Suggestions Please (Honolulu, Hana: rent, condo, hotel)

[FishTal]

Aloha,

I was on here around Thanksgiving, I'm back again This time for more than just cooking ideas!

I'll be visiting a friend in Honolulu from Jan 30th -Feb 12th. I'd like to hop over to Maui and Molokai for a few days.

Maui mainly for the whales, the last time I was there I was able to go out on a small sailboat that the neighbor of the B&B charters. I'm looking into staying there again.

Molokai because I haven't been there yet and I'd see the "old" Hawaii. I'm looking for a reasonably priced B&B, nothing fancy. Just a clean place to sleep and maybe something to eat. Any ideas? Also, how long should I plan on spending there 2-3 days? I'm just wanting to relax, hang out at a beach, do some hiking... that kind stuff.

One other thing... I'm considering getting SCUBA certified while I'm on Maui, is the going rate about $300 everywhere?

Thanks everyone!
Tal

[cynmkolohe]

Hi Tal,

Regarding a visit to Molokai...I was there for two days and wished that I could have had one extra to get in a good hike. I think three days is better if you want to get a good feel for both sides of the island and be able to drive up to at least visit the overlook for Kalaupapa...or maybe do a tour: http://www.muleride.com/

Also ask someone at your hotel or B&B about the "bread run"...if they are still doing it, I think it is Wed-Sunday starting at 10pm. YUM!!

[kani-lehua]

aloha, tal!

welcome back! haven't heard from you since thanksgiving. are you sure you don't want a christmas goose recipe?! lol. don't have one anyway!!!

[FishTal]

Originally Posted by kani-lehua

aloha, tal!

welcome back! haven't heard from you since thanksgiving. are you sure you don't want a christmas goose recipe?! lol. don't have one anyway!!!

Thanks!

I don't have to cook the entire dinner, just a few different appetizers. My Aunt is doing a standing rib roast. But I'm always up for good recipes

As far as the mule ride goes, I've thought about it... but I'm not sure if mu stomach could take it What is the "bread run"? Where did you stay?

Thanks, Tal

[FishTal]

I've been doing more looking around and have more questions, LOL

My first visit there was back in '85, I think, Maui wasn't so touristy back then and we were able to go whale watching on a Zodiac raft, it was Great! Is that pretty much a thing of the past? Being on the big boats just isn't apealing to me.

Food question, I'm sure K-L can help here I've been invited to dinner at "Spice", think that's it, what's it like? Good food, reasonable prices? I don't want to waste a bunch of $ on a meal when I can spend it on other things.

One other thing I would like to do is visit the filming locations of LOST and Dante's Cove. I know both filmed a lot on Oahu's North Shore... anyone have info on specific areas? Would be fun to take some pics in recognizeable places.

More questions later, thanks!

Tal

p.s. we're getting a snowstorm tonight

[Captain_Chris]

300 sounds very cheap..... I would use caution. 450 is more realistic going rate. They may actually do the cert for 300 but there will be hidden costs and high pressure sales- gear rental, boat fees, certification card fees, etc. Dont fold to the pressure to buy dive gear - you can buy it much cheaper elsewhere.

I would suggest doing more research and compare the services with other operations. Some may offer beach dives to reduce costs, which isnt a bad thing on maui, but in most cases is not cool or fun on oahu. scubaboard has lots of info.......

Please remember that scuba instructors dont make much money (about $70 per day).... If you get good service and quality instruction- you should tip them accordingly. Keep in mind that the instructor has about an hour of set-up before and about an hour of clean up beyond actually working with you for the three days.

good luck

Capt Chris

[kani-lehua]

Originally Posted by FishTal

Food question, I'm sure K-L can help here I've been invited to dinner at "Spice", think that's it, what's it like? Good food, reasonable prices? I don't want to waste a bunch of $ on a meal when I can spend it on other things.

sorry, i haven't been there and can't remember the kind of food that's served. possibley indian or middle eastern?

whale watching is from december through march. look in today's honolulu advertiser. there was an article about it in the travel section.

keep safe and warm!!!! oklahoma got it pretty bad with all the snow and ice.

[FishTal]

Thanks Capt. Chris, I'll check out scubaboard... I'm assiming it's .com?

I'll check the paper for the story, thanks! I've stayed inside all afternoon looking up stuff since it's nasty outside. The snow stopped but it's still windy and cold.

[Jungjohann]

As far as whale watching is concerned on Maui, rent a kayak, they're fairly stable, you can get a tandem seater, just make sure you have a floatation device, and take off from a beach that has lifegaurds, let the lifegaurd know where you're paddling to, and when you expect to be back. Just in case. I've stayed at the Pau Hana Inn and the Molokai Hotel a few years back, both places are great, but don't expect central AC or a 22nd floor room with a big lanai!! I think it was the Pau Hana, had one of the cottages while working on a project there, you walk in the door, on the left is a little desk, with a can of industrial strength insecticide sitting on top and a little leaflet about the various critters that you might see roaming around!!!! Heck, I've found three scorpions in my condo here on Maui in the last three days, think I've got Molokai beat!!!!!!

Aloha and okolemaluna
Eh, Kani, you not out chasing da nene again??????

[kani-lehua]

Originally Posted by Jungjohann

Heck, I've found three scorpions in my condo here on Maui in the last three days, think I've got Molokai beat!!!!!!
Aloha and okolemaluna
Eh, Kani, you not out chasing da nene again??????

yuck! scorpions! haven't seen any of those in years. the first and last time was at our family home in ewa beach. hey, maybe that's your aumakua?!

no nene for me. hefty hefty fine if you even look the wrong way at one .