In case I haven’t mentioned it, I will be spending two weeks in Hawaii with my sisters and mom to celebrate Rachel‘s Sweet Sixteen at the end of May. I haven’t been very involved in the planning process since I’ve been working and such, but I’ve found many helpful blogs to get started on.
LandLopers, “Five Strange Things About Honolulu.”
Matt has summed up a place I’m very excited about, despite its weirdness. He’s been working with a resort there, so I know I can trust his advice. Also helpful was his post on finding an authentic experience in Chinatown.
A Dangerous Business, “Travel Guide: Visiting Pearl Harbor.”
There’s so much I didn’t know about visiting Pearl Harbor before I read Amanda’s post. Like no bags unless you want a locker? Good to know ahead of time, since I probably would have showed up with a huge camera bag and purse.
Camels and Chocolate, “The Land of Fire & Water.”
One of the top reasons I read Kristin’s blog is for the straight-up travel porn photos. She raved about her stay at the Fairmont Orchid and this is only one of a few posts about her recent trip to Hawaii.
Matador Network, “Four Hawaiian Farmers’ Markets to Feed Your Soul.”
In case you didn’t know it, I love farmer’s markets. The people watching, the great local food. There’s nothing to not like. I can’t wait to check out the ones in Hawaii!
So what do we have planned so far?
I arrive on May 31, a day later than the rest of my family, since there was $100 difference on the JetStar website between days. Go figure.
Oahu
- Breakfast at Leonard’s Bakery
- Visiting Pearl Harbor
- Watching a hula show at the Bishop Museum
- Staying at the EDITION Waikiki and Ilikai Hotels
- Diamondhead sunrise hike (grumble grumble)
- Lunch at Hukilau Cafe (featured on Man vs. Food and 50 First Dates)
- Tour of the Dole Pineapple Plantation
- Drive to the North Shore
- Surf lessons
Kauai
- Helicopter tour of the island
Big Island
- Visiting Punaluu‘s black sand beach
- Drive the Crater Rim to Volcanoes National Park
- Visiting the Mahana Green Sand Beach
- Staying at Macadamia Meadows Farm Bed & Breakfast
- Exploring the Hilo Rainforest
To watch before I go
Movies
- 50 First Dates: I’m not huge on Adam Sandler movies, but the Oahu set film has some great scenery.
- Forgetting Sarah Marshall: This one always makes me laugh. It’s filmed at Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore.
- Pearl Harbor (I guess if I have to): It doesn’t exactly portray the events in a historical manner, but at least it shows clips of Hawaii. Oh and Josh Hartnett.
Television
- Magnum PI
- Hawaii 5-0 (new and old)
- LOST
- Gilligan’s Island
- Dog the Bounty Hunter
Thanks, Caroline! I hope you have an AWESOME trip. And you’ll be glad you hiked Diamondhead at sunrise–we waited until the “late” hour of 9, and it was just packed!
Me and my mom have been emailing back and forth about the itinerary and I kept telling her, “Just go look at Camels and Chocolate, will you?” I can’t wait to get out of Sydney (which has just gotten cold) and into sunny Hawaii!
Awesome Caroline – we’re going in July and this list is great! Be sure to let us know which things we can’t miss!
We love watching Hawaii 5-0, gets us so excited haha. Add The Big Bounce to your list of movies too, think it’s set completely in Hawaii and was on the TV here a couple of weeks ago.
I’m so excited for you guys, Kieron! Hawaii sounds like the perfect place to start your adventure. I can’t believe I’ve never been. There are so many states in the US I haven’t seen that I’ve met a few Aussies who have seen more than I have. Oops. Will start catching up on Hawaii 5-0 and will check out The Big Bounce!
You’re going to have so much fun – I loved Hawaii! :) I spent most of my time on Oahu, and did a day trip to Maui during my visit.
I took my camera bag with me to Pearl Harbor, maybe I didn’t go in the Visitor’s Center? I remember touring the museum waiting for my trip out to the USS Arizona Memorial, but I didn’t go to everything available. Pearl Harbor is a very powerful place, and visiting the Memorial is an emotional experience. No talking is allowed.
The North Shore was by far my favorite place, Honolulu was so touristy and crowded! It was cool to visit though.
Since you like markets, if you could make it to the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet (http://www.alohastadiumswapmeet.net/Index.asp), it’s a pretty big one! Lots of souvenirs at decent prices.
Yayyy can’t wait! Thanks for the link! I do love markets. So desperate to get some sun!
The new Hawaii 5-0 (I am assuming you guys are getting it day-and-date with the US as Alex O. is really Australian:-) and I know how much Aussies love their peeps) and Lost. That is all you need. Skip Sarah Marshall as I didn’t think that movie featured the islands all that much and will only make you jealous for NOT staying at Turtle Bay.
And Blue Crush! Ohmigod, that movie is cheesy-goodness and shows off Oahu really well.
I am heading to Le Big Island in August, can’t wait! Can’t wait to read about your time there too!
Forgot about Blue Crush! Such a bad movie, but I’ve seen it anyways. So I’m going in May, you’re going in August and Kieron is going in July? Coincidence! Too bad no one is going at the same time.
Hi Caroline,
My name is Jane and I’m with Dwellable.
I was looking for blog posts about Punaluu to share on our site and I came across your post…If you’re open to it, drop me a line at Jane (at) Dwellable (.com)
Hope to hear from you :)
Jane
Fit’s perfectly! I was hoping to go to Hawaii this January, but that fell through. Still, I’m planning a trip to the Islands so thanks for the compårehensive tips!