Sunscreen and sportfishing

My husband and I will be coming to the Big Island in mid-March and plan on spending quite a bit of time on the beach and doing some sportfishing. Being from Indiana, I would like some advise on 1) what SPF of sunscreen to bring since I%26#39;m unfamiliar with the ';sun strength'; of Hawaii, and 2) names of reputable sportfishing guides.

Thank you!

Sunscreen and sportfishing

I can%26#39;t help you with the sports fishing but I can help you with the sun block.

Strong!

I use 45+! You are in an area where the sun is very strong and you can burn quickly! I am Irish, a red head, and quite fair. I put on sunblock before we leave our lodging and reapply often. And please do not forget the forgotten places like your scalp and your face and your ears and the tops of your feet if you wear sandals or slippahs!

I personally use Nuetrogena, but that is because I like how it feels, but you have to know how you tan, or not, but please, use sunscreen.

16 days and counting!

Sunscreen and sportfishing

We used SPF 50 anytime we were in the water or on the water. It seems to me you require more being in or around the water. I would go high as to not run the risk of ruining your vacation with a miserable burn. While laying at the pool we wore less SPF and didn%26#39;t have any problems.

As for the Sportfishing, we used Capt Dee Bradford with Highnoon Fishing Charters. His boat is in Kona out of the Honokahau Harbor which is really easy to get to. While we are not serious tournamnet fisherman, he was willing to work with our family on what we wanted out of the experience. I really just wanted my 11 year old son to catch something. He brought in 2 large (what I consider to be large but probably not by marlin terms) tuna himself.

He had great equipment, expensive rods, everything you need to catch the BIG ONE! Check out his website and prices at www.fishingcharterskona.com. We are a family of four who charter a 1/2 day and it was the perfect amount of time for us. We got to see a lot of dolphins playing too as we left the Harbour. It was a really great experience.

Be happy to give you more info if you want to pm me for photos, boat info, harbor info, etc...

You can get burned here even if the sun is not out, so apply the sunscreen generously all the time. Use the green stuff (Aloe) every evening.

I also recommend 45+. I have been quite happy with Neurogena 55 SPF with Helioplex technology (which helps the UVA protecting part of the suncreen remain stable in sunlight). Also, reapply every 1-2 hours. Sunburn is bad, skin cancer can be lethal.

If you plan on doing any snorkeling or swimming in the ocean please consider a chemical free sunscreen. The chemicals in most sunscreens cause damage to coral and fish not to mention it%26#39;s been shown to not be too good for humans either. Here are some links to a couple chemical free sunscreens. We use the Mexitan SPF30 and they also make an SPF50.

www.barnaclekove.com/barnaclekove/mexitan.htm

radiantskinclinic.com/products/…

Aloha DreaminofMaui,

You make a very good point. I have tried a couple of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide products, and the problem is always the thick white coating they leave on your skin. How is the Mexitan?

Best spot for first time vacation in Hawaii xmas 09

I sent my husband and kids to Vegas 08 while I worked at home. They had loads of fun and got tattoos. So I work Xmas 09 and am thinking about sending them to hawaii. My husband loves sights and touristy things the girls would like a beach and sporting activities. Can I get suggestions to make my search easier please. Any info would be appreciated

Best spot for first time vacation in Hawaii xmas 09

Maui....Wailea area maybe Oahu... Kauai too wet, Big island not their type.

Best spot for first time vacation in Hawaii xmas 09

Waikiki/Honolulu/Oahu. Plenty for everyone to see and do. And wonderfully decorated for the holidays. Easy to get around.

Lots of hotels to choose from - but you will find them much more expensive than Las Vegas - which is slow at Christmas.

In winter you%26#39;d want to stay south on Kauai, Oahu and to some extend on Maui too. Northern parts of those islands get wet, cool and windy weather then.

Only Honolulu on Oahu and Maui have much %26#39;action%26#39;. Kauai and Big Island are much quieter. You%26#39;d need to rent a car everywhere except right in Honolulu.

On Maui, look at Kaanapali/Lahaina in West Maui (NW lobe) and in South Maui (SW coast) from the Kamaole area of S. Kihei to Wailea/Makena.

Remember to that %26#39;oceanfront%26#39; isn%26#39;t necessarily %26#39;beachfront%26#39;. Most condos will be less expensive overall than hotels.

One of the least expensive ways to see Hawaii is on board a cruise ship. There%26#39;s a 7-day NCL cruise out of Honolulu every Saturday.

Summit of Haleakala and road to hana

Is it possible to do the road to hana, Oheo Gulch, and the sunset at Haleakala all in the same day, or do we need to do multiple days? thanks for any info..

Summit of Haleakala and road to hana

Definately two separate days, at least!

Dutch

Summit of Haleakala and road to hana

You need to split these up. When you go to Oheo Gulch, you are going around the mountain. When you visit Haleakala you are going UP the mountain.

It takes about 2 hours to get to the summit of Haleakala from Kahului. Kahului is at least 2 hours or more from Hana.

Depending on the time of year you visit, you would have to leave Oheo Gulch at least 4 hrs. before sunset to make it to the top of Haleakala to see it!! Right now it you would have to leave approximately at 1:00pm to arrive at the top and be situated to see the sunset!!

thank you so much for your help. We are staying in kaanapali. What time do you think we would need to leave there in order to see the sunset?

If you are just going to shoot up the mountain for sunset, you should allow yourself 3 hours to get there from Ka%26#39;anapali. But consider making an afternoon of it. The upcountry terrain is completely different than the rest of Maui. Take the time to explore the shops in the villages of Paia, Makawao, and Pukalani. Have lunch at the Kula Lodge and enjoy the stunning views of the Maui coastline. Or explore the otherworldly terrain of the Haleakela crater and the national park and visitor%26#39;s center.

ok. Last Question. If it takes 2 days and we might only have 1 availble, which should we do, Road to Hana, or the sunset? Or would it be worth it to make the time to spend the 2 days doing both? We are in Kanapali for 6 days. Thannk you again for everyones info.

both times that we have done the road to hana...that was an all day trip. we started from Makena both times, but still. if you are going to truly enjoy the road to hana, you have to stop and do some of the hikes, take pictures, stop at the banana stands, etc. if you%26#39;re just driving the road to hana to get to oheo gulch...then yeah, you could probably do oheo gulch and haleakala in one day. I feel sorry for whoever is driving though.

Whether to suggest going to the top of Haleakala vs. the road to Hana really is a matter of personal preference. If your activities are such that it is go, go, go all the time, one would be sufficient. If you don%26#39;t have a lot planned, you could do both.

Both are very different from each other. If you plan on doing both there is a 10.00 fee to enter the National Park ie: Haleakala and Oheo Gulch. I believe you can buy or may be given a 3 day pass so you should take advantage of that.

I%26#39;m a little confused. I know that Hana and seeing the sunset at Haleakala should be split into 2 days. If I%26#39;m reading correctly, you can do Oheo Gulch and the sunset on the same day? I thought you do Oheo Gulch when you go to Hana? Any clarification would be very much appreciated!!!!

I think the recommendation is to do it in 2 days. If you are really set on trying one it is possible to take the Road to Hana straight with no stops to Oheo Gulch. Enjoy the Gulch for a bit and then leave for the summit. You%26#39;ll really end up missing most of the Road to Hana to fit in the sunset at Haleakala.

Hoages,

You can enter Haleakala Park at the summit road or at Oheo Gulch which is on the Hana Highway. $10 fee is good for three days and gives you access to both locations.

Hope that clarifies it for you.

Dutch

myspace codes

Need advice

Hi,

I was wanting some feedback re: an upcoming trip. We were lucky and just got notice that we got a timeshare week in Kauai in Sept.. We decided to make a nice trip of it and add on a few more places.. Thinking of Maui (2 nites) and then the Big Island (3 nites) We will be traveling w/ our 2 1/2 yr old son. We don%26#39;t know a thing and definately are looking forward to doing research.. I was just wanting some advice/feedback.. Best part of Maui to stay and the best part of the big island (kona or hilo?) We plan on renting a car in all locations and want to get out and see the countryside/sites. Thanks for any advice!!

Need advice

The general guideline is one week per island. I would not make a trip to Maui for only two nights, nor The Big Island for only 3 nights. I would chose either one for the total of 5 nights. Especially with a small child.

Need advice

I agree with Pareo - seriously consider adjusting your schedule. Half a day gone for travel to and from any island - between car rental return %26amp; security check, getting there and getting new rental car.

Advice on ';best parts'; is difficult without knowing budget, hotel or condo, etc.

Start on the left side of the page, Before You Go -

Get a copy of ';Hawaii for Dummies'; which is loaded with information.

totaly forget the Big Island.....need 6 days...not small child friendly... Go to Maui for 6 nights

I totally agree with the other posters. Only one more island - and Maui would be most suitable. Island hopping consumes too much time, and packing/unpacking/flights/lines/etc. are a hassle - a double hassle with a young one.

You%26#39;ll need much more time for the Big Island. 5 nights in Maui is good.

Thanks for the advice about choosing 1 instead of 2 places.. We like a less touristly place. I guess that is why the Big Island sounded ideal. We have been to French Poly 2x and friends/family that have been to both places say we might not like Maui. I understand if Big Island would not be as enjoyable having a small child.. (he has travelled alot so that is not an issue for us)so that is why we are up in air about Maui....

natural make up

Best time of year

I am planning a trip to Lahaina next Jan or Feb. Is there a big difference in the amount of rainfall? When is the greatest amount of whale sightings? Thx, Scott

Best time of year

i would think that january would be better for whales

Best time of year

The height of the whale season is marked by the Annual Whale Count, which is in late February.

There is no big difference in the average annual rainfall in Jan/Feb. It%26#39;s a lot like trying to predict when the frost will come to the Sonoran desert. It can happen anytime from Dec to Mar, it just takes a clear night %26amp; a cold front on the same night.

Just pick your week %26amp; hope for the best.

January tends to be an easier and cheaper time to book resort trips in the tropics, since it%26#39;s a slow month. But you asked about whales, and the whales peak in late Feb. I guess they haven%26#39;t heard about the cheaper prices in Jan, so maybe they%26#39;re not as smart as we thought.

The peak of whale season is in Feb. There really is no difference as far as weather goes in those months. Jan. will be cheaper. Have fun!!

Scubatimm wrote:

%26gt;%26gt; It%26#39;s a lot like trying to predict when the frost will come to the Sonoran desert.%26lt;%26lt;

LOL! That%26#39;s the funniest comment I%26#39;ve read in here in ages.

Hawi questions

Has anyone stayed at ';A Whale Crossing'; or any other cottage/small house in the Hawi area? (A whale Crossing is NE of Hawi near Upolu Point and airport.) Any chance of purchasing organic foods in the area? Has anyone taken any of the purchased tours of the area? Would appreciate any input. Going there in early April. Thanks!

Hawi questions

Why would you want to stay in Hawi, so far from everything? There is really not much to see and do there. You can just do a day tour to visit the area.

Hawi questions

I haven%26#39;t stayed there. I have lived in the area. What is the address?

Upolu Point gets a whole lot of wind (and has a wind farm) but if there%26#39;s an ocean view at the place you%26#39;re looking straight at Maui.

I would stay there, TT. It%26#39;s only 20-30 minutes to Hapuna and it%26#39;s a nice area if you want non-touristy.

There%26#39;s a health food store there by the ice cream place.

There%26#39;s a farmer%26#39;s market until noon on Saturday%26#39;s.

If you are really into organic food you will fit right in with the people up there.

I don%26#39;t know what purchased tours you mean. Could you be more specific? Also if you want feedback on how the rental looks you could post a link to a website and the physical address.

One issue in the area that interferes with peace and quiet is the number of barking dogs some people keep -- not specifically at Upolu, the whole area. So I hope the house is sitting with some space around it.

The address of the place we are considering is 56-105 Old Coast Guard Road. Owner told me you turn of Rte 270 at or very near mile marker 18. Its vbro# 96184

We want to stay in this area as we will have been a week in the K-K area w/ all the tourists and later we are going to VNP. We feel drawn to the Hawi area. There seems to be lots of history and spirituality about the place.

Someplace I read about some guided hikes to waterfalls. To get there you need to cross private property and the guides have permission to lead small groups across these private lands.

Thanks for your assistance!

Ah, what a great location! The ocean views are stunning there. The other name for this road is Kamehameha Birthplace Rd. Just south of you is Puakea Bay Ranch, where people build multi-million dollar homes so as to enjoy this view.

One can almost draw a line where the rainier/greener part of North Kohala starts, just around the bend from you. So many times when driving that road it will start to rain just as the road turns east after the turnoff to your road. Where you are should be sunny and dry.

Many people are drawn to this areal if you feel this, you should follow your instincts. It is not the best choice to stay in Hawi for a first time trip if you seek out the mainstream vacation, but as you are already getting that the week before, this will give you a chance to stay closer to ';the real Hawai`i.'; I can%26#39;t say ';live like the locals do'; because the neighbors down the road are very wealthy!

For extraordinary sunsets, go down to Mahukona. This is a place where local people come, back the truck in, sit on the tail gate, and socialize. It%26#39;s a good place to say hi. By local I mean both born and raised and the old and young ';hippies'; who have moved to the area. People fish and snorkel there as well. It%26#39;s an alternative place I don%26#39;t recommend to just anyone, only to people who are comfortable with local culture.

Kapa`a Beach Park, the closest one to you, also has sunsets, but it is really a desolate place, and actually I don%26#39;t recommend a woman going down there alone without being, at least, alert. It is more used by local youth, but there are people who go down there for photography. My reservations about the place are that you are really at anyone%26#39;s mercy who shows up ... very few places on the island creep me out at sunset, but that one does. Mahukona always has enough people that nothing weird will happen.

To meet people, in the day go to the Hawi coffee shop. That%26#39;s where people hang out. Read the local bulletin board postings to get a sense of what is going on. Three good places for that--in the little center across from the coffee shop; as you walk into Takata%26#39;s grocery store in Kapa%26#39;au (the only real grocery store up there), and at the Kapa`au post office, on the wall outside.

Also stop in the galleries and gift shops as the owners and attendants often like to talk story when they%26#39;re not actually waiting on someone.

oops, forgot evening recommendations. The remodeled Kohala Inn, just up Hawi Rd from Akoni Pule Hwy (intersection in center of town), has a new bar and restaurant, Luke%26#39;s Place, where people hang out. Also the counter at Tante%26#39;s. I think there%26#39;s jazz at Sushi Rock. The Bamboo is more expensive and has moved away from being the place people who live there go, but if you go, pick a night when John Keawe is playing slack key.

Do not miss the Farmer%26#39;s Market. This one really does start winding up at noon. Suggestion -- buy yourself cheap live orchid or cut flowers at the Farmer%26#39;s Market to enjoy during your stay.

Why are you bumping a year old post to make your first post?

Sounds suspiciously like promoting ... certainly there%26#39;s no question being answered, as the OP went almost a year ago.

North Kohala including Hawi and Kapaau, is loaded with amazing sights, hikes, shops, restaurants, activities and some of the most important Hawaiian historic sites on the island not to mention the stunning beauty of Pololu Valley and the dramatic views of Maui across the channel. Maybe you should take a closer look and spend a little more time there.

wow, I looked at those rates. $500 a NIGHT and as much as $650? Plus $150 cleaning fee per booking? Jeez!

Definitely for those of means pursuing the rural fantasy.

Puakea is nice (although windy), but still.

And it is NOT 15 minutes to Spencer without speeding.

It%26#39;s not a bad drive to Spencer, but I don%26#39;t think the website should give times like that.

I always see tourists speeding on that road, and getting ticketed.

cc5597, I like North Kohala very much, and I don%26#39;t need to take a closer look because a) I used to live there and b) I visit my family there every couple weeks.

The point is that it%26#39;s against TA guidelines to sign up and start promoting, and you must identify whether you have an interest in a tourist business up there, so as to be totally out front.

I got on your case because you found a post by someone who had already been on her trip in order to do some advertising of the vacation rentals and the area. If you were answering a current question and if you have no business interest in tourism up there, then I have no problem.

A lot of people think TA is a place to promote business, but it%26#39;s not allowed here.

Traveling with young child, first time to Island...

Hey all, I%26#39;m hoping anyone can give me advice on travel to the Island, is this a safe place to travel with our young daughter? Looking to travel the end of January beging of February, first is this a good time for the weather, we are going to rent a condo/villa, on what part of the Island is a good place to look, I%26#39;v been looking but I am all over the place with many rental%26#39;s...... we like to do the beach thing and relax, but also enjoy seeing the sight%26#39;s by car and walking/hiking and getting to know the true culture of any Island. Thinking of going for two week%26#39;s, also maybe seperating the two, to two different Islands... are option%26#39;s are the big Island or maybe Oahu, any opion%26#39;s on this? or should we just stay put? we dont mind packing up the child and moving on, she%26#39;s a good traveler! Thank%26#39;s alot Melissa.... any info would be much appreciated.

Traveling with young child, first time to Island...

Hawaii islands are famous of being family vacation spots, or any kind of vacation spots.

You didn%26#39;t mention how your kid is. What kind of safety issue you concern about?

We will be traveling with our 3 year old to Maui in March. It will be our first trip with him to Maui, but we had been to Hawaii many times, and had taken multiple trips with our son to different islands.

Hawaii is pretty much like the states, very easy to travel with kids.

Traveling with young child, first time to Island...

Thank%26#39;s.... Well my most concern is issues with water? my little girl will be just turning 1, she is still on formula so I mix her milk half with water, wondering if I need to boil water, is it safe to drink from tap, or should I buy bottle? And also should I bring my own car seat or do most car rentals have the option here? I havent gotten that far yet as to check into the rentals...

Water is great. but babies tummies can be sensitive so I would buy a gallon of bottle water. You can refill the gallon at Safeway or Star Markets from their Reverse Osmosis Machines for 50 cents.

Don%26#39;t know about car seats.

I think you will have a wonderful vacation with your little one. Keep in mind that the sun is extremely strong at this latitude so keep baby well covered (hat, shirt etc.) and be very generous with the use of sunscreen. Don%26#39;t take your eyes off her for a second while you are near the water (pool or ocean)!!!!

If you are looking to do lots of island exploring I suggest staying on South Maui...there are lots of condos to choose from all the way from Kihei to Makena.

Your little girl will probably be fine with the tap water unless she has a very sensitive tummy. If you are concerned go ahead and buy the bottled water.

I am sure that the car rental companies on the islands rent car seats....but check ahead for availability. If I were you I would bring the baby%26#39;s own car seat...it is what she is used to. In fact...if concerned about baby safety I would purchase a seat on the airplane for the child and use the car seat for the air travel portion. Your little girl will be safer and you will both be a lot more comfortable for the duration of the trip.

One island or two??? Well, once you get me on Maui it%26#39;s awfully difficult to get me to leave! :) I opt for staying put!

Have fun planning your vacation and much aloha to you!

Just so every knows, Maui is NOT a third world country and is part of the US. Our drinking water is just as good as any other area of the mainland!! No need to boil water or have the added expense of bottled water. The only time I use bottled water is when I am at the beach.

The Big Island of Hawaii is truely HUGH. It generally is not a destination for first timers to Hawaii. Keep Oahu on your agenda, but re think going to the Big Island at this time.

I see, she is only 1, so maybe just learned walking and still takes 2 naps.

She is probably mobile enough to get around, but totally unaware the danger of waves and her surrounding. She might enjoy water than playing sand. You might want to find baby pools or baby beach. One year old can enjoy playing sand, but they really don%26#39;t play sand as much until a bit older, simple bucket or plastic cup should be enough.

I would buy distilled water for baby formula. I do that anyway.

I brought everything when we took our son to islands when he was younger. I packed very light for myself, but rather not forgot a thing for him.

1. Car seat, since he had his own seat in the plane.

2. Light weight stroller, easy to fold.

3. Back baby carrier, for hiking or terrain that light stroller cannot be easily used.

4. floaty with shade on top.

5. I bought SPF t-shirts for him to play on the beach

6. sun block

Sorry Fuzz but I didnt mean to offend the Island of Hawaii by thinking that it was a third world, I am just a new mom and a bit nervous each time we travel with her, weather it%26#39;s in the states or else where in the world.... I%26#39;v only started putting my own tap water with her formula, and was just hoping a parent with a young child who%26#39;s traveled the Islands, would ease my mind with info on what they did as parents....

And as to the travel to the big island, thank%26#39;s for the input...your right.....I think we are going to skip that one for now.... the more I read the more I think we would be better off going to Oahu?

Thank%26#39;s for all the reply%26#39;s..

Our first trip to Hawaii was the Big Island and absolutely loved it. You can easily spend two full weeks touring it by itself.

With two weeks, changing islands is certainly an option. You lose a half day or so changing islands, considering airport and rental car hassles. But with two weeks, it%26#39;s less of a loss of time.

With the Big Island, you%26#39;ll either have to pick a side of the island or stay at multiple locations; a circle island tour takes 7 hours with no sightseeing. The Big Island has it all...except a lot of beaches. A lot of oceanfront, to be sure. But because much of the lava is new(er), fewer beaches have formed.

If your goal is to get an oceanfront condo and relax a lot, you might prefer Maui over the Big Island. Many more options to choose from on Maui. We%26#39;ll be making our first real trip to Maui, but one thing I%26#39;ve noticed from my research is that there seemed to be much more sightseeing available on the Big Island versus Maui, with the exception of the Hana Highway. (Which, as I understand, isn%26#39;t recommended for youngsters due to the twisting nature of the road...)

We also once spent a day in Honolulu, and we didn%26#39;t find much to encourage us to return. Too crowded for our tastes.

Molly13-

You%26#39;ll may get people telling you that you should wait until your daughter is older. That happened to me while we were planning our trip to Maui in August 2007. We were there for 10 days with my (then) 2.5yr old daughter, along with inlaws and 9 yr old nephew for total of 7 of us.

We stayed in Napili. I wouldn%26#39;t recommend the Road to Hana or Haleakala though. The windy roads made my daughter sick. However, she LOVED playing in the water and sand at the beach.

We rented a private condo across the street from the Napili Kai with air conditioning.

The Bayan tree in Lahaina was wonderful to see. We have some great pictures with our daughter there.

We rented a toddler bed, safety rail and safety gates (2 story condo)from a akamaimothers.com since she was not in a big girl bed yet.

Take any negative posts with a grain of salt. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion just like you are entitled to listen or not listen to them. Good luck on planning and have a great trip. There%26#39;s got to be some good deals right now with the economy as it is.

I ditto the recommendation to get a seat for the baby and bring your own carseat. It%26#39;s a long flight (6 hrs from CA, not sure where Eastern township is) and their own car seat is more familiar and you know that it has not been in any accidents.