Vets, who's done a military vacation in Hawaii

Hard-Deck · 02-21-2009, 07:39 PM

Vets: Who's gone to Hawaii and stayed at the Hale Koa? I'm planning a trip and need the gouge.

gt350mike · 02-22-2009, 08:14 AM

Back in 99, I stayed at the Hilton next door but had several buddies that were at the Hale Koa and I can tell you that it was a first class facility. When I first saw the Hale Koa, I actually thought that the Air Force ran it because the hotel was a great deal more lavish than any Army operated facility I have ever seen before or since. Although the Hale Koa was not as nice as the Hilton, it was only 1/2 a star behind. The cost of my room at the Hilton was only about 15% more (including a military discount at the Hilton) than the Hale Koa. That was ten years ago so I'm really curious as to how much it would cost to stay at either facility.

rcecale · rcecale's Garage

I've stayed there a few times, but, like Mike, it was back in the late 90's. A real first class operation.

From the beach-side swimming, giant veranda and spectacular vistas, to the multiple dining establishments (Anywhere from casual snacking to elegant dining), they really put out a very warm and inviting atmosphere.

It's also walking distance to some of the best beaches and night-life too. All in alll, the pearl of the military.

Randy

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

I did R&R there and it was great. Some of the best real estate on the island. First class. Rent a car so you can drive out to Hickam AFB/Pearl Harbor and stock up on inexpensive necessities (booze etc) at the commissary (everything is pricey downtown) and exchange. Also plan a trip out to Wheeler AFS on the far side of the island to get away from the crowds. Camping (cabins) and deserted beaches with great snorkelling.

Hard-Deck · 02-22-2009, 12:38 PM

rcecale, gt350mike, fint,

Thanks for the posts and advice. All is taken. I now hope I can get rooms during June or July; it'll be a challenge probably.

Anyone else who has advice, thank you ahead of time for your input.

carreradpt · carreradpt's Garage

Been there many, many times since '76. In crew rest, you will normally find us at the beach bar drinking great Mai Tais, cheap. Or at Dukes, right down the street. The AF usually puts us up at one of the Ohana's, never the Hale Koa. The hotel is a great miltary deal. Best spot on Waikiki and you can walk or take the bus anywhere from there. In fact, the wife and I have reservations for November. Rates are based on your rank. Good restaurants right there, am small BX and a travel office to help with touristy stuff. Even have their own Luau once a week.
Bellows AFB is another cool place, though farther out and somewhat secluded east of Kaneohe. You really need a car when staying out there. There are cottages and cabins, right on the beach. They have some water sports stuff to rent and a small commissary and club.
The Army has some cabins on the west side but I've never stayed out there. Don't recall the name.
Can't go wrong with any of them. Have a great time. I love Hawaii, in fact i'll be there Friday on the way to Australia. Nice to go that direction for a change.

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

Dan's post made me realize that I was talking about Bellows AFB not Wheeler Army Air Field Check out this photo of Bellows:
http://www.pond5.com/stock-footage/107536/hawaii-bellow-afb-tropical-beach-hd.html
Here is a good link:
http://www.military4life.com/mwr/

Hard-Deck · 02-22-2009, 05:32 PM

Carreradpt, thanks, I'm in the bracket to pay the higest rates since it's based on rank, but it's still very cheap for the location and I'm looking forward to this trip.

Finstone, thanks for the links.

gt350mike · 02-23-2009, 09:55 AM

FYI - The beach on the east side (I'm guessing somewhere near Wheeler Field) of the island that everyone is mentioning is breath-taking beautiful! It looked very similar to the beach used when Magnum P.I. was filmed.

Hard-Deck · 02:46 PM

Thanks to everyone for the input. We've got reservations for this summer. Our vacations will be grand as we'll do 10 days in Hawaii, then 10 days in the San Juans. We have to take advantage of our time as my next assignment will kick my a**

While I'm in Hawaii I'm going to try to have lunch with Hebrewhomeboy as well and see how he's doing.

Rikao4 · 02-27-2009, 12:54 PM

have fun..the beach by the hotel can be a bit crowded..
get a car..Bellows and lot's of other places to just pull over and swim..
Hotel St. can be interesting..no wife/no kids
as for your possible lunch date..
give the man a Pelican group hug....or at least ruffle his hair...

Rika