Michi Does Hawaii!

[Cyndar]

Well, not for another 6 months, but I'm going! I'm so excited! My father is finally in a finacial position to fly me out there come my next vacation. I have not seen my dad or my brother in over 10 years. I can't wait! :)

::happy dance::

[Booker57]

Post photos Swimsuit photos. Say hi to your dad for me. I don't know him, I just like to confuse people.MTS

[Bubble Girl]

Congratulations Michi? If this really is Michi. ;)

[Mullinator]

Did I miss a name change somewhere?

[Geek Mecha]

Oh, how exciting! Which island does your family live on?

[Cyndar]

Yes, Michi=Cyndar. I had some computer probs a while back and asked that Michi be scrubbed...although I don't think it was ever officially done.

My dad and bro live on Hawaii. I am not sure what the area is like where they live, but their address is simply Captain Cook, General Delivery, so I think it is pretty underdeveloped. They live in a little house my father built himself, and I don't think they even have running water, so I might prefer to stay in a hotel.

And of course, I will have to up my exercise a notch, so I can look good in a bathing suit.

[Olentzero]

I second the swimsuit photos, and wish to add that you look good already, Michi.

[Cyndar]

You only think that because you have not seen me in a bikini. :) Trust me, it isn't pretty.

[Crunchy Frog]

Here's another vote for swimsuit pix. You post yours, Cyndar, and I promise to keep mine far, far away from here.

And one last thing -- Maybe I need to get out more, but here's my first thought on seeing the thread title:

Michi Does Hawaii!
And boy is her #*@!& tired!

Sorry everyone.

I need a nap.

[Geek Mecha]

Originally posted by Cyndar
My dad and bro live on Hawaii. I am not sure what the area is like where they live, but their address is simply Captain Cook, General Delivery, so I think it is pretty underdeveloped. They live in a little house my father built himself, and I don't think they even have running water, so I might prefer to stay in a hotel.
Captain Cook is on the Big Island, a.k.a. Hawaii. I've heard of the place, although I didn't get to see it when I went there a few years ago. I do know that it's an old, historic town. The island of Hawaii has very laid-back feel to it. If the weather's good, as it probably will be around that time of year (April or so, right?), you'll have a great time.

[Bear_Nenno]

Michi, surely you don't want to travel all the way out there all by your lonesome. If you want, I would be willing to tag along in Hawaii to provide for you safety, security and well being. ;)

[Bear_Nenno]

... I will even be willing to carry your luggage.

[Cyndar]

And of course I need someone to rub suntan oil on me.

My friend Kerri might come with me. It'll help with the expenses of a hotel room. Bear, you'll have to handle your airfare out there, but you think you could stand shacking up in a hotel room with 2 chicks? Kerri is six foot two, by the way. :)

[DRY]

I wonder how much it would cost to hijack that plane to LA? ;)

Seriously, Michi, you deserve the great time I'm sure you'll have.

Even though the last time I was in Hawaii, I didn't enjoy it at all *sniff*. Stupid wedding. *sniff*

[Random]

Just got a great fare to Honolulu on ATA. I'm going for new year's eve and the week after. Oahu, then the big island. Any Hawaiian Dopers have any suggestions on what to see or do?

[iampunha]

Originally posted by Cyndar
And of course, I will have to up my exercise a notch, so I can look good in a bathing suit.

It is the opinion of this doper that you would lok fantastic in anything that graced your body.

Or should that be Michied your body?

[Geek Mecha]

Originally posted by Random
Any Hawaiian Dopers have any suggestions on what to see or do?

Great place to kick off the millennium, Random. :)

I don't know much about the Big Island, but I do have one recommendation for a place to visit there: Kilauea, the volcano (http://wwwhvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/).

As for Oahu:
Definitely hit a beach. Ala Moana and Waikiki are nice, but Kailua beach, on the east side of the island, is also worth checking out. Parking is horrible there, but mostly because it's not as established as the others are. It's also nearer to residences, as opposed to the others, which are near malls and hotels. Anyway, it's just as pretty there, and, depending on when you go, it's much less crowded.

If you do go to a beach, try to go either early in the day or later in the afternoon. That way, it'll be less crowded, and you won't deep-fry yourself during the dreaded 10am-2pm nuclear-sun hours. Bring lots of sunblock. You can pick some up at any ABC Store; in Waikiki, there is one ABC Store every 100 feet. I wish I was exaggerating.

Waikiki itself is an interesting place, and worth seeing. I myself have enjoyed playing tourist, walking through the marketplace to look at the cheesy clothing, jewelry, and goods sold by kiosk vendors. My recommendation is that if you do go to Waikiki, get your hands on a current and detailed map; the place has Pradas and Guccis and Niketowns springing up left and right.

Ala Moana is the main mall, or "maul", as I prefer to call it. They've done renovations there in the last few years, and it's looking pretty nice. It's near Waikiki, and the bus system practically revolves around Ala Moana, so getting there isn't much of a problem. (I don't recommend driving if you are going to stay mostly within the Honolulu/Waikiki area.)

Pearl Harbor and Arizona Memorial are must-sees, for obvious reasons.

Beyond that, it's really a matter of your tastes. I like our aquarium and zoo and botanical gardens, but I'm not sure if you dig that kind of stuff.

There are lots of free tour pamphlets and coupon books that could do a better job of suggesting activities. I'd be happy to get some out to you. Let me know if you're interested.

[Typo Negative]

I was in Hawaii about 12 years ago. Went snorkeling at Hunauma Bay. Large tropical fish swimming next to you, seemingly oblivious to your presence. Wonderful experience.
Definately go whale-watching!

[Bear_Nenno]

What does it cost to fly out there? Maybe I could hide in your luggage?

[evilbeth]

Hey, Bear, if you want to start another fund-raising thread, I'll actually contribute this time! Last time it was sour grapes! ;)

[LouisB]

I was fortunate enough to visit Oahu a few years back. I thought the island as a whole was the most beautiful place I have ever seen.

[Cyndar]

Before my dad and bro moved to Captain Cook, they lived in Kailua Kona. I know they will make sure I have a great time.

Bear, you might be a little big to fit in my suitcase. If I put you in there, I wouldn't have any room for my clothes! Oh, well, maybe that's a good thing. ;)

[AWB]

Originally posted by Cyndar
Well, not for another 6 months, but I'm going! I'm so excited! My father is finally in a finacial position to fly me out there come my next vacation. I have not seen my dad or my brother in over 10 years. I can't wait! :)

::happy dance::

I certainly hope it goes better than your Utah experience.

[Chef Troy]

Erm, you aren't going to have a layover for refueling in DFW by any chance, are you?

And "Cyndar" makes you sound like a villain from the Powerpuff Girls, BTW.

"Look out, Bubbles!"
"What is it, Buttercup?"
"It's CYNDAR!!! She's getting ready to shower us with biohazard waste from the vet ER!"
"EEEEEEEEE!!! Save us, Blossom!"

[Gozu Tashoya]

Originally posted by AudreyK
Definitely hit a beach. Ala Moana and Waikiki are nice, but Kailua beach, on the east side of the island, is also worth checking out. Parking is horrible there, but mostly because it's not as established as the others are. It's also nearer to residences, as opposed to the others, which are near malls and hotels. Anyway, it's just as pretty there, and, depending on when you go, it's much less crowded.
[/B]

Yeah, if when you go is not during the summer. Tried Kailua beach a whole buncha times this summer and it was always crowded, frickin' pissed me off. Still nice and all, but no longer the quiet getaway it used to be. For some nice "quiet time," I recommend finding a nice stretch of Kahala beach. It's not as good for swimming - rocks and coral and all that, not too far in the waterline - but it's still great for sunbathing, making out (not that I would know :rolleyes:) and things of that sort. Very quiet and peaceful, and you can drool over the million-dollar mansions that line the beach. (Or you can just park at the Kahala Mandarin and take advantage of the fact that there really is no such thing as a private beach, regardless of what they would have you think.)

Well, have fun all. I'll be at Hawaiian Brian's having my ass kicked by Miss AudreyK at pool, darts, and assorted video games. :p

[Bear_Nenno]

Originally posted by evilbeth
Hey, Bear, if you want to start another fund-raising thread, I'll actually contribute this time! Last time it was sour grapes! ;) Sour Grapes?? Doesn't that mean you were mad at me? You weren't mad at me for something were you?

[Random]

Thanks, Audrey!

[Baglady]

Bear_Nenno: "... I will even be willing to carry your luggage."

Well Bear_Nenno, if Michi visits my Web site at http://www.travelite.org, she can go to Hawaii with just her carry-on bag... and then you won't have any luggage to carry (and you won't fit in her carry-on).

[Baglady]

Random asked: "Any Hawaiian Dopers have any suggestions on what to see or do?"

Hey Random, not to be picky because most people don't know this, but "Hawaiian" when talking about people, refers specifically to the indigenous Native Hawaiians who live there. It's a formally recognized ethnic, as well as cultural race. I could have lived in Hawaii 80 years and I would have still never become a Hawaiian, just like your living in Alaska for 80 years wouldn't have made you an Inuit.

AudreyK reports: "Pearl Harbor and Arizona Memorial are must-sees, for obvious reasons."

They are also free, too, I think (otherwise the admission is very cheap). While you're there, try visiting the USS Bowfin submarine museum -- unless you're seriously claustrophobic. It's a retired submarine and you get to walk through it. MOST interesting.

"Beyond that, it's really a matter of your tastes. I like our aquarium and zoo and botanical gardens, but I'm not sure if you dig that kind of stuff."

Our Waikiki Aquarium has one of the best nautilus exhibits around. The aquarium is small, but very well done. Since I have friends who work there, let me encourage you to go.

If you're into doing outdoor things, you might also consider taking the easy hike up to the top of Diamond Head. I understand there is now an admission fee, but the view is to die for.

-- Baglady

[Geek Mecha]

KKBattousai: Just watch where you throw those darts, buster!
You know, I was not surprised to read that you know where all the good make-out beaches are. :p


Random: Anytime! I hope you have a good time here. :)

[Gozu Tashoya]

Originally posted by AudreyK
KKBattousai: Just watch where you throw those darts, buster!
You know, I was not surprised to read that you know where all the good make-out beaches are. :p


Random: Anytime! I hope you have a good time here. :)

For the record, there are plenty of make-out beaches that I don't know about. Kahala just so happens to be the most readily accessible one. I always did want to make out in the tree-cave at Kailua beach though....

[Cyndar]

Lots of great make out beaches? Great. I'm going to Hawaii to visit my father and my brother. :(

[Baglady]

Cyndar lamented: "Lots of great make out beaches? Great. I'm going to Hawaii to visit my father and my brother." :(

The good news, Michi... do you like swimming or snorkeling? Captain Cook has some of the best snorkeling around. I've gone scuba diving and snorkeling there several times over the years (my scuba club used to take twice-annual trips to the Big Island to go diving). Awesome and spectacular. You'll love it!

Unfortunately there isn't a tremendous lot to do there, if you're into big malls and stuff. Just figure on going there to relax and decompress. You're in serious boonie country so enjoy it for what it is.

[Cyndar]

Swimming and snorkeling??? Are you out of your mind??? You are talking to a woman who won't go near the water! I swim in POOLS, not in any water where THINGS live. If I go to the beach I stay firmly on the beach and will dump bottled water over my head if I need to cool off.

I am sure my father will take me to other, more populated places while I am there.

[Gozu Tashoya]

Well...if you want to take advantage of the make-out beaches (and me), I'm sure something can be arranged... ;)

[DRY]

Originally posted by Cyndar
Swimming and snorkeling??? Are you out of your mind??? You are talking to a woman who won't go near the water! I swim in POOLS, not in any water where THINGS live.

Anyone else find this kinda ironic coming from a vet tech? ;)

[AWB]

Originally posted by Cyndar
Swimming and snorkeling??? Are you out of your mind??? You are talking to a woman who won't go near the water! I swim in POOLS, not in any water where THINGS live. If I go to the beach I stay firmly on the beach and will dump bottled water over my head if I need to cool off.

This from a woman who lives in Florida and is going to Hawaii, two states whose tourist trade is based on their proximity to the ocean. :D:D

You'd like Arizona, then. No ocean, lots of pools.