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

[clifffaith]

I wish we had discovered Hawaii years ago. We live in coastal southern California. We have ocean, we have sun, we have palm trees, saw no reason to go to Hawaii until we started timesharing and figured we'd give it a try. OMG, the difference is night and day! In fact we love Waikiki Beach because you can spend a week without a car. Can't get anywhere in Los Angeles without a car. We just love Maui -- the air is somehow different. Took our first trip in June 2007. Our second trip was Jan 2008, third Nov 2008. We now go every year, usually in January, usually for two weeks. And I kid you not when I say we have never been in or lounged around a swimming pool, and the last time we got our ankles wet in the ocean is probably over five years ago. Our water activities are strictly limited to dinner cruises and whale watching trips.

 

[hjtug]

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.

Denise,
I believe I understand your point but I wonder if "Hawaiian" is different than, for example, "Virginian, New Yorker, Californian, Alaskan", etc. Is there no word, other than "local", for someone who has lived in Hawaii for a while but may not be of Polynesian descent?

 

[Magic1962]

In particular, I agree with #3: Last time we were on HI, we flew out a day early, just to have the unit for the full day, plus we were able to use fewer FF miles by leaving before the weekend. It was really nice to be able to enjoy that last day and refresh before heading to the airport. Probably is an easier decision for those spending 2 weeks or more on the islands.

OTOH, those just in for one week might want to cling on to those last few hours, even if 'homeless.' I recall one trip to Kauai where we had to spend the day homeless before the redeye, and I used the time to take an open-door helicopter ride. What a great send-off!

*** when we flew in Nov. on a red eye out of Kauai we asked the people at the Sheerwater if we could leave our luggage at the timeshare.... and they let us take showers in one of the smaller rooms before we left for the airport..... no cost.... all you can do is ask.... Dave

 

[DianeG]

It is standard for resorts in Hawaii to hold your luggage for the day and to let you use the resort amenities. Most have a shower for you to use at the end of the day as well. Since so many flights leave in the evening, they're used to it and can accommodate your last day's needs. My TS tags & collects the luggage in the boardroom and has showers behind the reception area and in the pool area.

 

[puppymommo]

The word Hawaiian is just not the same as Californian, Virginian, etc. Hawaiian refers exclusively to persons of native Hawaiian descent. You can find blond haired blue eyed students at Kamehameha Schools a private school for native Hawaiians. They have to be able to prove their ancestry to get in. There are very few 100% Hawaiians. The term Hawaiian does not refer to people of Polynesian descent. For example, don't call a Samoan "Hawaiian". Bad form. I lived in Hawaii for 12 years, and the multicultural environment can be complex. Don't get too worried about it, though. "Locals" are very used to tourists not knowing the ethnic etiquette and most will not take offense. By the way, a Caucasian person born and raised in Hawaii is referred to as a "local haole". My daughter was born in Hawaii but raised on the Mainland, so she is just a plain old "haole".

 

[rickandcindy23]

Going to Maui is completely different from going to Kauai, because on Kauai, Kauai really holds onto the culture of their ancestors. Oahu has the Polynesian Culture Center, and that is a great island for that because it would be easy for Oahu to lose their culture, as big as it is, and as diverse as it's become. Maui is becoming populated with a lot of people who don't really care about the culture (same as Oahu). Did I say "culture" enough?

 

[Beefnot]

I wish I had known that the Big Island is boring and that 12 days is about 8 or 9 days too many.

 

[clifffaith]

I wish I had known that the Big Island is boring and that 12 days is about 8 or 9 days too many.

We are doing Kauai next year and five days there is about my limit, same for the Big Island. Oahu I can do 6 or 7 easy, Maui we've done 12 (were booked for 14 only to find out, whoops, can't get a flight home on Easter Sunday; we've managed to accidentally book a vacation on Easter three times when booking 13 months out) but I think I could do 18 days. I can do 3 weeks plus a day or so in Europe or when traveling by car, but anything longer I start to long for my own bed smothered in four cats.

 

[Luanne]

I wish I had known that the Big Island is boring and that 12 days is about 8 or 9 days too many.

Glad you feel that way. It will keep the tourist population down for those of us who love it.

 

[DaveNV]

Every island is different. And so are the visitors.

Dave

 

[rickandcindy23]

The Big Island is great, if you stay at the Hiltons in Waikoloa Village. I love Kingsland and Kohala Suites and would love to go again sometime, especially if I could go with my grandkids to see the volcano. They would love it.

 

[Luanne]

The Big Island is great, if you stay at the Hiltons in Waikoloa Village. I love Kingsland and Kohala Suites and would love to go again sometime, especially if I could go with my grandkids to see the volcano. They would love it.

I agree to a point. We love both the Waikoloa resort area AND Kona...and Volcano Village. A perfect visit on the Big Island is one week in Kona, one week in Waikola resort area (although Paniolo Greens in Waikoloa Village is also okay) and a few nights at the Kilauea Lodge in Volcano Village.

 

[dsmrp]

Denise,
I believe I understand your point but I wonder if "Hawaiian" is different than, for example, "Virginian, New Yorker, Californian, Alaskan", etc. Is there no word, other than "local", for someone who has lived in Hawaii for a while but may not be of Polynesian descent?

Old timers are "kama'ainas", and newbies are "malihinis"

The word Hawaiian is just not the same as Californian, Virginian, etc. Hawaiian refers exclusively to persons of native Hawaiian descent. You can find blond haired blue eyed students at Kamehameha Schools a private school for native Hawaiians. They have to be able to prove their ancestry to get in. There are very few 100% Hawaiians. The term Hawaiian does not refer to people of Polynesian descent. For example, don't call a Samoan "Hawaiian". Bad form. I lived in Hawaii for 12 years, and the multicultural environment can be complex. Don't get too worried about it, though. "Locals" are very used to tourists not knowing the ethnic etiquette and most will not take offense. By the way, a Caucasian person born and raised in Hawaii is referred to as a "local haole". My daughter was born in Hawaii but raised on the Mainland, so she is just a plain old "haole".

+1

 

[sun starved Gayle]

Just learned this the hard way after our 5th trip to Kauai last January. Bring something warmish to wear if it rains or is windy ! It was rainy and very windy (we actually lost power at the resort for a while) several days we were there, and I was cold. I was wearing my long sleeved rash guard water shirt to keep warm.

 

[Beefnot]

The Big Island is great, if you stay at the Hiltons in Waikoloa Village. I love Kingsland and Kohala Suites and would love to go again sometime, especially if I could go with my grandkids to see the volcano. They would love it.

The is where we stayed, Kingsland, and my parents stayed at Kohala Suities. The resort was quite stellar and all of the Hilton pools, including the Hilton Waikoloa Village, were great. Hilton Waikoloa's protected snorkeling and dolphin program were great too. Kingsland or Kohala Suites is highly recommended for those seeking to stay more than 3 days on the Big Island.

 

[Luanne]

Kingsland or Kohala Suites is highly recommended for those seeking to stay more than 3 days on the Big Island.

Again, your opinion.

 

[hjtug]

The word Hawaiian is just not the same as Californian, Virginian, etc. Hawaiian refers exclusively to persons of native Hawaiian descent. You can find blond haired blue eyed students at Kamehameha Schools a private school for native Hawaiians. They have to be able to prove their ancestry to get in. There are very few 100% Hawaiians. The term Hawaiian does not refer to people of Polynesian descent. For example, don't call a Samoan "Hawaiian". Bad form. I lived in Hawaii for 12 years, and the multicultural environment can be complex. Don't get too worried about it, though. "Locals" are very used to tourists not knowing the ethnic etiquette and most will not take offense. By the way, a Caucasian person born and raised in Hawaii is referred to as a "local haole". My daughter was born in Hawaii but raised on the Mainland, so she is just a plain old "haole".

Interesting. Many dictionaries seem to disagree and define a Hawaiian as a native or resident.

For example Merriam-Webster: a native or resident of Hawaii; especially : one of Polynesian ancestry

 

[DeniseM]

Interesting. Many dictionaries seem to disagree and define a Hawaiian as a native or resident.

This thread is about local custom and tradition, and what is appropriate for a visitor to use.

 

[Beefnot]

Again, your opinion.

You mean that is not a fact?

 

[Rjbeach2003]

The is where we stayed, Kingsland, and my parents stayed at Kohala Suities. The resort was quite stellar and all of the Hilton pools, including the Hilton Waikoloa Village, were great. Hilton Waikoloa's protected snorkeling and dolphin program were great too. Kingsland or Kohala Suites is highly recommended for those seeking to stay more than 3 days on the Big Island.

I love the Big Island, last trip 21 nights, but if I had to stay at Hilton Waikolo'a I'd go to Maui, Kauai or North Shore Oahu.
But then I'm not a fan of Vegas either.

 

[jehb2]

Wish I had added this when the thread started.

Just because someone is a local doesn't mean they snuck into the hotel pool. We have met a lot of families who live less then 30 minutes away who like to take mini vacations at Hilton Hawaiian Village. I have heard and read comments from people who assume they have snuck into the pool.

 

[dreamin]

One thing not mentioned yet are the bugs that come with the tropical climate. I saw a cane spider crawl into someone's truck cab while waiting in line to get gas at Costco on the Big Island. The body was the size of a tuna can. A local identified it as a cane spider. There are cockroaches, which I despise and don't encounter in our northern climate. Tips from locals.....when you pick up your rental car, turn on the air conditioner and if there are any in the vehicle they will disappear. Seal all food items in your kitchen (containers or plastic bags). Bag any food waste as you are preparing meals and put in the freezer until you can dispose of it. Haven't seen a scorpion or centipede but I have been advised to check inside my shoes. Can you tell that I hate bugs.....but love Hawaii!

 

[Luanne]

Wish I had added this when the thread started.

Just because someone is a local doesn't mean they snuck into the hotel pool. We have met a lot of families who live less then 30 minutes away who like to take mini vacations at Hilton Hawaiian Village. I have heard and read comments from people who assume they have snuck into the pool.

I'd heard that at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, and it may be the same at Hilton Hawaiian Village, they offer some kind of deal a couple of times a year. You can pay a one day fee (I think it must be reduced from the normal daily fee) to use the facilities. I think some of the locals take advantage of this as well.

 

[SmithOp]

Wish I had added this when the thread started.

Just because someone is a local doesn't mean they snuck into the hotel pool. We have met a lot of families who live less then 30 minutes away who like to take mini vacations at Hilton Hawaiian Village. I have heard and read comments from people who assume they have snuck into the pool.

Exactly. Hilton rents to locals for cash rates, I've seen units occupied by local families and they tend to spend all day at the resort using the pools and BBQs. I don't mind sharing since they share their beautiful island with visitors.

On topic: I wish I had known I was going to be so intoxicated with being there that I would make a developer purchase instead of doing more research and buying resale.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[alwysonvac]

Yes, there are lots of hotel/resorts that offer discounted rates for staycations

Here's a sample of the Kama‘aina deals.
https://resorts.disney.go.com/aulani-hawaii-resort/rooms-offers/special-offers/hawaii-resident-deal/
http://www.marriotthawaii.com/kamaaina-deals/
http://www.hiltonhawaii.com/Kamaaina
http://www.north-america.starwoodoffers.com/kamaaina
https://www.outrigger.com/specials/outrigger-kamaaina-rates
http://www.aquaresorts.com/special-offers/kamaaina-rates/
https://www.castleresorts.com/special-offers/kamaaina/