Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Thursday 13 v. 30 (wow! 30!)

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Thirteen of Carmen's Hawaii Plans
This is interactive trip planning. :) This is a list of things I'm thinking of doing while I'm in Hawaii on my trip in January. If you've been there or live there, I'd love to get your input on what I'm missing or if these things aren't worth doing. Plus all things are interchangable depending on the weather.
  1. Our first night is in Oahu, and then 2 full days. One day will be for Pearl Harbor and the other day . . .
  2. For driving to Dole Plantation and North Shore. I want to see the 30-foot surfing waves! I understand it is quite a walk to the big waves. True? How far?
  3. I want to learn to surf. Is Oahu better or Maui? Oh, and I'd prefer to do it in a shark-free environment. No loss of limb or life here. Maybe I'll just take lessons on the land. :)
  4. Day 3 we arrive in Maui around 1-ish. We're staying in the Sheraton Maui. There's a raging online debate between the Sheraton and the Westin. Would you like to log a vote? I chose the Sheraton because of its proximity to Black Rock.
  5. I'm thinking our first afternoon/evening in Maui, we'll go into Lahaina and to the Old Lahaina Luau. I know, I know. It's touristy. But we're tourists. And my mom wants to go.
  6. Our second day in Maui, I'm planning to go whale watching (January is whale season) with the Pacific Whale Watching Foundation. Are they good? Anybody use them? Other recommendations?
  7. The next day is also my BIRTHDAY! I'm hoping to eat dinner at a place called Kimos in Lahaina. I want a good steak. I can't eat seafood, and not a big fish fan.
  8. That day I thought we'd go snorkeling. Well, I'LL go snorkeling. My mom didn't like it too much last time. I really really want to see the turtles. Where should I go? Any specific company? I also wanted to see stingrays, but due to recent events, I'm a bit nervous about that.
  9. The next day I want to get up at o'dark thirty and drive to the top of the volcano for sunrise. It's cold at the top, no? And I'd bike down, but I'd prefer to be sore-muscle-free on vacation.
  10. Since we'll already be up and on the road, I thought a drive on the Road to Hana might be fun. But not the whole road. Because I hate to drive.
  11. Of course there's beach time peppered in there every day!
  12. I want to see the volcanos on the Big Island, so we thought about taking a very expensive plane trip over Maui and then over the Big Island. It's a three-hour flight (not on Oceanic, by the way) and it costs about $350. It's through a company called Active Volcano Air Tours. I'd love feedback on this one.
  13. More restaurant suggestions on both Ohau and Maui would be appreciated. Or if I've left any crucial things out. It's only a week, so we're packing a lot in. But I want it to be relaxing, too. :)
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    59 comments:

    Anonymous said...

    does that mean your birthday is the 18th? I'm probably off, I got lost on the day there. I don't have any recommendations, but I bet kailani from the pink diary does. She's a lifer. I'll see if I can find her address, if you don't already have it.

    My b-day is in january too. Along with 6 other members of my family!

    Anonymous said...

    It sounds like a great trip. By January, you'll be ready for the warmth.
    All I know about Hawaii is that there are supposed to be cool helicopter tours of the parts that you can't see any other way.

    Anonymous said...

    The Dole Plantation has a pineapple maze! I wanted to go thru that SO bad!

    Tug said...

    I don't know shit about Hawaii....just hope you get lei'd! (like you've never heard that)

    Happy TT!

    Amy said...

    would you like to plan my honeymoon to st. lucia? you have such wonderful ideas. i have always wanted to go to hawaii. did you get a good deal to go there?

    Renee Nefe said...

    We went to Waikiki back in 2001, but since DH used to live there he didn't take us to any of the touristy things...bummer!
    I need to go back... maybe if the airfares go down or I win a trip.

    I'm a January baby too.

    FRIDAY'S CHILD said...

    That would be a very nice place to go on a vacation too. Only in my dreams will I be able to see this place.
    Mine's up too.

    Scone said...

    You really should go to Duke's Canoe Club at some point. There's one in Waikiki. It's got the best mahi mahi EVER! (I never even liked fish till I went there.) But also excellent steaks and drinks and... cool stuff.

    Snorkeling is very very fun. Don't go on a motorized raft unless you like being spanked, hard. A lot. I'm just saying.

    Also, if you want to learn to surf gently, try Waikiki Beach (go early, before the *other* tourists have mucked it up). There's nowhere with milder waves and fewer rocks. Especially on Maui! That island almost killed The Man and me several times. The North Shore of Oahu isn't far from the road at all. I used to swim up there all the time. In summer, 'cause January's WAVE season.

    Oh, on Maui, make the effort to go visit Iao Needle Park. Ask Kailani about it. Agriculture god, indeed.

    Scone said...

    Oh, if you had the time on the North Shore, there's the Polynesian Cultural Center. It's pretty cool. Go see the guys from the Marquesas do their "pig hunting" dance. Oh my...

    Sarah said...

    I would loooove to go to Hawaii. My dad went a couple years ago and is still obsessed with it.

    Cracked up at the "GO: SLOW CHILDREN" remark in the below post, by the way. Lol.

    Uisce said...

    I'm so jealous! I'd love to go just anywhere. Never been to Hawaii. Are you going to do any underwater snorkel blogging? That would sure be something! :) happy TT!!

    Anonymous said...

    Okay, where do I start?
    1. The second day you could go hiking up to the top of Diamond Head Crater. It's the most amazing view from up there.

    2. It depends on which beach you go to. If you go to Waimea Bay, you can actually see the waves from the side of the road.

    3. Learning to surf is probably better in Waikiki since that's where a lot of beginners go. You don't want to get run over by a pro.

    4. I'm partial to Sheraton since I used to work for them in Waikiki.

    5. I love luaus!

    6. That's the one that I went on. It's pretty hit and miss in regard to what you'll see.

    7. Kimos is a great choice! Lots of locals eat there.

    8. You know me, can't swim.

    9. It's very very cold. It's actually been known to snow there during the winter. I prefer going at sunset. You don't have to wake up too early and it's not as cold.

    10. Road to Hana is not all it's cracked up to be. The only reason people do it is to be able to say they did it. Not really worth the effort.

    12. Never been on one of those but heard it's pretty amazing.

    13. Oahu: Ono Hawaiian Foods, Zippys, Like Like Drive-In, Kincaids (my favorite), Palaminos, Ryan's Grill, Dukes.

    Maui: Tasaka (for guri-guri), Sansei, Sam Sato.

    PHEW!

    Darla said...

    Well, in San Antonio, I prefer the Westin over the Sheraton. Which means nothing at all. :) Never been to Hawaii, so I have no advice, but I'm looking forward to reading about your trip.

    Anonymous said...

    Oh im so jealous. Surely there is a way u can squeeze me into ur luggage!!

    Anonymous said...

    I've never been to Hawaii. It's on my to do list - LOL! Maybe someday. Have fun!

    Anonymous said...

    Great trip plans! The "Old Lahaina Luau" was absolutely fabulous when we were in Maui. :) There is also a great dinner/magic show in Maui, I forget the name, but it was terrific. :)

    Shannon said...

    Can't help you there, as I have never been... but if you ever get to NY, give me a yell.

    Have a great Thursday!

    Natsthename said...

    YOU are going to have a blast!! I'm envious! Learning to surf should be FUN! LOL. But don't expect the 30-ft waves all the time, ok?

    Jane said...

    OK, I am SO jealous. I have never been to Hawaii but hope to go someday! Have a great time.
    Thanks for stopping by my T13.

    Chaotic Mom said...

    Okay, I'm jealous, too. (wink, wink!) Happy for you, but JEALOUS! Sounds like you're going to have a very good time. Take some good pics to share with us!

    I've posted my Thursday Thirteen, too. Enjoy! ;)

    Kukka-Maria said...

    I think you are over-extending yourself a bit, Carmen. When my agent too me to Hawaii, this is what I did:

    Day 1: Nap
    Day 2: Nap in the sun.
    Day 3: Eat my weight in cat treats.
    Day 4: Hula lessons
    Day 5: Nap
    Day 6: Sit and think about napping
    Day 7: Make out with Don Ho

    Don't get too industrious! Remember, it's still a vacation!

    Unknown said...

    OH you are gonna have a wonderful trip!!! Are ya gonna take a million pictures to come back and share?

    Thanks for visiting my blog. Have a great day!

    metro mama said...

    Sounds lovely.

    Anne said...

    Okay I am officially jealous. Have fun, but not too much ;-) Thanks for dropping by my TT.

    Anonymous said...

    I can't wait to see how this turns out. I would so want to see where they film Lost and I would really really like to see Sawyer in real life without his shirt on.

    But, really this all sounds great and we always stay at the Sheraton, points 'ya know.

    Wystful1 said...

    oops...I added my link and I'm not part of T-13 any longer. Sorry.

    But wanted to tell you I've been to Hawai'i!! And it's one place I've dreamed of living. Naturally, I wanted more LAND so opted for Texas coast. Close in being sub-tropical, but no cigar for tropical beauty like Hawai'i, that's for sure.

    The Polynesian excursion is fantastic. Wiamea Falls park is gorgeous (you walk to the falls, and there are native hula shows near the falls)...of course Hard Rock cafe in Honolulu. (I always hit those no matter where I go)

    Climb Diamondhead...that's cool also. When you get to the top, there is a tunnel and then a bunker. You can see Punch Bowl below

    The Royal Palace is cool also. There is ONE humungous Banyon tree just outside...a great historical palace.

    Richard Chamberlains house is way up on the hill somewhere --I can't recall offhand which street to take tho.

    Pearl Harbor is great...but don't forget the Arizona Memorial...you are ferried out to it.

    Oh......and don't forget the open market in Honolulu...just off Wakiki beach.

    And there is also a highway to take where the ghosts of Pelé is...or something like that.

    Chinaman's rock! That's another neat sight...when the tide's out, you can actually walk out to it...but get there and get back...otherwise you'll have to swim to shore.

    Oh sooooooooooooooo much to see. (Our son lived there for 4 years) You actually can't see all there is to see in just two days on one island.

    Oh, and another favorite restaurant of mine is Pieces of Eight (don't know if it's still there or not tho)

    I love Oahu!!!!!!!

    MaR said...

    I am jealous!! but happy for you! never been to Hawaii, have a wonderful time! but first we have to have a pumpkin and a Xmas-tree...

    Candy Minx said...

    Sounds fantastic, I've never been to hawaii, so I can't really give any ideas. but if you see Josh Haolloway, say hi for me...and grab onto the leg of Matthew Fox and don't let go for me too please.

    I would likely be interested in some museums, like about the traditions of Hawaiians from a few hundred years ago.

    I would also drink heavily on the beach.

    Here is my TT about being a goth.

    http://gnosticminx.blogspot.com/2006/10/13-things-about-being-goth.html

    Red said...

    Whatever you end up doing, I'm sure you'll have a blast, post loads of beautiful pictures and makes us all green with envy. Grrrrrr. I'm especially looking forward to whaley piccies!

    LinknKnits said...

    I have never been, but it sounds like you have some great ideas! Do post pics!

    Happy TT!

    Anonymous said...

    I've never been to Hawaii, but it's at the top of my list for sure! I'm green w/envy that you get to go soon!! YAY for you! :)

    I'd want to see Pearl Harbor, too!
    I was born on Pearl Harbor Day - Dec. 7th!! :)

    Have a good one, Carmen!

    Anonymous said...

    Ohh lucky you! I'd love to go to Hawaii. I'd love to go snorkeling too, but yeah recent events would worry me a little.

    It will be awesome to be celebrating your birthday over there too, how lovely :-)

    Mandy

    Shannon said...

    You must check out the Polynesian Cultural Center on the North Shore. Here's the website: www.polynesia.com

    I've seen video of the fire dancers but I've never been. Scone has though.

    karen! said...

    WELL! I'm just jealous!

    Anonymous said...

    Can I have your fish?

    Geggie said...

    I'll be back in Maui in November. For Oahu, I'd highly recommend going snorkling at Hanauma Bay. Go early in the day. It's amazing.

    I don't know about the Sheraton on Maui, I stayed at the Hyatt near Ka'anapali. As for dinner at Kimo's, I wasn't impressed. Do research for Ma'la. It's a super local place, nice, but not fine dining. The patio is fab. For fine dining, try Mama's Fish House or Plantation House.

    Old Lahaina Luau was fun. It rained on us, hopefully you'll have better luck.

    Unknown said...

    Carmen, those are some great plans. I've never been, but plan on it! I'd love to see active volcanos, sea turtles, and whales.
    Sounds like an exciting Birthday trip! Have a blast.

    Anonymous said...

    never been there.
    yes i am jealous of you.
    but at least i have a very long list of what i want to do when i do go there. thanks for visiting my tt this week.

    Anonymous said...

    That is so cool that you get to celebrate you birthday in HAWAII! Seeing a sunrise from on top of a volcano sounds heavenly! WOW! And the huge waves and the whales and everything. :=D

    Anonymous said...

    Never been there, but it sounds like fun! Enjoy!

    Anonymous said...

    Ok, I'm officially jealous. Hawaii is one of the places I still haven't been to! Have a great time...especcially whale watching!

    Dane Bramage said...

    Jealousy rising... must control urge to cry... and hula...

    Thanks for stopping by my Thursday Thirteen If I had an iPod Disco Edition

    Anonymous said...

    Can I come? ;-) I'd love to go there!
    Thanks for stopping by my TT!

    Crayonsetc said...

    We did enjoy the Aquarium on Oahu... or just the shopping in Wikiki. We went to the Polenesian Center (and I am drawing a blank on the name) which was fun, but if you are doing a luau on Maui, I would skip the other...

    Sounds like you have a great trip planned!! Enjoy!

    Happy TT!!

    Lazy Daisy said...

    Oh Wow, sounds heavenly...you know we live vicariously...we demand lots of pictures.

    Heather said...

    I think in the winter months, the waves of the north shore are calm. At least when we went in March last year it was that way. You should also go to the Wiamea falls while you are up in the north shore area, its a mile hike to this really beautiful waterfall and you can go swimming there.

    Bring one of those disposable raincoat things!!

    Heather Smith said...

    I have no idea about this one. Never been, but I WILL go someday...I WILL!

    Anonymous said...

    do you really want to learn to surf, or just find some hot guy to teach you how to surf?? I could so travel with you- steak, no fish.

    Micehelly said...

    Sounds great - I will get there sometime. Have a great time!

    Anonymous said...

    The Big Island is absolutely a must and worth every penny of the extra you'll put into getting there. We had a fantastic stay in Hilo at the Blue Dolphin Hotel (if memory serves me right) and you've never experienced anything like Volcanos National Park! (whereas beaches are beaches after a while - lovely, but indolence-inducing).

    Kendra said...

    How fun! I'm jealous I wanna go to Hawaii! Take tons of great pictures! Happy TT!

    Meira{FB} said...

    You forgot on your list!

    "Don't forget to pick up Beth and take her with me!"

    Happy TT!

    The Mistress of the Dark said...

    Trip planning is the best! I wish I had something to plan right now, but my last journey was Atlantic City last month.

    Great TT

    Mine are up on my blog now :)

    Lynn said...

    Sounds like a great trip! My MIL went whale watching there and said it was great, but I'm not sure who they went with....My DH and kids took surfing lessons at Cocoa Beach a couple of years ago and loved it. If my then 42 year old DH can do it, you can! Have a great time! I actually have a TT after not blogging for a few weeks:-)

    Anonymous said...

    I hope you meet a mermaid. If you happen to go to Kaui look for my friend isa Marie. She's an artist who paints mermaids and such.

    Melli said...

    Hmmmmm... nope... never been there! But I just can't even IMAGINE visiting Hawaii and eating STEAK! But I'm gonna go visit Ma and send her over hear to help you! She IS Hawaiian!

    Anonymous said...

    Aloha, I'm a former resident of Hawaii. A good place to eat if you're staying in Waikiki is Duke's. Just ask the people at the front desk for directions. Aloha Tower Marketplace is a good place to visit and they have several good restaurants there. If you want to shop, go to the Waikele Shopping Center instead of Ala Moana. They have shuttles(Trolleys) to take you there. And if you're on Oahu on the weekend dont forget the Stadium swap meet. Great prices and you can bargain with sime of the vendors. Just say that the other guy was selling it cheaper.

    On Maui, go to the Maui Ocean Center. You'll love it. You'll also love the Haleakala trip, it's beautiful.

    Too bad you're not staying over on the Big Island. The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel is a good place and they have a great buffet. I used to work there when I lived in Hilo.

    BTW, I'm here by way of Melli. She told me about your trip to Hawaii.

    Anonymous said...

    Sounds like a great time. As usual, I'm totally jealous! ;)

    Sparky Duck said...

    Ok, my few little opinions from the honeymoon.

    1.One if I was going to surf, the waves were much better in Waikiki then Maui.

    2.Yes, from my recollection it was darn cold on the volcano.

    3.Sea Life Park is very cool, you can swim with the Dolphins, its a half hour away from Waikiki.

    4.If you want to do the Old Lahaina Luau book earlier then later, we waited until 2 weeks before and got shut out.

    5.If Old Lahaina does shut you out, the Drums of Makena was a neat luau. It was in Wailea

    6.Food: Dukes was good, on Maui, we loved Nick's Fish House and Cheeseburgers in Paradise for some grease.

    7. You wont want to leave, Kailani is sooooo lucky