Message: I tried to post these questions on tis site at 10:15 but they seem not to have gone through. If this is a duplicate, I apologize. I originally posted similar questions last week on the US forum but meant to get them on the Hawaii forum instead. Thanks to those of you who responded with your helpful tips.

We are flying to Honolulu on 7/22, staying at the Hawaiiana for 5 days, flying to Maui on 7/27, staying at the Maui Kai in Lahaina and back to Honolulu on 8/3, staying at the New Otani Kaimana, and then back home to Maine on 8/6. Someone responded to my earlier post that she would be at Maui Kai 7/27-7/29, look for me I am easy to spot, a respectable middle aged woman with purple hair (I am otherwise pretty normal).

I would like to know your favorites:

1. places for dinner in Oahu and Maui (more expensive but worth it as well as funky but less expensive, also more "ethnic" type places) -- please let me know which island you are referring to

2. sights not to miss, especially, but not exclusively, for photography (which island?)

4. art museums, gallerys, & places for crafts (where?)

We are less interested in beaches although plan to do some beaching and playing in gentle waves), even less interested in hiking (don't ask why we are going to Hawaii, the beautiful flowers and ocean views are enough for us).

Short (1-2 mile) walks would be nice. I have heard there are places in Maui where the surf is gentle and even semi-swimmers like me can go out with a surf board and an instructor, any more info on that?

What about botanical gardens, parks, other places where their are lovely flowers?

Any recomendations for a reasonably authentic hula show?

I promise to report back with any finds

If you click on your name in the upper left of this screen (once you've logged in) all your messages will appear in the left column. do this to check if one went thru or to find your old questions.

BTW, 17 people took the time to give you tips on your post a few days ago. It usually works better to refine your questions by replying on that one rather than starting a new thread.

Good luck.

Thanks lcuy, I thought this all sounded familiar and I had just had too much to drink!

professors, Hawaii is on the US board. You got a TON of answers last time!

No need to log in. Simply click on your name on this, or any other, thread.
Purple hair? I'm guessing that'a a recessive gene. Dare I ponder your eye color?
On Maui from Lahaina drive north over the top or [south, east, north, east] over to Hana for painfully pretty scenery, including flora. Just watch the road, as it bends.
Have a great trip.

I apologize for repeated, virtually identical posts to the same forum. that was not my intention. I guess I finally figured out how to do this.

Thanks to all of your for great tips and patience. This time I have a completely new question.I am somewhat allergic to the sun and have heard not to go to the beach between 10AM and 4PM. What do you think? My plan is to use tons of 30 or 50 spc sunscreen even if I am just strolling around. I also heard that it was important to protect eyes from UV rays. My glasses that turn darkish when I go outside probably don't do this and I don't want to get prescription sun glasses just for this trip. Will a broad brimmed hat be sufficient?

To answer Hmmm's question, I am tempted to say that purple hair is probably more progressive than regressive I was just describing myself to Lahainalulu since our stays at the Maui Kai will overlap.

Thanks again.

Professors, I would slather on the sunscreen, high #; I would gradually increase my time at the beach, like 30 minutes to an hour the first day INCLUDING the walk to the beach and back in the sun, and add half an hour each day. And I would get a wide-brimmed hat......... never hurts. You can even get the shirts that screeen the sun's rays. I have brother and sister who wear those because of skin cancers. I know so many people who have gotten bad burns in Hawaii, burns that ruined part of their trip, even after they've been there a few days when they think they can relax precautions. Don't do it! Good luck!

If you like seafood, I highly recommend John Dominis Restaurant on Oahu between Honolulu and Waikiki. On Maui, go to Mama's Fish House in Paia, fairly close to the airport.

Professors, to reply to your sun questions: I'm not allergic to the sun but burn very easily. I dont know where you are traveling from, but if you live east of Hawai'i, it's a bonus that you will probably wake up very early--so you can easily watch the sun rise, walk on the beach (or wherever you choose to walk) for a couple hours, without worrying about the sun. I do recommend the sun shirts as they provide more protection than sunscreen, and a hat is good to protect your face. The bright sun can really fade hair color too.

As far as glasses, I believe the UV protection is provided by a transparent coating on the lenses, not by the darkness of the tint. You might want to check with your optician-I think UV coating is standard on most lenses these days.

Re sightseeing: In Honolulu you might enjoy Chinatown, here there are many tiny shops, everything from traditional Asian medicine to produce to gifts, as well as restaurants. I'olani Palace provides a tour that

oops....I'olani Palace tour gives a very interesting perspective on Hawaiian history.