Oahu Lodging

Author Message   Jim Hunt Intermediate Member Username: Jhunt66 Post Number: 64 Registered: 12-2009 Posted From: 66.175.88.155 Posted on Thursday, May 20, 2010 - 04:52 pm:    Did I mention that Hale Koa now requires a guarantee for both first AND last night? I find that policy somewhat predatory, especially for SPAT needs when you hardly know when your last night will be. I left the manager a message pointing out that he may be losing business - at least mine - because of that policy. Hilton Hawaiian Village is also offering military rate $149/nite with no such policy. Tourism on Oahu is in the toilet, hotel vacancy rate is less than 70% so there are VERY attractive competitive rates right now. Anyway, since we were just here in March and did the Hale Koa thing at $147/nite (but no 13% tax), this time the budget is in charge and we figured we'd sample Hector's offerings. Mea Culpa.   Paul B. Senior Member Username: Paseodelasdamas Post Number: 1193 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 216.57.64.33 Posted on Thursday, May 20, 2010 - 02:50 pm:    Jim H: Am confused by your posting on 5-1 advocating your support for the Hale Koa and its outrageous prices and your post of 5-20 pointing out better hotel prices in the vicinity of the Hale Koa with comparable room space and amenities. As an enlisted retiree in 1969 with a meger pension I just cannot afford the H.K. prices and its not that I'm being disloyal but realistic.   Tony Lee Junior Member Username: Fototaker Post Number: 6 Registered: 09-2009 Posted From: 79.108.47.177 Posted on Thursday, May 20, 2010 - 12:24 pm:    hear hear ~ well said!!!   Phil Doubleman Senior Member Username: Phil Post Number: 1602 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 68.35.26.65 Posted on Thursday, May 20, 2010 - 12:20 pm:    No Jim, not disloyal... frugal. You, as I, were loyal enough for over 20 years.   Jim Hunt Intermediate Member Username: Jhunt66 Post Number: 63 Registered: 12-2009 Posted From: 68.171.235.64 Posted on Thursday, May 20, 2010 - 06:47 am:    Almost forgot...room size about same as HK, regrig and coffee, free wired internet (they'll loan you Cat5 cable) and did I mention $58/day?   Jim Hunt Intermediate Member Username: Jhunt66 Post Number: 62 Registered: 12-2009 Posted From: 66.175.88.155 Posted on Thursday, May 20, 2010 - 06:33 am:    Sitting on my lanai at Waikiki Gateway Hotel (Kalakaua and Kuhio, western edge of Ft DeRussy) for $58/day plus $7.50 for valet parking, thru Hector at DicountHotelsHawaii.com. Hale Koa is 10 min walk. Hated to do it, but I get 5 nights for price of 2 at Hale Koa. May be a bit disloyal, but you can't argue with the numbers.   Jeff Glanzer Intermediate Member Username: Jlglanzer Post Number: 145 Registered: 04-2007 Posted From: 207.200.116.12 Posted on Saturday, May 01, 2010 - 10:02 pm:    Paul, just of comment on the price of rooms rising at the Hale Koa since the 90's. I just check my W-2 for 1990 and you know my retirement has more than double since them. Military retirement, best decision I every made. 2d best according to my wife.   Jack T. Paxton Senior Member Username: Jpaxton Post Number: 830 Registered: 07-2003 Posted From: 24.27.231.67 Posted on Saturday, May 01, 2010 - 08:17 pm:    I have to chuckle. When I reported to Kaneohe Bay in 1959, just one year after statehood, Ft. DeRussey was a beach claimed by the USA and not much more. We used it. Then, as I remember, some cabins were built. As I was on the other side of the island, we used Bellows Beach for our outings, no cabins. Certainly, over the years things have changed. I cannot help but think that Hale Koa has its place as does Shades of Green and the other R&R hotels. They have a place. Much has been written about alternative places to stay. If desired, stay there. The MWR system prevails...live with it.   Jim H Member Username: Jhunt66 Post Number: 39 Registered: 12-2009 Posted From: 66.31.169.240 Posted on Saturday, May 01, 2010 - 07:37 pm:    Anyone remember Ft DeRussy in early Vietnam years? Full of cockroaches, prostitutes and drug dealers. Those of us with families used the beach, but the "clubs" were just plain nasty. What you see there now is one of the military's crowning achievements in "urban development"! As an early 70's participant in the original feasibility studies for the Hale Koa operation, I can assure all concerned that as with all mandated non-profit MWR operations, the Hale Koa is a miracle of careful financial management and conservation of resources. With all those acres of lush parks and beach front (all open to the public, by the way) to maintain without a single dime of public money, we're lucky the Hale Koa's rates aren't approaching those of the other 4 and 5 star hotels with similar properties. A recent report on the hotel's performance highlights that room rates are less than 40% of competing properties on a per square foot basis and equal property-wide amenities. The Hale Koa also supports all active duty families (ever tried the pool on a Sunday?) who do not often rent rooms, but who spend a small fortune on food and drink. Speaking of food/drink: those prices have indeed gone up, now that the BFB and snack bars are open to the public. NOT a good thing,in my opinion. But they had to admit the public because support from both active duty and retired patrons was waning during the current recession. So it works both ways - support your MWR activities and help them keep prices down; take your support elsewhere and prices will go up to whatever the general public will pay. Unfortunately, Hale Koa's public amenities are not that popular with the public (most folks still consider them "off limits" to non-military), so management finds itself between a rock and a hard place. Solution: support your MWR activites and let them know how much you appreciate all that they do. It is a remarkable benefit that is obviously taken too much for granted.   Carole G Intermediate Member Username: Greengal Post Number: 79 Registered: 01-2010 Posted From: 68.205.151.181 Posted on Saturday, May 01, 2010 - 05:39 pm:    They built a second tower since the old days when rooms were reasonable. Someone has to pay for that. The operation budget has probably tripled since those old days. When we first visited the Hale Koa in the 80's all the rooms were standard with different views. Same goes for Shades of Green in Orlando. It has been completely remodeled and the fees had to go up. Now the Hale Koa is all new in both towers and that costs big bucks. How about inflation! Everything has gone up food, housing, travel etc. So it goes. Such is life. There are cheaper places to stay everywhere. To each is own. Personally I don't want to stay in a sustandard room. I am willing to pay for what I think is as nice as my home. Happy travels Carole   Paul B. Senior Member Username: Paseodelasdamas Post Number: 1167 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 216.57.66.141 Posted on Saturday, May 01, 2010 - 04:57 pm:    Jim H: How do you know that the profit margins are "Thin" at the Hale Koa? When I first stayed there in the early 90's a standard room for my grade was $54.00 and now it is $113.00. That is more than a 100% increase and the room sizes and amenities have not changed. Somehow I got the impression that these MWR facilities were for the benefit of the military community and prices were not to equal or exceed like commercial facilities. If the Hale Koa management wants to increase their of bookings of rooms then they should be cutting their room prices and not continually raising them year after year. There is no way the cost of living/CPI has gone up that much. It's evident that the hotel needs to improve their management team and start cutting costs instead of continually passing them on to their military patrons. Somewhere it said that room rates were being cut down to $99.00 a nite but only for local eligible and active military stationed in Hawaii. I'd venture to guess that the retired military make up 60-70% of persons staying there are from the outside mainland. Too bad that what started out as a good idea for the military now is not affordable for the majority of retirees. A search of local comparable hotels in the Waikki area reveals many 40-50 dollars cheaper than the H.K.   FHYL Advanced Member Username: Fhyl Post Number: 370 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 68.68.131.47 Posted on Saturday, May 01, 2010 - 10:58 am:    ...use to be, for the GI & dependents assigned to and residing in the islands, a sticker would be applied to their drivers license identifying them as "Kama'aina". "Kama'aina" status afforded them island discounts and benes & they didn't have to change their drivers license frorm their home state, which for some states, it also gave the GI & dependents the opportunities to retain state HOR benes too (most prevalent bene retained, no income tax). ...as to user's fees, and users that "slip under the radar" and don't pay their fair share ... (in island lingo).... da pilau (stink) buggas cockaroach. (translation needed???)   Jim H Member Username: Jhunt66 Post Number: 34 Registered: 12-2009 Posted From: 66.31.169.240 Posted on Friday, April 30, 2010 - 09:28 pm:    And now we get wind of a problem at Hale Koa...seems the overall economy and tourism downturn have taken their toll on MWR funded activities, including Hale Koa, Shades of Green and similar big-bucks ventures. The operating margins are VERY slim. What the venture sacrifices in the rate structure, they must make up in volume. The recent "Rooms Available" and "Sale" marketing pieces may speak loudly to those of us who need to keep supporting these activities which we value so highly. It's not good enough to USE the facility if you can't support it financially by renting their rooms. No appropriated funds are spent in these operations -- they depend solely on user fees. Notice how the two words "user" and "fee" go together. Think about it.   Leland Senior Member Username: Leland Post Number: 6178 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 98.218.147.237 Posted on Friday, April 30, 2010 - 08:34 pm:    Jim, thanks for that. I knew what the word meant, but I was not sure of the requirement for a military connection.   Dakota Ray Senior Member Username: Rhammer Post Number: 430 Registered: 05-2007 Posted From: 69.62.147.217 Posted on Friday, April 30, 2010 - 08:30 pm:    Jim, Thanks for the info. That explains it! I could not find it on line. What a great deal for those already living in paradise.   Jim H Member Username: Jhunt66 Post Number: 32 Registered: 12-2009 Posted From: 66.31.169.240 Posted on Friday, April 30, 2010 - 08:01 pm:    "Kama'aina: long-term Hawaii resident". Military active duty or retired residing (not visitors)in HI are always afforded Kama'aina priveleges. As with other public venues, you must present proof of domicile and/or residency, usually with a HI driver's license, voter card, etc.   Leland Senior Member Username: Leland Post Number: 6176 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 98.218.147.237 Posted on Friday, April 30, 2010 - 07:38 pm:    Does Kamaaina in this context imply retirees? Or reservists living in Hawai'i or some other connection to the military?   Jim H Member Username: Jhunt66 Post Number: 30 Registered: 12-2009 Posted From: 66.31.169.240 Posted on Friday, April 30, 2010 - 07:14 pm:    See http://www.halekoa.com/specials/specials.cfm for Hale Koa's special rates thru end of May. Looks like Kama'aina and active duty only.   Dakota Ray Senior Member Username: Rhammer Post Number: 429 Registered: 05-2007 Posted From: 69.62.147.217 Posted on Friday, April 30, 2010 - 06:17 pm:    I am glad that this string was responded to because it refreshes it. I was going to again Hyjink the Hawaii Vacation Help in the Off topic area. This is a better place to ask some questions and give an opinion. Please see http://www.halekoa.com/rooms_reservations/rates.cfm In the past the Hale Koa based their rates on rank and location/view of the room and it appears by the link that policy is still current (01 Oct 09-30 Sept 10). John in the Off Topic area indicated a full page article in the Bulletin indicating $99 rooms. I could not find the Ad on line but suspect that it may have said something like "rooms starting at $99". Standard rooms are OK but that rate may not be available for all ranks?? Maybe someone is there and could check on it. I suspect it is probably still based on rank and location/view of room. I will not enter into the discussion of the best place to stay because everyone has an opinion based on economy or their enjoyment and requirements. Every situation is different and everyone travels differently based on funds and purpose of the trip. I enjoy Hawaii and accept a place to sleep that is clean. I use the Hale Koa facilities but don't make reservations because of the cost for my position. Of course I grew up in South Dakota and had parents who were married during the depression and I "just like Hawaii". Happy Trails and enjoy your trips!!   bill p Member Username: Sparkie Post Number: 20 Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 69.181.93.165 Posted on Friday, April 30, 2010 - 04:22 pm:    Nothing available at Hale Koa close to that rate in January. Moved from there to Hickam.   Jeff Glanzer Intermediate Member Username: Jlglanzer Post Number: 141 Registered: 04-2007 Posted From: 207.200.116.12 Posted on Friday, April 30, 2010 - 12:11 am:    Bill, why did you stay at a Holiday Inn when you could have stayed at the Hale Koa for $11 and night more? Are there no standard rooms available?   bill p Member Username: Sparkie Post Number: 19 Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 69.181.93.165 Posted on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 10:30 pm:    Stayed in 3* Holiday In Express which was about 2 blocks from Hale Koa for @$80.00. You will not be happy with 2*.   Jim H Member Username: Jhunt66 Post Number: 25 Registered: 12-2009 Posted From: 66.31.169.240 Posted on Friday, April 23, 2010 - 12:12 am:    Can't afford Hale Koa this trip, so will call Hector at discounthotelshawaii.com. Don't care about proximity to beach, etc but want clean and comfortable for two. Any recommendations on specific properties to ask about? Thanks in advance!   Kenneth Wilson Member Username: Nokaoi27 Post Number: 38 Registered: 01-2008 Posted From: 98.232.87.0 Posted on Friday, April 02, 2010 - 09:22 pm:    Wow! I stayed at Tripler last year for two nights. Rate was $56 per night. The rooms were OK, kinda dated, and the WFI was only accessible by sitting on a stone fence out back of my unit. The view from the lanai was nice, but a 300% increase in one year seems...outlandish. Guess I'll be crossing that place off my potential places to stay list.   Mike Spengel Advanced Member Username: Mike_sp Post Number: 335 Registered: 07-2006 Posted From: 70.95.149.155 Posted on Thursday, April 01, 2010 - 07:41 am:    Might ICE comments help? Of course, a comment would have to be directed to a specific activity, but it could mention all the others referenced in Bill's posting as well. I know; that would be too much trouble.   William Standage Senior Member Username: Charlie13 Post Number: 1034 Registered: 07-2004 Posted From: 24.17.234.184 Posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 - 05:43 pm:    I wonder if all nine other locations Bill identified have the same outlandish rates? It's really too bad. These places all have captive audiences and most have little competition on the open market. I'd like to see them all go broke! They are gouging the customers.   Bill Ward Senior Member Username: Dualrated2 Post Number: 689 Registered: 08-2003 Posted From: 76.169.178.107 Posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 - 02:05 pm:    Nine other locations fall under the IHG contract. Fort Rucker, Ala.; Fort Leavenworth, Kan.; Fort Riley, Kan.; Fort Polk, La.; Fort Sill, Okla.; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz.; and Fort Myer, Va.   Charles Garris Member Username: Cgas2 Post Number: 19 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 68.228.17.24 Posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 - 01:51 pm:    contact congress? they are in on it.protest with your money.why stay there and contribute to the nonsense.you can stay down town at a nicer and cheaper rate.always vote with your money and they will listen beter.i worked hard all my life so i could retire,and now thinking about going back to work to support my retirement!   Larry W. Carnes Senior Member Username: Larry Post Number: 1111 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 63.20.122.154 Posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 - 03:55 am:    "the daily charge went from $50 to $150" That's highway robbery. If Congress isn't investigating this changeover to contract lodging, they damned-well SHOULD be.   James E. Harvey New member Username: Reluctant_traveler Post Number: 5 Registered: 06-2008 Posted From: 207.200.116.12 Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 06:39 pm:    The cost of quarters at Tripler has gone through the roof! No longer an army operation, it is operated by a motel chain including Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge, and Clandlewood Suites. The operation at Tripler is known as "IHG Army Hotels." The clerk on duty when we stopped by said the daily charge went from $50 to $150 and the units had NOT been improved.   neal floyd Advanced Member Username: Nfloyd Post Number: 172 Registered: 09-2007 Posted From: 67.233.135.84 Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2010 - 01:41 am:    Last year we flew from Knoxville to Hickam. We knew when the crew was leaving to come back to Knoxville but we had to compete for a seat back from Hickam. The Knowville bunch was great. To the Hickem terminal crew the flight to Knoxville was just another flight to put passengers on by going by all the normal rules.   dinotars Senior Member Username: Dinotars Post Number: 6521 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 173.169.151.24 Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2010 - 12:50 am:    For clarification on the question of a spacea "round trip", see this reference available in John D's spacea FAQs: AIR MOBILITY COMMAND INSTRUCTION 24-101, VOLUME 14, 2 OCTOBER 2009 Transportation MILITARY AIRLIFT PASSENGER SERVICE 4.8.1.2. Passengers may not be manifested round trip.   Phil Minton Member Username: Chapminton Post Number: 10 Registered: 09-2009 Posted From: 68.214.215.213 Posted on Friday, March 26, 2010 - 04:26 pm:    Well, I just called and I did not make the flight. First time up to bat and struck out.Will try again sometime. Thanks again, Phil Doubleman ,for your assistance.   Phil Doubleman Senior Member Username: Phil Post Number: 1523 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 68.35.26.65 Posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - 06:50 pm:    Sorry Phil, but you are never "guaranteed" a seat. It is always a "crap shoot". The hard copy merely gives the Pax Reps something to work with when determining your sign up date if you are NOT in the system when you declare yourself present. A suggestion: Go to he top of this page and click on "John D's Space-a Pages", then click on "Space-A FAQ". If you will read the FAQ's very carefully, a lot of your questions will be answered without having to wait on one of us to answer. Send me an email offline and I'll give you my phone # and we can talk. Happy travels.   Phil Minton Member Username: Chapminton Post Number: 9 Registered: 09-2009 Posted From: 70.153.132.68 Posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - 05:03 pm:    Thanks, Phil.Pardon me for a simple question. You can tell I am new. Does the hard copy guarantee us two seats since, I can get no reply from them.   Phil Doubleman Senior Member Username: Phil Post Number: 1521 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 68.35.26.65 Posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - 03:03 pm:    Phil, You need to make yourself a hard copy of your email to Hickam and their response. If when you mark yourself present for the return and they don't have you in the system, they will use your hard copy as proof of your sign up. Your copy should have the date and time for when you sent the email.   Phil Minton Member Username: Chapminton Post Number: 8 Registered: 09-2009 Posted From: 68.214.210.212 Posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - 01:33 pm:    I have called Hickam's passenger information phone # only to get an automated message that has nothing to do with my question and no opportuniy to speak to a life person. I have also signed up by e-mail and all I get is a formal statement that my sign up has been received. Is that all I need to do or is there another step?   Phil Minton Member Username: Chapminton Post Number: 7 Registered: 09-2009 Posted From: 68.214.210.212 Posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - 11:57 am:    Thanks to the several of you who provided me with some very good information regarding my possible trip to HI. You were right, I am not sure of a return fligh to McGhee, even though they are scheduled for a return trip on 3 April. I have signed up at Hickam for the return flight. Do you have any other good advice?   Carole G Member Username: Greengal Post Number: 31 Registered: 01-2010 Posted From: 209.164.190.31 Posted on Sunday, March 21, 2010 - 08:00 am:    Phyllis, Is the ITT office you were speaking about on Hickam? If so. where is it located? Thanks, cg   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2654 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 99.57.146.52 Posted on Sunday, March 21, 2010 - 04:16 am:    Haze, one thing you might want to do is pick up a book from the ITT office with all kinds of good discounts in it. We booked a whale watching tour for $20 for the two of us. Also had a coupon in it to buy one meal and get one free at PF Changs, down from the Hale Koa. On the same stree as PF's is a place that gives 20% discount to military, I forget the name, Rich may see this and write in. It is a sports type bar, had good food. Also at at a place with a bakery in it, and they have good food and very cheat. have fun.   Phil Doubleman Senior Member Username: Phil Post Number: 1519 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 68.35.26.65 Posted on Sunday, March 21, 2010 - 01:57 am:    JEB, You must have gotten a heck of a deal. I just went to the Hertz web site and looked again. I came up with the same price again for March 28th to April 3rd. That's just 6 days. It was $280.00 for a week.   Larry W. Carnes Senior Member Username: Larry Post Number: 1102 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 63.20.96.14 Posted on Sunday, March 21, 2010 - 12:05 am:    "see if I am promised a return flight." Pretty sure you AREN'T....as the other posters have stated, you're normally on your own for the trip back. The crew can't officially reserve a seat for you. But there shouldn't be much competition at HIK for seats directly to Knoxville, TN. However, if the bird stops at Travis or North Island on the way back to TN you will have to compete for seats with folks wanting to get to California.   Phil Minton Junior Member Username: Chapminton Post Number: 6 Registered: 09-2009 Posted From: 68.214.210.133 Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 10:42 pm:    Thanks to all of you regarding my trip to Honolulu. I will check with McGhee and see if I am promised a return flight. I have registered with Hickam already, but need to be more specific with them. Phil M.   Leland Senior Member Username: Leland Post Number: 5992 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 98.218.147.237 Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 09:20 pm:    JEB, I think you mean Phil (Doubleman) on the money matter, not me. I am not allowed to handle amounts in excess of $5 without prior authorization.   JEB Senior Member Username: Wingrider Post Number: 474 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 72.155.200.7 Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 09:18 pm:    Dang me, sorry 'bout that Leland. I meant to address the comment about the rental car to Phil D. I wonder why, even when you proof read your comment several times, you only realize your mistake just as you depress the send button!   JEB Senior Member Username: Wingrider Post Number: 473 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 72.155.200.7 Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 09:14 pm:    Couple of points here...don't wait until you get to Hickam. SEND A SIGN UP TO HICKAM RIGHT NOW!!!! As far as dining on a base, the only place I know of for sure is Schofield Barracks. My wife and I and some friends ate at their DF (near the PX area) in Jan. I don't think you'll find a place near Pearl or Hickam where you can use the DF. And Leland, I think you are either off a hundred bucks or I got a heck of a deal at Hertz. LOL It's about $178 rather than $278 for a week. That's what it was the last time in Jan and I have 1 scheduled for next week at that same price. That is the 2nd size up, not the smallest, it says Mazda 6 or similar. Actually one of the guys on my flight in Jan got his for quite a bit less than I did by getting it from the Honolulu airport. I think he used carrentals.com. I also have 7 nights of lodging reserved at Pearl for next week, so far I havn't been able to get anything on Hickam. As far as Knoxville and several of the other Air Guard bases. YES....they do schedule THEIR FLIGHTS round trip, but sure don't guarantee SPATs a round trip seat on them. ALL the Guard bases I've flown out of have told me I was on my own once I got there. They hope to get you back home but sure don't promise you it will happen! I have known a few folks that got left, sure pays to sign up early for your return flight. Now all I gotta do is find a flight going there so I can use that room and car!   Phil Doubleman Senior Member Username: Phil Post Number: 1518 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 68.35.26.65 Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 09:06 pm:    Phil, One other thing that I will comment on. You wrote that "Upon arriving at Hickam I will immediately check in for the return trip.". I don't understand that because your marking yourself "available" for flight is only good for 24 hours. Therefore your "check in" will expire in 24 hours after you "check in". Besides I don't think that the PaxReps will even know about that return flight until it comes up on their system.   Phil Doubleman Senior Member Username: Phil Post Number: 1517 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 68.35.26.65 Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 08:53 pm:    Phil, I believe that they have "listed" (told you) that it is "round trip" because they will be returning to their departure base in 6 days. But I'm thinking that their interpretation of "round trip" might not be actually what you consider as "round trip". I think that, yes, they will be returning in 6 days but I would be truly surprised if YOU have a reserved seat. My guess is that you will need to compete with other Cat VI's for seats on that return flight. So it might be wise if you sign up at Hickam right now. These are my guesses, so you might should be asking some questions of the McGhee Army National terminal about your return flight. An example of what I'm saying is that the Birmingham Air National Guard occasionally has a "round trip" flight to Hawaii. But, they clearly state that all passengers going to Hawaii must compete (at Hickam) for those same seats on the return flight. My point in all this is that you should be perfectly clear about your return flight or be prepared to fly back commercial.   Leland Senior Member Username: Leland Post Number: 5989 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 98.218.147.237 Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 07:12 pm:    John D was being his usual polite self when he referred to it as "interesting".   Phil Minton New member Username: Chapminton Post Number: 5 Registered: 09-2009 Posted From: 68.214.210.133 Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 07:10 pm:    John, not all their flights are listed as round trip. Being new at this I have a lot to learn. Upon arriving at Hickam I will immediately check in for the return trip.   John D. Moderator Username: John_d Post Number: 4156 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 193.251.143.17 Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 07:01 pm:    Round trip Space-A flights from McGhee? Interesting!   Phil Minton New member Username: Chapminton Post Number: 4 Registered: 09-2009 Posted From: 68.214.210.133 Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 06:55 pm:    Sorry if I have confused you. Yes, my spacea flight from McGhee Army National terminal is confirmed as round trip. I only thought it wise to check commercial return flight in the event there were some changes or I did not make the return list. Thanks for your patience.   Phil Doubleman Senior Member Username: Phil Post Number: 1516 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 68.35.26.65 Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 05:32 pm:    No, I didn't mean for you to start looking for "commercial" flights back home. I meant that you should start checking the terminals at Hickam and Kaneohe for return flights. Concerning your last statement: "I just checked on price of return flight and am waiting for anser." Are you flying commercial to Honolulu? Concerning your statement: "My trip to Hickam is round trip, but I know that could be changed by needs of military. Am I right?" confuses me even more. As far as I know there are NO "round trips" via Space A. I thought that you were flying "Space A". Sorry if my advice is confusing, but I guess that I have misunderstood you. I guess you need to set me straight about how you are getting to Hawaii.   Phil Minton New member Username: Chapminton Post Number: 3 Registered: 09-2009 Posted From: 68.214.210.133 Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 05:10 pm:    Thanks,Phil. I think you answered my question regarding rental cars or bus. I may try the bus. Also, I noticed your input about checking on return commercial flights. My trip to Hickam is round trip, but I know that could be changed by needs of military. Am I right? I just checked on price of return flight and am waiting for anser.   Phil Doubleman Senior Member Username: Phil Post Number: 1515 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 68.35.26.65 Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 04:16 pm:    Hi Phil, It appears as if you have the lodging down "pat" for Pearl. If you have lodging for all 6 days, you are good to go. If not try Hickam (in person) as soon as you get in. Hickam normally only does it for 3 days at a time. Unless you plan on walking a lot and/or using "The Bus", I would suggest a rental car from Hickam. I would make a reservation because they sometimes have a sign that essentially says "keep moving unless you have a reservation". To make a reservation go to http://www.hertz.com and type Hickam as your pickup point. It'll be about $277.00 for your 6 days. You could also try Enterprise at Pearl but then you would need a way to get there. If they have the personnel, they may "pick you up". I'm not sure about military dining, but unless you intend to hang around the bases, it's not important anyway. The food, off base, is not that expensive. Have fun... that is the important thing. Oh, by the way... start looking for flights back home a couple of days before you actually must fly.   Phil Minton New member Username: Chapminton Post Number: 2 Registered: 09-2009 Posted From: 68.214.210.133 Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 02:58 pm:    I am plannng Spacea flight to Honolulu On March 28 andwill be there six nights. I have secured lodging at Pearl Harbor. This is my first try at Spacea. Any advice regarding lodging? Is military dining available? Thanks Phil Minton   Tommy Towery Intermediate Member Username: Ttowery Post Number: 55 Registered: 10-2007 Posted From: 75.64.18.5 Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 01:58 pm:    When we stayed at the Navy Lodge on Ford Island back in Sept. 2009, I found they also had two sets of golf clubs available for free checkout. It was a rag-tag set of clubs, but cheaper than renting them at golf facilities. There is a discarded three hole course adjacent to the lodge that the locals still practice on.   walter burke Member Username: Ltcwalt Post Number: 30 Registered: 03-2004 Posted From: 173.171.60.161 Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 12:37 pm:    A company called MARCOA publishes a booklet (about 100 pages) a few times a year titled "Your Military in Hawaii". Google the title and you can view (print) its contents. The (free) booklets are also available at ITT, MWR and Lodging offices in HI. It includes pertinent info on all military facilities in HI. A great resource. Aloha   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2648 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 99.96.228.210 Posted on Friday, March 19, 2010 - 12:10 am:    We were just at the Navy Lodge on Ford Island. It is more than the BOQ, but very nice place to stay. They do provide breakfast of fruit, pastry and coffee/tea. They have the samll kitchen area for the doggie bags, but you need a car to stay there. Also has washer-dryer, nice pool area lage porch for sitting and enjoy the breezes, small mini mart off the lobby. There are a couple places to eat on the island, but not for the evening meal.   Cherry C. Senior Member Username: Cherry Post Number: 6124 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 71.163.18.160 Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2010 - 11:50 pm:    Haze, if you are going to rent a car then all the military lodging would be open to you. However, you asked for suggestions... When we go to Oahu (almost every winter) we prefer to stay in a Waikiki hotel that has a kitchenette (for fixing breakfast, chilling the Mai Tai mix, stowing doggie boxes in the fridge for next day's lunch, etc.) and a nice lanai where we can sit, sip, bask in the warm air and look for rainbows. There's a lot of competition for the tourist dollar in Waikiki, especially these days -- reasonable dining options abound in all directions. And with your ID card even though you're not registered there you can use the Hale Koa facilities, including big pool, restaurants, beach bar, snack bar, PX, concession shops, and the Fort de Russy beach (one of the best if not THE best on Oahu) as well as any other beach on the island. We go everywhere there via our senior bus passes -- takes longer, but we have plenty of time, fares are very cheap (see www.thebus.org for details) the people-watching is unsurpassed, and we never have to be concerned about getting -- and paying for -- parking, which can be a nightmare in Waikiki.   Edgar Inocentes Senior Member Username: Traveler88 Post Number: 479 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 173.198.77.175 Posted on Monday, March 15, 2010 - 10:33 pm:    We've been lucky thus far in finding lodging at Hickam. It's a daily evolution of waiting for cancellations and getting booked. We've been here 3 nights and counting.   Phil Doubleman Senior Member Username: Phil Post Number: 1502 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 68.35.26.65 Posted on Monday, March 15, 2010 - 09:50 pm:    Try this web site. http://www.discounthotelshawaii.com/   Mike Schukert Senior Member Username: Mike_s Post Number: 467 Registered: 03-2004 Posted From: 74.243.17.192 Posted on Monday, March 15, 2010 - 09:26 pm:    For starters, click on the "John D's Space-a Pages" link (in the left corner above), then click on "Locations-Pacific" and scroll down to the pax terminal and billeting contact info for Hawaii. The phone numbers for both Hickam AFB and MCAS Kaneohe can be used to make inquiries and lodging reservations. If nothing is available at these locations at the time you plan to arrive, NS Pearl Harbor might be able to work you in. The phone number for the Navy's Gateway Inns worldwide is 1-877-NAVYBED, just follow the prompts. If all else fails, there's the Navy Lodge on Ford Island (1-800-628-9466); and, if price is no object, the Hale Koa Military Hotel in downtown Honolulu. BTW, If you fly into Hickam and luck out getting a room there, don't expect: (1) an uninterrupted length of stay of more than three days, and (2) a room proximate to the lodging office. Consequently, you'd be well advised to reserve a rental car, Hertz if flying into Hickam, and Enterprise if landing at Kaneohe. Both have on-base locations, but often inconvenient hours of operation (check the agency's web site for days and times). Happy travels!   Hazegray Member Username: Hazegray Post Number: 12 Registered: 02-2007 Posted From: 64.12.112.75 Posted on Monday, March 15, 2010 - 08:09 pm:    Any suggestions for lodging on Oahu from June 14 - 28, 2010 for retiree/spouse?