Korean Job Discussion Forums

moosehead · Joined: 05 May 2007

has anyone visited there on a shoestring budget?

I've heard it's possibly the most expensive state in the U.S.

also does anyone know how long is the flight from Seoul to Hawaii?

and what is there to do besides the beach - a friend some years ago said they hiked up some mountain but don't know if that's still accessible or not. I've also heard there are black sand beaches from volcanic soil.

I've also heard there's an island alledgedly inhabited by very small beings (mythical) who disappear when people arrive but if you actually see one it's very special luck - ? this is a very old legend of sorts.

if I go I don't want to do the usual touristy stuff so am interested in hearing of anything else available altho am wondering if all that's off limits now and the entire place has been taken over by big money?

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

There are some black sands beach on the Big Island of Hawaii. It's the most actively volcanic island as well. One of the black sand beaches is a nude beach.

I've flown into Honolulu twice from Seoul, and I believe it was around 7-9 hours, I can't recall exact time though.

Shoestring budget is do-able as there are hostels. However getting around the islands is tough without renting a car. Oahu has a good bus system, and there is a lot to explore in Honolulu as it's a major city.

Even if you aren't into the beach-scene, Waikiki and downtown Honolulu are real interesting places to explore. There is also a Chinatown in downtown Honolulu which is interesting, and the Alo Moana Mall which is half outdoors/half indoors which a breezy cool vibe to it with Hawaiian music playing all the time. There are tons of Japanese tourists, making a lot of things have Japanese overtones with it everywhere, which is also interesting. There are Polynesian dances and performanes and ukelele stuff and pineapple tours and such things that are around.

mistermasan · Joined: 20 Sep 2007 Location: 10+ yrs on Dave's ESL cafe

on oahu snorkel at hanuma bay (on the bus line), hike koko crater, sandy beach will be blast if it doesn't break your neck. all three of these are close to each other. waikiki can be the worst tourist trap in the world but i like getting there at sunrise and having it to myself.

further upcountry in waimanalo is/was a beach with some hawaiian indepence folks living there. great for a chat if they are up for it.

the hostels down around lemon street in waikiki are to avoided at all costs. there is a great one up next to the university. PM as a reminder and i'll dig you up a link.

moosehead · Joined: 05 May 2007

no hostel needed, thanks, I did find a budget hotel for around $35 a night.

I'm thinking of flying my dad there and meeting him so we can have a good visit.

thanks for the tips folks, and if anyone else has some, please do go ahead and post! Laughing

another question - how does one get around the various islands? is there a ferry or must one fly?

mistermasan · Joined: 20 Sep 2007 Location: 10+ yrs on Dave's ESL cafe

they started a ferry but pretty much costs as much as flying.

all the islands can be reached by air at pretty cheap prices.

Roving_gypsy_gurl · Joined: 29 Nov 2007

sonicmatt · Joined: 04 Oct 2007

It is pretty expensive but you just have to know where to go. I lived there for 3 mos on an internship and my budget was pretty shoestring. Try eating at drive ins for local fare and its greatly reduced prices. If you like Korean,Phillipino, Chinese and etc food you and dont mind trying new stuff you'll love this stuff. Taxis are expensive. There is a bar near planet hollywood that is pretty cheap, its on the main. i think its near the military hotel, we bought pitchers of brass knuckle or something like that similar to guiness for like 6 bucks. also the bar in the sheraton makes really strong drinks and all of them were like 5 bucks. the uss arizona site is free but get there early cuz of the long lines. check out the north shore on oahu for more laid back atmosphere. The big island was reallly awesome and tons of free parks and beaches to check out and i think the volcano only costs like 5-10 bucks per car and it lasts like 3 days.

skconqueror · Joined: 31 Jul 2005

So how much are flights going for these days?

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

Each island is different.

Maui was my favorite. It has the most beaches, plus a red sand and a black sand beach.

Don't forget the pristine rainforests, they don't have snakes, so bushwacking is excellent.

All islands have mountains you can climb.

You can hitchhike easily and safely on all the islands except for Oahu, but its still doable there.