Hawaii

Hi DG'ers...

I am in the midst of trying to plan the most amazing vacation of our lives - a trip to Hawaii in the beginning of December.

I would love to hear from those of you who have been there and anyone who lives there, as to what would make the most amazing vacation ever!

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Love to all
Janie

Hi Janie - what islands are you thinking about?

We "own" a piece of a timeshare that allows us one week in a nice condo thing on Kona. But then DH wants to stay close to where we can see Pearl Harbor - so we will be staying in the Aston Coconut Plaza (we got one night free!) for the last few days.

What we are looking for is day trips to various islands, or wonderful things not to be missed, things out of the ordinary, gentle things since I am still rather disabled and won't be doing any climbing or much walking at all... I may even ask to rent a motorized wheelchair for visiting there to make sure I don't slow my able-bodied DH while we are there.

yesterday on Direct TV they had a program about the secret gardens that are there. They were amazing!!!!! I would rent the cart and have tons of fun exploring the pathways of these gardens.

I was born in Hawaii and left when I was almost 3 so I don't remember much other than the pretty flowers there and the lovely people. Have a great time!

Janiejoy: I was in Hawaii in 1979. I know it has problably changed alot since then. It all is absolutely stunningly beautiful. We took the boat trip out to Pearl Harbor Memorial, it really sets you aback with emotions. Such a somber experience. The islands themselves are exquisite and the food is so good. All except the Poi, tastes like wallpaper paste. We went swimming in a volcano, where the colorful fish were almost up to the beach. We were mainly on Waikiki beach on Oahahu. Be sure to take a drive around the island, it is about an 1 1/2 hr. drive. If you can take a chartered plane ride around the different islands, really something to see from the air. I know you will have the time of your life. Enjoy!!!!!

Maybe we can meet over there. My wife won a 5 night trip to Maui on a radio station. Since the airfare, lodging and car were all included, we decided to "splurge" and add another 5 nights in Kauai. We are going snorkeling & whale watching on Maui http://www.pacificwhale.org/adventures/whalewatch.html and plan to visit the aquarium. We went to Maui about 15 years ago - Visited Haleakala (well worth the drive)http://www.nps.gov/hale/ , the road to Hana http://www.hanamaui.com/home.html , Iao valley http://www.gagme.com/greg/vacation/hawaii/ioavalley.html , snorkeled, catamaran to Molokini (definitely cool)http://www.hawaiiweb.com/maui/html/sites/molokini.html and went square dancing.
We plan on Waimea Canyon, the Fern Grotto and at least two Gardens on Kauai. http://www.wanderplanet.com/TravelPac/cyUS/HIKau/KauPk1.htm
My only complaint about Hawaii is that they don't have enough consonants :-}

Mahalo

George
Was on Kauai in April. Enjoyed the helicopter trip and "Postcards" restaurant on the North Shore.

Don't miss the sunrise at Haleakala and the Road to Hana. One of our favorites was the drive to Hana then a helicopter trip back. We also took a helicopter over the active volcano on the big island. You'll find plenty to enjoy, perhaps I could come along as a guide LOL!

If I come as a guide we will go beyond Hana to the big waterfalls and hike through the bamboo forest.

I am getting excited just hearing the things to see and do!
Keep it coming!

What Island are you going to again? You said something about Kona, which is on the big Island, and then Pearl Harbor, which is on Oahu. If you're going to the big island, go to the Hilo side (opposite from Kona, where it's just like So Cal- crowded and not all that interesting) where it's tropical! Gotta see the Hilo zoo- great tropical plantings! Some nice smaller botanical gardens there, too. If on Oahu, well then you have several fantastic botanical gardens to see: Fosters in Honolulu and Hoalomuhia on the opposite side of the island (away from Pearl Harbor) are the best. Don't miss either!

We are staying both places - first in Kona, then Honolulu, Oahu. We are in a time-share in Kona and then the Ashton Coconut Plaza on Oahu.

thanks, palmbob, for all your good advice about the beautiful botanical things. thanks, everyone for the good ideas and links and .... yayy!

JanieJoy,
My husband and I lived in Hawaii for six years (I was a teacher, and I met him there), and we still have family there. The place we honeymooned is no longer there - it was covered by lava! It's so exciting to share the islands with people. You are lucky to be going!

Things to see off the top of my head...
There is a winery (the only winery in Hawaii) on the Big Island that you might consider. The various wines are made of grapes, honey, and tropical fruits (and blends thereof). See their website http://www.volcanowinery.com

There is a tropical garden near Hilo http://www.hawaiigarden.com/

If you like touristy stuff, Waikiki is it. If you want to know more about native and local culture, Waikiki is not the place.

Historically, the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor is super. Definitely worth a trip. Doesn't take more than a few hours tops. http://www.nps.gov/usar/

Is there any way you can go snorkeling? I don't know the nature of your disability. If you can do it, it is such a unique experience! If you want to do it, I can suggest where to go.

Here are links to disabled travel in Hawaii, including scooter rentals http://www.hawaii.com/visit/travel/
http://www.accessalohatravel.com/

How long will you be there?