aaargh, Patrick, your post about the fork sure hits home. My grandmother--and now my mother--would sometimes drop her utensils in the middle of a meal and suddenly forget how to use them!

That said, with regard to travel & transportation: Does Lee ever ask to go home? That's one thing I have seen a lot in those with alzheimers/dementia--at parties, on vacation, whatever--they ask a lot about going home. If the place is more unfamiliar, the insistence is stronger. If that is the case, I wonder if a car is not better than the bus.

OK so on VRBO....I believe there are units in the Ilikai, at the west end of Waikiki, in there. That puts you closer to Ala Moana and their vast food court. (As much as I hate referrals to competing malls!) The mall is also a big bus hub, should that become a big option for you.

I agree, the humidity is pretty bad here in Sept/Oct. However, a concierge in Miami told me that our humidity is nothing! Anyway, yes, in September, I'd opt for AC.

What a great trip.. and what a huge amount of information to wade thru!
On Maui, I agree Napili is a great area and I'd highly recommend Napili Surf. It's a real "mom and pop" place that often has specials that include a rental car.
One of the particular appeals is that you can book a specific unit. It's on a wonderful beach with a couple of restaurants in walking distance.
Kiahuna has always been a favorite on Kauai, directly on Poipu Beach. You can find some great bargains here on VRBO but be careful not to end up in the three story buildings at the very back of the property. Again, walking distance to shopping and eating.

p.s. have you tried Priceline? Kal and iceeu2 both won rooms in the Hawaii Prince Hotel (also on the west end of Waikiki) and it's really nice. I don't know how much $$ though.

Patrick, I'd be curious to see what places you decide on. There is so much information here to take in!

On a side note, you can also take a day trip to the island of Lanai from Maui. There are Expedition ferries that run between the islands during daylight hours. $25 one way, and there is bus service at the Lanai harbor which runs between the two resorts (Manele & Koele) and Lanai City. It is a great getaway and a place for total relaxation.

Also, the Coconut Marketplace on Kauai is scheduled for renovation soon--don't know the dates. The traffic in Kapaa has gotten a little better since they opened the bypass road.

the bypass closes starting tomorrow.

Melissa, I've looked at Bidding for Travel and it almost looks like bidding a four star in Waikiki will probably get you the Hawaii Prince -- tons of wins there, which sure would be nice. Most of them are about $140 to $150 (but let's not forget the taxes plus the Priceline fee for a total of about $20 more a night). That may be a great deal, but still more than I'd like to spend, and no one seems successful in getting a bid for a full week. With our situation I sure don't want to move more than we'd have to. Hotelsonsale.com has a standing offer for the Hawaii Prince at $173 (plus taxes only -no "fee"), so for that extra $20 or so a night, I'd rather book for the full time if we were going to "splurge" that much. But still looking to keep the final price closer to $100 a night for the week. The lower star places really have some "grungey" choices thrown in there, though. And Priceline changed their Waikiki boundararies, so some locations can be pretty odd.
Still I'd like to book a cancellable and maybe do some Priceline "lowballing" closer to our trip. September seems to be better pricing.

With regards to Lee wanting to go home -- never. He seems just happy as a clam sitting in a car or on a bus or in the subway -- he loves to be on the move. However, as you must know -- any day can bring about a change.

But you people sure are giving me a lot to think about. So far I'm finding reservations wide open for September, so at least I don't feel pressured yet to get things booked.

If you go to Maui, take a sail out to the Molokini crater. It's a fun way to spend the day, and if you want to snorkel, it's amazing. I forget the company we used, but it was a nice sailboat and they offered a great barbecue meal on the way home, plus fruits, etc. on the way out. A long time ago, though.

But I jump ahead of you. . .
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Patrick, look at the thread called Entertainment Book. It might help you.
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Just to add to your confusion....

No one has mentioned the charming Hawi/Kapa'au area of the Big Island, or the beautiful upcountry Paniolo (cowboy) country of Waimea.

Hawi is old Hawaii, and there are affordable places to stay, and delicious meals to be had.

I predict you'll want to move there!

ttt

I've read that some are able to snag excellent deals, on nice resorts/hotels in Hawaii on Priceline, although haven't tried it myself. What I've seen quoted on the boards is under $150/night for resorts that are usually well over $300. Seems like you could get some of the two or three star resorts for $100 or below at that rate, but again I've not tried.

Patrick have you looked at the Breakers or the Hawaiiana they are right next to each other and not a bad location as it's an easy walk to many dining choices in Waikiki.
If a block further from the beach doesn't bother you too much there's the Royal Grove or Queen Kapiolani neither are four stars though.
On Maui we stayed at Marc's Maui Vista in Kihei had a little bit of ocean view from the lanai.
Kauai we stayed on the leeward (westside) in Kekaha which has several places that are around your price keep in mind that is the drier and warmer side.
Aloha

Things are on a bit of a hold pattern right now, but IF we do go, this is a definite so long as it is still available. For $99 a night, with this guaranteed view and the facilities as noted, why on earth would I even consider bidding up to $100 for a two or three star and probably getting no view and perhaps a tacky place? I've gotten great feedback on this place:

www.alohacondos.com/ilikai/im790/frontpage.html

Hi,
Ilikai is right next door to the Hawaii Prince, so you do get the marina view. That is a good area. It's away from the busy part of Kalakaua Ave. If you like lots of action, Ilikai is not for you. You can take a 10 min walk to Ala Moana Mall and eat at the food court. Everything is still within walking distance, at least to Duke's, about 15min walk. A few minutes walk lead you to the beach where the Hilton is. Min. stay is 5 nights. Fabulous choice. I can't speak for the interior though. Good luck!

When I said I can't speak for the interior, I meant that I have never stayed there...so no personal opinion can be given.

Staying at Hilo is fine, but I'd make sure to stay at Volcano Village if at all possible.

We drove from walking the volcano back to our room here, and still remember and are awed by the stars we saw that night. Logical, I guess since it is 3000 miles one direction to the nearest light pollution. Can't get that very many places. We had a convertible and put the roof down, pulled over on the side of the road, and just marveled.

Of course, all of that is assuming that Volcano Village hasn't been evacuated when you get there!

When is the Honolulu GTG ?

Percy, are ya coming?? If they hold true to the date of the Waikiki Hoolaulea, it should be around Sept. 12/13. It's put on by the good folks on the Asia Board...quite a bunch of partiers. I'm surprised the GTGs don't end up with broken glass and profanity!

Well....one did end with lcuy parked in front of a famous strip club here. but that's another GTG story for another day.....

Doubt it but you never know !

We're going to Maui soon so that will be a nice break.