opens out to the sea.
Wear your swim suit and try jumping in some of the streams & pools
on the way (or have a guava fight). 7 pools is nice. There is a
place half way that has all sorts of interesting trees (arboratum?).
Not much food in Hana (that I found). Leave early--it takes a while
and you can't spend too much time at 7 pools.
>Iao Needle - Interesting geological formation in a park with a stream
>and many interesting flowers and plants.
Yep.
You can always drive somewhere else on the island if you don't like
the weather. The Lahaina side is usually hot and dry, the Hana
side (windward) is wet. Haleakala is cooler (except IN the crater).
From: gad...@cbnewsi.cb.att.com (Gadfly)
Subject: Re: Maui vs. Kauai
Date: 1 Jun 92 15:53:18 GMT
Organization: AT&T
jku...@isis.cs.du.edu (James Kummer) writes:
> ** KAUAI **
Just spent 9 days there in April.
> Waimea Canyon - Called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" - definitely
> a worthwhile drive. Take a picnic lunch and drive all the way to the
> top, where you can look over to the North side of the island, to the
> Na Pali cliffs.
Do one better than that--camp at Koke`e State Park and hike around
the Alukai Swamp or along some of the western Na Pali ridges. They
also have cabins you can rent for up to 5 days in a row.
> Spouting Horn - Stop and see this sight on your way to Waimea Canyon.
> Legend has it that a dragon lives in the hole - he roars and spews
> out water each time the waves crash.
Not worth it unless the surf is up. Muy turista.
> Lumahai Beach - The prettiest beach on all the islands. It's right
> off the highway, but only marked by a small sign, so be careful not
> to miss it. An easy trail drops down to the beautiful, uncrowded
> beach. Play in the waves, but even the strongest swimmers are
> counselled against swimming out past the breakers.
Yes, it's nice, but I didn't find Kauai beaches in the same league
with the other islands, especially the big island's black sand.
Do Kauai for the jungle.
> Haena State Park - Great beach and snorkeling at the end of State 50.
> This beach (called Ke'e) was the setting for _The_Thorn_Birds_).
> Hike a ways beyond the beach toward the Na Pali cliffs.
It's weirdly arid and desolate--also hot, at least in April.
Don't miss the Na Pali trail, and take the first turn off inland
to Hanakapiai Falls. It's a 4 mile hike up to them, and the
footing gets a bit treacherous when it rains, which is to say
always, but it's right out of a movie set, only much much bigger.
And for you poi fans, the Aloha Diner in Kapa`a serves only
Hawaiian food.
Ken Perlow
gad...@ihlpa.ATT.COM
From: ten...@nssdca.gsfc.nasa.gov
Subject: Re: Maui vs. Kauai
Organization: NASA - Goddard Space Flight Center
Date: Mon, 1 Jun 1992 21:53:00 GMT
eol...@cs.uiuc.edu (Eric Olson) writes...
>>** MAUI **
>>Drive to Hana - Another long, nerrow road, but what fantastic
>>scenery. Numerous beautiful ocean views and many pretty waterfalls.
>>Go on past Hana to the Seven Pools state park. Also, stop at the
>>Waianapanapa State Park and see the black sand beach - there's a
>>small cave at the right that opens out to the sea.
>
>Wear your swim suit and try jumping in some of the streams & pools
>on the way (or have a guava fight). 7 pools is nice. There is a
>place half way that has all sorts of interesting trees (arboratum?).
>Not much food in Hana (that I found). Leave early--it takes a while
>and you can't spend too much time at 7 pools.
For a change of pace, at the 7 pools state park, after you park your
car in the parking lot, instead of going to the 7 sacred pools area,
cross the highway, go through the gate, and hike up the field about
1/2 mile (there's a trail). Here you will be at the top of a rather
high waterfall, looking down. From the lookout point, there is a muddy
trail that leads to a small grotto where you can actualy swim ABOVE
THE FALLS. It's completely safe, as the lagoon (and stream) is
separated from the falls by lots of boulders. In order to 'go over the
falls', you'd actually have to climb out of the water and hike over
some rocks and then jump.
It was a rare treat, but you have to be a fairly good swimmer, since
you might want to swim against the current (away from the falls) about
30 yards or so to a small beach where you can rest and get a view of
another waterfall that feeds the stream you're swimming in.
When I was there, there were about 5 other people swimming, so it was
pretty private.
Ron Tencati
Hughes STX Corporation
From: cv...@gte.com (Carol Lafond)
Subject: Re: More Hawaii info?
Date: 26 Jun 92 11:30:15 GMT
dco...@pcocd2.intel.com (David Covell) writes:
>Thanks to all of you who've sent me information on Hawaii. I've been warned
>that I may have problems on the Big Island in August due to the Iron Man
>Triathalon, with respect to unavailability (overbooking) of rental cars,
>lodging, etc. I need more info on this; I certainly don't want to go to the
>BI if this is true. Our projected days on the BI are 8/15-20. When is the
>triathalon?
>I'd hate to have to miss the BI, but it would be much worse to get there and
>find out there's no car or room available, or be forced to share the island
>with a bunch of steroid-heads (insert 1/2 smiley here).
We were on the island of Hawaii 2 years ago during the Iron Man, which was
in late Sept - early Oct. I don't know if it's held at the same time every
year. We did have some problem with availability, and we called several months
in advance. It wasn't that there were no cars available, just that the rates
were higher than we had found on previous trips. We called a local company,
Tropical Rent a Car, and got a better price, but we had to deal with roaches.
Hawaii is a big island and there is no need to stay in Kona during the race.
We stayed in Hilo, a quieter, less touristy, wetter and lusher area that is a
good base for visiting the volcano area, and the lush environment and water-
falls of the Hamakua coast, not to mention the special charms of Hilo, a city
we fell in love with.
We spent the day of the Iron Man in Kona. Despite the intense heat, it was
an experience not to be missed. The thing that impressed me the most was
watching the 2nd and 3rd tier of amatuer athletes who were out there proving
something to themselves, and the enthusiastic support they were receiving from
the small groups of spectators all along the route. The only hugh crowds we
experienced were at the finish line in Kona.
Don't miss the Big Island. In my opinion, it has more to offer than many of
the other islands, especially if you prefer to experience the culture, history,
and natural environment of Hawaii to the culture and artifical environment of
a tourist enclave.
--Carol Lafond
From: sme...@option.GBA.NYU.EDU (Stephen J. Mezias)
Subject: Re: More Hawaii info?
Date: 26 Jun 92 14:30:45 GMT
Organization: NYU Stern School of Business
cv...@gte.com (Carol Lafond) writes:
> Hawaii is a big island and there is no need to stay in Kona during the race.
>We stayed in Hilo, a quieter, less touristy, wetter and lusher area that is a
>good base for visiting the volcano area, and the lush environment and water-
>falls of the Hamakua coast, not to mention the special charms of Hilo, a city
>we fell in love with.
Agreed, but I would clarify a couple of points. (1) Hilo is a bit
hard to love if it happens to pour there during your entire visit;
this is possible, but perhaps unlikely in August. We had nice weather
but it had rained hard every day for two weeks straight when we
arrived. (2) The best base for exploring the volcano area is up near
the Park headquarters. For those on a budget, the cabins at Namakani
Paio are cheap ($21 in Jan. 1991); these are quite rustic with common
bath but hot water showers and no heat. Make sure you bring a very
warm blanket -- we brought a down quilt which was not overdoing it in
Jan. Reservations are through the lodge. If not on a tight budget,
there is the lodge in the park as well as several bed and breakfasts
in Volcano Village.
I also would endorse not missing the Big Island.
SJM
From: b...@navaho.uucp (25612-elliott)
Subject: Re: What to see in MAUI????
Organization: Bellcore, Livingston, NJ
Date: Wed, 1 Jul 92 13:18:03 GMT
The Perfect Week in Maui
You all arrive mid day or early evening at Kahului airport.
Rd. Unit 1-401. After you unpacking and take a short stroll around
the complex or down to the beach, you will be ready to eat
again. It is advised you make it a quick lite bite to eat.
Sleeping on a full stomach is at best fatting. Off to bed by 10:00
P.M. HST, your bodies think it is 3:00 A.M. don't you know.
Day 1
Your first full day in Maui starts early, 3:00 A.M. to be exact.
Aren't you glad to decided to come with me. You were one of the
smart visitors and me phone ahead to get us reservations with
Maui Downhill or Cruiser Bob's. This trip is a must, 38 mile
coast down 10,000 foot volcano "Haleakala". There is a trip
that leaves later but you will miss the sunrise from the top of
the volcano, you would not want to do that would you. Do
not forget your camera. The sunrise alone is worth the cost
of the trip up, but the inside of the crater at sunrise provides
the photographer with plenty more reasons to kick themselves for
not bringing the camera. Word to the wise, dress in layers (warm)
it gets down to freezing at 10,000 feet. Eye protection while on
the bikes is a must, sunglasses are your best bet. You can figure
on being back to the condo around noon. I need to know
who wants to participate?
Shopping is a great way to fill out the afternoon.
You may be ready for a dip in the pool or a short
walk on the beach at sunset, before dinner. For
dinner I suggest you have one of the islands
trade marks, marinated ribs from Azecki's market
(they're across the street from KMV), they only
require 10 minutes on the barbecue.
Day 2 & 3
Day two & three should be spent seeing the wonders of the island.
One trip takes you south the Hana. Plan to be gone most the
day and start early. Another good idea is to pack a picnic
type lunch with soft drinks. In Kihei (across from
McDonalds) or out by the airport pick up a tape recorded self
guided tour. They are inexpensive and will add a great deal to
your trip. Take your time and make the suggested stops on the
tape. Waterfalls, breath taking views, etc. can be missed if you
do not take the time to wait for that parking spot. On your way
back to Kihei you should plan dinner at Mama's in Pia.
The other trip is much shorter but gives you a different view of
Maui entirely. Your first stop in the A.M. should be Iao Valley.
Talk about a great place for pictures, lush, green and tropical
are but a few of the adjectives used to describe this
beautiful stop. Then north toward historic Lahaina. Honoapillani
Highway takes you along the western shoreline of Maui. About
.5 miles past Maalaea Yacht Marina you will come to a scenic
lookout, this is a great spot to whale watch. Continue north
approximately 17 miles and turn off when you see the signs for
Lahaina. Plan to eat lunch at one of the many restaurants in
town. See the worlds largest Banyan tree, visit the historic
buildings, shop for souvenirs. Then further north to Kaanapali,
Napili and Kaplua where you can swim, try wind surfing, para
sailing or just sip Mia Tia, while relaxing
by anyone of the great poolside bars at the Westin, Embassy
Suites, etc.
Day 4
No trip to Maui is complete without going to Molokini. The best
way for a group to see Molokini is to book a trip on the Four
Winds. This very large Catamaran (glassbottom so the non-snorkelers
can see the fish) provides a smooth ride, clean restrooms, free
snorkel gear, continental breakfast, lunch and a OPEN BAR. We
should book this trip very early it sells out fast. You will be
sure to see whales going or coming on this great trip,
providing they have arrived from Alaska. Need I remind you to
take your bathing suits.
Day 5, 6 & 7
Let's see you haven't gone golfing, deep sea fishing, water
skiing, played tennis, taken scuba lessons or a helicopter tour.
Nor have you seen big beach where the nude sun bathers hang out.
There is a great day trip called club Lani. Another must is dinner
at the Tropical Plantation. You'll see it when you go
to Iao Valley. This Hawaiian country western show/dinner
(barbecued steak all you can eat and not one Hawaiian dish
on the buffet) is fun. You must see a hula done to western music.
Will make reservations go early and take the free tram tour of the
Plantation. This is better than any of the island luaus.
From: Marc J. Stephenson
Subject: Re: What to see in MAUI????
Date: 2 Jul 92 16:13:21 GMT
Organization: IBM, Austin
>b...@navaho.uucp (25612-elliott) writes:
> [ Arrive at airport, get a little to eat, go to bed by 10:00 PM HST ]
>
> Day 1
>
> Your first full day in Maui starts early, 3:00 A.M. to be exact.
> Aren't you glad to decided to come with me. You were one of the
> smart visitors and me phone ahead to get us reservations with
> Maui Downhill or Cruiser Bob's. This trip is a must, 38 mile
> coast down 10,000 foot volcano "Haleakala". There is a trip
> that leaves later but you will miss the sunrise from the top of
> the volcano, you would not want to do that would you. Do
> not forget your camera. The sunrise alone is worth the cost
> of the trip up, but the inside of the crater at sunrise provides
> the photographer with plenty more reasons to kick themselves for
> not bringing the camera. Word to the wise, dress in layers (warm)
> it gets down to freezing at 10,000 feet. Eye protection while on
> the bikes is a must, sunglasses are your best bet. You can figure
> on being back to the condo around noon. I need to know
> who wants to participate?
This was a blast when we did it with Maui Downhill. It was very cold
and windy up top for the sunrise, which is indeed wondrous from up there.
The colors that get exposed in the crater are just beautiful, and you
can see the volcano tops on the big island from up there. I kid you not
though - the picnic lunch included with the ride ended up being the
salad bar at the Sizzler in Kahului.
It might also be worth noting that you're not getting to see much of
Haleakala if you don't go down into the crater. The bike rides take off
right after sunrise and send you down the side - you really don't get to
see much of Haleakala, and that's a shame. Our last time there we took
a trail ride down into the crater - you can see silverswords, the crater
walls, and some amazing cliffs. The ride was relatively easy even for
the most beginner of beginners (such as myself). It was from an outfit
called Pony Express - they also offer more ambitious rides.
> [ fill out afternoon with shopping, dip in pool, Azecki's ribs ]
>
> Day 2 & 3
>
> Day two & three should be spent seeing the wonders of the island.
> One trip takes you south the Hana. Plan to be gone most the
> day and start early. Another good idea is to pack a picnic
> type lunch with soft drinks. In Kihei (across from
> McDonalds) or out by the airport pick up a tape recorded self
> guided tour. They are inexpensive and will add a great deal to
> your trip. Take your time and make the suggested stops on the
> tape. Waterfalls, breath taking views, etc. can be missed if you
> do not take the time to wait for that parking spot. On your way
> back to Kihei you should plan dinner at Mama's in Pia.
Only go to Hana if you just really lust after nothing but tight turns
and green vegetation. You must really, really, really enjoy vegetation
(and waterfalls) before you undertake this. If we go back to Maui a
thousand times, we'll never take this trip again. If there hadn't been
the novelty of a tiny black sand beach not too far from Hana, it would
have been a total waste for us. No denying that some people just love
it, but we sure didn't. And we did park and walk and look a lot.
I assume that Pia is Paia, a windsurfer's haven with a flower-child feel to
the town. We were able to pick up a nice picnic lunch at some place there,
but I can't remember the name. Anyway, you should be able to find a
picnic lunch in Paia - they are advertised, and it's a good idea. There's
not much in the way of eateries on the Hana Highway.
> The other trip is much shorter but gives you a different view of
> Maui entirely. Your first stop in the A.M. should be Iao Valley.
> Talk about a great place for pictures, lush, green and tropical
> are but a few of the adjectives used to describe this
Be prepared for rain. Iao is one of the wettest places on Earth. To
me, it always looks like the West Maui Mountains (where Iao Needle is)
scrape the clouds out of the sky.
> beautiful stop. Then north toward historic Lahaina. Honoapillani
> Highway takes you along the western shoreline of Maui. About
> .5 miles past Maalaea Yacht Marina you will come to a scenic
> lookout, this is a great spot to whale watch.
Whale watching is only possible in the winter.
> [ Relax on the west part of the island ]
>
> Day 4
>
> [ Snorkel Molokini ]
I preferred the Trilogy snorkel/sail to the Four Winds that we had taken
on the Big Island (Kealakekua Bay is a great place to snorkel there).
The lunch that they served (chicken and stuff) was great. The glass bottom
isn't that big of a deal, IMHO.
> Day 5, 6 & 7
>
> Let's see you haven't gone golfing, deep sea fishing, water
> skiing, played tennis, taken scuba lessons or a helicopter tour.
> Nor have you seen big beach where the nude sun bathers hang out.
> There is a great day trip called club Lani. Another must is dinner
> at the Tropical Plantation. You'll see it when you go
> to Iao Valley. This Hawaiian country western show/dinner
> (barbecued steak all you can eat and not one Hawaiian dish
> on the buffet) is fun. You must see a hula done to western music.
> Will make reservations go early and take the free tram tour of the
> Plantation. This is better than any of the island luaus.
Someone also mentioned Tedeschi Winery, which makes pineapple wine (which
we actually enjoyed; we expected it to be putrid). In any case, there's
something for most everybody on Maui. The main industry is tourism, so
there'll be lots of activities available. Check the activities desk at
your hotel to see what matches your interests (and budget). The rule
of thumb that we used in Hawaii was that everything cost 1.5 times what
it costs on the mainland.
We couldn't really handle the luau food at the Kona Village Resort on the
big island, but then we're not the most adventurous eaters. I'll guess that
somebody likes it. We never had time to see what the Tropical Plantation
was like.
One last thing, if you look at a map of Maui, you should be able to recognize
that the island is shaped like the profile of a woman (to about the waist).
Lahaina and Kaanapali are on the forehead, Maalaea is on the neck, Wailea
and Kihei are on the upper chest, and Hana is at the base of the back.
I can never look at a map of Maui without recognizing the shape, so I thought
that I would spread that curse about. :-)
Hana is at the base of the back.
--
Marc Stephenson IBM AWD (Advanced Workstations Division - Austin,TX)
INTERNET->ma...@malone.austin.ibm.com VNET: MARC at AUSVMQ IBM T/L: 678-3189
From: stag...@casbah.acns.nwu.edu (Ken Staggers)
Subject: Summary: Maui: Royal Lahaina or Aston Maui Vista
Organization: Northwestern University, Evanston Illinois.
Date: Wed, 8 Jul 1992 18:06:22 GMT
Thanks for the replies. I decided to stay at the Royal Lahaina. It will
cost about $131/night including taxes.
--Ken
------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: mfir...@wc.novell.com (Mary Firenze)
I stayed at Kamaole Sands two years ago, and I was disappointed. It is in
Kihei, which is mostly condos and does not have the large green expanses of
lush growth that Kaanapali does. The Aston Kamaoloe was right on Kihei Road,
so there was a lot of road noise all night. They also did not provide maid
service during the week I was there.
If you're looking for a place to sleep, the Aston Kamaole is ok. But if you'd
like a resort on the beach (not across a loud, busy road from one) and would
like a full-service resort-type place (swimming, tennis, various other activities), I wouldn't recommend the place by the Aston Kamaole Sands.
The decision between a resort and a condo depends on what you like. A condo
has a kitchen, while a resort generally is just a bunch of hotel rooms. A
condo is nice if you like to eat breakfast in. A resort hotel is nice if you
prefer to eat in restaurants the entire time.
Mary.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: di...@gene.com (Debora Dittmar)
Ken-
Sorry if you received a message with no body; my mailer burped. I've stayed at
the Kamaole Sands. It had 2 (3?) courts that were generally empty during the
week I was there (Dec). It's right across the street from the beach. I don't
know the location of the Maui Vista. 88/nite for a studio condo with car sounds
like a good deal. The Sands was 120/nite with car.
The major difference between your two choices appears to be location. If the
Maui Vista uses the tennis courts of the Sands its probably in Kehei. The Royal
Lahina is on another section of the island (Lahina-Kaanapali). If you want
night-life without a 45 minute drive stay at the Royal Lahina. While Kihei is
growing it is mainly condos and caters to more to families then swinging
singles. (We went with 20 people ranging from 2 to 85).
Where ever you stay be sure and take a boat trip out to the Molakini (sp)
caldera for snorkeling. Listening to the parrot fish munch on the coral and
feeding them is terrific. (Akk- I want to go back; where's my travel agent!)
Hope I've been some help.
Deb Dittmar
di...@gene.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Nancy Colmer Schaub <ns...@andrew.cmu.edu>
Hi Ken:
We really liked the condo; it was beautiful, TV, ocean view, etc. Plus
we were able to buy our own food and cook (things are VERY $$ in
Hawaii). The condo was more like home (we had a washer and dryer, etc.)
and had lots of room. We would stay there again without doubt. There
were no "planned" activities at the condo as there would be at a resort.
We're just not into that and wouldn't take advantage of it even if
available. I guess I wouldn't have a problem at all staying at a resort
(we honeymooned in the Poconos in PA which is all resort type places and
really enjoyed it!). We actually did not meet many people at all --
simply because we didn't stop for one second while in Maui. We went
with my sister and her husband and also made friends with another couple
that were on our flights from Atlanta-Honolulu-Maui. We spent the week
doing things with them. I am sorry I cannot tell you about meeting
singles -- we were all couples. On Maui, things start early (i.e., we
were picked up for our snorkeling cruise at something like 4:00 AM) and
this was much the case for all things we did. They "roll the sidewaks
in" at about 9:00 or so. There are a few clubs (disco type places) in
the big hotels (Hyatt, Marriot, etc.), but we were so tired we didn't
venture out much at night. We figured we'd better "do it all" in one
week cause we probably would never be able to afford to come back. We
were on the go continuously and really didn't do much at the condo
except crash to sleep.
Nancy
From: Nancy Colmer Schaub <ns...@andrew.cmu.edu>
Hi:
Read your note about Royal Lahaina Resort. We spent a week on Maui a
few years ago and although we did not stay there (we stayed at the Aston
Kaanapali Shores condos) we did go to the luau (sp?) there. It was a
really beautiful place. We did talk to some people who were staying
there and they were impressed. The grounds are beautiful. I can highly
recommend the Aston at Kaanapali (I think they have rooms in addition to
the condos). You might check it out. Maui is absolutely heavenly. You
are in for a real treat. Make sure you do some snorkeling (if you are
so inclined), take a helicopter ride (very $$$ but work every penny!).
Try to spend a day getting to and enjoying Hana. The island is
unbelievable. Aloha!
Nancy Schaub, Fin. Adm., Math., Carnegie Mellon Univ., Pgh., PA
From: p...@teak18.cray.com (Peter Rigsbee)
Subject: Re: MAUI ROOM INO NEEDED
Organization: Cray Research, Inc.
Date: 8 Jul 92 15:40:48 CDT
cor...@hpsad.sad.hp.com (Corey Imsdahl) writes:
> From what I have read so far, the condos seem to be cheaper than the nice
> hotels but offer better or at least similar accomodations. Anybody
> have a reason for this? Which is really better?
There is no one "right answer" for this (like most things in life).
First, there is a wide diversity of hotels and condos; its hard to
generalize on "the condos" versus "the hotels". You can pay more for a
condo than for a hotel room. You can have a condo on a great beach and a
hotel several blocks away. You can have a multi-room hotel room (known
as a "suite") and a single-room condo (known as an "efficiency"). We've
stayed in hotel rooms with kitchenettes. And so on.
Having said this, there are some generalizations that can be made:
- the typical condo has multiple rooms, the typical hotel room is
a single room
- the typical condo has a kitchen (anywhere from a kitchenette to
a full kitchen), the typical hotel room has at most a mini-bar
refrigerator
- the typical condo has fewer services than the typical hotel, and
services are often more limited (for example, weekly maid service
or a "front desk" that closes early in the evening)
- the typical condo is probably cheaper on a square foot basis than
the typical hotel room (but who cares if you aren't going to be
spending any time in the room?)
But as I said, you can find exceptions for all the above.
You need to figure out what *you* want. Condos are often preferred by
families with children because of the kitchens and extra space. For people
traveling on a tight budget, a condo lets you better control food expenses
since you can eat in. (Not always as good as it sounds. The kitchens often
come with few cooking utensils and no food -- especially the mundane "pantry"
type things you use without thinking. And how much vacation time do you want
to spend in supermarkets?)
There is a good book out on places to stay in Hawaii (I forget the exact name;
it is part of a series and is called something like "Great Places to Stay in
Hawaii"). It covers both hotels and condos, and covers a wide price range.
These are all places they recommend, but they tell you both the pros and
cons and make it easier to understand what you are getting into. We're
going to Hawaii on August 4, and used the book to pick most of the places
we're staying at (mostly condos). And this despite the fact that we've
been to Hawaii a number of times.
- Peter Rigsbee
From: cor...@hpsad.sad.hp.com (Corey Imsdahl)
Date: Thu, 9 Jul 1992 16:48:58 GMT
Subject: Re: Intra-Hawaii Flying
Organization: HP Signal Analysis Division - Rohnert Park, CA
/stag...@casbah.acns.nwu.edu (Ken Staggers) / 11:20 am Jul 8, 1992 /
>said about $84 roundtrip. When I settled on a time and place, the
>travel agent said that Aloha was $68.95 one way and Hawaiian was $69.95.
>So I was wondering what happened to that wonderful $84 roundtrip.
>Also, if you are island hopping, Hawaiian offers a 5 day unlimited travel
>pass for $139.00, and an 8 day pass for $159.00.
Yeah, I just went through a similiar exercise. I was using EAASY
SABRE on prodigy. Two or three days ago I looked at the fares from
HNL to JHM (Kapalua, Maui) and the cheapest fare was $80 round trip. Last
night I looked and the fares jumped up to $100 round trip (along with
the rest of the air fare increases). Anyway, a 25% jump overnight -
pretty ugly. Only Hawaiian and Aloha (I think) fly to JHM. What
really gets me though is that there are seats on this plane that cost
up to $160 round trip. Now I know that this plane ain't very big , so
I can't imagine what you get for the extra $60 bucks - maybe a bigger
bag of macadaim nuts ;)
Your $69.95 price was one of the mid range fares and may have been driven
by availability. Most of the mid day flights are booked up except for the
high price seats. If you want to fly cheaper try a earlier or later time.
Also, Prodigy tried to stick us with that 5 day unlimited travel pass at
the $139 price using it's "bargin hunter" button. I had to force it
to except my booking ($49 going to, $57 coming back from).
Corey Imsdahl
From: l...@indetech.com
Subject: Kauai Scuba Recommendation
Organization: Independence Technologies, Inc. Fremont, CA
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1992 00:43:31 GMT
I haven't been on the net in a while, but I wanted to make sure that this
message gets out.
My husband and I were in Kauai, HI a few months ago and decided to try
scuba diving for the first time. Well, I was very hesitant, having heard
horror stories about these "teach you for one hour and then dive" trips.
Well, we had a fantastic time, and it is due to our instructor, Richard
Neumann. My husband and I both know how to swim, and have been snorkling
before, so we weren't total gringos. Rich started us out at the pool of
a nearby hotel. For one hour, we learned how to breathe using the regulators,
get the feel of the weights around our waists, etc. He wouldn't take us out
until we could successfully clear our masks of water (which is no small
accomplishment if you've never done it before!)
I was having some trouble with it, and almost decided to quit. But Rich
was very persistant and patient, and went over several more basic steps
until I could finally do it with confidence.
We did not dive from a boat. Instead, we went to a launch point in
Poipu and WALKED into the water. It was not scarey, and Rich constantly
monitored us. Much to my surprise, once I was under the water, I was just
*fine* and had a terrific time. We dove about 30 feet, and spent about
an hour under water. Rich pointed out all kinds of sea life, and we
got to handle some starfish, etc. It was really neat. When we finished,
he gave us both a "high-five" and seemed genuinely jazzed that we
had such a good time. Later, over donuts and juice (which he provided),
he told us that diving is his life, and he loves to give beginners
a feel for diving. He has something like 15 years of experience, and
is a "master instructor."
I must say, it was the highlight of my vacation in Kauai.
If you're planning to go to Kauai and want to try scuba diving,
give Rich a call! Here's his number. Tell him you saw it on the
computer network. He'll get a kick out it!
Richard Neumann
Sunrise Diving Adventures
Kapaa, Kauai
808-822-REEF
-Lynn and Rob
--
Lynn Schneider l...@indetech.com
Fremont, CA
From: sme...@option.GBA.NYU.EDU (Stephen J. Mezias)
Subject: Re: Interisle Hawaii Flts
Date: 2 Aug 92 15:25:20 GMT
Organization: NYU Stern School of Business
lm...@andrew.cmu.edu (Louise B. McFeaters) writes:
>just got an awful shock for an interisland airfare from Honolulu to
>Kanui, of $138 roundtrip.
We went to Hawaii the last two Januaries. The cheapest way between
islands is to buy your ticket from one of the local travel agents.
This usually involves having to send a certified check and some also
want you to make a trip to downtown Oahu to pick up the ticket.
Others, one of which we used, will deliver your tickets or let you
pick them up at the Aloha or Hawaiian Air counters. Most have 800
numbers from the mainland (Call 800 information if I only supply the
local (808) number):
Akamai 1-800-922-6485
Island Getaways 800-733-4292
I think this was who we used; ask for Nancy.
Roberts Hawaii (808) 523-5187
Affordable Tours (808) 922-5522
Nene Travel (808) 926-8147
Tickets to go: (808) 942-7785
SJM
From: viv...@igor.tamri.com (Vivian Aldridge)
Subject: Kauai,Hawaii:Trip Notes
Date: 6 Aug 92 14:45:34 GMT
Organization: TOSHIBA America MRI, South San Francisco, CA
Hi I just got back from Kauai and have a few trip notes
to share. The following is geared toward people interested
in not spending much money, local interests vs tourist/
resort type activities, and outdoor sports.
Places worth snorkling:
1.Tunnels Beach
2.Hanalei beach Park
3.Ke'e Beach(spectacular coast line although it rained every
15 mins, but I didn't mind)
All these places mentioned above are located in or near Hanalei--
north end of island.
Places not worth snorkling (in my opinion):
Salt Pond (western side of island near Hanapepe). The water was
too rough there for my taste.
Lydgate Park (Eastern side, south of Kapaa)
Again, rough water here if you don't count the "pool"
the kids swim in.
Best deal for renting snorkling equipment:
Kaua'i Visitor Center
(808)822-7727
fins, snorkel and mask is $10.00 per person a week!
Inexpensive restaurant:
The King and I (Thai cuisine)
4-901 Kuhio Highway (Highway 56), Kapaa
(Going towards Princeville it is located in Waipoli Plaza
right after Kuai village.)
(808)822-1642
SUNT-THURS 4:30-9:30; fri-sat 4:30-10
Dishes average $5 a plate. For two people,three dishes and
one glass of wine I paid about $21.00.
Thats inexpensive for this island.
Road side take out place:
Kalalea's Hale Aina
Pu'u Hale LP 4390 in Anahola, north of Kapaa.
It looks like a shack surronded by several picnic tables,stray cats,
and chickens. The shack sits by itself on the road across
from Whalers General Store.
Sells the best bar-b-que chicken I've ever tasted.
Plate lunches are $5.00 Soda .60
Open tues-sun 822-7144,823-0906
Restaurant/luau
I heard by word of mouth that this place should not be missed.
(I didn't have time to visit it, but it sounded great)
Tahiti Nui is a funky restaurant with local flair.
Kuhio Hwg at Aku Rd, Hanalei
(808)826-6277 call ahead.
Luau is $70 for two. (I think the luau is on Tuesdays, but call
first)
Best small town I enjoyed:
Hanapepe (southwestern side)
Only two stores cater to tourists. My favorite was the Hanapepe
bookstore. It had the best selection of books on Kauai that
I saw.
3830 Hanapepe Road
335-5011
335-8544
Sport I enjoyed the most was kayaking:
You can rent a two person kayak at Jungle Bob's in Ching Young
Village in Hanalei for $40 half day. The owner is a transplant from LA and is
quite friendly and helpful. We went up the Hanalei River to its end
and back in four hours.
Vivian
From: hshu...@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Harvey G Shulman)
Subject: Re: Makena beach on Maui
Organization: The Ohio State University
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1992 18:58:49 GMT
I was in Maui last year and stayed at sugar beach on Makena Bay.
Makena bay runs roughly from Kihei to Makena Marina, about a
7 mile stretch on Maui's South-central shore. Is that the area
you're refering to? It's a beautiful area and the beach, at
least at the end nearest Kihei is white sand and great for
swimming (sandy bottom and shallow). Not so good for snorkeling,
though you can easily drive to nearby areas of south Maui for that,
or take a boat from Makena marina out to molokini (?), which is
a volcanic ridge about 5 miles offshore that has pretty good
snorkeling.
I never saw any campgrounds on Makena bay or noticed anyone camping
'unofficially'. Nor do I recall any parks with 'facilities' that
could be used by unofficial campers. But I could be wrong.
As far as the local population- none to speak of on Makena Bay,
and Kihei is pretty ordinary too.
Harvey Shulman
Ohio State University
From: ce...@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Joseph Richmeyer)
Subject: Re: Information about Hawaii
Date: 15 Oct 92 13:18:16 GMT
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio (USA)
Here is a brief list of things I liked and disliked about our Hawaii
Honeymoon. Remember this is just one persons opinion, use it as a guide.
Quick note:get an Entertainment discount book, this saved us over
$900.00 in hotels and dinners. We also found the "Fodors Hawaii 93"
to be a great reference for restaurants, hotels, beaches... Go to the
library and read as much as you can, it helps with the itinerary.
Lastly, we planned and booked everything ourself. It was a lot cheaper
and we did what we wanted to do, not what a travel agent thought we should
do. One travel agent said "Don't do the road to Hana, you will never make it".
THe road to Hana was one of our highlights. Had we listened to the travel
agent, we would have missed one of the worlds most beautiful roads.
MAUI : We spent 4 days here, wish we could have spent more.
(Two days in Wailuku, two days in Lahaina)
DO THIS
------------
*Road to Hana. Its an all day affair lots of waterfalls, overlooks,
one lane bridges, must stop at Wainapana State park (spelling) it
has a black sand beach and is a few miles from Hana.
*Haleakala National Park. -We did the sunrise at the summit, it
was spectacular and COLD!, lots of interesting hiking trails.
*Lahaina Whalers village -lots of shops, restaurants, art galleries
we didn't think we would like this, but we did. Good thing to do
if you are "beached out"
*Royal Lahaina Resort - 3 pools, right on the beach, good snorkeling
within walking distance, use the Entertainment deal.
DON'T
-----
*Don't cut your time short here, we wished we would have spent some
of our Hilo days (Big Island) here.
*Don't waste time at LaHaina time share promos for cheaper activities,
we avoided these, they are everywhere!
Big Island: Spent 8 days here because Hurricane Iniki took our 4 Kauai days
Do This (Hilo Area)
------------------
*Volcanoes National Park -One of the highlights. See Thurstons Lava
tube, devastation trail + chain of craters road!
*Helicopter ride over the live section of the volcano, only way to see
red hot lava, is expensive ($130/person)
*Akaka State Park - Two 400 foot waterfalls
Don't
----
*Don't spend more than a couple days in Hilo, its close to Volcanoes
park, but it rains alot.
*plan on any beaches or sunlight
Do This (Kona Area)
--------------------
*Snorkel Cruise to Captain Cooks Monument, thousands of fish
*visit Ally Street, similar to Lahaina
*Snorkel -lots of other great places close by (Snorkel Bob Cares!)
*Marlin Charters (if you can afford it, we couldn't)
Don't
-----
King Kamehameha Luau -open bar only lasted an hour, great show though.
Oahu -Spent a day and half here
Do This
-------
Pearl Harbor + Bowfin tour - Extremely interesting, somber atmosphere
Don't
-----
Don't stay more than a day, too crowded, too noisy, similar to NY
I'll never go here again, Pearl Harbor was great though.
I'll be happy to elaborate on an activity or place if you like. Be sure to
bring aqua socks!
--
Joseph Richmeyer
ce...@cleveland.freenet.edu or rambo!jr9...@texbell.sbc.com
From: p...@teak18.cray.com (Peter Rigsbee)
Subject: Re: Information about Hawaii
Organization: Cray Research, Inc.
Date: 20 Oct 92 12:47:55 CDT
ce...@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Joseph Richmeyer) writes:
> Oahu -Spent a day and half here
> Don't stay more than a day, too crowded, too noisy, similar to NY
> I'll never go here again, Pearl Harbor was great though.
My guess is you didn't know what to expect. If you know what you are getting
into (and many people don't), Waikiki can be quite enjoyable. Waikiki
(and Honolulu) are not going to remind you of a deserted, tropical island;
it is a busy, cosmopolitan city. If you don't like cities, that's fine,
skip Honolulu. But if you do enjoy cities, Honolulu is unique; there is
little that reminds me of New York City or anywhere else, for that matter.
Waikiki/Honolulu have a lot to offer, if you are interested. These include:
- more affordable hotels/condos and restaurants
- wider choice of restaurants
- wider choice of shopping
- more and wider range of nightlife
- more tourist attractions
- more local attractions and events aimed at residents, not tourists
- better "people-watching"
These things can be appealing.
It surprises me how many people just go to Waikiki and think they've seen
Hawaii; its like going to London and thinking you've seen England. But
a trip combining Oahu with one or more other islands can be a lot of fun.
The key, though, is to know what you are getting into.
- Peter Rigsbee
From: fal...@psdvax.enet.dec.com (Joe Falcone)
Subject: volcano update
Date: 19 Nov 92 21:22:06 GMT
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
The Puo O'o vent on the Kiluaea volcano on the Big Island is
currently producing spectacular displays as lava covers some
of the campground, historical sites, and black sand beach at
Kamoamoa. My wife and I just flew back from Hawaii and we
saw the flow during the day on the 14th and at night on the
16th. The night flow was incredible as the entire beach appeared
"on fire" as the lava "fought back the waves" creating new land
at the sea. Local folks (who you figured would be used to this)
said that the access to the spectacle was unprecedented since in
previous flows either terrain or civil defense officials prevented
access. During the destruction of Kalapana (the last great flow),
Harry Kim, the civil defense director, kept spectators away from
the sight of grief-stricken homeowners watching their houses go up
in smoke.
This flow in on National Park property as the park service is doing
a terrific job of maintaining access to the flows (including helicopter
water drops to prevent wildfires). If you are going to Hawaii shortly
or know someone who is going or is in Hawaii, tell them to get
themselves on to the Big Island and see this. The park service
has an Eruption Hotline (call (808) 555 1212 to get this number) which
has excellent info on the status of the flow and access to it.
Spectacular doesn't quite describe the sensation of getting within feet
of 1200 degree molten rock actually flowing towards you, setting wood
on fire, crackling over the terrain.
Joe 'Lava Changed Me' Falcone
From: sle...@irvine.com (Susy Lewis)
Subject: HAWAII -- LOTS of info!!!
Organization: Irvine Compiler Corp., Irvine, California, USA
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1993 17:48:07 GMT
Big Isle stuff:
First, you should decide where you will be staying- Kona/South Kohala
(west Hawaii) if you want to beach it, snorkel, dive, parasail, kayak
&c; Hilo or Volcano (east Hawaii) if you are interested in jungles,
waterfalls, tropical flowers, or the most active volcano in the world
(and don't mind a lot of rain). The two sides of the island (ie wet/dry)
are separated by 100 miles of road, and without freeways, you can expect
two hours driving from one to the other (but it's pleasant, nice scenery
and no traffic). I'd recommend spending part of your time on each side.
Beaches: from Kona, check out Magic Sands beach, it's a small white sand
beach with good body-surfing (but can be pretty crowded). In South
Kohala, try Hapuna Beach, Spencer Beach, or any of the resort beaches
(ie Mauna Kea Beach, Waiakaloan, &c).
Snorkeling/diving is good anywhere, tho it can be dangerous in east
Hawaii (the Hilo, or wet, side). There are lots of dive shops and boats
available in Kona.
Whale-watching is in season, and I've heard very good things about the
whale-watching tour boats out of Kona and Kohala.
If you want to see some history, check out Honaunau (City of Refuge),
20 mi south of Kona- a restored Hawaiian ceremonial site. Also walk down
the Queen's trail, accessable from the Waiakaloan Hotel on the Kohala
coast- a trail worn into the lava rock by barefoot Hawaiians over
hundreds of years, replete with thousands of petroglyphs and "rock
graffiti".
For ethnicity, you can't beat the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, a
week-log celebration with performances every night. It is held
end-of-March/beginning-of-April, call 808-935-9168 for info.
Mauna Kea (elev 14000') is a worthwhile, but long, trip (ie 90 mins from
Hilo or Kona). It is considered the best astronomical site in the world,
and has one of the largest collections of big telescopes anywhere. Plus
the view, and the sunsets, are surreal and incomparable. There is a tour
company (Paradise Safaris) that will drive you up from Kona (dunno the
cost). You can do it in a rental car, but the companies will tell you
their insurance is invalid, if you do... the road is really not all that
bad, there are four miles of hard-pack, washboard dirt road near the
top. The real problem for rental cars is that it is very steep, and the
air is very thin; you may be traveling 10mph max near the top. And keep
in mind that the air IS VERY THIN... 60% of sea level pressure. If
you've a bad heart or pulmonary problems, it should be avoided. Children
under 14 don't do well at altitude either, I strongly advise against
taking pre-pubescents, and it's downright dangerous to take toddlers.
Oh, yes.. and it's COLD- daytime teperatures around 45-55F, night
20-30F, year round- don't wear shorts and flip-flops up here!
The current volcanic eruption can't be seen without a hike (but that may
change anytime- there has been precursor activity within Volcano Park
this week, the word is that a new eruption may start (possibly in the
middle of a road in the park) today or within two weeks... The activity
for the past eight years has been in an area that is about a half-day
hike in. Volcano Park, even if you don't see lava pouring from the
ground, is breathtaking, however.
A spectacular way to see the current eruption, or any of the island, is
by helicopter or airplane. The helicopter trips run $200 and up per
person, airplanes will be about half that, or less. There are a number
of "trip packages" available, to see various parts of the island. There
is also a guy who will take you up to tour in an open-cockpit biplane, I
think it's $100-150, something I've always wanted to try.
If you like flowers, stop in at Akatsuka Orchid Gardens, about four
miles on the Hilo side of Volcano Park- they have a great collection of
orchids, grown in a climate where orchids thrive outdoors. Another spot
is Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens, about five miles north of Hilo on
the Hamakua coast. While you're in the area, turn off the hiway at
Honomu, and follow the signs to Akaka Falls Park... a short loop-walk
thru fantastic jungle, with a great overlook onto a four hundred foot
waterfall.
Waipio is a beautiful, narrow, and primitive valley on the north coast,
between Hilo and Waimea. It has a nice pebble river/beach park, and a
trail into two other remote valleys (that can be reached only by trail
or boat). It's one of the most tropical areas imaginable. DON'T TRY TO
DRIVE INTO THE VALLEY! Hike down from the the overlook, or take one of
the tours (there is a LandRover tour, and a horse-drawn cart tour); the
road is incredibly steep and narrow, and crosses the river (thru, not
over) many times, down in the valley.
Recommended Restaurants (off the top of my head)-
Hilo: Lehua's
Roussel's
Harrington's
Club Nihon
Volcano: Kilauea Lodge (NOT Volcano House in the park)
Waimea: Eidelweiss
Kohala: Mauna Kea Beach (several)
Kona: Su's Thai
PS- if you've read David Ross' note about the "drought" on the Big
Island, keep in mind that the east side of the island normally gets 180
to 250 inches of rain per year (!).... (ie, say, four or five times as
much rain as Seattle or Portland, Ore), so it doesn't have to be very
dry, to be considered a drought.... in fact, Hilo has had five or six
inches of rain since January (instead of the normal 20 to 30), which I
think would be condsidered normal in most cities. It has been a problem
for farmers and people on catchment water systems, we're being asked to
conserve, and the brush-fire danger is high, but I doubt that a visitor
will be impacted noticeably- I don't think you'd notice the situation if
you didn't read about it.
Hmmm... as you can see, I'm fairly happy with where I live, remote and
rainy (I live between Hilo and Volcano) as it is... I guess this maybe
reads like a Hawaii Visitors Bureau publication, but it's just my
off-the-cuff answer to your request. There is a great deal to do on the
Big Island, tho the beaches make a poor showing, compared to the other
islands.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following is recommendations on the Big Island:
I would drive around the entire island. There is so much variety in the
terrain and so much natural beauty in each of the many environments you
will find on Hawaii. The main problem is that the island is much too large
to drive in a day and still have time to stop anywhere. I would normally
recommend staying near Kona or the south Kohala coast (west side) for part of
the stay and visiting everything on that side, then spending the rest in
the Hilo or Volcano area (east/south side). However, 5 days means only 2 days
in one location and with packing, unpacking and settling in, you lose quite
a bit of time, so you may want to stay in one location.
The things I liked the most are:
Volcano National Park
Waipio Valley
Puuhonua O Hanaunau National Historical Park
Hawaii Botanical Gardens
Beaches in south Kohala
I could go on and on, because everywhere we went the environment was so new
to us and the people so friendly and the pace so pleasantly slow, that the
ordinary drive through the countryside was filled with highlights. Do try
to talk to people in the small towns and try to find an amature low key
hula demonstration or Luau. They represent the culture in contrast to
the Las Vegas style shows at the large hotels.
If you haven't choosen accommodations yet, I can recommend "Best Places to
Stay in Hawaii" Jamison, The Harvard Press.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I read your suggestions regarding the Hawaiian Iislands... Well, I would
rather say that on the Big Island (Hawaii) there are many opportunities to
walk around without meeting so many tourists. Especially if you keep away
from the Kona sida where all the big tourist hotels are located. In Hilo
there are a genuine and a very friendly atmosphere ! Otherwise, I agree about
Maui and Oahu but even on Kauai there are possibilities to find places of the
tourist road.
I second the motion for The Big Island of Hawai'i. Unless you are looking
for the sanitized little bit o'home away from home. The opportunities to get
away and be completely alone, on a beach, on a volcano, near a waterfall, in
the classic tropical flora of Hawai'i are multitude on this most beautiful
island.
Hilo may not have its tourist facade up to elegant standards, but it is the
only city I've found on the islands that feels authentic. Try the Farmer's
Market between 6 and 7 am on Saturday morning. Bring single dollars,
because everything is packaged to cost a dollah.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
From Jeffry S. Gracey:
Thanks to all who answered my post for help on Hawaii a while back. I got lots of responses and here is what we have decided:
BLUE SKY TOURS:
---------------
R/T Airfare from Houston to Waikiki
4 nights at the ASTON INN ON THE PARK in Waikiki
2 nights at another ASTON hotel in Maui
1 night at another ASTON hotel in Kaui.
Includes a Dinner Cruise, car for the 2 days in Maui, a luau (sp?),
and a few other minor things
PRICE (per couple) $2100.
We settled for a lower hotel range than we really wanted so we could
afford the trip.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airline info.:
Family Airlines has a round trip flight to Hawaii for $249.
Fares are completely unrestricted, but tickets are non-refundable.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
From B. David Cathell:
The following are my opinions based on many trips to Hawaii and from
living on Maui in 1984/85.
1. September to mid-December and Easter to Memorial Day are great
times to visit the islands. The weather is wonderful (truthfully, it
almost always is wonderful regardless of the time of year) and there
are fewer tourists. Thus it is easier and less expensive to obtain
accommodations, plus everything is a bit less crowded.
2. Plan to visit for at least ten days. Many people plan a one week
visit but find, to their dismay, that one week just flies by and they
are not ready to return home.
3. Plan to visit only one or two islands. Many people take a
four-island excursion and their only memories are packing and
unpacking, rushing to and from the airport, and checking in and out of
hotels. Hawaii requires the visitor to settle down and relax --- get in
touch with "Hawaii time" --- and just let the world flow by.
4. The choice of islands is based on personal preferences --- my
opinions are:
*Oahu - this is the most populous island, too many people for my
tastes. However, accommodations and food are cheaper and there is a
good bus system. Some good beaches, interesting museums etc.
*Maui - this is my favorite island. A nice compromise between too much
civilization and too little. Great beaches and beautiful scenery.
*Kauai - for many other people this is their favorite island. It is
very green and lush but has a bit too much rain for my taste (Mt.
Waialeale is the wettest spot on earth).
*Hawaii - the "Big Island" is the largest and youngest in the chain.
Kilauea is the volcano which is active (but not explosive as in the
Philippines). You can see it up close --- don't miss it. The Big
Island is my second favorite because it is so different than any place
you've ever seen. The influence of the volcanos is everywhere
included the black sand beaches.
*Molokai - a very quiet, out of the way place. There are few tourist
attractions or accommodations --- but I like it because of that.
*Lanai - a very small island which was largely a pineapple plantation
until a couple years ago. Pineapples are being phased out because they
are cheaper to grow elsewhere. Two very expensive hotels have been
built and operated by Rockresorts (a Rockefeller company). This is an
interesting place to visit because it is probably what all of Hawaii
was like, perhaps fifty years ago. Because it is expensive, you
might consider this as a shorter stay --- two or three days --- but it
will certainly be a part of the trip you would never forget.
If you asked me to recommend the best combination for a ten day trip, I
would probably say seven days on Maui followed by three days on Lanai
(or eight and two). My second choice would be seven days on Maui
followed by three days on the Big Island.
5. Be sure to reserve a car on the neighbor islands. Oahu (where
Honolulu is located) has a good bus system, so you can ride the bus or
rent a car if you wish. However, the neighbor islands do not have
public transportation and you will need a car to get around.
6. I recommend condominiums on the neighbor islands rather than
hotels. They typically provide you more room plus they all have full
kitchens. Thus you can throw together a quick meal or snack rather
than having to take the time and expense of visiting a restaurant
every time you're hungry. Plus you still have the option of going out
to a restaurant. When we go to Maui, we typically eat out one meal a
day.
7. If you decide to visit Maui, I highly recommend the Napili area.
It's a few minutes drive north of the big resource at Kaanapali so
it's close to restaurants and shops. However, it is much more
secluded and quiet than Kaanapali. The condos and hotels there are
all low-rise buildings no more than two stories high. The best
snorkeling beach on Maui is there (Kapalua beach, just past Napili Kai
Beach Club). I recommend Napili Point as my favorite condo.
8. In making arrangements, you have a choice of pre-packaged tours or
a custom itinerary. The pre-packaged tours often (but not always)
will provide more value for your money. You should probably make your
airline reservations first (at least the trans-Pacific portion)
especially if your are using frequent flier mileage. It turns out
that the airlines restrict the number of seats available for frequent
flier awards and you may not be able to reserve seats on the dates you
have initially selected. Ground accommodations should be easier to
arrange.
9. Generally, it is advantageous to work with a good travel agent,
especially one who has visited the islands previously. If you can't
find someone locally who help, my wife is a travel agent who has
arranged trips to Hawaii for clients in England and Finland. You can
call her (Charlene Nakamura) at Saratoga Travel, 408 867-3466.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
From Wolf Koehler:
Why not try the Hilo Bay Hotel, Banyan Drive, Hilo.
Cozy little place, run by "Uncle Billy" and his family,
all Hawaiians.
I have been been there twice (as well as in their place on the
other side of the Big Island, the Kona Bay Hotel), liked it,
have been treated nicely and would like to stay there again.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From Mark Reed:
I like Kona on the Big island, esp for water sports. Also Waipio valley
& Volcano nat park are must sees.
Good hotel guide from Hawaii visitors bureau.
If you like a touristy, crowded atmosphere, Oahu & Maui.
Kauai is still recovering from Iniki.
In Kona, many condos - better than any hotels, better buy. recs;
1. Keauhou resort condos - quiet, secluded, relatively inexpensive. Far enough
away from Kona that it's out of the way, 10-15 minute drive to town.
2. 3 Bear's B&B comes highly recommended, but I haven't been there.
3. The Hyatt Regency Waikaloa is very expensive, very decadent, and a
self contained resort that papmers your every whim. You'd expect something
loke this is Beverly Hills - I personally like more "real" places, but
may be something for a honeymoon.
A very romantic, back country place with a gorgeous view is Waipio Ridge
rentals - like a summer camp, secluded - contact Roger Lasko, 808-775-0603.
From: Adam...@p18.f20.n226.z1.FIDONET.ORG (Adam Frix)
Subject: RE: HAWAII -- LOTS of info!!!
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 93 07:45:11 EST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:226/20.18 - cmhGate UF Gateway, Columbus OH
My $0.02 worth:
In her Hawaii summary, Susy Lewis writes/compiles:
SL> The current volcanic eruption can't be seen without a hike
SL> (but that may change anytime- there has been precursor activity
SL> within Volcano Park this week, the word is that a new eruption
SL> may start (possibly in the middle of a road in the park) today
SL> or within two weeks...
I don't know when the original poster first wrote this, but I was on the Big
Island about a month ago and the new eruption (from Pu'u O'o) had been going
for a couple of weeks at that point. It's a short hike to watch the lava
flowing into the ocean now. It's well worth the time.
SL> There is also a guy who will take you up to tour in an open-cockpit
SL> biplane, I think it's $100-150, something I've always wanted
SL> to try
We did this, and it was neat. Helicopters are so trendy, I wanted to do it
differently. It is cheaper than the helicopters, and the scenery is
tremendous. These planes operate on both sides of the island; next time, if
the lava is flowing, I'll do it from Hilo at night.
SL> Recommended Restaurants (off the top of my head)-
AAAAAAAAAAAAA! I did NOT see any mention of Cafe Pesto, the absolute best
Italian restaurant you'll find outside of Italy. There's one in Hilo, but I
only went to the original one in Kawaihae (top of the Kohala coast, about 4
miles north of the Hyatt Regency Waikaloa). By all means, do NOT miss this
place. It's a good 40-50 miles from where we were staying south of Holualoa,
but we were there 3 times in 9 days. :-)
SL> I could go on and on, because everywhere we went the environment
SL> was so new to us and the people so friendly and the pace so
SL> pleasantly slow, that the ordinary drive through the countryside
SL> was filled with highlights.
Amen, brother! I came back a changed person. My goal is to move there and
become one of those friendly people in a slow moving environment, enjoying
life, instead of the person I am now....
SL> 1. Even if you don't stay there, you MUST check out the Hyatt
SL> at Waikoloa (that's north of Kona in the resort area of Waikoloa).
SL> Drive in, park like you owned the joint, walk through the
SL> lobby and get into the passenger boats which will tour you
SL> around the place and bring you back to the lobby. This is
SL> open to the public (room rates start at around $300). You
SL> won't believe what they've done to a place that was bare lava
SL> beds just 6 years ago. And, depending on your sensitivity
SL> to massive outlays of money, you'll love it/hate it. But don't
SL> miss it!
Room rates actually start at $235, but during the off season (high season
doesn't start until Dec. 20), they gave us one for $190. Yes, we stayed one
night at the ultra-glitzy Hyatt Regency Waikaloa, despite having a perfectly
good condo down the road a ways. Why? To be eligible to participate in the
Dolphin Doubles program. That's right, we swam with the dolphins at the Hyatt
Let me tell you, I wouldn't have missed that for the world. Later we found
out that technically speaking we didn't have to be registered guests to
participate, because business was so slow they were letting anyone off the
street sign up for this, but it ended up guaranteeing us a spot. And if you
want to do this, be sure to do the Dolphin Doubles program. It's _much_
better than the Singles program. Just go and watch, and see what I mean.
What with the room, dolphin program, video, and photos (w/negatives), we spent
around $400 for the two of us to do this--well worth it.
SL> 2. Plan to visit for at least ten days. Many people plan a
SL> one week visit but find, to their dismay, that one week just
SL> flies by and they are not ready to return home.
Absolutely. I'd go for two weeks, myself. And keep in mind that depending on
your state of origin, you could spend 17 hours just traveling to the place and
then another 17 going back. Why spend all that effort for just a few days?
And for the record, Kamuela looks like a very nice little town to live in.
Kailua was just too busy for everyday goings-on.
Aloha,
--Adam--
--
Adam Frix via cmhGate - Net 226 fido<=>uucp gateway Col, OH
UUCP: ...!uunet.uu.net!towers!bluemoon!cmhgate!20.18!Adam.Frix
INET: Adam...@p18.f20.n226.z1.FIDONET.ORG
Organisation: European Space Operation Centre (E.S.O.C)
Date: Saturday, 30 Jan 1993 18:22:28 CET
From: Mario Merri <MME...@ESOC.BITNET>
Subject: Re: Hawaii and Molokai: tips needed
I have a very good memory of Molokai. In particular there is a very nice
resort on the west coast of the island. The beach was beautiful and completely
uncrowded. Strongly recommended.
Mario
From: Adam...@p18.f20.n226.z1.FIDONET.ORG (Adam Frix)
Subject: RE: HAWAII hotels, info wanted
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 93 01:21:58 EST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:226/20.18 - cmhGate UF Gateway, Columbus OH
dva...@nrao.edu (DOUGLAS VARNEY) writes:
DV> Does anyone have suggestions for accomodations (reasonable
DV> prices) and eateries?
Where will you be staying? Which island? What kind of accommodations do you
like--newer hotel, older hotel, B&B, condo...? What kind of money do you
think you'd like to spend?
I think the Outrigger chain is one of the best deals, with room/car packages
starting at $99/night per couple.
Big Island (Hawaii): don't miss Cafe Pesto, in Kawaihae. There's one in Hilo
too. Great little Italian restaurant.
We stayed in a private condo, away from the crowds and standard tourist
accommodations. We had a car, and had absolutely no problems. There are so
few roads, you just _can't_ get lost. We enjoyed living in a condo surrounded
by residents, as opposed to tourists.
--
Adam Frix via cmhGate - Net 226 fido<=>uucp gateway Col, OH
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From: h...@posix.COM (Hal Jespersen)
Subject: Lana`i Trip Report
Date: 31 Jan 93 20:30:16 GMT
Organization: POSIX Software Group, Redwood City, CA
This report covers my impressions of a vacation 21-28 Jan 93 on the
Hawaiian island of Lana`i.
Lana`i was once almost entirely pineapple plantations, but is now home
to two posh resorts. The Manele Bay Hotel [MBH] and the Lodge at Koele
[LAK] are RockResorts, managed by the folks who who do Caneel Bay,
Little Dix Bay, etc. The entire island economy and population are
being converted over to support these two resorts and there are only a
few pineapples left.
We flew from SFO through Honolulu because there are no mainland flights
to the Lana`i airport. There was a 3.5 hour layover, an experience
shared by most of the vistors we spoke to. The return flights had a
2.5 hour wait. I think this is a conspiracy between airlines and the
gift shop owners in Hinolulu. :-)
The MBH is a beautiful resort of ~250 rooms overlooking Hulopo`e Bay.
(Manele Bay itself is around a point and is a small boat harbor, but is
an easier name to spell, apparently.) Our room was booked as the
cheapest variety--a "Garden View"--but they silently upgraded us to an
Ocean View because the hotel seemed much less than full. The rooms
were quite luxurious, with very nice fixtures and decorations and a
very large modern bathroom. There are five large gardens in and around
the guest rooms, each with a different style/geography of tropical
flora, all with waterfalls and koi ponds. This easily one of the
nicest hotels I have ever stayed in.
The beach is about 400 meters away on a gravel path. I would rate it
as moderately good. The usable, nonrocky part is rather narrow, but we
never felt crowded. Hotels guests get free use of beach chairs,
umbrellas, snorkeling equipment, and boogie boards. There was no
surfing evident and the surf was very modest. The snorkeling was also
moderate. [I greatly prefer Caribbean snorkeling to Hawaiian, although
I have been to only a few places in each.] Schools of dolphins came
into the bay most days, playing around about 500 meters out. We also
saw whales spouting and breaching about 1000 meters out and farther.
The pool was very comfortable, but shallow. It's more of a sunbathing
and eating/drinking place than for swimming, but the heated water was
great and there were two very hot hot tubs.
The staff was efficient, friendly, but nonintrusive. My only complaint
is this area was that they rarely gave you enough details about any
activity; you ALWAYS had to see a Concierge to accomplish anything.
There are lots of activities, but we used very few and concentrated on
beaching. There are two categories--freebies like walking tours and
lei making classes, and very expensive ones like:
snorkeling boat trip [$75/pp for 2.5 hours]
whale watching boat trip [$55/pp for 2.5 hours]
golfing at LAK [never checked the price]
4-wheel drive rental to see island [$99/day]
ferry to Lahaina, Maui for shopping [$50/pp]
scuba classes [never checked the price]
tennis lessons [never checked the price]
There's a shuttle bus to the LAK at the center of the island, near
Lana`i "City." The City of 3,000 hotel workers has nothing interesting
to recommend in it. (It does have the third hotel on the island--all
ten rooms of it.) The LAK is simply beautiful--fabulous landscaping,
great decorating. About 100 rooms. The common rooms look like the
Ahwanee Hotel in Yosemite probably would have if it were designed today
on a big budget. Golfing is the big pasttime here and they supposedly
have an excellent course. There's also croquet, lawn bowling, and
"executive putting," which is like a very large miniature golf without the
windmills; all these are freebies.
The food at both hotels was EXCELLENT. Each has two restaurants--one
casual with three meals and one "formal" for dinner only where they
want the men to wear jackets. We had a package deal where dinner and
breakfast were included and I highly recommend such an arrangement
because the menu prices are astronomical. Our breakfasts for two
averaged $60 and dinners with the house wine [Raymond Cabernet or
Chardonnay] from $150 to $250. Our lunches at the pool each day were
about $30. We ate most often at the MBH Ihilani formal dining room,
but the Main Dining Room [great name] at the LAK was excellent, too.
Both hotels had small gift shops filled with very expensive goods.
Plan ahead if you go to Lana`i because you are really a captive of
these two resorts. It is rather inconvenient to make other
arrangements for food or shopping.
But all in all, we had a great, luxurious, relaxing time. The weather
was great every day [although the staff told us the first 3 weeks of
January had been cold and rainy]. It was almost like a stationary
cruise in terms of amenities, food, activities, and prices. A great
place to relax and tan.
Hal Jespersen
POSIX Software Group
447 Lakeview Way
Redwood City, CA 94062
+1 (415) 364-3410
+1 (415) 364-4498 FAX
h...@posix.com
From: fer...@nicmad.uucp (Dick Ferrier x2226 833-6177)
Subject: Re: Hawaii and Molokai: tips needed
Organization: Nicolet Instrument Corp.
Date: Wed, 3 Feb 1993 19:35:15 GMT
lo...@cs.washington.edu (Michael Lounsbery) writes:
>I'm considering visiting the island of Molokai, and I was wondering about
>the quality of the beaches there with respect to snorkeling and
>low-intensity body surfing. Does anybody know?
Check out the beaches on the far east end of Molokai for
snorkeling. Take the one lane road east of Waialua and
just keep your eye open for a likely looking spot. There
are surfing oportunities located along the one lane road
also (Highway 450). Nice view of Maui there too. The
road is a bit of a knuckle biter though.
On Molokai, on the far Northwest end, there are beach accesses
south of the Colony Golf resort (Kaluakoi or something like
that) that lead to a 3 mile long white sand beach.
Take Highway 460 west until you take a right turn north
towards the resort and golf courses, about 5 miles. Go past
the resort entrance a mile or so to the first beach
access. There are two more further south too, which access
less busy areas of the beach. I think the beach's name is
Papohaku. When I was there with my wife, we had the beach
all to ourselves. (Tough to take.) Body surfing was o.k.
there. Depending on the wind and swells, it may not be
so good for snorkeling.
Molokai is very laid back, you'll probably enjoy it. The
scenery is right in there with the other islands too.
--
Dick Ferrier Fax: 608 276-6328 | Nicolet Instrument Corp.
UUCP: uwvax!astroatc!nicmad!ferrier | 5225-4 Verona Rd
Inet: nicmad!ferrier%astroa...@spool.cs.wisc.edu | P.O.Box 44451
Voice: 608 271-3333 Ext 2226 | Madison, Wi 53744-4451
From: tes...@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (A. Lani Teshima)
Subject: Re: Whale watching in Hawaii
Organization: University of Hawaii
Date: Fri, 19 Feb 1993 03:49:43 GMT
The humpbacks migrate to Hawaii around November and leave by April or
May. What you need to do is take a vacation to Alaska, as that's where
they will most likely be in June. Sorry. :(
--
Lani Teshima-Miller (tes...@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.edu) o | /_/_/ "Sea Hare"
Student Services Officer o|<0_0>--------*
Univ. of Hawaii School of Library & Information Studies \=^-| |____| |
Censorship is good--ONLY if you are your own censor \_}B \_}B
From: ja...@woobaby.EBay.Sun.COM (Jane Woo)
Subject: Re: HAWAII: What's Kilauea up to?
Date: 2 Mar 1993 18:23:15 GMT
Organization: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Just happen to stop by Volcanoes National Park last week (02/26/93).....
As of that Friday, the lava is no longer free flowing to the ocean. However,
it is still "oozing" towards the ocean. The Park Services have the area under
control where you can do a short hike (~100yds) from the road to reach the
"ooze". However, to get to the hike... you'll have to walk along the road
for about a 1/2 to 1 mile depending on the parking situation.
The best viewing times is dusk to nightfall. Then, you can appreciate the
glows through the cracks in the harden lava stuff. Bring your flashlight
so that you won't "trip" along the hike. Best for each person to have
one for minimal tripping!!
It'a only oozing.... bummer... but still worth the trip to see "red lava".
This site is at the end of Chain of Craters drive. For those of you who
once enjoyed the black sands beach in the Park.... it is no longer there.
Aloha!
-jane
Adam...@p18.f20.n226.z1.FIDONET.ORG (Adam Frix) writes:
> As of mid-December, Madame Pele was showing herself quite well. It was a
> short hike over the lava field from Chain of Craters Rd. down to the coastline
> where the lava was going into the ocean--a sight that must be seen at night to
> be truly appreciated.
>
> For current information, call Volcanoes Nat'l Park 24 hour hotline at +1-808
> 967-7977.
--
Mark Nowak | All things are not exactly
Motorola, Inc. | what they appear to be, but
Chicago, Illinois | all things are exactly what
INTERNET: ma...@ssd.comm.mot.com | they are.