Hi...

FlyChicaga

Vintage Restoration
...from Hawaii!

It's 8:34 am and I'm sitting in my friend's apartment 2 blocks from Waikiki beach drinking a rum and coke! What a life! Was going to head up to the North Shore to see the pipeline early AM but I was trying to quickly readjust to the time change (I crossed 5 time zones, most I've ever crossed is 2). Surprisingly I have no jet lag.
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It's a nice vacation to get away, oh so far away, from everything at home for a few days to just chill out on a beach. Plus, it was quite a cool experience to jumpseat up front on a 757-300 into HNL across the Pacific for the 5 hour trip from SFO. Neat with the pacific tracks and what not. Those guys fly 8-10 days a month just between Hawaii and SFO. Not bad! (I was on ATA.)

I think today I might try to learn how to surf. Anyone got any tips? Tomorrow my friend has 24-hr duty at her ship, so I figured I'd just surf all day and go to some clubs on Waikiki at night.

Dude, HNL rocks. If I can talk my g/f into it, I might move here to fly! Maybe Island Air? Aloha? Tours? Whatever pays the bills. It's truly paradise out here. Like SteveC said in another thread though... to truly enjoy it you need to keep out of the tourist traps.
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BTW, it's 1:30 pm in Chicago so drinking at 8:30 am isn't so bad! It's vacation!!!
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Maybe I can post pics when I get home. I'll try to get some cool pics from PHNL when I fly out. There was some really great shots coming in (like the Nuke subs going in/out of the island) but I had my digital in the back.
 
The jetlag will hit you tonight so don't plan on staying out too late!
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North Shore is very cool and very different from Waikiki/Honolulu. Enjoy!

oh...and you only crossed 4 timezones. Hawaii doesn't do DST so that's why they are 5 hours behind right now.
 
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I think today I might try to learn how to surf. Anyone got any tips?

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Yes, don't drink and surf.
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It's 8:34 am and I'm sitting in my friend's apartment 2 blocks from Waikiki beach drinking a rum and coke!

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A screwdriver is a much more appropriate drink at 8:34 in the morning.
 
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I think today I might try to learn how to surf. Anyone got any tips?

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Yes, don't drink and surf.
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Uh oh! Too late!
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Splash!

Oh, do NOT forget the sunscreen. I'm serious. I had the 30 on when I went down there and I swear when I came back I was as dark as Doug and Lloyd. And that's with the 30!
 
When you come back would you please bring some of the nice weather back with you!!! The past week has been mucho crappy here in Chi-town!!!! I've been itching to fly all this week and between working not cooperating and the weather being in the dumper it just hasn't worked! Last weekend I sat around at the airport most of the day waiting for the weather to clear! I need NICE WEATHER!!!! You bring the nice weather I'll buy ya a beer when you're back in Chi-town!
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Ok, how do I do that? I want to look like Lloyd! LOL

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Ya gotta cheat, my friend. Remember, I have a head start on ya!
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Szluka! Hike up Diamond Head....was there say, 4 years ago. Hawaii is awesome, have fun man

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Just don't forget a flashlight...and lots of water!
 
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I think today I might try to learn how to surf. Anyone got any tips?

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WEAR SUNSCREEN!!! and maybe a rashguard and booties too. I was in a world of pain after surfing there last summer.
 
You'll have to tell me all the sites to visit - I'm going there in March. One question though - what's the easiest way to get around in Hawaii....rent a car, public transportation....? How about island to island, what kind of options are available? Thanks for the insight. Can't wait until March! I just have 9 months and another Michigan winter (sigh) to get through before I get a week in paradise :-)
 
i was born in hnl....big pink military hospital on the hill....or so they tell me.....one of these days my parents swear they are taking me back. they have been saying that for the last 15 years.
 
Matt,

I'm jealous! Wish I were there right now.
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The North Shore's not hitting in the summer. It's a winter swell and will be as calm as a lake until Nov. Pipe is awesome, but I like Waimea more.

One thing you can do is drive to Waimea and jump off the two humongous rocks in the Bay - that's definitely a thrill.

As far as surf spots on South Shore, I'd recommend either Kaiser's or Waikiki. I haven't surfed there in years, but it (Waikiki) can really fire on a good day, even in June. If it's your first time, I'd recommend getting an instructor, because it can be pretty dangerous.

Have fun, and be safe out there!
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Check out Kua'Aina Burger up towrds the North Shore. I believe it is in Wahiawa. Great food. I spent many a days there. When/If you pass by the Duke statue in Waikiki, turn towards the hotels and smile. there is a webcam and maybe we can catch a picture.. Big Brother is always watching.

Waikiki Webcams
 
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I think today I might try to learn how to surf. Anyone got any tips?

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WEAR SUNSCREEN!!! and maybe a rashguard and booties too. I was in a world of pain after surfing there last summer.

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Stultus nailed it on this. Definetly get the rash guard and booties ( I had Sea Urchen in my foot for days). You should go and get a Soft topped long board, they rent them at most shops. You have to work on your pop-ups on the beach, that is the toughest thing. I think the instructor idea is really good too. After a small lesson of the basics head out there and get trashed, it is fun. Oh, and don't forget to learn to duck-roll.
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My dad ended up in the pink hospital back in the early 70's after a motorcycle accident. He used to be USMC and was stationed at Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base from 1970-74. We were even able to get a base pass when I went there in '01 but I bet those days are long gone. Anyways if you are into scenery, anywhere on the North Shore is good to site see. I also recommend sunscreen. I put that stuff on religiously when I was there and I was really glad I did after seeing a guy in the hotel lobby that looked like a freakin tomato.
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