Can you believe it? I’ve never been to Hawaii… because after all, being the States, it never seemed ‘exotic’ enough. Har.
Fortunately, that’s going to change in late January, and it’s all Pam and David’s fault (the same folks who got so revved up about camping that we bought our T@B).
They announced they were going and we weaseled our way into their plans.
Now I’m totally stoked. We’re spending most of our time on Kauai (in a place that we booked on VRBO.com, followed by 6 days on the Big Island where Ed and I plan to head off on our own and do some volcano watching.
I’m in the midst of researching best possibilities, i.e. should we hike, take a boat, helicopter or organized tour for viewing?
What is your experience? How long should we dedicate just for the volcanoes? 2, 3 or 4 days? What else is a ‘must-see’ on the big island?
Any comments and suggestions MUCH appreciated!!
You could always take the bike ride down the mountain where you start by wearing a parka and end up near sea level wearing shorts and a t-shirt. Oahu has many fun things to do also like hiking to the top of Diamond Head or snorkeling or watching the surfers on the north shore. The visit to the Arizona Memorial is very emotional where you can still see small drops of fuel oil float to the surface and realize that many young men lay at rest just a few yards below your feet.
Hi BW,
You’re right, there are so many things I would have liked to have seen in Oahu, but with only 2.5 weeks we’ll have to leave that for another time. I really want to do that bike ride though… sounds like a gas!
Cheers,
Ros
Hello Rosalind,
I am one of your fans and try to follow your stuff because I believe you are a vwey well organized marketeer out there and not one of those pushee ones. I hop you enjoy your trip and very happy new year….
I am in business of car service here in Charlotte, NC, if you ever come to charlotte, please allow me to provide you car service from airport and whatever you need for that trip for transportation in Charlotte and it will be on me.(No charge for whole thing(transportation)).
Hi MT,
Thank you SO much! If I’m ever in Charlotte, and need a ride from the airport, I’ll definitely look you up, and we can chat about websites along the way!. 🙂
Best of success in 2010!
Cheers,
Ros
Hi Ros,
I live just a stone’s throw from Pu’u ‘O’O and Kilauea Caldera. The main viewing area for actual lava flow is in the Kalapana area down by the ocean. And you really need to view it at dusk and later.
A helicopter overview would be awesome, but use some due diligence and research the weather reports for clear weather … it’s a bummer when the mountain gets covered with clouds. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is a good choice.
Look, when you get here give me a call, I’ve been a tour guide in Hawaii for over 14 years, and I’d be happy to give you any info I have.
Gene Belmont
Hi Gene,
Thanks very kindly for sharing your info, especially about the helicopter tours. You’re right, it would be a bummer to book a trip and have it spoiled by clouds…an expensive look at clouds too! 🙂
We’ve decide to do 3 nights in the volcano area and then off to the beach at Kona. Lots of time to look for lava. 🙂
Will peer more through your website for tips — especially those Hawaiian terms.
Cheers,
Ros
Hi Ros,
Don’t know what day you all are leaveing, bope it’s ahead of the next storm.
I’ve been to HI once, Ohau and then to the Big Island. I did a tour but did not join in until the Big Island, Mistake for me as I was by myself. I met alot of new friends on the tour bus starting in Hilo, which was a very picturesque little fishing village back then. We ended up in on the Kona Coast. Only problem witht he tour bus was in incipient stops at gift traps, I mean shops. The tour thru the lava fields is different now due to the more recent erruptions. Being there iwht friends will undoubtably be more fun.
Anyway enjoy yourself.
Bought your Super Affiliate Handbook last year and finally reading it. Newbie at NP
BFN
wineman
Hi Bill,
You’re right… I hope it’s ahead of the next storm too. This town is hard to get out of (or into) when the ceiling is low.
Interesting what we learn when we travel, eh? I traveled (hiked) extensively on my own for years and loved every minute of it — always met up with folks. Then one day I found myself in Northern California and realized I hadn’t talked to a friend in almost 3 weeks and almost went nuts. Pulled off at the next road-side stop and called Ed. 🙂
This trip will be fun as there will be 5 of us traveling together.
Best of success with your Handbook studies!
Cheers,
Ros
Rosalind,
My husband & I have never been to Hawaii and it is a dream we hope to make come true one day soon. I hope you have a Great Time, and I will be interested to hear about your trip and recommendations when you return. ENJOY! Your Post about being overwhelmed came at a good time.
I just finished the Super Affiliate Handbook, so while you are in Hawaii I will be getting to work, one day at a time.
Have FUN!
Donna
The cheapest gas I found was at the Shell in Wailua.
We bought groceries at Foodland…sign up for their discount card. Only takes a minute. Your Canadian Safeway card or phone number will work at Safeway.
There are several Foodland stores on the island and Foodland is cheaper than Safeway. Lihue has a Costco and Walmart. We didn’t shop there so won’t comment. It took me three days to find the road off the main highway that went to your accommodation. We never did find the house you’re staying at. However we did find Moloa’a beach. Moloa’a was our favourite beach on the island. We didn’t see any chickens in the Moloa’a area, but bring ear plugs for the roosters just in case. ‘Anini beach is about 10 miles west of Moloa’a.
We did some snorkeling there. I saw a turtle! Other people saw seahorses. Beware of road repairs and tree cutting along the roads. It can stop traffic in either direction for up to 10 minutes. We did not explore the Po’ipu area. We heard there is good swimming in that area.
Hawaiian Airlines inflight service:
http://www.flynomadaviation.com/hawaiian_airlines2010.htm