accommodation options for girlfriend trip?

Hello,

I%26#39;m from the US and I%26#39;m meeting my native Japanese friend on the Big Island for a vacation (we are both 29). We have one week there. We%26#39;re going to Hilo for one-two nights and I%26#39;d like to stay in the west side for the remainder of our trip. However, it%26#39;s so expensive especially once you add up all of the guided tours, food, rental car, etc. My friend%26#39;s request is only that we snorkel and find some beautiful beaches to relax on.

Do you have any hotel/villa/special lodging recommendations for us? We%26#39;ll be there in August.

Thanks!

accommodation options for girlfriend trip?

No recommendation, but a suggestion. Be sure where ever you choose it has AC. In August, especially in Kailua-Kona it will be hot and humid. Miserably so anywhere without at least some trade winds (which is is a lot of the Kona area south of the airport and makai of the highway).

accommodation options for girlfriend trip?

what is your budget....cant suggest anything without a price....you must have AC. proably in the $150 a night range would be the Magic Sands for a studio

cook...dont eat out, pack a lunch.

This is the second most expensive time to come

you will have a hard time even getting a reservation with this short notice....

hotels or condos with beautiful beach are all in the 300-1000 a night range in Waikoloka and Kohala...but the snorkeling will all be in Kona. 1 hour south

Thanks! Yes, I%26#39;d say $150-250 per night for price range. Wow, I didn%26#39;t realize how stretched out the Big Island is. I%26#39;ll look into the studios you suggested. Yes, we can only go over the Japanese Holiday, Obon week. That%26#39;s the only week off she gets so we%26#39;re kind of stuck with those dates in August.

Does the Hilo area shut down on Sunday?

Hello,

I am planning a week trip to Hawaii. I was going to stay in Hilo two nights - Sunday and Monday. We want to visit Volcanoes National Park and that famous waterfall (the name escapes me). I%26#39;m worried about booking on Sunday because I hear that everything shuts down. Is that true? Should I do Hilo on Monday-Tuesday instead?

Thanks!

Does the Hilo area shut down on Sunday?

you are correct....the park will be open so will be Akaka falls.

Does the Hilo area shut down on Sunday?

Thanks!

it%26#39;s mostly restaurants that are shut down on Sunday and Monday both. Lots of shops and businesses are closed Sunday or close earlier but none of this really affects the visitor unless you had a particular restaurant on your list.

On non-rainy Sundays the beach parks in Hilo and Liliuokalani Gardens are very crowded with little or no parking, so if you want to see the Gardens at least (which I recommend), try them on Monday to avoid crowds ... but if you want to see Hilo social life then go on Sunday -- if you can%26#39;t park right there you can walk in.

It depends on what you are looking for. Did you have something specific, other than the HVNP, Rainbow and Akaka Falls in mind?

Other thank Volcanoes National Park and Akaka Falls, I didn%26#39;t have anything in mind. I still have to research Hilo though. Thanks!

wireless mouse

Captain Bob's Adventure Cruise

Has anyone taken the ';Captain Bob%26#39;s Adventure Cruise';? What can you tell me about it? do you recommend this? It would 4 girls in 20%26#39;s. Thanks for your help.

Captain Bob's Adventure Cruise

I took it in April 2006. Maybe the regular boat was under repair or something (some posters claim it was great) but it was the worst waste of time and money I have ever experienced in Hawaii.

This is what I said about it in a previous post:

We hated Capt. Bob%26#39;s last year. We thought it was a complete waste of time and money (badly kept boat, indifferent crew, unappetizing food, lousy snorkeling and a LONG, not very scenic, bus ride to windward side). We were stuck with it due to the Waikiki pollution in April 2006 but there are better trips that go to places off Diamond Head and Waikiki.

There were not a lot of other boats there where Bob%26#39;s went but perhaps there was a reason... the wind made it very cold (it was April) and no one stayed in the water very long at the sandbar. Hence no volleyball, etc. The snorkel site was very mediocre, with poor visibility from runoff and stirred up sand. The boat (a motor boat, not a sailboat as in the picture on the web site at the time) was rundown. We did not eat the food, preferring to wait and eat something more appetizing.

This is probably the most negative I%26#39;ve been about anything on this forum. Sorry, but it was really a bad experience for us. Try searching the Oahu forums for Ko Olina Cat, Outrigger Cat, etc. and see if you can find some trips people liked.';

Captain Bob's Adventure Cruise

Thank you for letting me know. I will take off my list and look for something else.

I respect the review from Honu_Ohana. But, April of 2006 was nothing but rain %26amp; floods for the entire month.

Kaneohe Bay was not swimmable during most of that time.

I have not been on the cruise so I cannot recommend it.

Here are some other reviews:

tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60982-d52鈥?/a>

Hey Dusty! Looks like everyone on the link you provided had good things to say. I will look into it some more. We did the Mai Tai catamaran last year and it was fun so i have the impression that it might be similar

Thanks!

Hey Monkey00,

I was thinking of doing this as well. I don%26#39;t know how much it is but it sounds like so much fun. My sister who use to live there for about 3yrs advised Sands bar a must! She said the only way to see this was by boat. Let me know if you find any other trips such as this. The main reason I wanted to do this trip was because we did something similar in Cozumel. Where you take a boat to a private island, barbecue, do volleyball %26amp; snorkeling/Kayaking. I was looking for something like this in Hawaii but the only thing I saw similar was Captains Bob%26#39;s cruise.

I think you will enjoy the cruise if, like the other people who reviewed it, you want a day on a boat and several activities. If you are going just for the snorkeling or want a nice sailboat I think there are trips leaving from the leeward side that would be a better trip for that.

I know April was a bad month for runoff, but the poorly maintained and dirty boat and unappetizing food and foodservice and indifferent crew were offputting, compared to other trips we have been on in Hawaii and the Caribbean. Plus the underwater site, even in clear water, was not spectacular.

Here are some alternatives I found when we were planning our trip, but did not take because of the day of week and/or Waikiki pollution incident:

KoOlina Cat (this leaves from 45 minutes north of Waikiki but the website says they have Waikiki pickup)

http://www.hawaiinautical.com/tours.asp#1

Outrigger Catamaran

http://www.outriggercatamaranhawaii.com/

Th, Th, Sa off the beach in front of the Outrigger Waikiki

Here are some others:

hawaiiactivities.com/us/鈥?0

www.bikehawaii.com/snorkel_adventures.html

My wife and I have done this cruise and plan to go again this summer with our son and daughter in law.

We drove to the pier, so I can%26#39;t comment about the bus. The boat, crew, and food were fine. Had a great time playing volleyball, sunning and socializing. The snorkeling was good, not the best ever, but fun. The interactions between guests and crew really made the day.

Maybe Honu Ohana hit them at a bad time. I would consider an experience two years ago like Ohana%26#39;s and mine which is three years ago not a particularly reliable predictor of current excursions. Would like to know more recent experiences if anyone could share.

BTW, we kayaked K-Bay to the sandbar last year and had a good time too.

Thanks everyone! I will look into ALL suggestions. The other 3 girls have left me to decide on what to do so i have the pressure of choosing the right stuff. My trip wont be for a few months but i like to plan ahead :)

My 15 yo son and I did Captain Bob%26#39;s in January 2008. It was a fun day out. It%26#39;s about a half hour drive to the boat so you get to do a bit of sightseeing on the way, the food was simple (hamburgers with salad, beans and cornchips, fruitsalad) but it tasted good and was fresh, the crew were great and very attentive to everyone%26#39;s wants and needs. The volleyball was a fun way to get some interaction happening and lots of laughs. You actually stop here so you can get your snorkel gear organised, fitted and tested and, then the boat moves to the reef. I agree that it%26#39;s not the best coral in the world but there is some pretty coloured coral there and the fish were cool. We saw turtles as we were cruising which was so cool!!! Their cute little heads would pop out of the water. I would recommend it for a fun all around day out. I think the best part was there was no one else around, so just us to enjoy the environment.

skin

Easter brunch on Kauai

We%26#39;ll be on Kauai April 14-24, staying at Marriott Kauai Beach Club timeshare. Looking for a good Easter brunch. Any recommendations?

Easter brunch on Kauai

Check out Gaylords at Kilohana Plantation. We went there for brunch last week. It is $11.95 and although it was good, we don%26#39;t eat enough to make it worthwhile. Easter brunch might be more elaborate and more $. All the ladies get an orchid lei which was a very nice bonus.

Easter brunch on Kauai

I second Gaylords! But you must make a reservation, not only for Easter but anytime you want to go there. We had the 11.95 breakfast also, and it was very good. If I were you I%26#39;d make the reservation A.S.A.P. (google their phone number) because in the case of a holiday they probably fill their reservations quickly.

Bump, any good suggestions for Easter 2008?

Aloha from Kaua%26#39;i!

Pretty much the same spots - the Hyatt, Sheraton all offer special Easter brunches and while they are pricey, they are very nice indeed.

I have heard Gaylord%26#39;s has a good one as well, but have never done that one myself.

If you want to go ';cheap and local'; the Wailua Family Restaurant has a great buffet as well - we took my elderly mother there last year and she loved it!

Malama Pono,

Janet

Pride of Aloha leaving Hawaii

NCL cruise ship Pride of Hawaii left Hawaii last week.

Now NCL has announced plans for Pride of Aloha to leave in 3 months.

That will leave Pride of America as the only cruise ship that will be based in Hawaii.

honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article鈥?/a>

Pride of Aloha leaving Hawaii

I think given the reviews on here of those cruises they won%26#39;t be missed. It was a great experiment it just didn%26#39;t pan out.

Pride of Aloha leaving Hawaii

most of the reviews were written by super economy passengers expecting luxury for their $50 a day cruise.....

I took Pride of Aloha this past October and found nothing to complain about and I am used to Luxury ships.......

The Pride of Aloha was excellent in - layout and ports and food was pretty good....crew was very good.

The departure means a loss to island business of over $166 million... a lot of little places in Kona Hilo and Kauai are going to go under... Who remains will charge more.... It is a very big impact to Hawaii,

No ,the problem was that with 3 ships sailing around the islands there were 7000 cabins to fill each week...and inorder to fill them NCL had to offer up to 86% discounts.....selling $3500 cabins for $549.

Then seeing NCL in Hawaii ...Carnival, Princess ,Holland, Celeb.all stepped in with double their cruises.... and they all had to start slashing fares to breakeven...sort of like the airlines did a few years ago

The days of the cheap cruise to and around Hawaii as I advised last year...seeing this coming, will be by May....gone forever. The total number of cabins now available will be 60% less than last year....THe airlines are doing the same...less seats..more demand= higher prices....its shifted to a sellers market from a buyers market.

Just think how that would effect Honolulu and Maui, it they tore down 60% of the hotels ?

If NCL had to discount up to 86% then they were their own problem for having 3 cruise ships in Hawaii.

With one cruise ship, they shouldn%26#39;t have to discount at all to fill it up.

I don%26#39;t agree with the total loss in business that Hawaii will suffer because of the loss of 2 of their ships.

The ports will lose a lot of $$, but many that were going on a Hawaii cruise will still opt to go to Hawaii %26amp; fly to one or more of the other islands.

What percentage of those that take Hawaii cruises that will still end up going to Hawaii, I have no idea.

I%26#39;m sure it will affect hotel reservations %26amp; rates if a lot of them opt for land instead of cruising Hawaii.

But, to be honest, I thought they were just wishful thinking in that they needed to operate 3 cruise ships in Hawaii.

Hmmmm....

They could always install berths on the Superferry.

Win, win.

Valley Isle Resort????

Anyone ever stayed in a condo at the Valley Isle Resort, up in Kahana? If so, how was your experience and would you recommend it? I am looking at either renting units #805, #509, #809 or #409.

Mahalo!

Valley Isle Resort????

My family stays at the valley isle on most trips to Maui because my aunt has a condo there. The rooms are pretty big, but nothing fancy. Standard Hawaii condos, with mostly great views from your lani.

Parking on Maui

How is the parking situation on Maui? I know it probably depends on the tourist season, therefore we are leaving in 2 weeks and staying for 2 weeks. Can it be expensive and a headache to find parking?

Does anyone know any tips about saving money on parking and finding alrernative safe places to park?

I don%26#39;t mind having to look a bit for parking but I will be with my nice, but impatient Husband.

Thank you

Bellini

Parking on Maui

Never had any problems with parking. It%26#39;s a bit harder in Lahaina but we never had to pay for parking.

Parking on Maui

Where are you guys staying? What part of the island?

We are staying in Kihei. We can walk across the street to go to the beach, but I can see us trying out other beach%26#39;s especially for the snorkeling, and boogie boarding. What is the parking like at the beach%26#39;s?

all of the beaches have free parking -- the shops and restauants all have free parking available--the condos have free parking but i believe that the bigger hotels may charge guests for daily parking and valet assistance

other then that you should have no problem --

whereever possible park next to other cars and in the evening try to find well lighted locations

I only know of two places on Maui where you are charged for parking: Lahaina and Kaanapali. There are also some free spaces in those areas, if you can find a spot. Some hotels and a few condos charge for overnight parking, and a hotel%26#39;s valet parking will be a charge.

The Lahaina pay parking is only a couple of dollars. Weigh that against the time driving around to save a couple of dollars.

Here is my free parking tip for Lahaina. Get there around 4pm and park in the free lot just off Prison and Front streets. For free beach parking, get to the lots before 9 am. If you find some beaches that you would like to go to, list them and some of us will give you directions to the free lots.

ChiSue I believe you are also charged for parking at the Kahului airport (after the first half hour).

We didn%26#39;t have any trouble parking last April. The night we ate at Cheeseburger in Paradise it took two passes, but a spot opened up right in front. Parking was plentiful, and free, in most areas.

Doubt the OP%26#39;s question was about airport parking, but yes, you do pay unless you are in the temporary lot (20 minute limit, we were told).

BTW, it is a good idea for new arrivals to use that temp lot. You can get your rental car, park in temp parking and go across the street into the terminal to collect the rest of your party and luggage. (Avoid a run-in with the airport police who enforce the rule about not leaving your vehicle in the pick-up lanes.)

acrylic nails gel nails

Whale watch in March - Help needed!

Me and my husband are planning to visit Oahu in Hawaii in March (approx. between 8th - 22th). Please share you thoughts and experience on our chances to indeed/realy see the whales (either/both within the whale watch boat trip and/or from the shore/while snorkelling etc.) at that place on that time. Please help! We need to decide quite urgently! I would be really happy if you also share your thoughts and experience on service providers. Much thanks to all in advance !

Whale watch in March - Help needed!

Whale watching cruises on Oahu are not that good. Probably 50-60% of the time you will see whales. Star of Honolulu is one of the better cruises.

From shore:

Watch for surf reports on the news the night before you want to see whales. Pick the area that will have the least surf so you can see the whales better if they are there.

Best places to see whales from shore:

Makapuu Lighthouse Trail - Stop at an area where the trail turns toward the left. There will be a whale information type sign. Scan the ocean for about 15 minutes or so. Look for the spray. Usually you can see the spray before the whales surface.

Halona Blowhole is also OK.

On the Leeward side, drive to Yokohama Bay Beach at the end of the road toward Kaena Point. Saw 5 whales in the area last week.

On North Shore, you can see them from many places. Try to get a higher vantage point. Pupukea (Shark%26#39;s Cove) is OK, the beach at the end of the road toward Kaena Point is OK.

Most times the whales are pretty far out, but occasionally they are only a hundred yards or so away.

Whale watch in March - Help needed!

Your best bet to see whales is to take a fly/drive trip to Maui for the day.

I just came back from Oahu and saw Whales. I took the star of honolulu cruise.

Karen

Have a problem with TA homepage(Hawaii forums)

I%26#39;m wondering if anyone else is having this problem. For a while, before Christmas, I was not on TA very much. Upon returning here, I noticed that the home page for TA Hawaii forums had changed. By changed I mean, the page is bigger. I have to constantly scroll back and forth(left to right) to see the entire page. I never had this problem before. It is a rather irritating problem, I think. Is anyone else noticing this? Or am I just nuts?? Is there a way to correct it?

Thanks.

Have a problem with TA homepage(Hawaii forums)

You must be using either a smaller monitor, or a lower screen resolution on your monitor.

I suspect that TA, like many sites now, have expanded the minimum width of their website to be over 800 pixels in width. For many users with smaller monitors or lower screen resolutions, that%26#39;ll mean horizontal scrolling.

Try changing your monitor (if possible) to a min of 1024 x 768. That should correct the problem. (Rlick click on the desktop, Properties, Settings, and adjust the setting).

Have a problem with TA homepage(Hawaii forums)

I don%26#39;t have the problem.

You%26#39;re not nuts - I have the same problem on both home and work computers - yes it is irritating, but I%26#39;m getting used to it. Funny though - the page is not huge when replying to a post...

Go figure..computer at work is several years old and one at home is very new

3Chihuahuas

I tried changing the settings. It changes things so there is no need to scroll, but makes the print so small I can barely read it!!

3chihuahuas, you are right, when I go to post a reply....no problem at all.

Guess I%26#39;ll just have to put up with the problem.

Pattie

I don%26#39;t go to their home page to get on the forums.

I just use this link for the Hawaii Forum. If it works then bookmark it %26amp; use it instead of going through their home site.

tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g28932-i36-Hawaii.鈥?/a>

Yes Dusty, this is what I do also. Seems like the left side of the page is filled with a lot of ads which cause you to have to scroll left to right.

Just never had this problem before.

skin

Hilo Hatties

Hi We will be arriving in Oahu on March 29th and I am wondering if Hilo Hatties have moved to the Royal Hawaiian Center. I thought I read a quite a while back on TA that they were moving there. Maybe I am wrong. Thanks

Hilo Hatties

They have not moved yet.

Hilo Hatties

Thanks Dusty Any idea when they might be moving?

RQ Waikiki Circle or Banyan - Is the Banyan too far away?

Hi all, I have now moved to looking at RQ Circle (for the view and price that comes with it) - but reviews say the rooms are very small. Opinions whether better to stay at the Banyan with the Condo room - but is it too far from restaurants etc I will have 2 kids aged 11 %26amp; 14 with me and no car. Was going to splurge at the Waikiki Reef but will probably get just as much out of the Circle? I was originally thinking of the Aqua Wave or Palms but have been turned off. Only really want to spend up to 200 - 250 a night.

RQ Waikiki Circle or Banyan - Is the Banyan too far away?

RQ Waikiki Banyan is about a block behind %26amp; a block over from RQ Waikiki Circle. Waikiki Circle is right across the street from the beach. Waikiki Banyan is one block from the beach.

Any place in Waikiki is close to restaurants, shops %26amp; the beach.

I would rather have the extra room at the Banyan.

Lots of info including maps of Waikiki:

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g29222-i37-k647862鈥?/a>

RQ Waikiki Circle or Banyan - Is the Banyan too far away?

Waikiki Circle has a fabulous location but the Banyan has the room you will need. They have kitchens which will keep your costs under control. There is a recreation deck with pool, jacuzzi, tennis and barbecues. It is not far at all from the action...a five minute stroll at most.

Thanks for the feedback. So much easier when travelling without teens!!

hi

i agree with the other repiles the location of the circle is wonderful especially if you have an oceanfront or oceanview lanai but rooms are small.

the banyan is only a block back from the beach the rooms will be bigger there is a pool for the kids, and you will have a kitchen that will help save money especially with 2 growing boys.plus you will be right off kuhio ave where most of the bus routes run there are stops all over kuhio and since you won%26#39;t have a car this will be convenient for you all.if you do decide to rent a car for some of the days the banyan has reasonable parking 8.00 a day or 40.00 a week. we stayed at the royal grove and only rented a car for 2 days,but since the grove does not have parking we used the banyan garage it was just acouple blocks walk down kuhio to the grove from yhe banyan.everything in waikiki is pretty close to each other it is a very walkable area lots of places to eat and shop.

aloha marie

Hi Roxy48,

Have also been tossing up about the Banyan. Most of the reviews seem to be good, the extra space is a draw card. We are going in September so would be interested in hearing from anyone who has stayed here. There are 8, of us so thinking of getting 2 x 1 bedroom apartments. Our group consists of 3 x 50 year olds, kids are 5,20,21,22,24.

Hi cas, yep its a difficult task. I am all over the place trying to decide. Sometimes I think I will spend more and do the outrigger to be close to the beach, then started on the Circle due to reviews. With so many of you, its a simpler choice re the condo. There are lots of photos of the actual condos on vrbo.com to help you decide too.

The Banyan is an excellent choice for a family in Waikiki. The project has been well-looked after over the years and has a great urban resort feel.

I have always enjoyed living/staying along Kuhio rather than Kalakaua, specifically because the brief walk back, which is three short blocks (not one) that just happen to have been consolidated into larger chunks in some places over the years, allows a couple of minutes for you to decompress from the bustle of Kalakaua Ave or dry off from the beach.

The diamond head end of Waikiki also feels less congested, and being closeby the expansive Park/Zoo acreage allows you to easily escape the concrete canyons and enjoy some of the great local places to eat along Kapahulu Ave.

You might also want to check-out its sister property across the street, the RQ Waikiki Sunset.

The units are larger and true one-bedroom residential-type models. They also have two bedroom units. The project has a tennis court, but the building typically blocks the afternoon sun which can limit the pool action on windy days. The Banyan pool and deck are in the sun all afternoon.

I lived in the Sunset for awhile and the only complaint is the elevators can be crowded.

Another thing. If you are not going to have a car (even though parking at the Banyan is one of the best deals in Waikiki), you will want to use the great bus system. It runs down Kuhio Ave in Waikiki, directly in-front of the Banyan and steps away from the Sunset.

Thanks roxy and amberloo. Much appreciated. I always worry about the accommodation more than anything else - people love to say ';it%26#39;s only for sleeping';, but when I go away on holidays the last thing I want to be greeted with is grotty accommodation.

Will check out the Sunset as well, sounds interesting.

nice info amberloo.... what do u know about the RQ Circle ? great price for being so close to the beach, but you have almost sold me on being down the other end of Waikiki. I dont like the Gold Coast in Queensland australia much, due to the heavy concentration of highrises, so i would probably be better down that end

Hi Roxy48

Why not try the Outrigger Waikiki Shore, great condos overlocking Fort the Russy Park. No other hotel to block the wonderful view. Washing, laundry and dryer machines in every unit. But be sure to book trough Outrigger, this condohotel is next to Outrigger Reef and you can use everything at the hotel too.

Orchids Restaurant

I will be going to Hawaii next week and would like to try Orchids out. I heard great things about this restaurant. I know they have a dress code and you have to wear pants. Do you think they allow tennis shoes?

Karen

Orchids Restaurant

According to Mr.Lipton, the manager of Orchids the dress code for ladies is ';Evening resorts wear,no shorts, t-shirts, or slippers.Collared shirts,long pants, covered shoes for gentlemen';. So, sneakers should be ok,that%26#39;s what I wore during my last visit, and will again, next week. Have a good dinner,

Orchids Restaurant

Was there on Jan 6 for the sunday brunch and it was spectacular. Didn%26#39;t seem to be any dress code enforcement. As long as you aren%26#39;t in swimwear, you should be fine.

Check their website. And pants are not optional!

So tell me about the sunday brunch. Is it like a buffet? I have a reservation for 1:30 pm. I wanted earlier, but they are all booked.

Karen

I just came back from Hawaii and ate at Orchids for their sunday brunch. I saw people wearing t-shirts and jeans. I have eaten here before for dinner, and I have heard the waitresses tell some people to wear pants instead of shorts. So, maybe it%26#39;s more casual for their sunday brunch. Food was good though. Lots and lots of desserts.

Karen

I also had a Sunday brunch,Feb.3, I had a Hawaiian shirt, my wife was a bit more dressed. This, in my opinon, is the best brunch, even better than the Crown room at the Del(Coronado,San Diego). You have everything, the desserts-are simply wonderful, about half a dozen diffenet fish, suckling pig, fruits, and many different shushi.Only drawback,champaign is not free-it is at the Del.If you area sea foody, try the Friday Sea Food buffet at the Surf room at the Royal Hawaiian, in addition to crab legs, shrimp, lobster, many different fish, they alsohave a few chicken choices.

cs files

Tide Pools dining at the Hyatt

Aloha T.A.%26#39;ers

We are thinking about joining friends next week for our be-lated Valentines dinner at Tidepools.

We have eaten at many of the restaurants here on kauai, but none of us have ever been to Tidepools.

So, would appreciate some input as to:

1: Quality of the meal

2: Attitude of the servers

3. Quality and Atiitude = the price.

We understnad that it will be a few bucks, and that is ok. We have eaten on Dondero%26#39;s for a previous valentines dinner, and that was fabulous in all categories.

Will not be going until the 18th, due some personal commitments.

Any suggestions for special meals and/or deserts ?

Mahalo nui loa

Denny and Erica

Tide Pools dining at the Hyatt

Hi Denny!

We went to the Tidepools with our friends from Seattle in late November (during all of the rain). There were 6 of us including my two children. It was incredible, probably the best meal we had all week (we ate at Dondero%26#39;s, Plantation Gardens, Roy%26#39;s %26amp; Keoki%26#39;s for dinner). I had the special chicken, the Pineapple Macadamian Nut Crusted Chicken Breast. It was delicious! I cleaned my plate and was hoping for more! My husband had the fish special which I believe was the Mahi Mahi. I also noticed that they have Huli Huli Chicken, one of our favorite barbecue dinners! We also had a bottle of the Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay. I love cheesecake and always order it when offered. It was wonderful and my husband split the Chocolate Lava Cake with my 6 year old. We%26#39;ve eaten at Tidepools in the past but this was by far the best experience we have ever had there. We were there (with two boys ages 6 %26amp; 8) for 3 hours. The service was outstanding! I was told by a friend of ours that works at Dondero%26#39;s that they have a new chef at Tidepools. (OK, now I%26#39;m really hungrY!) I%26#39;m jealous; we will not be there until late June. Enjoy!

Marti

p.s. We are headed to the BVIs in March. Thanks for all your insights on the area.

Tide Pools dining at the Hyatt

You might want to check out this chowhound link:

www.chowhound.com/topics/334698#1950480

Tidepools is definately a romantic choice for dining at the Hyatt, and the menu is mainly seafood, which is to our liking. We dined there again, last September, and prefer to go in the evening, after they light the torches, at the Seaview Terrace. We make reservations at 7 PM, after a drink, sunset, and the ceremony or live entertainment, rather than early when the restaurant first opens. Then when you are dining, your view through the open shutters are of the flickering tiki torches (and of course the waterfalls and Koi fish).

We had the same waiter our last three visits, and he was as friendly and professional as always. They have an excellent selection of wines and he is very knowledgeable with recommendations. We had a bottle of La Crema Pino Noir, from CA with our meal.

I suggest you begin with the Pupu platter, it%26#39;s enough for two, and is a nice variety. It consists of Jumbo lump crab cake, shrimp cocktail, and Lettuce wraps.

For our entrees, we ordered the Banana-Macadamia Nut crusted Mahi-mahi, with Mango relish and the Hawaiian Sea Bass, and took bites of each others, they were simply delish! I believe they were $36-$38 each.

For dessert we shared the Chocolate Lava Cake with vanilla ice cream, and raspberry sauce, and we each had the Tidepools Cappuccino.

After dinner, headed up to Stevenson%26#39;s Library for music and a nightcap.

I am celebrating my 50th birthday at Tidepools on February 23 - can%26#39;t wait!! It is my first trip to Kauai.

Janie,

Did I read where you also arrive to Kauai on Feb. 23, the same day as your reservations? I%26#39;m just pointing out that Kauai is a long ways from Boston, and you might be too jet lagged your first night to enjoy Tidepools. Perhaps you will already be on another island by then, and used to the time change. My son%26#39;s Birthday is Feb. 23rd too!

We usually go to Keoki%26#39;s Paradise the first night for that Lava Flow!

Mahalo to you all for your help....

Just made reservations for four at tide pools for monday night.

Very much looking forward to our belated valentines night.

Appreciate all our help...

Denny, Erica, Ed and Cynthia

Hi CANative, I arrive on February 22 and my birthday is on February 23. Thanks for your concern!

%26lt;%26lt;%26lt;I suggest you begin with the Pupu platter, it%26#39;s enough for two, and is a nice variety. It consists of Jumbo lump crab cake, shrimp cocktail, and Lettuce wraps%26gt;%26gt;

Aloha from Michigan!

Thanks CAnative for some great ideas on what to order. We have been to Tidepools before, but more for a Lava Flow and something light. I had the Maui onion soup which was to die for! We love to take walks in the evening from the Pointe!

One more question: Do they have a happy hour there where the drinks cost less?

Again, thanks for your suggestions - maybe we will have to make it for dinner one evening.

Aloha from Kaua%26#39;i!

';Do they have a happy hour there where the drinks cost less?';

I know that Seaview Terrace does not have a ';Happy Hour'; and do not believe that either Stevenson%26#39;s or Tidepools does either.

Malama Pono,

Janet

I thought the atmosphere was great, but the food and drinks were just so-so. Perhaps you need to be careful ordering since it could be some items are really good and some weren%26#39;t, though we had ordered the ';signature'; entree at Tidepools were distinctly unimpressed. My quick write-up is below:

鈥logspot.com/2008/01/tidepools-kauai.html

Driving to Mauna Kea visitors center

I%26#39;m planning to visit Mauna Kea for some star gazing on a first trip to Hawaii this summer, and am curious how difficult a drive it is to the visitors center (and back) at night. We%26#39;ll be staying at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott, and have seen differing reviews of driving Saddle Road.

Thanks for any advice.

Driving to Mauna Kea visitors center

This isn%26#39;t true for all rental agencies, but it is for most. Saddle Road is prohibited.

Some allow you to drive the HILO portion of the Saddle, but only because it%26#39;s ';newly'; paved and is in great condition. The KONA side of the Saddle is horrible and they call it ';Straddle Road'; for a reason. It%26#39;s probably nothing you haven%26#39;t seen before (considering the budget of most mainland DOT%26#39;s these days) - but all rental agencies prohibit their vehicles on that stretch. Apparently this includes even Harper%26#39;s. Granted they say you CAN drive on the Saddle, but that if you damage the car your still 100% liable.

So, hopefully that%26#39;ll help. I would NOT advise driving ANY portion of the Saddle at night. Fog gets pretty bad up there sometimes, remember, you%26#39;re at 6,000 feet above sea level at the ';hump.';

So try and take a tour (despite the pesky costs) if you can.

Aloha,

John

Driving to Mauna Kea visitors center

if permitted by your rental car. it is a 1.5 lane hiway, no shoulders, guard rails or markings....last paved in 1960.....with 2 way traffic...including trucks, blind corners and one lane bridges....has the honor of the highest accident ratio in all hawaii. with the most fatalities......fog/ice/wild pigs/cattle/rain/ all in 48 miles. No phone, services or help.... its the wild west like you never dreamed....grades 12 to 17 %..

Its quite easy....sure

And at night it gets even better......

I can attest that my son%26#39;s car almost got creamed by a wild pig that came right at him in the dark while doing 55, and he also almost ran into the back of a slow moving truck running with no taillights in the fog -- on one night.

If you make it you will say it%26#39;s a piece of cake, so I%26#39;m sure there will be posters who chime in and say it%26#39;s no big deal, but those who drive it regularly know it carries risks. The fog alone is very disconcerting, to be driving an unlit road in white out fog.

I think people overestimate the value of the trip. You are not going to see world class astronomy -- that is done by the computer-connected big scopes, not at the VC. I like stars, but I don%26#39;t go up there at night; it%26#39;s not worth it to me.

Thanks to all for the feedback. Very helpful.

non beachfront location -kihei

have some friends that will most likely join us in november ------looking for a nice place for them across from hph in kihei---doesnt have to be on the beach -its cheaper across the street and they will spend time with us --- looking for a condo close by that nice and at a reasonable price --suggestions please-- want the place to be an easy walk from us

non beachfront location -kihei

Isn%26#39;t Kihei Kai Nani directly opposite? I%26#39;ll look this afternoon when I go out to get a newspaper.

non beachfront location -kihei

thank you

Kihei Kai Nani Lou... some of those units even have ocean views.

Yup. There ya%26#39; go! KKN is closest. Kam Sands isn%26#39;t far. (DH made the paper run, so I didn%26#39;t get to check it out.)

Back from exciting trip to Ace Hardware to get a key made. Maui Banyan and Kihei Akahi are also very close to Hale Pau Hana. Maui Beach Club is a bit farther north.

I used the Kihei Maui Vacations for a rental at the Maui Banyan. They were very nice to deal with, they are centrally located in a mall just north of the M.B. You pick up and leave keys at their office. Very easy %26amp; cooperative. You might just call or email them and see what they have.

http://www.kmvmaui.com/

skin

10 days.... where to go?

We am honeymooning in Hawaii in the middle of November 2008. We want to split our time on 2 islands with one of them definitely being Kauai. Some of the things we want to do are: snorkeling, fishing, hiking, beach, luau, good local restaurants, waterfalls, volcanoes, and sightseeing ...... and I guess some shopping too (or so I am told).

We are debating between Big Island %26amp; Maui at the moment but are open to suggestion!

Looking for some of the best secret locations and restaurants!

We appreciate and advice.

thanks

10 days.... where to go?

Lots of info including sites with free brochures for all islands:

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g29222-i37-k647862鈥?/a>

10 days.... where to go?

I suggest spending some time on O`ahu. It%26#39;s a real contrast to Kaua`i, and there are lots of things to see right in Honolulu. Don%26#39;t miss the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Also Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, Chinatown, etc.

If you can, arrange to fly into Honolulu and out of Lihue (Kaua`i).

Maui really has everything you want. Stay in Wailea is you are looking for a little more peace and quiet as compared to Kaanapali.

Aloha Tony! A good rule of thumb is one week per island - just seems to work well and often you get better deals on both car rental and lodging when you book a full week. Just depends on your budget.

I don%26#39;t think you have enough time for BI . . . especially if you want to do two islands. A good mix would be Kauai and Maui or Kauai and Oahu - perhaps a somewhat equal split - or as many suggest, 3 days on Oahu/7 on Kauai . . . or 4 on Maui and 6 on Kauai. Glad you are definite on Kauai - it%26#39;s my favorite island. Make sure you hop over to the Kauai forum when you have the chance. Best wishes on your honeymoon and your planning! :)

Hotel Shuttles

Hello,

Are there any shuttles from LIH to the Hyatt Regency in Poipu. If not, what would a taxi cost from the airport to the hotel. Thanks.

Hotel Shuttles

I don%26#39;t believe there are any shuttles, and a taxi might run upwards of $40.

Are you renting a car at all? You%26#39;ll be pretty limited without one in Kauai.

Hotel Shuttles

Thanks, I think renting a car might be the best option.

Tne airport has a good list of options.

鈥awaii.gov/dot/鈥ih_ground_trans.htm

If you have any questions about rental cars and rates, I (and others) can bore you with the details.

tiny myspace

Hawaiian Honeymoon Blessing?

Hi There,

My fiance and I are getting married on the mainland and I am currently toying with the idea of having a traditional, hawaiian honeymoon blessing while on Kauai in June.

I want it to be simple, and affordable, but still romantic - on the beach right before sunset. Would love a sea water/sea salt ';cleansing'; ceremony and maybe someone to blow a conch shell? Would like hawaiian chanting/singing if at all possible.

Everyone seems to charge a lot of money for something that is so simple... any suggestions? We don%26#39;t need an official minister with a license to wed because we already will be married.

Have you heard of anyone having a honeymoon blessing before?

Thanks,

Hawaiian Honeymoon Blessing?

Indeed I have heard of such a thing!

Depending upon where you will be staying they might be able to put you in touch with someone - yes it will be expensive. Time and gasoline are precious on the islands and this is a precious time for you.

My husband and I renewed our vows on Maui a few years ago, had everything set for photographer and ofiiciate - then at the last minute he had to cancel and we were stuck without anyone to preside over our renewal! What did we do? We just had the owner of our B%26amp;B read our original vow blessing and the entire collection of guests at the B%26amp;B showed up - it was fabulous! We had been married for nineteen years at the time and did not need legalities.

Check with local poetry or historical societies - churches. Hotels and yes indeed - the TA folds will not let you down!

Hawaiian Jewellery

I would like to buy myself a shell necklace. I saw one last summer on a girl, and it was stunning. Nothing like I have seen before.It definetly was a better quality then the ones you see at all the Kiosks.Do you know of any jewellery stores that I should look in? I have tried to google this, and so far, I have had no luck.

Thanks,

Bellini

Hawaiian Jewellery

My favorite Hawaiian jewelry is NaHoku. It is gorgeous and great quality. There is a store in the Shops at Wailea, on Front St. and in Whaler%26#39;s Village in Lahaina: www.nahoku.com

Hawaiian Jewellery

Darn, as soon as I hit submit I noticed you said ';shell necklace'; - how did I miss that? I don%26#39;t recall seeing them at NaHoku. Sorry. But they do have wonderful jewelry!

What kind of shell necklace? Shells strung end to end, a pendant style, or do you mean the famous shell necklaces from Niihau? These Niihau shell neckaces are available at many fine jewelry stores in Lahaina (the original Maui Divers, for example) and are extremely pricey, but so gorgeous.

Nothing compares to these superior necklaces.

I looked at many of them last time we were in Maui, but ended up with a Tahitan pearl ring instead, which I just adore. Google ';Niihau shell necklace';,

maybe this is what you saw last summer.

I am blessed to own a Ni%26#39;ihau shell lei. One of the truely ';Hawai%26#39;ian'; treasures, some are displayed in the Smithsonian. They are VERY pricy, becoming more rare as the artists die and you must educate yourself before buying. The ';Hawai%26#39;ian Made'; shops are your best bet, they can give you the provenance.

Mine resides in a special shadow box display. I only take it out for very special occasions.

If you are still interested, let me know and I will give you some background and try to help

Over the years I have purchased four of the Ni%26#39;ihau shell necklaces for my wife at The Hawaiian Collection room at Kilohana in Kauai. You are correct about them being stunning as they are very rare and becoming more expensive each year. A photo of them can be found at:

http://www.deadbread.com/ebay/Niihau.jpg

I%26#39;m not sure about the jewelry stores in Maui that would carry the authentic Ni%26#39;ihau shell necklaces...maybe someone else has seen them and can help.

Oh tomaui!

I am drooling all over the computer!

What beautiful necklaces. What treasures. I really wanted one last time. Maybe the next trip I will splurge on one.

I always try to bring home a great piece of jewelry when I travel, something made from local materials

or by native craftspeople. I love to tell people about my jewelry and the places I%26#39;ve visited.

Thanks for sharing!

Beautiful, really.

Volcanoes: Tour or On our Own?

Is it better to use one of the tour companies (e.g. Hawaii Forest and Trail, Vavoom, etc.) and take and 11 hr trip (from Waikoloa), or should we do it on our own? If through a tour company, who is the best?

Volcanoes: Tour or On our Own?

it depends on what your goals are, and budget are/

Volcanoes: Tour or On our Own?

If you don%26#39;t want to drive there than take a tour. (Vavoom leaves from Hilo so you would need to drive to Hilo.) If you don%26#39;t mind the driving than it would be a waste of money. You don%26#39;t need a guide in the VNP, driving around is easy and the Rangers are very helpful. They have guided hikes too. It%26#39;s really just a question of the drive there and back.

Thanks for the help. i appreciate it.