Anyone have any Hawaii advice?

[binny]

Just wanted to say hi first! Haven't been around much lately. Weve been really sick and very busy!

Dh and I are going to go to Kauhi and Waikiki in February for our 10th anniversary. Ive never been and dh hasnt been since he was really young.

Does anyone have any tips for me? Things to do, places to eat etc?

Were staying at the Prince Kuhlio in Waikiki and the Radisson in Kauhi.



Any tips?

Thanks!

 

[MAC3]

Hi,

I have a friend that goes to Hawaii often and has complied a list of places to stay and things to see. I have sent it to another Dis'er (although I haven't read it myself) so I'm not sure how helpful it is.

If you want I can email it to you.

Let me know,
Lisa

 

[binny]

Thanks Lisa! That file was fantastic!

Anyone else have input?
Thanks

 

[KiminChicago]

We were in Hawaii in January many years ago and I think I remember hearing then that February is prime whale watching time. Do you think you could manage a quick trip over to Maui? The whales migrate between Maui and Lanai. And of course you've already heard about the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu, right? That is a definite don't miss for us if we ever get back to Hawaii....

 

[beachbunny]

There's tons to do in Hawaii. I'll just list a few:

Take a hike up Diamondhead crater. It's easy and only takes an hour each way. There's a spectacular panoramic view of Honolulu;

You don't need to go to Maui to whale watch. Star of Honolulu runs a whale watching cruise that includes lunch, Hawaiian activities, and whale watching - if you don't see whales, you can return for free - and whale season is December through March;

Contact the Honolulu Academy of Arts to arrange for a tour of the Doris Duke (she's a tobacco heiress) estate - it's an increadibly beautiful property with an eastern theme - ressies include admission to the art academy, lunch, and a guided tour of the estate - ressies are required and they sell out well in advance;

Hanauma Bay - it's a wild life preserve where you swim with the fishies - a highlight!

On Kauai, just go to the beach and relax on the white sands. It's VERY quiet and relaxing.

 

[Growin'upDisney]

I agree with BeachBunny. But here are som more.

1. If you are looking for a romantic nice dinner then you must go to John Dominis. It has the best seafood in or around Waikiki. The dining room is on a point that looks directly at Diamondhead. Check out their websitewww.johndominis.com

2. 4 words for you - Malasadas at Leonard's Bakery. They are a Portuguese style pastry/doughnut that are literally the best thing I have ever had. They are only like $.65 each. They come sugar coated or with cinnamon and sugar. Trust me you must try one.

3. Rent a car at least one day and drive around the island stopping at Waimea Bay/Bonzai Pipeline/Susnet beach to watch the surfing. Stop by the shrimp shack on north shore. The Dole plantation.

4. The Oceanarium for dinner is awesome as well. There is a 3 story aquarium inside the dining room. And if you time it right the diver will be in the tank feeding the fish and they will hold up a sign saying Happy Anniversary/Happy Birthday/ will ou marry me?/etc.

5. My DH and I had a blast renting mopeds one day also.

I have lots more info if you are interested. PM me and I can list some more.

 

[KatelynnsAuntie]

4 more words for you: Don't miss Pearl Harbor!!!

 

[Dean]

For Kauai, get the book Ultimate Kauai by wizzard. Things to do in Kauia are visit the north shore, The little Grand Canyon, Poipu beach are the first things to come to mind. We didn't do a helicopter tour though it is very popular. There are many other things to do but we like Kauia best for relaxing.

For Oahu, I'd put the Airzona mem, Diamond Head, Punchbowl (national cemetary), Pali lookout, north shore drive, west shore drive and the Poly Cultural center as the tops (with a tour of the BYU campus). Many other things to do. Most of my favorite restaurants are now gone but the one I'd encourage is the Old Sphagetti factory in Ward Warehouse, it's good, fund and inexpensive. I think my favorite guidebook for there is Frommers, wizzard doesn't have one for for there, at least they didn't last year. No way to post all the options for any of the islands.

Unless you are in a gateway city of the west coast, don't go for less than 1.5 to 2 weeks.

 

[Serena]

My advice is to take me.

 

[Nutsy]

You could try shooting Luvtigger a PM, she live in Hawaii.

Have fun

 

[binny]

wow Thanks everybody!!!


I really appreciate all the ideas!


Im close to West Coast, Boise actually, so it isnt bad were going for 4 nights on each of the 2 Islands.


Thanks again everyone for the ideas!

Serena, I would love to take you but this is my much delayed honeymoon I really dont think you want to come along

 

[Penny2]

Here are a few additional tips:

The Polynesian Cultural Center is a must for a first trip. It has a 'disney' approach to teaching you about the various cultures of polynesia. Go later in the day and stay for the evening show. They show all the various dances from the cultures.

On Waikiki there is a hotel called HALEAKELANA (or something close). There is a bar/terrace called Without a Key where you can have drinks and appetizers and they have traditional hawaiin music and hula. When we were there we saw a former Miss Hawaii perform and watched the sunset! Very romantic!

I found the shopping in Honolulu amazing. Maybe I just hit it at the right time but we got some amazing deals on designer clothing and shoes. Even Hilo Hatties has neat stuff! There's also a market in downtown Honolulu where you can buy and barter like you're in Mexico.

Buy flowers! There is nothing like having tons of fresh flowers in your room and they are so inexpensive in Hawaii. I haven't been to Kaui but I would imagine that they have farmers markets where you can buy them really inexpensively...it is the garden island.

Do a luau. Research this very carefully though. I went to one my first trip that was amazing but the last trip we went to a real DUD!

Eat tons of pineapple and macadamia nuts....everyone does!

The Hilton Hawaiin Village is an amazing complex. Go over for a drink and walk around....they even have penguins!

Must do Pearl Harbor!

HAVE A GREAT TIME!

 

[Serena]

LOL, I'm glad I didn't offer to help in any way I can, like I was going to.