Hawaii is more than just a vacation destination; it is a complex logistical landscape spread across the Pacific. In November 2022, we executed a multi-island mission to Oahu and Maui for the Thanksgiving holiday. This wasn’t your typical tourist run—we managed a group of 49 family members, transitioned between commercial flights and island hoppers, and even swapped resort luxury for a Boy Scout camp operation on Maui.

From the historical depths of Pearl Harbor to the winding infrastructure of the Road to Hana, this was the final and most intensive deployment of 2022.

Read on for the full operational breakdown of the 2022 Hawaii deployment.

📍 Overview & Logistics

Hawaii operations start with a long-haul flight from the mainland and require careful planning for inter-island movement.

• Hawaii Trip 2022: The Final Mission of the Year
• The State of Hawaii: History & Facts
• Sunday, Nov 20: The Jenkins Home Pre-Trip Chaos
• Vegas to Honolulu: Hawaiian Air A-330 Operations
• Honolulu Airport (HNL): The Gateway to Oahu

🏙️ Island Phase 1: Oahu

The most visited island in the chain. We analyzed the historical infrastructure and cultural centers of the northeastern coast.

• Oahu: The Busiest Island Profile
• Pearl Harbor: The Shallow Bay & Shark Goddess
• Cemetery of the Pacific: The Punchbowl Crater
• Laie Hawaii LDS Temple: Renovations & History
• Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC): Cultural Infrastructure
• Dole Plantation: The Pineapple King’s Empire
• [Oahu Logistics: Hampton Inn Kapolei and National Rental Car Logistics]

🌋 Island Phase 2: Maui

The transition to the second-largest island for the Thanksgiving holiday involved island-hopper flights and a unique “Basecamp” setup.

• The Island of Maui: Climate & Geography
• Flight to Maui: Inter-Island Logistics
• Kahului Airport (OGG): Main Maui Hub
• Road to Hana: 64 Miles of Winding Infrastructure
• Black Sand Beach: Waianapanapa State Park
• Snorkeling on Maui: Pacwhale ECO Adventures
• [Maui Logistics: Staying at a Boy Scout Camp and Move-Out Day]

🍽️ Culinary Logistics: Thanksgiving in Paradise

Operating in Hawaii during a major holiday changes the food game. We tested the local icons and managed a non-traditional Thanksgiving.

• Mama’s Fish House: The 6-Month Reservation Hype
• Thanksgiving Day: The McDonald’s Drive-Thru Reality
• Maui Food Stops: Bagels, Pancakes, and Protein Drinks