Has anyone been to Hawaii??

[TLC]

Originally Posted by nvnvgirl

Oops...sorry; the quarantine thing has already been covered succinctly. From what I understand, and perhaps it's just the specific airline on the way back to the mainland, pets can be in the cabin on the way back, but have to go in cargo on the way there. Regardless, I'd never put my animal in cargo.



SUSHI EN FUEGO!!! I've been there! It's really good! My dad and stepmom go all the time! And it's right there in Kona on Alii Drive. Bubba Gumps is a great place too to sit on the deck and watch the sea turtles (along with eating and drinking ).

SUSHI EN FUEGO: They just had their Grand Opening this past weekend hahahaha.

The place was vacant for the last 9 months, but I do believe there was a Sushi place before that too! That's too funny! Anyway, next time you go stop in and ask for Dana (my little sis)

[LuvMySissy]

I forgot to add my thoughts on condo vs. hotel. If you are good at internet research, there are a lot of really nice ocean front condos that go for $100 or less per night on every island, especiall this time of year. Hotels will be much more than that. The benefits of a condo are that they have a fully equipped kitchen so you can grocery shop and have food on hand for breakfast/lunch/snacks (we still go out to dinner every night) and most have dishwasher/washer/dryer so you can have clean clothes when you come home!!! This also helps to save money.

A basic hotel will just be a basic hotel, but at a larger resort, there are usually lots of activities to be found on site. The disadvantage is they are pretty expensive and the cost of eating out all your meals is even higher. Many times folks will like the resort so much they never leave and see the island, which is a real shame.

Condos, hotels and resorts will all offer pools and hot tubs. Some will also have indoor workout facilities, but some are much nicer than others.

We have always stayed in a condo and I love it that way. I have lots of condo information, too.........

[njoydaride]

Originally Posted by camly

OMG! the shaved ice with red beans looove that .. we have that here

but we spent a week in Maui, a friend of ours has a house there .. it was beautiful .. i highly reccomend if you're able to go scuba diving by the crater (the name escapes me .. molokai??) we went snorkeling but damn would have wished i brought along my scuba gear. i went there just to relax so spent most of my time on the beach.

when you go take lots of pics and post when you get back!

I actually have a picture of the shaved ice that I found on my computer. That's my brother in front of Matusumotos. As you can see, it's really busy and is always like that! That's how good it is.

[romeos mommy]

Originally Posted by LuvMySissy

The quarantine has been lifted, but there are still lots of hoops to jump through. You have to complete special paperwork, make sure it is filed and received by their animal control and approved so many days prior to your arrival, you must enter the islands through Honolulu to claim your pet prior to 5:00pm on arrival day (or then they have to stay in quarantine for least 24 hours and you have to pay for it) and they must fly cargo. Too many regulations for a visit and I'd never put my small babies in cargo!!!

We did the helicopter tour while in Kauaii. It was fabulous and the only way you can see all the cliffs and many of the waterfalls up close. I've heard the one on the Big Island is also really neat, but you only see the red lava flow at night.

Take your time on each island, otherwise you only get a taste and you'll be exhausted. There is literally so much to see and do that you could be running from sun up till sun down every single day!!!!

Snorkeling/snuba/scuba at the Molokai crater off Maui is a good thing to do, but if you are into snorkeling or you are certified to scuba - there are many great places you can do this on your own without incurring a whole day and lost of $ as well. And, truly the Old Lahaina Luau on Maui is really the best there is. The dance is authentic and very good, as is the food. We've been to luaus on every island at all the recommended places and they don't even come close to comparing. Plus, our daughter has been a Polynesian dancer for 11 years, so we know our dancing.

For everyone wondering, yes there is Polynesian dance in Michigan!!!! Our daughter is actually VERY good at it and wants to make this her career. She will be visiting with a professional Polynesian dance troupe just outside of San Diego in August to audition for a permanent fulltime position starting in January!!!

do you know you can now fly into maui direct without going to oahu first. i've been checking out the regulations closely. my family lives in kihei!