Okay, HBOT... here's your chance to tell me everything I'm doing is wrong. Criticize my vacation agenda...
- Thread starter The Tradition
- Start date
A lot of things require reservations these days. We were in Europe not long ago and many of the main things to see required reservations months in advance.
If you are someone who just goes to sit at the pool or beach and drink, then go to eat, then no, you don’t need to plan ahead.
True but like to get the local input of people and hand outs at the destination once we get there. Will be in T&C during that same time and don’t have anything planned. We like to go on vacation and figure it out as we go or what we feel like doing.
Yep, like I said…that’s how I’d do most vacations. If I went all way to Oahu and missed out on the Arizona because I winged it and didn’t realize I had to buy tickets ahead of time though, I’d be pissed.
This is true and my SIL makes the reservations, so I can’t speak to it, but Hawaii is somewhat different because logistically, there can only be so many people on each island at the same time. For example, the coffee farm tour was awesome and I think we booked it while there. I think if you want a helicopter tour out of Kona (and I can’t stress going out of Kona enough) there was a booking in advance requirement. But he might be able to find one still.
Same can be said for those going to Italy. You have to book the coolest things WAY in advance.
Yes, depends on the location, for sure. Also, if it’s a couple vs a family or with small kids. Lots of variables.
I didn’t think Trad’s itinerary was complicated or overfilled at all.
This is true. I read somewhere that the Arizona Memorial isn't a tough ticket EXCEPT on days when two cruise ships are docked at the same time. These double-ship days result in massive crowds at Pearl Harbor.
Agreed. In fact, I think he might get bored on the big island and wished he booked more activities. I know I’m being tough on Hilo but it doesn’t deserve a whole day. It literally rains all of the time and is basically a town like you’d see many places. Not a high value target.
I should also add that my advice pertains to the big island only. We didn’t do any other island. Another trip some day, when I’m retired and don’t need to worry about being gone for so long.
We were supposed to go to the site north of the airport but the weather/sea was too rough so we diverted to the hotel site. Boat was like the SS Minow and was listing to port. Was a long ride back.
We're going to be at the VNP all day on the Hilo day.
Hilo is the launching and ending point for that (and also the 50 minute drive to Mauna Kea for the sunset) because Hilo is much closer than Kona to those sites.
Bring VERY warms clothes for Mauna Kea. It will be below 40 up there at night.
True, it is closer but the drive across the island is only an hour and a half, if I recall correctly.
It's more like two hours and you have to pass by Hilo on the way. That's a long time when you had to drive two hours to get there in the first place and then drive around all day exploring.
Conversely, the drive to VPN from Hilo is only 40 minutes. So, eliminating an hour and twenty minutes of windshield time BOTH WAYS seems smart, to me.
The oahu portion sounds pretty close to what we did. I would go back in a heart beat. Enjoy! And Mrs Trad is doing well?
You don’t have to pass Hilo. You could take the southern route and see the black sand beach on the way.
We fly in to Kona and spend three nights in Waikoloa. Then we drive over to Hilo taking the north route and stay in Hilo for two nights. Then we fly from Hilo to Honolulu for five nights in Waikiki.
She has good days and bad days. That's another reason to not commit to anything too jam packed.
Yes, agree on the issues with limited space and tickets at locales like PH. When we go to island destinations, it’s do what we feel like doing that day with no plans other than make a reservation to do something when they have an opening we can slide into so to speak. I want no timelines and stress when on vacation.
We went up to the observatory/telescope area of Mauna Kea, unbelievable how high up that is. Actually gives you a bit of hypoxia and just a weird feeling but so worth the drive up.
Anyone know if they are docking at the Arizona yet? We went several years ago and they had docking issues they were working to repair underwater and it seemed like it was going to take years to fix. So, we took a boat out to the site and just parked for a few minutes as the guide spoke about things and then they took us back. Sorta a let down.
