Can any of you locals tell us the current cost for the Sunday brunch @ MS?

Do you still have to book weeks in advance?

Did you try just calling them? Wouldn't that be easiest for you?

..... or typing "Moana Surfrider Brunch" into Google or any search engine.

It's about $30-$40 per adult -- and worth every penny. Awesome array of food, lovely views, genteel service.

Two seatings: 9a.m. and 12noon. Yes, plan to spend 3 hours over your relaxing meal <burp!>, and make your reservations _well_ in advance.

Thanks, auntiemaria, for your gracious and informative reply! We've enjoyed relaxing by the Banyan tree area there in the evenings and thought the brunch would be lovely too.

3 hours!The last time we ate like this was at Maggiano's-a chain here in the Atlanta area. I've never seen so much food-we were there 2 hours, stuffing ourselves...you almost feel guilty!

I love food and I love to eat, but I NEVER get my money's worth on brunch or any other buffets, sadly.

I had to quit eating at Ray's on the River at their Sunday brunch in ATL for the same reason! For me, more isn't better!

Bryarsmom, when do you go to Maui? We leave a week from today from ATL, also.

DD

Hi! We leave for Oahu on April 11th-got one of those GREAT Clark Howard deals a few months ago.

We went a few years ago and stayed at the Waikiki Parc on Waikiki-lovely, understated elegance, with a super breakfast buffet each morning! This time we wanted closer to the beach, wih some privacy. I found an oceanfront cottage near Ka'a'awa-I mean RIGHT ON THE BEACH! can't wait!!
Just the 2 of you heading to Maui? I wish the deals had been for Kauai-I am crazy about the Princeville-it's where they filmed South Pacific(old enuf to remember this musical?)

Yes, I'm old enough to remember SP-I just wish I wasn't.

I don't get the change to listen to CH as much as I once did. We were able to take our entire family to Paris back in the late 90's (4 of us) for less than $1000 w/fees thanks to CH. Before that we went to Albuquerque for $69 RT each w/fees on another of his deals.

What was his HI deal? I got my ticket for under $600 with only one stop in TX to Maui direct from the airline, so I'm not terribly disappointed.

My husband has a "gig" there with a band at the Grand Wailea next weekend, so he's going for free (woohoo), I just had to pay for my tickets, food and extra nights. It's our first time to HI. I'm really getting excited!! We stay two nights at the GW and then go to Haiku on our own for three nights at a VRBO rental for $140 per night, not on the beach of course, but on a cliff overlooking the ocean.

DD

That was a great deal to Paris!
I just happened to hear him one afternoon a few months ago & Oahu was on sale for $397. per person, total. I got all excited and called my husband and then American Airlines and got it! I feel like I'm in paradise when over there...you're going to LOVE it!
Have you researched your restaurants, waterfalls, beaches yet? I've been taking my time-a little each day while at work. I want to go to a Sunday Brunch at one of the beach hotels but my husband doesn't eat very much-I'll be loosing $$$ on him if we do go Most of them are averaging around $40. pp.Not cheap.
We have a plane change in Chicago-then on to Oahu. Several years ago we too got a $69. deal, RT to New Orleans(leaving out of AL).Last year we made it to Italy-Rome, Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi & Capri. I don't know what's come over me the last 8 or 9 years-I've turned into a travel freak, of sorts. Do ya'll enjoy driving up to Gatlinburg? We found a little hotel downtown that takes dogs-we have 2 chihuahua's that love to travel with us. I know-pretty nuts. Well, good to chat with an Atlantan-we live in Acworth.
Kind regards, Debbie.

We also got our cottage for upcoming trip at VRBO! Can't believe we'll be inches from our own beachfront!

This is our first trip to HI. Honestly, it is not someplace we would have just chosen to go as I'm not a big sun person. I quit going into the sun when my wrinkles started showing up a few years ago (wink).

If it had not been for my husband's free trip, we would probably not be going on our own, sadly. We've spent our last two vacations in Paris, but the dollar is so weak, we decided to spend our money in the US this time.

I'm afraid I'm going to get "hooked" on HI! I've read so much and researched so much that I'm confusing myself. I'm an IT person and have a lot of time in front of the PC while at work and a lot of "free time" (i.e. no problems, not much work).

I've used VRBO for all of our trips in the last three years with the exception of our honeymoon three years ago. Now, I wish I had used it for that too! The value is far and above a hotel for the $. I prefer to spend my $ on doing things or eating, rather than where I sleep for a few hours.

That was agreat deal to HI. I caught the "travel bug" about the time I got the tickets to NM for so few $'s. It's been non-stop since.

Anyway, have a great trip yourself. I'll post a report when we return. I live in Gwinnett county, so I'm on the otherside of the "planet" from you.

Aloha!

DD

I work right at spaghetti junction-I, too have lots of lazy time at my laptop.

I would love to make it to Germany and Brussels one day but you're so right-our dollar has really taken a dive this past year...it'll have to wait.

Today I've been searching for some unusual things to do on Oahu. We want to attend the Sunday services @ the Kawaiahao Church for sure-missed it last trip. Have you read about it?

Also, they say the Honolulu Fish Auction is worth getting up for(5:30!!)

Also heading to the Flea Market for our souvenirs, rather than buying them at the over-priced gift shops. I think we'll go there, cart away the booty and hit Hilo Hattie's before we leave at the end of our trip.Did you see in your research Hilo Hattie's provides a free trolly from Waikiki to their flagship store? Neat.
I agree with you about the $$$ and where to spend it-I'd rather do cool stuff and sample all the great food. I'm trying to decide on a sunset cruise or a luau. I'm a vegetarian and I want to be sure I can get my moneys worth.

We're going to have a fabulous time, aren't we??? Be sure not to skimp on strong sunscreen-I clearly remember our pilot on the flight last trip, reminding us all to use sunscreen(he knew what he was talking about!).
Have a heavenly time yourself!
Debbie.

Since we are going to Maui, I know virtually nothing about Oahu, sadly. I've done all of my research on Maui, therefore.

I've heard the same thing over and over again about sunscreen, so I'm buying an extra large bottle with broad spectrum protection. I always wear a hat when I'm in the sun and honestly try to avoid the sun as much as I can, thus our reluctance in going to an island until now.

I do hope we have a wonderful time. I'm very excited. My daughter is sick right now (she's married) and on her way to the ER at Northside, so that's got me a little concerned and hesitant about leaving the mainland. She's had meningitis before and she seems to have the symptoms again!

Hey, I work right off of JCB! Small world, even in ATL, isn't it?

Have a great trip and let us know how all of your research paid off. I'll do the same.

DD

When my mother used to come visit in Hawaii, the services at Kawaiahao Church were always on her to do list. She loved the pomp, the costumes and outfits, the kindness of the parisioners, and the people watching as much as the service in this historic church.

Hope you both have great trips!

Lucy

bryarsmom, if you go out to Hilo Hattie's, walk down the block and eat lunch at Sam Choy's. We enjoyed it.