I've done my part for this year--just back a week ago today and was already missing it without your gorgeous pictures.

I lived there, too, for a year once long ago--my daughter was born at Tripler. I fell in love with it at first sight and have been back several times (the islands, not Tripler).

Just 2 weeks and we'll be there. We were stationed there for 6 yrs about 20 yrs. ago.
I want to do some hiring and getting away from the "big city"..any ideas? Where can you see orchids and antheiums?? growing? Yes, the Aloha Spirit is alive and gets in your "soul".

The Hawaiian islands are truly our national treasure! One of our favorite places to visit. My sister is going this October, with her family, for her first visit. She will love it.

It is hard to describe the difference between Hawaii and the Caribbean islands, smetz, because so much of what makes Hawaii wonderful is the welcoming attitude of its people. Besides being drop dead gorgeous, of course.

I hope to get there this year, too. We love Hawaii.

19 days !!!

Remember no lava rock souvenirs.

I would love to book a trip to Hawaii this year...but the average fare from Northern CA right now is $900! I'm hoping it comes down next year.

Margy

Margy I did a quick look on kayak for a week in Sept, Oct and Nov and found AA and US Airways r/t from SFO to HNL at $625 and Hawaiian at $640.
With fuel prices going thru the roof that maybe as good as it gets.

Ouch, those airline prices. The fare on my usual route to Kona has just about doubled, for a late September trip. I am really having second thoughts about another trip to Hawaii this year. Sadly.

Anyone seen the latest AAA most expensive vacation destination had Honolulu as #1.
Maybe I can get a job with them as they only did an average cost for the hotels they were able to rate.
At $700 plus a day not including airfare I think it's safe to say they never crossed the street.

Good point about across the street. If you go to the most expensive places, even India can be super costly. Averages need to be applied. Hawaii is not the most expensive place. If you play your cards right, it can be pretty inexpensive.

As a budget traveler I thought it would be pretty costly as well. I have a trip planned for November. I got 3 award tickets on CO, a reservation for 9 nights at the Royal Grove averaging under $80 per day w/tax and a rental car at just over $200 for the entire time (free miles of course). So far this is coming in as budget in my book. I can't wait to go. With the way air travel is going this might be my only opportunity for a long time.

Smetz, I am with you. I live in Florida and have never had the desire to go to Hawaii. The long flight and expense just do not make sense when there are so many choices in the Caribbean only a couple of hours away. I am sure Hawaii is amazing but its not for me.

I am probably in the minority but Hawaii isn't at the top of my list due to the amount of tourists and commercialism. It isn't an easy trip for us either.

I don't dispute the beauty as it is stunning and I'm sure locals know where to go to get away from the hoards of visitors. If I knew that I would probably buy a ticket. But I didn't think Hawaii needed more people visiting their islands.

Great pics, degas.

My wife and I (and possible baby) are headed to Oahu and Maui in October.

It's not hard to find places away from the touristy areas. Beach cottage on the ocean, and stay in a smaller town - the aloha spirit is addictive. Flying with Skymiles and counting the days. And you don't have to worry about the food or the water - it's great!

Definitely not an easy trip from the east coast, but I think it's worth it!

trvlgrl we get into the Grove November 4 for roughly two weeks your schedule fall in that time.
Beachgrl the westside of Kauai is not bad at all the longest beach on the island Kekaha and Waimea Canyon and if you want more quiet go out to Polihale Beach the road maybe a little rough but it's a great beach.

hulajake - We check in on the 19th and leave on the 27th (Thanksgiving day).

We'll have to work on our timing if we're ever going to get this romance off the ground. LOL
If you've never stayed at the Grove maybe the Fong's will have a potluck while you're there. I think Wed evening the men get out their guitars and ukeleles and play in the lobby.
Check sunsetonthebeach for the movie schedule probably in Oct they haven't been real good about updating very far in advance.

hulajake - Like ships passing in the night, I know. Thanks for the website. I'll definitely check it out. We happen to be there when the new Harry Potter movie opens so I'll be taking my nephews to see it one evening.

Enjoyed your photos, Degas. My kids think your picture of the gecko is great. My son even said it was too cute to be real. (They also said it is much better than the photo on Wikipedia.)

Some day we'll go to Hawaii, but not soon. We just spent our time bolstering the economy of Southern California last week.