Gads!!

So it sounds like Hanauma Bay may not be worth the effort. Are they any other good snorkeling spots when we head to the North Shore?

As far as the PCC goes, I don't think I want to spend the time doing that as we had planned on doing the Old Lahaina Luau when we're in Maui. I'm definitely contemplating a stop at the Dole plantation, though.

As far as our itinerary goes, we will be spending 3 nights in Honolulu, 7 nights at Maui (staying at the Westin Maui on Kaanapali), and then 4 nights on Kauai (Hyatt on Poipu).

Regarding the sunburn, how much worse is Hawaii vs the Caribbean? We went to the caribbean last year for a week and I was fine. Actually, what I did was spend the month before the vacation at the tanning salon. I had such an incredibly good base tan by the time we went on vacation that I never used sunscreen once, and that's including the three afternoons that we went snorkeling. I was seriously dark by the time we came back. I was thinking of doing the same thing for this trip, but now I'm getting scared that that won't even be enough (also knowing that we will be renting a convertible on both Oahu and Maui). So I guess I'll just load up on the sunscreen while we're there. But I'm getting a little nervous about sun poisoning!!

I'm in the process of figuring out what to do in Maui. I know I want to do the Maui Kayaks excursion that Roxy mentioned in earlier posts. We will also do the Rd to Hana and the Rd around West Maui (per the Maui revealed book). I'm also thinking of doing the horseback riding tour on Haleakala. As far as evening entertainment, I know I want to do the OLL and the Warren and Annabelle's show. I'm still trying to figure out what to do for dining on Maui. I know we'll do the OLL one night (probably the night we arrive on Maui) and want try Sansei. Possibly Nick's Fishmarket. Other than that, it seems that there's too many other choices (Sarento's, David Paul's, Pacific O', etc) that I just need to figure out.

Regarding Kaui, I haven't given any thought to that yet. I just bought the Ultimate Kauai book and am in the process of reading that (generally I do my reading while I'm on the treadmill or the eliptical trainer at the gym...keeps me occupied and reading about Hawaii gives me incentive the stay on the machine longer so that I'll look even better in my bathing suit

Ok. I really need to get some work done now.

Lynne

I wouldn't miss Hanauma Bay. We always see great fish. One time huge whales were breeching at the mouth of the bay too. It was more exciting when we could feed the fish and you didn't have to beat traffic down there. Oh well.... It's still a good spot.

On the north shore Shark's Cove is a good spot.

Lynne- when are you going to Honolulu?
the time of year can make quite a difference as to how busy places are.

We won't be going until the end of November. Actually, we'll be in Honolulu during the Thanksgiving weekend. I figured if I'm going to feel like a whale during Turkey weekend, I may as well migrate south with the other whales....

If you want to drop one thing off the list, maybe the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet!

The shrimp truck is worth stopping. You should also try the Shave Ice when you are at the North Shore.

Shark's Cove at the North Shore is a good snorkerling spot. You don't have to pay any admission nor watch any video!

OH, November the water may be too high and rough at Shark's Cove.

lscrage, in response to the sunburn question.....our sun here in Hawaii is WAY more intense. My cousin came to visit me one February, we went to the beach, used sunscreen, and got 3rd degree burns on spots that we missed! I run a lot so when I go out I now wear SPF 45 or 50.

Ischrage We went to Oahu last November and hope to go again this year. for us Hanahuma bay was a must (we went several times in our 21 day stay) we mostly got there about 9am and it was not that busy. the drive around the north shore is relaxing in itself (will you have a convertable?) Pearl Harbour was good but get there EARLY we didn't go quite early enought and it was a long wait.Daimond head late afternoon is good but remember the sun sets quite early in November.you will love Oahu it is fantastic I am now very hyper about going back.
Linda

Also agree with those who say don't miss Hanauma Bay. It was quite beautiful there. We arrived about 8am and had to wait only 5 minutes for the mandatory film. Afterwards we walked down to the beach and were in the water and snorkeling by 8:20. The water was clear and the sea life spectacular. We left around noon when the line was long and those on line were losing patience. Get there early and enjoy the sites, water and short lines!!!!!!

Hi Melissa,

Are you still out there? I can't believe that you were at the Santos Show!!! I was sitting to the left of the stage. If you heard Jerry thanking people who told him they listen to Kahaluu in their NYC apartment, he was thanking me!!! . Yeah I was quite the groupie after a couple of drinks. . I do like his music though. So funny I did not see you there.

I wanted to thank you Melissa for mentioning Hyatt for Dim Sum. I never experienced it but I did check out some Japanese food at Yumen (Hyatt). It was a quick meal before I split for the airport. Quick but delicious. Creative Japanese marketed for a young client base. I FINALLY FOUND A PLACE IN WAIKIKI to eat!!! I did make it back to Wong Kee again. We got there late and with a 12 year old, so no dungess black bean crab this time. They said it was too much for us. We did have the black bean sauce on shrimp though.

I also had dim sum three times on this trip, once at Legends Seafood (Chinatown), once at the Imperial Palace (Chinatown), once at Royal Gardens at the Ala Moana hotel. Legends was a tad expensive but the variety was great. If you go as a couple, be sure to sit in the center, carts may skip you otherwise. Imperial Palace was the most outstanding bargain of my trip ($1.50 a plate). Regulars told me the best deserts are gone soon after 12pm. Royal Gardens was convenient and delicious but not something I would travel out of my way for. Although the concierge at the hotel insisted that locals came in to eat here. Certainly stop by if you are either staying at the hotel or shopping in the mall. Yikes I did not mean for this to turn into a trip report. Just wanted to say Hi Melissa. ...Hi!

Oh Shucks Sarah! I could have met you for dim sum. Actually, when I go to any place for dim sum, I do not wait for the cart. I am a pushy broad so I go up to the cart and make them come to me!!!!

Glad to hear you had a great trip. Next time you are in Hawaii let me know.