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Travelbug 2
August 8th, 2006, 12:55 AM
Anyone done Hawaii in Feb',March or April?

Just wondering if this is a good time of year to go. The "Circle Hawaii" cruise from San Diego sounds interesting. We are HAL fans and would like to sail aboard a "Dam" ship but all those sea days one after the other!!! Don't know if I could handle that.

Opinions would help the decision making process.

Thanks.

kakalina
August 8th, 2006, 07:27 AM
Anyone done Hawaii in Feb',March or April?

Just wondering if this is a good time of year to go. The "Circle Hawaii" cruise from San Diego sounds interesting. We are HAL fans and would like to sail aboard a "Dam" ship but all those sea days one after the other!!! Don't know if I could handle that.

Opinions would help the decision making process.

Thanks.

The "Circle Hawaii Cruise" is a great way to spend 2 weeks.
The cruises that spend 2 days in Honolulu are best.IMHO
We love the sea days, more of things to do on sea days of longer cruises than shorter (less than 10 day) cruises.
The first set of sea days let you get relaxed and ready for fun in the sun.
The last set of sea days in needed to recover from all that fun in the sun.
We also like smaller ships(S class) and longer cruises.

Virgil

Krazy Kruizers
August 8th, 2006, 07:55 AM
Just did the 15 day Hawaiian cruise this past Mar/Apr - had a lot of rain - going to the islands, at the islands, and returning to the states!!

sharbin1
August 8th, 2006, 09:26 AM
We were in Hawaii last February and both Hilo and Kona were rain-soaked.. I understand that's pretty typical for that time of year. However the weather in Oahu, Maui, and Kuai was wonderful and if you're interested in whale watching, that's the very best time.

Travelbug 2
August 8th, 2006, 11:39 AM
Thanks for the info'. It looks like that time of year is wet. Maybe I will reconsider as I do not fancy carrying an umbrella for a Hawaii trip.

We have no specific plans yet, just researching a few possibilities.

hammybee
August 8th, 2006, 11:51 AM
I too had a hard time with all the sea days versus time away from the business. We ended up doing the NCL thing which is a great way to pack in a lot of Hawaii in 7 days. It is not however, a HAL experience by any stretch of the imagination. It was not bad but certainly different. Those that come aboard expecting a HAL or comparable experience tend to be very dissappointed. Those that view it as a floating, well priced, hotel were impressed with the bang for the buck. There is ample shore time to really get out and explore on your own.

To iterate, it is not a HAL experience, but if you want maximum multiple island time, at a good price, NCL does the job, well.

the2ofus
August 8th, 2006, 12:03 PM
We did the HAL Circle Hawaii cruise in early March 2003 and had wonderful weather while in Hawaii. San Diego was quite cool and the first two and last two sea days of the trip were cool and overcast. We did see whales off Maui and the Big Island. The waves were higher on the way out than on the return trip, but nothing more than 8 or 10 ft. waves as I recall.

twoatsea
August 8th, 2006, 02:57 PM
We were looking at Hawaii also with the same concern about so many sea days. Didn't realize may get so much rain in early part of year (which is also when we were looking).

So, when is the best time to cruise to Hawaii? Don't want days when kids are out of school; don't want rainy season; don't want 90 degree heat & above. Is there such a thing? :confused:

Thanks.

Namvet4
August 8th, 2006, 03:00 PM
We were looking at Hawaii also with the same concern about so many sea days. Didn't realize may get so much rain in early part of year (which is also when we were looking).

So, when is the best time to cruise to Hawaii? Don't want days when kids are out of school; don't want rainy season; don't want 90 degree heat & above. Is there such a thing? :confused:

Thanks.

Twoatsea... you took the words right out of my keyboard ! :) I am also interested in everyones opinions about best time, weather, etc.... Thanks in advance to all who respond.

xpcdoojk
August 8th, 2006, 04:41 PM
We were there mid March 2003 on the Legend of the Seas, and we had perfect weather the entire trip. It was actually very warm. The good thing about that time of the year is that the whales are there basically from December til April.

jc:)

AlohaPride
August 8th, 2006, 04:56 PM
Hello Hello! Finally something I can help with!!

This past Feb, March, April we actually had 45 days of continuous rain. This hasn't happened in the state for YEARS! Spring is our "rainy" season, but aside from this past Spring, I have never actually had to carry an umbrella. Funny thing about Hawaiian weather, it can be raining one second and the next be completely sunny. Further, it can rain with the sun shining - thus the amazing double and triple rainbows :D

I would actually suggest a Feb, March, April visit for a few reasons:

1) It's the coolest time of year with temps anywhere between snowing on the peaks of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Haleakala - to high 60's in the mornings in Mililani and other high altitude locations - to mid to high 70's in the hottest locations (we are coming up on our hottest time - Aug./Sept. with temps getting into the mid to high 80's)

2) The saying "April showers bring May flowers" is all too true here. In fact, we celebrate May Day (May 1) with music, hula, and lei all around! There are flowers EVERYWHERE! The trees are greener than usual, and it's absolutely GORGEOUS!

3) The whales are in town. My DH and I often take time during Feb, March, April, or May to go to Kaanapali Beach on Maui just to watch the whales.

4) The Waves at Pipe Line, Sunset Beach, and the rest of the North Shore (Haleiwa) are HUGE!! You can see 20 foot faces! Amazing!!

5) It's not during Hurricane Season ;) (July 1 - Nov. 30)

6) There are more reasons, but I think I've proven the point that yes, this is a semi-wet time of year...but it's the most beautiful time of year as well. This is the time of year when the Water falls are all in full action :)

If you have any other questions about our amazing state, please don't hesitate to ask :D

twoatsea
August 8th, 2006, 06:42 PM
thanks so much alohapride. Your info really helps. looks like we had better start looking at cruises to Hawaii!

In what area are you located? City or country? You live in such a beautiful state! :)

AlohaPride
August 8th, 2006, 07:11 PM
thanks so much alohapride. Your info really helps. looks like we had better start looking at cruises to Hawaii!

In what area are you located? City or country? You live in such a beautiful state!

I actually live on the Leeward Coast of Oahu. It's definately NOT city, but it's not "country" either - that would be the North Shore. I actually live in a gated community that will become more of a resort in the next 6-8 years (I own a town house, but there will be a resort, mall, marina, private school, and 2 golf courses down the road - the marina is being dregged as we speak). I look at it as an investment :D Sometimes I take a peek at the real estate on the mainland and am AMAZED at what I could buy with what we spent here....ahhh..the cost of paradise

I'm glad I could help. My DH promised me a "hawaiian" cruise as my graduation gift from grad school, but he didn't specify which one ;) I've got my fingers crossed for the HAL 15 day :cool: :D If you do come to Hawaii, the offer I made to the "Voyage of the Spammed" group applies here too... just let me know and I'll show you around my awesome island :D

the2ofus
August 8th, 2006, 07:55 PM
And we're all looking forward to seeing Oahu with you on October 14th! You have a great itinerary planned for us that day.

Look forward to meeting you at Germaine's on that Friday night.

Namvet4
August 8th, 2006, 07:56 PM
Mahalo nui loa AlohaPride ! Your description just wets our appetite to return to your beautiful home. . . ( Was on your Island in 1969... R&R from across the pond)

AlohaPride
August 8th, 2006, 08:28 PM
Mahalo nui loa AlohaPride ! Your description just wets our appetite to return to your beautiful home. . . ( Was on your Island in 1969... R&R from across the pond)

It's so funny you mentioned that! That's exactly how my family ended up here! My mom and dad had me in Ft. Benning, GA. When I was 2, the state had its worst winter ever! My dad had been here (hawaii) for RR during Vietnam (he served 2 tours). Apparantly, the military will move you anywhere in the world for free in your first year of retirement. My dad and mom decided (in the 11th month of retirement) Hawaii would be the place. My dad told my mom there weren't any bugs and no snow. She bought it and here I am 21 years later. Every year we would spend Summer in GA, so I consiter both states home.

I'm so excited about Oct. 13 and 14 with the Voyage of the Spammed group! I've even managed to forget that we will be out and about on FRIDAY OCTOBER 13!! :D

hammybee
August 8th, 2006, 10:21 PM
[QUOTE=AlohaPride] I look at it as an investment :D Sometimes I take a peek at the real estate on the mainland and am AMAZED at what I could buy with what we spent here....ahhh..the cost of paradise
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We were in Hawaii this time last year, with friends from Newport Island, California. Compared to real estate prices on the east coast and most of California, we thought the prices is Hawaii were reasonable, especially given it is paradise. Our friends thought it so reasonable and convenient for them, they purchased a condo on Maui, post the cruise.

Gary & Judy
August 8th, 2006, 10:47 PM
We have booked for Feb4th on the Zandam out of SD. It will be our first trip to your Islands. We are really looking forward to it. Verandah Deck B.:D Hope we get to see whales off the verandah. Also hoping for the upgrade fairy.

SherriM
August 8th, 2006, 10:49 PM
Loved reading all the posts...as DH and I are booked on the Feb 4th cruise for our 30th wedding anniversary! Our first time on HAL. And actually only our second cruise - first was in 2000 to Mexico on Carnival. We are really looking forward to TWO weeks away ...plus we are in San Diego county so no air fare to the ports. This is only our second time to Hawaii so we are excited to see the sights that have been mentioned here. And I once heard a sweet senior citizen lady say about rain -- I'm not Brown Sugar, I won't melt. So will bring umbrellas and know that the rain is what makes the islands so beautiful and green!

Anybody else going to join us on this cruise??

Hugs to all,

Sherri

Grumpy1
August 8th, 2006, 11:05 PM
Here's my favorite picture taken atop Mt. Haleakela at sunrise on a February morning. Those white splotches in the foreground... that's SNOW:eek: . It was a mix of rain, sleet and snow... very windy... and COLD! And no sunrise to be seen:(

The funniest thing was watching the people that had paid non-refundable fees to ride a bicycle down from the summit. Bundled up, goggles, yellow slickers and off they went!

AlohaPride
August 9th, 2006, 03:14 PM
Here's my favorite picture taken atop Mt. Haleakela at sunrise on a February morning. Those white splotches in the foreground... that's SNOW:eek: . It was a mix of rain, sleet and snow... very windy... and COLD! And no sunrise to be seen:(

The funniest thing was watching the people that had paid non-refundable fees to ride a bicycle down from the summit. Bundled up, goggles, yellow slickers and off they went!

Lol, that's awesome! I love Haleakala. My DH and I ship our motorcycles to Maui once a year (usually sometime in Feb-June) and LOVE to ride them up and then down the mountain. Not many people can say they've been on the tallest mountain in the world (from sea floor that is).

HammyBee, I wasn't as much talking about the prices, but the sizes :o For what we paid here, we could have a MUCH bigger place on the East Coast or Napa Valley (which we are thinking about moving to either). The price isn't the problem here, its the size as we are on an island. As you said, your friends bought a condo. I would REALLY like to own a huge house with actual LAND.

hammybee
August 9th, 2006, 07:45 PM
HammyBee, I wasn't as much talking about the prices, but the sizes :o For what we paid here, we could have a MUCH bigger place on the East Coast or Napa Valley (which we are thinking about moving to either). The price isn't the problem here, its the size as we are on an island. As you said, your friends bought a condo. I would REALLY like to own a huge house with actual LAND.
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I'm sorry. I was having one of my own blonde moments- age does not seem to cure this affliction. Yes the price of this particular condo on Maui would have bought 5 acres of prime horse property and a fabulous Mc mansion to boot, in my neck of the woods.

AlohaPride
August 9th, 2006, 09:18 PM
I'm sorry. I was having one of my own blonde moments- age does not seem to cure this affliction. Yes the price of this particular condo on Maui would have bought 5 acres of prime horse property and a fabulous Mc mansion to boot, in my neck of the woods.

No problem! I have blonde moments all the TIME! :D I would LOVE to have property like what you wrote about! It sounds amazing. It is definately true that our prices are based solely on the location of the state :rolleyes: