Ugh. Same old stuff from the zone.

(05-20-2013 08:48 AM)bulldogg Wrote:  

(05-20-2013 06:43 AM)JMU08 Wrote:  If you think 3-9 is fine...

That is absolutely STUPID. Yeah, travel caused UH to have a bad year! How ignorant. Hawaii fired their million dollar coach a year ago because he wasn't getting it done, even though he had a few very good years. Looks like the new guy may be worse, but he is being given a year to two to get it together. You can't be so dense that you don't know how that works, can you (Dillard/Keener/Brady)? Just a few years earlier (2010) UH was in the Top 25 and conference champions. Same travel schedule. My point was that travel has doodly to do with it, but thanks for polluting the debate.

I was just making fun of the horrible comparison you made. I wouldn't say a team that went 3-9 is doing fine. Boise is a much better one of course. Travel does hinder UH in a lot of ways, plain and simply, but good coaching can of course make up for pretty much anything. Why couldn't they keep June Jones? Lack of money to commit to his salary and the program, partially due to the travel costs. Is that the full story, absolutely not, but it is a negative factor for UH.

Also, our athletic budget numbers aren't the full story, as people have said. Back on the zone someone said University park takes up nearly half of our athletic budget now.

Now, I've said it a lot and I'm pro FBS, especially with the more northern CAA, it makes sense to me, and I'm sure the admin will make the numbers work. The wheels are in motion.

I have great respect for University of Hawaii's football program & all that it has accomplished. I thought I remembered seeing pictures of various athletic facilities around the campus & if I recall correctly, there was a lot left to be desired. Bulldog, you can help me out here on this. I'm just saying if I remembered right, that Hawaii budget that's less than JMU's doesn't seem to get the same overall program that we do (facilities particularly).

(05-20-2013 10:48 AM)JMU08 Wrote:  I was just making fun of the horrible comparison you made. I wouldn't say a team that went 3-9 is doing fine. Boise is a much better one of course. Travel does hinder UH in a lot of ways, plain and simply, but good coaching can of course make up for pretty much anything. Why couldn't they keep June Jones? Lack of money to commit to his salary and the program, partially due to the travel costs. Is that the full story, absolutely not, but it is a negative factor for UH.

Also, our athletic budget numbers aren't the full story, as people have said. Back on the zone someone said University park takes up nearly half of our athletic budget now.

Now, I've said it a lot and I'm pro FBS, especially with the more northern CAA, it makes sense to me, and I'm sure the admin will make the numbers work. The wheels are in motion.

My point was that travel cost has NOTHING to do with UH's record, which is the point you were lamely trying to make. Just like JMU and every other school out there UH has had good years and bad years.

June Jones leaving Hawaii had nothing to do with his salary. He had just been given a raise to $1.7 million a year, plus a promise to improve on-campus facilities. He was involved in a running pissing match with AD, Herman Frazier. Had Frazier been fired (he was later), June would almost certainly have stayed.

There is no lack of money at UH. One benefactor, in particular, Pierre Omidyar (founder of ebay, net worth about $9 billion) unloads truckloads of cash on UH on a frequent basis. Again, you are making silly arguments trying to support your original point that travel cost is directly proportionate to won/loss record. It ain't so.

(05-20-2013 11:43 AM)HyperDuke Wrote:  I have great respect for University of Hawaii's football program & all that it has accomplished. I thought I remembered seeing pictures of various athletic facilities around the campus & if I recall correctly, there was a lot left to be desired. Bulldog, you can help me out here on this. I'm just saying if I remembered right, that Hawaii budget that's less than JMU's doesn't seem to get the same overall program that we do (facilities particularly).

That's true. On-campus facilities aren't nearly as nice as JMU's, but whose are? JMU has awesome facilities (minus the Convo). UH has decent facilities, but not great. Their home stadium is Aloha Stadium, where the Pro Bowl is played (seats 50K). Very nice but getting old (1975). The Stan Sheriff Center (basketball/volleyball) is a nice coliseum that seats over 10,000 (pic below). The other facilities are not so great.

Sports do not receive the fall and winter attention that they do on the mainland. There are plenty of fans here, but we have this HUGE distraction called the Pacific Ocean. Ocean activities trump all here.

(05-20-2013 11:43 AM)HyperDuke Wrote:  I have great respect for University of Hawaii's football program & all that it has accomplished. I thought I remembered seeing pictures of various athletic facilities around the campus & if I recall correctly, there was a lot left to be desired. Bulldog, you can help me out here on this. I'm just saying if I remembered right, that Hawaii budget that's less than JMU's doesn't seem to get the same overall program that we do (facilities particularly).

You are biased because Nate Illoa from North Stafford was a star there!

(05-20-2013 01:20 PM)bulldogg Wrote:  That's true. On-campus facilities aren't nearly as nice as JMU's, but whose are? JMU has awesome facilities (minus the Convo). UH has decent facilities, but not great. Their home stadium is Aloha Stadium, where the Pro Bowl is played (seats 50K). Very nice but getting old (1975). The Stan Sheriff Center (basketball/volleyball) is a nice coliseum that seats over 10,000 (pic below). The other facilities are not so great.

Sports do not receive the fall and winter attention that they do on the mainland. There are plenty of fans here, but we have this HUGE distraction called the Pacific Ocean. Ocean activities trump all here.

Yeah, I can understand. Pacific would be a big distraction for me too!

(05-20-2013 01:24 PM)fanofallthatisjmu Wrote:  Bulldogg,
What island are you on? I am heading to Maui for a week at the end of June. Any thoughts/advice/must sees?

I'm on Oahu. Maui is nice. I have spent a good bit of time there. Check out the road to Hana. You can stop by Charley's in Paia for breakfast, Willie Nelson's favorite hangout. He is there often chowing with the locals. Once you get past Hana, keep going, following the road on around to Kihei. You're not supposed to take rental cars on that road but they have no way of knowing. I think it is even paved now. When I drove it it was dirt and gravel. It is a pretty drive around the coast that not many people get to see. It continues on through some ranch country toward Wailea and Kihei. Makena Beach, is also close by and a very nice beach. It is referred to by locals as Big Beach. Next to Big Beach is Little Beach. You get to Little Beach by climbing over the rock promontory at the west end of Big Beach. Don't wear any clothes there or everyone will think you are weird. Ha! It is called a "clothing optional" beach but I don't recall ever seeing anyone optionally wearing any clothes there.

Sunrise at Haleakala is cool. Haleakala is a 10,000 foot tall volcano. It is a very touristy thing to do, so it might be a little crowded, not sure.

I prefer the beaches on the south shore, especially those around Kihei. I was trying to get my wife into scuba diving there, so we started with snorkeling. It was going well. She was doing great. We were probably 200 to 300 yards off shore. Then I saw a 7 foot shark about 15 feet directly below us. I pointed it out to her and signaled her to just stay cool. That's the only time I have ever heard anyone scream through a snokel. Michael Phelps could not have kept up with her as she rocketed back to shore. She hasn't been snorkeling since.

Lahaina is a very cool old whaling-village-turned-tourist-attraction. Lots of little shops there to buy souvenirs. Happy Hour at Moose Mcgillycuddy's is cheap and pretty good. On weekends there is always lots going on under the Banyan tree, which covers probably a half acre. If you want a real adventure, drive the road from Lahaina towards Kaanapali and keep going. The road will continue up and over the mountain and bring you back around to Wailuku and Kahalui. It is a wicked ride! The road gets so narrow that only one car will fit on it. Mountain on the right. Straight drop off the mountain on the left. If you meet a car, someone has to back up until you find a spot wide enough for two cars. I think there is a little shoulder spot on the right every quarter mile or so that will let two cars barely pass, very slowly. The scenery is awesome and well worth it, but it is a scary drive. If you have a passenger who is a little anxious or panicky you might not want to do this drive. My wife is the anxious/panicky type and she did OK.

Of course there is any kind of ocean activity you could ask for - deep sea fishing, sailing, parasailing, dinner cruises, scuba, submarine tours, surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, snorkeling, you name it. Just chillin' on the beach is relaxing and fun.

Those are just a few things that I would recommend. Oh, almost forgot, be sure to snorkel Molokini. Also, when you are on Hana Highway, stop by Hookipa Beach and check out the windsurfers. Hookipa is the premier windsurfing spot in the world and you will see the world's best there, where they train year-round. I would suggest buying a CD that you can play in your car that will give you a guided tour as you drive along the road to Hana. You can buy them at any Long's Drug Store and maybe the ABC stores. I guess they still sell those. Also, on the Hana Highway you can stop by Jaws if you like, which is a wicked big wave surfing spot. You have to drive a mile or two out of your way, not too bad. You aren't likely to see the big waves there this time of year (winter is the time for the biggest waves) but you never know when a swell will blow in. Check the surf report. Check out this video of some psycho being towed into a monster wave at Jaws. Have a great time on Maui! Go Dukes! Link to Jaws....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5sblV_DtdM

(05-20-2013 04:09 PM)bulldogg Wrote:  Next to Big Beach is Little Beach. You get to Little Beach by climbing over the rock promontory at the west end of Big Beach. Don't wear any clothes there or everyone will think you are weird. Ha! It is called a "clothing optional" beach but I don't recall ever seeing anyone optionally wearing any clothes there.

Dare I say, "This post is useless without pics!"?

(05-20-2013 04:36 PM)JMUSuperfan2000 Wrote:  

(05-20-2013 04:09 PM)bulldogg Wrote:  Next to Big Beach is Little Beach. You get to Little Beach by climbing over the rock promontory at the west end of Big Beach. Don't wear any clothes there or everyone will think you are weird. Ha! It is called a "clothing optional" beach but I don't recall ever seeing anyone optionally wearing any clothes there.

Dare I say, "This post is useless without pics!"?

What, the pictures aren't showing up on your computer? Let me describe this one "hottie" who I can make out really good, sort of got the Kylie Bisutti look about her. No, that is really her. Too bad about your computer/connection not giving this picture to you.

(05-20-2013 01:24 PM)fanofallthatisjmu Wrote:  Bulldogg,
What island are you on? I am heading to Maui for a week at the end of June. Any thoughts/advice/must sees?

Foati, whatever you do, spend as much time outside as possible. There is a reason everyone is always smiling - the weather is freaking awesome. I prefer Maui over Oahu because the Honolulu experience feels too much like big city America with lots of people, traffic, etc.
If you want to experience both, you can get a cheap island hopper flight and go on a day trip to Oahu. It will take you about 30 minutes.

Maui was great for me too. Haven't been back since 08 but would love to go. Was wonderful

(05-20-2013 11:43 AM)HyperDuke Wrote:  I have great respect for University of Hawaii's football program & all that it has accomplished. I thought I remembered seeing pictures of various athletic facilities around the campus & if I recall correctly, there was a lot left to be desired. Bulldog, you can help me out here on this. I'm just saying if I remembered right, that Hawaii budget that's less than JMU's doesn't seem to get the same overall program that we do (facilities particularly).

I was in Hawaii in 2008 with another JMU alum who knows a lot about football facilities and he told me that the Rainbow's were the worst he has ever seen. The practice field looked like it was covered in black tar. The football office was a series of modular trailers. We laughed and said no wonder June Jones left, no matter how much they were paying him. I wish we would have taken pictures... no words can describe how bad the facilities were. I doubt they have been upgraded. If anyone has proof to the contrary, please share.

(05-20-2013 11:17 PM)johnjmu98 Wrote:  

(05-20-2013 11:43 AM)HyperDuke Wrote:  I have great respect for University of Hawaii's football program & all that it has accomplished. I thought I remembered seeing pictures of various athletic facilities around the campus & if I recall correctly, there was a lot left to be desired. Bulldog, you can help me out here on this. I'm just saying if I remembered right, that Hawaii budget that's less than JMU's doesn't seem to get the same overall program that we do (facilities particularly).

I was in Hawaii in 2008 with another JMU alum who knows a lot about football facilities and he told me that the Rainbow's were the worst he has ever seen. The practice field looked like it was covered in black tar. The football office was a series of modular trailers. We laughed and said no wonder June Jones left, no matter how much they were paying him. I wish we would have taken pictures... no words can describe how bad the facilities were. I doubt they have been upgraded. If anyone has proof to the contrary, please share.

Like I said, sports not involving the ocean are not exactly a priority here.

(05-20-2013 08:54 PM)Hart Foundation Wrote:  Foati, whatever you do, spend as much time outside as possible. There is a reason everyone is always smiling - the weather is freaking awesome. I prefer Maui over Oahu because the Honolulu experience feels too much like big city America with lots of people, traffic, etc.

I have considered Hawaii home since 1980, even though some of that time has been spent on the mainland. I have been on every island many times. Every island is awesome and has its own personality. I have considered moving to Maui and I have considered moving to the Big Island. I truly believe that the best island is Oahu. It is beautiful, happening, laid back, and ultra cool. Any time I spend on the other islands these days seems boring, because the other islands are rural and quiet, which is great if that is what you are looking for for a vacation. I just always find myself looking forward to getting back to Oahu. Oahu no ka oi!

(05-21-2013 06:55 AM)fanofallthatisjmu Wrote:  Thanks bulldogg (and everyone else who has chimed in)

We are staying in Lahaina at the Hyatt. Should be able to walk to Whalers Village along the beachwalk I am told. We have a rental car booked as well and are looking forward to driving around the island

Will definitely have to make a note to take a look at Jaws. I grew up surfing on the small east coast waves of the Jersey Shore. Would love the days when a hurricane would be off the coast cause you would finally get some overhead waves. Pretty sure i would have never paddled out had they been much bigger, ha!

On our honeymoon I got my wife snorkeling in the Dominican Republic. She liked it but then we saw a nurse shark and she nearly drowned me getting me between her and that shark, because that thing would have to go through me before it would get to her. Can't imagine I would ever get her back in the water if we saw a 7 foot shark. Think she just wants to stay somewhat close to shore and is hoping to see some of the sea turtles.


We picked Maui for more of the laid back style. Heard Oahu was like vacationing in NYC and the Big Island was going to Oregon (just from style of life). Sure each would be a cool place, but for the vacation was looking for a place to kick back with a drink and just not worry about a thing.

No one has mentioned Kauai. I went to Hawaii a few years ago. We spent a couple days on Oahu to see Pearl Harbor and the North Shore. I thought Honolulu was mostly dirty. I cannot speak for the Big Island or Maui, but I thought Kauai was amazing. Waimea Canyon State Park is like a small Grand Canyon and great for hiking. There really is great hiking all over the island since the middle of the island is nothing but jungle. The great thing about Hawaii is that you will not encounter a snake or spider that can harm you (big for me, I hate spiders!) A catamaran trip around to the Napali Coast (or a hike) is one of the most spectacular natural scenes I've ever witnessed. The beaches in Kauai are nice, but the water was a bit on the rough side. The deep sea fishing provided a plentiful bounty.

For cheap food, Bubbas has great burgers and fries. Their are plenty several good restaurants for seafood as well.

Foati, I know you probably will not make it over to Kauai on this trip, but it is seriously worth another trip back to Hawaii.

(05-21-2013 06:55 AM)fanofallthatisjmu Wrote:  Thanks bulldogg (and everyone else who has chimed in)

We are staying in Lahaina at the Hyatt. Should be able to walk to Whalers Village along the beachwalk I am told. We have a rental car booked as well and are looking forward to driving around the island

Will definitely have to make a note to take a look at Jaws. I grew up surfing on the small east coast waves of the Jersey Shore. Would love the days when a hurricane would be off the coast cause you would finally get some overhead waves. Pretty sure i would have never paddled out had they been much bigger, ha!

On our honeymoon I got my wife snorkeling in the Dominican Republic. She liked it but then we saw a nurse shark and she nearly drowned me getting me between her and that shark, because that thing would have to go through me before it would get to her. Can't imagine I would ever get her back in the water if we saw a 7 foot shark. Think she just wants to stay somewhat close to shore and is hoping to see some of the sea turtles.


We picked Maui for more of the laid back style. Heard Oahu was like vacationing in NYC and the Big Island was going to Oregon (just from style of life). Sure each would be a cool place, but for the vacation was looking for a place to kick back with a drink and just not worry about a thing.

I just checked the surf report for Jaws. 3 to 4 feet, so it will probably be pretty flat when you get there, but you never know.

Also, Oahu is NOT like NYC. Here is my favorite beach, Lanikai, about ten miles from where I live, rarely crowded and considered one of the most beautiful beaches on earth. Does this look like NYC?....

(05-21-2013 10:16 AM)bulldogg Wrote:  I just checked the surf report for Jaws. 3 to 4 feet, so it will probably be pretty flat when you get there, but you never know.

Also, Oahu is NOT like NYC. Here is my favorite beach, Lanikai, about ten miles from where I live, rarely crowded and considered one of the most beautiful beaches on earth. Does this look like NYC?....

That's a great picture of Times Square! Looks much different in the summer!

(05-21-2013 10:16 AM)bulldogg Wrote:  

(05-21-2013 06:55 AM)fanofallthatisjmu Wrote:  Thanks bulldogg (and everyone else who has chimed in)

We are staying in Lahaina at the Hyatt. Should be able to walk to Whalers Village along the beachwalk I am told. We have a rental car booked as well and are looking forward to driving around the island

Will definitely have to make a note to take a look at Jaws. I grew up surfing on the small east coast waves of the Jersey Shore. Would love the days when a hurricane would be off the coast cause you would finally get some overhead waves. Pretty sure i would have never paddled out had they been much bigger, ha!

On our honeymoon I got my wife snorkeling in the Dominican Republic. She liked it but then we saw a nurse shark and she nearly drowned me getting me between her and that shark, because that thing would have to go through me before it would get to her. Can't imagine I would ever get her back in the water if we saw a 7 foot shark. Think she just wants to stay somewhat close to shore and is hoping to see some of the sea turtles.


We picked Maui for more of the laid back style. Heard Oahu was like vacationing in NYC and the Big Island was going to Oregon (just from style of life). Sure each would be a cool place, but for the vacation was looking for a place to kick back with a drink and just not worry about a thing.

I just checked the surf report for Jaws. 3 to 4 feet, so it will probably be pretty flat when you get there, but you never know.

Also, Oahu is NOT like NYC. Here is my favorite beach, Lanikai, about ten miles from where I live, rarely crowded and considered one of the most beautiful beaches on earth. Does this look like NYC?....

month and a half from now I'll be making my 8th trek in 10+ years to the Islands. Will be just down the road from there in Kailua.

(05-21-2013 10:41 AM)Duke Dawg Wrote:  

(05-21-2013 10:16 AM)bulldogg Wrote:  

(05-21-2013 06:55 AM)fanofallthatisjmu Wrote:  Thanks bulldogg (and everyone else who has chimed in)

We are staying in Lahaina at the Hyatt. Should be able to walk to Whalers Village along the beachwalk I am told. We have a rental car booked as well and are looking forward to driving around the island

Will definitely have to make a note to take a look at Jaws. I grew up surfing on the small east coast waves of the Jersey Shore. Would love the days when a hurricane would be off the coast cause you would finally get some overhead waves. Pretty sure i would have never paddled out had they been much bigger, ha!

On our honeymoon I got my wife snorkeling in the Dominican Republic. She liked it but then we saw a nurse shark and she nearly drowned me getting me between her and that shark, because that thing would have to go through me before it would get to her. Can't imagine I would ever get her back in the water if we saw a 7 foot shark. Think she just wants to stay somewhat close to shore and is hoping to see some of the sea turtles.


We picked Maui for more of the laid back style. Heard Oahu was like vacationing in NYC and the Big Island was going to Oregon (just from style of life). Sure each would be a cool place, but for the vacation was looking for a place to kick back with a drink and just not worry about a thing.

I just checked the surf report for Jaws. 3 to 4 feet, so it will probably be pretty flat when you get there, but you never know.

Also, Oahu is NOT like NYC. Here is my favorite beach, Lanikai, about ten miles from where I live, rarely crowded and considered one of the most beautiful beaches on earth. Does this look like NYC?....

month and a half from now I'll be making my 8th trek in 10+ years to the Islands. Will be just down the road from there in Kailua.

Was working out in Hawaii a year ago for about a month... Stayed in Ihilani and worked in Wahiawa. Had a few days to travel around the Island and Lanikai was absolutely amazing. I'm also a huge fan of Koa Pancake.