Hawaii Advice
So, Johnny Quest and I were recently given a bunch of frequent-flyer and frequent-sleeper miles/points--enough to send us to Hawaii for a week (i.e., a week not including travel time). (Incidentally, we were given these miles by JQ's big-business-dude father, who, in addition to being absurdly generous, actually does something that makes the world a better place. Somebody remind me about this next time I'm on an anti-business jag...)
We're most interested in the following things: (1) Snorkeling; (2) hiking (probaly in Kauai); (3) seeing volcanos; (4) seeing Pearl Harbor. We're flying into Oahu.
Then what?
Any advice on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Also: how hard is to to learn to scuba dive?
So, Johnny Quest and I were recently given a bunch of frequent-flyer and frequent-sleeper miles/points--enough to send us to Hawaii for a week (i.e., a week not including travel time). (Incidentally, we were given these miles by JQ's big-business-dude father, who, in addition to being absurdly generous, actually does something that makes the world a better place. Somebody remind me about this next time I'm on an anti-business jag...)
We're most interested in the following things: (1) Snorkeling; (2) hiking (probaly in Kauai); (3) seeing volcanos; (4) seeing Pearl Harbor. We're flying into Oahu.
Then what?
Any advice on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Also: how hard is to to learn to scuba dive?
posted by Winston Smith at
12:24 PM
6 Comments:
When I went to Hawaii it was to visit family and help care for my cousins, so I didn't do many touristy things. However, my grandmother and I went to the big island, (we took a bus tour of the island, since grandmothers aren't much up for hiking) and I have to say that it was one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.
So I strongly recommend a tour of the big island--and there are active volcanoes there, which fills one of your requirements. (We only got to see the lava flows, however the old lava tubes (in areas that had regrown) were fascinating)
And I think scuba diving requires classes--but I could be wrong.
If you're going to visit the Arizona Memorial, you might consider Punchbowl, which is a massive US military cemetery in the most beautiful volcano crater you ever visited.
I lived there when I was a kid, and I'd most recommend the following tourist spot, all of which are worth seeing in person:
1. Hanauma Bay (gorgeous coral reefs you don't have to dive to see, you can walk right out on them); get there very early in the am before the crowds show up
2. Polynesian Cultural Center, which is a sort of living museum on the North side, very cool.
3. Waimea Bay, more beautiful than any pictures or video can capture; arrive at sunup and you'll see some insane wave riders
4. Pali Pass, just because you can't visit Oahu without standing in that spot, hearing those stories, and feeling the power of nature
5. Spam musubi (I can't explain this)
Lots of smaller spots, but those four are musts. Ala Moana and Waikiki are just spots where you can get ripped off. Spending time in Kauai sounds sweet, the more the better. Eat in Japanese, Filipino, and Chinese places. Attend one luau, and try everything. Be the fool who tries the hula dance.
Have a blast. Sleep as little as you can. Major sunscreen.
Stick with snorkeling. Learn scuba when you have time; learning isn't nearly enjoyable as doing it.
IMHO.
Thanks you guys, esp. Anon.!
Actually, I'm thinking about learning suba before I go.
Professor Avenger took up scuba diving at the relatively advanced age of 58 when he moved to the coast a while back, so I can't see any difficulties for an intelligent person learning to do so, esp. since you're younger than he was by decades, I imagine.
The important thing in scuba diving is that you always have a dive buddy with you, so perhaps it could be an opportunity for JQ to learn a new activity as well.
And what self-respecting Johnny Quest doesn't know how to scuba dive?
Good point.
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