Comments on: The 5 Most Overrated Things About Hawaii

By: Just Wanderlust

Just Wanderlust — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:13:37 +0000

Dmitri – thanks for taking the time to comment. Hawaiian beaches are fine for the average tourist, but my point is that the Hawaiian beaches only look turquoise under the right lighting – otherwise it just looks like, well, like a deep/dark blue. The other beaches I’ve seen elsewhere in the world still retain their gorgeous blue/green hue regardless of the lighting. The other thing that makes the beaches in Hawaii less exciting is that they are overcrowded (Waikiki for sure!), there isn’t that much sand before you reach the water, the sand is coarse, and I’ve even seen trash in the ocean occasionally. I’m sure you can find a “one off” beach in Hawaii that breaks this mold, but why look for a “one off” one when I can opt for the Bahamas (as an example) and plop myself on the beach at a resort and find the turquoise water, soft white sand, shallow clean waters, and even manageable waves for swimming? I’ve been to Hawaii more than a handful of times as a visitor and I’ve yet to find any beach that rivals the beauty of beaches in other parts of the world.

By: Dmitri

Dmitri — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 21:38:32 +0000

I’m gonna have to disagree about the beaches. Lanikai Beach, Waikiki, Makaha, Hanauma Bay, Kailua Beach…all those beaches and more all have “Caribbean-looking” water. Turquoise hues and such. Perhaps you went to some beaches where there was a lot of surf; thus, the water wasn’t as clear. If you ever get the chance, go to the beaches I mentioned above. You won’t be disappointed.

By: Just Wanderlust

Just Wanderlust — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 08:17:24 +0000

I couldn’t agree with you more! Kauai is alright – only a few roads and just lush so it’s a good place to get away if you’re looking to be somewhere “tropical” but have all the comforts of a 5 star hotel without having to exchange currency either. But, you hit the nail on the head – there are tons of destinations outside of the Hawaii that are more interesting and diverse and if you’re at all adventurous or a traveler by heart, venture outside the U.S. for sure! Tons of things to see/do/experience. The world is an amazing place.

By: TheFalls7

TheFalls7 — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:43:13 +0000

I spent over a week in Maui and I was nonplussed. I stayed with friends who live in Kahalui and drove all over the island and got the “non-tourist” tour. Having traveled all over Asia and North America and being from the Pacific NW in the US, I’ve driven much more beautiful windy roads before. Not much is going on in Hana. The people were nice and the food was fine. I was a little disappointed by the beaches which were narrow and rockier than I thought they would be. I’ve been told Kauai is better, but at this point I think I will put my travel dollars into going equally expensive, yet more gorgeous and culturally diverse/interesting/geologically amazing places in Central and South America this coming year. I think Maui (and I suspect more of Hawaii) is fine for a quick sunny getaway, wedding, staying at a resort, and/or if you are looking to lounge and kick back. If you want to be off the beaten path or be astounded, the world has more to offer for your hard-earned resources.

By: Just Wanderlust

Just Wanderlust — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 02:26:21 +0000

True, true! Don’t get me wrong – overrated attractions are still good/cool but just not worth their hype is all… def agree on the expectation setting being very important!

By: Tiny Girl with Big Bag

Tiny Girl with Big Bag — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 16:54:44 +0000

Never been to Hawaii but I think there are such attractions everywhere in the world which are overrated.. which is good to know beforehand coz with lower expectations we can only have a good experience

By: Mark

Mark — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 07:50:32 +0000

yah! would love to see all your global travel pics
shoot me a link to my email would be great.

Headin’ to Russia in a few days, quite excited!

By: Jan Ross

Jan Ross — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 02:38:25 +0000

Well, I have to say that we loved our visit to Hawaii, especially flying over an active volcano, but there are definitely some things that are over rated. I would add visiting Waikiki to your list – we hated it. Tourists flock there and it’s nothing but an overcrowded beach, overpriced hotels and a shopping area where you might as well be in any big city. Also the Fern Grotto on Kaui – what a rip-off. A river that looks like any other river and a pitiful cave with some ferns, along with tons of tourists. I agree with you about most of the beaches as well; the Pacific is not nearly as beautiful as many Caribbean islands.

By: Just Wanderlust

Just Wanderlust — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 00:13:12 +0000

Hey Mark! I sometimes upload my pics to picasa… that’s about it. Let me know if you want to see and I can send them to your email. Hope all is well!

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 17:55:12 +0000

Do you share your travel pics anywhere like flicker/fb/etc? would be interesting to see

and very true – the best part of Road to Hana is driving past Hana and looping back around, the backside of the volcano is quite nice.