Waikiki, here we come!

Scott T-Bird

Scott T-Bird

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Oct 26, 2008
6,432
Catalina 320 Barnegat, NJ
Waimea Valley botanical gardens looks like a plan! We'll be interested in visiting a remote beach somewhere so I'll check out the suggestions. We will snorkel but Sue won't dive ( I would if there is an opportunity). Looking forward to hiking Diamondhead ... how tough is it? I almost forgot about the obligatory luau. We've been to a few of the more traditional types, maybe something that is a little more off-the-wall might be fun. Mark, as you well know, Kauai is special. Sue and I were married in Hanalei in 2000, last time there for us. We loved our time on the north coastline. Our hikes and a kayak trip along the Napali coast were "out of this world".
 
Rick Webb

Rick Webb

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Jun 2, 2004
3,648
Hunter 23.5 Fort Walton Yacht Club, Florida
Diamond Head is not an easy walk it is almost all paved and has steps lots of steps. Not something to do in flip flops. Don't forget your camera or water.
 
D

dlochner

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Jan 11, 2014
14,002
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
For remote beaches try Kaena State Park. If hanging by the water is more important than being in the water the coast near Kaena Point is exceptional. Go to the end of Farrington Hwy, past Dillingham airfield.

Kailua beach, while not remote is not crowded and is excellent for swimming and just hanging out. Lanikai beach, which seems to make Top Ten Beach lists frequently has limited, i.e., no parking and is often crowded. Kailua is just as nice.
 
Justin_NSA

Justin_NSA

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Jul 7, 2004
8,534
Hunter 30T Cheney, KS
I agree with these guys. Forget about trying to find a sailboat, enjoy all the other distractions Hawaii has. We had the same 'problem' in Destin, FL
To JSG's concern: I'd be less worried about advertising being gone here than I would Facebook. It's still a possibility.
 
D

dlochner

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Jan 11, 2014
14,002
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
Kaneohe Marine base has a recreation center with small sailboats available for rent. However, you must be active military or have rights to access military facilities to use them as well as pass a certification test or course.

Last summer I went looking for sailboat rentals for our trip to Hawai'i and could not find any.
 
Justin_NSA

Justin_NSA

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Jul 7, 2004
8,534
Hunter 30T Cheney, KS
dlochner said:
Kaneohe Marine base has a recreation center with small sailboats available for rent. However, you must be active military or have rights to access military facilities to use them as well as pass a certification test or course.

Last summer I went looking for sailboat rentals for our trip to Hawai'i and could not find any.
Click to expand
I tried to get stationed there back in the 70's. 2 slots opened up for my MOS. They sent 2 new guys instead who didn't want to go!
 
D

dlochner

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Jan 11, 2014
14,002
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
Justin_NSA said:
I tried to get stationed there back in the 70's. 2 slots opened up for my MOS. They sent 2 new guys instead who didn't want to go!
Click to expand
You missed being here at a good time, when the island population was about half what it is now. My father had access to KMACS and its recreational facilities so we were able to spend some time sailing on Kaneohe Bay in either Rebels or Comets, can't remember which (it was 50 years ago). Later we had our own El Toro and sailed that on Kailua Bay. Fond memories.
 
D

dlochner

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Jan 11, 2014
14,002
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
Here's a photo near Kaena Pt. It's at the end of the road from Mokule'ia. Rugged and beautiful. Photo taken around 3:30 PM on Monday. Looking west.

IMG_0284.jpg
 
capta

capta

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Jun 4, 2009
5,072
Pearson 530 Admiralty Bay, Bequia SVG
Congrats on the free trip to Hawaii, and kudos to Sue.
Personally, I'd resign myself to a few trips on a beach cat rather than interisland sailing in the Hawaiian Islands. In the first place the islands are basically set up east to west and with prevailing easterlies that means a lot of beating, at least one way. In the second place, each island is an individual island from the seabed to the surface. With around 2000 miles of fetch being squeezed between these islands, the channels can, and most often are, terribly rough and uncomfortable. Add to this mountains rising well above 6000 feet on each side of some of these channels and the wind goes from gentle trades to howling gale force winds in them. Not fun sailing.
Sorry, but Hawaii is not what I would call pleasant sailing on any small craft. Many interisland ferry/tour companies have gone bust because they underestimated the conditions in Hawaii and purchased SHIPS too small to comfortably handle the channel crossings.
 
Scott T-Bird

Scott T-Bird

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Oct 26, 2008
6,432
Catalina 320 Barnegat, NJ
I appreciate the comments about places to visit! Hanauma Bay looks great for snorkeling and a ridge hike. Is there another snorkeling destination that stands out?

Capta, I appreciate the comment about sailing. We would definitely not be sailing between islands. I'm only interested in a 3 to 4 hour jaunt along the south shore where it should be more protected, possibly with a chance to see whales. I understand humpbacks can frequent the area off Waikiki in the winter. A sunset to moonrise sail would also be appealing, as it is advertised that the trades settle down after dark and the charter I looked at on a Bene 42' will customize a sail at any time of day - moonrise over Diamondhead is their specialty. I just have to convince Sue the $500 is worth it! Splitting the price with another couple would be a no-brainer in my mind.
Super full moon is December 13th ... perfect timing!
 
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DougM

DougM

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Jul 24, 2005
2,242
Beneteau 323 Manistee, MI
Been to Oahu about 15 times in the last 15 years (my mother in law lived there). I hope I never have to return. A single visit would be sufficient. As for Waikiki, its grossly overrated. Its like North Michigan Ave in Chicago at Christmas time only less sophisticated. Get out of there and enjoy the more remote parts of the island.
 
Rick Webb

Rick Webb

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Jun 2, 2004
3,648
Hunter 23.5 Fort Walton Yacht Club, Florida
It all has it's place. Waikiki is kinda like Disney if you accept it for what it is and appreciate it at that level you won't be disappointed. There are many other places and things to do if you know where to look.

If yo make it to Waimea check this out as well:
http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?cp=21.641516|-158.058487&style=h&lvl=18&v=1

This is another place with a nice five mile trail that is an easy hike
http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?cp=21.396341|-157.904534&style=h&lvl=18&v=1

They may still do glider rides out at Dillingham Air Field that is a really spectacular way to see that part of the island.
http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?cp=21.578927|-158.211988&style=h&lvl=14&v=1

Kaena Point is a short trip from there

I'll keep thinking of other stuff that is not widely known by folks in the mainland.

Have a good trip.
 
Kermit

Kermit

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Jul 31, 2010
5,722
AquaCat 12.5 17342 Wateree Lake, SC
Take my wife and me with you. We'll find a nice resort catamaran to take y'all out on. And I'll photograph you and Sue having all the fun you can stand.
 
Rick Webb

Rick Webb

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Jun 2, 2004
3,648
Hunter 23.5 Fort Walton Yacht Club, Florida
Just remembered these

Valley of the Temples
http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?cp=21.578927|-158.211988&style=h&lvl=14&v=1

Waimanalo , one of my favorite beaches in the whole world
http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?cp=21.352957|-157.707702&style=h&lvl=15&v=1

Makapuu Point, This is a great walk with a wonderful view as well
http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?cp=21.307364|-157.654946&style=h&lvl=15&v=1

Pokai Bay, good snorkeling without all the hassle of Hanauma Bay
http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?cp=21.440966|-158.189230&style=h&lvl=15&v=1

Waiane and Nanakuli were always "challenging" places to be for haoles like us not sure if it has improved or gotten worse I felt safer there than in Rutherford or Patterson so it is just knowing your surroundings and treating folks like you want to be yourself.
 
jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
24,524
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Oh Fudge. Scott and Sue are headed to the Islands and I'm stuck here with this.
Snow falling.JPG
Snow falling in the Pacific NW. This should be limited to the Northeasters and Great Lakes folks. Out on the west there is Global Warming not Chilling. Scott is going to get the wrong impression and want to "Move West young Man".
 
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