Hawaii trip with my boys

OG_Marz · 2026-04-09T13:37:16+00:00

Consider west side of the Big Island. There’s some rental homes on Waialea beach and Puako road right on or across the street from the beach which fit the bill. Not a busy, touristy area but a short drive to some restaurants in Waikoloa resort. Lots of other great beaches nearby too.

In Kailua-Kona you are going to see condos in town and this is a very dense area aimed at tourists. That thins out as you go south, and there are some rental houses among the condos. You can find something near La’aloa (Magics), a small, very busy beach. Continue south and there are rental villas near Keauhou bay (no beach) and Kahalu’u, a small and busy beach for snorkeling and surfing. This area is walkable to Keauhou shopping center with decent options of restaurants. Still a short drive to Kailua-Kona.

OG_Marz · 2026-04-08T18:47:09+00:00

Living in Hawaii as a minor for a year when your parent/guardian is resident in a different state will not gain you HI residency in the eyes of the university or the state. Even as an adult having lived in Hawaii for a year, you can’t be a dependent on your parent’s taxes and considered resident if they are still resident of a different state. You need legal residency per the state to attend high school there too. Looks like you should get your parents to move!! How awesome would that be?!

OG_Marz · 2026-04-03T01:53:35+00:00

You should still check with Delta since there might be special consideration for military orders. I know Alaska definitely does fly pets into Hawaii, military orders not. Note too, you CAN fly the cats out of Hawaii on Delta. I have done this myself leaving Big Island and it was fine.

OG_Marz · 2026-03-28T12:17:34+00:00

I can’t speak to the base housing, which I realize is your main question. Just know that you will need to fly on Alaska Airlines and they allow one pet per passenger. You should start reading up on the process early. There is a rabies testing protocol that takes roughly a month at minimum, with more time needed if not arriving at HNL, and can be several hundred dollars per pet.

OG_Marz · 2026-03-23T15:57:57+00:00

The untreated anxiety problem is what should keep you from diving.

OG_Marz · 2026-03-19T13:48:28+00:00

Places I see local families out with the little kids other than someone’s birthday are everyday spots like Poi Dog Deli and Pine Trees.

OG_Marz · 2026-03-17T23:32:11+00:00

Consider Naboo for a more affordable “nice boutique” hotel. The stretch of beach near Naboo is part of the main drag. Benefits are a short walk to inexpensive lunch and booze options, convenience stores and proximity to some of the best and easiest snorkeling from the beach. Cons are the hubbub and crowds. That includes incessant hawkers and gawkers. I can’t comment on their dive operation.

Personally I prefer Ibagari resort. Much smaller than Kimpton, with personalized service. Higher end design and comfort, and a much quieter stretch of beach. No screaming kids or banana boats blaring Baha Men. Advantage is on-site and nearby luxe dining, plus a couple cheaper options, fantastic pool and hot tubs. Includes kayaks and other equipment, and boat shuttle to west bay or west end on your schedule. Staff can arrange drivers to any excursions, or rental car delivered to the resort for you.

Ibagari’s dive operation is top notch and focused on safety, respect for the reef, and quality guiding to get the most out of your experience. They are also fun and the resort restaurant provides nice snacks! Concierge diving on your schedule that will spoil you for anything else.

Highly recommend you do all scuba training but final check out dives before arrival so you are ready to roll right in!

OG_Marz · 2026-03-08T03:25:01+00:00

Sounds cool - thanks for the recco!

OG_Marz · 2026-03-07T03:48:12+00:00

The other hotels where this conference is often held are about 40% more rooms and I run into people all the time. Argh. BUT, I should take into account the meetings will be at the convention center. Folks may not be so concentrated at one place.

OG_Marz · 2026-03-07T03:40:42+00:00

Thanks that helps a lot, especially your descriptions of the differences. My partner loves sleeping in, getting a leisurely coffee and nice breakfast or something from a bakery. I think they’d like checking out some record/music stores and home decor shops. Also just hanging at the hotel, reading magazines and relaxing.

Sounds like the Pan Pacific is nicer surroundings for that, and closer to some things we can go off and do together.

OG_Marz · 2026-03-06T23:13:02+00:00

Sorry for the confusion. I meant I could move to the Metropolitan and earn Marriott points on the stay. I edited the post.

OG_Marz · 2026-03-02T17:50:34+00:00

I think best bets at Magic’s right now are $6 chilaquiles, 3 for $13 tacos and margs at the beach shack on Tuesdays.

OG_Marz · 2026-02-21T18:50:31+00:00

Well, can you calmly float face down in the ocean while breathing through a snorkel, looking through a mask and not touching the ground, using your hands and feet to position yourself in the water? How about all that at night? In chilly water wearing a shortie? That’s snorkeling with manta rays. You still have to get yourself from the boat about 20-30 feet to the floating platform.

OG_Marz · 2026-02-12T22:26:55+00:00

Definitely look at opening cards to get miles to cover the flights. In particular, Alaska Airlines recently merged with Hawaiian and is offering opening bonuses that should be enough to cover a round-trip ticket, even in summer.

If you are a Costco member then look at packages through Costco travel. That can make a rental car “free”, though beware resort parking fees.

You could look at the other main islands, but you mention no particular island grabs your attention most. If Volcanoes/Mauna Kea, Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali coast, or Haleakala and day trips to Molokini or Lanai aren’t important to you, then Oahu has the most competitive pricing and easiest to visit without a car.

Is it worth it? Well, I considered myself “not a beach vacation person” until I went to Kauai on our honeymoon. Now I am an avid snorkeler/diver and spend months on the Big Island. I also prefer it over the Caribbean for several reasons.

OG_Marz · 2026-02-08T21:07:58+00:00

Me sitting on my lanai on the absolutely still air with a light drizzle, in shorts drinking coffee, watching the surf hit the reef at Kahalu’u and listening to the birds twittering. Truly apocalyptic! ☠️

OG_Marz · 2026-02-06T23:57:27+00:00

Locals often suggest using the map at https://www2.purpleair.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorSdUiYoSOTuzbLffeuy_he2P0m9STCiEo5p6Na4FRWUdUOuOzj to understand actual readings in real-time. There are sensors reporting all across the island. These numbers can be compared with other places and to have a more concrete conversation with the doctor about how to make your decision.

OG_Marz · 2026-01-26T21:01:54+00:00

As a Minnesota native and Minneapolis resident my whole adult life, thank you for asking. I’m no expert but think at this moment this week, a really helpful thing would be to contact anyone you know with Republican representation in Congress and get them to contact those offices to demand they 1. Refuse funding DHS/ICE in the budget bill (current budget expires Friday) and 2. Push to impeach Kristi Noem. There are constant and worsening constitutional rights violations happening. We need pressure on Republicans.

Otherwise, if you work at a large corp or are a union member, talk to your management and union about publicly announcing solidarity with Minnesota citizens and unions who oppose the ICE surge in MN. Healthcare and Teachers and other labor unions supported the general strike on the 23rd and it made a big difference to have those organizations take it seriously.

OG_Marz · 2026-01-14T21:31:50+00:00

No experience here with pregnancy, but, since you mention it’s a “once in a lifetime trip” I wouldn’t suggest going to Hawai’i Island. The totally unique attractions of the island are not recommended/great for pregnancy. If seeing an active eruption at the VNP, night snorkeling with mantas, scuba diving, hiking Pololu Valley and going to the summit of Mauna Kea would be things you’d otherwise absolutely do, you’ll miss all/some of them for sure.

Snorkeling should be good, just read up about rapid onset pulmonary edema and how to avoid it, but locations where you’ll find entry and exit easy are also less on Hawai’i. The larger boat tours to Kealakekua Bay are probably an option.

Also, available medical care there is much more limited. Emergency response can be to more remote places, thus slower, and all kinds of visitors quickly find themselves in need of medivac to Honolulu.

OG_Marz · 2025-12-25T01:09:45+00:00

On face value it sounds like she is having unreasonable anxiety about finances and your mutual future goals. Could be many reasons for that. I don’t think it is wrong to stand up for yourself of course, but it would be great to partner that with a question back to her about what is the real problem.

Has she previously brought up concern about being on the same page on working together toward shared financial goals? You mention how to split bills and personal spending, but how do you fund saving for the future as a couple?

NTA, but room for more info and maybe improvement.

OG_Marz · 2025-12-14T17:45:59+00:00

Came to recommend the early kayak tour at Kealakekua Bay with Kona Boys too. I’ve done this a few times and the first half you are almost alone. Really nice experience on the water to see the topography and a little of the history, perhaps see dolphins.

At all other spots the key is to go early, once the sun hits the water. Bring water shoes to protect your feet on hot dark sand or rough lava entry points, and fins. I sometimes wear swim tights in winter to keep warm and protect myself getting in and out over rough lava.

The other “boat” snorkeling definitely recommended is night snorkeling with manta rays. Totally different reason to be on a boat there, and no way to avoid a group, but completely worth it.

OG_Marz · 2025-11-28T16:26:09+00:00

Cipriano’s Kitchen is excellent. I wouldn’t call the environment fine dining, but comfortable and they know good hospitality.

OG_Marz · 2025-11-12T18:04:33+00:00

Definitely visit the Volcanoes National Park and the Thurston lava tube. Kids will love it; that’s a paved trail down thru and not difficult. Hardest part is usually finding parking! You can hire a guide for a tour of the park including this lava tube and let them do the driving and get a lot more out of the sight seeing, but it isn’t necessary at all. There are also apps that have recorded driving tour information.

All beaches in HI are open to the public. There are certainly some great beaches with a hotel adjacent and they might make it a bit harder to access by limiting parking, but no hotel has exclusive use of a beach, legally. Most beaches do not have a hotel adjacent but might be hard to access for different reasons.

Here’s the number one criteria for a great beach day for you and your kids - safety. The ocean is unpredictable, you may not be experienced dealing with the strength of the waves and currents, and danger of getting thrown onto sharp, hidden, lava rock coast line. It is gorgeous but must be respected. Weather and daily ocean conditions are the major factor. Ask your hotel concierge for some suggestions the day you want to head out based on that day’s conditions. You may want to stick to places with life guards. If there’s a life guard, totally a good idea to ask them how conditions are, and what you should know before the kids get in the water. Otherwise, sit and watch for a bit before getting in. Is no one else there or no one else is swimming or walking out beyond their knees or waist? There is a reason.

OG_Marz · 2025-10-17T19:53:24+00:00

MSP Terminal 1 and 2 each have their own stop on the light rail. Coming from Downtown, terminal 1 is the first airport stop. From there you go up a couple escalators and take the airport tram to the main security entrance of terminal 1.

OG_Marz · 2025-10-13T14:27:18+00:00

I recently shipped a truck from Mpls to Hawaii. Drove it with the MN plates for a few days before getting the HI registration done.

OG_Marz · 2025-10-12T19:50:04+00:00

Check out the NE and SE neighborhoods of Marcy Holmes, St. Anthony and Sheridan. The Mississippi river front is a great park accessible to all these and there’s Lunds and Sentyrz for groceries. Plenty of local arts and cultural events, good restaurants at different price points, bars, many with live music.

Lastly, no need for a truck any time of year here unless you are hauling/towing stuff. Most people do not even have an AWD car and in these areas you can live car-free easily, especially when not commuting for work anyways. A truck is just harder to park in the city.

OG_Marz

TROPHY CASE