Heading to Hawaii on Fridaii

[canadianbeaver]

Just sent an email to the hotel asking about cigars. Told them who I was, boss wife etc. Polite and best to find out now.

Hotel in Ireland had a smoking tent on top floor with couches and music by the billiards room. Ohhhh yeeeah...

[Benzopyrene]

I know it used to be against the law to smoke on the beaches in Hawaii.....however, thought I remember reading somewhere that it had been taken to the courts and overturned....but maybe I'm just making that up. 

[investandprosper]

I'm over on Maui, so close!  It would have been great to see you two again    Our meetup at Iwan Ries is a fond memory!

[canadianbeaver]

5 hours ago, investandprosper said:

I'm over on Maui, so close!  It would have been great to see you two again    Our meetup at Iwan Ries is a fond memory!

Wow that would be awesome. Well we can at least be closer in spirit... like beer, or bourbon!

[topdiesel]

Please post their response or at least paraphrase.  Hopefully, they give you some options instead of just telling you "not allowed here".  Love Hawaii, hate the smoking policies.

9 hours ago, canadianbeaver said:

Just sent an email to the hotel asking about cigars. Told them who I was, boss wife etc. Polite and best to find out now.

Hotel in Ireland had a smoking tent on top floor with couches and music by the billiards room. Ohhhh yeeeah...

 

[canadianbeaver]

Just got the response and I am very happy!

"Aloha Ms. Rotenberg, 

Thank you for your email and greetings from the concierge desk at the Four Seasons Resort at Ko Olina! In reference to your inquiry about the cigars, we do have a designated smoking area here on property. We would be more than happy to direct you to the smoking area when you arrive at the resort. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us! "

[canadianbeaver]

Well another contact answered my message from the hotel site this morning. I have an idea that smoking area might be on a nearby highway.

"Aloha Mrs. Rotenberg, 

We look forward to welcoming you and your guests next week!  Are there specific days and times you would like to enjoy the cigars?  While the hotel has a no smoking policy, depending on the day and time, I'm happy to look into spaces for you where you and your guests can enjoy these treats. 

Warmest aloha,"

Perhaps because I am the CEO wife and group is over 100? Or Canadian tough gal. That's it!

[canadianbeaver]

Great news!

"Aloha Lisa, 

Yes, Maya is also correct, there is an area for smoking.  However, thinking of an experience for you to enjoy the cigar and have a drink, I would recommend having this as an after dinner lounge and I'm happy see what lawn space I have available that's nice and comfortable. 

Warmest aloha,"

 

[kuma]

Lived there for two years.  Oahu is great.  If you want small and non-lethal waves hit some of the great

coves they have that are protected from the more powerful waves.  But be careful on the north shore

because the waves are very strong (15 to 20 feet) and they can really do damage to your body not to

mention take you out on a rip current.  Also in some area of the north shore the beach in angled almost

30 degrees so sometimes when you attempt to get out of the water when you are bone tired can be

very daughting.  Also tell your friends to be careful on the north shore.  Only go into the

water if you are a strong swimmer.  Fore warned is fore armed!

[Winchester21]

Never been.  Definitely on my bucket list. A good friend of mine is a Japanese guy who was born/raised on the island .  According to Tom, Hawaii hates cigars. Premium brands are extremely expensive so definitely bring more than you will need.  My friend goes back to visit parents every year Brings back wonderful coffee and candy. I can get quantities of Opus X cigars. I send boxes with him which he sells to a shop on the island. He gets 50.00 a stick for the large pyramid so No telling what they charge for them. This will be the trip of a lifetime. Safe travels

[kuma]

They may hate cigars but not mary hootsy.  The Nat'l. Guard have to or used to send out helicopters to try and pinpoint where the growing field were so they could burn them down  They (guard) were not that succesful because Hawaii has almost triple canopy vegetation almost impossible to see from the air.  Plus these location are in deep valleys / ravines.  Not up to date on the current laws reguarding pot smoking and don't really care. 

[canadianbeaver]

We set up herf schedule, Bev's and location this evening. In a non-smoking resort! How.About.That!

FOH, we have the power, baby!

(CEO's wife plus 100 guests I guess, but hey). Also, I was very polite and started asking before. Not just lighting up?

CB

[canadianbeaver]

Oh yeah. 

Found these Hawaiian cigars nearby. Cuban seed it seems. Reading all about them:

http://www.kauaicigar.com/about/

"Once our aromatic Kauai tobacco  on “sweats out” impurities that can cause harshness in flavor and scent. After fermentation, the leaves are secretly aged to perfection allowing the tobacco to take on character, a smoother scent, and richer flavor. We are receiving high praise for the deep, complex taste, and fragrance resulting from our exclusive aging process.

At a small and personal factory in Nicaragua our Kauai tobacco is hand rolled into cigars, draw tested, hand inspected, and lovingly packed into hand made wood boxes. Once the cigars have rested, they are imported back into the United States and ultimately back to Kauai, ending their long and meticulous journey in becoming prized cigars. The diligent work and careful attention during every step of cigar construction is clearly evident in the amazing quality of these Island Prince Cigars. Without the effort of those who work and build our Kauai cigars in Nicaragua, Kauai Cigar company would never be possible."

The reviews on the site are great and the little boxes are nice. 

It will be fun to test out and review.

Hey. 

And look at this. CA Magazine!

http://www.cigaraficionado.com/webfeatures/show/id/16678

Looks like if they meet this chat we will enjoy them.

[Inthestix]

We set up herf schedule, Bev's and location this evening. In a non-smoking resort! How.About.That!

FOH, we have the power, baby!

(CEO's wife plus 100 guests I guess, but hey). Also, I was very polite and started asking before. Not just lighting up?

CB

Well done my friend!!


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[Inthestix]

Courtesy first, then light up!!


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[Danimalia]

I had no idea they grew cigar tobacco in HI. 

You'll have to let us know how those cigars are.

 

[Habana Mike]

Glad you're enjoying!

Can relate as a company I was with a few years ago booked us an incentive trip to the Big Island. Four Seasons.

Pretty strict smoking policy on the property, a couple of benches far downwind from the main beach.

We had a private event one evening in the amphitheater area and as a number of us are cigar smokers, ensured they set up a special smoking spot for the evening with a good view of the entertainment and an open bar within feet of us. All good!!!

[Duxnutz]

10 hours ago, FatherOfPugs said:

So, I'm heading to Hawaii (big island, Waikoloa) next Friday, and reading through this thread has me fairly depressed about the trip. Last time I was there was in 2007 when my wife and I got married, and you could still light up a cigar at the beaches. Now, it appears as though that is no longer an option thanks to the nanny state.

Is there anywhere in Waikoloa or there abouts that allow smoking?

I know the condo we're staying at does not, I'm pissed at my wife for booking a place with such sh!thole policies, but it appears as though the more research I do, the fewer and fewer places you can go and have a cigar.

I’m not a local but live in the islands. My tip; go to the beach, find an area away from people and light up. Much more chill on the big island than Waikiki (I see ppl smoking there as well in spite of the signs) and with the VOG at the moment no one will probably be able to smell it!

[Notsocleaver]

1 hour ago, Duxnutz said:

I’m not a local but live in the islands. My tip; go to the beach, find an area away from people and light up. Much more chill on the big island than Waikiki (I see ppl smoking there as well in spite of the signs) and with the VOG at the moment no one will probably be able to smell it!

Pretty much this. In Hawaii, all beaches are open to the public, and while smoking at any beach is illegal, enforcement outside of actual beach parks is nil. Just look for a sign like this that indicates beach access and chose a spot where you aren't likely to bug anyone. There should be one every half mile or less along the coast line, so plenty of choices.

[Islandboy]

BTW,  In case anyone’s wondering about just how bad the Island is smoking....this may help.

[canadianbeaver]

Keep safe FOH!! Hope all is ok.

This thread was about last year. 

This year’s wonderful trip was to Budapest and Vienna. There was a thread about that. The ltrip rewards North America’s top sales and others in Mr Beaver’s corp. He is the boss for Canada.

[Corylax18]

56 minutes ago, FatherOfPugs said:

At this point I'm trying to get my ticket refunded. The wife can go by herself and I told her that (she wasn't very happy). I've been doing more research and Hawaii has really changed for the worse since I've been there last.  I have absolutely no want to spend my hard earned money in a state where the prices on everything is already astronomical, and then on top of that taxes on things are astronomical and you can't even have a damn cigar on the patio of a condo you rented.  I don't fee like trying to find a secluded area to have a cigar and hope not to get caught, just not my idea of vacation.

I've found much more cigar friendly vacation destinations that include a condo on a beach overlooking the ocean and it doesn't cost an arm and leg to go.

? I would never spend my own Money on a trip to Hawaii. Its a beautiful and unique place, but what a ripoff! The cigar thing is a problem too, a major one. All things considered, I may never go back. Its just not that much better than the places I can go that allow smoking anywhere/time. For less than half the money and time invested the Caribbean is hard to beat. 

[Corylax18]

30 minutes ago, FatherOfPugs said:

This was way more on the wife than me. For some reason she loves the place, and booked the trip. I've been once, don't really have a want to go back, but if I can't get my ticket refunded looks like I'm going.  And of course if I try to spend as little money as possible, it's still going to be super expensive.

You're absolutely correct, much better places in the Caribbean for far less money.

Dont get me wrong, its an amazing place. I dont know anywhere else on the planet where you can free dive with sharks at 7am, dry off and head to the airfield for some barefoot skydiving at 10, then back to the marina for some marlin/mahi mahi fishing around noon and then finish it all off by an evening riding perfect overhead barrels and grilling up said fish on the beach. I definitely understand the appeal, but said day is probably $1000 dollars, without lodging and flights considered. I can go to Cuba for a long weekend for less.

Ive been 4 times for work, but even when they are picking up the flight, hotel and food Im still busting my budget. 

[JamesKPolkEsq]

Hawaii's appeal is that it's tropical island paradise while still being inside the US. 

It's not a great "value" destination - unless you value the benefits of being able to stay in the US (say you want a virtually guaranteed safe experience for your kiddos). 

I'm going in July, and I have an 18 month old. I don't have to pass through customs, worry about dodgy water, yada yada. Wife and I have been in a lot of beautiful tropical paradises and Hawaii is on par with the best of them with essentially zero headaches (costs aside). It's all about what you value in your travels... 

My budgeting advice: hit Costco when you land and make sure you cook your own meals. Buy a few bottles of rum and enjoy paradise, you only live once... 

[Islandboy]

5 hours ago, FatherOfPugs said:

At this point I'm trying to get my ticket refunded. The wife can go by herself and I told her that (she wasn't very happy). I've been doing more research and Hawaii has really changed for the worse since I've been there last.  I have absolutely no want to spend my hard earned money in a state where the prices on everything is already astronomical, and then on top of that taxes on things are astronomical and you can't even have a damn cigar on the patio of a condo you rented.  I don't fee like trying to find a secluded area to have a cigar and hope not to get caught, just not my idea of vacation.

I've found much more cigar friendly vacation destinations that include a condo on a beach overlooking the ocean and it doesn't cost an arm and leg to go.

I always have to chuckle when I hear people talk about Hawaii like it’s Disneyland, and once they get past the high cost of admission, by god we locals had better accommodate their every whim.

For the sake of perspective, from a 56 year old who has been both blessed and cursed to have been born and raised here, here’s my take on home:

Aside from our wonderful natural resources, Hawaii is about the friendliness of the people, the laid back atmosphere. Believe me, this remains true today, albeit in a relative way. But ALL of these attributes have been under attack for many years from the unrelentless invasion of vacationers, and are slowly being eroded away.

The cost of importing nearly everything we consume to one of the most isolated land masses on earth has only gone up, along with demand. Being stuck in traffic and surrounded by rent-a-cars has become the norm, not the exception. Then there’s the beaches that I grew up fishing and surfing at....don’t even get me started on that loss. 

So yes, one could say that things have changed for the worst. But if you can get past the high cost of living here, maybe even recognize your contribution to it, and you come here with a positive outlook, you will more than likely encounter like-minded locals who will enhance your experience. Likewise, if you’re bitter and pissed off before you even step on the plane - you’re going to spend your entire vacation at a keyboard writing negative Yelp reviews, saying how bitter and pissed off all the locals are.

As far as enjoying a cigar, it’s a bummer that you can’t sit back on your balcony and smoke away, I agree. But with a little common sense, finding someplace nearby to kick back and enjoy a fine cigar really isn’t that hard. And the view will likely be of the not-too-shabby variety.

This is just my 52 cents (2 cents elsewhere).