Places We’re Going: The Sudden Lust Over Hawaii
Posted on May 10, 2012 | 18 comments
This came out of nowhere.
We lived in Los Angeles for 3 years and never once did we even bring up traveling to Hawaii. It's never been a place we wanted to go. Not for any particular reason mind you, but I think at some point we took it off the radar and we just never let it back in.
But over the past few weeks Hawaii has been popping up everywhere for me. It all started in my inbox. Email after email of advertising from the great islands first sparked my interest (despite my efforts, I am still at the mercy of advertising). Then I picked up a random magazine at the dentist and found a story about an actor who lives in what he calls - "island heaven". And today I came across an article on Hawaii written by Paul Theroux, who just so happens to make his home in Honolulu. Now, when one of the greatest travelers of all time chooses to settle down in a place, you should take notice. So, I'm taking notice.
Over the past few months Heidi and I have re-discovered how much we lust for the great outdoors. We love nature - all of it. We love camping, hiking, animals, rain, wind, and sweat. We love seeing what's around the next bend, and around the next bend, and around the next bend. In fact, we love to get outside so much, that we've decided to start developing a new blog around it and really make getting outdoors our life's passion. No sense staying home and watching others live "the life" on TV. As long as we have the ability to get out, we're gonna do it. And this brings us to Hawaii.
There aren't many places on Earth that can match the natural feast that Hawaii brings to the table. These tiny islands offer up 11 of the planet's 13 climate zones - including snow! Yes, it snows on Hawaii - who knew? Hawaii also boasts some of the cleanest air on the planet, it has endless hiking trails and beaches to explore, it's a melting pot of cultures, and, of course, it has some of the most active volcanoes in the world. Adventure at every turn.
Now I thought Hawaii was expensive, and I suppose generally speaking it is, but we can be pretty savvy when it comes to saving a few bucks. Plus, I told you we're not missing out anymore over a few dollars. Live it or don't.
We plan to drive into LA and park our car in some free wasteland while we hop the cheapest flight we can to Hawaii. I'm sure once we arrive in Honolulu we'll want to crash at the Modern Honolulu for a night or two and enjoy the fine life for a moment, but then it's time to get out and smell the hibiscus.
Did you know camping in Hawaii's state parks is under $20 a night? That's everywhere! $20 US a night! In Hawaii! We will be doing this for a few weeks - I promise you that. I can't wait! We'll just bring our backpacks, rent a car for a few weeks, and camp like rock stars next to volcanoes. Who knows? Maybe we'll even score a house for a while or that luxury hotel will take pity on us and offer us up a free night! A man can dream, right?
So who's been to Hawaii and wants to give us some advice? We could use it!
This is a new series I'm starting 'cause I'm just getting too itchy about travel. I need to start thinking about places we're gonna be going. No place is too luxurious or too uncomfortable for us. Feel free to email us and let us know what's on your travel agenda and if you know of a place we just shouldn't pass by.
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Been to Hawaii many times and am amazed how much one can enjoy outdoors for free. On Maui the book Maui Revealed is a treasure trove of information. Pertly of accessible shoreline snorkel spots, great tropical fish right at the shoreline. Sunrise over Haleakela and hiking all around and in the extinct volcano is awesome. So much to see for no $$$. Have fun.
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Yep, that's exactly what I'm looking for. Can't wait actually! And thanks for the lead on the book - I'll be grabbing that at some point!
The "Revealed" series is a super resource--and it won't be hibiscus you'll be smelling (it doesn't have much of a fragrance), but plumeria, white ginger, pikake, tuberose... Then of course there are all the fragrant fruits like lillikoi (passionfruit), pineapple, guava... Enjoy!
Try and find white pineapple, by the way! You'll love the smoothly sweet difference - same with the white ginger flower vs. the yellow ginger. The yellow ginger flower fragrance is delicious, but the white is sublime.
White pineapple!?! Really? I had know idea. That is something worth putting on the list for sure. Thanks Lisa!
Hi Justin. We just had a great spring break trip to the Big Island with our two kids. We found plenty of free or inexpensive things to do during our visit, including just hanging out at local playgrounds. Loved the low-key nature of the big island...so much less congestion than Honolulu. My blog has some entries on the trip, if you're interested: http://abcdonthego.wordpress.com/
That must have been great Anita! I will certainly be checking out your blog!
It is really funny to see you have written this post today. Just earlier on I pulled out a photo that had been sitting in a box for at least 5 years - of my husband and I on a trip to Hawaii when we went about 10 years ago. Aside from the initial gasp at how young we looked before having 3 kids(!) my stomach filled with butterflies at the memories of such a beautiful and wonderful place. Not only the nature but the people...so so kind and welcoming. I have spent the whole afternoon wishing we could go back and now you go and write this post! It must be a sign right?!
We are from the UK and we went to Hawaii (Oahu) via San Francisco on a 2 week break so as you can imagine the flights alone are pricey. I had always been really drawn to visiting from a young age and it totally lived up to my dreams! Hiking up Diamond Head was incredible with stunning views, snorkelling (I forget where) and of course Pearl Harbour. I remember one day flying to Maui to go up a volcano, it was such an incredible experience, to be above the clouds. Ahhh, I could go on.
Camping there sounds like a fantastic idea, hmmm, I'm already formulating a plan in my head, I'll get back there one day soon (with the kids). Though I would really love to explore the other islands too this time.
Keep your travel posts coming, that was a really inspiring one for me! I can't wait to hear about your trip.
Kate
I'm glad this got you interested again Kate! I think that if you think it's a sign, then it is! Now you know what to do, so go do it!
Thanks for affirming our choice to pay Hawaii a visit. I can't wait! Maybe we'll meet up someday on Oahu!
I was planning to go to Hawaii but I am not sure if my husband and my kids can come with me because I need to save a lot too..
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I've been to Hawaii a couple times, once to Oahu, and the other time to Maui. Both times I spent most of my time trying to surf. I found Cove Park on Maui a great place for that. Spent hours everyday hanging out in the surf, on many occasions by myself in somewhat ugly weather with the occasional see turtle bopping up near me. Was great fun.
I also found an extremely secluded place to snorkel near the parking area by Jaws. If I remember correctly there was maybe some trees with a small pathway, but through that you have to walk about 30 minutes across a lava field (lava if you're not aware is like glass, you'll cut yourself very easily if you fall or trip). You'll know you found the spot if you find some spray painted markings on the lava field. Once through, you'll come upon a small cove that is fairly calm and great for snorkeling. Saw a bunch of different fish and a giant sea turtle (most impressive), don't remember any coral, but that may just be because I've seen tons of coral on other dives and snorkeling trips. Definitely attempt to find it if you enjoy snorkeling, I wish I could be more specific about the entrance, but this was a few years ago now.
Enjoy your trip
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Great advice Dave. Surfing has eluded me my whole life, but not for long! I'll be using your advice.
Thanks for writing about such a beautiful place, otherwise i would have never considered visiting it. !!!
I simply love traveling to different places but never been to Hawaii. After reading your post i have added Hawaii in my list of desinations i will try visiting in my coming holidays.
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Good stuff Justin, surfing is a lot of fun. If you do decide to spend a week in the area learning to surf, may I also suggest that you rent a long board for the week. (Don't bother with a foam one, just get a regular long board, as the foam ones are harder to stand up on)
When I was there, the cost for the weekly rental was the same as renting the board for 3 individual days. This way, if you decide you want to surf when you wake up, or later in the day, you just strap the board to your car and hit the cove. No need to make an extra stop at the rental shop. Additionally, there are surf spots all around the island, so if you're on a tour of the island and you notice a bunch of cars parked along the side of the road with surfers in the water, you can just stop, unstrap you're board and hit the waves!
And if you like coffee you will want to pick up a bag of Kona coffee. The coffee is grown on the volcano and is top notch. I imagine as before, that the cheapest place to buy a bulk bag will be at Costco, so if you have a Costco card you'll save a few dollars on some of the best coffee in the world.
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I am a born and raised Maui Girl. If you have any questions feel free to pick my brain. And I have lots of tips that I will share with you privately if you decide to head to Maui or you can check out some of the posts I have written about Hawaii on my blog. As for that "Revealed" book yes it does have lots of great spots but it is hated by locals for revealing our secret spots. Like Theroux said we islanders don't like to publicly dish the goods.
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I would love some hidden secrets! I'm bookmarking you Alexandra. I'll check out your blog for sure. Thanks!
Please let me know when you to make it out to Hawaii! Would love to help you out!
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I'm always amazed at the beauty I find when I head to Hawaii, can't wait till my next trip.
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