People from Hawaii

[[Ma...]]

....please help me to dream! In all my pain I am planning the journey of my life and I hold on to the thought that some day I will manage to get the money and health to realize it. And for now, planning my trip is a good distraction and hope-giver..

 

I am planning a trip to Hawaii. I watched some films about and I fell in Love..

 

I want to plan it completely by my own, and I would appreciate any tipps or good advice from people living there or having visited that wonderful place. What do I HAVE to see? Where do I get the best food? Are there secret places / tips you could tell me? I don't want to do the typical sight-seeing -tourist-trips...

 

Thanks buddies!

Aloha?!

Marigold

 

 

[[zi...]]

Aloha!

I have spent many summers on the islands. In the early years we went to Maui and that is still a great place to start as there are many activities and things to do. A trip to Haleakala to watch the sun rise can be quite spiritual. The road to Hana is also amazing, plan to take a very long time and stop often. There are waterfalls and amazing views and a bamboo forest on the way to the sacred pools. It's been a long time since I've been there so I imagine some things have changed but I recollect it as a wonderful experience. As Maui developed more we begin spending our time on Kauai and we totally fell in love with it. I recommend the north shore of Kauai, beyond Princeville. Hanalei Bay is surely one of the most beautiful spots on earth with a crescent of white/gold sand and the mountains as a backdrop. The village of Hanalei is also very quaint with lots of shops and restaurants. On up the road all the way to Ke'e beach where the road ends is just beautiful. Tunnels Beach is good for shelling and snorkeling. We always got up very early in the morning and went to Ke'e for a long swim. The fish are friendly and came out to greet us. Ke'e is like a lagoon in the summer at least so most days it was quite safe and very calm. There is a current there further out though so don't go beyond the orange cone till the lifeguards come! We would just swim laps near to shore and look at the fish! The perfect wake up.

 

As for food you can hardly go wrong with fresh fish and fruit. There are farmer's markets all week long somewhere. We got a condo so we frequented the fish market and the farmer's markets. Food and most everything else is really expensive so you should expect that. Other things to know....Hawaii time. It is a more laid back way of life which I quite enjoy but some people lose their mind over it. Expect things to be not as timely or maybe as efficient and just enjoy the difference. Learn a little bit of the language or pronunciation of words. This can be another fun thing to do in preparation for your trip. There used to be some good on-line Hawaian language sites. Learning about the culture is also great and helps you to understand the real issues facing the Hawaiian people.

 

I can't state enough to always respect the ocean (true anywhere of course) and really sit and watch for a while before you go in. Some beaches have lifeguards but many don't and it's very easy to get into trouble. We did most of our swimming at Hanalei and Ke'e,

 

As for the other islands, we quite enjoyed the Big Island and there is lots to see there too. Varied topography from lava fields to rain forests to beaches, etc. I personally would not spend as much time on Oahu just because it doesn't have the same feel to me as the other islands. Anyway, I wish you well on your trip planning and it is certainly fun planning such an adventure! Best wishes! Zippy

[[Be...]]

Aloha Marigold. Aah beautiful Hawaii. A first time visitor should see Honolulu then come back for the other islands. Maybe even stay longer and do both. An oceanfront room on Waikiki Beach is perfect for tinnitus and sleeping. You can hear the ocean waves as you drift off to sleep.

 

I agree with Zippy. Hanalei on the island of Kaui is heaven on earth. Ever hear the song Puff the Magic Dragon by Peter, Paul & Mary?

 

There are two things that will drive me back there--Hanalei and HULA PIE!

 

Becky

[[Ma...]]

thank you both for your suggestions - sounds sooooo nice... still dreaming...

 

I noted down all the places and tips and this afternoon I will make a little research on the internet - yeah!! Looking forward to. Thats nice...

 

thank you!!