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#31
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"Alan Street" wrote in message ... I would agree with the cattleboat description, but after experiencing "Capt. Alain" I would never recommend this shop to anyone. A nasty little divemaster who was constantly tapping his tank with a metal rod, herding his flock and scolding anyone who dared to stray. The quintessential cattleboat experience. Sounds like you and I had the same guy. Lahaina Divers has always been a good operator for us, except, the last time we used them. And what you describe is just what happened to us. Very annoying but just one experience. |
#32
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"eeo" wrote in message news One last bit of advice about Maui, do the "Haleakala Sunrise Bike Tour." There is talk of shutting it down so do it now. It will be a highlight of you trip. However, plan ahead. Remember the rules of ascending to altitude. This was possibly the worst bicycle excursion I've ever done. Raining all day, cold at elevation, slippery surfaces, and 2000 rent a cars seemingly trying to run you over amidst all the hairpin turns on a pretty narrow, and poor, road surface. FTR I've done many cycling trips around the world and this one has nothing specific that I'd recommend. The view of course is great all along on a clear day but you enjoy it more driving than on a bike where you're just trying to survive....If it was a dedicated cycling trail, and it should be, my opinion would be much different but its NOT and be forewarned that you'll be fighting with inattentive, scenery watching, drivers who are literally running you off the road all day. just my two cents. |
#33
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"Marior" wrote in message news:Yz2Hd.107474$6l.24420@pd7tw2no... This was possibly the worst bicycle excursion I've ever done. Raining all day, cold at elevation, slippery surfaces, and 2000 rent a cars seemingly trying to run you over amidst all the hairpin turns on a pretty narrow, and poor, road surface. FTR I've done many cycling trips around the world and this one has nothing specific that I'd recommend. The view of course is great all along on a clear day but you enjoy it more driving than on a bike where you're just trying to survive....If it was a dedicated cycling trail, and it should be, my opinion would be much different but its NOT and be forewarned that you'll be fighting with inattentive, scenery watching, drivers who are literally running you off the road all day. just my two cents. Well, if you are a "serious" biker, what are you doing on Maui? ... In fact, why don't you come over to my isle. We'll take care of you real quick. LOL Now listen: if you are really into road biking, don't come to Hawaii. Except for the Big Isle, you will only be courting death. Don't blame me. I didn't design the road systems. I'm just stating the facts. But it does amaze me that more and more I see these folks in their funky little outfits and $2K bikes, peddling down Kam Hwy. With me, they're lucky. I'm a patient man who drives slower than your Grandmother. But the guy behind me...? It kind of reminds me of a friend I knew in graduate school. He was studying Geology. He had this hilarious t-shirt that read: "Stop Plate Tectonics!" That one still makes me chuckle... And yes, the over-crowding is why they are talking about shutting the ride down. But, the views are incredible. And for the rest of us mere mortals: after getting woken up at 3am to see those views, we don't want to have to peddle. |
#34
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"eeo" wrote in message ... "Marior" wrote in message news:Yz2Hd.107474$6l.24420@pd7tw2no... This was possibly the worst bicycle excursion I've ever done. Raining all day, cold at elevation, slippery surfaces, and 2000 rent a cars seemingly trying to run you over amidst all the hairpin turns on a pretty narrow, and poor, road surface. FTR I've done many cycling trips around the world and this one has nothing specific that I'd recommend. The view of course is great all along on a clear day but you enjoy it more driving than on a bike where you're just trying to survive....If it was a dedicated cycling trail, and it should be, my opinion would be much different but its NOT and be forewarned that you'll be fighting with inattentive, scenery watching, drivers who are literally running you off the road all day. just my two cents. Well, if you are a "serious" biker, what are you doing on Maui? ... heh, I'm not a pro but just a pretty good rec cycler that used to be able to keep up with the elite. Emphasis on used to. I've participated in different road races and events just for how will I do kind of interest. Have also done the Jasper-Banff trip here in Alberta Canada which is an awesome trip. Truly a life altering experience. In fact, why don't you come over to my isle. We'll take care of you real quick. LOL heh, Now I'm even more hesitant to cycle in Hawaii ;-) Now listen: if you are really into road biking, don't come to Hawaii. Except for the Big Isle, you will only be courting death. Don't blame me. I didn't design the road systems. I'm just stating the facts. So it sounds like we agree. Sorry for stepping in like I did but your original info on the Haleakala ride just sounded incomplete to me and I thought people should be also very aware of the drawbacks and what they're getting into. No offence intended. Usenet to me is best used as a getting the real goods info source, not the touristy everythings great and wonderful stuff you get elsewhere. FTR I think Hawaii is mostly great and wonderful just not this cycle trip. But it does amaze me that more and more I see these folks in their funky little outfits and $2K bikes, peddling down Kam Hwy. heh, just so you know I was properly dressed for haleakala and not going particularly slow but the road surface alone can throw you for a loop. Trouble for cyclers on busy, narrow, winding, roads always is that the driver assumes they're giving you some space on the road (usually inches) but the space is taken up by a washout, or a large rock, loose gravel etc and you can't do nothing but go OH NO!! and hang on for life sometimes. Not much room to avert or avoid on that trip and if you go the wrong way you're getting down the mountain much faster than intended G With me, they're lucky. I'm a patient man who drives slower than your Grandmother. But the guy behind me...? It kind of reminds me of a friend I knew in graduate school. He was studying Geology. He had this hilarious t-shirt that read: "Stop Plate Tectonics!" That one still makes me chuckle... LOL! I've seen that shirt its makes the rounds. I took 1st year Geology. And yes, the over-crowding is why they are talking about shutting the ride down. Just wondering if you know whether this is also due to how many accidents have occurred. But, the views are incredible. Undeniably. Only thing better for me there was in NaPali coastline in Kauai or Hanelei bay or Hana or etc. I'm a hiker too and I live in a good place for it. I loved that I didn't have to worry about bears or other large carnivores in Hawaii. Just watch your step and enjoy the scenery. And for the rest of us mere mortals: after getting woken up at 3am to see those views, we don't want to have to peddle. Yeah, the drive was fine and that leaves energy to take some of the trails once you're up there. |
#35
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eeo wrote:
The one thing they don't warn you about is what happens when lava flows into the sea. It creates a mist that contains sulfuric acid. It stings the eyes and is uncomfortable but the experience is worth a little discomfort. One nitpick: when the hot lava hits the water, it generates clouds of hydrochloric acid, not sulfuric acid. I would disagree with eeo and tell you to stay out of the steam clouds in any case; a lungful of acid is not a good idea. http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/update/main.html is a good place to check on current lava conditions. |
#36
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"Marior" wrote in message news:H3fHd.114771$8l.41050@pd7tw1no... So it sounds like we agree. Sorry for stepping in like I did but your original info on the Haleakala ride just sounded incomplete to me and I thought people should be also very aware of the drawbacks and what they're getting into. No offence intended. Usenet to me is best used as a getting the real goods info source, not the touristy everythings great and wonderful stuff you get elsewhere. FTR I think Hawaii is mostly great and wonderful just not this cycle trip. Hawaii can be a wonderful vacation destination. But not if what you want to do is bicycle. Actually, the Big Isle would be good but please don't visit Oahu, or any of the other Isles if that's what you want to do on your vacation. But it does amaze me that more and more I see these folks in their funky little outfits and $2K bikes, peddling down Kam Hwy. heh, just so you know I was properly dressed for haleakala and not going particularly slow but the road surface alone can throw you for a loop. Trouble for cyclers on busy, narrow, winding, roads always is that the driver assumes they're giving you some space on the road (usually inches) but the space is taken up by a washout, or a large rock, loose gravel etc and you can't do nothing but go OH NO!! and hang on for life sometimes. Not much room to avert or avoid on that trip and if you go the wrong way you're getting down the mountain much faster than intended G It is the fear of accidents, and deaths, that is causing all the talk about shutting the ride down. Welcome to Hawaii. They can have the strangest responses to what you, on the Mainland, find to be not that difficult of a problem to solve. Personally, I think they should shut the entire road down between 3am-9am to anyone but liscensed tour operators. The problem is too much traffic. Fine, get rid of all the clueless tourists behind the wheel. If you want to see the sun rise from the Haleakala summit, then you will have to be part of a guided tour. And that's that. It doesn't sound like to much to ask in order to keep the event accessible for everyone. Does it? With me, they're lucky. I'm a patient man who drives slower than your Grandmother. But the guy behind me...? It kind of reminds me of a friend I knew in graduate school. He was studying Geology. He had this hilarious t-shirt that read: "Stop Plate Tectonics!" That one still makes me chuckle... LOL! I've seen that shirt its makes the rounds. I took 1st year Geology. And yes, the over-crowding is why they are talking about shutting the ride down. Just wondering if you know whether this is also due to how many accidents have occurred. But, the views are incredible. Undeniably. Only thing better for me there was in NaPali coastline in Kauai or Hanelei bay or Hana or etc. I'm a hiker too and I live in a good place for it. I loved that I didn't have to worry about bears or other large carnivores in Hawaii. Just watch your step and enjoy the scenery. Isn't the Na Pali Coast fabulous? Actually, the Wife and I have our tenth wedding anniversary coming up. We are planning on spending it by paddling our kayaks along the Na Pali Coast. In theory, it will be an easy two-day trip, but we've never camped off our kayaks before. We've been spending a lot of time planning this one. I've spent enough time paddling about these Islands to know that nothing will go according to plan but it still should be a "trip of a lifetime." |
#37
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I just returned from three weeks in Hawaii. - bags are still loaded with dirty clothes, but I'll take time to add my 2 cents... ======== =========== ========== ========= ======== ======= Honolulu is not so bad if you know where to go on Oahu and how to get there. We rented a car for a day and drove the Pali highway to Pali lookout, up to Valley of the Temples, North Shore for some photos of 18 foot waves and great surfers, picnic lunch at Waimea Bay, a short tour of Dole, some ice cream and back to Honolulu, and (the ladies) shopped at Alo Moana Mall - A great Day!! Many say you don't need a car on Oahu and that is true if you have a lot of time. The busses are great - we took them to Hanauma Bay for a day of sun and snorkeling with the fishes, and another day to climb Diamond Head. If we had more time in Oahu I would get a bus pass and take a lot of day trips. We had great inexpensive suppers at (fast food) Wolfgang Puck's and sat there by the beach watching the Pacific Rim people of all sorts many evenings. We did a beautiful dinner at The Pacific Beach Hotel buffet in front of their two story aquarium. Nice free shows - music - dancing -on Waikiki beach each evening at 6pm. So, yes Honolulu is a big north american city but most big north american cities don't have a tropical beach a few steps from your door, rain forests, hiking trails, etc... But we then also stayed 10 days on the Big Island and 7 days on Maui each were spectacular. You do need a car on each of these islands to enjoy the sites. One of the best Big Island kept secrets is Makalawena Beach. No facilities, really hard to get to, but what a place!!! If anyone has been there you know what I mean. I did not like the "public" beaches on the Big Island that have been taken over by the corporate hotels. Sure, they are groomed and convenient but, getting a "pass" and "permission" to enter then having to walk a great deal to find some quiet spot... not our thing. Hapuna Beach, once a great beach is getting very crowded and lacking in clean facilities. We drove the entire island, visiting the Botanical Gardens on the short "scenic drive" on the way to Hilo - Magnificent (and I am not into gardening) - it was a great Rain Forest Jungle experience. (Be sure to use insect repellent). Short walk (hike?) to Akaka Falls; vsited the Tsunami Museum in Hilo (very relevent today). Watched them pick and pack the delicious Macadamia Nuts at tha Mauno Loa factory. Drove to the top of Mauna Loa crater - with more time there are nice hiling trails through the Park. Snorkeled at Kealakekua(?) Beach south of Kona with a million others but saw a lot of beatiful fish, and once you're under water it is just you and the sea creatures. Another good place is Spencer beach near Kawalhae Visited Parker ranch in Kamuela (Waimea) - Walked up to the top of Waipio Valley, ask a local where to turn for the trail. And then after all those magnificent places there is ... Maui! We stayed at a condo in Ma'alaea - nice a quiet with 4(?) miles of open beach - access to the charters at Ma'alaea harbor if you wanted to dive. With a car everything is close, it is a small island. Drove the (narrow!!!) Hana Highway - lots of photo ops and hiking trails - watched spectacular surfers at Hanomanu(?) Bay - just follow a map of the road (lots a' free maps in the visitor's guides). Snorkeled at Ahihi Beach (not really a beach) just a rocky entrance beside a narrow public road - but worth it - there were scuba people there too. Lots of beatiful sites, Iao needle (try to arrive before the tourist busses), Whale watching from the scenic lookouts and from our condo balcony. But when they say this kind of watching they mean - you see evidence of whales; spouts, splashes, and maybe if you are lucky a fin or tail for a second. But it was fun. Hope that helps - and I am just coming down from a three week high. Cheers (Oh yeah, and there is two feet of snow in my driveway and it is -4F tonight - Augh!) So, I'm going to watch "LOST" and dream about the Pali Valley! :-) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + The News Guy(Mike) - Seinfeld Lists + (two mirrored sites) + http://membres.lycos.fr/tnguym + http://wave.prohosting.com/tnguym NOWTHISWORKS + All things Seinfeld; scripts, trivia, lists, +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ |
#38
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"eeo" wrote in message ... "Marior" wrote in message news:H3fHd.114771$8l.41050@pd7tw1no... So it sounds like we agree. Sorry for stepping in like I did but your original info on the Haleakala ride just sounded incomplete to me and I thought people should be also very aware of the drawbacks and what they're getting into. No offence intended. Usenet to me is best used as a getting the real goods info source, not the touristy everythings great and wonderful stuff you get elsewhere. FTR I think Hawaii is mostly great and wonderful just not this cycle trip. Hawaii can be a wonderful vacation destination. But not if what you want to do is bicycle. Actually, the Big Isle would be good but please don't visit Oahu, or any of the other Isles if that's what you want to do on your vacation. Nah, bicycling isn't so big to me that I have to do it. I had a great time and had no intent to bicycle while in Hawaii at all. Just figured I'd take the Haleakala trip once I'd heard about it. But it does amaze me that more and more I see these folks in their funky little outfits and $2K bikes, peddling down Kam Hwy. heh, just so you know I was properly dressed for haleakala and not going particularly slow but the road surface alone can throw you for a loop. Trouble for cyclers on busy, narrow, winding, roads always is that the driver assumes they're giving you some space on the road (usually inches) but the space is taken up by a washout, or a large rock, loose gravel etc and you can't do nothing but go OH NO!! and hang on for life sometimes. Not much room to avert or avoid on that trip and if you go the wrong way you're getting down the mountain much faster than intended G It is the fear of accidents, and deaths, that is causing all the talk about shutting the ride down. No doubt. Welcome to Hawaii. They can have the strangest responses to what you, on the Mainland, find to be not that difficult of a problem to solve. Personally, I think they should shut the entire road down between 3am-9am to anyone but liscensed tour operators. The problem is too much traffic. Fine, get rid of all the clueless tourists behind the wheel. If you want to see the sun rise from the Haleakala summit, then you will have to be part of a guided tour. And that's that. It doesn't sound like to much to ask in order to keep the event accessible for everyone. Does it? Not sure I agree. Losing the cycle tour is the right way to go as that represents just a very small portion of the overall users. They shouldn't have ever gone with the Haleakala cycle tour in the 1st place. Somebody thought it was a good idea and it goes from there. sometimes it shouldn't... btw if you got rid of all the clueless tourists behind the wheel who would be left? G Hawaii's bad on drivers. SO much to see and so distracting. Its far better being a passenger but nobody wants to do the driving and everybody wants to look at the beautiful scenery. Just wondering if you know whether this is also due to how many accidents have occurred. But, the views are incredible. Undeniably. Only thing better for me there was in NaPali coastline in Kauai or Hanelei bay or Hana or etc. I'm a hiker too and I live in a good place for it. I loved that I didn't have to worry about bears or other large carnivores in Hawaii. Just watch your step and enjoy the scenery. Isn't the Na Pali Coast fabulous? Fantastic. Undescribably beautiful valleys, cliff faces of which you're a little speck somewhere on the mountain looking down on the expanse of sublimely blue endless ocean meeting sky. Hard trail though and people should be prepared as the trail surface erodes drastically with rain. What with the slippery surface and cliffs going straight down and seeing the breakers more than 1000 feet below not always for the timid at heart. My wife was unnerved at times and did the four legged backcrawl through some of the hardest areas. Her clothes were neatly covered in Kauai natural ochre pigment after that. I loved the whole island of Kauai. Its my favorite. Actually, the Wife and I have our tenth wedding anniversary coming up. We are planning on spending it by paddling our kayaks along the Na Pali Coast. In theory, it will be an easy two-day trip, but we've never camped off our kayaks before. We've been spending a lot of time planning this one. I've spent enough time paddling about these Islands to know that nothing will go according to plan but it still should be a "trip of a lifetime." That sounds fantastic. Hope you have a great time and what a wonderful thing to do on your anniversary. Sounds like we share a sense of what we like to do on special occasions. Heres a place not too far away from where I live that I try to get to on my birthday. http://www.pigseye.com/mc/canada/edith_cavell.htm |
#39
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First I want to thank everyone who contributed to this thread--you all were a big help! Unfortunately economics got involved and I cut my vacation back and simplified a bit. I was able to find a package that dropped me on Maui for 10 days at the Ritz Carlton including airfare from Chicago for less than $4k total for 2. Comparing with other hotels and even remotely as nice places, I couldn't muster a lower number. Next time I'll look into some of the condos more--they seem to be the best bang for the buck in general. Something tells me this won't be my only trip to the Hawaiian islands. :-) Thanks again! Best Regards, -- Todd H. http://www.toddh.net/ |
#40
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"Todd H." wrote in message ... First I want to thank everyone who contributed to this thread--you all were a big help! Unfortunately economics got involved and I cut my vacation back and simplified a bit. I was able to find a package that dropped me on Maui for 10 days at the Ritz Carlton including airfare from Chicago for less than $4k total for 2. Comparing with other hotels and even remotely as nice places, I couldn't muster a lower number. Next time I'll look into some of the condos more--they seem to be the best bang for the buck in general. Something tells me this won't be my only trip to the Hawaiian islands. :-) Just curious and please don't take this the wrong way but I can't help but wonder why you would cut down length of stay due to economics and ... you're staying at the Ritz Carlton? IMHO the point of going is * just being* in Hawaii and not Chicago I'd stay in a tent if it was the only way I could afford it. FTR 4K Canadian has got me 3 weeks in Hawaii with reasonable accomodation on 3 islands and airfare and interisland passes. I'm in Edmonton and believe me I'd rather be there longer than here! 10days is great but why not maximize Time instead of 5star next time? |
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