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Hawaii visitors - are we making a mistake by not visiting Pearl Harbor on our trip to Hawaii?

Hawaii visitors - are we making a mistake by not visiting Pearl Harbor on our trip to Hawaii?

Old Jan 28th, 2002, 03:04 PM
  #21  
David
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It's worth seeing, and doesn't take that long. I arranged my flight back to the mainlaind so I had a long layover in Honolulu . . . I don't recall that it took more than a 2-3 hours to leave the airport, see the memorial, and get back to the airport
 
Old Jan 28th, 2002, 03:49 PM
  #22  
dcp
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Lots of good advice (and few bad) already given but here's what we did w/ a similar situation last yr. Got into Oahu around noon and spent the afternoon at Waikiki Beach. Next morning got up and went to the USS memorial then drove over & hike up Diamond Head (takes about 60- 90 minutes to go up look around and come down) then caught a 4:00 flight to Big Island. I absolutely disagree w/ Celeste! My wife (30) actually cried & 7 yr. old daughter still remembers & talks of the experience.
 
Old Jan 28th, 2002, 03:59 PM
  #23  
Lisa
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David -when did you travel to Honolulu? We were also thinking about seeing Pearl Harbor during a long layover but, now, with extra security, this does not seem possible, unless you rent a car. After much investigation, I realized that there would be no place to put our carry-on luggage without the trunk of a car to store it in. Although Aloha Airlines is willing to check our checked baggage on through American, due to hightened security, there is no longer any place to store carry-ons at the airport. And Pearl Harbor does not even allow women to bring purses, let alone any bags. And I can't imagine taking the long flight home without carry-ons filled with some diversions such as books, etc. So, you would have to rent a car just for baggage storage. Also, depending upon the time of year you go, it can take much more than 2-3 hours to see the memorial, due to possible wait times of 2 hours or more.
 
Old Jan 28th, 2002, 04:01 PM
  #24  
Sara
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I love to plan - vacations, my wedding, parties. However, I was convinced by Mom that I should make my honeymoon as simple as possible since the wedding was taking so much planning and time and energy. I am so glad I listened! We just flew down to Disneyland and had a package that let us come and go as we pleased. I was exhausted (and getting over a cold) and would have been so disappointed to have spent a ton of $ and tried to do too much because it wouldn't have been fun. I recommend going straight to Hawaii, soaking up the sun and going straight home. I have had trips where we unpack/pack, move, check in, and it is hard work and takes so much of your valuable time - you'll have a lifetime to do that. Go slow and enjoy each other! You will fall in love with Hawaii so you'll be back and can visit the memorial another time. One other thing I recommend is to stay at a hotel the night of the wedding and fly out the next day. Flying on top of the wedding day would be awful. Splurge and get a great room somewhere.

Have a great time!
 
Old Jan 28th, 2002, 06:00 PM
  #25  
Ashleigh
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Lisa brought up a good point - Even if we considered visiting Pearl Harbor during a long layover, is it even possible now with all the extra security? Where would we keep our luggage??
 
Old Jan 29th, 2002, 02:54 AM
  #26  
Revisionism Refuted
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Ross- You are so right. The Hawaiians had such a beautiful, idyllic and peaceful life before those evil western imperialists invaded and corrupted everything. If only we could go back to those glory days of the Hawaii of old- the one where the Hawaiians killed their own female babies and threw each other over the Pali cliffs.

<sigh> Such nostalgia.
 
Old Jan 29th, 2002, 05:05 AM
  #27  
Sarah
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Enjoyed the Arizona but also don't think it should be seen to the exclusion of Iolani Palace or Bishop Museum. I agree something is lost if you don't explore the path of the Hawaiians where you can find it. Would you go to France or Italy and only visit war memorials to American soldiers? … just something to think about, there was 1000 years of history before Hawaii became a state.

I would add picking up A Concise History of the Hawaiian Islands by Phil Barnes (85pages). Surprising how few people who have posted here remark about visiting Iolani Palace, remarkable because it is also an experience you will not soon forget IMHO.

 
Old Jan 29th, 2002, 07:09 AM
  #28  
just curious
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Message to Ross. Point taken on the course of Hawaii's history. But, Ross, I still believe that in the scope of human events, World War II ranks just a little higher than the downfall of Hawaii's culture. And, Ross, I was surprised to learn that WWII apparently is a white man's war. What a surprise to our black, indian and multi cultured veterans who gave their lives at Pearl Harbor. I think tourists should to see the sights you mentioned, but must include Pearl Harbor.
 
Old Jan 29th, 2002, 08:18 AM
  #29  
Ross
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Just Curious, glad I had your ear for a moment. Still have to say no one here is measuring horror other than you and I don't think you have enough of a background to make your call. I thought giving you the numbers from one out break of disease was enough to explain some of the enormity, your own reading and interest will take you further. Never said skip Pearl think it should not be the only historical visit.

In terms of it being a white man's war I think that is who was making the decisions on our side. I also think this is why you just curious can say that Pearl Harbor is higher on scale than the loss you know nothing about. You are identifying more with white and if that is not fair or accurate I will say mainland born American life loss. I have been to Pearl about 4 times I am guessing most who make this their first and only historical visit on their vacation are doing the same thing. Seeing this as the most important place on the islands because it is the site of an American tragedy. Hawaii is part of the U.S also so one could argue that Hawaiian tragedy is our tragedy as a nation also, yet few care to learn about this. What is this is about if it is not about color. I think Sarah said it best when would you go to Italy and France and only visit war memorials to American soldiers. You would not do it you would dive into the culture as best you could.

PS have made the same number of trips to Iolani Palace and it is equally rewarding

Thanks for the talks not trying to pull punches just thought it was food for thought. Have a good day.
 
Old Jan 29th, 2002, 08:43 AM
  #30  
xxx
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Even with some of the vitrolic rhetoric that goes on these boards, there is much to learn. We are planning our first trip to Hawaii in March. Were definitely planning on visiting Bishops and Pearl Harbor, but now I also intend on visiting the Iolani Palace.
 
Old Jan 29th, 2002, 12:28 PM
  #31  
Sarah
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So nice to read that xxx just remember you want to pick up tickets for Iolani early morning then come back for the time of your tour. This is March so maybe you won't have too wait long. It does not have anything near the crowd that Pearl Harbor has but it is good to know about the time slots. My first trip I thought I could just walk straight through when I was ready.

There is a missionary house across the street it is an orginal settlement house and you are guides present themselves as missionaries in period costumes living in Hawaii 18th or 19th century. I have never done this tour looks interesting and it is cheap and quick.
 
Old Jan 29th, 2002, 12:57 PM
  #32  
You're Pushing 30!
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Deb, you're nearly 30. An adult woman, you are not "too young" to appreciate the significance of the Memorial or any other historic landmark.



 
Old Jan 29th, 2002, 01:20 PM
  #33  
Frank
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Strongly recommend that you omit the SF stopover. There is nothing relaxing about collecting your luggage in SF, transferring to your hotel, spending a day in SF, repacking, transferring to the airport and flying on to Oahu ! It does not "break up" your flight to Hawaii, it only delays your arrival ! Save California for another trip. I've made the trip to Hawaii from NYC 5 times and, frankly, its long, but very doable. You will arrive in Honolulu in mid-afternoon, go to your hotel, perhaps rest poolside watching the sunset and then sleep the jet-lag off. The next morning you will be refreshed and ready to enjoy Hawaii!
 
Old Jan 30th, 2002, 01:54 PM
  #34  
Ashleigh
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Thanks everyone for your advice. (even for the few who gave the history speeches!)

I'm now leaning towards nixing SF, but I must now convince my fiance!
 
Old Jan 30th, 2002, 05:52 PM
  #35  
Mary
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I went to Pearl Harbor once, about 15 years ago. The movie ruined it for me. It was so slanted not to offend the large numbers of Japanese who visit.

Has anyone else felt this way?
 
Old Jan 30th, 2002, 07:26 PM
  #36  
NICK
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ONE PIECE OF INFORMATION. THERE IS A DAY TRIP FROM KAUI, CALLED THE STARS AND STRIPES TRIP. I THINK THE ACTIVITY WAREHOUSE OFFERS IT. THE COST IS ABOUT $40.00 PER PERSON AND YOU GO BY CATAMARAN FROM KAUI TO PEARL HARBOUR FOR THE ENTIRE DAY 8AM-7PM. SORRY I CANT GIVE YOU THE EXACT INFO.
 
Old Jan 30th, 2002, 07:43 PM
  #37  
Jo
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Just came back from 2 weeks on Kauai. 3rd time there. We stay near the Hyatt Regency where I'd go for a honeymoon if I had $$. My family and I rented a condo, swam in the ocean every day, snorkeled, wandered thru lovely gardens, kayaked, lazed on the beach. some went deep sea fishing, some took the helicopter ride. You can find
nightlife if you look. Good restaurants. Just bring money wherever u go in Hawaii. Trip from K to PH sounds ideal
 
Old Jan 31st, 2002, 05:38 AM
  #38  
kj
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Definitely drop the stop in SF. We were so excited to be going to Hawaii for the first time, the flight didn't seem that bad at all. Going home is tougher, but then you're returning from your honeymoon and starting a new life together, so that's exciting too!

As far as Pearl Harbor goes, take the time to visit. We didn't make it there, although we were in Oahu, and always regretted it. I don't think age has a thing to do with paying respect, and witnessing a very real part of ALL Americans, history. Young, or old.

If your scheduling allows, I would only stay on Oahu one day, to see Pearl Harbor. If you must stay two days, use the extra time to get any shopping done, so you can relax the rest of the time.
Although Oahu would not be my first choice, remember this, most of us don't see the "real" part of this island anyway. It's usually a jumping off point, and we never venture out of the commercial district. To see Diamond Head looming in the distance, is a reminder that this island too, holds a wealth of natural beauty.

If you're not into action-packed vacations, I'd keep the itinerary as uncluttered as possible and spend a lot of time relaxing in Kauai, and Mauai.

It is your honeymoon afterall, do you really want to spend it in airports and taxi cabs?
Relaxing by the pool, Mai-Tai in hand, as you watch the sunset....much more romantic!!

Enjoy the natural beauty of both islands also, on foot or by helicopter, it's spectacular.
For your 1yr. anniversary, maybe you'll want to try the Big Island!! It's a whole different Hawaii, and one of my favorites.

Good Luck and enjoy....
 
Old Jan 31st, 2002, 05:42 AM
  #39  
kj
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Definitely drop the stop in SF. We were so excited to be going to Hawaii for the first time, the flight didn't seem that bad at all. We were departing from Buffalo. Going home is tougher, but then you're returning from your honeymoon and starting a new life together, so that's exciting too!

As far as Pearl Harbor goes, take the time to visit. We didn't make it there, although we were in Oahu, and always regretted it. I don't think age has a thing to do with visiting this, or any monument. It's an opportunity to witness a very real part of ALL American's, history. Young, or old.

If your scheduling allows, I would only stay on Oahu one day, to see Pearl Harbor. If you must stay two days, use the extra time to get any shopping done, so you can relax the rest of the time.
Although Oahu would not be my first choice, remember this, most of us don't see the "real" part of this island anyway. It's usually a jumping off point, and we never venture out of the commercial district. To see Diamond Head looming in the distance, is a reminder that this island too, holds a wealth of natural beauty.

If you're not into action-packed vacations, I'd keep the itinerary as uncluttered as possible and spend a lot of time relaxing in Kauai, and Mauai.

It is your honeymoon afterall, do you really want to spend it in airports and taxi cabs?
Relaxing by the pool, Mai-Tai in hand, as you watch the sunset....much more romantic!!

Enjoy the natural beauty of both islands also, on foot or by helicopter, it's spectacular.
For your 1yr. anniversary, maybe you'll want to try the Big Island!! It's a whole different Hawaii, and one of my favorites.

Good Luck and enjoy....
 
Old Apr 20th, 2002, 02:08 PM
  #40  
tara
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Don't miss Pearl Harbour! My husband I were their ten years ago. We were 23 and 27. I will never forget it. We love to travel and have seen many places, and I can only think of one other place that you could even begin to compare Pearl Harbour to. SF is a fun place to visit. We have been a # of times as I have a sister who lives there. I do think you would have a great time but not at the expence of exhausting yourselves. It's fun but not a must see. If your the always on the go type than you'll probably do fine, but like someone else said planning a wedding takes alot out of you and you really might want a more relaxing holiday. Have fun and enjoy.
 
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