Please help me plan my Hawaiian Holiday

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TSMIV
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Please help me plan my Hawaiian Holiday

#1 Post by TSMIV »

Hi Magnum Mania folk,

Wondering if I could please seek your help? After a gap of 24 years since my last visit, I’m finally heading back to Hawaii in two weeks’ time. My family and I are very excited as I have indoctrinated/brainwashed them all as to the general wonderfulness of Magnum PI since a very young age! :magnum:

Now of course if I had sole responsibility of setting the itinerary for our visit, I would spend our entire seven day holiday visiting the various Magnum PI filming location ‘holy sites’ (what more could you want on a holiday ??). However, in true Brady Bunch style, we have conducted several family meetings to determine the itinerary. This has resulted in me being given a day (perhaps 2 days maximum) to indulge in my love of all things MPI.

So my question to all you good folk is as follows – if you only had 1-2 days to visit Magnum PI filming locations, what would be your list of ‘must see’ sites? Visiting the beach at the back of the Anderson Estate was the one obvious filming site that I already have listed but I would be most grateful for your other ‘must see’ suggestions.

I’d also like to take the opportunity to say a huge thanks all those who have posted hints, tips and photos for visiting MPI filming sites – they have been of invaluable help to me in planning the trip, so thanks for the generosity of your time and effort in sharing. Rubber Chicken, you get a special mention – I cannot find the superlatives to describe the brilliance of your guide to filming locations!

I promise to load up photos upon my return

:higgins:

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Re: Please help me plan my Hawaiian Holiday

#2 Post by KENJI »

Hi TSMIV,

Go to the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park the same day you visit Pahonu. Great MPI location and it will help with your time restrictions (not too far away from Pahonu).


http://www.byodo-in.com/

Enjoy your trip!

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Re: Please help me plan my Hawaiian Holiday

#3 Post by TSMIV »

Hi KENJI,

That’s very kind of you – thanks very much. There is now a new addition to the itinerary! It’s great that you added the website link too.

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Re: Please help me plan my Hawaiian Holiday

#4 Post by KENJI »

My pleasure TSMIV.

Another spot would be Pearl Harbor. Plenty to see there!

https://pearlharboroahu.com/?gclid=CJeW ... fgodiCUMCw

Hanauma Bay is en route to Pahonu (assuming you are coming from Waikiki) and might be a nice spot for the family to enjoy a few hours at the beach checking out the fish.....go early to get in, as it does get busy there. I wouldn't say this is a must see on your MPI tour, but if you need to balance out family time this might keep everyone happy.

http://hanaumabaystatepark.com/

If your family likes a good hike, then start across the street from Hanauma Bay and climb the stairs at Koko Head......

http://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/hawai ... lway-trail

It's good workout with great views ....take water and do it in the morning when it's not as hot.....not really part of the MPI tour, but HFO did film there.

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Re: Please help me plan my Hawaiian Holiday

#5 Post by TSMIV »

KENJI, I think I’m going to have to formally appoint you as my travel agent, these are more great tips, thanks so much! Besides being an MPI nut I’m also somewhat obsessed with WW2 and thus a visit to Pearl Harbour is definitely on the agenda. I love the look Hanauma Bay but am particularly excited about the Koko Head stairs (the photos on the website link that you kindly attached look fantastic) – I think I might try and sneak out there one morning when my wife and two daughters go shopping. Thanks again for helping me out, I really appreciate you taking the time. :lol:

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Re: Please help me plan my Hawaiian Holiday

#6 Post by KENJI »

My pleasure TSMIV,

If you are obsessed with WW2 (I am too) then check out this link........

http://www.pearlharborhistoricsites.org ... a-memorial

You could easily spend a day or two touring these museums and memorials (USS Missouri, USS Bowfin etc., etc.).

Others that might interest you......

The Army Museum -Fort Derussy -conveniently located right in Waikiki.......(more shopping time for the ladies :wink: )

http://www.hiarmymuseumsoc.org/visit.html

Punchbowl Cemetery:

http://www.to-hawaii.com/oahu/attractio ... metery.php
---------
Good call on the hike.....the ladies will enjoy the shopping over the climb up Koko Head.
It's not a long hike, but your heart rate will be up for sure.... a good cardio workout, again go early (no shade and it does get hot.....nice breeze at the top). Explore the top and you find some old rusty structures from WW2 up there (bunkers, platforms and of course the tracks you will be climbing up). I really enjoyed this one - take water though.....AND a camera.

https://being808.com/2012/05/01/koko-cr ... se-beauty/

Another one that might interest you - Diamond Head..... easier than Koko Head (flatter grades) and not long either so it doesn't eat into your day.
That one has a few tunnels and an old WW2 bunker/observation post built into the volcano.....great views of Waikiki from the top.....MPI has been filmed there too (not a MPI must see location, but you could kill two birds with one stone that way (I know your time is short there). The first tunnel was used in many MPI car scenes. The other tunnel (pedestrian) is near the end of your hike and quite dark.....many people bring flashlights, but just follow someone in that has one or knows their way...not a big deal. Go early to avoid extreme heat.

http://www.pacifichistoricparks.org/dhs ... fgodxHsJ2g

Let me know if you want a much harder and longer hike that overlooks Pahonu (MPI filmed up there Mad Buck...)....INCREDIBLE views, but it might eat up too much of your day which I know is valuable on a short trip.

Regards from your friendly travel agent. :lol: (too funny)

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Re: Please help me plan my Hawaiian Holiday

#7 Post by TSMIV »

Hello Friendly Travel Agent,

You have surpassed yourself again – this is absolutely fantastic stuff!!! Whilst I will need to start channelling Ban Ki-moon’s negotiating skills to achieve such a result, I will be strongly advocating that our overall itinerary is heavily ‘KENJI-ified’. :) The level of detail, consideration and travelling wisdom that permeate all your hints and tips is fantastic – again, thanks for being so generous with your time to help me out (and a big thanks from my family too).
Your assumption that we were staying in Waikiki is correct and thus I cannot believe that the US Army Museum is located right there! I can guarantee that
I will visit the museum and immerse myself in all the exhibits (I actually view this as being a very thoughtful, considerate and selfless act on my part as I will be providing more shopping time for the ladies… :wink: .)

Your tips about Diamond Head are really insightful. I was not aware of the critical WW2 role that Diamond Head had served and thus I’ll be super keen to see the bunkers, tunnels and observations posts. Plus, I’m keen to stand in the same spot as MPI so you can assured that I will visit the tunnels that you mention. :magnum:

I love the extra information that you provided regarding Pearl Harbour, Koko Head and Punchbowl Cemetery – the website links are super useful.

I am metaphorically gifting you a virtual six pack of Old Dusseldorf beer to you to say a big thanks (and if I can find a bar in Waikiki that serves it I’ll have one for you!)

Regards from your # 1 FTA customer

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Re: Please help me plan my Hawaiian Holiday

#8 Post by ConchRepublican »

Following this closely with my Pilgimage coming up in December . . . :-)
CoziTV Superfan spot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPTmsykLQ04

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Re: Please help me plan my Hawaiian Holiday

#9 Post by KENJI »

Glad you liked the suggestions TSMIV and many thanks for the six pack!! :wink:
I'm more than happy to share a few suggestions with you and of course Conch, as Hawaii is a special place to visit.
You'll definitely need to channel those negotiating skills as the ladies out number you 3 to 1!!! (good luck my friend). I find everyone travels differently so you'll have to find that balance that works for your family. I commend you on your generous and very thoughtful decision to visit the Army museum while the ladies enjoy some additional shopping.....very considerate indeed and a great bargaining chip later in the trip.

Oahu has quite a few pillboxes/bunkers tucked away around the island that one can visit.
There is even a real tiny one close to Pahonu tucked into the rocks. It’s located next to a point of interest pull off just before you hit Waimanalo......drive past the Sea Life Park....... http://www.sealifeparkhawaii.com/ and you will start to see Makai Research Pier (Island Hoppers)....pull off near the top of the road looking down on the pier and the beach and you should find it.....nothing special to look at, but interesting when you imagine someone back in the day watching for the enemy from inside that tiny space.


Another hike for you that has 4 pillboxes..........fast forward to speed things up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWYXoXJ93s8

If you are short on time then turn around at pillbox # 2.
The two small islands that you can see are called The Mokes and you can kayak out to the island on the left, but you need a permit. I can fill you in on the details if you are interested.
Just a thought.....you could always set up a tanning spot on Lanakai Beach for the ladies while you hike up there (not a very long hike or difficult....similar to Diamond Head) so everyone is happy.

If you want to see all four pillboxes then watch this one.....again fast forward to speed things up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13F7SxEtnmY

If you need more adventure on your trip then I highly recommend jumping in a shark cage and viewing some sharks. It’s safe and one of those unique experiences you’ll never forget. Let me know if that interests you and I’ll fill you in on the details.

Okay, back to the must see Magnum locations...........you could always hop in either a Magnum Helicopter or a Paradise Helicopter and go for an aerial tour. At the very least you can take a few pics of the chopper when it lands etc. I don’t know anything about Magnum Helicopters, but Paradise was very accommodating when we were at Turtle Bay and allowed me to get up close for a few pics. It was the end of the day so they didn’t mind.

http://magnumhelicopters.com/tour.html

https://paradisecopters.com/

More later!

Regards from,

FTA

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Re: Please help me plan my Hawaiian Holiday

#10 Post by TSMIV »

Hi FTA,

You have outdone yourself again! This is fantastic stuff (and the sort of stuff that you would never find in any official guidebook etc.). You know what? – you should channel all this wonderful knowledge into writing a book – it would be guaranteed to be best seller! The current (albeit excessively wordy) working title that I’ve got in my head is ‘Aloha - the KENJI Guide to Hawaii for Magnum PI Fans and WW2 History Buffs’. I need to work on a punchier and more concise title – I’ll get back to you on that.

Your hiking suggestions are great and I will definitely be using some of them – I always like to get out and explore a place when I’m on holiday (albeit thrown in with some quality time to sit by the pool, sample some of the local brews and read any book about WW2). I particularly love getting out and walking up any of the local hills or high points. One of my fondest childhood holiday memories is dragging my Dad up some mountain in Scotland early in the morning and soaking up some spectacular views (it wasn’t really a ‘mountain’ but it makes my story sound infinitely more impressive and as my Mum used to say, ‘never spoil a good story with the facts’).

Given that there are no FTA franchisees located down here in Australia (although I’ve heard tantalizing rumours that you will be launching a float of FTA on the local stock exchange…), it’s hard for me to forward payment to you for the multitude of outstanding tips and hints that you have given me (and the time that you have devoted to that). By way of a token gesture of gratitude (and bearing in mind that you are also obsessed with WW2), I offer you the following three little items that I regularly use to pass the time on my daily commute to work)

1. You may have already read some of his stuff, but, if not, get your hands on any books written by Antony Beevor – he’s an English military historian and his books are fantastic (real unputdownable stuff). If you haven’t read any of his stuff before, I’d suggest that you start with ‘Stalingrad’, then try ‘Berlin – The Downfall – 1945’ and then move to ‘The Second World War’. Here’s a link to his website - http://www.antonybeevor.com/

2. An English history buff by the name of Alwyn Collinson is live tweeting WW2 as if it were actually happening now – he does it brilliantly and it’s fascinating stuff. The two links that I’ve attached below are (i) a newspaper article about it and (ii) details of the actual twitter handle
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the ... p-to-this/
https://twitter.com/RealTimeWWII?ref_sr ... r%5Eauthor

3. Had a tough day at work? Need something to relax you on the way home? Watch this – it puts me back in a good mood every time!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zwW7iWinrk

Until next time…

Regards,

#1 FTA Customer :magnum:

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Re: Please help me plan my Hawaiian Holiday

#11 Post by KENJI »

Hi TSMIV,

Many thanks for the kind comments and the book idea. Unfortunately I’m under an exclusive contract with Magnum Mania so FTA franchises and book deals won’t fly with M. M. management. They basically have me under lock and key as Magnum Mania’s Hawaiian Ambassador and friendly travel agent. :wink: As a MM member, you are actually entitled to Hawaiian travel planning/itineraries etc. FREE of charge!!!! We strive to make your Hawaiian experience one that you will never forget. Joking aside, if you have a few more memorable stories to tell when you get back home from your trip then we are even......just tell Doc and James that you were more than happy with the service as I’m hoping to win MM’s Employee of the Month and the highly coveted MM key fob that goes with it. :)

Thank-you so much for your excellent links. I will be digesting them some more tonight with the last bottle of Old Dusseldorf that you kindly sent my way!!!
The Great Escape clip is a classic and very much appreciated too. I’m sure you will enjoy the following links that will add some facts to the G.E. story without ruining it for you. :wink:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_hg0BoGqVA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tef5iNeSViI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-jJKy85Sqg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDQp_iIwjbA

I really enjoyed your memory about dragging your dad up a Scotland mountain and loved your mum’s comment. Getting back to those suggested hikes.....as for an order....I would do Diamond Head first followed by Koko Head and Lanakai if you have the time. All of them can be conquered in less than an hour (assuming you are fit) , but give yourself some additional time to enjoy the views too. Let the ladies sleep in a few mornings so they have more energy for shopping while you tackle the first two which are close to where you will be staying. I would save the last one for a beach day with the family as it is a little further out.

All for now,

FTA

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Re: Please help me plan my Hawaiian Holiday

#12 Post by 308GUY »

KENJI.......I think TSMIV may be on to something.......and you can take the name of the operation straight from the show!

Now you just need to talk TS into being TM for the tours....oh, and get a chopper + Pilot......


Image

Hey.....a guy can have "fantasies".....can't he? :lol:



"It could happen.... :magnum: "
"C'mon TC...nothing can go wrong!"

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Re: Please help me plan my Hawaiian Holiday

#13 Post by KENJI »

308GUY wrote:KENJI.......I think TSMIV may be on to something.......and you can take the name of the operation straight from the show!

Now you just need to talk TS into being TM for the tours....oh, and get a chopper + Pilot......


Image

Hey.....a guy can have "fantasies".....can't he? :lol:



"It could happen.... :magnum: "
Too funny 308GUY - well done!!! I'm warming up to the idea now.......I'll have a chat with MM management and see if we can work something out. :wink:

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Re: Please help me plan my Hawaiian Holiday

#14 Post by 308GUY »

KENJI wrote:I'll have a chat with MM management and see if we can work something out. :wink:

OUTSTANDING! :higgins:
"C'mon TC...nothing can go wrong!"

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Re: Please help me plan my Hawaiian Holiday

#15 Post by TSMIV »

Outstanding work 308GUY! I can’t believe that you found this excellent piece of future marketing collateral for KENJI! Now we just have to work on navigating the legalities of his current contract with MM Management so that he can receive 100% of the royalties from his best-selling book….. :lol:

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