Anyone have any advice for a short trip to Hawaii? I'm going to be near Scholfield Barracks, visiting a friend from high school for a long weekend. We're going to Waikiki when I get there, probably have dinner there that evening, and are planning to go to a luau, but is there anything else I HAVE to see? Also, jet lag... how bad is it? I'm traveling 4 time zones, I've never been across more than one, so I'm worried about spending the whole weekend exhausted! I can't wait, it's in the teens here, and mid-80s there, hmmm, what to choose?? LOL!

By Dawnk777 on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 12:50 am:

If only I had the wisdom to advise you on such a trip. Alas, I have no experience with trips to Hawaii!

By Ginny~moderator on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 06:17 am:

Jet lag can be pretty bad. And, look into those sitting exercises you can do on a plane to keep blood moving in your legs. I think I have that bookmarked and will look for it. Try to arrive at night so you can go straight to bed.

If you are going to be on Oahu, you must, of course, go to the Pearl Harbor Memorial. When I was there, there was a kind of historical outdoor place, with models of villages from all of the Polynesian Islands, with actors showing how people lived in the various places, and that is worth seeing to get some idea of the different kinds of people who came to Hawaii and how they lived. Other than that, try to take a long drive around the entire island, stopping wherever something looks interesting, just to get a sense of the island and its natural great beauty.

When are you going? Winter can be something of a rainy season, but ask your friend, because she'll know best.

I'm excited for you. My parents took me, back in 1985, and I still have very fond memories of the beauty of the islands. We were on Oahu, in a condo near the Queen's Canal in Waikiki, and spent a couple of nights on Hawaii so we could see the volcano fields. It was the most beautiful place I've ever seen. And the people were wonderful and all but one person was extraordinarily nice.

By Trina~moderator on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 06:18 am:

Ditto Dawn. I'm envious! We will be expecting photos.

By Crystal915 on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 06:34 am:

Well, I can't land at night, I'm leaving KS at 0630 CT and arriving in Honolulu at 1445 HT. I'm going to take an @mbien on the flight from Chicago to Hawaii, it's about 9.5 hours, so I'll be awake by the time I get there. I'm leaving one week from Thursday, return Saturday night/Sunday morning. As for rain, I'm told it rains about 5 minutes a day, then is beautiful. We're planning a trip around the island, apparently that can be done in an afternoon. I am excited, even though it's a short trip!! Don't worry, A is a photographer, there will be plenty of pictures!

By Kaye on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 08:43 am:

Crystal, we went a couple of years ago. Really the jet lag isn't terrible, but you do have to figure out when to sleep. I would try to adjust to that time a little at a time now. Because that is the kicker, you will be tired when it isn't time to be tired. For us it only took a day to get that straight, but with a little planning you could probably walk off the plane more okay than not.

For the must do...my favorite thing we did was through one of those tour services, I picked up a flyer at the hotel consierge. It was 1/2 day boogie boarding/snorkeling adventure. This was great because it took us to two different beaches, our guide was great, got to snorkel and see cool fish, loved the whole water experience. It took about 5 hours, it wasn't too expensive.

I also really enjoyed seeing pearl harbor.

What I would NOT do is go to the polynesian cultural center, it was okay, but way too much money for what you got.

I know where the barracks are (my dad was army...lol) I went with him a few times. You will have a great time!

By Mommyof5 on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 09:15 am:

We are going to Hawaii on the 5th. This is our second trip. I would suggest that you snorkel if you have the chance. I too would avoid the Polynesian Cultural Center.

By Luvn29 on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 09:48 am:

Wow! Sounds like tons of fun! So, your friend lives there now? Or are they just meeting you for the weekend trip?

By Melanie on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 11:03 am:

Since it's such a short trip, I suggest you do little more than find a beach and a pretty drink. What more do you need?

Have a wonderful time!

By Tink on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 11:23 am:

Ditto Melanie. Have fun!

By Sandysmom on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 01:27 pm:

I know nothing of Hawaii, but I sure am jealous. Wish I could go too!

By Debbie on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 02:40 pm:

I am jealous too! It is 28 degrees here. I would love a little bit of warm weather right now. I have never been to Hawaii, but heard it is gorgeous. So, relax, have a great time, and soak up a little sun for us!

By Bea on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 06:25 pm:

`Iolani Palace is fascinating. It's the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom's last two monarchs. The Arizona Memorial is a must-see. A photo op place for every visitor is the statue of King Kamehameha in front of Ali'Iolani Hale.