Hawaii. Worth the effort?

[toppstuff]

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

[V8LM]

Yes. Maui. Early Summer - May.

[Mermaid]

V8LM said:

Yes. Maui. Early Summer - May.

Once in a lifetime , yes.

Kauai & the Big Island also. Forget Honalulu (Oahu)

[tescorank]

No, spent a couple of weeks there, it's the American plastic version of the south pacific the real thing is far better.

[Mermaid]

tescorank said:

No, spent a couple of weeks there, it's the American plastic version of the south pacific the real thing is far better.

Tahiti is the real deal, but even further away.

[tescorank]

19 hours v 23 hours, found Hawaii to be overrated, overpriced and the normal flight recovery place Waikiki is a posh Benidorm with smaller rooms and beach.

On the plus side the islands contain some of the best golf courses in the world .

Edited by tescorank on Tuesday 19th March 09:22

[ChrisBMW]

I had always wondered this myself and as I would like to see a view sights there I would like to go one day however the cost is high and I don't want to be left feeling that the long flight and expense was not worth it.

[Geoff Stilwell]

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.

[Geoff Stilwell]

[Geoff Stilwell]

[Geoff Stilwell]

[toppstuff]

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 !!!

[Adenauer]

Toppstuff, watch the last episode of Robson Green Extreme Fishing, Monday 18th IIRC. If you can ignore him, he went to Hawaii

[marcosgt]

toppstuff said:

I think the only reference we have here in the UK is the remake of Hawaii Five-O !!!

Enough to put you off anywhere, I would have thought...

M.

[RichB]

I visited the Big Island some 15 years ago and thought it was wonderful, I would love to go back but as has been said the 24 hour door to door travel is a bit off putting. However once there you could not fail to enjoy it.

[K12beano]

Adenauer said:

Toppstuff, watch the last episode of Robson Green Extreme Fishing, Monday 18th IIRC. If you can ignore him, he went to Hawaii

Looks everything from wild to gorgeous. Pity it's full of Americans but it looks fantastic!

[ChrisBMW]

Nice update Geoff, strong possibility that I will be moving to Dallas around October time so I will probably plan a trip to Hawaii from there as it will involve a lot less travel for me.

[Cheib]

If you're going that far go to French Polynesia instead....absolutely stunning. It's 8 hours from LA so really not that much further....and it doesn't feel like you are still in the US. Much smaller mind.

Minimum two weeks for either destination....it's a lonnnng way but worth it.

[Geoff Stilwell]

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.

Edited by Geoff Stilwell on Wednesday 20th March 16:06

[Geoff Stilwell]

This is one of diving lagoon i use