Ditto

Hawaii is a magical place and it has an effect on some people that is hard to describe. I am one of them and know exactly how you feel so welcome to the group Mahalo...

Denise

I know what you mean. Went Oahu in 1998 and loved it. Before we went, everyone was telling us, once you go, you will want to keep coming back, and its true. Just something about the atmosphere. I hope I can go back within the next couple of years.

Hawaii

Remember when Fodor's separated Hawaii from the U.S. forum and this board was mercifully free of constant Hawaii promotional posts? Ah yes, it was a wonderful and all too brief moment, when people actually discussed things like national parks and museums and camping, rather than things that travel agents can earn commissions from, like Hawaiian hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Fodor's bring back the good old days! Give Hawaii and all the travel agents their own forum!

Cindy

I'm sorry, but I find it rather mean-spirited to top an old post from over a year ago in order to make a nasty comment about it. I guess the person who did this is just indulging in a bit of trolling, but I think it deserves some kind of response. Not everybody has the same interests. If you don't want to get into questions and answers about Hawaii or anywhere else that doesn't personally appeal to you, don't read them! I love talking about it because I loved it there and would like to share that with other people who have gone or are thinking about going. I didn't like Las Vegas one bit, but I see no reason to discourage other people from discussing it.

HI_Lover

Hurl up chuck,
even if there was an independent Hawaii forum, you and all of your Florida/Caribbean travel agents would still come on that one too and try and stir up crap.
Please go away and sell your "Wonderful Miami Beach Getaways" rip offs to people from the east coast.

get

You travel promoters seem to function with a high level of delusional paranoia. Some visitors to this site are, *here we go so brace yourselves*, NOT in the travel industry and actually come here to share information with fellow travelers. But all you salespeople can see is someone posting to take YOUR customers away! FYI, Fodor's is not a free target market for you, check out their policies. And go promote your touristy crap elsewhere.

yuck

Hawaii is the pits and anyone who thinks otherwise doesn't get out enough.

xxx

As if you could ever persuade people to go to the cigarette filled beaches of Miami over the pure wide open splendor of Molokai, Kauai, Maui, Big Island!!!

Ruth

Just read this thread in it's entirety. Too bad last year's posters are not around to spar with on this topic. Comparing cities like Paris to coastal landscape not really comparable in my mind. …But I will play.

Have been to Paris and Greece (mainland and Rhodos, Crete) at two different times. They hold different charms. We all know what Paris offers but visiting a city on my vacation is not my idea of fun. Yes this is an enriching trip but one that takes significant foot work. I usually focus on small French Towns. I would spend a vacation that is partially in Paris but the entire break in a people crowded, vehicle congested, smog filled city YUCK!!! I live 4 blocks from the Metropolitan Museum of art and Central Park (NYC)on a sunny day in June day where do you think I am going? Does this mean I never go to the Met no just outdoor nature replenishes your soul. I like to do this during a vacation. The Louvre I could do on some rainy 4 day weekend in Feb.

I actually like the coastal landscape of Turkey over Greece. Also there is much more history in tact in Turkey. Ephesus being the world's largest intact Greek city, is in Turkey. Too much of Greece is filled with these large eye sore monstrosities of hotels from the 70's clogging up a beautiful view. I also am not impressed with the soft porn post cards they sell everywhere as well as the fat naked people postcards. Last and I hate to say this but you run into these very tacky holiday on a dime package types from Britain. These bone white grown men can sometimes be found whispering and giggling at the topless women. Love the British and the UK as whole but this was my experience in Greece. Last the beaches are just teaming with people.

But it is never Greece or Hawaii, Paris or Hawaii. Each place is special and unique.

Don't know what is pulling me back to Hawaii. I just feel healed when I go there. Watching historical documentaries on Hawaii this past weekend I have come to the conclusion that I must be receiving the mana (Hawaiian for life force) when I am there.



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dejahma

Aloha;

I too love Hawaii, went twice last year and will probably go two or three times this year. We are thinking about buying a condo there and wonder if anyone else has any experience with that they would like to share.

We are never approached by time share people or people who are selling activities. Maybe because we dress down when we go and they think we can't afford it. Or maybe because when we recognize the ts people we just smile and shake our heads.

As for other places we have been around and liked every place we have been including Hong Kong, Jakarta, Bali, England, Greece and most states in the US. If you want to see street hucksters try Bali. One women even followed me into the ocean trying to sell me sarongs, lol. After 25 years of traveling Hawaii is still our favorite.

We don't do too much touristy stuff, just hang on the beach, snorkle hike etc. Don't buy any tee shirts, however, I do think the coconuts are pretty neat to send to young children. They are not as jaded yet as some of us have become ;^).

Aloha

Beth

I went to Maui when I was just six years old, and I returned on my honeymoon and have been three other times. We are going back this summer.I love Oahu, Maui, and Kauai because it is tropical and mountainous, and I feel at home because it is part of the U.S. We live in S.C. , and the summers are very hot and humid. Hawaii in the summer has the tradewinds,and lower humidity. I love driving on the mountainous rodes and looking at the sea. I love the resorts in Hawaii with the waterslides, and the pretty beaches. I especially love The Kahala Manderian with the dolphin program. The mountain view from our room was so beautiful! At night the lights from the houses twinkle. In the day you can see both Diamond Head and Ko Ko Head crater. In Kauai, I loved seeing the Napali Coast. It was breathtaking, and the Hyatt had such a great pool. I loved taking the kids on a horseback beach picnic ride. We saw a seal swimming near the beach, and it was fun taking to Henry, our guide. He was from the forbidden island next to Kauai. He was very interesting. Hawaii is not the only place I love. I like the Cayman Islands, Cancun, and Naples, Fla. I like those places in the winter. I think the Caymans in the winter is a tie with Hawaii in the summer.

Sarah

www.mele.com for Hawaiian music performances throughout the U.S. A great way to get a little aloha in your winter. Many midwest and East Coast events have already taken place but some coming up in Florida.

Rasta

Yes, Hawaii has had an effect on me. It's made me appreciate the Caribbean all that much more.

DeBus

Ya mon. Come ahn down to my islands and I get you da best ganja, yah? You got a purdy woman, too mon.

you no go to Hawaai, mon cuz we got it all fo yah, yah mon. I give you free pipe too. Come ahnnnn monnnnnn.
Hack...cough...weeez

Susan

Hawaii is a very special place to me and my family. We had a family vacation to Hawaii planned a few years ago when a member of my family became seriously ill. After recovery, we wondered if we should still go on our trip. I'm so glad we decided to go -- that 10 days of sitting on a beautiful beach and contemplating what was important in life, plus having lots and lots of time to spend with each other, was the best medicine we've ever had. We've gone back every year since and we always come home rested and happy.

For me, a family vacation doesn't get any better than Hawaii. I don't need lots of great restaurants or nightlife or great sightseeing. Sometimes the very best kind of vacation is just to bask in the beauty of your surroundings and enjoy each other's company. It's the best stress reducer and "get away from it all" place I've ever been. I have so many great memories of my family in Hawaii and I hope to make many more.

loveshawaii

You are not alone in your feelings. Hawaii, particularly Kauai, is a magical place. I, too, cannot get it out of my mind. We have redecorated three rooms in our home in Hawaiian fabrics because we miss it so much when we are not there. I can't wait to retire there!!

Kimberley

I've been to Hawaii many times. You can't but feel drawn back to such a place. For those that don't feel this way, they need to know that each island is different so I believe that people need to research them before they go so they know what to expect and what not to expect. There are many, many, differences in accomodations and attractions but each island itself stays very much consistent in what it has to offer. Do your homework and you'll never be dissapointed in Hawaii. I've vacationed many places and the Hawaiian islands are still my favorite place. (Also, I've never been "hounded" by a time-share person or even approached at all....where did the guy below stay??!!!)

Joe

It was my first morning in Maui. The sounds of unfamiliar birds surrounded me as I packed my rented convertible in the warm morning breeze. I had the top down and I turned on the radio. Desperately, I searched for a rock station. Instead, I found Iz (or maybe he found me?). As I listened to this Hawaiian legend, I wondered what was in store for me as I accelerated faster and faster towards Kihei. The boat was filled with smiling people. No one talked about what they did for a living, nor did they care. Quite frankly, the most important thing was that you were "there". After an unforgettable dive filled with memories for a lifetime, our boat reluctantly left Molokini crater. As we were leaving, there were whales jumping everywhere. With my senses completely overloaded, I gently cried out, "This is a most wonderous place!" Everyone on the boat was nodding there head in silent reverence.

I often think about that day last year. I think about it a lot. So you see, you're not alone. Don't worry, you'll find a way to get back there. Hawaii will always have her arms wide open for people like you.

~Joe~

Patrick

We have visited Kauai three times since 1995 and cannot wait to get back. Each and every time we have come back with a silly grin on our faces and LONG for that place. Some of this has to do with the beauty of the place and much has to do with the people we encountered. And we love the Hawaiian culture. That place very much impacted us right down to our souls. And we too are not wealthy. But getting back just one more time will make it that much more memorable.

cramer

I too have a yearning for Hawaii! My blind sister and I spent a week on Maui last July. I was not sure that would be the best vacation spot for a blind person. However, she had been dreaming of this exotic location all her life. So off we went....From our arrival at the airport, our condo, and traveling the island, we found the people warm and welcoming. The beautiful sounds of birds, smell of exotic flowers, music, great food, and sounds of the ocean are calling us back. Our vacation was perfect. We will always have memories of our hair blowing in the trade winds as we explored Hawaii in our gold convertible. This was the vacation of a lifetime for my sister. I am returning this summer with my husband and sons. My sister and I will head to paradise next year. Only those open to the beauty of the world can truly see it. Aloho