2) What would you bring to wear?
and most importantly....
3) Which books would you pack? I have a growing pile including Elizabeth Gilbert's Committed, Michael Pollan's Food Rules, Dispensation (edited by my good friend Angela Hallstrom), memoirs by Abraham Verghese, Sylvia Plath, and Isabel Allende, and the first three mysteries in Elizabeth George's Inspector Lynley series. Since I probably need to pack a second suitcase for my books, is there anything else you'd heartily recommend? We're leaving in three weeks so I have time to track down a must-read.
11 comments:
Haven't been, but I'd take my hiking shoes and do lots of hiking and a big brimmed hat, because I burn.
Books? Have you read "Candy and Me (A Love Story)" by Hilary Liftin. It was a fun, light read. Perfect for a vacation. Also "To Dance with Kings" by Rosalind Laker. It's a historical novel set France centered around Versailles. I picked it up at the library when the kids were losing it and I had to grab something quick. I liked the cover so it won. I got sucked in quickly and had a hard time putting it down. Great airplane read.
Have fun!!!
I' m reading "Careless in Red" by Elizabeth George an its a fun little mystery.
My husband is from Oahu so we've been a few times. There are a lot of nice hiking trails on the North Shore--you can find info on the internet about them. The beach at Kailua is one of the nicest around and you can rent kayaks there--that's a really fun activity. Make sure you eat at the shrimp trucks at least once (they only take cash) and stop by Ted's Bakery for some chocolate haupia pie--that's why you need to go hiking :) The Polynesian Cultural Center sounds kind of hokey, but it's actually pretty cool plus it is the major fund-raiser for students at BYU-H so I think it's worth going to at least one time. Don't bother with Sea Life Park or the Dole Pineapple Plantation--they're overpriced and lame. Also, the best place to pick up souvenirs and especially food things like macadamia nuts is at stores like Longs, K-Mart, or Wal-Mart.. Don't waste money at hotel shops or at the airport Or if you can make it down to the Swap Meet in Honolulu that is a lot of fun too. Hmmm, we usually just hang out with family when we're there so that's about all I can think of :) North Shore is really nice--we ate at a super yummy Thai restaurant in Haleiwa once but I can't remember what it's called--I think it might be Haleiwa eats.
This time of year it can be somewhat cool, especially on the North Shore, so bring a light jacket just in case. Definitely bring a hat and sunscreen. I would suggest going to a session at the temple but I'm pretty sure it's still closed for renovation. The grounds and visitor center are pretty nice.
As far as books, some of the more 'fun' reading I've done lately are things by Eva Ibbotson and Jodi Piccoult. Another idea is to save some of your book budget until you get there and stop by Barnes and Noble (or Borders--I know there's at least one of them in Honolulu) and browse the 'local' section. It might be fun to read some Hawaiian books while you're there!
Have fun--we haven't been for a while and I'm jealous
I agree with FoxyJ on a lot of points (go to Longs/Wal-mart for touristy gifts) and definitely with checking out the local literary scene.
Most places will have some Hawaii books, such as Target, Wal-mart, etc...but often these end up being "somewhat" touristy books. For a bigger sample I would suggest Borders or Barnes & Noble. Borders at Ward Centre has a very nice collection if you're in the area. There's lots of variety depending on your reading habits (especially if you like non-fiction or children's books--there's a plethora of those). But for a quick recommendation...Lois-Ann Yamanaka and Kiana Davenport are both well-respected female authors with a good selection of award-winning fiction.
Oh, and go eat Hawaiian food! It's yummy. :)
I think I would suggest buying a Kindle, pack only a carry on, and go SNUBA diving around Molokini Island. Oh, and definitely drink all the pina coladas in a fresh pineapple you can. They are delicious.
My parents are in Hawaii right now (Maui). I'll ask them what was their favorite from this trip when they get back.
I stumbled upon your blog thru twitter, and love the reviews I've been able to glance at. How do you select books to read throughout the year?
Personally, I can't help but love P.D. James for a good vacation (re)read.
A couple on my to read list that might be good for vacation--A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore and Still Alice by Lisa Genova. Or how about some Wallace Stegner or Ivan Doig?
For Maui (if you'll have a car while you're there) we liked the Road to Hana so much that we drove it twice. It takes most of the day, but we thought it was well worth it. The black sand beach along the way is one of several good stopping points. Then, if you are willing to go a little ways beyond Hana, you can get to the Seven Sacred Pools, and even further beyond that it is nice to drive a ways just to kind of see an older side of Hawaii that is relatively untouched by tourism.
My other recommendation for Maui would be Mama's Fish House. Jen and I still count that as one of the best meals we've ever eaten.
I don't think either recommendation is any great secret, but there you go.
Perhaps cheesily, I read Hawaii on our trip there as sort of my foray into Michener. And that was all the Michener I've ever needed. I too would recommend Stegner and Doig to anybody anytime.
Is this the place to let you know how jealous I am of your upcoming vacation?! You're gonna have such a great experience! All the advice here is spot on. . .As long as you're staying on the North Shore in Oahu, you'll hit all the right spots. You'll find a great spot for those winter trail runs you had to put on the shelf in UT. I am a big PCC fan as I used to work there. The price for the night show has gone up considerably, but I still like to think it's worth it.
As for book recommendations, you know you've already read all my favorites! I look to you for book ideas, girl. :)
Have a great time!!!
I'd probably pass out from happiness. I didn't catch if this was your first time. If it is, I'd do all the touristy stuff-the Punch Bowl, Pearl Harbor, the Polynesian Cultural Center (and yes, you DO want the pineapple with sherbet inside) , Dole Pineapple, etc. I'd bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket. I'd seriously consider taking surfing lessons if you're at all interested because it's super fun. There are usually a variety of fun runs, sand castle building competitions, etc. going on.
As for books, recommendations are so personal. I just finished "The Hunger Games" which is an excellent story. It starts slow but the second half is terrific. Also, "It Happens Every Day". Every other marriage ends in divorce but who actually share their stories? This is like watching a train wreck but I really appreciated her honesty. Maybe "The Geography of Bliss"... I'd recommend all of them.
Have a great trip!---Lupita
you'll be staying a hop away from my sister's house on the north shore (during the week that she's coming here...how ironic)...which is one of my favorite places ever. i've been there often enough now that i have to say if you don't go to Matsumoto's Shave Ice in Haleiva on my behalf, i may very well have to dump my kids off at your house and fly over for some when you get back. (it's about 15 minutes north of Turtle Bay).
Kuaina Burgers in Haleiva is a great hawaiian burger joint. the shrimp trucks in Kahuku are also good.
The beaches along the north shore near where you're staying are fantabulous. Check out my blog from last january's trip there...i went snorkeling in the ocean in january which i have to say was heaven. they've had lovely weather this week...my sis's family all went to the beach (along with the entire north shore apparently) for the first great beach days this year. you're going to have such a wonderful time. i'm excited for you. ♥
(PS: I'm serious about the Matsumot's Shave Ice thing. Do Not Miss It!)
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