What's One Thing You Wish You Had Known...[before you went to Hawaii]

[Cdn Gal]

What is one thing that you wish you had known before you went to Hawaii? Please share your expertise with a newbie to the islands!

 

[JSparling]

What is one thing that you wish you had known before you went to Hawaii? Please share your expertise with a newbie to the islands!

To avoid Honolulu/Waikiki because it's just a HUGE and crowded city that's on a beach. Our trip there in 2012 was a total bummer because it wasn't what we wanted which was a genuine "Hawaiian" experience. We grew up in Los Angeles so Waikiki was really no different. The next year we hit the big island which was a million times better with lava fields and rolling hills and such. Of course personal preference will dictate a lot but for us, from me, our advice would be to avoid the chaos of Waikiki.

 

[DeniseM]

+1 on JSparling's comment

Don't underestimate the sun. It's often cool and breezy in Hawaii, so you don't feel hot, and don't realize you are getting a severe sun burn. Always wear sunscreen, and protective clothing and hats - no matter where you are going for the day.

The locals are proud of their heritage - be especially respectful of that. Realize that many people feel that the US stole Hawaii from them. (Maybe because they did...) They don't appreciate mainland visitors who act superior, or look down on the culture, language, etc.

Don't assume everyone is "Hawaiian" just because they have the look. Hawaii is extremely diverse, and there are many races integrated into the culture. It's Ok to describe someone as "a local man, or a local guy" etc. They may not be Hawaiian.

Don't complain about the price of gas and food. The locals are WELL aware of the price - they pay it every day! They are going to wonder why you came to Hawaii, if you can't afford to pay what they pay every day.

Don't call the mainland "the states," - Hawaii IS a state too.

 

[slip]

Don't Spend all your time running from one thing to see another. Relax slow
Down and enjoy the whole experience. This is the one place that I can totally
Disconnect from everything and really enjoy myself.

 

[Cdn Gal]

Ha ha! Thanks Denise! My husband is native, so cultural respect is not a problem . Hmmm I am thinking that some of the prices in Hawaii are like our Canadian prices for things! Thoughts in this?

 

[DeniseM]

Hawaii is not a lot more than California, but people from the mid-west often suffer sticker shock in Hawaii.

 

[Cdn Gal]

As for the traffic... I'm a little bit worried about that as we are staying at the Wyndham which is in Honolulu. Not much we can do about that . Also worried as well, because we are just not too used to traffic . When in rush hour in Toronto, I feel like I will lose my mind!

 

[Cdn Gal]

Hmm, California is on the bucket list... Is it like Disney prices?

 

[artringwald]

If you're in Waikiki, you don't have to worry about rush hour because you can walk to everything. If you want to drive around the island, avoid 7-10 AM and 3-7 PM.

Please respect the ocean. Waves and currents are unpredictable and many people drown in Hawaii each year.

I wish I had know how hard it is not to go back once you've experienced the natural beauty and aloha spirit of the islands. We got hooked. Have a great trip.

 

[DaveNV]

I disagree about avoiding Honolulu and Waikiki. Both are DYNAMIC places to visit, and will provide a great experience - for what they are. Don't expect them to offer some sleepy little grass shack on the beach , because they are very far from that. The history of Honolulu as an international seaport city is worth exploring. Waikiki is where modern surfing was born, and offers a tremendous opportunity to understand why it became so popular. Pearl Harbor offers a sobering and eye-opening exploration into World War II, and how the USA was dragged into the war. Spending time at the Bishop Museum will educate you directly into the history of how the Hawaiian Islands became populated, and where that culture comes from. Then go see Iolani Palace, and learn firsthand how the US government stole the Hawaiian Islands from their rightful owners. It's a sick and embarrassing period of history, and shows the length business owners will go to in order to achieve their greedy ends. (If your husband is a Canadian First Nation member, then he will directly identify with everything waiting to be learned.) All of it will give you a rich and deep understanding of what makes the Hawaiian culture, the islands, and most importantly, the Hawaiian people, their marvelous character and amazing history. It's worth it.

But after having done that, get away from all of it, and go see the REST of Oahu. The windward side of the island, and going up the coast to the North Shore, to the less populated areas of the island are fantastic getaways, just a few miles from the hustle and bustle of the city. You'll find amazing beaches, most of which are deserted, and plenty of freedom to relax and enjoy your time on the island. It's a very different experience than anything in Honolulu and Waikiki. Separate, but both valuable things to experience.

Understand that each Hawaiian island has a unique feeling and flavor all its own. You can't see everything in one trip, so you'll have to make decisions on how you'll spend your time. Too many people come to Hawaii and never get out of the beach chair. They get waited on hand and foot, and they never see the core of what makes Hawaii truly a special place to visit.

As you're leaving, plan to come back and see the other islands. They each will draw you in, and show you even more of why Hawaii is, to me, heaven on Earth.

Enjoy yourself. It's awesome.

Dave

 

[kalima]

NOPE!

There is nothing I wish I knew before I went! I found Heaven On Earth in Hawaii!...even on Maui where the traffic can be pretty crazy....

 

[slip]

I couldn't have said it better than Dave. As long as you take each island for
What it is, I think you'll see what we're talking about. Oahu has things that
Makes it special and so do each of the islands. Don't go Kauai and want big
Cities and lots of night life.

 

[ThreeLittleBirds]

Everything Denise said, with an emphasis on...welll...everything she said.

 

[DeniseM]

Dave is right - there are some great historical and cultural things to see on Oahu, and everyone should try to see them once. But to be quite honest, I don't know if we will ever go back to Oahu, now that we've seen them - we just like the other islands, especially Kauai, better.

 

[MommaBear]

There are things I like about every island. On Oahu: North Shore drive, climb Diamond Head, do NOT miss hula at House Without a Key, Pearl Harbor Memorial is truly a sacred place, enjoy the Palace and hope you meet Steve MacGarrett, eat a plate lunch like a local. Snorkel!

 

[Luanne]

Don't Spend all your time running from one thing to see another. Relax slow
Down and enjoy the whole experience. This is the one place that I can totally
Disconnect from everything and really enjoy myself.

Totally agree with this.

 

[taffy19]

We also agree with what is posted in this thread except that we like staying a few days in Waikiki Beach before or after visiting another island.

There is a lot of history in Honolulu and places to go to at night that you can easily walk to but you need a car to visit the rest of the island and it is a beautiful island too.

Everyone seems to have their favorite and most of us will go back again.

 

[jestme]

First off, there are no direct flights from where you are, try to get a flight that has one stop, halfway there. The 9 hour legs from Chicago are killers. A few extra $ on this is well worth it. Total flight time is important as well. Ignore the 17.5 hour, 2-3 stop, cheap flight rates.
Second, do not transfer in Vancouver. It isn't that bad on the outbound leg, but coming back, you have to get your luggage, go through Canadian customs, then check in again for the rest of the trip. From HNL, that is usually in the middle of the night for you by the time you are coming back.
Three:I'd suggest the first thing you do when you get there is buy milk, so that when you wake up at 2:30 in the morning the first day there you can have coffee without the powdered creamer stuff in your room. It is a 5 hour time difference.
Four: Waikiki is a great place. Tons of restaurants of every type, beaches, shopping, history, etc. It will be more noisy than you might be used to, earplugs (for sleeping) are not necessary unless you are a very light sleeper.

 

[Icc5]

How Cold

How cold it can be at the volcanoes if going for sunrise or sunset. We have done both and loved the sights but froze. We had sweatshirts and blankets and learned to wear long pants and closed shoes (not sandals). Bringing hot coffee/chocolate helps too. Being comfortable just makes it that much more enjoyable and be prepared picture wise. We were up there one time at sundown and got a double rainbow and were able to see each of our own reflections in the rainbows.
Bart

 

[Ron98GT]

How cold it can be at the volcanoes if going for sunrise or sunset. We have done both and loved the sights but froze. We had sweatshirts and blankets and learned to wear long pants and closed shoes (not sandals). Bringing hot coffee/chocolate helps too. Being comfortable just makes it that much more enjoyable and be prepared picture wise. We were up there one time at sundown and got a double rainbow and were able to see each of our own reflections in the rainbows.
Bart

Yeah it can really get cold and even really windy on Mauna Kea, but those sweatshirts you can buy at Mauna Kea (at the base) and Hawaii Volcano National Park make create souvenirs Although a little pricey, they are really heavy/thick, warm, and good quality.

Both times that we've been to Hawaii Volcano NP it's also been wet, so bring a hat and a windbreaker to keep that new sweatshirt dry.

 

[DebBrown]

When you get off the plane, you will not be met by girls with flowered leis. I remember it being a disappointment for my kids when they were young.

You will be met with some lovely warm balmy weather which is almost as good.

 

[pharmgirl]

no more than 2 isands in 2 weeks - you lose a lot of time changing hotels, rental cars and getting to and from airports

 

[HatTrick]

When you get off the plane, you will not be met by girls with flowered leis.

You can arrange ($) for a lei greeting, though.

http://www.hawaiianairlines.com/services/pages/lei-greetings.aspx

http://www.hawaiianleigreetings.com/honolulu-oahu.htm

 

[HatTrick]

As for the traffic... I'm a little bit worried about that as we are staying at the Wyndham which is in Honolulu. Not much we can do about that . Also worried as well, because we are just not too used to traffic . When in rush hour in Toronto, I feel like I will lose my mind!

At trip's end, be sure to leave more than enough time to drop off your rental car, get to the airport, etc., to avoid stress. While there, even if there's traffic, you're not on a timetable so just relax and go with the flow.

 

[brigechols]

Shop for produce at a local farmers market.
On Oahu, shop for souvenirs at the Aloha Bowl flea market.
Jet lag can be problematic. For maximum enjoyment of your trip, adjust to the local time of your destination when you begin your flight.