This is more of a “travel advice” than “hookup” request, but I thought it was more appropriate here than in “General”. I’m starting to plan my first trip to the Hawaiian Islands. The window at the moment is sometime from Fall 2007 through Summer 2008. My initial plan is for two weeks, with most of that time spent on Maui and the Big Island operating out of rental Volkswagen pop-up camper(s). Two couples, the men surf (my buddy kneeboards). I’d rate both of us as solid intermediate at the moment in terms of skill level (been better in the past, but trying to be realistic here). Both are just as comfortable on lefts as rights. Speaking for myself (I’ll be 58 by the time this happens), I’d like to try to keep the maximum size at double OH (faces) or smaller. Head to head-and-a-half faces would suit me just fine. I really have no objection to Waikiki waves, but I don’t want to be stuck in the “tourist trap”, I want to see the “real Hawaii” as much as possible (realizing that sentiment in itself is probably trite and hackneyed). Obviously, we need to keep the ladies happily occupied to maximize our water time :), but those activities don’t have to be the standard “lei and luau” rites either (my wife has been to Oahu and Hawaii once before). We could possible pack my buddy’s paipo, and my Waveblades, but both of us will need to obtain boards there. I’d like to possibly fit in day trips to Kauai and/or Molokai. I’m thrashing around here for advice on whether the plan outline seems realistic, and whether the proposed itinerary favors one time of year over another. Also, given the plan to island hop, should we plan to buy boards for the duration and sell when we leave, or try to rent/beg/borrow a board on each island? Appreciate any advice offered (or pointers to good advice given elsewhere), and many thanks!
-Samiam