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Is living worth it?

PostPosted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 10:29 am
by Wilbur Kookmeyer
I have read about, watched footage of, looked at pictures of, and fantasized about, living since I was a kid.

I even considered moving there this last summer.

But let's look at it realistically:

Airfare
Board hauling hassles
Expensive food
Expensive lodging
Crowded conditions
Angry fellows
Rental car break in's and damage
Shallow reefs that shred you like pork
Tourists

All of these things and the words that seasoned travelers to, or expats from, Hawaii have to say in Hawaiian threads seem to make me want to truly ask the question....is it truly worth it?

I mean Mexico is a hop skip and jump away, airfares are the same or cheaper than Hawaiian tickets. Lodging is cheaper, beer, food, hookers...all cheaper.

Of all the surf destinations within our easy reach...why Hawaii? And is it worth it?

PostPosted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 11:09 am
by Gazsurf
It's still worth it.....Mecca. Everyone should make the pilgrimage at least once.

PostPosted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 12:13 pm
by Nasty
Or in my case....twice. Booked trips for March & April.

PostPosted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 12:35 pm
by brdsurf
Depends....
are you a surfer?

I think it depends on what you are looking for. You will NOT get the same connection with the roots of Aloha and such in a place like Mex and such. Not to say that in some forms it wouldnt be there. I just doubt it would be in the same form. To walk the same beaches, surf the same reefs that so much surf lore has come from would be nice. But you would have to be into that kind of thing.
Like going to a wine bar versus tavern. If your into the wines one will give you a different reward than the other.

PostPosted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 2:55 pm
by squatty
I would recommend going at least once, but then again I have never done the surf trip to Mexico to compare it to. The different islands offer such different experiences.

Most of my knowledge is of O'ahu where I grew up and Hawai'i Island where I lived prior to coming here. O'ahu has gotten so crowded it is incredible. There are more than 800,000 people on an island 600 square miles. Most of the shoreline is accessible so you can surf most days of the year by simply driving to the side with good conditions. I didn't realize what I had till I moved away.

The Big Island is much more remote and with much less people. Approximately 160,000 people live on an island 4,000 square miles. The island has much fewer surf spots and many are difficult to get to. The swells from the NW can be blocked by the other islands. The experience of the Big Island is great though. Very cool place to visit.

Although I haven't been to Kaua'i in years, that would probably get my vote. Smaller island with a good mix of accessibility in some areas and yet the remoteness you may be looking for. Beautiful sand beaches on the West and tons of reefbreaks around the island.

Expensive, yes. The price of a round trip flight between the seasons can vary from $300 or so to more than $600. If you can get a flight at $250, jump on it.

PostPosted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 3:15 pm
by the dude
there always the option of camping on Kaui. Permits are required, but if you want to beat costs this would allow you to stay for couple weeks or month. its hard to beat the option though of having a house right on the beach in mexcio for a 120 dollars a night. obiviously if you have never been to hawaii its definantely worth the go. i have only been to maui, but from what i gather kaui or the big island is the way to go.

PostPosted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 6:28 pm
by pro moe
in mex you can cut loose alot more and not worry about it oahu is too packed for my taste but if youre persitant and confident you can score outer islands much less people surf wise depends on the season
summer time mainland mex can deliver the goods forget it in hawaii
when its good its crowded winter time outer islands are my pick

PostPosted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 7:39 pm
by intrepid
Reason for going to Hawaii over Mexico: they speak English... ...well, kind of...

If you do your research you can get by in Hawaii on a shoe string budget. The only thing keeping you from checking it out is yourself.

Actually [wilbur], you'd probably get there and come up with a reason why you don't want to paddle out. Better yet, stay here in Oregon, save your money and do the same thing minus the airfare.

Talk with people, and then go.

PostPosted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 8:17 pm
by Wilbur Kookmeyer
intrepid wrote:Actually [wilbur], you'd probably get there and come up with a reason why you don't want to paddle out. Better yet, stay here in Oregon, save your money and do the same thing minus the airfare.


That wasn't too nice.

Re: Is Hawaii worth it?

PostPosted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 10:20 pm
by stinkbug
Wilbur Kookmeyer wrote:I have read about, watched footage of, looked at pictures of, and fantasized about, Hawaii since I was a kid.


That right there is reason enough to go.

It's surreal to stand on the beach, looking out at a wave you've dreamed about since you were a kid.

Just go when there's max probability of surf. If there's surf, it's totally worth it.

PostPosted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 10:05 am
by Everett Surf Star
Went to Kauai for the first time last summer. $500 for plane fare (X2), $35 for 7 nights camping, $300 for rental car, $150 for rental board, $300 for food, $300 for booze and $250 for a nice hotel room for the last night.

The first warm water barrel at Poipu was worth the money for that wave alone. I can't wait to go back.

My opinion- Hawaii blows Mexico away for travel destinatons.

PostPosted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 1:42 pm
by Quagmeyer
Don't know about Hawaii yet but let you know in a couple of years, it's one of those places I want to surf one day but I am waiting until I am a better surfer so I can surf the waves I want to surf there. I don't want to go to Hawaii to surf beachies I want to go when I think I'm proficient enough to surf some of the better breaks which will probably be in a couple of years.

I have the same mentality with Indo, I want to go and will go, but am going to wait until I have the skill to maximize the potential...

For now I'd take MExico over Hawaii though, I have been to Hawaii but before I surfed but you can't beat Mexico as far as flights and accom and food costs go, plus the Mexican cuisine is awesome and I'm a spicy food fanatic. I've been to Mexico a half a dozen times and I've never had a problem with anyone there (aside fromm a camera pick pocket in 99). The people are some of the friendliest on earth and the stoke in the surf is genuine.

The crowds are more mellow and the vibe is good, don't know about Hawaii but I love Mexico and am heading back there in May when I get back from Aus. Not only that but I find Mexico is more of a cultural experience, I know Hawaii has a deep rooted culture but its' so Americanized where as in MExico you can still disappear and not see a telephone or a computer for weeks. I like that more...

As big of a part of the trip as the waves are I think Culture plays a huge part, and I like having to struggle with a different language and sleep in a dirty shack and eat fresh seafood under a palapa that's part of the experience and just as fun as getting a good wave.

PostPosted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 2:54 pm
by Everett Surf Star
I can only compare Kauai and Cabo. The only places in Hawaii and Mexico I've been.

As far as costs go, I believe Cabo was more expensive for lodging, food, rental car and beer.

As far as culture, I only saw the white man in the line-ups around Cabo and the east cape. Cabo has become a retirement community for wealthy Californian's. Just my perception.

PostPosted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 5:00 pm
by Dub Star
Mex with the boys

Hi with the lady

Mex spring summer

Hi fall winter

Just scored a ticket to Kauai for 3 bills and with hookups I'll do it very cheaply and eat real good too.

PostPosted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 5:43 pm
by Quagmeyer
When I thnk of Mexico I dont' think of Cabo, good waves and all but too touristy. To really experience Mexico you need to get away from the tourist traps. If you're in Mexico and there is a Subway, McDonalds, or Burger King within an hour drive from where you are, then you're not in
the right part of MExico...

I think both are worth it though depends on what you're looking for...