Hawaii?

[macswan]

Am considering going to Hawaii for an extended vacation (mid Dec. to mid Jan.) and am wondering what the work is like out there. If there is enough work to go around? Would like to work at least part time, while i'm out there. Mostly for the experience and some walkin around money, not looking to make a killing. I'm an experienced climber, but I know nothing about coconuts.

 

[simplyarbor]

Look up Jon (treesandsurf) he's got a nice outfit out there. I grew up on Oahu, awesome trees! Everything from palm trees to big spreading monkey pods and so much more. There are lots of tree companies, some good some bad, but a lot of companies will take on freelance cash under the table guys. I do that when I go back to visit families on vacation. I have a guy I can get you in touch with, will need to track down his number though... Hope that helps!

 

[islandarb]

Dude when you go have the utmost respect for Coconut and Royal palm removals, nothing to joke around with especially tall skinny coconut removals. Removing the head will take you for a real stupid ride ( and flip you off your spurs if you have the wrong stance the wrench and a choked climbing line will give you some good security BTW and high winds near beach property can be another set of fun ). Cleaning them is some real dirty work too especially if not done regularly. Have fun you will love the change of pace island style. I wouldn't trade this for "nuttin mon".

 

[macswan]

I used to have a foreperson who lived on one of the islands for a while. She told me some stories. Palms and cocos no joke. When I say I know nothing about them I mean it in the most respectful possible way.

Any advice, recommendations, or contacts are much appreciated. Arbor, that helps, I'd love to hear more.

 

[islandarb]

I know you were being respectful, and just wanting to know more. So I gave ya some tips, them palms are serious stuff. Can be learned quick but as with anything in this work there is a learning curve which must be followed in order to do things safely and smooth. I was just making sure you understand the dangers which need to be overcome. All's well again enjoy your trip and let loose and have some beach action. Here's a picture of a young royal ( halfway down ) nothing special but the bark on this species is hard as nails and slippery when wet, lanyard always sliding especially by the head.

 

[macswan]

good lookin out swing, those things just look completely foreign to me. How tall was that royal? The bark is hard, is the wood similar to pine? softer, harder?

 

[islandarb]

Inside soft outside hard, just a freaky thing. That was a baby only 40' but that wood contains a lot of moisture. As this fella matures the bark gets harder and the palm narrows and doubles in height. This work is standard in the islands. These are mostly removals and are seldom cleaned, unlike coconut palms. Palm work is nothing special but they are delightful in our island landscape and add a lush feel within the tropical garden, quite exotic really. Look really nice when well maintained except these damn Royals which can shed some rather large fronds.