Hawaii Vacation

I just finished my Oahu blog entry on the Odds site. Before I make it easy to find, please have a preview. You wouldn't believe the work that goes into writing these things up, formatting the pictures, and putting everything in HTML, so I'd be interested in any comments.

Thats funny, I read the report before I read your whole post and my thought was, wow, it must have taken about 6 hours to do it. North shore was a wise choice. I lived in HI in the late 70's and could only afford the south shore. It was awful, its where all the dope smoking locals on weed and welfare live. I had to take a public bus into the city and saw the underbelly of the island that tourists never see. It eventually drew me back to the mainland. I could never shake the constant thought when I was there, what a beautiful place this must have been before people ruined it..

The entry looks clean and well-formatted. I didn't catch any typos or misspellings.


I'm happy you did the pineapple maze! I have an insane love for that. One of my sons still has his card tucked into his pencil case, and it's been almost four years since we went to Oahu. We still tease him about "My pineapple looks like a coconut with hair." The kids also enjoyed the Pearl Harbor tour, doubly when I told them the narrator (Ernest Borgnine) was Mermaid Man from Spongebob.

I also remember some restaurant on the eastern shore in a town north of Waimanalo (can't remember the town but I think the restaurant was named Pinky's) that had guys who did the most amazing balloon sculptures. And my kids love Hanauma Bay. Add in the ease in which you can climb Diamond Head, and Oahu is a good touristy but not too touristy place to bring children.

I've also been to Kauai which is a great place to veg out but expensive. My husband took my oldest son to the Big Island when one of the volcanoes was active. I've never had much desire to go to Maui because that's where the Beautiful People go.

I got the worst sunburn ever on my lips in Hawaii, and I've lived in a beach town most of my life. I will never forget to protect my lips again. That was stupid.

I enjoyed it Wizard. One note regarding the Japanese surrender documents... The ones on display on the USS Missouri are copies. The originals are in the National Archives in Washington D.C.

I really enjoyed the tour of Missouri, and would recommend folks spend the money on the more expensive tour option (there are discount coupons in the tourist booklets you find in the hotels or airport). You get to go to some special places on the ship, like inside the fire control room of one of the big 16 inch gun turrets.

I clicked hoping for Beverly D'Angelo bikini shots.

Great report Wiz! I always enjoy your reports as they are both entertaining and I learn a little as well. Now I know what you call 3 under par, (had to look it up), and I had no idea the crater of Diamond Head contained a visitor center. I pulled it up on Google Earth after seeing it in the link you posted. Since it seems most volcano's come back to life at some point are they sure it is positively, absolutely, undeniably and reliably dead?

I noticed one thing in the report:

Near the bottom, when writing about the maze you mention the same thing in two consecutive paragraphs:

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I, unfortunately, am not among those people who can say that. My guidebook said it takes the average person 15 to 30 minutes to complete the maze. After a solid hour, I still had only six of the eight stations.

Quote:

It was after I returned home that I read the passage saying the average person takes only 15 to 30 minutes to complete the thing. Say what?! Now I felt like a complete doofus. After an hour, I had six stations of the eight stations only.

Perhaps that was intentional, but it kind of looked like you wrote it one way, changed your mind and wrote it another, and left both in.

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right next to the monument. USS Missouri

the above was not finished?

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The Missouri also safely shelled the Iraqi army from a distance as the Iraqis occupied Kuwait in the first Gulf War, causing their hasty retreat and resulting in what is now the shortest war in US history.

as this is not a very good summary of that war or that action I would just say the battleship participated in that war. [unless I am very much mistaken]. Perhaps you are not looking for editing help that critical, if so, sorry!
_

It *is* very long and I will have to finish later. I do think you successfully make your trip reports interesting, no easy task! That may be because we have some similarities in how we approach such, but actually you get way more out of it than I would and it deserves a blog post while mine never would!

I use Mozilla's Firefox 4 something or other as a browser and the page displayed halfway off the right edge of the screen. Its probably my virus induced settings or something but it might be displayed that way for anyone using FireFox.

The first paragraph under Kaena Point has an extra "I".

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...inconvenient, so I my son and I did it along the north shore.

As usual, I liked this blog entry.

Quote: FleaStiff

I use Mozilla's Firefox 4 something or other as a browser and the page displayed halfway off the right edge of the screen. Its probably my virus induced settings or something but it might be displayed that way for anyone using FireFox.

Same for me with Firefox 3.6.

Great report.


A couple of nit-picks:

The hand-drawn map is cute. I guess you REALLY don't want to step on anyone's toes about copyrights. But use a different resoution. It looks crappy until it's clicked on.

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Besides hosting the state capitol, Honolulu was also the last capitol of the kingdom of Hawaii, before the United Stated conquered it.

I always thought that the Hawaiians WANTED to become part of the USA. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Hawaii seems to support my memory.

After the Pearl Harbor section, there's a section heading for USS Misssouri that isn't correctly formatted.

The first paragraph in the Diamond Head section is so short that the photos that follow are in the wrong postion and therefore partially cut off the side.
Ditto for the Dole Pineapple Pavilion section.

Quote: Wizard

You wouldn't believe the work that goes into writing these things up, formatting the pictures, and putting everything in HTML...

Actually, we would. Nicely done.

Great read. On your next trip to paradise, I strongly encourage you to visit Kauai!

Thanks so much for all the comments so far. I made lots of changes per the typos and formatting issues. Here are some quick responses:

1. Yeah, I know the reduced map stinks. Indeed, I didn't want to violate anybody's copyright, so I just drew my own map. However, it didn't look good after reducing. After spending a whole week on that page I just threw up my hands and said to heck with it.

2. I didn't know the Japanese surrender contract on the Missouri was a replica. That is a shame because everybody was gathering to look at it and take pictures, as if it was the original. It was rare that I got a chance for a picture with only one other tourist in the shot.

3. Kauai is next on my list. No direct flights from Vegas though.

4. I knew somebody would challenge me when I wrote that Hawaii was conquered by the United States. Okay, it wasn't like Germany conquered Poland, but rather a soft conquering. I don't want to get into the whole history, but before it was a US territory Americans controlled most of the economy and owned much the land. With such power, there was a coup to overthrow the Hawaiian monarchy. Although not led by the US government, it was the intent of the coup for the US to annex Hawaii. At this point I don't plan to change that, but if more people complain I'll reconsider. As was noted, most inhabitants probably did support annexation. I think that just outnumbering the natives significantly is a form of conquering.

Quote: Wizard

I knew somebody would challenge me when I wrote that Hawaii was conquered by the United States. Okay, it wasn't like Germany conquered Poland, but rather a soft conquering.

No, certainly not like Germany vs Poland, but not like the early settlers vs the Indians either.

After all, there's a reason you wont find casinos in Hawaii. It's because we didn't steal their land!

This ain't a history site, it's a gambling info site. Therefore....

OK. I'll stop challenging you about it.

Quote: Wizard

... I knew somebody would challenge me when I wrote that Hawaii was conquered by the United States. ...

I don't know how extensive the effort is, but there is indeed a group who object so strongly to the U.S. presence that they have formed a Hawaiian Sovereignty Movement. More info here from that ever-reliable source Wikipedia, including this quote:

Quote: Wikipedia

Some groups advocate redress from the United States for the 1893 overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani, and for what is seen as a prolonged military occupation beginning with the 1898 annexation. The movement generally views both the overthrow and annexation as illegal, and holds the U.S. government responsible.

Quote: Doc

I don't know how extensive the effort is, but there is indeed a group who object so strongly to the U.S. presence that they have formed a Hawaiian Sovereignty Movement.

Meh! Get over it.

Hmmm....

Based upon the Wikipedia article Doc linked, maybe I'm wrong about that "We didn't steal their land" thing.

If that movement achieves it's goal, will we see soverign land casinos in paradise?

Quote: DJTeddyBear

Hmmm....

Based upon the Wikipedia article Doc linked, maybe I'm wrong about that "We didn't steal their land" thing.

If that movement achieves it's goal, will we see soverign land casinos in paradise?

Not if Boyd has a say

I find it curious there's not a single mention of coffee.

Great report. Kids are adorable, as always.

One thing I heard of on HGTV (love that channel) is that every house in Hawaii has an extra attachment called a "Lanai" that is a like a separate "mini-house" with a bathroom, living room, etc. Kind of (but not really) like a mother-in-law suite in the States. Did your rental house have this?

By the way Honululu/Oahu has the second-highest lodging rates in the country, after New York City.

Quote: Nareed

I find it curious there's not a single mention of coffee.

I'm a serious coffee junkie. It's like a running joke in the family. But when we went to Hawaii we didn't do anything coffee-related. I don't even remember if the coffee I had therewas any better than what's on the mainland.

I did drink an inordinate number of maitais. Those I remember!!

Quote: FarFromVegas

I'm a serious coffee junkie.

I'm not that serious ;)

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But when we went to Hawaii we didn't do anything coffee-related. I don't even remember if the coffee I had therewas any better than what's on the mainland.

Last trip to Vegas I bought what was said to be Kona at the ABC store Downtown. It's very dark and strong, but relly good. Some years back I bought a very expensive half pound of "Hawaiian Coffee" at a local store. Best coffe I've ever tasted, bar none. They never had it again :(

But then three years ago I spent a day and half in Xalapa, veracruz, and neglected to get any coffee, or even have a cup of the local brew.

I think I'll start another coffee thread...

Quote: teddys

Great report....One thing I heard of on HGTV (love that channel) is that every house in Hawaii has an extra attachment called a "Lanai" that is a like a separate "mini-house" with a bathroom, living room, etc. Kind of (but not really) like a mother-in-law suite in the States. Did your rental house have this? By the way Honululu/Oahu has the second-highest lodging rates in the country, after New York City.

Thanks for the compliment. No Lanai at the house I rented. Maybe you could call that house of driftwood my kids made in the last picture our Lanai. They call those things a casita here Vegas, which would be Spanish for little house (casa = house, and the "ita" ending means small). Doesn't surprise me about Honolulu. All of Hawaii is very expensive for lodging. I used to say everything in Hawaii is expensive, but is the hotels/condos that really hurt.

Quote: Nareed

I find it curious there's not a single mention of coffee.

I could have added a story about that. While my wife was grocery shopping in Hale'iwa I was milling about the other shops. I came to a stand selling organic food. Being the sociable person that I am, I was happily chatting with the cute gal minding the stand. Most of the fruits I not only couldn't name but had never even seen before. So I was pestering her for a botany lesson. After wasting about ten minutes of her time I felt obligated to buy something. However, I didn't want to take a chance on some bizarre piece of fruit I would probably hate (I'm more of a vegetable man). So I noticed some bags of pure Hawaiian coffee. I want to emphasize pure because in the supermarkets so-called Hawaiian coffee is often only made from about 5% or 10% Hawaiian beans, the rest from elsewhere, probably Columbia. This bag was the whole way Hawaiian.

So I bought a tiny little bag for $10. Half way back to the car I realize that the bag contained whole coffee beans, and the house would probably not have a grinder, which it didn't. So I figured I would bring it home, sneak them into the Summerlin Costco, and use their coffee bean grinder. However, I didn't want my wife to get mad at me for spending $10 on a tiny bag of coffee beans with no way to grind them. So I hid them in the glove compartment of the car. You can guess what happened next...I forgot to take them out when I turned the car in. So I hope somebody with Dollar Rent a Car is enjoying them.

Quote: Wizard

.... So I noticed some bags of pure Hawaiian coffee. I want to emphasize pure because in the supermarkets so-called Hawaiian coffee is often only made from about 5% or 10% Hawaiian beans, the rest from elsewhere, probably Columbia. This bag was the whole way Hawaiian. ...

I took a tour of Kona (on the west side of the big island) in 2004. The guide claimed that right there was the only place you could buy genuine, 100% Kona coffee. He said that when we got back to the 48 and saw a bag claiming "pure Kona coffee", that would be a bald-faced lie -- instead the product would be a blend, such as the Wizard described.

Doesn't make much difference to me; I don't drink the stuff at all. But I did buy a small bag of the beans in Kona for my brother, who was a bit of a coffee snob.

Quote: Wizard

I forgot to take them out when I turned the car in. So I hope somebody with Dollar Rent a Car is enjoying them.

Hehe, or more likely, no one will notice for a long time, but the car sure has a "fresh brewed aroma".

Quote: Wizard

So I bought a tiny little bag for $10. Half way back to the car I realize that the bag contained whole coffee beans, and the house would probably not have a grinder, which it didn't. So I figured I would bring it home, sneak them into the Summerlin Costco, and use their coffee bean grinder.

My coffee addiction started in 1990 when I fell head over heels for the Colombian coffee I tried while on vacation in Orlando and Miami. I got a small bag of pure Colombian coffee, only to realize when I got home it was whole beans. I took them to a coffee store that had its own grinders, but they refused to grind it unless I bought something. Stupidly I dind't. So I shopped around for a cheap grinder, but got an attack of sticker shock every time. So eventually the bag languished for years at the back of the pantry.

Since then I make sure to check I'm getting grounds.

Oh, that vacation I also left my glasses in the rental car...

Quote: Wizard

No Lanai at the house I rented. Maybe you could call that house of driftwood my kids made in the last picture our Lanai. They call those things a casita here Vegas, which would be Spanish for little house (casa = house, and the "ita" ending means small).

I always thought a "lanai" in Hawaiian architecture refered to a wide porch with furnishings and a view (aka, "veranda").

With regards to building a casino in Hawaii:

The Hawaii State House of Representatives and Senate came very close this year to passing a bill which would allow for one (and only one) casino to be built and opperated in Waikiki. Hawaii, facing a $1.3 billion budget deficit over the next two fiscal years, was trying to find new ways to increase revenue for the state long term.

The bill was presented at the 11th hour and it was decided not to go forward because of wording problems. However, the amazing amount of popular support has had the state legislature strongly considering the bill. Expect to see it back in the limelight soon.

I would think that Boyd Gaming would jump all over that casino if they were given a chance.

Good blog posting by the Wizard. Perhaps he could review the casino if it is ever built.

Quote: Ayecarumba

I always thought a "lanai" in Hawaiian architecture refered to a wide porch with furnishings and a view (aka, "veranda").

Ayecarumba is correct. It can also refer to a balcony.

Quote: Ayecarumba

I always thought a "lanai" in Hawaiian architecture refered to a wide porch with furnishings and a view (aka, "veranda").

I thought that too, but wasn't sure enough to throw the challenge flag. When I was house shopping two years ago my agent mentioned Lanais on houses here several times, and I know she used the term "casita" for a little guest house.

Quote: gambler

With regards to building a casino in Hawaii:

The Hawaii State House of Representatives and Senate came very close this year to passing a bill which would allow for one (and only one) casino to be built and opperated in Waikiki. Hawaii, facing a $1.3 billion budget deficit over the next two fiscal years, was trying to find new ways to increase revenue for the state long term.

The bill was presented at the 11th hour and it was decided not to go forward because of wording problems. However, the amazing amount of popular support has had the state legislature strongly considering the bill. Expect to see it back in the limelight soon.

I would think that Boyd Gaming would jump all over that casino if they were given a chance.

Good blog posting by the Wizard. Perhaps he could review the casino if it is ever built.

Here's a bit of trivia... Did you know that in 2009, the Governor of Hawaii amended the state tax code to prevent residents of the state from deducting losses from their income tax calculation of gambling winnings? I can't imagine having to track and pay tax on every win, but not have the tax benefit of every loss.


The state was forced to reinstate the deduction a year later to bring them in line with the federal regulation.

Quote: Wizard

3. Kauai is next on my list. No direct flights from Vegas though.

IMO, Kauai is a lot like the North Shore, but without the nice beaches. There are some nice, scenic things to see, but it is a small, slow paced place. If you loved the North Shore of Oahu, it is more of the same, but without the option of driving to someplace open past 8 pm.

Kauai is the oldest of the main islands, and more north, so alot of the geography is worn and rustic. The weather is generally cooler, with bouts of rain on the north shore expected year round. There are some uber-exclusive resorts there if you are into that.

Quote: Ayecarumba

IMO, Kauai is a lot like the North Shore, but without the nice beaches.

I've heard nothing but good things about Kauai. Any advice on a specific part of Kauai? Molokai intrigues me as well.

Quote: Wizard

I've heard nothing but good things about Kauai. Any advice on a specific part of Kauai? Molokai intrigues me as well.

The south side (Poipu Beach) is supposed to be sunnier, but I was there (several years ago) in November, so you get what you get (overcast, windy, occassional showers, big surf, even on the south side.) I stayed at the Hyatt, which was very nice for a Hyatt, and superior to their property on Maui. The swimming pool even had these waterslides built into the hillside that were pretty fun. High surf, surprising for a south facing beach, prevented anyone from going to close to the water.

Much of the island is undeveloped, or was still not fully recovered from 1992's Hurricane Iniki, even though years had passed. The main town, Lihue, where the airport is located, had like two stoplights. It was tough to find anything open in the evening, even restaurants, as most places close by 8 p.m. There was no nightlife to speak of, outside of a piano bar at the hotel, but it seems that this suits most visitors just fine. On the recommendation of the doorman at the hotel, I got a pizza from Brick Oven Pizza in Kapaa. I must say, that was a great pizza.

To get to most of the really scenic places (like the previously mentioned Jurrasic Park scenes) You may need a 4x4, or to charter a helicopter. Most of the beaches on the northern coastline (Napali) are protected by sheer cliffs and are not accessible from the island. The best way see them, or land there is by zodiac. Supposedly, there are awesome hiking and camping opportunities on the West side of the island (Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific"), but sleeping in a tent, fighting off mosquitos, and carrying a heavy backpack does not make it a vacation for me. I also have some friends who had to be evacuated while hiking there when one of them slipped on a trail and broke his leg.

It is not too hard to find a secluded beach on the south side of the island, but being from Town, and having seen too many movies where innocent tourists are brutalized by crazies in secluded places, I have a hard time relaxing when I am in the middle of nowhere. Again, the vibe is much like the North Shore of Oahu, but when the surf is up, forget going in the water.

I took a helicopter tour, which was a great experience, if you are into waterfalls, and not prone to motion sickness. As an aside, hovering in a chopper is a much different (get your "aloha bag" ready) sensation, than when the helicopter is moving. I am not sure why. The helicopter tour was comped after enduring a time share sales pitch (but that is a story for another thread).

If you have the Netflix, check out Elvis' "Blue Hawaii". Much of it was filmed there, and it still looks the same.

One thing that surprised me is that the island is not that big a place. I got this fold out map with my rental car and plotted a course around the island to visit the north side, expecting it to be a day of driving, stopping and sightseeing along the way (like driving to Hana on Maui, or around the Big Island from Hilo to Kona). It turns out that in only 45 minutes on a well developed road, we were all the way on the other side of the island.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority has a great website with lots of info here.

Quote: Wizard

I thought that too, but wasn't sure enough to throw the challenge flag. When I was house shopping two years ago my agent mentioned Lanais on houses here several times, and I know she used the term "casita" for a little guest house.

You're right. The guest house is called the "O'hana."

To salvage my mistake, let's pretend I was talking about the Lanai Express cafe at the Fremont.

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