Anyone changing their Oahu plans this summer due to the sewerage?
Apr 24th, 2006, 03:10 AM
#1
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Anyone changing their Oahu plans this summer due to the sewerage?
I've read all the threads and news stories, and I know that (technically) beaches are safe to swim at. We love Oahu and are supposed to be heading there for our 3rd trip in August (also going to Maui). I'm still hesitant, however.
Has anyone changed their summer vacation plans to another island due to this? We are thinking about doing this, and heading to either BI (been there twice) or Kauai (never been). Thanks!
Has anyone changed their summer vacation plans to another island due to this? We are thinking about doing this, and heading to either BI (been there twice) or Kauai (never been). Thanks!
Apr 24th, 2006, 04:42 AM
#2
I would not change my plans in August. I did change my plans in early April. It was one week after the spill. I felt that I had no choice if I wanted my kids to enjoy swimming in the ocean safely.
It seems the waters are safer now. I would think by August, it will be all washed away. You are talking 3+months from now. You can probably change it last minute if you had to. I changed it two days prior. After a year of planning, I threw it all out the window, paid some penalties and changed to the Big Island which I knew nothing about and it was great! You could also hold a room at Kauai. Make sure you know the cancellation policies for the hotels. This way you are covered except for inter-island flights. By the time July rolls around, you will know if the situation is cleaned up or not. Rely on local news rather than a hotel's report.
Good luck with your decision. I think it was easier for me because it had just happened.
It seems the waters are safer now. I would think by August, it will be all washed away. You are talking 3+months from now. You can probably change it last minute if you had to. I changed it two days prior. After a year of planning, I threw it all out the window, paid some penalties and changed to the Big Island which I knew nothing about and it was great! You could also hold a room at Kauai. Make sure you know the cancellation policies for the hotels. This way you are covered except for inter-island flights. By the time July rolls around, you will know if the situation is cleaned up or not. Rely on local news rather than a hotel's report.
Good luck with your decision. I think it was easier for me because it had just happened.
Apr 24th, 2006, 05:39 AM
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Hi Beachgirl. How was the Caribbean? YES, we changed our plans, probably crazy to do so, but it made us feel better. We were scheduled to visit Oahu in June and then going on to BI. We've changed our plans from Oahu to Maui and then on to the BI. While everything will most likely be o.k. on Oahu in June, some say it is fine now, I just didn't want any doubts after spending so much $$ getting there. It's a decision everyone has to make for themselves, and what is right for my family, may not be for yours. Anyway, I'm excited to be heading back to Maui and discovering the BI for the first time. Great to see you back on the Hawaii board!
Apr 24th, 2006, 06:17 AM
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While Kailua and Waikiki are the most popular they are not the only beaches on Oahu. However fully understand changing a week after as the smell alone probably wasn't pleasant. We will be in Waikiki April 29 to many things going on to miss now.
Apr 24th, 2006, 07:30 AM
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Nope, plan on heading there at the end of summer then on to Maui. But since you never been to Kaua`i, (L.O.L.:
"why would anyone go there"
) strikes me as a good time to divert if you're seeking an excuse.
"why would anyone go there") strikes me as a good time to divert if you're seeking an excuse.
Apr 24th, 2006, 10:09 AM
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.....ahem...
Judi, You new here?
Ready?
It rains all the time.
It's too expensive.
Too much traffic.
Too many mosquitos.
Nothing to do.
Too many chickens/roosters.
Too dark at night.
Cockroaches in rental cars.
Bad service at restaurants.
No nightlife.
Man eating centipedes.
I miss anything Gang?
JD, OUCH
Judi, You new here?
Ready?
It rains all the time.
It's too expensive.
Too much traffic.
Too many mosquitos.
Nothing to do.
Too many chickens/roosters.
Too dark at night.
Cockroaches in rental cars.
Bad service at restaurants.
No nightlife.
Man eating centipedes.
I miss anything Gang?
JD, OUCH
Apr 24th, 2006, 10:43 AM
#14
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OK, I am officially stopping the high-jacking of this thread by the Kauai-lovers...Jeez, I only mentioned looking into Kauai as an alternative 
(ha-ha!)
I appreciate everyone's input and responses. I know that it will probably be fine by August, but for some reason, I still feel nervous about it! We are planning on going again the following summer ('07) so we can always go to Oahu then.
Sherrie: Wow, you switched your trip? I thought I saw another thread where you said you did it. Was it just because you wouldn't be sure that it would be totally cleaned up and safe? Islandmom's threads saying she won't swim for 6 months make me a bit nervous as she is a local! And the Caribbean was great, thanks! We got back from Aruba last night, and will be heading to Anguilla at the end of June.
(ha-ha!)I appreciate everyone's input and responses. I know that it will probably be fine by August, but for some reason, I still feel nervous about it! We are planning on going again the following summer ('07) so we can always go to Oahu then.
Sherrie: Wow, you switched your trip? I thought I saw another thread where you said you did it. Was it just because you wouldn't be sure that it would be totally cleaned up and safe? Islandmom's threads saying she won't swim for 6 months make me a bit nervous as she is a local! And the Caribbean was great, thanks! We got back from Aruba last night, and will be heading to Anguilla at the end of June.
Apr 24th, 2006, 10:56 AM
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Sorry bg86...I missed pill time today.
Anyway, when in doubt error on the side of safety.
But, as you mention, since you're going in August, that's a lot of time for Mother Nature's cleansing waves to be hitting on the beaches.
We hit Oahu for our first time since our '89 trip.
A lot of changes but still beautiful...especially a few of the people we met there this trip!
Since the Carribbe works for you, why Hawaii?
Anyway, when in doubt error on the side of safety.
But, as you mention, since you're going in August, that's a lot of time for Mother Nature's cleansing waves to be hitting on the beaches.
We hit Oahu for our first time since our '89 trip.
A lot of changes but still beautiful...especially a few of the people we met there this trip!
Since the Carribbe works for you, why Hawaii?
Apr 24th, 2006, 11:18 AM
#16
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Hi Kal -- I was just kidding with you !
When did you go to Oahu? We have been the last 2 summers and LOVE it there, but this sewerage thing is giving me a bad feeling. I'm feeling like I might not want to chance it since we are such huge swimmers and snorkelers. Although I do know it will most likely be cleared up by then.
Since Kauai is the only "main" Hawaiian island we haven't been to, how would you say it compares to Oahu? I know obviously it's much bigger in terms of Waikiki, etc...but what about places like the North Shore? Just trying to get a feel for Kauai as we love the other 3 islands so much. If we do change from Oahu, DH wants me to look at Kauai, and then we can do BI and Oahu for the summer of '07 since we have been to those 2 islands twice already.
As for the Caribbean vs. Hawaii thing, this trip to Aruba was actually our 1st to the Caribbean. We will be in Anguilla at the end of June as well, and then Hawaii in Aug. (Hubby had lots of extra vaca. time this year.) We LOVE Hawaii, and were interested in trying the Caribbean a couple of times this year for shorter trips since we are closer to that part of the world. (East Coasters.) Anyways, we loved Aruba and I am sure we will love Anguilla as well. For us, it was nice to try something new, and something closer. The beaches were beautiful, the casinos were fun, the restaurants were great, and the natives were unbelievably friendly. DH and I agreed that it was a nice change, some differences and some similarities to Hawaii.
! When did you go to Oahu? We have been the last 2 summers and LOVE it there, but this sewerage thing is giving me a bad feeling. I'm feeling like I might not want to chance it since we are such huge swimmers and snorkelers. Although I do know it will most likely be cleared up by then.
Since Kauai is the only "main" Hawaiian island we haven't been to, how would you say it compares to Oahu? I know obviously it's much bigger in terms of Waikiki, etc...but what about places like the North Shore? Just trying to get a feel for Kauai as we love the other 3 islands so much. If we do change from Oahu, DH wants me to look at Kauai, and then we can do BI and Oahu for the summer of '07 since we have been to those 2 islands twice already.
As for the Caribbean vs. Hawaii thing, this trip to Aruba was actually our 1st to the Caribbean. We will be in Anguilla at the end of June as well, and then Hawaii in Aug. (Hubby had lots of extra vaca. time this year.) We LOVE Hawaii, and were interested in trying the Caribbean a couple of times this year for shorter trips since we are closer to that part of the world. (East Coasters.) Anyways, we loved Aruba and I am sure we will love Anguilla as well. For us, it was nice to try something new, and something closer. The beaches were beautiful, the casinos were fun, the restaurants were great, and the natives were unbelievably friendly. DH and I agreed that it was a nice change, some differences and some similarities to Hawaii.
Apr 24th, 2006, 11:31 AM
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Hey Beachgirl. Yeah, we took the plunge and incurred some rebooking fees and new air fees, but we changed our Oahu portion of the trip to Maui. Some may think we were too jittery and extreme, but we feel great about the decision. Our son really wanted to go to Maui anyway. Since DH and I had been there before, we had decided on Oahu, but now we are very excited about returning. We booked condo at Kaanapali Alii. I'm really looking forward to it. Glad to hear your Caribbean experience was a good one. Good luck with your decision . . . to Kaui or not.
Apr 24th, 2006, 11:34 AM
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Everyone must do what they feel is best for them, but I think staying out of the water for 6 months is a bit overkill.
Although islandmom lives here, that doesn't necessarily mean that what she chooses to do for herself and her family is what the rest of the other locals are doing.
I have some friends that hit the water as soon as the signs came down, and I have friends saying they'll stay out of the water for a couple more weeks.
This is for the south shore and Windward beaches only, though.
Myself, I would probably also wait a couple more weeks before I'd go to any south shore beaches from Kewalo Basin to the far end of Waikiki. I don't get out to the Windward side very often.
There are beaches all over the island that are perfectly fine. I was just at Maunalua Bay yesterday and the water was beautiful.
Although islandmom lives here, that doesn't necessarily mean that what she chooses to do for herself and her family is what the rest of the other locals are doing.
I have some friends that hit the water as soon as the signs came down, and I have friends saying they'll stay out of the water for a couple more weeks.
This is for the south shore and Windward beaches only, though.
Myself, I would probably also wait a couple more weeks before I'd go to any south shore beaches from Kewalo Basin to the far end of Waikiki. I don't get out to the Windward side very often.
There are beaches all over the island that are perfectly fine. I was just at Maunalua Bay yesterday and the water was beautiful.
Apr 24th, 2006, 11:51 AM
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bg86,
No problemo, Sistah!
We have been blessed enuff over the past umpteen years to be able to go over to Kauai every Nov or Dec/Jan, since '89 for our 10th wedding anniv. , maybe only missing missing the Iniki year
We had orginally planned on going to Tahiti since "everyone goes to Hawaii" until a T/A client of Mrs Kal's told her for what it costs to spend 7 days in Tahiti we could have a good time for 2 weeks in Hawaii.
We also had some friends who just got back from their honeymoon on Kauai. They dislike crowds as much as we do and highly recommended Kauai and a little hole in the wall hotel, Islander on the Beach.
We booked, we went and we have been going back ever since.
Love at first sight!
First trip it was 7 days on Kauai, 3 on Molokai and 3 on Oahu.
Next was 10 on Kauai and 4 on Molokai, then 12 on Kauai and 3 on Molokai then once I got more vacation time and Mrs Kal's business was established, it's been 17-21 days of 100% pure Kauai.
So, it IS a REAL terrible place and I will continue my exhaustive research in why people return, year after year.
:-"
Kauai is coming into the 2000s tho...but you can still go from Starbuck's/Walmart/K Mart to Jurassic Park in about 30 mins from anywhere on the island.
I ran into a kid working at a coffee shop yesterday and while he was taking my order he noticed my Hanalei cap.
He had just got back from a trip over to we "talked story".
Nothing like Kauai talk to brighten up an overcast mainland day.
Sometimes we wish we were more centrally located (we live in Nor Calif) so we could go to the Caribbe more often, tho.
It's just sooooo hard to leave Nor Calif!
KAUAI no ka oi!
Kal D.
PS...Alohaaaaa Chepar! >
<
PPS....BTW...some of the complaints I jokingly listed about Kauai were actually taken from some Kauai trip reports.
No problemo, Sistah!
We have been blessed enuff over the past umpteen years to be able to go over to Kauai every Nov or Dec/Jan, since '89 for our 10th wedding anniv. , maybe only missing missing the Iniki year
We had orginally planned on going to Tahiti since "everyone goes to Hawaii" until a T/A client of Mrs Kal's told her for what it costs to spend 7 days in Tahiti we could have a good time for 2 weeks in Hawaii.
We also had some friends who just got back from their honeymoon on Kauai. They dislike crowds as much as we do and highly recommended Kauai and a little hole in the wall hotel, Islander on the Beach.
We booked, we went and we have been going back ever since.
Love at first sight!
First trip it was 7 days on Kauai, 3 on Molokai and 3 on Oahu.
Next was 10 on Kauai and 4 on Molokai, then 12 on Kauai and 3 on Molokai then once I got more vacation time and Mrs Kal's business was established, it's been 17-21 days of 100% pure Kauai.
So, it IS a REAL terrible place and I will continue my exhaustive research in why people return, year after year.
:-"
Kauai is coming into the 2000s tho...but you can still go from Starbuck's/Walmart/K Mart to Jurassic Park in about 30 mins from anywhere on the island.
I ran into a kid working at a coffee shop yesterday and while he was taking my order he noticed my Hanalei cap.
He had just got back from a trip over to we "talked story".
Nothing like Kauai talk to brighten up an overcast mainland day.
Sometimes we wish we were more centrally located (we live in Nor Calif) so we could go to the Caribbe more often, tho.
It's just sooooo hard to leave Nor Calif!
KAUAI no ka oi!
Kal D.
PS...Alohaaaaa Chepar! >
<PPS....BTW...some of the complaints I jokingly listed about Kauai were actually taken from some Kauai trip reports.
Apr 24th, 2006, 02:55 PM
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Since this thread has been hijacked by the Kauai people I might as well add that I will be there in 31 days. Not so much for a vacation as to do some serious research. Because Kal's Kauai postings can no longer be trusted, I feel obligated to come back and give all Fodorites a true perspective of the island. My first project upon arriving is to find out if the Sand Bar has reopened. From there I will probably test the public drinking laws on the beaches. Anyway, when I return I will provide a well informed review of th......wait....
....where was I?..........
....where was I?..........
