Hawaii Condominium Rentals & Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii

Hawaii Condominium Rentals - for an authentic Hawaiian experience.

What is the difference between living in Hawaii and California?
I currently live in Hawaii and was soon planning to go to California for college. I've been advised that in some areas there have been prejudice people and that concerns me. I've never really been to the mainland before so everything would be a new experience. Any information is wanted, thanks!

What are the best places to visit in Hawaii for a first time tourist?
I am going to be going to Hawaii for the first time early in the summer. What are some good places to check out and visit? Where should I stay, close to the beach or farther away? Any good places for nightlife? Should I rent a car or just take taxis and shuttles?

What is the best island to visit in Hawaii, as far as beaches, scenery, etc?
We are planning a vacation to Hawaii this summer and are considering a few different places: Maui, Hilo, Honolulu or Oahu. I am also open to suggestions. I would like answers from people who have been there and know from experience. Thanks!

If you have been to Hawaii what are the costs and what kind of travel package can we expect? How much the cost for two weeks in Hawaii? What is the currency exchange? What can you tell me about the locals and things to do there?
Interested in little hiking inland, boating to the other islands. Interested in seeing nature and animals of Hawaii. Thanks for any input I am thankful.

How did the original people from Hawaii get there?
I'm was looking at a world map and noticed Hawaii is very much in the middle of the ocean. How did anyone get there without some very good ships. The original people from Hawaii have been there for over 14 centuries, but it was only 5 centuries ago the Spaniards made ships that could cross and ocean. How did those people get there?

What is the name of the state park in Hawaii where the trees fought off a lava flow?
Any informational websites would be nice too. I went there several years ago and cannot for the life of me remember the name of that state park! It was on the "Big Island" of Hawaii.

What are some interesting facts about Hawaii and the Hawaiian Islands?
I am writing my research report on Hawaii and one of my paragraphs is on interesting facts of the whole state of Hawaii.

What is the difference between living in Hawaii and California?
I currently live in Hawaii and was soon planning to go to California for college. I've been advised that in some areas there have been prejudice people and that concerns me. I've never really been to the mainland before so everything would be a new experience. Any information is wanted, thanks!

A. Don't worry about it. You'll be fine. You do know that thousands of people from Hawaii go to school in California every year right? Either your college has a lot of Hawaii kids, the (UC's, etc. or they don't, but either way, you'll be fine. There's going to be prejudice every where. Even in Hawaii. Some people at my school ( I go to school in the midwest) have a problem with Hawaii kids just because we are from Hawaii but you just ignore the haters. Theres a lot of Hawaii kids at my school too. And we're having fun here. Don't worry about it. I doubt a lot of people will be in your face about being in Hawaii. If they are, they're stupid and you don't have to worry about them.

Are you Asian? If you're again, get ready for some culture shock. Remember being the majority and not the minority in Hawaii? Well you'll finally get to be a minority in the mainland. Its not a bad thing, its just the way it is. Nothing to worry about.

A. As a native So-Californian who was stationed in Hawaii for two years here's the biggest differences I've seen between the two states:

Scenery: Closes I can think of what California compares to is the southeast part of Kauai, more grassy with conifer trees than the tropical vegetation on the Napali coast, or what you'd find at Makapuu point on Oahu. While it's not easy, I'm growing plants and trees you'd find in Oahu such as plumeria, guava, papaya, soursop, and bananas. In the summer, southern California gets pretty brown and barren.

Weather: California will seem downright cold to freezing in the winter months compared to Hawaii, but typically has a lot less rain. It rains sporadically from late November to March Has more distinctive seasons and a wide variety of micro-climates within a comparable size area.

Traffic: While Hawaiians are content to do 50 mph on freeways and speeding is considered bad form, Californians will typically add 10 mph to any posted speed limit and tailgate you mercilessly if they feel you're impeding traffic. Congestion is about the same at both places, bad in the major cities but ok in the outlying areas.

Cost of living: Somewhat cheaper in California, but not by much. Gas was only about .10 - .20 cents less a gallon, food prices are about 10% cheaper, entertainment costs are more expensive for comparable activities, housing about 10% - 15% cheaper.

Ethnicity: In Hawaii it was mostly pacific islanders, then Asians, then whites, with very few blacks or Hispanics. California ( at least where I live ) has a slim majority of whites, then his panics, then Asians and pacific islanders, then blacks, finally Indians. While bigotry exists, it's no more so here than what I saw in Hawaii.

While there's differences, California is probably the closes state there is as far as similarities with Hawaii, and you'd probably acclimate quickly.

A. It's great you have plans to broaden your horizons by experiencing life outside of Hawaii. Too many Hawaii kids develop a myopic view of the world thinking that life consists of the sun rising at Koko Head and setting at Ewa Beach, and that's it. Learning to live and cope with prejudice is part of life's learning experience. Accept and understand the value of different cultures, and assimilate as we have done in Hawaii.

A. Where in California is the first question?

I went to college in San Diego to a college directly on the beach. In Hawaii, I lived in Kailua and two blocks from the beach. In California, I lived on the cliffs so I had to just walk to the beach. The surf on Sunset Cliffs is good.

You can pretty much get any kind of local food in California. There may even be a Hawaiian club at your school. The club may even put on a luau.

There are a ton of canoe paddling clubs all over California.

Prejudice people??? I don't know. I do know if you surf, some places can have its locals.

There are a lot of people with some sort of Hawaii roots in California.

I did not notice a difference when I went to school in California. On the other hand, I have a lot of relatives in San Diego that I tried not to see too often. I wanted to enjoy the experience of meeting new people, trying new things and seeing new places.

A lot of road trips into Mexico.

River trips down the Colorado River.

I went camping on Catalina.

I took up sailing in a college course and then met some people who owned sailboats and sailed in some regattas to include Cinco Del Mayo.

I toured Northern California and Central California with the university's male choral. It was free, but had to sing a lot.

I live in Germany today.

A. I've never been to Hawaii but I've lived in Florida, Pennsylvania, New York and then California. California is the most open minded state because there is so many different cultures. Thats why gays, hippies, homeless, weirdos..whatever all flock to California..because they are accepted. The Bay Area is the nicest area of California.

A. I don't think you'll have that much of a problem. California, in general, is pretty open-minded. I live in the Bay Area and most people around here don't really care where you're from or your ethnicity. Every gets treated the same for the most part. Of course there are the couple prejudice people but for the most part it's all good. Good Luck!

A. Most of California is fine--it's a huge state, so it really depends on where you attend college. You probably want a smaller school, though depending on your interests. Lots of locals like the Catholic schools like Santa Clara, as they are smaller and more collegiate than the larger schools.

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What are the best places to visit in Hawaii for a first time tourist?
I am going to be going to Hawaii for the first time early in the summer. What are some good places to check out and visit? Where should I stay, close to the beach or farther away? Any good places for nightlife? Should I rent a car or just take taxis and shuttles?

A. Aloha! Waikiki is the tourist Mecca of Honolulu. Walking up Diamond Head, visiting the Arizona Memorial, Aloha Flea Market (Swap Meet) - a great place for souvenirs, Pali lookout, Hanauma Bay, and the Polynesian Cultural Center is a good start. Tour groups offer pkg deals (no driving for you). However, a car is easy to get around in, parking isn't too bad and you can take your time. Enjoy your stay!

A. A couple pieces of advice:

1 - Definitely go to the Polynesian Cultural Center in La'ie. You can experience all the different Polynesian cultures in one place. Everything there is very authentic too. Most other luau's in Hawaii cater to tourists, so while they are entertaining, they aren't very authentic at all.

2 - Also, explore other areas besides Waikiki. Waikiki is not a good representation of Hawaii at all, since it caters to tourists and hardly anyone there is actually local. Please don't let that be your only idea of what Hawaii is like.

A. You didn't say which island(s) you'll be visiting, but:

Oahu: Dole Pineapple Plantation, Pearl Harbor Memorial, Waimea Valley, Hanalei, Polynesian Cultural Center, Hanauma Bay for snorkeling (closed on Tuesdays, I believe). Waikiki is good for nightlife. Royal Hawaiian for the best Mai Tai's.

Maui: Old Lahaina Luau, road to Hana, aquarium.

Kauai: Hanalei, Waimea Valley, Olympic Cafe for mac nut pancakes - cheap, Queens Bath, my favorite island, but not much nightlife.

Big Island: Volcano Nat'l Park, Painted church, Punaluu black sand beach, coffee plantation (any), town of Kona-Kailua is nice.

I prefer to stay close to the ocean, but you pay a premium. Definitely rent a car. Good gift shop is Hilo Hattie - these are all over the islands. Great shop for sundries is ABC Stores - sometimes several on one block. Have fun!

A. You should definitely visit the Polynesian Cultural Center out in the North Shore. It is a fun-filled experience that will inform you about all the islands of Polynesia. It employs people who are actually Polynesian and grew up in the Polynesian way, so they know what they are doing.

Some other good places to visit would be the Dole Plantation it is in Kunia, it teaches about pineapples and how they are grown, and Hanauma Bay is a fun place to go snorkeling and see the sea animals.

You should also get out to see the outer islands, not just O'ahu because Kaua'i is a beautiful island and every island has something different to offer. On the topic of where you should stay, you should stay in a hotel close to the beach because those hotels are usually the most beautiful. There are not many hotels which are farther away from the beach.

Oh, and you should rent a car. There are not many taxis just driving around unless you call the taxi service, but it might cost a lot. There may be a shuttle service, depending on where you are going, but you shouldn't count on it. I know there is a shuttle service to go to the Polynesian Cultural Center though.

A. Aloha and welcome to Hawaii. I would stay at a Hotel on or near the beach. The ones further away tend to be small, however, stay close to the beach will cost more. Central locations would be Sheraton Hotels : Moana, Royal Hawaiian, and Sheraton Waikiki. Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach. Those I would recommend. Dukes in the Outrigger is a great place to hang out. As for attractions, go the Polynesian Cultural Center, Pearl Harbor (The Arizona Memorial), Hanauma Bay (closed every Tues), Society of Seven show (very talented). Those four I recommend to guests who stay at our property for vacations (the Outrigger Waikiki, hint, hint). Taxis and shuttles are easily available thru your bell staff. Renting a car is good too, more convenient.

A. Each of the Hawaiian Islands has its own personality and character. So, knowing what type of person you are and what you like to do will help you decide which of the islands you will like.

If you like tourists and fishing you should like the Kona area of the “Big Island” of Hawaii.

If you like solitude, a tropical feel, a rural atmosphere and you don’t mind rain, you should like the Hilo area of the Big Island. The west side of the Big Island has a few nice small beaches, including black sand beaches. Near Ka Lae, the southernmost point of the island you will find a green sand beach. Big beaches are not prevalent on the Big Island.

If you enjoy scenery, hiking, snorkeling, kayaking or surfing and don’t yearn for “night life” then the oldest of the islands, Kauai is for you.

If you are the kind of person who keep a bathing suit, snorkel gear or a surfboard in your car, then Maui is for you, because it has 120 miles of easily accessible and swimmable coastline, more than any other island.

If you have an artistic temperament or perhaps you like to get away and write, then seek out the island of Lanai.

If you love nature, hiking and solitude, then “the most Hawaiian” of the islands, Molokai is for you.

You’ll enjoy Oahu if you like beaches, shopping, tourists, high-rises, traffic and don’t mind a lot of other people. Honolulu is like a tropical version of NYC, or LA as it was in the smog-free 1950's.

A. You'll likely not get this response from locals, but North Shore is the greatest place on O'ahu. Haleiwa is a great little town and an even better beach. Within 10 miles are: Sunset Beach, Sharks Cove, Bonsai & the Pipeline. All world famous surf areas. A word to the wise, unless you are a world class athlete, DO NOT get into the water in these areas. Waves frequently reach over 30 feet.

Rent a car, take H1 west to H2 north. You'll see the signs. After your visit there, drive all the way around the island. Plan 4 or 5 hours (or more) and have fun!

Have a great time & don't tell anyone I said this stuff. I'm a local boy & I'd never hear the end of it for telling tourists where our favorite beaches are.

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What is the best island to visit in Hawaii, as far as beaches, scenery, etc?
We are planning a vacation to Hawaii this summer and are considering a few different places: Maui, Hilo, Honolulu or Oahu. I am also open to suggestions. I would like answers from people who have been there and know from experience. Thanks!

A. Really hard to say. A lot has to do with what you're looking to do.

Oahu - beautiful... lots of tourists...lots to do... ie, Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay, Waimea, North Shore, Pineapple plantation, Diamond head, Polynesian Cultural Center, etc... lot's of shopping too. (Honolulu is on the island of Oahu.)

Maui - beautiful... still tourists... shopping, Mt. Haleakala, Lahaina, beaches, more relaxed feeling than Oahu.

Hawaii (Big Island)... Volcanos National park. beaches etc.

If this is your first trip to the Islands I would probably recommend Oahu first. It would be the best way to learn the culture and get your feet wet. Lot's to do, good food, and lots of vacation rentals on the Island. I prefer these over the busy hotel areas of Waikiki and Honolulu.

Hope this helps!

A. Maui I think or the Big Island if you want to see erupting volcano.

A. I think Kauai is the best. It is called the garden island and is very beautiful. I would also add Honolulu to your trip. A stop there for shopping and the tourist places, then on to Kauai to relax and enjoy nature.

A. I really like Maui... we went and stayed in Lahaina, it was beautiful! And so many places are within driving distance... we went to the Garden of Eden, it was sooooo beautiful! So many beaches and rain forest on this island.

I've heard Kauai is great too, but Maui is a bit more tourist-y (but not as bad as the Big Island).

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If you have been to Hawaii what are the costs and what kind of travel package can we expect? How much the cost for two weeks in Hawaii? What is the currency exchange? What can you tell me about the locals and things to do there?
Interested in little hiking inland, boating to the other islands. Interested in seeing nature and animals of Hawaii. Thanks for any input I am thankful.

A. Bottom line is that Hawaii is expensive. Most good hotels will be $300 a night or more and then you usually have resort fees and expensive parking on top of that. Food and beverages will cost more than you expect - many restaurants have websites so you'll want to look at those to get an idea for your food budget. Your best bet is to do as much research as you can to try to find a good deal.

Since you have some time before you leave, I recommend getting some type of hotel credit card, like a Marriott Rewards card. If you us that card exclusively between now and your trip you can probably rack up a couple of free hotel nights in rewards points.

Try to determine which islands you want to visit. There are plenty of inter island flights and ferries so island hopping is easy, even as a day trip if the islands are close. Once you have an estimated itinerary then you can do more in depth research on those particular islands.

A. Two weeks in Hawaii plan on around $1,000 hotel plus flight ($500.00). Flight prices will depend on where you are flying from. The prices are gave are for flying from the east coast. Look around on-line b/c u can find some reasonable prices you just have to research. There is no currency exchange if you are from the United States. The locals are friendly. Hike Diamond Head. Take Hawaii SuperFerry to other islands. Definitely you have to go to Pearl Harbor. If you want to see whales go in the winter months when they come from Alaska. Go to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve for snorkeling. Hope this helps.

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How did the original people from Hawaii get there?
I'm was looking at a world map and noticed Hawaii is very much in the middle of the ocean. How did anyone get there without some very good ships. The original people from Hawaii have been there for over 14 centuries, but it was only 5 centuries ago the Spaniards made ships that could cross and ocean. How did those people get there?

A. Polynesians first settled Hawaii over a thousand years ago, but I can't remember exactly when. They know this because there is a thing called the Polynesian Triangle in the Pacific Ocean and everyone within that triangular area speaks Polynesian!

I guess they took their canoes or something to get to Hawaii from Polynesia. Must have been good sailors, huh?

A. The theory is that they migrated from New Zealand and island hopped eastward on large canoes and catamarans. Tahiti is thought to be their last stop before moving north discovering the now Hawaiian Islands.

A. They got their by boat, most likely outrigger type canoes. And they did without GPS or even sextants.

A. Well you are close anyway. Polynesian peoples populated all of the Pacific island chains on their way to better places. The original Hawaiians were also cannibals. The Portuguese landed on the Hawaiian islands long before the Spanish. After the Spanish there was Captain Cook and his merry men who brought diseases that killed off most of the population. But you have to remember that the English thought taking baths were bad, so they not only smelled horrendous, but they carried whatever diseases they had become immune to on their clothes and bodies.

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What is the name of the state park in Hawaii where the trees fought off a lava flow?
Any informational websites would be nice too. I went there several years ago and cannot for the life of me remember the name of that state park! It was on the "Big Island" of Hawaii.

A. My best guess is that you visited the Lava Tree State Monument, located just south of Pahoa on the east side of the island. 'O-hi'a trees were surrounded by a 1790 lava flow, and the molten rock formed pillars as the trees themselves burned away. It's a 17 acre park with a small paved trail, picnic areas, and a bathroom.

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What are some interesting facts about Hawaii and the Hawaiian Islands?
I am writing my research report on Hawaii and one of my paragraphs is on interesting facts of the whole state of Hawaii.

A. Hawaii is the only state in the USA that was formerly a monarchy.

A. Hawaii has active volcanoes, and rainfall every day.

A. The Kilauea Volcano is one of the most active on earth. Maui is the second largest island and the third most populated.