AD's in Hawaii??? Vacation time :)

[Porsche]

Hi all

Hoping some TRF members may be able to give me a couple of tips...

I have just discovered that I have enough Frequent Flyer points to take the family to Hawaii (woohoo) around mid-January for a copuple of weeks vacation. We have never been there, and the children have never been away before, but from the available destinations our FF points can take us, I think this will suit our family best - we have 2 small children, girl will be 4 years old, boy will be nearly 2.

Just planning at this stage, nothing booked yet, wondering if you could guide me on two things...

1 - which island is the best? :) I know, not an easy question to answer, but we're looking for somewhere where the kids won't get too bored, (although maybe best if we just choose a nice hotel with good facilities?)

2 - most importantly, who are the good Rolex AD's!!! I am going to try and take the opportunity to get my first Rolex, a GMTIIc 116710. Hoping I can find one in stock, and won't have to pay more than current retail ($6850), or maybe even squeeze them a tiny bit, maybe they can "sharpen their pencil", (he he). Unfortunately, damn Rolex website senses ISP country, and won't show me AD's anywhere else in the world!

Thanks for taking the time to read this
Best wishes, John

PS. If the trip falls through, back to plan "A", ie. buy a 116710 from you-know-who on this site, (you know who you are helmet-head ). I know he will look after me

[boa2]

If you end up in Honolulu (on Oahu), definitely visit the Ala Moana mall. There are a couple of Ben Bridge stores there that will blow a watch lovers mind!

[pwrslider]

Kona's got a bunch as well............I can't remember the names....but then again..I can't remember alot of what I did there for 2 weeks!

[Spanky]

If you're looking for activities, Oahu would probably be your best bet. There are a few Ben Bridge stores to go to. If you happen to be in Oahu, stop by the Ben Bridge store at Ala Moana Shopping Center and ask for Mark. Tell him Spanky referred you. He normally works nights from 5:30pm til closing. He's a friend of mine that happens to work there. I recently picked up my latest Datejust from him.

The other islands are less busy. The Big Island and Maui is much more mellow but has some of the best hotels (Four Seasons, Hilton, etc.) There are a couple AD's in the Waikoloa area of the Big Island (All the nice hotels are in Waikoloa) Not sure where they are on Maui but I'm sure there are a couple around. Gool luck and enjoy your trip!

[Dan Pierce]

Chadwick's on Front Street in Maui. I doubt you'll find many bargains in paradise though.
Good luck and don't forget pics!
dP

[mickeydainish]

Dont have any info for you, Johno..... but I know you wil have a ball..... My Sister-in-law is studying on the Kona island at the mo.... she says it is beautiful!!! :-)

[Spanky]

Oh, and if you're considering the Big Island, the kids would have fun at the Hilton Waikoloa. Very large property, beaches, many swimming pools, activities, dolphins, and there's even an AD in the Hotel if I'm not mistaken.

[mfer]

My Ex-Brother in law bought one in the Whalers Village in Maui. Got it tax free with a very small discount. They shipped the "box" back to his house.

[Gaijin]

2 ADs also in Waikiki on Oahu if you come here. Not just in Ala Moana Shopping Center.

[2careless]

Want to clarify - if I as a foreign tourist come to US (Hawaii) to buy watches at the AD, do I pay the sales tax? If so, can I get a rebate when I leave? What's the procedure?
Also, would the AD be required to send the watch separately to the airport so I can pick it up there when I leave, or I just wear it to airport and show the watch and receipt to the refund counter ?(if this is how it's done?)

[dfndr90]

Although I do not live in Hawaii, my wife is from Oahu and my in-laws still live there. We spend several months a year there so I have a good idea of where to go.

My suggestions:

Stay on Oahu at the turtle Bay resort, it is located on the North Shore. It is kid friendly and has a nice kids pool with a slide and a cave. There is also two good golf courses located on the property as well as a lot of hiking opportunities.

While it is a little far removed from "town" you will find all you need within a ten minute drive from the Hotel. You have some of the best beaches, Sunset, Waimea ect. Not to mention historic Haliewa town which is a great little place to explore. It is a little kitsch, but you have good places to eat and small surf shops to explore. Try Matsumoto's shave ice, it is a treat. Also you have lots of chances to see great wild life. Go swim with the green sear turtles at sharks cove.

If you are looking for a Rolex dealer, I highly recommend the Ben Bridges in Alo Monano mall. there are two separate stores, go to the small watch store.

If you really want a taste of some down home "local" food, go to Ono's Hawaiian on Kapahulu. If you want some more info feel free to drop me a P.M.

I can also give yo info on Maui, Lanai and tons of great scuba diving.


Matt...

[Ivy League]

I was visiting the Hawaiian islands just recently.
In my opinion, the two AD's in Waikiki are better than Ala Moana Mall.
And I am also kicking myself for not grabbing the GMT IIc at Whalers Village in Ka'anapali Beach Maui.

[dfndr90]

Originally Posted by Ivy League

I was visiting the Hawaiian islands just recently.
In my opinion, the two AD's in Waikiki are better than Ala Moana Mall.
And I am also kicking myself for not grabbing the GMT IIc at Whalers Village in Ka'anapali Beach Maui.

I would agree, but Maui does not seem to be as kid friendly to me. If I want to stay by Ka'anapali we go to the Ritz now that it is re-opened, but mostly we just camp out at the Four Seasons.

The OP was looking for Rolex and Kid friendly activities.

[GBJIV]

I think the Grand Wailea on Maui is nice. Awesome pools and activities for kids and still very romantic and good for the adults. Maui is very beautiful and relaxing but, not quite the city like Oahu. The actual hotel rooms are not extravagent. But, great for kids. I also think it is not as expensive. Four Seasons is next door also - so, very nice properties in that area. Also at the base of the volcano - which is pretty neat. Some really good quiet snorkeling places. A few hours and a picnic basket is a great time with the family.

http://www.grandwailea.com/

Oahu is nice too with Pearl Harbor - Submarine rides, sunset cruises, Polynesian cultural Center - North Shore, Dole Pineapple etc... But, it is more like a city (like San Diego a bit). For me Maui is great. There is also a very good AD in Wailea - I think it is Baron and Leeds (same that ownt he big Rolex store in South Coast Plaza.

Anyway, I am going to The Big Island in April for a company trip. Anytime in Hawaii is really nice. About the only place I ever feel "really" relaxed.

Best to you - enjoy! Hope you find the GMT IIc!!!!

[pilapandet]

The two store in Waikiki area are Kaimana Kea and Chistopher james. Both are the same owner.
Here are the address
kaimana Kea
is locate in Royal Hawaiian Mall
2301 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 971-2986
Ask for Mayumi Green and say hello for me too.
She got me a black SS Daytona last November.

And Chistopher James is just about across street
2236 kalakaua Avenue.

(808) 971-2923

[SLS]

Originally Posted by pilapandet

The two store in Waikiki area are Kaimana Kea and Chistopher james. Both are the same owner.
Here are the address
kaimana Kea
is locate in Royal Hawaiian Mall
2301 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 971-2986
Ask for Mayumi Green and say hello for me too.
She got me a black SS Daytona last November.

And Chistopher James is just about across street
2236 kalakaua Avenue.

(808) 971-2923

When I was there last Jan, they were also building a Tourneau about a block from Kaimana Kea, while I will never give them a dime, there is always good eye candy! There is also a Cartier & Bvlgari not to far from them above AD's as well.
~Scott

[tutone]

Porsche (There is no substitute!),

The four main islands are Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii. All very different and unique. You'll most likely land first on Oahu, home of Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, and a gazillion other tourist things. Kauai has the "wettest place on earth", and Hawaii island has an active volcano and even snow capped mountains. As a resident, my personal favorite is Maui, and like GBJIV, I can highly recommend the Grand Wailea (check out their spa!).

The trouble is, except for Maui (SuperFerry between Oahu), you have to fly everywhere, which gets pricey.

Just don't leave your Rollie and other valuables unattended in the car or on the beach, especially on Oahu. This may be Paradise in the Pacific, but we have land urchins too, if you know what I mean.

Aloha!

[SLS]

Originally Posted by tutone

Porsche (There is no substitute!),

....

Just don't leave your Rollie and other valuables unattended in the car or on the beach, especially on Oahu. This may be Paradise in the Pacific, but we have land urchins too, if you know what I mean.

Aloha!

I have been to Oahu over 20 times and have never had a problem with leaving our bags packed with our cameras, wallets, etc, nor has any of our family and friends that live there...interesting read you have on Oahu. I think its one of the safest places to go.
~Scott

[tutone]

Originally Posted by SLS

I have been to Oahu over 20 times and have never had a problem with leaving our bags packed with our cameras, wallets, etc, nor has any of our family and friends that live there...interesting read you have on Oahu. I think its one of the safest places to go.
~Scott

Most of our counties are divided by island (with the exception of Maui County which consists of three islands) so the City and County of Honolulu is the enitre island of Oahu, about a million people if you count the military bases. It is surely one of the safest cities in the USA, but a city none the less. Violent crimes here are low, but property crimes are pretty darn high. Of course the odds of you being a victim are slim, but better safe than sorry. I've worked security at the AD in the mall so even they believe that.
I still love living here in paradise!

[hopengzus]

I just tried on the GMT IIc at the Ben Bridge at Pearlridge on Oahu. They also had one at the Rolex (Kaimana Kea) shop in Waikiki a few weeks ago.