Hawaii. Worth the effort?
Discussion
It's a long way. Getting there is a pain.
It's the USA. Will it feel like the US , negating the point of going there if a similar experience could be found in the continental US?
In short, is it worth the effort and, if so, which Island,where and when?
Any experience here?
Thanks and Aloha !
TS
It's the USA. Will it feel like the US , negating the point of going there if a similar experience could be found in the continental US?
In short, is it worth the effort and, if so, which Island,where and when?
Any experience here?
Thanks and Aloha !
TS
Hi, well i live on Oahu and it is absolutely fantastic. There is loads to do. Kauai is beautiful but it can be very wet due to its location. Maui again is beautiful but. It really depends how long you have to visit the islands. Flights between the islands are very cheap and are quick. As to time of year....avoid july and the 1st 2 weeks of august as the US schools are on hols so its busy. Hotels are much cheaper from the 2nd week onwards. As to weather. Hawaii has 2 seasons..summer and summer. Its just the temps drop to around 80 instead of 90 during june, july and august. If you come out end of August the temp will be around 90 but the sun index will still be in the extreme and we often get uv index of extreme 16...so it can be very dangerous sunbathing.
If you are visiting Oahu the please be mindful of the local customs. Also because of the cutbacks by the government here the water taxi in Pearl Habour which takes you out to the Arizona Memorial now closes at 1pm each day instead of 3pm. You must get there early..ie 8am to 8.30 to make sure you get tickets which are free. Dependi ng on your budget there are some truely fab places to stay. I would recommend Ko Olina on the west side of Oahu. Beautiful beaches.
Flying out here ....I always use United Airlines via San Francisco. I can leave London Heathrow at 10.35 am get in San Francisco...change and be in Honolulu by 8pm the same day. Yes they are long flights but really worth it. PM if you need and further info.
If you are visiting Oahu the please be mindful of the local customs. Also because of the cutbacks by the government here the water taxi in Pearl Habour which takes you out to the Arizona Memorial now closes at 1pm each day instead of 3pm. You must get there early..ie 8am to 8.30 to make sure you get tickets which are free. Dependi ng on your budget there are some truely fab places to stay. I would recommend Ko Olina on the west side of Oahu. Beautiful beaches.
Flying out here ....I always use United Airlines via San Francisco. I can leave London Heathrow at 10.35 am get in San Francisco...change and be in Honolulu by 8pm the same day. Yes they are long flights but really worth it. PM if you need and further info.
This is why I like Pistonheads..
Thanks fella, a reply from someone living in Hawaii ! I must say you sell it well.
So you clearly think it is worth the effort to make it there from the UK, and it has its own character and would not feel just like an extension of the US but a lot harder to get to?
I think the only reference we have here in the UK is the remake of Hawaii Five-O !!!
Thanks fella, a reply from someone living in Hawaii ! I must say you sell it well.
So you clearly think it is worth the effort to make it there from the UK, and it has its own character and would not feel just like an extension of the US but a lot harder to get to?
I think the only reference we have here in the UK is the remake of Hawaii Five-O !!!
Pleased i could help. There are 7 islands in the Hawaiian chain..Hilo (Big Island) in the south to Kauai in the north. Each Island has it's own charm. Oahu is the busiest but don't let that put you off. If your into beaches..google "Lanakai Beach" it classed as one of the top beaches in the world. Ko Olina has 4 beautiful bays. If swimming is your thing please be careful. On Kauai this year 10 people have already drowned as the rip currents catches everyone out. Hawaii is the melting pot of Asia but it also has a very strong British Heritage being British until 1959 when it became the 50th State. The Union Flag still forms part of the State Flag. Yes there are Americans here but they are the minority. True Hawaiians are true Hawaiian and there is a movement who want Independence. . The Mainland visitors are only here for long weekends or short trips. There is a big Korean and Japanese community here as well as Vietnamese. Also we now get alot of the new wealthy Chinese visiting on 3 day shopping trips.
As to things to do....depending on the time of year..November to March/April is when the Whales visit to give birth to the babies and whale counting day from the shore and is always the last saturday of the month..loads of people volunteer..plus if your lucky you will get to meet one of the very rare Hawaiin Monk Seals that live round the islands. There are only about 1000 left..so are very protected. Around Ko Olina there are families of Turtles..see my previous pic. I took that snorkling off Ko Olina.
You can walk up to the Makapua Point which a 3 mile walk. Doesn't sound much but in 90 degrees of heat its hard work. Or hike up into the jungle ..there are loads of places. These Islands are stunning. Ignore Waikiki...get out and explore...there is nothing like getting a bucketful of fresh pacific prawns just cooked and sitting and watching the sun go down on sunset beach.
These islands are so full of history..trust me you would not regret a visit.
As to things to do....depending on the time of year..November to March/April is when the Whales visit to give birth to the babies and whale counting day from the shore and is always the last saturday of the month..loads of people volunteer..plus if your lucky you will get to meet one of the very rare Hawaiin Monk Seals that live round the islands. There are only about 1000 left..so are very protected. Around Ko Olina there are families of Turtles..see my previous pic. I took that snorkling off Ko Olina.
You can walk up to the Makapua Point which a 3 mile walk. Doesn't sound much but in 90 degrees of heat its hard work. Or hike up into the jungle ..there are loads of places. These Islands are stunning. Ignore Waikiki...get out and explore...there is nothing like getting a bucketful of fresh pacific prawns just cooked and sitting and watching the sun go down on sunset beach.
These islands are so full of history..trust me you would not regret a visit.
Edited by Geoff Stilwell on Wednesday 20th March 16:06
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