Going to Hawaii for the first time! Need advice...

**Toneloc71sr** · 03-15-2008, 01:07 PM

on which hotels to stay at. Its hard to pick a hotel so first hand experience from fellow LS1 owners would be helpful! Flying into Kahului. Would prefer OCEAN views thanks!

**67CamaroRSSS** · 03-15-2008, 05:15 PM

Take sunblock. Plenty of sunblock.

**DEZI425** · 03-15-2008, 07:27 PM

If you were coming to Oahu i could help you out. You could even come to one of our F-Body meets.

**Nitro_Junkie97** · 03-15-2008, 08:15 PM

my advice to you. take me with you.

**1MileCrash** · 03-15-2008, 10:03 PM

try out "puka dog" and let me know if it's as good as people say it is. it looks damn tasty.

**Toneloc71sr** · 03-15-2008, 10:59 PM

Yeah I'll bring some sun block for sure. Thanks Dezi but dont know if I'll have enough time

Puka dog? Never heard of it but I'll have to check it out for sure!

No hotels though eh?

***doberman 152*** · 03-16-2008, 05:34 AM

Originally Posted by 1MileCrash

try out "puka dog" and let me know if it's as good as people say it is. it looks damn tasty.

**SexOnWheels** · 03-16-2008, 08:51 AM

Bring lots of money as the main Islands are really expensive...

**310stanger** · 03-16-2008, 09:41 AM

+1 on bringing a lot of money. Bring about twice what you budgeted. You'll need it. To have a lot of fun there its expensive. I went summer of 05, and had the time of my life but it most definitely costs a fortune. I went to OAHU, the big island, and maui. Maui was my favorite.

**1MileCrash** · 03-16-2008, 03:57 PM

Originally Posted by doberman 152

yeah! so is that you in the pics tryin them? they've got all kinds of crazy hawaiian style toppings for them...mango relish...pineapple relish...and of course traditional toppings.

**KillerTA00** · 03-16-2008, 04:24 PM

which island you goign to? if maui i got a perfect hotel for you, without a doubt

**johnd** · 03-18-2008, 06:31 AM

If you are using a travel agent, make sure your agreement includes sales tax. It can be unbelievably high there.

**bandit95** · 03-18-2008, 09:35 AM

i've never been but i can some easy simple advice....HAVE FUN!

**Kjz99z28** · 03-18-2008, 09:48 AM

Hawaii is amazing. We were on the north shore of Oahu. Definitely worth the trip, but everyone else is right about bringing lots of $.

**Toneloc71sr** · 03-19-2008, 08:03 PM

Ok thanks! Looks like I better bring mo money

**Y2KPewterSS** · 03-19-2008, 08:06 PM

Camera

**LS1 Hawk** · 03-19-2008, 09:18 PM

Lahaina is my favorite city to stay near on Maui. seriously loved staying at the Sharaton Maui resort, it has a nice pool, excellent staff and their own beach with plenty of snorkeling just a few hundred feet from the rooms. I will go back someday, and I'm staying there for sure. Oh yea, to save money, make sure you hit the costco by the airport on the way to the hotel. http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sherat...propertyID=378

**jad628** · 03-20-2008, 03:43 AM

We stayed at the Sheraton in Waikiki in '04, but it doesn't sound like you are planning on Oahu.

Generally, add about 50% to the price you would expect on the mainland and you should be good for funds. Lots of people complain about pricing in Hawaii, but considering they ship in so much AND tourism is a major source of the state's income, it ain't that bad.

We (2) stayed for a week to celebrate our 20th anniversary. Flew Continental from Charlotte to Houston to Honolulu. Aforementioned hotel (make full use of their activity coordinator for ease of scheduling attractions!!!), rented an Impala, took a helicopter tour, dinner cruise, Luoa (sp?, you know the hawaiian pig-picking thing) for five people (friends there), ATV's at the Kouloa Ranch, and lots of "free" tours including The Arizona Memorial (free, just a donation), Diamond Head, Sacred Falls, and some others. All tolled, we spent about $6000.

One warning, go to Denny's or something for breakfast!!! It's a good way to save serious money. The first morning we went down to the Sheraton's Restaurant and had the breakfast buffet sitting out looking at the Pacific (killer view). Just two of us now.........$62!!! Went to Denny's from then on, and it was more like $12.

ABC stores are the "convenience store" of Hawaii. they are EVERYWHERE in Waikiki!! A very good place to get nick-knacks for gifts, and snacks. Expect the room's fridge to be chock full of stuff (so space is limited), but do NOT use that stuff. It's like $5 for a 20oz. Coke, and they check it daily for what you may have used. That's the kind of stuff that will eat away at your funds.

Here's a hyperlink to the ABC store: http://www.abcstores.com/
It'll give you an idea about prices.

When all is said and done, you will almost certainly say it was worth it.

We sure did.

Here's the view of Diamond Head from our hotel room's lanai:

Enjoy!!!